Bridgewater Church Looks For More Parking Space

A local church is looking to access land to help create more parking spaces. The Bridgewater Open Bible Church has requested to lease or purchase property from the town located on the corner of Jubilee and Exhibition. It's under an acre of land. Mayor David Walker says they have to determine if there is a future for the land.



The chairman of the church's Trustees Board says they have a congregation of approximately 170 people and parking needs to be expanded. Council referred the matter to Planning and Recreation departments to figure out if there are any plans for the land.

Yarmouth: Junior Hockey Event Receives Federal Dollars

A seven-day event showcasing junior hockey players in Yarmouth has received federal funding. Ottawa has given $75,000 to the World Junior 'A' Hockey Challenge. The money is pegged to attract and retain national and international visitors, including accommodations, advertising and promotions. Visitors including players, fans and more than 150 NHL scouts will have access to guides highlighting areas along the South Shore that are "must do" and "must see" destinations. The event also has activities spanning from Digby to Queens County. The province is also investing $150,000 in the event. Additional support includes a combined $67,500 from the Municipalities of Yarmouth and Argyle and the town of Yarmouth and a $30,000 contribution from Hockey Canada. The event will showcase the world's top Junior 'A' players from the United States, Russia, Switzerland, Czech Republic and Canada from November 4-10.

Regional Hospital: Visitation Ban Remains In Effect

A visitation ban will remain in effect at the South Shore Regional Hospital. Infection Control Practitioner Elizabeth Watson says they are still dealing with a stomach virus that's been making the rounds in multiple units at the hospital. She says the restriction will remain in place throughout the weekend. There have been more confirmed cases in the past few days. Normally, a 48 hour period must pass without any new cases before a restriction is lifted. Family members of critically ill patients can still visit their loved ones while the ban is place. All outpatient services at the hospital are available as usual.

Furey Signs-On As Lunenburg West MLA

The MLA for Lunenburg West has been sworn-in at the provincial Legislature. Liberal Mark Furey took his oath inside the red chamber. He is a first-time MLA following the October 8th election, where he won the riding over NDP incumbent Gary Ramey and PC candidate David Mitchell. Furey will be the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations and the Minister responsible for the Residential Tenancies Act. (Photo Courtesy: Communications Nova Scotia)

Lunenburg: Lohnes-Croft Officially Becomes MLA

The newly-minted MLA for Lunenburg has been sworn-in at the provincial Legislature. Liberal member Suzanne Lohnes-Croft took her oath inside the red chamber. This is her first time as a member of the legislative assembly following the October 8th election, where she won the riding over NDP incumbent Pam Birdsall and PC member Brian Pickings. (Photo Courtesy: Communications Nova Scotia)

Peterson-Rafuse Sworn-In At Legislature

The MLA for Chester - St. Margaret's has been sworn-in at the provincial Legislature. NDP member Denise Peterson-Rafuse took her oath inside the red chamber. She was returned to office following the October 8th election, where she won the riding over PC candidate Janet Irwin and Liberal candidate Tim Harris. She will be the NDP's critic for Education and Early Childhood Development, Economic and Rural Development and Tourism, and Seniors. (Photo Courtesy: Communications Nova Scotia)

New Queens-Shelburne MLA Takes Oath

The new MLA for Queens-Shelburne has been sworn-in at the provincial Legislature. NDP member Sterling Belliveau took his oath inside the red chamber. He was returned to office following the October 8th election, where he won the riding over PC candidate Bruce Inglis and Liberal member Benson Frail. He will be the NDP's critic for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, and Natural Resources. (Photo Courtesy: Communications Nova Scotia)

Lower Gas Prices At South Shore Pumps

Gas prices at South Shore pumps are lower today. Regular self serve is selling for $1.26.8 a litre, down 2.5 cents from Thursday. High test is down by a similar amount to $1.35.8. Diesel is also down a couple of cents to $1.35.4 a litre.

Soccer: Barrington Clubs Have Big Weekend Match-Ups

The Barrington Senior High Girls Soccer team is travelling to Brookfield this weekend for the Northumberland Region Division 3 Qualifier Championship game. The winner of this game advances to the Provincial Championships, hosted by New Germany on November 1st and 2nd. Game time is 1 o'clock on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Barrington Senior Boys Soccer team is hosting the Western Region Division 3 qualifier this weekend. Barrington will play Bridgetown on Saturday. Game time is that match up is also 1 o'clock. The winner advances to the Provincial Championships, hosted by Dalbrae Academy, Cape Breton.

CKBW Gears Up For 11th Annual Craft Show In Bridgewater

Final preparations are underway for CKBW's 11th Annual Christmas Craft Show. The popular event will kick off November 1st at the Michelin Social Club in Bridgewater. Up to 40 crafter's and tables will be set up featuring all hand-made items available for sale. CKBW's Program Director John Wiles says it's a special event - in supports a great cause.



Admission is free, but you are encouraged to make a donation to support the hospital foundation. The craft show begins next Friday and runs all weekend.

South Shore Farmers Prepare For Valley Auction

The Annapolis County farming community is getting set for its final cattle auction of the season. It'll be held this Saturday at the exhibition grounds in Lawrencetown. Its also a popular attraction for farmers on the South Shore. Many of them travel the 80 kilometers or so through the spring and fall to attend the auctions and buy and sell their animals. Valley veterinarian Dave MacHattie is there to keep an eye on a variety of farm animals.



Its a family event and between the morning and afternoon auctions is lunch, featuring home-cooked meals.
This Saturday's auction is the final of the fall and it begins at 8:30am.

Little Change Expected In South Shore Gas Prices

Gas prices on the South Shore will likely remain unchanged or drop slightly when the utility and review board sets prices tonight. In New Brunswick today (Thursday), gas there is down 7/10's of a cent. Regular self serve is selling for $1.26.9 a litre. Diesel is down 0.8 cents per litre with furnace oil falling by half-a-cent.
The price for propane has jumped by 2.5 cents per litre.

Lohnes Competes At Junior World Judo Championships

Bridgewater's Whitney Lohnes prepares to take on the world at the Junior World Judo Championships in Slovenia. Lohnes opens up competition Thursday. It runs until Sunday. This will be her third trip to the event. She qualified for the competition following her senior national title and a bronze at the U-21 championship earlier this year.

Staff Sickness Closes Emergency Department At Lunenburg Hospital

The Emergency Department at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg has closed its doors until Thursday morning. The department closed at 6pm Wednesday evening because of staff sickness and will re-open at 7:30am Thursday. South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater is open or patients may call 811 or 911 as needed.

Virus Limits Visitation At Regional Hospital

There's a visitation ban in place at South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater. Officials say a serious stomach virus is going around in multiple sections of the hospital. The restrictions are in place to try and prevent the further spread of the virus. It means visitation is limited to immediate family and those assisting in patient care. There are exceptions for family members of critically ill patients - they can still visit their loved ones. All outpatient hospital services are available. Visitation restrictions will remain in place until further notice.

Lunenburg: Food Bank Fundraiser Set For Sunday

A pair of Lunenburg County food banks will be the focus of a fundraiser this weekend. The Bridgewater Fire Department Band and 14 Wing Greenwood Band will team up to raise money for the organizations in Lunenburg and Bridgewater. Both bands will perform in a concert set for Sunday in Lunenburg. The event is being held to help local food banks prepare for their busiest time of the year in the weeks leading up to and following Christmas. It gets underway at 7:00pm at the Central United Church. You can either provide a cash donation at the door and bring along a non-perishable food item.

More Charges In Auto Theft Investigation

 Bridgewater Police have laid 15 more charges against three adults in connection with a recent car theft. Twenty-three year old Natasha Lee Rhyno of Bridgewater is the latest adult to be charged with theft of a motor vehicle. She's also charged with three theft-related offences and a charge of damage to property over $5000.   Rhyno is alleged to have stolen a Toyota Corolla in Bridgewater late last month. The vehicle was found extensively damaged near the old town dump off St Phillips Street. Rhyno is back in court December 4 for plea. Five charges have also been laid against Tyler Frederick Briffett and Sonja Ann Allen in relation to the same case.

Berwick: RCMP Investigate Suspicious Fire

The RCMP say the death of a man in the Annapolis Valley town of Berwick early this morning is considered suspicious. The fire on Commercial Street in the town broke out around 2:00am. The body of a 62 year old man was found after fire crews arrived. The RCMP has not confirmed reports the first actually broke out in a bus shelter. The major crimes unit has been called in to assist with the investigation. More information could be released this afternoon.

McNeil Says Furey & Churchill Are Logical Appointments

New Lunenburg West MLA Mark Furey has been appointed to cabinet by Premier Stephen McNeil. In a CKBW and HANK-FM News interview, the new premier says he trusts Furey to move forward with repairing provincial-municipal relations.



McNeil has also appointed Yarmouth MLA Zach Churchill as the Natural Resources Minister. He tells us .. Churchill will breathe new life into the department.



McNeil is also hailing his new cabinet as the most diverse in the province's history. He says it represents a good cross-section of the province's population.

Macaroni Salad Recall Extended

A recall of a macaroni salad has been issued because it might be contaminated with Listeria has been extended by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Reser’s Fine Foods brand Cheesy Macaroni salad is sold at Walmart stores in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Labrador, Nova Scotia, P-E-I, Ontario and Quebec. The first recall on October 5th was for both 454-gram and 1.25 kilogram packages with a best-before date of October 20th. The updated recall now includes 1.25 kilo packages with a best-before date of November 2nd.

Liberal Govnt Swearing-In Creates Deja Vous For MODL Mayor

The Mayor of the District of Lunenburg Don Downe was at Tuesday morning's swearing-in ceremony in Annapolis Royal for Stephen McNeil and his new government. Downe is a former Liberal cabinet minister himself and being present at the ceremony brought back a lot of memories.



Downe's first cabinet post in the Savage government in 1993 was Natural Resources and Energy. He later was appointed Finance Minister.

Lunenburg West MLA Furey Picks Up Cabinet Post

Stephen McNeil's inner circle will include a new MLA from the South Shore. McNeil was sworn in as the province’s 28th premier today during a ceremony in Annapolis Royal after winning a healthy majority government earlier this month. Lunenburg West MLA Mark Furey will serve as McNeil's new Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. In total, the province's new Liberal government will feature 16 cabinet members. Some of the highlights, Diana Whalen was sworn in as deputy premier and as finance minister, while Andrew Younger is the new energy minister. Leo Glavine has been named health minister, Karen Casey will be the education minister and newcomer Lena Diab will be the province’s first female attorney general and justice minister. Meanwhile, Yarmouth MLA Zach Churchill was named Minister of Natural Resources. The Liberals won 33 of the 51 seats in the legislature after the October 8 election. The Progressive Conservatives won 11 seats and the NDP held on to seven.

Public Hearing Process Begins For Riverport School Proposal

A proposal for a micro-brewery to be housed in the former Riverport School comes before the area advisory committee tonight. It will meet to discuss the plan by  "Yard-Arm Brewery". The Mayor of the District of Lunenburg, Don Downe, says the proposal is being viewed as a job creator.



As many as ten people may be employed by the micro-brewery once in operation. Tonight is the first step in several months of public meetings before a final decision is made by MODL council. Mayor Downe expects the proposal to be before council before spring with a recommendation one way or the other from the Riverport advisory committee.

Queens: Volunteers Needed For Jr. Curling Championships

Volunteers are needed to help put on the 2014 Junior Curling Championships. The event will be held in Liverpool in January. It's the first time Nova Scotia will host the national curling event since it was held in Truro in 1994. Co-ordinator Paul Fay says they are looking for roughly 200 volunteers with jobs ranging from timers to ice maintenance and tear down.



Draws will be held at both the Liverpool Curling Club and Queens Place Emera Centre beginning January 18.

If you are interested in volunteering or getting involved in the event, all the contact information is located below.

Contact Paul Fay at 902.354.2374 (after 5pm)

Applications online - here

Email: 2014canadianjuniorsvolunteer@gmail.com

Furey Carefree About Potential Cabinet Position

The MLA-elect for Lunenburg West says he hasn't given much thought of being a cabinet minister. Mark Furey says there are a number of quality Liberal MLAs that are suitable for many posts. Furey has run in two provincial elections after serving 32 years in the RCMP. He says he will leave the decision to the party leader.



Other Liberals from the South Shore include Suzanne Lohnes-Croft in Lunenburg and Zach Churchill in Yarmouth. The Liberal caucus will be sworn-in during a ceremony Tuesday in Annapolis Royal. They will be the province's first Liberal government in 15 years.

Murray, Shelley Mentioned In Maritime NHL Book

A pair of former NHLers from the South Shore are featured in a new book. 'Road to the NHL' tells the story of 25 Maritimers who explain how they made it to the professional hockey league. In the book, author Philip Croucher talks to Bridgewater's Glen Murray and Yarmouth's Jody Shelley. He says Murray's story is interesting after landing in Boston right before the 1991-92 playoffs.


Croucher says Shelly's story is one of his favourites after he made the Halifax Mooseheads as a walk-on, and ended up playing over 600 games in the NHL. The book has write-ups on players from New Brunswick, P.E.I, and Nova Scotia. It can be purchased at Coles bookstore in the Bridgewater Mall or Walmart.

Shelburne Rasies $1,000 for IWK Hospital

A weekend fundraiser in Shelburne for the IWK has raised just over $1,000 for the children's hospital. It's the third year in a row the community has been able to top the thousand dollar plateau. Organizer Martin Fudge was the driving force behind the fundraiser. The money was raised through a silent auction, bake table and cake walk. The event was held on Saturday at the Shelburne Lions Club.

Chester: Halifax Company Receives Wind Turbine Tender

A Halifax company has been awarded a tender for electrical work at the Kaizer Meadow landfill. The Municipality of Chester received two requests for proposals and awarded the contract to Black and McDonald for $111,640. The project involves electrical components including wiring on the 98-metre, two mega-watt wind turbine currently being built. Warden Allen Webber says things are progressing with the project.



Webber says the wind turbine is expected to be complete by the end of November. It's expected to provide enough green electricity for around 350 homes.

Fund Raising Moving Ahead For Astor Theatre

A campaign to raise funds for improvements at the Astor Theatre in Liverpool has reached the half-way mark. Officials want to raise 100-thousand dollars to make improvements. Among them says Astor General Manager Chris Ball is switching the showing of movies to digital format.



The Astor fund raising campaign has realized about 50-thousand dollars so far.

Greater Regional Co-Operation Needed: Yarmouth Mayor

Regional Co-Operation immerged as a key topic at this past week's meeting of Atlantic mayors in Halifax. Yarmouth mayor Pam Mood was trumpeting the need to work together.



Mood says the economy is stagnant in most parts of the region right now.  She's joining other mayors in saying the economy can be boosted sooner and more solidly if all municipalities work together.

Lunenburg County: United Way Invests Over $180,000 This Year

Another successful year for the United Way of Lunenburg County. The not-for-profit group raised $180,540 for 32 organizations and programs this year including P.R.O Kids, the YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Harbour House, Habitat For Humanity and the Bridgewater Interchurch Food Bank. Coordinator Michael Graves says the investments are good for business and help strengthen communities. The group was organized in 2003. Since then, it has invested more than one million dollars to youth, families, seniors and communities in Lunenburg County.

Shelburne: URB Sets Date For Water Rate Hearing

Water rates in Shelburne will be a hot topic during a regulatory hearing in December. The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board will host a hearing to discuss proposed new water rates for residents hooked into the town's water system. The town has applied for an increase because their utility is facing a $200,000 shortfall. If approved, water bills in the average household could jump by as much as 70 percent. The utility is in the red due to declining consumption and cost overruns related to a major line extension project. The hearing will begin December 18 in Shelburne.

High School Sports Wrap: Park View Enjoys Winning Weekend

The Park View Panthers boys hockey team went undefeated at the West Kings Wolverines high school hockey tournament. Jeremy Key, Jaron Boliver, Joe Harris and Wesley Demone scored as the Panthers defeated Cole Harbour 4-1 in the championship game. Jake Wile was the winning goaltender and player of the game for the Panthers. Park View's home opener is this Friday night at 7:30 at the Bridgewater Memorial Arena.
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In soccer, the Park View division-one boys soccer team defeated Kings Edgehill 4-2 to become regional champs and earn the right to host a provincial qualifier this weekend. The Park View division-one girls soccer team defeated Horton 1-0 to also become regional champs and will host provincials November 1st and 2nd.

Jacks Trade Henneberry, Rights To Butterworth

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have traded their disgruntled captain. Mitchell Henneberry was dealt to Summerside for Drew Wilcox, a second round pick in 2014, a fifth round pick in 2015 and future considerations. Meanwhile, the Jacks also dealt the rights to forward Jeremy Butterworth to the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League for future considerations. He scored 45 points in 49 games for the Lumberjacks last season. Butterworth has been playing for the Fargo Force this year in the United States Hockey League.

Mustangs Relieve Johnston From Coaching Duties

The owner of the South Shore Mustangs says it was time for a change in direction. Lionel Haughn confirmed Sunday, the major midget hockey club has relived Head Coach Grant Johnston of his duties. Haughn feels the team has under-achieved so far this season. The Mustangs lost their fourth game in a row Saturday night, falling to 5-7 and fifth place in the major midget standings. Haughn says the team is currently looking for a new coach to replace Johnston.

Couple Injured After Break-In In Beach Meadows

Queens RCMP are looking for two suspects after a break-in in Beach Meadows. Police say two people wearing masks broke into a home on Brooklyn Shore Road around 1:50 Sunday morning. A man and woman were assaulted while they were in bed and suffered non life-threatening injuries. RCMP are asking anyone with information to contact the Queens County detachment.

Province Urges Flu Shots

Nova Scotians have more ways to get the flu shot this year to help protect themselves and others from influenza. The flu shot is free and for the first time it is available from most pharmacists. That includes more than 20 pharmacy's along the South Shore. It is also available from family doctors, family practice nurses, nurse practitioners, and clinics offered by Public Health Services and some workplaces. Deputy chief public health officer Dr. Frank Atherton says immunization is a safe, simple, and effective way to protect yourself, your family, and others against the flu. If you would like more information on pharmacy's offering flu shots click here

Students Fly Planes Toward World Record

Time will tell if the ''Largest Science Lesson'' ever has set a world record. Students at Bridgewater High teamed up with Canadian Astronaut David Saint-Jacques to simultaneously throw paper airplanes this afternoon with thousands of other students across the country. The world record attempt helped teach the students about gravity and the atmosphere on Earth, Mars and the moon. Teachers Jane Berrigan and Chad MacPhee helped bring the event to the school. MacPhee says its a special day for the kids, even if they don't set a world record.



About 500 students in Bridgewater and more than 10,000 nationwide were involved in the event. Organizers say paper work and video has to be sent away from all schools involved before a world record is confirmed. They feel it will take a few weeks before they know if they set a Guinness World Record.

Teen Stands Up Against Illegal Dumping

A 13-year-old is fed up with the state of illegal dumping in his community. James Hebert has spoken at several town hall meetings in the Municipality of Lunenburg about the amount of garbage and appliances along the riverbank on the Smith Road in Lower Branch. Now, a massive clean-up is scheduled for November 2. Mayor Don Downe says he's proud of the boy for bringing the issue forward.



Downe says illegal dumping continues to be a significant problem in the district, and he feels stricter penalties are needed to enforce the issue. The clean-up will feature a number community groups, along with an excavator and truck from the Department of Transportation and an inspector with the Department of Environment.

Don't Believe Everything You Hear: Yarmouth Mayor

There is no cause for alarm! That is the opinion of Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood, talking about the status of a reported "unsigned" deal between the province and STM Quest for a new ferry service to Maine. The mayor says she's certain the deal, touted by economic development minister Graham Steele weeks ago, is still intact and not about to collapse.



Mayor Mood says she remains confident, despite all the talk about the deal, come next May first, the new ferry will sail into her town, bringing with it a boost to the economy and tourism.

Shelburne Hosting IWK Fundraiser

A Shelburne County man is doing all he can to help support the IWK Children's Hospital in Halifax. Martin Fudge is organizing his third fundraiser for the hospital in Shelburne. Each year, he's be able to raise over $1,000 through a silent auction, cake walk, karaoke and a bake table. Fudge made numerous trips to the children's hospital when he was younger. He's says it something that's important to him.

The fundraiser will be held at the Shelburne Lions Hall on Saturday. It starts at 10:00am and runs until 3:00pm.

Higher Gasoline Prices This Morning!

Gas prices have taken a jump overnight at South Shore pumps. Regular self serve is up 3.5 cents to $1.29.4 per litre. High test is up by the same amount to $1.38.3. Diesel has also increased about 1.5 cents to $1.37.5 per litre.

Bridgewater School Hosting Astronaut For World Record Attempt

Grade six students at Bridgewater Elementary and the entire student population at Bridgewater Junior-Senior High are looking to be part of a Guinness World Record. Canadian Space Agency Astronaut David Saint-Jacques will join students in Bridgewater for the event, which has been slugged, the "Largest Science Lesson" ever. School Board spokesperson, Trish Smith, says the students will be involved in a simple experiment.



About 500 students in Bridgewater along with another 10,000 nationwide are expected to try and set the Guinness World Record. The event will be held at 2pm Friday at Bridgewater Junior-Senior High School.

Bridgewater Health Centre Receives Hefty Donation

A large donation for Bridgewater's health centre will ensure the facility is well equipped to serve patient needs. The South Shore Regional Hospital Auxiliary has donated $145,000 to help buy items that range from exam tables to scales and office chairs. Auxiliary President Mary Fulleman says their members are passionate about health care and understand how critical is it for people to have a family doctor. She says it couldn't be done without the support of the community through fund raising. The Bridgewater and Area Family Health Centre is under construction on Glen Allen Drive and is expected to open later this fall.

Chester: Council Probing Province About Bayswater Beach

Bayswater Beach remains top of mind for the Municipality of Chester. Council members agreed to send a letter to the province's Department of Natural Resources asking for updates on the situation and making sure more closures don't happen. Bayswater Beach was closed a few times over the summer due to high levels of bacteria. Warden Allen Webber says people deserve to know what is happening.



Webber says they will work with the province to make sure the beach is available to the public.

Wanting Out: Lumberjacks Look To Trade Captain Henneberry

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks are without their captain. The team has sent 20-year-old Mitchell Henneberry home after he requested a trade from the club. Owner Ken Petrie says Henneberry indicated he no longer wanted to play for the Lumberjacks. Petrie says he doesn't want to lose Henneberry because he's a great kid and always worked hard. However, Petrie says the team will try and trade him to help him continue his hockey career. Henneberry had just two assists in 11 games this season.

Gas Price Hike Likely

South Shore gas prices may take a hike overnight tonight. In New Brunswick this morning (Thursday), the price for regular self serve is up 2 cents a litre. Diesel is also up this morning in New Brunswick by about a cent.

Unexpected ER Closure In Lunenburg

The Emergency Room at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg is closed this morning (Thursday). It will remain that way until this afternoon at 3:30. South Shore Health says a shortage of ER staff is responsible for the closure. Officials advise anyone needing emergency service should call 911 or visit the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater. Those who have non-emergencies should contact their family doctor or call Health Link 811 for medical advice.

Legislature Should Be Recalled: Baillie

Nova Scotia's Opposition Leader is calling upon premier-designate Stephen McNeil to recall the legislature as soon as possible. In a CKBW/Hank-fm News interview, Jaime Baillie of the Progressive Conservatives says election celebrations are over and its time for all MLA's to roll their sleeves up and get to work.



Baillie says the house should resume sitting, even if only for a short session, to get a general concensus on how to move forward in putting new life into the economy.

Hearing Reconvenes To Discuss Proposed Blockhouse Facility

Two more days have been set aside for the province's regulatory board to gather information on a proposed facility in Blockhouse. The Utility and Review Board will reconvene its hearing with Halifax C and D and the Municipality of Lunenburg Thursday morning. Both sides met for two days late last month. The Halifax-based company appealed a decision by municipal council which refused to issue a development agreement for the proposed construction and demolition transfer and processing facility on the Cornwall Road. The hearing resumes at 9am Thursday at the Best Western in Cookville.