BREAKING: Chester Council to Expropriate Land in WIld Rose Park

For the first time in decades, the municipality of Chester is taking action to acquire private land within Wild Rose Park in Western Shore. Council voted this morning to expropriate a dozen properties, giving the park complete public access. CKBW/HANK FM's Steve MacArthur was in Chester for the meeting. "It was a unanimous decision on behalf of the Municipality of the District of Chester today to expropriate the twelve pieces of private land within Wild Rose Park. A standing room only crowd packed the council chambers to hear the decision. Many of them where pleased to finally learn this issue will come to a head - its been ongoing in the community for more than 15 years. The Western Shore and Area Improvement Association purchased the land back in 1996 for $1.00 but never legally acquired the private land within the park so that's what brings us here today. Now, its a matter of the municipality entering into negotiations with those land owners to work out a dollar amount for their land," Warden Allen Webber says the municipality has approximately $200,000 in a reserve fund to purchase the land. Negotiations will begin almost immediately. Should there be a dispute on the monetary value of the land, the matter would be turned over and settled through the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.

New Russell home destroyed by Fire

A couple escaped serious injury but lost their home and belongings to fire early this morning near New Ross. A mobile home was destroyed around 3:30 a.m. at 301 Clearwater Drive in New Russell. New Ross Fire Chief Scott Reeves says the cause of the fire looks to be electrical.

"The fire started behind a sofa in the livingroom where there was an electrical outlet and some power cords."

Several fire departments were called to the blaze including Kentville, Chester Basin and Windsor.
Reeves says the home wasn't insured and the family dog died during the fire.

Kettle Campaign Needs Help

The Salvation Army is hoping a final push helps their annual Christmas Kettle Campaign. Donations in Bridgewater haven't been as strong this season compared with previous yearly totals. Captain Stephen Holland is hoping folks dig deep over the next few days. He says part of the money raised is used to provide children and families along the South Shore with the basic necessities of life. "This last week is are big drive and we're down a little bit from last year....we're actually down about $9,000. I'm hoping this week we'll be able to pick it up and have that money available to provide for families or individuals with any emergency's they may have," The Salvation Army also uses money from the kettle campaign to provides shelter for the homeless and rehabilitation those dealing with addiction. Members will be around town collecting kettle donations until Christmas Eve.

Mustangs take on Panthers in Annual Alumni game

It's a game featuring some of the best hockey players of years gone by.The South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs annual Alumni game will be played Friday night at the Bridgewater Memorial Arena. This years fundraiser will see Mustang Alumni take on Park View Panther alumni. Former players including Jacob Conrad of the Gatineau Olympiques is expected to suit up. Game time is 7pm Friday night in Bridgewater. Proceeds of the game will go towards both teams.

Thursday: Chester to Discuss Wild Rose Park

The future of Wild Rose Park will be a lively agenda item around the council table in Chester this morning. The public park was constructed in 1996 by the Western Shore and Area Improvement Association, however the group never legally acquired the private land within the park. Now, some of the private land owners are looking to develop their land. Warden Allen Webber says council is faced with a decision on whether or not to keep the park fully accessible. "What council has to do is determine in their own minds, whether or not there is sufficient public interest in maintaining or preserving Wild Rose Park as it exists today or whether there is insufficient public interest and therefor walk away and it will cease to exist as we know it today," Webber says council has a numbers of avenues to consider and expropriation is an option they will explore. The public meeting will be held at 8:45AM from the municipal offices in Chester.

Bridgewater Councillor suggests demolishing 99 Aberdeen Road property

Councillor David Mitchell

The state of the building at 99 Aberdeen Road continues to bother at least one member of Bridgewater council. David Mitchell says something needs to be done to fix the eyesore in the heart of the town. He says he's fed up with the look of the building.

"Well, I think it's pretty sad when someone owns a piece of property in any community and then just lets it get to that condition and doesn't care that it's in that condition. My thought is, and it is almost the same as the Mayor, I think it's about time that building came down."

Mitchell says it's the owners responsibility to upkeep the building, and right now, that's not being done.

A call to the building's owner, Frank Rhyno, wasn't returned.

Municipality awards vehicle tender to Queens Chrysler

It's an example of buying local to support South Shore business. The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has awarded a tender to Queens Chrysler for the purchase of a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The cost of the vehicle is $21,640, plus HST. The Municipality received seven tenders all from local companies including Saunders Motors, Mosher Motors and O'Regan's South Shore. The new 2012 Jeep Patriot will be used for Building Inspection, replacing a 2004 Chevy Silverado.

Glo to meet fans in Lunenburg

Glo McNeill

Here's your chance to meet the self-described 'little old lady'. Glo McNeill will be at the Lunenburg SaveEasy from 4-6pm Wednesday evening to talk about the season finale of Recipe to Riches, sign autographs and meet her fans. The 82-year-old recently won the Food Network's grand prize of $250,000 for receiving the most votes from Canadians. Her Luscious Lemon Pudding will also be available to buy.

Hunter Accidentally Shot in Shelburne County

A hunting trip went terribly wrong in Shelburne County this afternoon when a man was accidentally shot in the leg. Police say the incident happened around 2 o'clock in the Villagedale area. Three men were hunting together at the time when the 21 year-old was hit by gunfire. The victim is from Clark's Harbour and was transported to Yarmouth Regional Hospital by EHS with non-life threatening injuries.  Barrington RCMP say the will investigate the matter.

Salvation Army Toy Drive: "Huge Success"

It's a story of generosity that warms your heart just in time for the Holidays. Captain Stephen Holland of the Bridgewater Salvation Army says this seasons Toy Drive was a huge success. So huge, that every family or individual who enrolled in the program will receive a gift this Christmas. "I want to thank everybody in the community for their support. You know, we couldn't do it without the community going the extra mile with their donations of toys and its really making a Christmas for everyone, I'm sure," More than 250 families in Lunenburg County applied to the organization for help this year through their annual Toy Drive.

Remuneration Committee to review Bridgewater council

An independent committee is being set up to review Bridgewater town council's compensation and benefits. The Council Remuneration Review Committee is expected to be in place following the 2012 elections. Mayor Carroll Publicover says the committee will help keep council open and transparent. Council currently base their remuneration on evaluating similar sized municipalities including Yarmouth, Truro, Kentville and New Glasgow. The committee will consist of five members, including three Bridgewater residents, and two former town councillors or mayors.

Man escapes injury after vehicle rollover

A 69-year-old man escaped injury after rolling his car over in Upper LaHave. The incident happened just before 12:30 Monday afternoon at 6206 Highway 332. Constable Rob James with Lunenburg County RCMP says it wasn't your typical accident.

"A 69-year-old male was temporarily blinded by the sun, while, I believe, going around a corner and rolled over an embankment. He sustained no injuries, his vehicle was towed out and there are no charges forthcoming."

Dayspring and District Fire Department responded to the call while Oakhill was stood down moments after being paged to assist. James says people should reduce their speed if the sun gets in their eyes while driving.

Provincial Berth for Dorey Rink

Chester's Micayla Dorey grabbed the final Provincial Junior Womens curling spot at a Halifax playdown on Sunday.  Dorey scored five in the third end en route to a 10-4 win over a Mayflower squad. Dorey joins clubmates Mary Fay and Lindsay Doucet in the eight team event.  On the guys side, Thomas Raddall of Bridgewater is the lone South Shore rink in the field. The AMJ Provincials start one week from today at the Windsor Club.

Bailey breaks 15-year record for Mustangs

Brennan Bailey

A South Shore Canadian Tire Mustang has broken a 15-year-old team record. Brennan Bailey scored two goals Sunday, surpassing Tim Rice as the Mustangs all-time scoring leader for a defenseman. Bailey says he's thrilled about breaking the record.

"Well, it's just a great accomplishment and it's just very nice and one thing I had set in my mind from the start of the season."

Bailey now has 55 career points with the Mustangs, breaking Rice's previous mark of 53 points. The team captain is also chasing down most points by a defenseman in one season. He's currently at 27 with eight games left. Pete Lecain holds the record with 34 points in 1997-98.

Queens Place Gets Grand Opening

The ribbon was officially cut on the new Queens Emera Place in Liverpool this afternoon. The $20 million dollar facility is home to a regulation size arena, fitness centre, walking track and conference space. Premier Darrell Dexter, a native of nearby Milton, says the recreation center will serve as a year round facility for residents of Queens and the surrounding area. He spoke with CKBW/HANK FM News about his memories of the fundraising campaign for the old Queens Memorial Arena more than 40 years ago. "I remember the walk-a-thon to raise money and I remember everyone wearing those little buttons that said 'we want a rink' for the Queens Memorial. At the time, we just wanted something with four walls where we could skate - so this is a huge achievement." Dexter says facilities such at Queens-Emera Place will make life better for residents of the area. He says it will also help attract new people and families to rural communities along the South Shore.

Ribbon Cutting @ Queens Place in Liverpool

It's a big day in Liverpool! The new Queens Place Athletic Centre will be officially opened this afternoon and a large ceremony is planned. District of Queens Mayor John Leefe says the much-anticipated, multi-million dollar facility will allow for a number of community and regional sporting events. "It's a multi-purpose facility. It includes a little over one-thousand fixed seats, we'll also be purchasing a floor to put over the ice surface for non-ice related events. We've already got figure skating and two significant hockey tournaments lined up,"  The new centre will also feature a gymnasium, a walking track, community meeting rooms and other facilities. Opening ceremonies begin this afternoon at 2 o'clock.

Baillie Swings Through South Shore

Conservative leader Jaime Baillie will make a swing through the South Shore today. Baillie is set to meet with management and staff at Michelin in Bridgewater this morning in what he calls a show of support for the company. The visit follows the NDP government's decision to pass a controversial labour law on so called "First Contract Arbitration". Baillie's party voted against the bill and even tabled a letter in the legislative assembly signed by Bridgewater Town Council indicating their concerns over the legislation.  "For the mayor and councillors in Bridgewater who stood up for Michelin and for the employers - they did their job. I can understand if council is frustrated with NDP MLA's representing Lunenburg and Lunenburg West didn't - they put their party's back-room interests in front of jobs in the areas they represent,"  Both the Liberals and Tories maintain the bill isn't needed and will stifle the province's economic competitiveness. Large employers such as Michelin and Sobeys called the legislation a black mark on business in Nova Scotia.

Weekend Sports Wrap

• The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks are limping into the Holidays. The Jacks lost their fifth in row Sunday, 4-1 against the Commandos in Dieppe. Brennan Saulnier scored the lone goal for the last-place Lumberjacks who head into the Christmas break 11 points out of a playoff spot.

• The South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs snapped a three game losing skid with a big 4-3 home victory over the Halifax Titans. Brennan Bailey scored twice for the Stangs who handed the first place Titans only their second regulation loss this season. Corey Peterson took the win in goal stopping 23 of 26 shots. The Mustangs head into the Holiday break in 3rd place in the Major Midget standings.

• Another South Shore curling team has earned a spot in the upcoming Provincial Junior Championships. At a qualifying event this weekend, Thomas Raddall of Bridgewater won all three of his games to clinch a berth. The final two junior mens and womens spots will be determined later today in Halifax. The AMJ Provincials are set for the Windsor Club starting December 27th.

• In Nova Scotia Major Bantam Hockey League action, a two game series between first place BMO Western Hurricanes and second place Bay Gulls generated intense end to end action for home crowds at the brand new Queens Place in Liverpool on Saturday and the Chester Arena on Sunday.  The Hurricanes increased their first place lead in the Nova Scotia Major Bantam Hockey Leage with a dominating 7-1 victory on Saturday evening in Liverpool and battled to a 3-1 win on Sunday afternoon in Chester.  The Hurricanes have now won 16 straight games and lead the league with a 20 and 2 record.   The Hurricanes now head into the Holiday break and will resume league play on January 7th.

• The Yarmouth Vikings defeated the Park View J.V. Panthers 79-49 Saturday to claim the championship game of the Days Inn "Holiday Hoop Fest". Luke Nickerson of Yarmouth was selected tournament M.V.P. and teammate Adam Barnett was selected a tournament all-Star. Jake Langille was Park View's representative on the all-star team. Northumberland claimed third place with a 60-53 win over Bridgewater High. Bridgewater's Jonah Comeau was a tournament All-Star. Park View's Division-1 team soundly defeated Memorial 101-78 to claim the consolation final.
  

Bridgewater Council defers disabled man's request

A disabled man will have to wait at least another month before knowing if Bridgewater Town Council will waive an $800 planning application fee. Dylan Robar is looking to apply for an amendment to Bridgewater's Land Use By-Law, which if approved, would allow his family home to be converted from a single-unit to a two-unit dwelling. He has requested that the application fee, which is primarily used to cover required advertising costs for notices, be waived. Robar requires the conversion of his family home to a two-unit dwelling in order to be eligible for a funding program administered by the province, which would assist in paying for renovations. Councillor David Mitchell says he would like to see changes made to the requirements of the funding program, eliminating the need to change Bridgewater's Land Use By-Law. The issue is expected to be back in front of council in January.

Holliday Hoopfest Wraps Up

The Yarmouth Vikings defeated the Park View J.V. Panthers 79-49 to claim the championship of the Days Inn Holiday Hoop Fest. Luke Nickerson of Yarmouth was selected as the tournament M.V.P. and   teammate Adam Barnett was selected as a tournament all-Star. Jake   Langille was Park View's representative on the all-star team. Northumberland claimed third place with a 60-53 win over Bridgewater High. Meanwhile, Bridgewater's Jonah Comeau was a tournament All-Star. Park View's Division 1 team soundly defeated Memorial 101-78 to claim the consolation final.