Salvation Army Scrambles To Makeup Kettle Shortfall

The Lunenburg County Salvation Army's annual Christmas Kettle campaign is falling short of its target! They're $19,000. off the mark so far, with this year's campaign ending at noon Christmas Eve. $57,000. was originally budgetted for the coming year's programs offered by the Salvation Army in the area. Captain Felipe Vega says money raised is used to help the needy not just at Christmas. So, he says its important the target is reached in the next few days.



Vega hopes between now and December 24th, donations will at least reach the target so programs aren't impacted. The kettles are in place in the key shopping spots.

Pentz Resident Wins $25,000 Playing McDonalds Monopoly

It's going to be a McMerry Christmas for a resident in Pentz. Patrick Scott Greenough won $25,000 playing the Monopoly Game at McDonald's. He received the early holiday gift after he ordered a Big Mac meal and peeled an instant-win stamp from his soft drink cup. Greenough says he will use the money to help pay for Christmas, put towards bills and help cover the cost of a recent family trip to Florida. A presentation is planned at the Dufferin Street McDonalds in Bridgewater on Thursday evening.

Bridgewater: Electric Heater Causes Blaze At King Street Apartment

An early morning fire was quickly knocked down by firefighters in Bridgewater. Crews were alerted to a fire in the wall at an apartment building behind KO's restaurant at 434 King Street. No one was injured. The incident happened just after 7:30. Bridgewater Fire Chief Michael Nauss says a small heater is to blame for the blaze.



Nauss says people should make sure heaters receive regular maintenance to prevent them from overheating. A portion of King Street and Dufferin Street was also closed to traffic while the fire department was on scene.

Second Storm In Two Days Brings Life To A Crawl

Welcome to another (un)healthy dose of winter, three days before the season is official! You can expect perhaps as much as 20 centimeters of snow in some parts of the South Shore this morning and into the early afternoon before it tapers off to flurries. Along the coast, such as in parts of Queens and Shelburne Counties, lesser amounts are likely. To say the least driving is a challenge this morning and dangerous too. The strong northeast wind is creating white out conditions by times and its a good idea to slow down if you have to drive this morning.
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Here are the school closures.....
All schools in Lunenburg and Queens counties are closed for the day including the French school in Cookville. So are schools in the Tri-County area, Shelburne, Yarmouth and Digby Counties. Schools in the Annapolis Valley and in HRM are also shutdown for the day. In fact, all schools in Mainland Nova Scotia are closed for the day. Many regional government offices are closed as well.

Margaret Hennigar Public Library To Open In January

Lynn Hennigar says her mom would be quietly proud to find her name attached to the new library. The Margaret Hennigar Public Library is scheduled to open January 2 inside the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. The former long-time editor spent nearly four decades working with Lighthouse Media Group before she passed away from cancer in 2006. Lynn Hennigar says it's fitting to have her mother's name connected to the library.



The family's contribution of $150,000 to the LCLC gives them naming rights for 10 years. The current library space on King Street in Bridgewater will shut its doors Saturday evening.

Farms On The Rise In Lunenburg County

The amount of farms in Lunenburg County grew slightly between 2006 and 2011. A resource coordinator with the province's Department of Agriculture says there are 342 farms in the county, up from 326. Brian MacCulloch says the types of farms differ from dairy, beef, fruit and vegetable and egg. The numbers in those categories either spiked or decreased by a small margin. MacCulloch says there are some positives and negatives for the area.



Meanwhile, more women have become farmers in Lunenburg County. Stats show there are 120 females involved in some sort of farming in this area. The number grew by 20 between 2006 and 2011. There is also an age movement in farmers. More people under-35 and over 55-years-old are getting involved.

Major Funding Expected For Astor Theatre

It couldn't be coming at a better time. That's how Astor Theatre manager Chris Ball sums up a planned funding announcement on Thursday in Liverpool by the member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margarets. Gerald Keddy is expected to present a cheque to help with the theatre's fund raising campaign.



The campaign is raising money for a new digital video and audio system for the theatre and also new lighting. To date, more than half of the $100,000 goal has been reached. The Astor is the oldest operating movie theatre in Canada and still uses 35 millimetre film reels.

UPDATED: Water Rate Hearing Postponed

A hearing to consider a water rate hike in the Town of Shelburne has been postponed due to weather. It was set to begin Wednesday, but has been rescheduled and will take place January 15 in Shelburne.

Chester: Wind Turbine Unveiling Rescheduled For January

The Municipality of Chester will wait until the new year to energize a wind turbine at the Kaizer Meadow landfill. Plans were in the works for the public to watch the 98-metre, two mega-watt wind turbine get powered up this week. However, a potential winter storm on Wednesday has pushed the date back until next month. Warden Allen Webber says its unfortunate news.



Webber says he was recently informed that the turbine is expected to provide enough green electricity for around 550 homes, up from 350. It will also provide $300,000 on average annually in revenue to the municipality. Webber expects the event will be rescheduled during the first two weeks of January.

Mahone Bay: Land Purchase Protects Bella Island

The province is protecting more species at risk through buying land in Mahone Bay. Bella Island has been purchased for $800,000. It's home to the piping plover and common loon. It's also a habitat for migratory birds. The Mahone Islands Conservation Association contributed $250,000 toward the purchase of the land - leaving the provincial share at $550,000. Association chair John Meisner says Bella Island is one of the few remaining privately-owned islands in Mahone. He called it a gem that must be protected. Others purchases include land on McNabs Island in Halifax Harbour and woodlands in eastern Nova Scotia. Three other parcels of land were purchased in Annapolis and Antigonish Counties. Total cost to the province was just under $1.9 million.

Liverpool: National Curling Event Still Needs Volunteers

A few key positions still need to be filled for the upcoming national curling event in Liverpool. The M & M Meats Canadian Junior Curling Championships will be held next month. Organizer Paul Fey says they have 150 volunteers signed on to help out with the event. However, he says they need more help filling positions connected to the action on the ice.



Fey is aiming to have roughly 200 volunteers before the curling begins. The junior championships get underway January 18th.

Information for volunteering:

Contact Paul Fay at 902.354.2374 (after 5pm)

Applications online - here

Email: 2014canadianjuniorsvolunteer@gmail.com

Minor Hockey Prez: Declining Enrolment Leads To Less Ice Time

Declining enrolment means less hours in rinks for the South Shore Minor Hockey Association. President Mike Conklin says they were anticipating almost 60 hours a week in arena use, but fewer teams created a decrease in hours needed. Lunenburg's director of recreation has said they're facing a financial shortfall because of the drop-off. Conklin wouldn't comment on those claims. But, he says they wanted to utilize the Clearwater Seafoods Arena as much as possible.



He's hopeful enrolment will increase and minor hockey can use more ice at the Bridgewater Memorial and Lunenburg Arena.

Shelburne County Man Injured In Hunting Mishap

A Shelburne County man has undergone emergency surgery at a Halifax hospital after a hunting accident near his home. The un-named 41 year old was duck hunting alone on Saturday in Rockland when he tripped, fell and his shotgun went off. Pellets hit him in a hand, arm and face. He was rushed by ambulance to Roseway Hospital and airlifted to the QE-2 in Halifax where he underwent surgery. No charges are expected and there's no word on the victim's condition.

Arrests In Multiple Home B & E's

A man and a teenage boy will appear in court today in Bridgewater. They were arrested following a rash of break-ins in the Chester area. Lunenburg County RCMP say 40 incidents have occurred since October.
They say items including jewelry, alcohol and stamps were stolen. The Mounties arrested three people Saturday night at a home along Highway 3 in Chester. A 15-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man face charges including break and enter, possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of stolen property under $5,000 and possession of marijuana. A girl was released without being charged. Police say more charges are likely.

Its Cleanup Day! Also, Schools Closed!

Welcome to Cleanup Day! The first major winter storm of the season dropped 20 to 30 centimeters of snow. A winter storm advisory was issued across our province as snow, ice pellets and freezing rain made travel impossible. Then, the snow changed to rain in our area and cooler temperatures overnight turned the snow into a frozen slushy mess. The weather conditions prompted cancellations, flight delays and police advised motorists to stay off the roads.
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The highways are still tricky to drive on this morning. All 100 series highways across the province, including the 103, are said to be snow covered and dangerous. Drivers are asked to slow down and avoid being caught up by the icy patches.
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Schools are closed today in Lunenburg and Queens Counties, including the French school in Cookville and the Waldorf School. Schools are also closed in the Annapolis Valley but open in the Tri-Counties, Shelburne, Yarmouth and Digby Counties.

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.