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.