Lunenburg County Christmas Trees Brighten HRM Community Organizations

Lunenburg County-produced Christmas trees have been donated to help brighten the Christmas season at four Halifax-area community organizations. During a ceremony this morning at Province House, four trees were provided, one each for Lieutenant-Governor J.J. Grant, Premier Stephen McNeil, Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill and Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell. The Lieutenant-Governor in turn donated his Balsam Fir tree to Camp Hill Veterans Hospital. The Premier gave his Christmas tree to the Home of the Guardian Angel-Chebucto Family Centre. Minister Churchill handed over his tree to the Metro Turning Point Centre for homeless men and Minister Colwell donated his tree to Margaret's House in Dartmouth, which provides meals to underprivileged adults. Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill says he's a strong supporter of Lunenburg County Christmas tree growers and the industry.



The Lunenburg County Christmas Tree industry generates about 30-million dollars for the province's economy each year.

New Germany Students Participate In New RCMP Program

New Germany Rural High School is among the first in the country to participate in the RCMP's new way of interacting with young people. Its called "RCMP Talks", and is a series of live, interactive video-conferences taking place in several Canadian schools in the coming months. Each RCMPTalk conversation will allow students from up to six different Canadian classrooms per session to hold a discussion via social media, and pose questions to designated guests. This afternoon as part of National Safe Driving Week, students at New Germany Rural High will talk with the President of MADD Canada and a 28 year old man who was injured in a car accident while texting and driving. Through these sessions, the RCMP hopes to enhance its approaches to educating, engaging and empowering youth on tough issues such as bullying, violence and impaired and distracted driving.

Strong Winds Lead To Power Outages

There have been numerous "pockets" of power outages along the South Shore and elsewhere this morning in the province. As of 11am, more than 3000 NS Power customers are without electricity. Most are in the Bedford-Sackville-Dartmouth area of HRM. There are also about 150 without power in the Chester area. Earlier this morning, close to 4000 residents of St. Margarets Bay lost their power. Thousands were without power in Pictou County and in Antigonish. The outages have been caused by strong wind gusts breaking tree limbs and in turn snapping power lines.

Bridgewater: Councillors Voice Opinions On Noise By-Law

A recently approved noise by-law in Bridgewater remains a hot topic. Council voted 4-3 in favour of the document, which means the town will invest in equipment to measure noise levels. There would be maximum decibel limits at certain times of the day, depending on the time. Deputy Mayor Bill McInnis voted in favour and says it should keep noise levels to a minimum.



Meanwhile, councillor Jennifer McDonald is against it. She says there isn't a demand for the by-law.



There are under 100 noise complaints a year in Bridgewater. The by-law is expected to be in place by the spring.

NSCC Students Hosting Third Christmas Market

A student-organized Christmas market is benefiting local food banks. Five marketing students at the Nova Scotia Community College's Lunenburg campus are organizing the event for the third year. More than 40 vendors will set up booths in the school's gymnasium for the all-day market on Thursday. One of the students, Alex Peeler of Conquerall Banks, says the event supports local groups and teaches them their trade.



Admission to the event is either a monetary or non-perishable donation for the food bank. It goes Thursday from 11:30am to 8:30pm.

Funding Supports Mahone Bay Old School

A big celebration is planned to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the Mahone Bay Old School. South Shore St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy has announced just over $14,000 to help host activities related to the celebration of the historic building. Events will take place beginning in the new year and running through to September. In total, 140 local artists and heritage performers will be featured over nine months. Some of the activities include a story telling about school days and historical walking tour. The 100th anniversary of the Mahone Bay Old School will involve about 200 volunteers and attract an audience of about 2,000.

Child Porn: Jail Time For Former Teacher

A former teacher and principal in Lunenburg County has been sentenced to two months in jail on charges related to child porn. Brian David Jobb was given the sentence on Monday in Bridgewater court. His home in Lilydale was raided by police in the summer of 2012 and officers seized some computer equipment. Jobb taught along the South Shore for over 20 years before retiring as principal at Lunenburg Academy in 2006. He will be able to serve his time in jail on the weekends. Jobb will also need to register as a sex offender and can only use a computer at certain times.

South Shore Groups Win Lieutenant Governor's Award

Two South Shore companies have been recognized for providing service to persons with disabilities in the workplace. Clements Janitorial Services in Bridgewater and Marco's Grill and Pasta House in Yarmouth are among ten provincial winners of the Lieutenant Governor's Persons with Disabilities Employer Partnership Awards. The award acknowledges and honours employers who promote best practices towards employment, independence, and service to persons with disabilities. The awards were handed out Monday night in Halifax.

New Germany Man Faces Charges Following Single Vehicle Crash

No injuries following a single vehicle crash in Pleasant River, Queens County Monday night. The RCMP from Queens and Lunenburg Counties responded to the incident just after 8pm along Highway 208. Police found a man walking away from the scene of the crash. He was allegedly intoxicated. Constable Toby Taylor with Queens RCMP says they're investigating but expected to lay charges involving firearm and impaired driving offences. A 44-year-old man from New Germany was taken into custody. He was expected to be released with conditions and a future court date in Liverpool.

Town Gets Answers On ATV Use Along Centennial Trail

A decision on using off-road vehicles on the Centennial Trail could be made as early as next week. Bridgewater council spent over an hour Monday night asking questions to a trails coordinator for the ATV Association of Nova Scotia. There were several issues including those revolving around insurance, the time of year vehicles could be used on the trail,  widening the trail's bridge to fit off-road vehicles, speed limits, hours of operation and enforcement. The Central Nova ATV club could have members patrol the trail and report back to police if there are any concerns. Bridgewater Police Chief John Collyer believes the idea could work.



The item will be back on council's agenda next Monday evening.

Minor Injuries After Single Vehicle Crash In Robinsons Corner

The Mounties are investigating the cause of a single vehicle crash in Robinsons Corner. RCMP responded to the scene just before 1pm this afternoon near the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 14. The driver lost control of the vehicle and it ended up on its roof in the ditch. Constable David Cullen with Lunenburg County RCMP says the car was full at the time of the incident. He says one person was taken to hospital with minor injuries, while others went for observation.

Drouin, Fucale Named To Canada's World Junior Selection Camp Roster

A pair of Halifax Moosehead players have earned a tryout for Canada's World Junior Hockey team. Jonathan Drouin and Zach Fucale were named to the 25-man selection camp roster today by Hockey Canada. Drouin has 47 points in 21 games this season for the Mooseheads while Fucale has 17 wins in 25 games this season with two shutouts and a 2.62 goals-against average. Tryouts for the team begin next week in Toronto. This year's World Junior's begin on Boxing Day in Sweden with Canada meeting Germany in their opening game.

Western Hurricanes Sweep Weekend Games

It was a clean sweep of wins for the BMO Western Hurricanes over the weekend. The major bantam club scored a 4-3 win over Bubba Rays Saturday evening. Dawson Wood, Matt Barron, Ian MacPhee and Alex Wentzell scored, while Adam Grimmitt earned the win in nets. On Sunday, the Hurricanes defeated the Halifax Hawks 4-1. Dawson Wood, Brad Jones, Ian MacPhee and Matt Sabean sparked the offense while Parker Rowter earned the win in goal. The Hurricanes sit in fourth place in the major bantam standings. The team is on the road again this weekend with games in Port Hawkesbury and Truro.

Bridgewater: Town Discussing ATV Use On Centennial Trail

Off-road vehicle use on the Centennial Trail will be in the spotlight Monday night in Bridgewater. The town is currently mulling a proposal to allow the vehicles on trail. Council will have an in-depth discussion, while weighing the positive and negative effects. Mayor David Walker says they still need to clarify issues like enforcement.



The town must decide if they want to allow off-highway vehicles along the trail's bridge to gain access to Liverpool and Yarmouth. They're also trying to decide if they want to allow access on the trail as far as the former Appleberry Farm Market property. The meeting begins at 6pm tonight at town hall.

National Day Of Remembrance Vigils Set For Friday

A number of South Shore organizations are preparing to host events later this week to raise awareness about violence against women. Each December 6, Canadians commemorate the lives of the 14 women who were singled out for their gender and murdered in the 1989 Ecole Polytechnique Massacre. Vigils will be held right across the country recognizing Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Executive Director of Harbour House in Bridgewater, Katherine McCarron says it's important to raise awareness year round.



Special ceremonies will be held on Friday at the Fire Hall in Bridgewater at 7:00pm and Central United Church at 6:45pm in Lunenburg.

MODL: Mayor Upset With Illegal Dumping In Lower Branch

The mayor of the Municipality of Lunenburg says he's frustrated and disappointed with people illegally dumping garbage in the community. The comments stem after at least a dozen garbage bags were dumped into woods along the Smith Road late last week in Lower Branch. Roughly 75 people recently spent the day removing garbage on the road. Don Downe says he's fed up.



Downe wants to see harsher fines and more teeth in legislation to deter people from illegal dumping. He plans to speak with the Department of Environment immediately to see what can be done.

Man Tasered During Mahone Bay Incident

A 47-year-old man is in police custody after tempers flared following a motor vehicle collision Saturday night in Mahone Bay. RCMP say the incident happened around 7pm on Main Street. Police say the man was in possession of several weapons and threatening occupants in the other vehicle. The Mounties say the man threatened to harm himself with two knives when they arrived at the scene. Officers tried to negotiate but had to use a taser. However, he fell into a nearby river after being shocked and had to be pulled out by two officers. He was treated at South Shore Regional Hospital and later released into police custody. The man is facing a number of charges including dangerous driving, uttering threats, possession of a weapon, and assault with a weapon.  He will appear in court on Monday.

First Contract Arbitration Law Panned By Local MLA

The Nova Scotia government plans to bring in legislation that would amend the province’s contentious first contract arbitration law. The intent is to refine it, making it more palatable to companies and unions.
Argyle-Barrington MLA Chris d'Entremont and his fellow opposition Progressive Conservatives say what really is needed is for the law to be eliminated.



The N-D-P’s acting leader, Maureen MacDonald, says she’s disappointed the Liberals will revise the labour bill. MacDonald says she’s not aware of any business leaving the province because of first-contract arbitration.

Lower Northfield Man Killed In Weekend Crash

Mounties are releasing the name of person killed in Saturday's crash north of Bridgewater. Peter Bentley of Lower Northfield died in a collision with another vehicle around 8 o'clock. The 37 year old died at the scene. A 59 year old woman remains is serious condition in Halifax. Police say the Northfield Road has been re-opened to traffic. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.

Dramatic Rescue To Start Lobster Season

Some tense moments and a dramatic rescue just hours after the official start of the lobster fishing season. Four fishermen have been rescued just off the coast of Liverpool when their boat began taking on water. The mayday call was issued around 10 o'clock this morning. It's reported two men were plucked from a life raft while two others rescued from the water by a nearby fishing boat. The condition of the men is not known. Both the Canadian Coast Guard and Joint Rescue Coordination Centre were called for duty. The fishing season in LFA's 33 and 34 began this morning at 6am.

UPDATED: Fatal Crash On Northfield Road

Mounties are investigating the third fatal car crash in the past nine days in Lunenburg County. Police say a man is dead after a collision between a car and an SUV this morning in Lower Northfield. It occurred shortly after 8:00am. A woman also involved in the crash has been airlifted to the QE II in Halifax. She has serious injuries. An RCMP traffic analyst has been called to help with the investigation. On November 15, a 23 year old man was killed in a single vehicle crash in Blockhouse while an elderly man died after a head on collision in Hebbs Cross on Wednesday.

Bridgewater: Town Approves Noise By-Law

Bridgewater residents are going to have to start keeping noise at a respectable level. The town has approved a noise by-law by a 4-3 vote. The document includes maximum decibel limits of 75 decibels between 10pm and 6am.  It increases to 90 decibels during the day. Meanwhile, the town is in the middle of reviewing all of its by-laws to see which ones are necessary and which ones can be scrapped. Mayor David Walker says it doesn't make sense to add another by-law in the middle of the process.



Walker voted against the by-law along with councillors Michael Graves and Jennifer McDonald. The by-law won't take effect right away. There is training and decisions around enforcement that need to be ironed out.

Limited Parking At Queens General Hospital

Parking spaces will be at a premium for the next few weeks at Queens General Hospital. The site is being prepared for paving and other ground work. South Shore Health is advising the public to park in the lower parking lot near the old main entrance when visiting the hospital. Other parking space will be limited. Staff and the public are encouraged to carpool, or use drop off and pick up when possible. Paving is expected to be complete by mid-December.

Safety Crucial For Successful Lobster Fishing Season: Fisheries Minister

The annual lobster fishing season in our region finally gets underway Saturday morning in districts 33 and 34.
Its been delayed for almost a week because of bad weather. Nova Scotia fisheries minister Keith Colwell says its a very important industry, valued at more than 400 million dollars. He says for the fishermen, its a harsh environment in which to work.



Hundreds of vessels, stacked with lobster traps and manned by their crews will set out at 7 o'clock Saturday morning.

Nova Scotia: Ombudsman Set To Retire

Nova Scotia's long time ombudsman will retire at the end of the year. Dwight Bishop has served as the province's Ombudsman since 2004. Premier Stephen McNeil thanked Bishop for his dedicated service saying the people of Nova Scotia were well served during his term. Bishop did not wish to seek reappointment. He was appointed in 2004 and reappointed in 2009. The recruitment process for a new Ombudsman will begin shortly.

Sports: Panthers Play Titans, Mooseheads Look For Tenth Straight Win

The Park View Panthers boys hockey team gets ready for their toughest challenge this season. The high school team travels to Canning tonight to take on the top-seeded Northeast Kings Titans. Park View sits in third in the Valley League with five wins and a shootout loss.
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The Halifax Mooseheads try for their 10th straight win tonight when they travel to Cape Breton. The Moose sit in second place in the Quebec Junior League with a record of 21-8.
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The Bridgewater Triathlon Club will present a cheque to the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg in support of the local P.R.O. Kids program. The group will make the presentation at 10AM Saturday at The Local Public House in the Bridgewater Mall. The donation represents profits from the club's annual Riverport Duathlon race.

Lumberjacks Host Ramblers; Lose Nickerson To Suspension

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks will be without one of their young defenseman tonight. Brendan Nickerson has been suspended eight games following an incident that happened in last Friday night's game against Valley. Nickerson received a match penalty during the game and was suspended for physical harassment of an official. The Barrington native has four assists in 24 games this season. The Lumberjacks will host the Amherst Ramblers at 7pm at the Clearwater Seafoods Arena. The Bridgewater club has lost four in a row.

Sports Day In Canada Comes To Lunenburg County YMCA

An open house at the Lunenburg County YMCA in Bridgewater will give people a chance to try different activities. It's all part of RBC Sports Day in Canada. People will have a chance to try pickleball. They can also watch a local Para-Olympic Para-Canoeist demonstrate training modules. A director with the local YMCA, Jonathan Gregorash, says there are many benefits to hosting the event.




The 'Y' will also set up an information booth with programming information for all ages and levels of fitness. The local YMCA will be shown during nationally on CBC, as part of the day. The event will be held Saturday from 11am-4pm.

Hundreds Of Charges Laid In South Shore & Valley Area Break & Enters

More than 300 charges have been laid against 2 men and a woman after a series of break and enters in Lunenburg, Queens, Kings and Annapolis Counties. The RCMP say the arrests follow a 5-month investigation into at least 46 B & E's over the past year. Jewelry and in a few cases firearms were targetted and the break-ins into the homes were carried out mainly during daylight hours. RCMP Sgt. Rocky Calhoun says many of the victims didn't even know they had been robbed.



The three suspects, 42-year-old Perry Fader, 56-year-old Kerry Laffin and 24-year-old Brittany Green, face charges of break and enter, possession of stolen property and conspiracy to commit break and enter.
The suspects are all from Annapolis County and they'll be appearing in Annapolis Royal court in the coming week. The RCMP says some of the stolen property has been recovered and more charges are likely.

Lobster Fishing Season Set To Go Tomorrow Morning

The annual lobster fishing season begins Saturday morning in districts 33 and 34. The area involved is large, from Halifax along the South Shore to Yarmouth and around to Digby. Former fisheries minister Sterling Belliveau, a former lobster fishermen himself and now the MLA for Queens-Shelburne, says "dumping day" is always a rush.



Hundreds of vessels, stacked with traps and manned by their crews will set sail for the rich lobster fishing areas at 7 o'clock tomorrow morning (Saturday). The start of the season has been on hold since last weekend because of bad weather conditions. Tomorrow is expected to be clear with little wind.

Gasoline Prices Up Again

Gas prices at South Shore pumps have increased overnight. Regular self serve is up 2 cents a litre to $1.32.1 High test is up by the same amount to $1.41.1. Diesel is up almost 5 cents a litre this morning to $1.41.8. These increases come about as industry analyists say there's no real reason for hikes because oil supplies are good. In fact, the world price of oil has been dropping all week.

Liverpool: RCMP Investigate Possible Threat To School

A high school in Queens County was placed under a safety procedure this afternoon due to a possible threat made to the school. Students and staff at Liverpool Regional High School were under "hold and secure"  which means no one allowed inside or out of the building. The procedure was put in place over the lunch hour and Queens County RCMP were called to investigate a possible weapons threat to the school. Corporal Scott MacRae says police were stationed at the school to ensure the safety of students and staff. He says no arrests have been made.



Classes will take place as usual on Friday.

Memo sent home to parents via South Shore Regional School Board web site:

November 28, 2013

Dear Parents/Guardians:

During lunchtime, school administration received a phone call that a non-student was rumored to be coming to our school with weapons. Immediately, the Liverpool Detachment Royal Canadian Mounted Police were advised and responded by coming to our school. Our school went into a “Hold and Secure” mode.

Upon arrival of police, students were advised to return to classrooms with their teachers, to insure everyone’s safety. Afternoon classes went ahead as usual with staff and students receiving updates.

I am very pleased with the reaction of our students and staff. The Liverpool Detachment Royal Canadian Mounted Police responded promptly, effectively and remained at school until student dismissal. Their efforts will continue with investigative work.

Terry Doucette

Principal

Liverpool Regional High School

UPDATED: Liverpool High School Under "Hold & Secure"

Liverpool Regional High School in Queens County is under a "hold & secure" procedure due to "potential issue". That means no one is allowed to enter or leave the school. Communications Manager for the South Shore Regional School Board, Trish Smith says the move is precautionary. RCMP are involved. This is all the information we have and will update when we have more to report.

Update 1:15pm: Liverpool High School will remain in hold and secure until dismissal. The school has been working with the RCMP on a potential threat. All are safe.

Update 1:25pm: RCMP in Queens County looking for a person of interest in relation to hold and secure at Liverpool Regional High School.

Update 1:32pm: RCMP were called to investigate a possible weapons threat at the school - which led to the hold and secure. They are following up to find out if the threat is legit. Students safe, classes continue as normal.

Update 1:44pm: South Shore Regional School Board says students will be dismissed at regular time, RCMP will be on site when students get on their buses.

Update 1:50pm: School board says a memo will be sent home to parent letting them know what took place at the school and the reason for the "hold and secure". Students being dismissed and are being transported home.

Victim Of Fatal 103 Crash Identified

A Mill Village man has been identified as the victim of a two-vehicle crash yesterday on Highway 103 at Hebbs Cross. 73 year old George Warner Smith died Wednesday afternoon when the mini-van he was driving east between exits 14 and 15 collided with an SUV heading west. Two other people were sent to hospital with serious injuries. The cause of the crash hasn't been determined but driving conditions on the highway were poor at the time with heavy rain and wind. The RCMP are continuing their investigation.

Storm Cleanup Continues

Heavy rain and hurricane-force wind gusts last night created a lot of problems across the province for a lot of people. The biggest impact was on power. At the height of the storm, close to 50-thousand Nova Scotians lost their electricity, including thousands along the South Shore from St. Margaret's Bay to Yarmouth. Nova Scotia Power has been trying to fix a pair of snapped poles on North Street in Bridgewater, which is causing some minor traffic delays. Company spokesman David Rodenhiser says crews have been working on the issue for more than 12 hours.



Wind gusts last evening were close to 100 km/hr at times which tore limbs from trees, destroyed fences, ripped shingles off rooves and toppled trees, power poles and lines. RCMP Sgt. Al LeBlanc says first responders were swamped with calls.



There are still about 14-thousand Nova Scotia Power customers without electricity with the most outages in the eastern part of the province and Cape Breton. NSP hopes to have everyone re-connected as the day goes on. There have also been numerous delays or cancellations of flights at Halifax's Stanfield International Airport.

Gas Prices Expected To Rise Again

Gas prices here on the South Shore will likely rise about a cent tonight when the utility and review board sets the coming week's prices at midnight. In New Brunswick this morning, there's an increase in gas prices there. Self serve regular is at $126.9 a litre with diesel at $1.42 a litre.

Bridgewater: NSP Working To Fix North Street Power Poles

Over 14,000 people province-wide remain without power following yesterday's rain and wind storm. Crews with Nova Scotia Power worked through the night to fix situations on the South Shore including several outages in the Bridgewater-area, Chester and Queens. NSP is still trying to fix a pair of snapped poles on North Street in Bridgewater, which is causing some minor traffic delays. Company spokesman David Rodenhiser says crews have been working on the issue for over 12 hours.




Rodenhiser says workers are putting up new poles and installing wiring. He expects the issue to be cleared up in the next few hours.

South Shore Cleans-Up After Powerful Storm

Heavy rain and hurricane force wind gusts created a lot of problems last night in Nova Scotia. The biggest impact was on power. At the height of the storm, close to 50,000 people lost their electricity, including thousands along the South Shore from St. Margaret's Bay to Yarmouth. Wind gusts were close to 100 km/h at times which tore limbs from trees, destroyed fences, ripped off shingles and toppled power poles. There are still about 20,000 Nova Scotia Power customers without electricity with the most outages in the eastern part of the province and Cape Breton. NSP hopes to have everyone re-connected as the day goes on. There have also been numerous delays or cancellations of flights this morning at Halifax's Stanfield International Airport.

Local MLA Says Legislature Session Will Be A Rehearsal

The Nova Scotia Legislature will open today (Thursday) for a short fall sitting. Its the first session for recently-elected Premier Stephen McNeil and his 31 other Liberal MLA's. Argyle-Barrington Progressive Conservative MLA Chris d'Entremont says he's anxious to get back in the house to see if the Liberals will live up to their election promises and also work to improve the lobster fishery.



The legislature will open this afternoon with the throne speech read by Lieutenant-Governor J.J. Grant.
The session, expected to last only a week or so, is mainly for house keeping and the introduction of a few bills. d'Entremont says its mainly a rehearsal for a spring session.

UPDATE: Power Outages (10AM)

Last night's heavy rain and hurricane-force wind gusts created a lot of problems. The biggest impact was on power. At one point during the night, close to 50-thousand Nova Scotians lost their electricity, including thousands along the South Shore from St. Margarets Bay to Yarmouth. Wind gusts were close to 100 by times which tore limbs from trees, destroyed fences, ripped shingles off rooves and toppled power poles and lines. There are still about 20-thousand Nova Scotia Power customers without electricity with the most outages in the eastern part of the province and Cape Breton. NSP hopes to have everyone re-connected as the day goes on. There have also been numerous delays or cancellations of flights this morning at Halifax's Stanfield International Airport.

New Lunenburg MLA Readies For First Legislature Sitting

The Nova Scotia Legislature will open today for a special fall sitting. Its the first session for Premier Stephen McNeil and his other recently-elected Liberal MLA's. This will also be the first time Lunenburg Liberal MLA Suzanne Lohnes-Croft has sat in the house. She says it will be a learning experience and she's thrilled she's going to be there.



The legislature will begin sitting this afternoon with the throne speech read by Lieutenant-Governor J.J. Grant. The session, expected to last only a week or so, is mainly for house keeping and the introduction of a few bills.

Thousand Lose Power As Storm Pounds Nova Scotia

An intense storm packing huge wind gusts and heavy rain has knocked out power to more than 40,000 people in Nova Scotia. A complete list of outages and estimated restoration times can be found here

Bridgewater Donates $500 To Aid Philippines

Ottawa has extended the deadline to match funding towards Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts in the Philippines. The federal government has changed the date from December 9th to December 23rd. Closer to home, a number of local municipalities have decided to donate money to the cause. Bridgewater recently approved $500. Mayor David Walker says providing money was an easy decision.



Meanwhile, the Municipality of Chester gave $100, the town of Mahone Bay donated $500 and the Region of Queens offered $1,000 to the relief efforts. Reports say the death toll is over 5,500 but could still climb after the typhoon struck earlier this month.

UPDATED: Fatal Crash On Highway 103

Mounties say one person is dead after a head-on crash late this afternoon on Highway 103. The collision between a SUV and van happened in Hebbs Cross just after 3 o'clock. Sergeant Alain Leblanc says two others have been taken to hospital with serious injuries. A section of the highway has been shut down near the crash scene.  RCMP say they will be on scene for at least a few hours. Traffic is being re-routed through the Old Camperdown Road. The cause of the collision has not been determined but road conditions were poor at time.

Lobster Season Will Open Saturday

The lucrative lobster fishing season in southwestern Nova Scotia will kick off on Saturday. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans and representatives from within the industry made the decision this afternoon after getting a look at the updated forecast. DFO Area Manager Frank Quinn says calmer wind speeds are expected heading into the weekend.



Quinn says he's pleased fishermen are thinking about safety first before heading out on the water. The lobster fishing season was supposed to open on Monday but was delayed because of high wind and rough seas.

Shore Club, Mateus Bistro Among Taste Of NS Award Winners

Lunenburg County restaurants and producers have collected hardware from Taste of Nova Scotia. Four local businesses received 2013 Prestige Awards. LaHave Forests of Blockhouse won innovative product of the year for their Haskapa Haskap juice while Terra Beata Cranberry Farm in Heckman's Island was named producer of the year. Mateus Bistro in Mahone Bay won restaurant of the year for chef-inspired casual dining. Shore Club Lobster Suppers in Hubbards received restaurant of the year - essence of Nova Scotia. The awards celebrate producers and restaurants that provide exceptional culinary products and experiences.

UPDATED: Power Outages Reported

Power outages are being reported in Nova Scotia. It's part of a late fall storm that's ready to pound most of the province. According to Nova Scotia Power, outages are affecting roughly 5,500 residents in Bridgetown, Kingston and Windsor. No outages on the South Shore have been reported. Wind gusts in the region could top 100 km/h. They could reach up to 130 km/h in some parts of Cape Breton. Environment Canada is also predicting upwards of 50 millimetres of rain. Meanwhile, the Confederation Bridge has restricted certain classes of vehicles from crossing until the current high wind situation changes.

Chester: Gingerbread Festival Opens For Fifth Year

The smell of brown sugar and molasses will linger through Chester for the next few weeks. The fifth annual gingerbread festival kicks off this weekend in the village. Chester will be decorated with hundreds of outdoor flat gingerbread men. Over a dozen people will also build gingerbread houses that will be judged and displayed at the area's Art Centre. Co-coordinator Suzie Fraser says the event helps get people in the spirit of Christmas.



There will also be a tree lighting, outdoor displays and craft markets over the next two weeks. The festival officially opens Saturday and goes until December 15. More information can be found here .

Curl For Kids Supports Big Brothers Big Sister

Local organizations and teams are gearing up to support Big Brothers Big Sisters at their Curl for Kids event in Bridgewater. This weekend will mark the 24th annual curling bonspeil in support of the non-profit organization which helps deserving children around the South Shore. Executive Director Sandra Murray says it's an important fundraiser to support their programs.



Murray says they have roughly ten teams signed up for this weekend's event including a pair of entries from CKBW and HANK FM. The curling kicks off Saturday at the Bridgewater Curling Club.

"We Day": Local Schools Represent South Shore

South Shore schools have sent a contingent of students to the Halifax Metro Centre today. They are there for the youth empowerment "We Day", sponsored by the Free the Children charity. Roughly 8,000 students and educators from across the region are attending and it can be watched online with streaming here - locally 25 student in Grade 6 at New Germany Elementary made the trip along with students from North Queens. The show will be featuring a star-studded lineup of performers and inspirational speakers, including Shawn Desman, Hedley and former governor-general Michaelle Jean. "We Day"started in 2007 and has grown into a cross-country tour with nine Canadian stops. (Photo: Nova Scotia Teachers Union Twitter feed)