Two People Homeless After Bridgewater House Fire

It couldn't have happened at a worse time but at the height of Sunday's storm, a fire forced two people from their Bridgewater home. One of them was sent to hospital after the blaze erupted a unit of an older wood-frame home at 26 Elm Street containing several apartments. The Red Cross has arranged emergency lodging and meals for the man and his wife, who are now temporarily homeless. The Red Cross intends to assess further needs and provide additional support if needed later today. Cause the  fire isn't known.

Police Advise Residents To Stay Home

The first major winter storm has arrived on the South Shore. A winter storm advisory remains in effect as the region gets pounded with snow, ice pellets and rain. The latest forecast issued by Environment Canada is calling for 25 centimetres of snow today, followed by 10 to 20 millimetres of rain later this evening. Winds will be whipping up to 50 to 80 kilometres per hour throughout the day. Meanwhile, Bridgewater Police are asking residents to stay home. Roads in and around the town are snow covered with drifts on a number of the side and main streets. White-out conditions have been reported in Shelburne, Yarmouth, Queens and Lunenburg counties. However, no major collisions have been reported. There are a few power outages as a result of the storm but mostly in Cape Breton - about 4,000 people without electricity in total. None to report along the South Shore. The Department of Transportation is advising that the Tancook Ferry service is suspended until further notice because of the storm. You can also find what's on and what's isn't at CKBW just click on the community events page.

Southwest Nova Tourism Task Force Providing Contracts To Developers

Southwestern Nova Scotia will benefit from the work of a special task force, set up last summer, aimed at improving the tourism industry in the region. The Chair, Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood, says her group of business leaders and tourism operators is about to offer contracts of financial support to those who have promoted their ideas for new attractions.



The task force, set up by the province, has a budget of a million dollars to help individuals and companies to make their business dreams come true. Another portion of the budget is for marketting the area in the northeastern United States. The group's mandate expires next August.

Lewis, Timberwolves Battle Lumberjacks

The former captain of the Halifax Mooseheads will lead the Miramichi Timberwolves into town tonight to play the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks. The Mooseheads parted ways with Trey Lewis last month after the club had four over-age players. The team decided to release Lewis after he missed time because of a torn labrum in his hip. Now, Lewis headlines a Miramichi team fighting for first place in the Roger Meek division. They have won six straight and take on a Bridgewater club that lost twice to Yarmouth last weekend in overtime. Puck drop is 7pm at the Clearwater Seafoods Arena.

Bridgewater, Yarmouth To Host School Review Consultations

Bridgewater and Yarmouth will host public meetings on school review consultations in mid-January. Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Karen Casey announced the dates today. She says the province wants a full discussion on a solution that works for all students, families, school boards and communities. Bridgewater's meeting will be January 13th at Park View Education Centre. Yarmouth's meeting will be the next night at Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School. The meetings will be held from 7-9pm. A consultations committee, headed by Robert Fowler, has started to gather input from the public, school advisory councils, school boards, the teachers' union, and municipalities. The feedback will be used to develop recommendations that will be given to the minister by the end of February. For more details, you can go here .

Bridgewater: Town To Address Parking Early In 2014

Parking in Bridgewater will be a major focus early in 2014. Three recommendations were given the green light by committee including creating a parking map for the town and scheduling a meeting to discuss parking meters, signs and parking at special events. Mayor David Walker says a parking map makes sense.



The committee came up with the recommendations after concerns were raised over parking meter enforcement, incorrect and missing signs and illegal parking at venues. A date for the meeting hasn't been set yet, but is expected early in the new year.

Tips To Survive Being Stranded In Your Car During The Storm

As we prepare to hunker-down for the first big blast of winter this season, the Canadian Automobile Association is offering up some tips on how to survive being "storm-stayed" in your vehicle. To be ready for the possibility, C-A-A's Gary Howard says your winter tires should have been put on long ago, you should have a cell phone on you, your battery should be top-notch and have a winter driving kit handy.



Howard says above all, if you have to be out, drive slower than normal if visibility is low and driving is slippery.



Also, alert family and friends of where you're going and check road condition reports before heading out.

Rash Of Break Ins at Lunenburg County Homes

Lunenburg County RCMP are dealing with a rash of breakins at homes in the area. Since October 1st, there have been 34 B & E's with East Chester the hardest hit. The RCMP is warning the public to take extra precautions and be vigilant to prevent having their homes burlarized. They say the public should properly secure their homes prior to going out. So far there have been no arrests. The Mounties are also offering up these tips to avoid being a victim:
- lock windows and doors whether you are home or not, it maybe enough to deter or cause the culprits to overlook your property;
- obtain a security system. Thieves are less likely to enter a property with an alarm;
- when you are away from your home, make it look occupied by leaving lights on when you go out.  If you are gone for any length of time, it is a good idea to leave a radio playing and to use automatic timers on several lamps;
- don’t allow daily deliveries to accumulate.  Ask a trusted neighbour, friend or relative to take in your mail or newspapers if you are going away.
- keep your garage door closed and locked;
- arrange to have your driveway and walkways shovelled;
- record serial numbers of electronics and valuable items whenever possible.  Providing serial numbers significantly increases the chances of having items returned and charges laid;
- never leave keys under flowerpots, doormats, inside mailboxes or in other “secret” hiding places…burglars know them all;

Above all, be a good neighbour and report anything suspicious to police right away.  Let the police determine if something is wrong.

Anyone with information about these crimes is encouraged to contact your local RCMP Detachment or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS), or submit a Secure Web Tip at http://crimestoppers.ns.ca.

Surprise! Lower Gas Prices This Morning

Gasoline prices are down some this morning! Despite increases in New Brunswick yesterday, prices here have dropped about a cent overnite. Regular self serve is at $1.31 while high test is down by about the same amount to $1.40. Diesel has also dropped to $1.42.3, down almost a cent and a half.

Major Winter Storm On Its Way

The Arctic air mass that makes being outside miserable this morning is unusual for this time of year according to Environment Canada. The weather agency has issued a special weather statement warning of a big snow storm coming on Sunday. Environment Canada's Linda Libby tells us we could get 15 to 25 centimeters of snow by the time the storm moves out late Sunday.



Libby says if you plan on being out and about on Sunday, you might want to check road conditions beforehand.

Lunenburg: Town Awaiting URB Power Rate Final Approval

The town of Lunenburg has determined power rates will rise by 7.5 per cent for residents in the new year. However, the province's Utility and Review Board still needs to sign off on the figure. The URB recently approved an average rate increase for the five different classes in the town. Mayor Rachel Bailey says its never easy to raise power rates.



Bailey says residents still pay about nine per cent less than Nova Scotia Power customers. The URB will confirm the exact numbers affecting Lunenburg by January 1st.

Beware Of Christmas Tree Nabbers

Here's something to think about if you're a South Shore Christmas tree vendor selling your product in parking lots or on street corners. In Saint John, vendors there are guarding their firs and pines from thieves who lurk near their lots at night, trying to steal them. For instance, someone stole 15 Christmas trees in one night from a lot that was unattended. Now, more tree vendors are moving heated trailers into their lots as living accomodations so they can be on guard 24-7 during the Christmas-season. Police say its difficult to trace a stolen tree because they do not have serial numbers or any kind of identification.

Sledge Hockey Coming To Bridgewater

People are getting the opportunity to try sledge hockey in Bridgewater. The Charlie's Pizza South Shore Mustangs are working with Parasport Nova Scotia and Sport Nova Scotia to host the initiative. There will be roughly 20 sledges for use, which were donated by local recreation directors and the Easter Seals program out of Halifax. Mustangs assistant coach Andrew Caines says the idea grew after he found out the Clearwater Seafoods Arena supported sledge hockey use.



There will be four half hour sessions when the event is held from 6-8pm on December 21. People are encouraged to donate money to try sledge hockey, with proceeds going towards Parasport Nova Scotia, Lunenburg-Queens Special Olympics, and the recreation director association.

Ferry Fares Yarmouth To Portland Revealed

The fare schedule for the new ferry service between Yarmouth and Portland, Maine has been released by the company that will operate it. Nova Star Cruises says the fares for the 9 hour trip aboard the 161-metre long cruise ferry "Nova Star" will range from $79 to $129 for adults and between $39 to $64 for children ages 5 to 12 depending on the travel dates, while children under 5 will travel for free all season long. The fares will change with lower fares at the beginning and at the end of the season and higher fares during the peak summer months. Special combination rates that include round-trip passenger fare, plus a cabin and auto transportation both ways, range from $299. to $449. per person based on double occupancy. For more details about the fares includingdiscounts for seniors and military personnel, go th this web address:  www.NovaStarCruises.com. 

Gas Price Hike Expected Tomorrow

Be prepared for a boost in gas prices at South Shore pumps tomorrow morning. In New Brunswick today, drivers there are paying about 4 cents more per litre. Regular self serve is at $1.28,9. Diesel is also more expensive in New Brunswick. Its up by a couple of cents to about $1.44.4 a litre.

UPDATE: Highway Re-Opened Following LaHave Fire

Highway 331 in LaHave is now re-opened to traffic between Mount Pleasant Road and Hughey Lake Road. It was closed and traffic rerouted earlier following a house fire. The road was caked in ice from all the water used by the pumper trucks in fighting the blaze. Highway crews spent several hours salting and trying to remove the ice buildup. As for the fire, no one was hurt. The newer-style house at 3250 Highway 331 in LaHave was destroyed though. LaHave fire chief John Mulock says the blaze broke out around 2:30am.



Seven fire departments were involved in battling the flames.



The fire is believed to have started in the chimney.

Former Development Authority CEO Returns To Court In January

The former CEO of the Southwest Shore Development Authority will be back in court in the new year. RCMP laid charges against 64-year-old Frank Anderson of Yarmouth County in October. He's charged with eight counts of uttering forged documents and one count of fraud over $5,000. Anderson's lawyer appeared in Yarmouth court this week. He requested the Crown to adjourn the case because the defence was looking for more information. Police began their investigation into the now-defunct authority last September. A forensic examination commissioned by the province's Department of Economic and Rural Development looked at expense claims and supplier invoices. The matter will be back in court January 28.

Bridgewater: Thai Restaurant Coming To King Street

Bridgewater is getting a Thai restaurant on King Street. Town council approved the sale of the current library building to THAI'D and TRUE, a company operated by Hazen and Gillian Trueman of Lower Kingsburg. The cost was just over $217,000. The couple were the only group to submit a bid on the property. Mayor David Walker says the restaurant could be a good fit.



Hazen Trueman used to be one of the owners of the King's Arm Pub in Kentville. The group is expected to take control of the current library space before next spring.

Canada Post Announces Big Changes

Big changes coming to the way some people get their mail. Canada Post is phasing out door-to-door delivery of regular mail in large city centres and will jack up the cost of stamps. Some people will need to get their letters, bills and flyers at community mail boxes. It doesn't appear people living in rural areas - like the South Shore - will be impacted by the changes. Transport Minister Lisa Raitt has floated the idea of cutting door-to-door delivery in urban areas. She made those comments in September after the Crown Corporation unveiled $104 million in losses in the second quarter. The Crown corporation is also increasing the cost of mailing a letter to a dollar on March 31. However, those stamp booklets will cost you about $0.85 per stamp. The announcement comes just a few weeks before Christmas - the busiest time of the year for Canada Post.

New Judge Appointed In Yarmouth

A familiar face in Yarmouth's legal community is becoming a judge in the town. The province's justice minister has appointed Michelle Christenson as Nova Scotia's newest provincial and family court judge. Christenson was called to the bar in 1996. She worked with the Public Prosecution Service in 2003 in Yarmouth. Before that, she was in private practice. Judges are appointed to both the provincial and family courts to allow flexibility in dealing with court workloads.

MODL: Councillor Upset Over Lack Of Public Access

A councillor with the Municipality of Lunenburg is fighting to improve access to Sherbrooke Lake. Terry Dorey represents District 6 including Walden and Parkdale. He is one of a handful of councillors who are upset with the municipality's stance on improving public access. However, Mayor Don Downe says they're moving forward with it as planned.



Dorey unleashed strong language at Tuesday's council meeting, saying there was bias among council and he felt betrayed. Staff will report back on the issue next October. However, Dorey and a few other councillors want it dealt with sooner.

Minor Hockey Woes; Lunenburg Arena Facing Deficit

Trouble brewing with the Lunenburg Arena? The town's director of recreation, Robin Scott, says they're facing a financial shortfall after a drop-off in use from minor hockey. He says over the years the rink has averaged about 26 hours a week for minor hockey, but it's been substantially cut back to about 12 hours this year. Scott says it's been tough.



He believes the deficit would have to be offset by the tax-base in the town. Scott believes some of the causes are declining numbers in minor hockey, the addition of the Clearwater Seafoods Arena in Bridgewater and the amalgamation of the Lunenburg and Bridgewater hockey associations.

Mounties Conduct 20 Checkstops On Busy Weekend

Mounties say they nabbed four drunk drivers on the South Shore during a nation-wide initiative targeting impaired drivers. RCMP conducted checkpoints across the province on Saturday.  It was part of National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day. Sergeant Al Leblanc says 20 road blocks were set up throughout Lunenburg, Queens and Shelburne. He says police screened roughly 2,000 vehicles.



Throughout Nova Scotia, 75 checkpoints were conducted on Saturday with police charging 14 people with impaired driving. LeBlanc says officer were able to stop roughly 10,000 vehicles.

Bridgewater Denies ATV Club Request To Access Centennial Trail

There will be no ATVs on the Centennial Trail unless the town of Bridgewater gives the go ahead. Council unanimously voted to deny the Central Nova ATV club from accessing the trail from Cookville to Hebbville or from Dayspring to the former Apple Berry property. Mayor David Walker says they had lots of feedback against the matter from residents and people outside their community. He feels council made the best choice.



The town also directed staff to install signage at access points indicating what is allowed or not allowed on the trail. It will also seek options for trail enforcement from the police commission. A group of ATV drivers can still access the trail if they acquire a special permit from the town.

Updated: Police Car Involved In Two-Vehicle Crash

No serious injuries after a two-vehicle collision today involving an unmarked police car. The incident occurred mid-morning on North King Street in Bridgewater. A section of the road near Eisenhauer Lane was closed for a few hours while investigators took a look at the scene. The province's Serious Incident Response Team was notified about the crash. That's an independent group tasked with investigating incidents involving police. The person driving the other vehicle involved in the crash was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Halifax: New Contracts Awarded For Shipyard Upgrades

Nova Scotia suppliers are beginning to see more benefits in relation to the $25-billion shipbuilding contract awarded to Irving Shipbuilding. The company is announcing just over $28 million in fresh work contracts to modernize the yard in preparation to build Canada's new fleet of combat ships. President of Irving Shipbuilding, Kevin McCoy, says the company has awarded $175 million in contracts connected to the upgrades needed at the Halifax dockyard. The project will take two-years to complete and cost $300 million. Several Halifax-area companies were awarded new work in relation to the modernization efforts at the shipyard. In Nova Scotia, work contracts to date have generated roughly 870 full time jobs.

Slick Roads & Some Closed Schools

Its cleanup day as a result of yesterday afternoon and evening's snow, ice pellets and rain. Many of the South Shore's roads are slick this morning so, drive carefully. As a result, there are some school closures too in the Chester area. Forest Heights and its feeder schools, New Ross, Chester Area Middle School, Chester District and Aspotagan Consolidated are all closed for the day. All other schools along the South Shore are open today as usual.

Foundation Urges People To Start Collecting For Radiothon

It's the time of year for giving and the Health Services Foundation of the South Shore is hoping they will be in your thoughts. The local foundation is gearing up for its annual radiothon and are hoping for local groups or businesses to start raising money as early as they can. The Health Services Foundation is trying to raise $100,000 this year to put towards a new mobile x-ray unit. Development Officer Bernadette Jordan says local residents are the reason behind their success.



This is the fourth year for the radiothon. It will be broadcast on CKBW and HANK-FM in February.

West LaHave Man Receives Fire Services Award

A member of the Pleasantville Fire Department received a huge honour over the weekend. Reverend Douglas Porter of West LaHave was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association Municipal Long Service Medal. He's the first person in Canada to receive the award. Porter has given 30 years of volunteer time to firefighting in Nova Scotia. He says the award means a lot to him.



The medal recognizes an individual who has performed outstanding and long service to their municipal unit with at least thirty years of active fire service as a volunteer. It was handed out Saturday evening at the Pleasantville Fire Hall. (Photo Courtesy: Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association)

Bridgewater Police Absorbing Decibel Meter Cost

Bridgewater's police chief says the cost is on them to purchase decibel meters to enforce noise in the town. Council recently approved a noise by-law. John Collyer says there won't be any additional officers hired to enforce the issue. He says he'll have to determine where the cost will come from.



Collyer says he doesn't intend to ask the town for any funding. He says it will take time to find the right equipment and train officers. Collyer says they're planning to start enforcing the noise by-law in March.

Town Of Yarmouth Takes Over Ferry Terminal Site

The old ferry terminal site in Yarmouth is about to get a make-over! The revived ferry service between the town and Portland, Maine is expected to be up and running by May. The site has for many years been the responsibility of the federal government but it now comes under the control of the Yarmouth Industrial Commission. Mayor Pam Mood says the area's Member of Parliament Greg Kerr dropped by the town hall on Friday and handed over responsibility for the terminal complex carrying with him the paperwork.



Mayor Mood says federal money for the renovations should be in the town's hands in a few days. She says a tender will be awarded shortly for the overall project. The work is expected to surpass 2.5-million dollars.

Toy Drive Hailed A Success

The Salvation Army's annual Christmas toy drive in Bridgewater is being hailed a huge success. On Saturday, hundreds of people dropped-off a toy or toys at the receiving point in the Canadian Tire parking lot. The Salvation Army's Captain Felipe Vega says this year's toy drive could be a record breaker.



Vega says its difficult to put a dollar figure on the campaign but he believes its substantial. He's thanking the donors, volunteers, Canadian Tire and CKBW for their help in staging the Toy Drive. It will continue though until December 17th. Donors can continue to drop toys off at Danny Carey's Insurance on North Street or the Salvation Army Thrift Store on Dominion Street in Bridgewater.

Bridgewater: Food Drive Another Huge Success

The annual "Haul-A'Day" food drive in Bridgewater was another huge success. Paramedics, Bridgewater Police and RCMP partnered to help raise food and money for the Bridgewater Inter-Church Food Bank. The community was able to raise $5,000 in non-perishable items and nealy $1,400 in cash donations. Organizer Nicole Monaghan says they were able to surpass their totals last year. The event was held at the Atlantic Superstore.

Another Late Fall Storm Heading Our Way

The storm that dropped unexpectedly heavy snow on the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States yesterday is on its way to our area. The storm yesterday made some football games on TV, particularly the Philadelphia-Detroit match-up, look like they were being played in almost blizzard conditions. It also forced the cancellation of more than 2,500 flights up and down the New England states and further south. The storm is bringing some snow, about 4 cm of it, freezing rain and some rain to the South Shore this afternoon and overnight tonight. The good thing is temperatures will rise to almost double digits overnight tonight before falling back to near zero in the morning.

Mustangs Sweep Weekend Series Against PEI Teams

Quinten Johnson scored the overtime winner as the Charlie's Pizza South Shore Mustangs defeated the Kensington Wild 3-2 Sunday in Bridgewater. Christian Tufts had the other two goals for the Mustangs, while Colby Muise stopped 34 shots in the win. The win gave the Mustangs a two-game sweep of PEI teams over the weekend, after beating Charlottetown on Saturday night. The Mustangs are on the road next weekend for a pair of games against the Cape Breton Tradesmen.

Energy Critic: Deregulating Power Industry Risky

The provincial government has let it be known it intends to look at de-regulating the power industry. It was a major platform in the Liberal Party election platform earlier this fall. The McNeil government says it would break Nova Scotia Power's monopoly and allow competition from other energy providers. Progressive Conservative energy critic Chris d'Entremont says such a move would not be without risks.



Legislation dealing with the issue is expected in the spring.

Bridgewater: Whimsical Children's Store Returns

Children are getting the chance to learn the value of a dollar and do some Christmas shopping. This is the ninth year for the Whimsical Children's Store. It provides an opportunity for kids to purchase inexpensive presents for their family. Admission to the store is a donation to the food bank. Co-organizer Michael Graves says it provides a valuable lesson to kids.



The store will be open from 10am-2pm on Saturday at the Michelin Social Club in Bridgewater.

Liverpool: Christmas On The Mersey Underway

The Christmas season is alive and well in Queens County. Christmas on the Mersey is underway and lasts through the weekend. There are a number of events in the county including the official tree lighting this evening, community caroling, and a presentation of 'A Christmas Carol' at the Astor Theatre. Event Chair Mark Reynolds says the festival helps create a sense of pride in the area.



The South Queens Chamber of Commerce is helping put on the event. More details can be found here .

RCMP, Police, Paramedics Team Up For Food Drive

What started out as a challenge has turned into collaboration. The Great Haul-a-Day food drive between paramedics, Bridgewater Police and Lunenburg County RCMP will be held Saturday at the Bridgewater Superstore. The three groups used to compete against each other, but this year they're teaming up to fill a 14-foot trailer with non-perishable and cash donations. Staff Sgt. Bruce Hill with Lunenburg County RCMP says there's a demand right now for food banks.



This is the fifth year for the event, which has helped raise over $15,000 for local food banks. Proceeds from this years event goes towards the Bridgewater Inter-church food bank. It goes from 1pm-5pm Saturday.

South Shore: Mounties Ramp-Up Holiday Checkstops

Mounties will be out in full force this weekend. In Shelburne County, RCMP say they will ramp up checkpoints in an effort to nab impaired drivers. It's part of National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day on Saturday. Corporal Nancy Mason says it's an effort to ensure the roads are safe.



Mason says getting caught driving while impaired is life altering - a conviction means you would be left with a criminal record, fined and lose your license. RCMP are urging motorist to dial 9-1-1 if they suspect an impaired driver.

Annual Toy Drive Goes Into High Gear

The Salvation Army's annual toy drive goes into high gear Saturday in Bridgewater. Volunteers will be on hand through the day at Canadian Tire's parking lot to accept toy donations. Lunenburg County Salvation Army Captain Felipe Vega says its all about making Christmas a happy time for kids who are less fortunate.



After Saturday's high-profile event, the campaign continues until the 17th. Toys can be dropped off at the Salvation Army's Thrift Store.

Five Charged After Bust In Windsor

Five people are facing charges after a drug bust in Windsor. Police made the arrests after raiding a home yesterday afternoon. Officers seized cocaine, prescription pills, cash and a fake handgun. Three men and a woman were taken in custody - they range in age between 19 and 47 years old. A 17-year-old boy was also arrested without incident. They face charges of possession and trafficking and are due in Windsor Court in January.

Don't Worry! Be Happy, If You Don't Drive A Diesel Vehicle!

A bit of a surprise today. Most gas prices at South Shore pumps are unchanged despite rises in New Brunswick on Thursday. Diesel is up in price though to $1.43.1 a litre. Regular self serve is unchanged at $1.32.1 and high-test is $1.41.1.

CKBW: Change In Funeral/Memorial Times

Please be advised, beginning Saturday, December 14, funeral and memorial announcements will air following 12:00pm (noon) & 5:00pm weather - seven days a week.

February Holiday Coming In 2015

A February holiday is on the horizon for Nova Scotia. The Liberal government introduced legislation today to create a statutory holiday on the third Monday in February, beginning in 2015. The idea has been floated around for almost a decade. Current Finance Minister Diana Whalen pushed the need for a February holiday while in Opposition. She submitted private member's bills calling for the holiday eight times. The February holiday will give Nova Scotians six statutory holidays per year. A name for the holiday hasn't been decided. The province will ask young Nova Scotians to help decide what it should be called.

Liverpool: Emergency Responders Ready For First Holiday Food Drive

Emergency responders in Queens are gearing up for their first ever holiday food drive. RCMP, EHS, and the Liverpool Volunteer Fire Department have teamed up to try and gather as many non-perishable food donations as they can. It's all in support of the Queens County Food Bank. RCMP Constable Joe Beaton says there is a need to fill.



The goal is to fill an RCMP community policing van. Cash donations will also be accepted. The event will be held at the Liverpool Sobeys Friday from 10-3pm.

Lunenburg: URB Approves Power Rate Increase

Power rates are going up in the town of Lunenburg. The province's Utility and Review Board agreed to the town's first increase since 2005. The decision means residential rates will rise by almost 10 per cent as of January 1. The electrial utility recently completed major capital work including improvements to its sub-station. Those improvements cost over $2-million and is one of the main reasons for the cost increase. Lunenburg Mayor Rachel Bailey has said the increase is needed because the electrical utility has recorded losses in six of the past nine years.

Liverpool: Driver Fined After Woman Struck at Crosswalk

A woman was taken to hospital in Liverpool after she was struck by a vehicle at a crosswalk. The incident happened around 9:30 this morning at the crosswalk intersecting Main Street and Market Street. The woman suffered minor injuries and was taken to Queens General Hospital for treatment. Constable Andrew Winsor with Queens RCMP says people should take their time and make sure crosswalks are clear when approaching them.



Winsor says the driver faces a fine of $685.21 for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

Lunenburg County Tree To Kick-Off Christmas Season In Boston

Today is Nova Scotia Day in Boston and the province's annual Christmas gift to the city will be officially commemorated tonight. Beforehand, a large Nova Scotia delegation, is hitting the streets of the city to meet and greet, entertain and thank Bostonians for their help after the Halifax Explosion of December 6, 1917. The contingent in Boston today is also handing out special Nova Scotia toques. Bostonians will also be given a chance to win a trip to the province on the new ferry between Portland and Yarmouth, which will begin operating in the spring. Members of the RCMP in red serge and a percussion band are also there. Communications Nova Scotia Minister Andrew Younger is in Boston for today's festivities. He says the reception is outstanding.



The Christmas Tree itself was cut from MaryLou Milligan's Lunenburg County farm in Mill Cove last month and trucked to Boston. Its been decked out in tens of thousands of lights and the Mayor of Boston will flick the switch at 8pm to light it up for the holiday season.

Here We Go Again! Gas Prices Headed Upwards!

Gas prices may rise again tonight at South Shore pumps and elsewhere across the province. In New Brunswick this morning, prices there are up about a cent-and-a-half a litre for regular self-serve. The price this morning is about $1.26.5. Diesel is also expected to rise tomorrow morning here. In New Brunswick, diesel has risen almost 2 cents overnight.