Steven Page Will Play The South Shore

Steven Page is coming to Shelburne. Former lead singer of the popular band "Barenaked Ladies" will be playing the Osprey Arts Centre July 13th. Page is well known for classics like "If I had a million dollars" and "Brian Wilson". Since leaving the Canadian pop rock group, Page has recorded three solo albums and is touring on his own. For the South Shore concert he will perform with co writer Craig Northey. Tickets are now available by phone or in person.

Son Of Murdered South Shore Woman Talks About Violence

Today is the 23rd anniversary of the Montreal masasacre. On this date in 1989, Marc LePine enterred L'ecole Polytechnique and shot 14 female students to death before taking his own life. The event has become a symbol of violence against women and vigils and flag-lowerings will be held across the country today and tonight to mark the anniversary. Here on the South Shore, the District Labour Council is sponsoring a vigil this evening. For Devon Illingsworth, this will be the first time he's attended the annual event. His mother, Tina Mae Eisnor, was shot to death in June 2010 in New Germany. Her son says he's only now starting to move on with his life and he has some advice for those who have been affected by violence.



Tonight's candle light vigil in Bridgewater will be held at the fire hall.

Local Schools Get New Tool For Students With Autism

A new resource is coming to South Shore schools to help teachers and staff support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The information guide includes details on how students with autism learn and teaching strategies. A spokesperson for the local school board, Catherine Rahey, says it's an important document.


Autism specialists and health professionals are among a group of people who helped develop the guide.

Shelburne Food Bank Ready For Christmas Rush

The Shelburne Loyalist Food Bank is in a good position as Christmas nears. Spokesperson, Wayne Dukes says residents of the community have been a great help by organizing food drives, and donating money. Dukes says the organization hands out turkeys over the Christmas season. However he says they need other food donations too.

Donations are being accepted at their Shelburne location on Carleton Street.

Lumberjacks Owner Stands Behind Head Coach

The owner of the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks is giving his head coach a vote of confidence. Ken Petrie says his hockey club has under-achieved so far this season, but that isn't reflective of his head coach's work ethic. Petrie says Terry Rhindress is a quality coach.



The Lumberjacks sit in fifth place in the Eastlink Division, six points ahead of Metro for the final spot in the mini-series. Petrie says he hopes to acquire a scoring forward and defenseman before the league's trade deadline on January 10.

IWK & South Shore Health Form New Partnership

IWK surgeons will perform routine procedures in Bridgewater under a new partnership with South Shore Health. The surgeries will be conducted once a month and will eliminate the need for families to travel to Halifax for smaller procedures on the ear, nose and throat. South Shore Health CEO Peter Vaughan called it an innovative and cost effective approach to health service delivery. He says the partnership will bring the expertise of IWK surgeons much closer to home for residents of south western Nova Scotia. The surgeries are being held on Friday's and booked through the South Shore Regional Hospital.

CKBW And Empire Theatres Host Toy Drive

CKBW will partner with Empire theatres this Saturday for their second annual toy drive. Last year was a huge success helping over 200 families celebrate the holidays on the South Shore. Ted Haley from Empire theatres says he hopes to exceed last year and fill the entire lobby with toys this weekend.  Haley says they are asking for new unwrapped toys for both boys and girls.  The toy drive officially kicks off from Empire theatres Saturday, toys will be accepted until the 23rd.

Christmas Kettles Steaming Hot With Donations

The Salvation Army's annual Christmas Kettle campaign is well underway. For more than a century, the familiar donation bins have been found in all the key shopping areas and other public-gathering spots. Captain Fillippe Vega of the Lunenburg County Salvation Army says the money raised through the Christmas season helps needy families through the entire year.



The Kettle campaign along the South Shore raised thousands of dollars last year. Captain Vega says despite a difficult economy in recent years, residents in the area haven't wavered in their support of the Salvation Army's efforts to help those in need.

Jacks Trade Snair To Indiana For Future Considerations

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks are moving on without the services of goaltender Anderson Snair. The club traded the 18-year-old to Indiana of the USHL for future considerations. Snair was acquired by the Lumberjacks just over a week ago from the Metro Shipbuilders, but never reported to the team.

Mustangs Battle Halifax On Eastlink

The South Shore Mustangs will be shown on prime-time television tonight. The local major midget hockey club will take on the Halifax Titans in Eastlink's game of the week. The last time the two teams met, the Titans outscored the Mustangs 17-1 in a weekend home-and-home series. The game starts at 8pm and will be seen on channel 10.

Demolition Order Issued For Cherry Hill Property

A demolition order has been approved for an eyesore in Cherry Hill. The Municipality of Lunenburg has given the thumbs up to demolishing an old house and storage building at 7640 Highway 331. The two have been deemed in a state of non-repair and no longer suitable for use. Mayor Don Downe says it was an easy decision for council to make.



The property owner, Teman Conrad, has abandoned the house and now lives in San Antonio, Florida. A 30 day order has been issued to Conrad to demolish the buildings. If not, an administrator with MODL will carry out the work and could proceed to lay charges under the Municipal Government Act.

Unknowns Surround Proposed New Bodies Replacing RDA's

The head of a regional development agency on the South Shore is raising questions over the new economic structure pitched in Nova Scotia. An independent panel has proposed to create six Regional Enterprise Networks to replace the province's 12 regional development authorities. Executive Director of the Lunenburg-Queens RDA, Andrew Button admits the panel had a difficult task which produced some bold recommendations. However, he feels the report contains a lot of grey areas.



Button says the precise makeup of the new bodies and governance model is also unknown. The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities has been tasked to work with stakeholders to consider the recommendations and look at ways to best implement the report.

Queens: Food Bank Dealing With Spike In Usage

As the holiday season approaches  Queens County food bank is feeling the pressure. The organization has helped over four thousand people this year, which represents an increase in usage of about 150 families. Craig Condon, treasurer for the food bank says they're reaching out to area schools for help.



Condon says, they are still looking for donations heading into the Christmas season. Donations can be dropped off at local grocery stores in Queens. 

Irving Secures New Work At Shelburne Shipyard

Irving Shipbuilding has secured two new work contracts for its repair yard in Shelburne. The company says it will rehire many of the workers who were temporarily laid-off in November. A National Defence firefighting tug and a Canadian Coast Guard vessel will arrive in the ship yard for repairs next week.  The two projects will provide enough work for roughly 15 weeks. Irving says 16 employees have already been recalled while dozens more will return to work in the coming weeks. The company was forced to temporarily lay off 48 workers last month due to a lack of work.

BES Crosswalk Guard Voted Canada's Favourite

A local crosswalk guard is being recognized as one of the best in the country. Arnold Knickle from Bridgewater Elementary has been chosen as Canada's favourite crossing guard. He is one of only three crossing guards across Canada to win the award. Students across the nation wrote essays to explain who their favourite crosswalk guard is and why. Knickle says the award means a lot to him.


Knickle and BES both receive $500 awards. A trophy presentation will also be held for Knickle during a December 20 assembly at Bridgewater Elementary School.

Maritime Bus Approved For Bridgewater-Halifax Route

The owner of Maritime Bus says his company will offer a new route between Bridgewater and Halifax on a trial basis. Mike Cassidy says the bus will make the trip into the city four times a week for the month of December and then he'll seek feedback from customers to see how its working. The bus will pick up riders at the Wileville Irving and make trips on Sunday's, Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's. Cassidy is hopeful the service will be popular to offer year-round.The company is offering more convenient arrival and departure times - leaving Bridgewater in the morning at 6:30AM and leaving Halifax in the evening at 5:30PM. The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board gave Maritime Bus temporary approval to operate the run late last week.

South Shore Health Welcomes New Board Chair

South Shore Health is bidding farewell to their long time board chair. Roxie Smith retired after spending the last 12 years in the position. The health athority welcomed Wayne Foster into the new role late last month. The Bridgewater resident has served on four South Shore health boards and will hold the title for the next three years.

Curling Club Requests Support For Major Repairs

Two pressing issues have forced the Bridgewater Curling Club to scramble for funds. The club's sprinkler system is nearing its 50-year inspection and must be replaced before next May. The system was installed in 1962 and has to be changed or the club will no longer be certified to operate. President Lloyd Tancock says its a major facility problem.



The compressor, used to make and maintain the ice, has also malfunctioned and a new one is needed. Officials estimate it will cost around $225,000 to fix the problems. The club has requested support from the town, Municipality of Lunenburg and applied for provincial funding.

Windsor RCMP Find Grow Op In Apartment Complex

RCMP are investigating a marihuana grow operation at an apartment building in Windsor. Police and fire crews were responding to a fire alarm yesterday morning, when they made the find. A search warrant has been conducted, and Mounties seized a kilogram of pot and some growing equipment. The matter is still under investigation.

Group Calls For Support Amid $3 Lobster Prices

A fishermen's advocacy group will hold meetings this week to discuss the low price of lobster. The 1688 Professional Lobster Fishermen's Association is calling on licence holders, crew members and the business community to show support for the industry by attending meetings on Wednesday in Yarmouth and Barrington. Fishermen have been hauling in a record harvest since the winter season began last Tuesday. However, the large catches are flooding the market and driving down prices at the wharf. obster has been selling in most areas of south western Nova Scotia for three dollars per pound. The organization is calling on fishermen to either stay home or hold back their catch until the prices go up. The organization formed last year in an effort to boost lobster prices. The PLFA claim fishermen need at least five dollar per pound in order to make a profit.           

Hockey: Wildcats Edge Stangs & 'Jacks In Action

In Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League action last night in Bridgewater the Valley Wildcats edged the South Shore Mustangs 4-3 in a shootout. In MHL action today the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks travel to Woodstock to face the Slammers. Gametime is 3:30.  

Lobster Group Looks For Better Prices

Lobster fishermen are hauling in a record catch after the first week of the fall fishing season. However, the big harvest is flooding the market and driving down prices. Lobster has been selling for roughly $3.00 per pound at wharfs from Shelburne to Digby. The Professional Lobster Fishermen's Association is calling on licence holders to either tie up their boats or hold onto their catch until prices increase. The group was established last year in an effort to drive up prices. The PLFA claims they need at least $5.00 to make a profit.

Man Arrested After Robberies On King Street

Bridgewater police have laid nine charges following an alleged robbery on King Street. Twenty-five year old Matthew Manuel Faustino was arrested over the weekend in relation to separate incidents where a man and woman were roughed up and had their money stolen. Faustino is charged with two counts of robbery with violence and breaching court orders. Police say the alleged victims were not badly hurt and did not require medical attention. He's due in court in Bridgewater on Monday.

Councillor Concerned After Near Misses In Crosswalks

A councillor in Lunenburg says he's had too many close calls in crosswalks around the town. Peter Zwicker says council will look at ways to improve pedestrian safety in the new year. He says several times over the past few weeks, cars have zoomed through crosswalks while he was out walking.



Zwicker says better signage or traffic lights on crosswalks might be the answer. He adds council and staff are weighing their options.

South Shore: Teacher Wins Court Battle With School Board

The Nova Scotia Supreme Court has ruled in favour of an elementary school teacher who argued he was unreasonably fired more than three years ago. Peter Speight was let go by the South Shore Regional School Board after he plead guilty to committing an indecent act. The Bridgewater native was given a conditional discharge and later fired by the board. It marked the beginning of a three year legal battle which concluded with a decision on Thursday. Speight was teaching Grade 3 at New Germany Elementary School when the charge was laid in connection with incidents that occurred in 2008 in the Halifax area. Police said Speight would call women over to his car and pretend to ask for directors while he masturbated in his vehicle. In a 45 page decision, Justice Gerald Moir determined Speight is apologetic, a low risk to re-offend and has completed rehabilitation. The decision means Speight could get his job back if his teaching certificate is reinstated. He would also need to participate in a restorative justice program. An official with the school board told CKBW News late this afternoon the Department of Education has stepped in to try and block Speight from returning to the classroom. If the process moves forward in his favour, Speight would be awarded $150,000 in back pay for the work he has missed or in lost wages while fighting the matter in court.

Lower Gasoline Prices

There has been another drop in gasoline prices. Regular self serve is selling at South Shore pumps today for $1.25 per litre. Thats 2.5 cents less than yesterday. Diesel is also down in price. Its selling for $1.34.2 per litre, 1.5 cents less than yesterday.

Food Bank Challenge Close To Competition Day

It's the last day to drop off donations to three groups vying to raise more food than the other. The fourth annual Paramedic versus Police versus RCMP Food Bank Challenge will be held Saturday. Proceeds are going to the Bridgewater Interchurch Food Bank. People can still donate food or give money at the RCMP station on Cooks Lane, EHS Base on North Street or police service detachment on Exhibition Drive. The winner is decided by who fills up their vehicle with the most non-perishable food items. The event will be held at the Bridgewater Superstore from 1-5pm on Saturday.

Dominion Street Project Hundreds Of Thousands Over-Budget

The town of Bridgewater's engineer has revealed the water and sewer project on Dominion Street is $298,600 in the red. The figure was released during a meeting Monday night. Low cost estimates, additional paving and a mix-up accessing federal money are among several factors contributing to the project being over-budget. Mayor David Walker says they are tasking senior management to find money in their capital budget to cover the costs.



Staff will notify council if it can be done, at a later date.

Liverpool: Author's Fourth Crow Series Book Launch

A well-known Queens County author will unveil his latest book this evening during an official launch. Vernon Oickle to set to release the fourth installment of the popular crow series called "Four Crows A Boy". The fictional book features a few strange twists and tells a wild story based around life in Liverpool. The series has been a tremendous success so far and the book's publisher has deemed it a best seller. The launch kicks off at 7 o'clock tonight at Lanes Privateers Inn in Liverpool.

Shelburne Ship Repair: 48 Layoffs Since Nov 2nd

Shelburne Ship Repair has laid off more than half of its workforce due to a lack of work orders. A spokesperson for Irving Shipbuilding confirmed the layoffs in an email, indicating that the company has laid off 48 workers since November 2nd. Deborah Page says a series of layoffs began after repair projects wrapped up on HMCS Shawinigan and the DND Water Barge. Page says the company needs to secure new work orders before they can begin to re-hire the workers. The Shelburne Shipyard now has 15 full-time workers down from a peak of 75 employees earlier this year.

Board Members Learn More About Impact Reports

It was a chance for the newly elected local school board members to ask questions and learn more information about the school impact assessment reports. A pair of consultants for Deloitte met with the board Wednesday night to present an overview of the work they've been doing since April. The two men focused on key issues like education program delivery, operational expenditures and capital expenditures for the six schools in the review process. One of the consultants, Dr. Jim Gunn, says members provided good feedback.



No decision was made during the meeting. The six schools up for review include Mill Village Consolidated, Hebbville Academy, Pentz Elementary, Gold River-Western Shore Elementary, Petite Riviere Elementary and New Ross Consolidated. Study committees for each of the schools will write a response on the impact assessment reports to the board by February 1. More information can be found here : http://ssrsb.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=770&Itemid=371

Thorburne Stepping Aside As Bridgewater Fire Chief

Willing to listen, ready to serve; the words Wayne Thorburne has followed since becoming fire chief. The saying carries new weight as the 65-year-old has decided to step aside as chief and fulfill his new role on town council. Thorburne has been fire chief for almost eight years, and has spent close to 40 years as a member of the Bridgewater Fire Department. He says he's enjoyed his time as chief.



Thorburne says he will become a regular firefighter, once a new chief is elected, until his planned retirement in June. Deputy Chief Michael Nauss has been nominated to replace Thorburne as chief while Captain Andy Wentzell has been nominated to take over as deputy chief. A decision is expected December 10.

New Bridgewater-Halifax Bus Route Proposed

An eleventh hour deal is in the works to revive the South Shore's only bus service into Halifax. The owner of Trius Tours is proposing to establish a daily round-trip between Bridgewater and Halifax. Mike Cassidy is trying to find a solution after a private operator withdrew an application yesterday to provide bus service into Halifax for residents of the South Shore. Cassidy is proposing to introduce the Bridgewater-Halifax route on a six-month trial basis and offer more convenient departure and arrival times.



Trius took the Halifax-Yarmouth route over from Acadian Lines in 2006. However, low ridership is forcing the company to eliminate the run on December 1st. Cassidy would need approval from the province's regulatory board before the company could offer the new bus route.

Lumberjacks Add Groom In Yarmouth Deal

Another player is coming to the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks from the Yarmouth Mariners. The deal, first reported Tuesday included the Jacks receiving defenseman Brendan Nickerson of Shelburne County in exchange for a fifth round pick in 2013. The Lumberjacks will also receive 18-year-old forward Ryan Groom. The Glace Bay native has one goal and three assists in 19 games this season.

Veteran Councillors Have Public Transit Concerns

A pair of veteran councillors in Lunenburg feel there are too many unknowns surrounding public transit. Citizens for Public Transit have been working to secure partners for a three year pilot project to test out a fixed route system to serve Lunenburg county. The group made another presentation to town council last night in hopes of securing financial support to get their pilot project off the ground. However, John McGee is skeptical the system will work. He says taxpayers in Lunenburg are a little nervous about making such an investment.



McGee believes a decision on the town's potential involvement is still a ways down the road. Meanwhile, councillor Peter Zwicker is applauding the work of the CPT, but also has concerns with the costs associated with the pilot project. He says any decision falls on the taxpayers of Lunenburg.



Should the town sign onto the pilot project, it would mean Lunenburg would need to invest a dollar amount that could exceed $20,000. The CPT is hoping to cost share the pilot project with the provincial government and four municipal units within the county.

MODL Concerned About Lost Bus Service

The Municipality of Lunenburg has concerns after learning a bus service will no longer serve the South Shore. CKBW/HANK-FM News reported yesterday Bernie Melanson of Bernie's Shuttle Service has decided to withdraw his application to replace Trius Tours' Halifax to Yarmouth route. The decision means a bus service could vanish from the South Shore as early as December 1. Mayor Don Downe says there needs to be a service for residents.



The municipality is currently reviewing the situation and plan to outline their concerns to the province.

Bridgewater Curling Club Hosting International Event

The Bridgewater Curling Club has been selected to host curlers from Scotland in the Strathcona Cup 2013 tour. Senior men's teams from Scotland will play four, eight-end curling matches against local squads in the one-day event. The club will be one of five Canadian stops on the cup's tour. Canada and Scotland have competed for the Strathcona Cup since 1903. The competition is the oldest international curling event in the world. It will be held January 11, 2013.

Yarmouth-Halifax Bus Route Axed

There won't be a bus service in southwestern Nova Scotia as of December 1st. A private operator has pulled an application to take over the route between Yarmouth and Halifax from Trius Tours. The Charlottetown based bus company is expanding to replace Acadian Coach Lines at the end of this month, but are axing their South Shore run because of low ridership. Bernie Melanson was proposing to keep the same route, but was unable to secure enough agents to sell tickets or handle packages.



He says the losses would be too great because transporting parcels makes up nearly half of annual revenues for motor carriers. There are now just two shuttle services offering rides between Halifax and Yarmouth.

Time Limit Created For Bridgewater Public Meetings

Residents in Bridgewater will have less time to voice their opinion at public participation meetings. The town has altered its meeting procedure, giving people up to five minutes to speak. However, deputy mayor Bill McInnis disagrees with the move, saying five minutes is too long.




Council voted 5-2 on the matter. Councillor Michael Graves was also against the move, saying there shouldn't be a time limit. The move is expected to cut down on longer statements, reserved for public hearings.

Lumberjacks Acquire Nickerson For Fifth Round Pick

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks continue to be active on the trade front. The Jacks have acquired defenseman Brendan Nickerson from the Yarmouth Mariners for a fifth round pick in 2013. Nickerson is no stranger to Bridgewater, after playing major midget with the South Shore Mustangs. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound 16-year-old from Shelburne County had only one assist in 16 games with the Mariners this season. The deal comes one day after a six-player trade with the Metro Shipbuilders.

Lobster Fishing Season Finally Underway

The winter lobster fishing season is finally underway in fishing areas 33 and 34. Department of Fisheries spokesperson, Frank Quinn says no one was hurt as a result of three separate incidents. The first incident occurred in Wedgeport when a lobster vessel lost power just after it set out with a load of traps. It was towed back to port by a coast guard vessel. Three vessels came to the aid of another that was taking on water near Barrington. Pumps were able to get rid of the water and the vessel continued on its way to the lobster grounds. The most serious event saw a vessel go down while it was sitting dockside in Port Maitland. It hasn't been determined what caused the "Cory and Tyson" to sink. Meanwhile, Quinn says here is help standing-by should any other incidents occur.



The season's start was delayed by a day yesterday because of windy conditions. More than 350-thousand lobster traps will be dropped today from the decks of more than 17-hundred vessels in an area stretching from Halifax, along the South Shore into Yarmouth County and on to Digby.

Bridgewater: Two Options For King Street Building

The mayor of Bridgewater called it an opportunity to bring the new council up to speed. Proponents for Cafe 12 presented their business proposal for a second time, after many new faces were elected in Bridgewater in October. Cafe 12 is looking to replace the library, which moves into the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre once its complete. Organizers issued a formal request Monday night to enter into negotiations for a lease-hold agreement of the King Street building for $1 a year. However, David Walker says council has to choose between two options.



A decision is expected to be made during next month's council meeting.

Firm Donates Food, Cash To Local Food Bank

A local consulting firm has stepped up to help the Bridgewater Inter-church food bank. Grant Thornton offices in Yarmouth, Digby, Kentville and Bridgewater helped gather over 1,200 pounds of food and just under $1,400 for the local food bank. Senior Manager Kim Hopkins says it feels good to help.



Hopkins says she noticed the food bank is still in need of key items including peanut butter and things for children's lunches. She encourages everyone to keep donating during the holiday season.

VIDEO: Thorburne Sworn-in As Bridgewater Councillor

Bridgewater council finally became a whole group following the October 20 municipal elections. Wayne Thorburne was sworn-in November 26 after he was overseas when the rest of council was sworn-in November 5. Thorburne is also the chief of Bridgewater's fire department, but it's expected he will step aside from that position in December.

Lumberjacks Acquire Snair, Riguse From Metro

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have shipped forward Jamie MacIntyre and defenseman Roland Provencal to the Metro Shipbuilders. In return, the Jacks get goaltender Anderson Snair and forward Chris Riguse. Head Coach Terry Rhindress says it's a good deal for his club. Metro will also receive Lumberjack prospects Brandon Challoner and Scott MacSween in the deal. Rhindress hopes to have Snair and Riguse in the lineup for Friday night's game against Summerside.

Leblanc Hearing On Dartmouth Charges Adjourned

A preliminary hearing for a 47-year-old man accused of molesting and photographing two young boys has been adjourned until the spring. CKBW/HANK-FM's Steve MacArthur has more from Dartmouth.



These charges pre-date Leblanc's alleged involvement in the teen confinement case out of Upper Chelsea.

Weekend Sports Wrap

The BMO Western Hurricanes have won the 2012 ESSO Challenge Cup in Halifax. The team tied their first game and then went on to win six in a row, including the championship game 4-2 over Cape Breton. Game MVPs were Matt Grace, Logan Walters, Keith Getson, Luke Emin, Cameron Jaquard, Chris Goreham and Quintin Johnson. Keith Getson was named tournament MVP.
---------
Three South Shore Junior curling teams advanced to the provincials over the weekend during a regional qualifier in Berwick. Raquel Bachman's Bridgewater rink went undefeated while Mary Fay of Chester and Trevor Crouse of Bridgewater also moved on. The Provincial Junior Curling championships will be held at the Chester Curling Club starting December 27th.
---------
The Park View Panther Boys hockey team lost to Northeast Kings 4-3 over the weekend. However, they also defeated Avon View 7-5 in another game. Fletch Selig had a hat trick in that win.
---------
The Park View Lady Panthers hockey team defeated Central Kings 3-2 in Berwick. Jackie Stevens was the top scorer for Central Kings and top scorers for Park View were Whitney Tanner and Robin Knickle, each with three-point nights.
---------
It was a difficult weekend for the South Shore Mustangs. They played a home and home series against the Halifax Titans. The local major midget hockey team lost 8-1 Sunday. On Saturday, the Mustangs fell 9-0.
---------
It was a rare loss for the Halifax Mooseheads. The team was shutout 3-0 Sunday by the Wildcats in Moncton.
---------
The Park View division one boys basketball team dropped two games Saturday in Moncton, first 76-65 to Riverview and then 98-41 to Harrison Trimble.
---------
A strong effort by the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks but they still came out on the short end of a 4-2 decision in Truro Saturday night. Mike Crawley and Josh Shatford scored for the Jacks who've now lost four straight. The Jacks' next action goes this Friday night when the Summerside Capitals roll into Bridgewater.

Start Of Lobster Season Delayed

Lobster fishermen have delayed the start of their season in districts 33 and 34. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans South West Nova area director Frank Quinn says high winds resulted in the 24-hour delay.



Fishermen will now head out early tomorrow morning at 7am in area 33 and 6am in area 34. There are about 17-hundred vessels licensed to fish lobster in an area that stretches from Halifax to Digby.

Getting Ready For "Ups & Downs" Of Winter Driving

The unusually warm weather through much of November has perhaps made many drivers complacent! However, the stretch of nice weather will be coming to an end! One of these mornings we will wake up to a dose of reality with snow coming down and the wind howling! The Canadian Automobile Association is reminding South Shore motorists to get ready before the first storm! The CAA's Gary Howard tells us ...  your vehicle needs to be road ready, you should have a safety kit on board and let someone know where you're going if you head out on a trip!



Here are tips on how to be prepared:
• Let others know your itinerary before you go out on the road.
• Strongly consider putting winter tires on your vehicle, regardless of your area’s snow accumulation. Rubber in all-season tires starts to lose elasticity and harden at around 7°C, significantly reducing the tire’s ability to grip the road. Winter tires harden at around -40°C, allowing them to maintain elasticity in much colder temperatures.
• Carry a fully charged cell phone to call a friend or roadside assistance if needed.
• Take your car into your local service technician to have it maintained for the seasonal transition. This service can include having your battery inspected for wear before the start of the season and ensuring the right grade of oil in your vehicle for optimal winter use.

The CAA also recommends we invest the time in preparing a winter driving kit for our vehicle. According to a poll conducted earlier this year by CAA, only 36 per cent of those surveyed carried a winter driving kit in their vehicle. That means that 64 per cent of Canadians aren’t properly equipped for a winter roadside emergency.

Suggested contents of a winter driving kit include:
• Warm winter gloves, toque and boots
• Blanket or extra clothing
• Bag of sand or kitty litter
• Small shovel
• Ice scraper and/or snow brush
• Snacks for energy
• Extra windshield washer fluid
• First aid kit
• Hardcopy local map (not just a GPS unit)
• Flashlight and batteries
• Flares
• Waterproof matches
• Battery jumper cables

The CAA has an on-line contest underway during this lead-up to Christmas. The Cold Start Contest runs till December 10th and provides a refresher course on winter driving and car maintenance. Here's the link to the contest:  www.caa.ca/coldstart

Hearing on Sex Charges Begins In Dartmouth For Leblanc

A preliminary hearing for a man accused of molesting and photographing two young boys begins Monday in Dartmouth. David James Leblanc is facing seven charges including sexual assault and sexual interference. The 47 year-old is also charged with making child pornography and single counts of accessing, possessing and distributing child pornography. The charges stem from alleged incidents more than two years ago on the South Shore, in the Annapolis Valley and in HRM. Leblanc was arrested in December 2010 after police seized computer equipment and digital storage devices from an apartment in Dartmouth. The preliminary hearing will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. Leblanc is also at the centre of the high profile teen confinement and sexual assault case in Lunenburg County. He is facing seven charges in relation to those allegations.