Province/Bowater Mersey Reach $23.7 M Land Deal

The Nova Scotia Government has reached an agreement to buy just over 10,000 hectares of land from Bowater Mersey. The $23.7 million dollar land deal involves various parcels of land from five counties in western Nova Scotia The largest parcel is 5,665 hectares and located is in Annapolis County. Almost 5,500 acres from Queens and 230 from Lunenburg County was also purchased by the province. The land includes forests, old-growth timber stands, ocean and lake frontage, wetlands and some land of cultural significance to the Mi'kmaq. The purchase is part of the government's $50 million bailout package for Bowater's Brooklyn-based paper mill.

Breaking: Shut Down at Bowater Mersey Extended

A shutdown at Bowater Mersey's Paper Mill in Brooklyn has been extended another week. The paper making machines at the mill have been off since Christmas and employees were expected to resume work on Monday. However, Bowater's CEO Brad Pelley says the company has decided to extend their downtime another week because of poor market conditions in Europe. Pelley says operations at the mill will now resume on January 16th. "Selling paper in Europe right now is not a particularly attractive place to sell. Producer who have traditionally sold a lot of volume in Europe are now looking to other markets. There is also over supply issues in both Asia and Latin America as well...those are markets we traditionally serve and prices are being depressed as a result," The company understands the economic uncertainty in Europe won't improve in a week. However, he says by pulling some volume out of the market it may increase the demand for paper products.

RCMP identify Waterloo crash victim

The name of the victim of Thursday's accident on highway 210 in Waterloo has been released by Lunenburg County RCMP. 29-year-old Naomi Rosemary Steele of Chelsea died late Thursday morning when the car she was driving collided with a snowplow. The crash happened during a snowstorm that had created slippery driving conditions. A 31-year-old male passenger in the car was sent to South Shore Regional Hospital with non life threatening injuries. The driver of the plow wasn't hurt.

UARB approves power rate hike for Lunenburg utility

Residents of Lunenburg will be paying more for their power. The utility and review board has approved a rate hike but not as much as most Nova Scotians. The increase of slightly less than 10 per cent for customers of the Lunenburg electric utility is retroactive to the start of the year. Staff have not worked out exactly what the price of electricity will be for the local utility's clients. Customers paid 14 per cent less than Nova Scotia Power clients did prior to the rate hike. Lunenburg buys its power from Nova Scotia Power.

South Shore Lobster Fishers to Fight for Higher Prices

Approximately 150 fishermen along the South Shore are prepared to enter into a battle for higher lobster prices. The fishermen have rallied to form a new association that will give them better representation when dealing with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The group met on Wednesday in Barrington for the first time to chart a future path. The new association, that has yet to select an official name, doesn't want to sell any lobsters for less than $5.50 a pound. The new pricing will take effect by midnight next Tuesday, when fishermen will hold their catch until they get what they are demanding. Mood says the unnamed association has to work through a regulatory process to be formally recognized by DFO. Lobster is currently selling for about $5.00 per pound.

Chester Pulls Plug on proposed Wind Energy Project in St. Croix

Chester Council has decided to pull out of a proposed wind energy project in St. Croix. Minas Basin Pulp and Paper have been looking for partners to try and move the proposed $16 million dollar project and had reached out to the municipality for support. Council had been mulling over investing four to five-million dollars into the project. However, during their meeting on Thursday, council determined the return on their investment wouldn't be worth getting involved in the project. Warden Allen Webber says there were too many unknowns surrounding the project. He says the project could still move forward but without the municipality.

South Shore hockey book to be launched

A new book is out describing the history of hockey on the South Shore. 'A History of Hockey on the South Shore and The Guys of the South Shore 1962-63 / 1963-64 Two Nova Scotia Championships' is the books title. It also reflects on hockey teams that played on the South Shore including the Chester Ravens, Lunenburg Victorias and Falcons, Bridgewater Hawks and Liverpool Rovers. Author Kie MacIsaac says the book also talks about the history of local rinks.

"The two rinks that had artificial ice surfaces were Lunenburg and Bridgewater and in the early 1920s, hockey was played in the outdoor arenas in Chester and Liverpool. So, it captures a lot of that information."

MacIsaac says the book focuses on a time period between 1889-1965. The book will be launched at Friday night's hockey game between the Lumberjacks and Woodstock starting at 7pm. MacIsaac will be on-hand to sell and sign the book at a cost of $19.95.

Shelburne monument damaged by vandals

Photo Courtesy of Lisa Crowell/Facebook

A monument in memory of a former Shelburne student has been damaged by vandals. Shelburne RCMP say they are looking for information after a marble stone monument at Hillcrest Academy Elementary School was smashed. The memorial is for Sara Ann Crowell, who died of injuries from an all-terrain vehicle crash 10 years ago. She passed away the day before her 10th birthday. Police say they believe the damage was done between December 16 and December 30. Anyone with information should contact Shelburne RCMP.

Mustangs improve to 1-1 in Gatineau

The South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs have a notch in the win column at the Kiwanis hockey tournament in Gatineau. Shaun MacEachern scored once and added two assists as the Mustangs earned a 4-1 win Thursday afternoon over Rockland CIHA of Ontario. Josh Shatford, Brandon Challoner and Morgan Messenger also scored while Corey Peterson stopped 22 shots in the win. MacEachern was named the player of the game for the Mustangs. The major midget club gets back on the ice against the Toronto Titans Friday afternoon. For all tournament action, head to http://www.midgetkiwanis.com/en-ca/ .

BREAKING NEWS: Fatal Collision on Highway 210 - UPDATED

A Chelsea woman has died after a collision involving a vehicle and a snow plow. The crash occurred on Highway 210 near Waterloo around 11:30AM. Mounties say the 29 year-old female driver lost control of the vehicle and slid into the path of the oncoming plow.  A 31 year-old male passenger was transported to South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater with undetermined injuries.  Police say roads were slick at the time of the collision due to heavy snowfall and sub zero temperatures. The woman's name or age has not been released. Numerous accidents have been reported along the South Shore today and Mounties are asking motorists to slow down.

Serious Accident on Highway 210 - UPDATED

Emergencies responders are responding to a serious accident on Highway 210. RCMP, EHS and local fire departments from Newcombville and Bridgewater are on the scene. Mounites have told CKBW/HANK FM News they are closing down a portion of the highway near the Waterloo Road. The conditions at the accident scene aren't known at this time. Some snow flurries and freezing temperatures have made for tricky driving conditions this morning. RCMP are advising motorists to slow down until conditions improve. Vehicles have also been seen off the road along Highway 103 near Mahone Bay. No word on the seriousness of those particular incidents.

Flurries Make Driving Tricky in South Shore

A few flurries and sub zero temperatures have made for slick road conditions today in the South Shore. Motorists are being advised to drive with caution until conditions improve. Police report icy and slick roads. There have been reports of some vehicles in the ditch along Highway 103 around Mahone Bay. No word on the severity of those incidents. Mounties are encouraging motorists to slow down.

Mustangs drop opener in Gatineau

The South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs dropped their opening game at the Kiwanis Midget tournament in Gatineau, Quebec. The Moncton Flyers scored twice in the 3rd period on route to a 3-1 over the South Shore club. Connor Hirtle scored the lone goal for the Mustangs while Jamie Blair had the only assist. Cole Skinner stopped 21 shots and received player of the game honours in the loss. The Mustangs next game will be against Rockland CIHA of Ontario Thursday afternoon at 12:15 eastern time. Follow all the action online at http://www.midgetkiwanis.com/en-ca/ .

Beer and Food Baron Strikes in Windsor

 A hungry, beer guzzling thief has struck near Windsor. RCMP say someone broke into a home in Walton on New Year's Eve but they weren't looking for expensive flat screens, laptops or Ipad's. The thieves were just looking to raid the fridge. Police say all that was stolen was some food and beer while everything else in the home was left untouched. RCMP are looking for information on the crime but its doubtful the goods can be recovered.

Bridgewater Deputy Mayor reaffirms desire to be next Mayor

Deputy Mayor David Walker

A long-time Bridgewater council member is reiterating his desire to be the town's next mayor. Municipal elections are still 10 months away, but David Walker has once again stated his intent to run for the position. He says the timing is right.

"After 20 years and the last seven basically as the Deputy Mayor, if there was a time to offer for mayor, it is now. I think all the cards are lined up and it's the appropriate time to make a decision and I say yeah, I would love the opportunity to serve as the mayor."

Walker has served under three mayors; Tom Bird, Ernie Bolivar and Carroll Publicover. He says the three men have helped prepare him to lead the town.

"All three brought a passion and a love for the community and a desire to improve the community. I've learned from each of them, different things but that's one thing that they all have passed on, to whomever the next mayor is."

Walker says he began thinking about the mayoral decision after current mayor Carroll Publicover announced this would be his final term. He says it's still early but if his health remains the same, he intends to run for mayor of Bridgewater in October's municipal elections.

Liberal Health Critic blasts Dexter Gov't over ER closures

Liberal health critic and MLA for Kings-West is blasting the Dexter government after about a dozen Emergency Rooms in Nova Scotia were hit with closures over the Christmas-New Years period. The closures were a result of too few staff and Leo Glavine says its a disgrace. "We have physician and ER specialists from Nova Scotia that go to Ontario for two 24-hour shifts and we can't keep our own emergency rooms open? There is something dreadfully wrong with that picture," He wants the government to throw in the towel, admit its mistakes and target ways of improving the system. Glavine suggests a provincial database be established to match available doctors with the needs of ERs with vacancies. Glavine calls it a province wide crisis in the rural ER's. He says its only a matter of time before there's a fatality resulting from a patient not getting proper care.

Not for Sale: CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks

The owner of the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks has shot down rumours the junior club might be up for sale. In an exclusive interview, Ken Petrie told our newsroom he doesn't have any plans to put the Jacks on the market now or in the future. The club is struggling this season and sit in the basement of the Bent Division, but Petrie says the club is young and heading in the right direction. "We've gone through the tough times. We're very much looking forward to moving into a new facility (Lunenburg County Lifestyle Center) building a team this year that will be very competitive in the years ahead...so no...absolutely not...our hockey team is not for sale," Attendance for home games has been somewhat inconsistent this season and Petrie is hoping fans will continue to support the team for the remainder of the season. The Lumberjacks will hit the ice at the new Queen's Emera Place facility next month. Petrie says the club looks forward to playing in Liverpool and introducing the team to some new fans.

New Canadian Forces action figures in Bridgewater

Photo Courtesy of Heroes Force

It's hard to believe the idea hasn't been thought of yet. But, a Truro man is one of three people behind new action figures dawning Canadian military colours. Graphic Artist John Alan Sperry designed the figures in Air Force, Army and Navy clothing. He says it was important to make figures depicting Canada's military.

"It's almost recognition for their efforts. You know, it's just a small action figure but people are actually attaching themselves and seeing this as some significance and some appreciation and notice of people's effort of their family members."

Canadian military member Shannon Thibodeau of Meteghan started the project. Sperry says 6,000 action figures were made and they've been a hit so far across the country.

"We're getting emails all across Canada already, I guess people are just jumping on this thing and really appreciating it and I think that's part of it. There's a Canadian flag actually on the left arm of the figure and I think there's a lot of pride involved."

Sperry says they've sold about half of the action figures so far, with one dollar going to the Soldier on Fund for military personnel and families of injured members. The action figures sell for around $10 and can be found locally at Miller Optical in the Eastside Plaza, Bridgewater.

Bearcats down Lumberjacks

Another game against Truro, another loss for the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks. The Bearcats scored twice in the first and added two in the third in a 5-2 win. Head Coach Terry Rhindress says a sluggish first period hurt his club.

"After we got the first period in, I thought we competed hard, stayed strong, made it 3-2 late in the game, made a couple mistakes and you know, it ended up 5-2 but overall, I thought after the first period we played hard."

Brennan Saulnier and Nick Guthro scored for the Jacks while Billy Clarke stopped 36 shots in the loss. Truro has won all five of its games against the Jacks this season, outscoring them 36-9. The Lumberjacks will try and halt their six-game losing streak Friday night when they host the Woodstock Slammers.

B & E in Western Shore

It wasn't the best end to the year for a home owner in Western Shore. A home in the area was targeted in a break and enter that ocurred on Friday morning just before the New Year's long weekend. Mounties say various electronics, some musical instraments and a quantity of coins were stolen. Police are hoping someone comes forward with some tips to help with the investigation.

White Point unveils Construction Webcam

White Point Construction Camera at 12:51pm January 3, 2012

A tourist hot spot in Liverpool is giving you a chance to watch them rebuild their historic main lodge. White Point has unveiled a construction webcam that was requested by the public after a devastating fire November 12. The marketing and product development manager at White Point, Donna Hatt, says they didn't anticipate the webcam being available so quickly.

"We were nervous in going live at first with the construction camera purely because people had been grieving the loss of the main lodge and the memories and so many of the pieces and artifacts that were inside, and to show the site completely cleared was quite an emotional time for many people."

Hatt says the webcam will provide a day-to-day view of the construction process over the next 10 months.
The webcam went live December 31. You can visit the construction webcam at www.novascotiawebcams.com/south-shore/white-point-construction.html .

New Year's Baby: Healthy Girl Born in Bridgewater

A Bridgewater couple is ringing in the New Year with a little bundle of joy. Melissa and Steve Bishop are the proud parents of the South Shore's first new born of 2012. Lucy Maria Bishop was born at 9:09AM on New Year's Day at the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater. Lucy weighed-in at six pounds, twelve ounces. Her father, Steve, says they have a very healthy little girl and adds mom is doing just fine and resting at home.

Dexter: On Track to Eliminate Deficit

Nova Scotia is on track for better economic times within a year or two. That prediction from premier Darrell Dexter as he talked about the economy during a year-end interview with CKBW/Hank FM News. The premier says his government will work this year to make the province more economically competitive despite dismal uncertainty elsewhere. "Every economic forecast says that we are on track to lead Atlantic Canada and likely to lead some parts of the rest of the country in terms of economic growth and that will be the first time that's happened in 20 years," The premier says any help for the middle class will have to wait until the province balances its books on a projected 365 million dollar deficit. The premier tells us the government is still on track for 2014.

McNeil: Premier Should Check Facts

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil disagrees with the premier's "better times are ahead" forecast. In his year-end interview with CKBW/HANK FM, McNeil says Darrell Dexter should check the facts. "We have some of the highest taxes in the country, high power rates and the list goes on - it's going to make it more difficult to maintain employment and we're haring that in practically ever community we go through in Nova Scotia. I mean we lost 6,600 jobs last year and the trend looks like it's going to continue," McNeil reiterates his call for reducing taxes and power costs to make the province more competitive.

Ballie: Focus on Health Care/Education

A way has to be found to heal the ailing health care system, according to Conservative leader Jamie Baillie. In a CKBW/Hank FM News interview, Baillie says one task that should be undertaken in this new year is to look at cutting ballooning bureaucratic budgets and putting that money into better things."Do we really need in a province of 900,000 a health system that has ten district health authorities, ten CEO's, 72 vice presidents, 152 executives directors and so on...maybe there is a better way to manage health care to get some of that cost out of the bureaucracy and reinvest in front line care and even reduce our deficit," On another issue of 2011, Baillie says firing the entire South Shore Regional School Board was a drastic measure taken by the education minister to solve what appears to have been a chronic problem. He says it should have been left up to the electorate to decide when the next municipal election rolled around.

Ramey Talks First Contract Legislation and Michelin Bill

The NDP MLA for Lunenburg West is setting the record straight on his decision to support first contract legislation in Nova Scotia. Both the Tories and Grits opposed the labour bill and hyped up the legislation as a bad move that would hurt future investment in the province. However, Gary Ramey says he believes it's a case where Nova Scotians were mainly misinformed or didn't even read the legislation. "First of all, I got very few calls, four or five emails and two or three letters on the issue. On a daily basis I probably get fifteen to twenty calls about roads, ditches, bushes - that sort of thing and I got a number of calls from people who supported it," Ramey says another reason behind his government's decision to bring forward the bill is to ensure Nova Scotia's $25 billion dollar Shipbuilding Contract goes smoothly. "What we didn't want to happen is if there ever were a glitch along the way we didn't want to be in the position where we were introducing this legislation when there was already a problem. It's still not any easier to get a union started, you still have to have a union vote and go through the entire process," Ramey says first contract legislation won't impact the status of non-unionized companies such as Michelin because of Nova Scotia's long standing law referred to as the "Michelin Bill".

On Tap: Bridgewater's LCLC Project and Amalgamation

A majority of Bridgewater councillors say the loss of the Fairview Inn was the town's biggest story in 2011. However, some members have a different opinion. Mayor Carroll Publicover believes the biggest story was the beginning of a 10-year study of potential joint services and amalgamation between Mahone Bay, Bridgewater and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. He says the study could impose some change in Lunenburg County. "I think its long overdue that we in an objective manner and a subjective manner look at the benefits of doing business together and possibly being one-government down the road," Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor David Walker feels the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre was a big achievement for 2011. "Bringing that to fruition, bringing us closer with the municipality in partnering in that and delivering something that the community identified as a real need is one of the highlights for me, I've been around here long enough to know that we have a lot of studies about a multi-purpose so that's a big one for me," Construction of the LCLC is expected to begin in March.

Review 2011: Tough First Half for Lumberjacks

It was a tough 2011 for the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks. The local junior club is in the midst of a troubling season, winning only 11 of their first 35 games. Head Coach Terry Rhindress says his club has been bothered by the injury bug. "We've had a lot of concussion related injuries, it bothers me a little bit that we haven't been able to put a full solid line-up on the ice game after game for the fans," Rhindress says his club has experienced some growing pains, which has left them in last place in the Bent Division. "Yeah, we are in last place but when you look at some of the games we lost, a lot of them were heartbreakers. We out played a lot of teams but just didn't get the bounces," The Jacks will need to post some early wins in 2012 to give themselves a shot at the playoffs. Their first game of the new year will be Tuesday, January 3rd at home against Truro.

Curling: AMJ Championship Heating Up in Windsor

A playoff spot is on the line this morning at the AMJ Campbell Provincial Junior Curling championships in Windsor when defending champ Lindsay Doucet of Chester faces Mayflower's Emily Dwyer in the "B" Division final. Dwyer is unbeaten while Doucet's only loss came against Dwyer yesterday. Four other teams are still alive including Chester's Mary Fay. Action kicked off this morning at 9 o'clock. On the guys side four teams are still in the hunt with Colten Steele of Dartmouth and Stuart Thompson of Mayflower leading the way with 4-1 records. Thomas Raddall of Bridgewater was eliminated last evening following a 10-6 to Robert Mayhew. Winners will advance to the Canadian championships in Napanee, Ontario next month

Review 2011: Fire @ White Point Beach Resort

It was a year marred by tragedy for White Point. In a year-end interview with the General Manager of the Liverpool-based resort, Danny Morton tells us the November 12 fire abruptly halted a good business season. He reflects on the day fire broke out in the main lodge. "It really was one of those periods where you're just thinking moment to moment and you can only do what you can do in the moment...but if there was a point where you had down time, that's when the emotion would throw you for a loop but you'd have to shake it on and look forward," The fire eventually destroyed the lodge, temporarily putting around 100 employees out of work. Morton says the community support has been overpowering. "It was unexpected to the degree that it has happened. For my whole staff and myself, we're all just very grateful for the role that we are playing in the community," A design team has been announced with plans to have a new main lodge built by the fall.

Bowater Mersey Top Story for MLA

Queens County has certainly had its share of ups and downs for 2011. From the death and murder trial of Laura Lee Robertson to the opening of Queens Place, the region was the centre of attention for the South Shore this year. Queens MLA Vicki Conrad spoke to CKBW/HANK FM News in a year-end interview. She says Bowater was the region's top story this year."I think the impact had Bowater shut it doors would have been felt throughout the South Shore, I mean we're talking about 2,000 direct or indirect jobs," Other highlights for Conrad include the tragic fire at White Point that destroyed the Liverpool-based resorts historic lodge. Conrad was also pleased the NDP government moved ahead with First Contract Arbitration during the fall session of the legislature.

Curling: Dartmouth Rink Secures Top Seed at AMJ

Dartmouth's Colton Steele has grabbed the first playoff spot at the AMJ Campbell Junior Curling Championships in Windsor.  Steele topped Drew MacCormack of the host club 8-3 in today's "A" division qualifier.  Meantime, Thomas Raddall of Bridgewater dropped to 2-2 after an 11-3 setback against Stuart Thompson of Mayflower. Raddall faces elimination in tonight's 8 o'clock draw. In the junior women's division Lindsay Doucette and Micayla Dorey of Chester are both 2-1 while clubmate Mary Faye is in a must-win situation at 0-2.

Review 2011: Chester has a busy December

It was a hectic finish to 2011 for residents and council in Chester. A long standing land dispute within Wild Rose Park in Western Shore was resolved through expropriation just days before Christmas. The same day, council announced it would enter into a lease-purchase agreement with a private company to rebuild the beloved wharf within the park. During a year end interview, Warden Allen Webber admits they were big decisions to cap off a busy year. "Council has set the table, I guess is one way of describing it because we have these two big decisions - Wild Rose Park and the Western Shore Wharf - we've also received approval for $5.5 million wind energy project. Although those are big decision in this particular fiscal period, the real work starts next year and the year after,"  Webber also assured residents they won't see any tax spikes specific to the Wild Rose Park situation. Expropriating the land is expected to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Scam: Cleaning Company Making Rounds in Lunenburg

Seniors are the target of the latest scam circulating in Lunenburg. RCMP say tenants of two separate apartment buildings in the town have been approached by an unregistered cleaning company since Christmas. Those behind the scam offer to steam clean carpets and upholstery for set price. However, once the service has been complete the supplier attempts to charge more for extra services or work they never carried out. Those involved with the bogus company have even offered to take clients to a bank to get the extra cash. It doesn't appear the operators were successful in obtaining extra money from these clients. Mounties are urging residents to contact the Better Business Bureau before hiring private businesses.

Mawhinney: Bright Future for Historic Town

The Town of Lunenburg's long time mayor believes the future is bright for the historic community. Laurence Mawhinney is one of the longest serving mayors in Canada and has a string of 32 consecutive years in the role. In a year end interview, Mawhinney says he's still energized by the job and the community after all these years. "I've always felt if you continue to reinvent yourself with new ideas and new creativity you can keep going as long as the strength and the spirit is there - so it's a vibrant community - but also in this vibrant community we need to be able to attract younger people. I'm thinking as the shipbuilding program evolves in Nova Scotia, the next number of years are going to be invigorating for the future of Lunenburg and the South Shore," Meanwhile, Mawhinney says 2012 could be the greatest year on record for tourism in Lunenburg County. He points to the arrival of the Tall Ships and the launch of Bluenose II in the summer as examples. Mawhinney says he also looks forward to the opening of the new Bluenose Academy in the new year as well.

Bridgewater Mayor chimes in on 2011

Mayor Carroll Publicover

The Mayor of Bridgewater is reflecting on the year that was for 2011. Carroll Publicover says it was a sound year for the town, which featured a number of events including the sod turning at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Publicover says he's most proud of the work of council.

"We continue to grow our community efficiently through the BDA and through the council. We're very open to development, we try to cooperate with developers and work together to make situations work for the community, work for neighbours and work for everybody."

Publicover says he regrets not reconstructing North and Aberdeen sooner in his term as Mayor.

"I would've really hoped to have North and Aberdeen Roads reconstructed and a real redo of those for infrastructure purposes, traffic-flow purposes and for efficiency purposes."

He adds, it was a tough year for two heritage properties in the town. The Fairview Inn was demolished after a fire in June and council voted to de-register the Riverview Community Centre as a heritage building. He considers a study exploring opportunities for shared services and governance options between the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, Bridgewater and Mahone Bay to be the biggest news story of the year for the town.

LOCATED: Elderly Couple missing since Boxing Day

It was a quick and happy ending in the search for a missing elderly couple from Annapolis County. RCMP say 80 year-old Marjorie Cook and 74 year-old Wayne Sharp were located in a convenience store in Springfield. The couple had been shopping in Bridgewater since Boxing Day but never told their daughter about their plans to stay overnight. The couple's daughter contacted police on December 27th after they never returned to their home in Springfield.

Review 2011: South Shore-St. Margarets MP Gerald Keddy

The MP for South Shore-St Margaret's says 2011 had its challenges but overall was a successful year. Gerald Keddy says North America is still feeling the effects of the recession in 2007 but adds there are a few bright spots on the horizon. During a year end interview, Keddy pointed to Nova Scotia's successful bid to secure the $25 billion dollar shipbuilding contract as a main highlight. He also spoke about the importance of the May 2nd election when Canadians elected a majority Conservative government. "In the current economic state that not just North American is in but the entire world is in, to have a good stable government to pursue economic policies that are important to Canadians and help to encourage job growth and save as many jobs as possible during this downturn is extremely important," Other highlights for Keddy include the progress on the Queens Place Athletic Centre project in Liverpool and the new Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre in Bridgewater.

Review 2011: Canadian Taxpayers Federation

Nova Scotia's debt-load is getting worse by the day. That's the conclusion of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. Atlantic president Kevin Lacey says the government has little room to move and we're all paying for it. In a year-end interview with CKBW/Hank-FM News, Lacey says according to the size of Nova Scotia's economy, this province carries the highest tax burden of any province in Canada. "Our debt, federal and provincial debt is going up about $32.00 per second per person in this province. Our total debt per person is about $30,000 and that's a huge debt, it's getting worse before it's getting better," Meanwhile, Lacey is not very optimistic about 2012, he predicts more of the same - an increased deficit and taxpayers paying "through the nose".

BREAKING: Wild Rose Park Wharf to Undergo Major Facelift

It's a big announcement surrounding the restoration of an important piece of Wild Rose Park. The Municipality of the District of Chester will enter into a lease purchase agreement with a new private-sector company to rebuild the wharf. The company is called Western Shore Wharf Corporation Limited and Warden Allen Webber says they have agreed to invest into the restoration project. "They will spend in the order of $400,000 on upgrades to the wharf, lease it from us for five years with some ability for exclusive use also guaranteeing the public full access to the facility," The company will have the option of buying the wharf from the municipality once the work in complete for $1.00 with restrictions that it remain open for public use. Webber says the municipality could buy the wharf back for the same price from Wharf Corp down the road.  The dilapidated wharf has been a sore spot for many residents and visitors because it does limit access to the ocean.

Aberdeen Road property owner fires back at Town

The building owner at 99 Aberdeen Road is disgusted with the lack of police presence in Bridgewater. Frank Rhyno says his building has been broken into at least 40 times, there's been thousands of dollars in smashed windows but not one criminal conviction. He says the days of him pumping more money into the property are done.

"I pay a lot of taxes and what do I get in return for that; vandalism, break and enter. What do I get for convictions and restitution; nothing."

He says he's fed up with people smashing windows and not facing criminal punishment.

"You get tired of this after a while. This is not the first time with Bridgewater's police and their negligence as far as I'm concerned. Why the mayor and the councillors want to dig at me on this, I don't know, but I think they need to clean up their own departments first before getting on my back."

Rhyno says he does care about the building, but is tired of spending thousands of dollars on windows that continually get smashed. He says town council should leave the matter alone for now, because they're hurting the potential sale of the property.

White Point announces Design team for Rebuild

Call it an early Christmas gift for the people at White Point. The owner of the Queens County resort, Robert Risley, announced Thursday that he's hired a team to move forward with designing and building the new main lodge. Risley tells CKBW/HANK-FM News that it's great news six weeks after a devasting fire destroyed the historic lodge.

"The more I thought about it and the more I talked to our own team and just about a ton of people from all over the world, the more you realize how important White Point is to everybody and it really spurs you on to get this thing gonig and get it back in business."

Risley has hired WHW Architects as their architectural firm, Design 360 as interior designers and J.W. Lindsay Enterprises as the construction manager. Risley says their budget to rebuild is around $4-million. The public are being invited to participate with their design ideas as well. Submissions are being invited at www.whitepoint.com/blog/.

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.