Resolute/Government Negotiate $50 Million Deal - Saves Mill

The Nova Scotia government has reached a deal with Resolute Forest Products to keep its Bowater Mersey paper mill operating. The five-year package amounts to $50 million dollars in total. Premier Darrell Dexter says $25 million of the deal will be a forgivable loan to Resolute. Dexter says that money is intended to make the mill more efficient and become more innovative. "In the end, I believe that in the newsprint industry, it's going to be the lowest cost mills that are going to be the ones that survive and once the newsprint industry reaches an equilibrium those companies will make money...but you have to get there first," He says the province will also spend $23.75 million to buy about 10,000 hectares of woodland from the company. Meanwhile, Resolute's Canadian Spokesperson Pierre Choquette called it good news for the South Shore and the industry. "You look at the way the industry has been affected by the economy over the past couple of years and you look at the demand going down as well. So it's no secret that the most competitive, low cost mills will be the ones that survive," The agreement includes $1.5 million for workforce training through the Productivity Investment Program, the province's plan for economic growth. The investment allows employees to upgrade their skills between 2012 and 2014, as a result of capital improvements to the mill. 

Black Legged Tick Confirmed in Gavelton, Yarmouth Co.

The black legged tick has been confirmed to be present in the Gavelton area of Yarmouth County. South West Health spokesperson Barb Johnson says recent tests confirm the bugs are there. The ticks can carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease and are normally found in grassy, shrubby and wooded areas. Johnson says letters will be going out this week for those who live in the Gavelton area reminding residents of the tick's presence. She suggests those who are working in potentially populated areas to conduct a thorough tick check when they get home - she's says one sign of exposure is a bulls-eye rash around the bite. Tick activity is normally reduced with the first permanent snowfall or when air temperatures are consistently below 4 degrees.

Dexter en route to Liverpool with news for Bowater Mersey

A big announcement coming today from Premier Darrell Dexter. It could help keep the Bowater Mersey paper mill running. A spokeswoman for Dexter has confirmed the government has worked out a multi-million dollar support package. Mill owners Resolute Forest Products have told the premier they will close the plant without help from the government, concessions from the union and reduced electricity costs. The President of CEP Union Local 141 Courtney Wentzell says he'll need to know the details of the deal before he can endorse it while officials from Resolute have declined comment. CKBW/HANK FM will have more on this announcement later this afternoon.

BREAKING: Multi-Million Dollar Support Package for Bowater Mersey

It's a huge development that may help keep the Bowater Mersey paper mill in production. The government of Nova Scotia has worked out a multi million-dollar support package for the Brooklyn based mill. A spokeswoman from the premier's office confirmed the agreement late Thursday afternoon. Premier Darrell Dexter will give details about the deal Friday afternoon during an announcement in Liverpool. Mill owners Resolute Forest Products told Dexter they would close the plant without help from the government, concessions from the union and reduced electricity costs. President of CEP Union Local 141 Courtney Wentzell says he'll need to know the details of the deal before he can endorse it. The union at the mill recently voted to cut 110 full- and part-time jobs in an effort to reduce labour costs and help save the operation. On Tuesday, the province's Utility and Review Board ruled that the mill would receive a three-year discount on its electricity costs. The Region of Queens Municipality has also approved a 15 per cent property tax reduction for the mill worth about $135,000 per year. Officials for Resolute did not return messages seeking comment. CKBW/HANK FM News will have more on this story tomorrow afternoon and full reaction.

Lumberjacks, Crushers meet in Pictou

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks head to Pictou Thursday night to battle the Weeks Crushers. The Jacks have dropped two in a row and are looking to bounce back from an 8-1 loss to Truro Saturday night. Head Coach Terry Rhindress says the team has to focus on what they do well.

"The key for us is to get a good start and play 60 minutes again. We know we can play with them, we have to get pucks deep, get pucks to the net, you know, we have to cycle the puck low. When we play our low game and cycle the puck, you know, that's our bread and butter, that's where we succeed."

Rhindress says his club needs to stay composed in their own zone and play better positionally. The Lumberjacks and Crushers face off at 7:30 in Pictou.

Mustangs face off against Dartmouth

The South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs bring a modest two-game winning streak into Dartmouth Thursday night against the Taylor Flooring Major Midgets. Dartmouth leads the Mustangs by one point in a sea-saw battle for second place in the Major Midget standings. Head Coach Tim Boyce says it will be a tough test on the road.

"Solid goaltending. Obviously the kid in nets, Jack Flinn, has been on a real roll this year. We are going to have to get some traffic in front of him, get some dirty goals. The other thing we're going to have to do is look to take away the middle of the ice, slow things down in the neutral zone because they are a very good skating club."

Boyce says he expects his team will struggle with their usual fast-paced forecheck because of the larger ice surface in Dartmouth. The two teams square off at 6:30 Thursday night at the Dartmouth Sportsplex.

District of Lunenburg assumes control of Osprey Ridge

The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has assumed control of Osprey Ridge Golf Course after the club couldn't meet a 60 day deadline to meet financial obligations. The Municipality issued a notice of default to the golf course towards the end of September and is now on the hook for upwards of $3.2-million in unpaid mortgage payments. The Chief Administrative Officer for the Municipality, Tammy Wilson, says they've started the process of hiring a consultant to sell the property.

"We have a proposal call out for the development of a prospectus and marketing strategy to market the land, with the objective of finding investors to acquire the property as a long-term solution."

Wilson says once a consultant is hired, there will be a public process to determine interest in acquiring the land. The Municipality expects Osprey Ridge to be open next season and operated by the non-profit group Bridgewater Golf and County Club.

Fleur de Sel, Charlotte Lane among Taste of Nova Scotia award winners

Several popular South Shore eating establishments have scored big at the Taste of Nova Scotia Prestige Awards. Fleur de Sel of Lunenburg won the Restaurant of the Year Award for chef inspired fine dining, as did Charlotte Lane of Shelburne for chef inspired casual dining. Charlotte Lane co-owner Roland Glauser says the award means a lot to his business.

"We are so pleased that our customers enjoy our product so much, you know, it really makes it worth our while to be here in Shelburne and it's really good to get this recognition."

Glauser says Charlotte Lane received 250 out of a possible 900 votes between the eight award categories. Elsewhere, the Consumer Choice Product of the Year award went to Schoolhouse Gluten-Free Gourmet of Mahone Bay for their pumpkin muffins.Waitress Simone Momberquette, who works at Trattoria della Nonna in Lunenburg, was voted server of the year. The awards honour restaurants and producers providing exceptional culinary products and services.

Good Lobster Catches Reported

The lobster season between Eastern Passage, along the South Shore and around the tip of the province to Digby got underway Tuesday.
Fishermen bringing-in their early catches predict numbers will be about the same as last year, if not slightly higher.
The DFO's Conservation and Protection officer Bill Wolfe in Liverpool says the price per pound should be set any day now. He says: "The buyers for the most part are going to set the prices and hopefully they will set them soon. With harvesters moving their fresh lobsters into market, there are all kinds of rumours on the wharves that (prices will be) anywhere from $3.25 to $3.50 per pound. But, that isn't set yet."
Wolfe says the weather has been a factor in a smooth-run so far this lobster season for fishermen and their vessels.

Crosswalk Safety A Concern in Lunenburg

A town councillor in Lunenburg is pleased the local traffic authority will examine crosswalk safety within the community. Peter Zwicker believes there's a definite need for more crosswalks in the town and adds there's been a number of close calls recently. He says it's a good time to conduct a review, especially given Bluenose Academy planned opening next year. "I think with approximately 600 students coming to the new academy, they are probably going to be heading to the grocery store, coffee shops and convenience store there's going to be a lot more pedestrian traffic in that area and it something we need to be aware of and take the necessary steps to ensure that area is safe,"  Council also discussed the need for a new crosswalk near Hall Street and the Tim Horton's at their meeting this week. Zwicker says the traffic authority will come back with recommendations for council to consider in the New Year.

RCMP: ATV Stolen from Simpson Corner

Mounties in Lunenburg are looking for tips in locating a 2011 Polaris Razor Ranger ATV. It's blue in color and is a four seater. Police say the ATV was taken sometime overnight on Sunday, November 20th. It was stolen from Simpson Corner. Anyone with information on the theft is asking to contact the Cookville RCMP detachment.

Bridgewater's Giant Tiger wins Lieutenant Governor's award

Margaret Matthews of Employment Solutions (left) and Shane Demmings of Giant Tiger (right)

A Bridgewater business has received an award for recognizing persons with disabilities as a valuable asset in the work place and the community. Giant Tiger received the Lieutenant Governor's Persons with Disabilities Employer Partnership award Wednesday night at a ceremony in Halifax. The store manager at the Bridgewater Giant Tiger, Shane Demmings, says the award speaks volumes for their business.

"Well, it's a great honour for sure to be recognized in this way. We have a great partnership with the Employment Solutions society that nominated us for the award and we've had a lot of really good success stories come out of working with them and employing people with barriers to the workforce."

Demmings calls the award a pleasant surprise but is happy people think the local business is making a difference. Bridgewater's Giant Tiger is one of 10 businesses province-wide to receive the award Wednesday night, including Giant Tiger's Halifax location. He says the store plans to showcase the award for the public to see.

December: Another Critical Month for Bowater Mersey

It's the beginning of another critical stretch for Bowater Mersey. Today is the deadline for 80 workers at the mill to either accept or reject severance packages from their employer while Resolute Forest Products is expected to make a decision on whether or not they will continue to operate the Brooklyn mill next week. A number of stakeholders have already agreed to numerous company demands and cost reduction measures which include a break on power rates, job cuts, wage freezes and tax relief. However, the company hasn't said if its enough to keep the mill in operation. Premier Darrell Dexter has yet to provide any details on potential assistance from the province to help keep the mill remain open. Resolute is expected to begin its Board of Director meetings on December 7th.

Cash Taken During Xmas on the Lahave Parade

Bridgewater Police are investigating after someone stole some cash out of a vehicle at the NSCC Campus. The theft occurred around 5:15PM and 6:45PM during the Christmas on the LaHave parade on Sunday. Police say the thieves found both Canadian and American currency inside the vehicle. They are asking anyone with information to contact the Bridgewater police or Crime Stoppers'.

Fairview Inn Investigation coming to an end: Police Chief

Bridgewater's Police Chief says he believes the investigation into the Fairview Inn will soon be over. John Collyer says it's been a lengthy process involving a number of different agencies including the Fire Marshal's office. He says its a matter of time before the investigation ends.

"A major part of our investigation was talking to all of the witnesses and, you know, just answering all the questions that have cropped up and, ya know, we're still doing that but I believe we are almost to a point of having things concluded."

Collyer says police received the Fire Marshal's report roughly a month ago and investigators are wrapping up their interviews with witnesses. The Fairview Inn blaze happened June 4 and fire officials have since deemed it suspicious.

No injuries after Lockeport House Fire

A Lockeport man escaped unharmed after a fire broke out at his home earlier this week. The blaze happened around 1:30 Monday afternoon. Volunteer firefighters from Lockeport were able to contain the blaze to one room, but there was smoke and water damage elsewhere in the house at 7 Point Road. A couple in their 50s were temporarily forced out of their home because of the fire.

SSRSB introduces new, one-person Board

Judy Sullivan-Corney

The new person in control of the South Shore Regional School board visited the area Tuesday afternoon. Judy Sullivan-Corney was introduced to school board staff and met with local media. She says taking over the board will be a challenge, but she's ready to make an impact right away.

"My interest is making sure that we are open and transparent and that I hear the needs of students and teachers and families in the communities, so, I will have open meetings. There are certain things that have to be discussed in-camera but otherwise meetings will be open."

Sullivan-Corney says she looks forward to building trust with the public.

"I do think the public are interested in stabilty, I think they are interested in making sure that students get a good education, so, I would see if I can get back on track with those priorities then I'm hoping the public will regain its confidence in the board."

Sullivan-Corney is a former teacher and has worked in aboriginal negotiations and labour relations and retired from public service October 1st. She came out of retirement to take over the board's responsibilities. Twelve board members were fired following an independent report by Deloitte into the governance practices of the elected members.

Town of Lunenburg begin Capital Budget Deliberations for 2012-13

The Town of Lunenburg is looking to replace a critical part of the arena's refrigeration system. The rinks condenser is 22 years old and council has set aside $50,000 in their 2012-13 capital budget to make the upgrade. Councillor Jamie Myra says the rink is an important part of the community and hopes council will approve the expenditure. "It's at the point now where if something major were to happen, I'm not sure we would even be able to get the appropriate parts [to repair it]...it's basically a six to eight week fix and if its a major break down it would shut us down for the year, so committee is recommending that council put this [expenditure] in the budget," He says the new condenser would be installed in the spring and in place for the start of next hockey season. The town began budget deliberations on their capital spending plan for the new fiscal year at its regular meeting last night.

Former SSRSB Vice-Chair agrees with Minister's Decision

Gary Mailman

The former Vice-Chair of the South Shore Regional School Board says he believes the Education Minister made the right choice in firing the board. Gary Mailman says he wasn't really shocked by Ramona Jennex's decision. He says he's disappointed by the actions of some former board members.

"I wish a couple board members would've stepped up to the plate and would've realized that they may have had a part in how the board started to fall apart but, no one really wanted to take any blame and so the minister had to do what she had to do."

Aside from the Deloitte report, Mailman believes there were a number of factors that contributed to the Board being fired.

"There was people weith various experience of being an elected official and I think there were different views on what governance really was and unfortunately, I think there were a couple board members who had a different view of how governance should've been and that caused the board to, I guess you could say, become dysfunctional."

Mailman believes if the board could've got back on track, the group of 12 were competent enough to do the job. He says he's undecided if he will run for school board in October 2012.

Mustangs thump Cole Harbour 7-0

Avery Clarke continued his torrid scoring pace with a hat-trick as the South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs dumped the Cole Harbour Major Midgets 7-0 Tuesday night. The Mustangs got goals from five different players including Alex Mann and Jamie McIntyre while Cory Peterson stopped 40 shots in the shutout victory. Head Coach Tim Boyce says Clarke is playing with a lot of confidence right now.

"He has some offensive instincts and he's a very smart player. The biggest thing is he's just starting to grow into his body now and understanding how he can use it as a weapon on the ice in the offensive zone."

Clarke now has 22 goals in 21 games to lead the Major Midget League in goal scoring. The Mustangs take a modest two game winning streak into Dartmouth Thursday night.