Tuesday, April 8, 2014

South Shore In Motion Looking For New Venue

A popular summer event in Bridgewater is looking for a new home. South Shore in Motion will not use the South Shore Exhibition grounds as their venue this year. Chairperson Darren Wentzell says the two sides could not come to an agreement. He says it's discouraging to think they may have to move the event out of Bridgewater.



Wentzell says they're still planning to hold an event in mid-August. The group is hoping to negotiate with the town to host their event at several locations. However, he says it will be scaled back if it stays in Bridgewater.



The group is also looking at using an old dirt race track in the Liverpool-area if things don't work out in Bridgewater. This year is the 10th anniversary for South Shore in Motion. A spokesperson for the South Shore Exhibition is expected to comment this afternoon.

Monday, April 7, 2014

Top Ten Finishes For Chester Curling Teams In B.C.

No medals for a pair of South Shore curling teams at an international curling tournament. Adam Cocks' team lost in the bronze medal game to Washington at the Optimist under-18 curling event in British Columbia. Meanwhile, Cassie Cocks' team finished in ninth place with a win over Michigan. Both South Shore teams were representing the Chester curling club.

Legislation Eliminates Efficiency Tax, Lower Power Bills

Nova Scotians will get a break on their power bills starting in 2015. Legislation has been introduced which will remove the energy efficiency tax from electricity bills. Energy Minister Andrew Younger says the legislation improves how energy efficiency programs are delivered and introduces  competition for Nova Scotia Power. He says the amendments should be a big help to keep power bills down. The province's energy efficiency plan was also introduced and sets objectives that will save energy, lower costs and  reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The change could mean a savings of roughly $180 per year for homeowners.

Bridgewater: Civic Numbers By-Law Nearly Complete

Bridgewater residents could soon be tasked with making sure their homes are clearly identified. The town is close to revealing its civic numbering by-law. The main issues revolve around enforcement, penalties and reflective lighting. Mayor David Walker says they're all important points.



Councillor Wayne Thorburne wants to see the by-law in place to help first responders locate homes quickly in an emergency. The town still has to agree to the document before further public meetings will be held. It's expected to be in front of council this month.

Nothing In Provincial Budget For South Shore Job Seekers: NDP Leader

Members of the Legislature get back to work in the House later today after last Thursday night's marathon session which led to passage of essential workers legislation. The 3-week budget debate begins tonight. The McNeil government unveiled the coming year's financial projections last Thursday. However, according to NDP interim leader Maureen MacDonald, it doesn't explain how the government plans to tackle the economic problems along the South Shore.
She says there's nothing in the budget to encourage people, who have lost their jobs, to stay in the area.



MacDonald accuses the government of padding last year's NDP budget with all kinds of unnecessary spending this year, taking the province from a $16-million surplus to a $279-million deficit.

MODL: Northfield Fire Department Requests Access Road

A local fire department is requesting an access road in Cookville. The Northfield District Fire Rescue is appealing to the Municipality of Lunenburg for a road to a pond off of the Pine Grove Road. The fire department is looking for secondary water, other than hydrants. CAO Tammy Wilson says officials are thinking about safety.



A committee will determine if there is an opportunity for emergency vehicle access to the pond.

South Shore Road Among Worst In Atlantic Canada

Is that pot-hole-riddled road in your area the worst in the region? The Canadian Automobile Association is trying to determine that, through its 4th annual "Worst Roads" campaign. The New Elm Road in Lunenburg County is in the Top-10 this season and the CAA's Gary Howard says its in really bad shape!



The campaign runs until April 25th after which all votes will be tallied and the worst road crowned the winner. You can vote for the nasty road in your area at .. atlantic.caa.ca/worstroads.

Here is the Top 10 list of bad roads as of last week:
1. Highway 630, Andersonville, NB
2. Hanwell Rd, Fredericton, NB
3. Highway 360, Milltown, NL.
4. Leslie Rd, East Lawrencetown, NS
5. Old Route 630, Saint Croix, NB
6. Highway 360, Bishop's Falls, NL
7. Church Rd, Gambo, NL
8. Kempt Head Rd, Ross Ferry, NS
9. New Elm Rd, Lunenburg County, NS
10. A. Morrison Rd, Sydney, NS
      B. Highway 616, Keswick Ridge, NB




Sunday, April 6, 2014

Tourism Promotion Boost Needed In Lunenburg County: Mayor

The South Shore economy and Lunenburg County in particular would benefit from a provincial promotion of the area as a tourist destination. The Mayor of the District of Lunenburg sees it as a means of giving the region an economic boost. Don Downe says tourism is already a big business in the area but he says there are so many opportunities being missed.



Among the jewels he says is Oak Island which he agrees is sometimes missed in tourist destination promotions.

Better Access To Specialized Health Care Sought In Southwest NS

Residents of Southwestern Nova Scotia are finding it difficult travelling long distances for specialized health care. PC Health critic and Argyle-Barrington MLA Chris d'Entremont says he will be seeking answers this spring from the health minister during the current legislature sitting.



d'Entremont says health care must be de-centralized and spread out more into rural areas to make getting to see a specialist less challenging and less stressful for patients.

Bridgewater Man Recognized During Adult Learner's Week

International Adult Learner's Week wraps up today and the Nova Scotia government is recognizing individuals across the province. Four adult learners were honoured at an event held late last week in Halifax including Scott Vaughan of Bridgewater. He wrote a poem describing the different ways people learn and about having pride in success. The four individuals were among more than 50 adult learners from Nova Scotia who submitted essays about how learning has changed their lives. Labour and Advanced Education Minister Kelly Regan says they now have the tools to access new learning and career opportunities, and the confidence of knowing they can achieve anything they set their minds to

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Mooseheads Keep Rolling In 2014 Playoffs

The Halifax Mooseheads drew first blood in their second round series against Gatineau. The Herd scored a 4-1 victory last night at the Metro Centre. The Best of 7 second round series continues tonight in Halifax.

Updated: RCMP Locate Kentville Woman

47 year-old Kentville woman has been located. Colleen Jane Hopkins was found Saturday afternoon in Hants County. She was checked over by paramedics and was fine. Police are thanking the public for their help finding the woman.

Friday, April 4, 2014

Bridgewater: Sustainability Expo Held Saturday

Sustainability will be front and centre Saturday around the Bridgewater-area. The third annual expo will be featured at the Nova Scotia Community College and at Osprey Ridge. Over 30 exhibitors have booths set up at the school for people to check out. Faculty of marketing member, Di Best, says special guest Dr. Edith Callaghan will talk at the golf course.



The expo begins at 9am Saturday at the college. The talk begins at 2:30 at the golf course.

Mooseheads Face Gatineau In Second Playoff Round

The Halifax Mooseheads open up the second round of the playoffs on home ice tonight against the Gatineau Olympiques. The Moose have enjoyed a nice layoff after a four game sweep over the Charlottetown Islanders in the opening round. However, it's about to get tougher. The voice of the Mooseheads, John Moore, says Gatineau is no pushover.



Halifax and Gatineau split their two games during the regular season. Lunenburg's Brennan Bailey is playing with Halifax during their playoff run. Moore believes Bailey played solid in round one.



Game one opens tonight at 7pm at the Halifax Metro Centre.

Opposition Leader Pans Provincial Budget

The Nova Scotia government will invest more money in health care and education. Finance Minister Diana Whalen unveiled her governments budget Thursday in the legislature. It includes $9.6 billion in revenues, $9.9 billion in total spending, and a $279 million deficit. Nova Scotia's net debt sits at $14.6 billion. It's expected to rise to over $15 billion by the end of the fiscal year. PC Opposition Leader Jamie Baillie says he wants to know why the debt keeps on rising in light of the Liberals campaigning in the election last year to slash the debt.



Other budget highlights include, $19 million more for public schools, class sizes to be capped from primary to Grade 3, more support for math and literacy programs, nearly $200 million more to support home care, improved access to cancer drugs and cutting down wait times for hip and knee surgeries.

Labour Relations Setback By Essential Workers Bill: Rick Clarke

Halifax area nurses have returned to work following their one day strike. This follows passage earlier today of essential workers legislation by members of the legislature, which essentially forced them back to work and to the bargaining table. Nova Scotia Federation of Labour President Rick Clarke tells CKBW & HANK-FM News, he's outraged by the attitude of the McNeil government which he says has setback labour relations in the province by decades.



As a result of the legislation passed this morning, HRM nurses will now be required to go back to the bargaining table with Capital Health to try and settle on a contract.

Bridgewater: Proposed Big Rig Event Changing Locations

A proposed event in Bridgewater has changed its location. South Shore in Motion was looking to hold a 'Big Rig Drag Racing' event on a section of Dufferin Street. However, they have decided to change their request to a part of Exhibition Drive. Mayor David Walker says the group is making an effort to speed up the process.



South Shore in Motion is hoping to hold the event in August. Walker expects a meeting will be held this month for council to make a decision.

Girls Win, Boys Lose At International Curling Event

An up and down day for Nova Scotia at the Optimist International under-18 curling tournament in B.C. The girls team, skipped by Cassie Cocks, defeated Ontario 7-5 in their opening game on Thursday. They now take on B.C and Quebec later today. On the boys side, Adam Cocks' team fell 4-2 to Nothern Ontario. They will play Manitoba and Quebec today. Both Nova Scotia curling teams are representing the Chester Curling club.

HRM Nurses Return To Work After "House" Debates All Night

Halifax area nurses are returning to work following a one-day strike. This follows passage this morning of essential workers legislation by members of the legislature. PC Opposition Leader Jamie Baillie, who like the other 50 members of the house pulled an all-nighter to deal with the legislation, says his members decided to go along it.



Nurses will now be required to go back to the bargaining table with Capital Health to try and work out a settlement.

A Surprise At The Gas Pumps

Gasoline prices are lower this morning at South Shore pumps. Regular self serve is down a cent to $1.34.0 per litre. High test is lower by the same amount to $1.42.9. Diesel dropped the most overnight, by six cents, to $1.39.5. Regular gas is surprisingly lower despite the price for it in New Brunswick actually rising half a cent yesterday.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

NS Budget: More Money For Health & Education

The Liberal government has delivered its first budget since taking office. Finance Minister Diana Whalen unveiled its details when she rose in the Nova Scotia legislature earlier this afternoon. The fiscal blueprint includes $9.6 billion in revenues, $9.9 billion in total spending, and a $279 million deficit. Some other highlights include, $19 million more for public schools, class sizes will be capped from primary to Grade 3 along with more support for math and literacy programs. In health, there is nearly $200 million more in the budget to support home care, improve access to cancer drugs and cut down wait time for hip and knee surgeries. Meanwhile, the efficiency fee will come off all power bills on January 1st resulting in energy savings for all Nova Scotians. As expected, the HST remains unchanged at 15%. Nova Scotia's net debt sits at a whopping $14.6 billion.

Bridgewater Man Facing Child Porn Charges

A Bridgewater man is facing child porn charges. Town police along with RCMP searched a Queen Street home on Wednesday. A number of computer-related items including USB drives and DVD's were seized. Police arrested a 31-year-old man and he is facing charges of accessing, possessing, and distributing child pornography. Additional charges could be laid once forensic examination of exhibits is complete. The man is expected to appear in Bridgewater court on May 28th.

Tops'l Tavern Now Known As King's Corner

It's official. The name of the Tops'l Tavern has changed. New owner Sharon Saulnier says it's now known as King's Corner. The tavern has been known as Topsl's since it opened in 1963. Saulnier says the name change makes sense.



Saulnier plans to leave the Tops'l signs on the building and add their own branding to help remember its history. The restaurant opened Thursday and the bar will open Friday evening.

Large Drop Likely In Diesel Fuel Price

There's been a large drop in the price of diesel fuel in New Brunswick. That probably means a similar move on the South Shore tonight when the utility and review board sets the coming weeks prices. Diesel is selling for almost ten cents a litre lower than yesterday in New Brunswick. Self serve regular has increased slightly though today.

No Plans To Extend School Year

There aren't any plans to extend the school year due to storm days. In Nova Scotia, some school districts have lost as many as 12 instructional days. Locally, there have been 10 days missed within the South Shore and Tri-County School Boards because of poor weather conditions over the winter. Communications manager Trish Smith says losing two weeks of classes is manageable.



For the South Shore, the back road closure plan was put into place 13 times this winter while two additional snow days were seen in the Chester area family of schools. Smith says it's been a challenging winter for all their staff, students and parents.

Ottawa Invests In Chester Theatre Council Society

An investment from the federal government is going to help the Chester Theatre Council Society. South Shore - St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy announced over $11,000 in funding to the Christopher Ondaatje Theatre Foundation, who will manage and invest it on behalf of the society. The money is being provided through a component of the Canada Cultural Investment Fund, which encourages Canadians to donate to professional arts organizations. The Chester Playhouse was purchased by Sir Christopher Ondaatje in 1987 and was donated to the Chester Theatre Council Society in 1992. The society's mission is to foster, promote, encourage and develop the performing arts and to maintain a community arts facility in the Municipality of the District of Chester.

NS Labour Relations In Tatters As HRM Nurses Walk: MacDonald

With many people fearing a strike will affect health care along the South Shore and elsewhere, nurses in the Halifax area have walked off the job today to back their demands for better patient-nurse ratios. Hundreds of nurses with the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union are picketting all health care facilities in HRM. Although her union isn't part of the labour dispute, Nova Scotia Nurses Union President Janet Hazelton tells us Friday's likely passage of essential workers legislation will probably mean the walkout will last only through today. She says there is a lot of frustration for nurses everywhere and anxiety for patients heading into today's walkout.



NDP leader and former Health Minister Maureen MacDonald says she's appalled the dispute between Capital Health and the NSGEU has reached this point.



The largest hospital complex in Atlantic Canada, the Q-E-2 Health Sciences Centre in downtown Halifax, is among facilities being picketted today by the nurses.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Local Curlers Battle International Competition In B.C.

Two youth teams representing the Chester curling club will meet some of the best players in their age group from across the world. The Optimist International under-18 curling championships get underway Thursday in Surrey and Langley, B.C. Teams from across Canada, the United States and Japan will compete in the tournament. The Nova Scotia girl's team consists of Cassie Cocks, Megan Brown, Rachel Crouse and Taylour Stevens. They open up play against Ontario. On the boy's side, the Nova Scotia team of Adam Cocks, Brett Dorey, Jacob Rowsell and Spencer Demone take on Northern Ontario in their first match. For more information and results, click here .

Liberal Majority Delivers First Budget

The majority Liberals under Premier Stephen MacNeil will unveil its first budget Thursday since taking office. Finance Minister Diana Whalen has been meeting with business leaders, towns and communities over the past few weeks to discuss their needs. However, Whalen stated it would be a difficult budget because her part has only been in power for six months. The grits have already announced they would eliminate interest on student loans to help new graduates. During a fiscal update in December, it was revealed the province was facing a $481 million deficit. Also, the new government has stated the province could not afford a reduction in the HST.

Bridgewater Mayor Happy To See Topsl's Re-Opening

The re-opening of the Tops'l Tavern in Bridgewater is getting a thumbs up from the mayor. There is new ownership of the King Street property and the general manager expects between 20-30 people will be hired. David Walker says it's good to see more jobs becoming available.



Walker is also commending the new owner for making significant renovations to the building. Tops'ls is scheduled to open Thursday morning.

Province Accepting Moose Hunting Applications


South Shore hunters hoping for the chance to get a moose license have until the end of next month to apply. The deadline to send in an application is midnight on May 31. The draw will take place on June 25 at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre and winners will be notified by mail.  The draw is also broadcast on the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters website. Moose hunting is only available in Victoria and Inverness counties between September 29 and November 8. A special three-day season in part of Inverness County is scheduled to begin December 9. Applications can be sent by phone, online or mail.


More Information:

To be eligible, an applicant must be a resident of Nova Scotia, have a valid Nova Scotia Wildlife Resources Card and be at least 18 years old. Hunters who held a moose hunting licence between 2009 and 2013 cannot apply for a licence this year.

Hunters can apply online at http://novascotia.ca/natr/ by following the Hunting key topic. Hunters can also call 1-900-565-3337 from a landline and the application fee will automatically be added to their phone bill. The phone option does not work with cellphones and it cannot be billed to a different phone number. It costs $7.83 (plus HST) to apply for a licence online or by phone.

Applications can also be paid by cheque and submitted by mail, using a form from the Natural Resources website. It costs $11.35 (plus HST) to apply by mail. Cheques should be made payable to HMC Communications Inc.

Each licence is valid for one season and in one geographic zone. Hunters must pick their season and zone when they apply.

Detailed information about the seasons, the five hunting zones and restrictions on the use of vehicles, is explained on the website.

Bridgewater: Tree Causing Problems For Churchill Street Family

A tree is causing some financial problems for a Bridgewater family. Gordie Rendell and his wife live on Churchill Street and have spent hundreds of dollars removing roots from a large tree that entered one of their underground pipes. Now, they're considering removing the old pipe and installing a new one at a cost of about $6,000. However, it's a question of responsibility.



Town staff are consulting with the family about their options.

Springhill Dissolution Moving Ahead

Former Region of Queens Mayor John Leefe is meeting today and tomorrow for the first time with town officials in Springhill. He was appointed last month as transition co-ordinator as Springhill prepares to be dissolved of its town status. Leefe is facilitating the process and guiding discussions for the town to become part of the Municipality of Cumberland.



The provincial Utility and Review Board gave permission several weeks ago for Springhill to lose its town status.

Another Nova Scotia Town Heading For Dissolution

Another Nova Scotia community is applying to be dissolved as a town. Financial pressures have forced Bridgetown in the Annapolis Valley to approach the province's Utility and Review Board. Its the third town in the province to do so in the past couple of years and for the same reasons. The President of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities David Corkum says a change is needed in the way everyone does business.



Corkum predicts many municipalities may be forced to go that route if they want to survive. He says its becoming too costly for communities. Other towns forced to divest themselves of their town status include Springhill and Canso.




Former Bowater Forest Roads Off-Limits

Forest roads on former Bowater land will be temporarily closed due to expected weather conditions. The roads will be off limits to all motorized vehicles until further notice as of Thursday. The decision will protect the roads during wet spring conditions. Muddy roads can also trap vehicles in remote areas where cellphone service is weak and create potentially dangerous situations. A map showing all closed gates is on the Department of Natural Resources website. The former Bowater lands have 2,500 kilometres of forest roads.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Mayor Speaks With Pictou County Michelin Employees

A group of employees at Michelin in Pictou County were in town Tuesday for a visit. Roughly 15 people visited the Bridgewater facility for a tour. Municipality of Lunenburg Mayor Don Downe met and spoke with the people on behalf of mayors and wardens in Lunenburg and Queens counties. He says it's all about making a good first impression.



Downe says most of the people asked questions about what the area can offer their families, schooling and recreational opportunities. A different group of Michelin workers visited the Bridgewater plant last week and Downe expects more to come. Two hundred employees will be out of job in Pictou County as of July 1st, while another 300 people will get their walking papers by July 2015.


Shelburne: New Water Rates Approved


The Nova Scotia Utility & Review Board has approved new water rates in Town of Shelburne. However, they aren't as large as first expected. The increase for average home is 47 percent in 2014/15.  That means water bills will be in the area of $160 per quarter. Meanwhile, another 10 percent increase will be imposed in 2015/16. That hike will push bills up to $177 per quarter. The regulatory board also approved shifting around funding to help pay down the deficit on the town's water utility. The accounting move will save ratepayers in Shelburne money on water bill and means the rate hike is not as large. Originally, water rates were expected to rise 70 percent.

Getson Earns Rookie Honors; Named To Team Nova Scotia

A Bridgewater hockey player is being awarded for his season on the ice. Keith Getson was named to the Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League's Rookie All-Star Team. The 16-year-old scored 18 goals in 29 games during the regular season, finishing third among rookies. Getson will also represent Nova Scotia later this spring at the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Excellence Challenge. It features the best midget-aged players from New Brunswick, Newfoundland, PEI and Quebec. Getson, along with Christopher Goreham of Clark's Harbour and Yarmouth's Hunter Hurlburt were among 20 players named to team Nova Scotia. The tournament will be held at the beginning of May in Blainville-Boisbriand.

NS Nurses Union Joins Debate Over Essential Services Legislation

The Nova Scotia Nurses Union (NSNU) has chimed-in on the debate over the essential services legislation introduced last night by the McNeil government. President Janet Hazelton says her group has bargained new contracts without conciliation or interference for more than 30 years. She says the right to strike not only encourages the employer to negotiate a contract.



Hazleton says the legislation, also known as Bill-37 takes away the right to strike and will make future contract negotiations very one sided, favoring the employer. The NSNU represents nurses all along the South Shore to Yarmouth, through the Annapolis Valley and back to Halifax.

Bad Weather Drives Up Lobster Prices

Poor weather conditions is helping drive up the price of lobster. For the last two years, fishermen have been upset because the market was flooded with product and prices were hovering around $3.50 per pound. However, smaller catches this season have dealers selling lobster between $6 and $7 dollars per pound. Fisheries Minister Keith Colwell says he'd like to see more assurances in the market.



Colwell believes it's important to introduce a levy on catches to help promote lobster. He says it will create more demand and give fishermen more money for their product.

More Messy Weather/Schools Closed

No! This is not a cruel, April Fool's joke!  Its the real thing!  Freezing rain, ice pellets and snow impacted the South Shore overnight and into this morning. Driving is dangerous in spots so slow down! Environment Canada meteorologist Gelas Duguay says we can expect a mixed bag of weather goodies all day!



No big surprise that there are school closures today. All schools in Lunenburg and Queens counties are closed. The Waldorf School in Blockhouse and the French School in Cookville are closed. So are those in the Tri-Counties, Shelburne, Yarmouth and Digby. All schools in the Valley are closed. School buses are not running in HRM but some schools are open. All NSCC campuses are OPEN for the day however.



Monday, March 31, 2014

Tops'l Dining Room and Lounge Re-Opening

Big changes at the Tops'l Dining Room and Lounge in Bridgewater. The long-time bar and restaurant is re-opening, with renovations currently happening at the King Street property. Some of the changes include a bigger stage for bands, a new elevated shooter bar, additional pool tables, new bathrooms, a designated smoking-area outdoors, a dress code, longer kitchen hours and increased security. General Manager Mike Habib says they want to change the way people think about the bar.



The new owner is Sharon Saulnier of Liverpool. Habib says they plan on catering to all ages.



There will be roughly 30 people employed. The restaurant will open Thursday. Habib says a full opening could happen if they receive their liquor license.

Communities Push For New Health Accord

Communities across the country were standing up to support health care today. The Health Accord established in 2004, expires at the end of this month. The agreement between federal, provincial and territorial governments ensures certain levels of funding to help deliver health care services. In Bridgewater, Council of Canadians member Mary Wright says it's important to raise awareness.



Rallies will be held in 45 communities in Canada on Monday. They will be raising awareness and calling for new Health Accord.

REMO: Potential Flooding For Lunenburg County

Another 30 millimeters of rain is forecast to fall in Lunenburg and Queens counties. It's putting the Lunenburg County Regional Emergency Management Organization on watch for potential flooding. The group reports 96 millimeters of rain has fallen along coastal areas of the two counties since Saturday night. Spokesperson John Collyer says the LaHave River should have room to absorb the rain.



Collyer says people should be prepared as best they can for potential flooding. Rainfall and freezing rain warnings have been issued by Environment Canada for Lunenburg County. The weather agency has also issued rainfall warnings for Queens.


Mediation Talks Resume In Nurses' Dispute

Its back to the table today for the union for nurses in the Halifax area and Capital Health. They'll be meeting with a previously-appointed mediator. Both sides are hoping to avoid a walkout which could legally happen this Thursday. Health minister Leo Glavine says time is running out and he feels the situation now could have been avoided more than a year ago.



A previous mediation session about a week ago failed. The latest follows an appeal late last week by the premier.

Lunenburg Regional Council Readies For Community Meetings

Lunenburg Municipal Council is hitting the road! Its annual series of meetings throughout the county kicks off this evening with a stop in Conquerall Bank. Mayor Don Downe says after five years, these meetings have become a "rite of spring" in the region.



Tonight's meeting begins at 7 o'clock at the Conquerall Bank fire hall (Doors open at 6:30pm). Other sessions are planned over the next couple of months in West Northfield, Newcombville, Lunenburg, Cherry Hill, Barss Corner and Big Tancook Island.

Bridgewater: Fundraiser Underway For Off-Leash Dog Park

A fundraiser has started in Bridgewater to bring an off-leash dog park to the town. People can now buy stainless steel dog bones for $25 or $50 and get them engraved with their name or pet name. The bones will then be hung from the fence surrounding the off-leash park. Town councillor Andrew Tanner says they need about $60,000.



ABCO Industries of Lunenburg has been tasked to do the work. The bones are available at town hall in Bridgewater.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

VIDEO: Ice Sharks Fall In Peewee 'A' Provincial Hockey Final

It was a second place finish at provincials for the South Shore Ice Sharks Peewee 'A' hockey team. The club fell 4-3 in overtime to the Sackville Flyers in Sunday's final. Colton Lohnes, Nick Landry and Remi Levesque scored for the South Shore while Jeremy Robar stopped 50 shots. Head Coach Yves Levesque says there is no shame in finishing in second place.



The club also won three tournament banners this year, with another event coming up in early April. Tournament awards went to Nick Collins for top defenseman and Colton Lohnes as most valuable player. Lohnes was also named to the first all-star team along with goaltender Jeremy Robar and Remi Levesque. The game winning goal is shown below.




Lobster Fishermen Need Input Into Study: d'Entremont

Those attending a lobster industry summit held in Halifax this past week included buyers, shippers and processors. However, it didn't represent everyone. According to Progressive Conservative MLA Chris d"Entremont, whose riding of Argyle-Barrington has a large population of lobster fishermen, he says the ones who really make it all work were not at the meeting.



The Maritime lobster fishing industry is getting behind the idea of a one cent levy on catches to help support marketing lobster around the world.

Oak Island Seen As Tourism Bonanza

A famous island on the South Shore is catching the attention of people everywhere, thanks to the medium of television. Oak Island in Mahone Bay is particularly appealing to History Television viewers in the US who are seeing it as an interesting place to visit and to search for buried treasure. Chester-St. Margarets MLA Denise Peterson-Rafuse is urging the provincial government to capitalize on the new notoriety and better promote Oak Island as a tourism must-see location.



The History Channel, which features a reality show about two brothers looking for the fabled treasure buried on Oak Island, recently did a survey of its viewers. It indicated more than 100,000 of them would be very interested in visiting Nova Scotia and touring Oak Island. They say the remarkable scenery, the way of life and the lure of possible buried treasure are key reasons.