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.

Heavier Power Bills in 2012

Power rates are going up in Nova Scotia. Residents will see their bills rise by about six per cent. The hike is to offset revenue shortfalls of two of NSP's major clients - NewPage Port Hawkesbury and Bowater Mersey. The mills were looking for a five-year break on the utility's load retention tariff. The province's utility and review board has agreed to three years. Canadian Taxpayers Federation Atlantic Director Kevin Lacey says the writing may be on the wall for Bowater-Mersey. "This could mean trouble for them and you know, ultimately it's important for these companies to survive," Meanwhile, Lacey also slammed NSP  and their "high-paid executives" - he says if they were "unload" some of those positions power rates might be lower instead of higher. "What we're seeing today is just the product of years of mismanagement by Nova Scotia Power and now what they're expecting is regular rate payers to pay the price of their mismanagement," The increased power rates take effect January 1st.

BREAKING NEWS: Education Minister Replacing SSRSB

Education Minister Ramona Jennex

Education Minister Ramona Jennex is restoring stability for students, teachers and staff by replacing the South Shore Regional School board with an appointed board member. The move follows an independent report by Deloitte into the governance practices of the elected board. That report found frequent violations by the board of its own by-laws, persistent cases of conflict of interest, inappropriate use of in-camera meetings and a focus on individual agendas at the expense of the region's overall best interest. Jennex says it is clear from the Deloitte report that the board was unable to fulfill its duties and its conduct placed the quality of education for students at risk. Jennex informed board members in a meeting in Bridgewater Tuesday morning that she was exercising her authority under the Education Act, which allows her to transfer the school board's authority and responsibilities to Judith Sullivan-Corney, a former deputy minister.The Deloitte report is available on line at http://www.ednet.ns.ca/.  More details to come.

BREAKING NEWS : Deloitte Inc. releases its Review of SSRSB

Deloitte Inc. says the South Shore Regional School Board has serious governance issues. The Performance Review was released in Halifax Tuesday morning. Deloitte. Inc revealed the board was in frequent violation of their code of ethics, there was mistrust of management and persistent cases of conflict of interest on the part of some members. Deloitte Inc. made a number of recommendations in their report including addressing breaches of conflict of interest and ethics, removing the Board from its involvement in management issues and eliminating members' interference in schools. Deloitte Inc. further says in their report "We believe that the capabilities required to successfully implement thse recommendations are largely absent from the Board, and success is unlikely to be achieved by the current members, even with substantial outside assistance. More details to come.

Baillie: Talks Power Rates, Families & Forestry

Conservative leader Jamie Baillie says sky high power rates are haunting average families and putting some businesses like Bowater Mersey on the brink of closure. He made the comments on Monday after meeting with business leaders in Hubbards and Liverpool during a quick swing through the South Shore. Baillie stressed the need for political parties to work together on items such as power rates and policy. "I wanted the people of Lunenburg and Queens County to know that I believe there is a long term future for the forestry industry. We all know that the world-wide demand for paper has gone down but there will be paper mills in the long run - our goal is to make sure some of them are here," The future of the pulp and paper mill in Brooklyn hinges on a plan that could include provincial government funding and breaks on energy costs. The Tories have already introduced four legislative bills during the fall session of the legislature aimed at tackling power rates. However, the bills will be lucky to see the light of day given Premier Darrell Dexter's majority government.

Fairview Inn to be Demolished

Photo Courtesy of Dan Hennessey

A sad end to one of the province's oldest Inn's. The Fairview Inn is expected to start being demolished this week, nearly six months after being ravaged by fire. Bridgewater Mayor Carroll Publicover confirmed the news at Monday night's council meeting.

"There has been a demolition permit issued. On the 22nd of November it was issued and there is machinery there now and I guess it's on the verge of being brought down."

The Inn was built in 1916 after another blaze destroyed the site's original hotel. Publicover says it's sad to see the Inn up for demolition, but adds, it's been a dangerous and unsightly property since the fire. The Inn is one of two heritage sites in Bridgewater after town council deregistered the Riverview Community Centre in July. No word yet if another Fairview Inn is expected to be built.

Chester's Doucet, Fay qualify for Junior Girls Curling Provincials

Team Doucet in Berwick

A pair of Chester junior girls curling teams have qualified for provincials. Lindsay Doucet's rink made it look easy over the weekend in Berwick; quashing the competition en route to a perfect 3-0 record. Doucet, who has two different players on her team compared to last season, says it was a weekend of learning.

"The most important thing about this weekend is kind of what we learned, more important than our record. We just figured out how each of us throws and what works and what doesn't, so it will be really helpful going on and going to provincials later in December."

Also, Mary Fay beat Bridgewater's Raquel Bachman 11-3 Monday afternoon for the second provincial qualifying spot. On the boys side, Windsor's Drew MacCormack and Wolfville's Robert Mayhew earned provincial spots. The provincials will be held, beginning December 27, in Windsor.

Grant Lake Road: Needs More Attention

The Municipality of the District of Chester is hoping to see some improvements to the Grant Lake Road. Warden Allen Webber says for those who live in the area and use the road daily - it's a serious issue. Webber says the road is in poor condition and has been a concern around the council table for years. "If you happen to live there and have to travel it - it's high on your priority list. I think all we want to express to them is that there are people who care and they may not be able to fix it completely but it needs a lot more attention than what it's getting," Council has sent a letter to the Department of Transportation asking for better maintenance and care of the road.

Deloitte Inc. set to release SSRSB Performance Review

Deloitte Inc. will release its findings Tuesday into the performance review of the South Shore Regional School Board. A technical briefing will be held at 10am Tuesday morning in the Media Room at One Government Place on Granville Street in Halifax. Michael Hodgett of Deloitte. Inc will conduct the briefing. Keep it tuned in to CKBW and HANK-FM for all the details.

Forestry Threat Found In Lunenburg

The brown spruce longhorn beetle that devastated much of Halifax's Point Pleasant Park years ago has appeared in the Lunenburg area. The town recently received a notice from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency that prohibits it from moving any spruce logs, bark or wood chips off nine properties it owns.The notice says the beetle turned up in traps set in the area. Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says the beetle's presence is up for discussion at town council this week. For now though, the town doesn't know what the notice means for people living in the area. The Mayor says: "We were one of the properties within a thousand metres of a trap in the Garden Lots area where a brown-spruce longhorn beetle was found. They were raising this as a concern. We cannot move nor can anyone else within this thousand metre perifery any spruce logs, bark or chips. Its simply a matter at this time to further investigate." The notice affects about 14 hectares of land. The town does not plan to do any harvesting of trees in the area affected.

Dinosaur Spreading Anti-Smoking Message at South Shore Schools

Don't be alarmed if you see a nine foot dinosaur around local schools this week. The province's Dinosaur on the Move program has hit the South Shore with stops at Bridgewater Junior/Senior High, Park View, Liverpool Regional High, Forest Heights in Chester, Gorham Memorial Education Centre in Liverpool and New Germany Rural High School. The dinosaur monument, along with artifact boxes, are designed as part of an anti-smoking campaign targetting kids 13-18 years old. The manager of tobacco control with the Department of Health, Steve Machat, says they want to prevent kids from picking up a cigarette. The dinosaur is made out of old ashtrays with references to the government's anti-smoking website. For more details, visit http://www.15andfalling.ca/ .

Christmas on the Lahave Draws Record Crowd

There was a record crowd for last night's parade of lights and fireworks during Christmas on the Lahave in Bridgewater. Some officials say they've never seen the likes of it for the event. The parade, featuring Lunenburg County organizations and businesses, went at 6pm and the fireworks at 7. Awards were handed out too. The best decorated store award went to "King Street Shoes". Honorable mentions for the "Garden of Reading", "Kitchen Witch" and "Dennison Custom Framing." The awards were sponsored by Bridgewater and area Chamber of Commerce. Christmas on the Lahave has become the kickoff event for the Christmas season on the South Shore.

Lumberjacks Acquire Smith from Dieppe

Nick Smith

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks made another roster move over the weekend. The Jacks picked up 18-year-old forward Nick Smith from Dieppe for a 9th round pick in 2012 and future considerations. Smith was a third round pick by the Commandos. He'll make his Bridgewater debut Friday when the Jacks host Summerside.

Clarke leads Mustangs over Pictou

Avery Clarke

Avery Clarke's hat trick lifted the South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs to a 6-3 win over Pictou County Sunday in Bridgewater. Clarke also had an assist as the third place Stangs earned a weekend split with the Weeks Crushers. The Mustangs will be back on home ice Tuesday night against Cole Harbour. Gametime is 8 o'clock at the Bridgewater Arena. Meanwhile, Clarke was also named the Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League's player of the week for November 9. Clarke had six points in two games. He is currently second in league scoring with 33 points and leads the league in goals scored with 19 in 20 games.

Coastal Management Strategy Meeting in Petite Riviere

Here's your chance to have your say about the province's draft version of the coastal management strategy. The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg and the Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation will host a meeting from 7-9 Monday night at the Petite Riviere Fire Hall. The chair of the Foundation, Rick Welsford, says the meeting will discuss how residents can better manage the province's coastline. The chair of the provincial oceans network, Justin Huston, is expected to explain the draft version of the coastal management strategy. Welsford believes Monday night is the last public meeting that the government will collect feedback. If you can't make the meeting, you can read the draft policy online and respond at www.gov.ns.ca/coast/consultation.asp .

Weather Causes Delay For Lobster Fishers

High winds will push back Dumping Day for both LFA 33 and 34. Fishers in Shelburne, Digby and Yarmouth will only be delayed by one day. Lobster boats will now head out on Tuesday, November 29th. District 34 will depart at 6am while those in LFA 33 leave at 7am. The forecast is looking good for Tuesday giving fishers in both districts a better chance to set their traps.

Lumberjacks mauled by Bearcats in Truro

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks got thumped 8-1 last night in Truro. The Bearcats jumped out to a 3-0 lead after the first period and never looked back. Jake Bullen had the lone goal for the Jacks, who were playing their third game in as many nights. In other MHL action the Amherst Ramblers topped  Woodstock 4-1, handing the Slammers their first regulation loss of the season.
 
In Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League action in Bridgewater the Pictou County Weeks Crushers doubled the South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs 6-3. The same two clubs meet again this morning at 10:30 at the Bridgewater Arena.

Mustangs Take Impressive Record into Double Dip with Pictou

The second place Canadian Tire Mustangs hit the ice tonight in Bridgewater. The Stangs will take on Pictou Crush. Puck drops at 8 o'clock at the Bridgewater Arena. The two clubs will lock horns again Sunday morning at 10:30. The Mustangs sport an impressive 12-5-01 record on the season - good for 25 points on the season. Pictou County sits in fourth place with 21 points and a 9-6-0-2 record. Halifax leads the league with 32 points.

Ramblers Double Jacks - Ending CIBC's Two Game Streak

Maritime Hockey League action last night in Bridgewater the Amherst Ramblers doubled the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks 4-2. Jake Bullen gave the Jacks an early 1-0 lead but the first place Ramblers scored the next three goals. Shawn Boudreau brought the locals to within one midway through the third period but Brandon Street's second goal of the game with three & a half minutes to go iced it. The Ramblers outshot Bridgewater 33-30. Tonight the Lumberjacks head to Truro to face the Bearcats. Gametime is 7:30.

Resolute to Shut Down Mill in Fort Frances, Ont

Resolute Forest Products is curtailing its papermaking operations in Fort Frances for the rest of the year beginning on Monday. The company - formerly Abitibi Bowater - is citing poor market conditions as the reason behind the five week shutdown of its paper machines. About one hundred employees at the Ontario-based mill will be impacted.  It's the third work stoppage this year. Meanwhile, workers at the Bowater Mersey Mill in Brooklyn are facing a December 1st deadline to accept severance packages after the union accepted major concessions from Resolute in an effort to save the operation. It means 80 full-time workers will be unemployed and are mulling over company offers.

It's a Big Safety Concern: Shatford

The Deputy Warden for the District of Chester is upset over the lack of snow removal following this weeks storm. During council's regular meeting on Thursday, Floyd Shatford asked each councillor to contact their area MLA to try and draw attention to the issue. Shatford says residents of Chester and the surrounding area deserve better. "I mean I was totally disgusted, the roads were very very bad. My grand kids were heading on buses and the roads were dangerous. I have a hard time accepting they can't keep the roads cleaner. It's totally unacceptable," Snow removal has been an on-going issue in the community year after year and Shatford says something needs to improve.

Former Shelburne Film Studio/Navy Base Sold in Auction

The 150-acre parcel of land at Sandy point near Shelburne was sold in a receiver's auction for $125,000 on Thursday. Roger Sullivan, owner of Yarmouth-based Tri-County Construction was the successful bidder. At one time the asking price for the property was $5 million. Sullivan says he has no immediate plans for the former film studio and navy base. In a separate bid, Tanya Strate purchased six ocean front lots for $85,000 or less than $15,000 per lot. Proceeds of the auction will go toward creditors, including the now defunct South West Shore Development Authority.

SSRSB Member Reinhardt states her case

Karen Reinhardt

A South Shore Regional School Board member who allegedly breached 11 sections of the code of ethics is telling her side of the story. In an exclusive interview with CKBW/HANK-FM News, Reinhardt says the Board had planned a special meeting for November 15, but it wasn't supposed to be about her being censured. Reinhardt says the Board didn't inform her about being censured until after she was volunteering overseas.

"I think that it's a bit unfair. To let me go away and believe one thing, I don't know why they didn't let me know that. They weren't fair enough to let me know that before I left, because I think they were aware of it before I left."

Reinhardt says she wouldn't have made the trip to Liberia if she had known before-hand that the Board planned on making a censure motion. She also wanted to clear the air over allegations she interfered in the school review process. Reinhardt says members exchanged emails and phone calls because they felt they had no time or opportunity to discuss school review before the March 30 meeting. Reinhardt says she doesn't feel she's done anything wrong.

"I don't think there's anything wrong, I can't see anything wrong with board members talking with each other and exchanging information. I don't think that subverts, not only, democracy, but it doesn't subvert board authority at all, especially when 10 board members voted for the motion not to review any schools at this time."

She says School Board Chair Elliott Payzant should also shoulder some of the blame.

"I mean, I do blame the Chair a little bit, because knowing that there was initiative from more than one board member to have a discussion about this, he could've called a special meeting and then we could've done it within the perameters of bylaws and regulations, but that didn't happen."

Reinhardt says final reports, with significant changes, were given to the board just before the March 30 meeting began, giving them no time for careful review or deliberation. Reinhardt also reacted to recent comments by the Education Minister. Ramona Jennex criticized the Board's decision Monday evening, for not making a responsible decision to censure Reinhardt. The vote failed to pass by a 7-4 margin. Reinhardt says she's not sure how to take the Minister's comments.

"She does have a couple of options open to her, neither one of which, in my mind, is terribly pleasant for anybody including her. But, I don't know what to think about what part of that she was dissatisfied with."

Jennex can still decide to overrule the Board's decision and vacate Reinhardt's seat, or the Minister can choose to disband the entire Board. To hear Reinhardt's full interview, tune into this weekend's South Shore Sunday Morning program from 8-9am on HANK-FM and 9-10am on CKBW.

No Serious Injuries After School Bus Veers of the 103

No serious injuries after a school bus went off the road outside of Chester this afternoon. The incident occurred around 1 o'clock on Highway 103 near Exit 7. No children were on board the bus at the time of the incident.  EMS and RCMP are on the scene to check on the status of the bus driver. No word on what caused the bus to veer off the road.

Webber: Pleased Eastlink will Relocate Cell Tower

The Warden of the District of Chester says he's pleased Eastlink has backed down from their proposal to construct a cell phone tower near Demone Road. Allen Webber says it was a poor choice for a telecommunications tower given it's proximately to homes in the area. He says numerous residents had expressed concerns. "It's sort of like you're putting an industrial structure in a entirely residential neighbourhood, so people just don't like that - even if its good or bad or indifferent. There are all kinds of concerns - is it too close to property lines and what if it falls down - those are legitimate concerns," Eastlink still wants to construct a tower in the municipality and is hoping to work with council and the community on selecting an alternate site. Council will send a letter of thanks to the company for removing the Demone Road site from its initial plans.

GasPrices May Fall Again

This may bode well for drivers on the South Shore.
The price of gasoline is down today in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
In New Brunswick, the Energy and Utilities Board has reduced the maximum price of regular self-serve to a dollar-22-point-2 a litre.
That's lower by almost two-and-a-half cents from last week's posting.
In Newfoundland, the regulator there has dropped the price by three cents.
Here in this province, the utility and review board will set the weekly price at midnight tonight.

MLA Conrad Pleased with South Queens Site Selection

Queens MLA Vicki Conrad

The new South Queens Junior High will be built at the same address as the current school. The province made the site selection announcement Thursday morning in Liverpool. Queens MLA Vicki Conrad says she expects the old school will be demolished, but not right away.

"The students will be able to remain in the current school while the rebuild is taking place. So it's going to be an easy transition, you know, we won't see students being moved to other locations, teachers will be on site, as the rebuild is happening."

Conrad says she's excited to see the new South Queens remain at the same address because it will keep students in the heart of Queens County. The new South Queens is expected to be built in 2013. It will house grade six to eight students, with grade nines going to Liverpool Regional High.

2011: A Tough Year for Tourism

It's been another tough year for tourism in Nova Scotia and that includes the South Shore. Locally, tourism operators are dealing with a 3 percent dip in occupancy rates while campgrounds and hotels are also facing a 5 percent reduction in total nights sold. Officials are blaming the downward trend on increasing global competition, a difficult economic climate and poor weather. Director of Marketing for the province Kristi Wenous isn't surprised by the latest numbers. "As we understand the pressures and the economic climate - it's understandable discretionary spending such as travel would be down," Meanwhile, road travel and cruise ship passengers into Halifax are also down, while visits to Sydney are on the rise. Air travel did see a positive spike of 9 percent compared to the same time period in 2010. Tourism statistics vary across the province. Details at www.gov.ns.ca/econ/tourism/research/latest-activity-updates.asp.

Two Cars Damaged in Bridgewater Parking Areas

Police in Bridgewater are looking for information on a couple of hit & runs. Two separate incidents were reported Monday night. The first, occurred in the Superstore parking lot where a Honda Accord was struck causing damage to the drivers side door and rear door. The other incident took place on Glen Allen Drive. Police say a Honda CRV sustained serious damage while parked near the South Shore Regional Hospital entrance. The Bridgewater Police Service is hoping to get some tips.

Centre Jail Demolition Expected to start Nov. 24

Photo Courtesy of CP Harmon

The former Centre jail is expected to be demolished over the next week. The jail is expected to start being torn down Thursday morning, depending on weather conditions. Chris Gallivan with Strum Environmental says East Coast Demolition will start by removing old fuel tanks, fuel lines and furnaces. He says, once that is finished, they will start structural demolition by knocking supports down and crushing the building into itself. The jail is located along Highway 3 in Centre. Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Engineer, Satu Peori, says Council doesn't have any immediate plans for the land. The jail opened in 1950 and has been empty since 2001.

Province Announces Funding for Two South Shore Schools

Bluenose Academy

Two new South Shore schools are receiving funds from the provincial government. The still to be built South Queens Junior High is getting $8.5-million while Bluenose Academy in Lunenburg is pegged to get $840-thousand. Department of Education spokesperson Peter McLaughlin says the announcement shows that government considers the schools a priority for the South Shore. McLaughlin couldn't comment on what each school plans to use the money towards. The funding is part of the government's 2012-13 Capital plan. Site selection for the new South Queens Junior High is scheduled for Thursday morning while Bluenose Academy is anticipated to open in 2012.

Public Hearing in Chester: Cancelled

A public hearing regarding the proposed location of a new telecommunications tower in Chester has been cancelled. The hearing was to deal with the location of an Eastlink owned tower and it's proximity to homes on the Demone Road. The tower would offer better high speed Internet connection and cell phone usage in the community. The meeting was set for tonight but due to the weather it will be rescheduled.

RCMP: Motorists Need to Slow Down

It's been a hectic morning for Lunenburg County RCMP. Staff Sergeant Bruce Hill says roads are extremely slick and he's asking motorists to slow down. "The roads at this time are very slick, the snow is hitting the pavement and turning to ice. We've had about 10 accidents already this morning, no injuries reported as of yet. We're asking motorists to slow down, use caution and ensure you leave enough room between yourself and the vehicle ahead of you," No serious incidents to report, Hill says in most cases vehicles have slid of the road. Meanwhile, a number of school closures are already being reported. Under the South Shore Regional School Board, all schools will be closed today.

Snow & Rain to Pound South Shore - UPDATED

R-C-M-P are already warning drivers to be ready for slippery, slushy roadways this morning. Snowfall warnings are in effect across Nova Scotia and southern New Brunswick, as well as central and eastern PEI. A number of school closures are already being reported. Under the South Shore Regional School Board, all schools will be closed today. It looks like Nova Scotia will get the brunt of the snow with amounts of up to 35 centimetres expected today and tonight over inland areas. Coastal areas, however, could be getting a good soaking with up to 40 millimetres of rain. Stay tuned to CKBW/HANK FM for the latest on the forecast, road conditions and potential cancellations.

Salvation Army Launches Christmas Kettle Program

The Salvation Army has started its major fundraiser for the holiday season and new year. The Christmas Kettle Program is officially underway throughout Canada, including in Lunenburg County. Captain Stephen Holland with the local Salvation Army says the Kettle Program allows them to help people year-round with emergency needs like food, medication, transportation or heat. Holland says around four kettles will be placed in areas around Lunenburg County including the Bridgewater Mall, Superstore and Sobeys. He says he hopes the Christmas Kettle Program will raise around $50-thousand this year.

Education Minister Concerned with Reinhardt Decision

Education Minister Ramona Jennex

Education Minister Ramona Jennex is questioning the South Shore Regional School Board's decision not to censure Karen Reinhardt. Jennex says the decision concerns her.

"It raises, in my mind, questions about this Board's ability to function responsibly, you know, they're there to act in the best interests of our students and teachers and I didn't see evidence of that from the decision they made on Monday evening."

Jennex told CKBW/HANK-FM News she received the Deloitte Inc. report at noon Tuesday and she'll be reviewing it after question period Tuesday afternoon. Reinhardt survived a 7-4 censure vote from her peers Monday night, after the Board didn't receive the two-thirds majority needed to oust her. Jennex says the Board missed the mark with the decision.

"There were clear violations and I was really looking forward to the Board making the right decisions in the appropriate manners, so, as I said, it raises questions in my mind."

Jennex says she expects to make a decision quickly, once she's done an in-depth review of Deloitte's report.

South Shore Regional: Expansion & Upgrades

It's a good news day for the South Shore Regional. Preliminary work on a new patient-transfer elevator is underway while plans were also announced to expand the emergency department at the hospital. South Shore Health CEO Alice Leverman welcomed both announcements during a press conference this morning. Leverman says another elevator at the hospital will separate patients and staff from the general public. "Certainly it's going to give our patients privacy. Also, infection control is a big issue for us today. This will allow us to address any infection control issues that might occur when patients and the general public are being transported at the same time," The new elevator is estimated to cost around $2 million dollars and will be in place early in 2013. Meanwhile, South Shore Health also received $1.5 million dollars for planning and design work to improve patient flow in the emergency department. Dr. Greg McNally says expansions are badly needed. "It's a big step. It's obvious we need ambulance bay coverage so patients aren't being transferred out in the cold, we need better/bigger assessment areas and it'll make a huge difference to what we can provide to the patients of the South Shore," No word on when those expansions will begin.

DFO: Shellfish Harvesting Ban Lifted

A ban on harvesting shellfish in a number of communities along the South Shore has been lifted. The ban was put in place following heavy rain on Remembrance Day. Officials implemented the harvesting ban due to concerns surrounding increased bacterial levels in the water. Chief of Regulations for the Maritimes, Rick Young, says recent tests indicate the products are now safe to harvest and to eat.  The ban included waters within three kilometres of the shoreline in Lunenburg, Queens and Digby.

Forties Community Centre Receives DeFibrillator

Left: Phillip Broome, Chairperson for the Forties Community Centre Board of Directors, Middle:

Patty faith from Medavie Blue Cross, Right: Greg Bayers from EHS/Photo Courtesy of Christine Bland

The Forties Community Centre in New Ross has received a life-saving device. The Centre now has a Defibrillator after a contribution from Medavie Blue Cross to the Heart and Stroke Foundation's Restart a Heart, Restart a Life program. The Chair of the Forties Community Centre Board of Directors, Phillip Broome, says its an important device to have on site, in case any emergencies arise. Roughly 45,000 cardiac arrests occur in Canada every year, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

SSRSB Votes to Not Censure Karen Reinhardt

Karen Reinhardt

11 alleged breaches in the South Shore Regional School Board's code of ethics wasn't enough to deter members to censure one of their own. Karen Reinhardt survived a 7-4 vote from her colleagues, after the board couldn't reach the required two-thirds majority needed to oust her. The Board needed eight votes to remove Reinhardt, receiving seven with member Jill Francis not present. Reinhardt says its back to business as usual.

"Well, I feel, actually relieved, of course. I don't know if I can say I feel vindicated because the vote was very close, but I'm pleased that the process is behind us and that I'm going to be able to serve the students."

Reinhardt says she was upset over the allegations, calling them unfounded and unsubstantiated. Board Chair Elliott Payzant says Reinhardt has been quiet to him over the allegations.

"She has never responded, saying that any of them were not true, so if she said tonight that they were untrue, it's the first I've heard and I have discussed all of them with her and she had not refuted any of them prior to this evening."

Both Reinhardt and Payzant say they hope the Board can move on from this issue and continue working together. Education Minister Ramona Jennex is still waiting on a report from Deloitte Inc., to make her decision on the board's actions during the March 30 school review process.

NS Gov: $6.5 M Help Purchase Land for Protection

The Nova Scotia Government has earmarked $6.5 million dollars to purchase land so it can be protected. Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse made the announcement in Chester this morning and says the funds will be available in the new fiscal year. It's only the second time in Nova Scotia's history that government is releasing some details of its capital plan in advance of the spring budget. Peterson-Rafuse talked to reporters about the significance of that move.  "This is about communities identifying the areas they want to preserve, it's not about what the government wants. In order to be able to do a good job in anything that you do in life - you have to have a plan and that's what we're trying to do,".  The province has a legislated goal to legally protect 12 percent of its land by 2015. Consultations on what land to protect is already underway and the public is invited to comment until February 12. The land that will be selected for protection is based on ecological and environmental importance.  For more information on the province's goal and protected areas in Nova Scotia, visit http://gov.ns.ca/nse/12percent/

Lumberjacks Acquire Langille from Dieppe

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have added another defenseman to their roster. The Jacks acquired 18-year-old Craig Langille from the Dieppe Commandos, in exchange for an 8th round pick in 2013 and future considerations. Head Coach and General Manager Terry Rhindress says its a good pickup for his club.

"He's a first year kid out of Midget 'AAA' , but at a frame of 6'3 and 210 pounds, he doesn't move too bad. He's a physical guy. His presence alone should settle things down in the defensive zone and kind of make some guys play a little bigger because he is a big kid."

Langille played 16 games with Dieppe this season, registering no points and 14 penalty minutes. He's expected to be in the lineup for the Lumberjacks this Thursday night against Metro.