Minister Begins Health Authority Tours

It's a move toward reducing the number of health authorities in Nova Scotia. Health Minister Leo Glavine will begin a province-wide tour Monday. He will meet with board members, executives and other health care personnel to discuss how best to move the process forward. The first meeting with be with South West Health. The goal is to shift to two authorities by 2015-16. It would mean a board for the IWK, and a provincial board, with four regional management zones. Another meeting with South Shore Health will be held February 19. It was a key election promise by the Liberals before they took office in the October election.

Top Ten List: How To Avoid Getting Scammed

Many Maritimers are astute shoppers when it comes to tracking down something to buy on the Internet. However, if you're afraid of being duped into buying something you don't want or getting hooked into an ongoing scam, the Maritime Better Business Bureau wants to help you avoid problems. The consumer group is out with its annual top ten list of ways to fight scammers. Included on the list, Jill Atkinson of the BBB says you should beware of job offers to make quick, easy money. Have anti-virus software on your computer and never wire or transfer money to someone you don't know. Then, there's reading the fine print on everything.



Atkinson also says you can fight identity theft by shredding sensitive documents. She also suggests creating a shopping budget and sticking to it, getting everything in writing, watching for checks in your name claiming you've won a bundle of money in a lottery and checking your local Better Business Bureau office for advice.
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Here is the BBB's complete Top Ten List:

1.         Beware of “job” offers to make easy money. Unemployment is high and scammers are targeting the large pool of job hunters. Beware of any job offer, especially unsolicited mystery shopping offers, work-at-home schemes or business opportunity that promises big money for little work and no experience.

2.         Always check a business out with BBB before you buy.  Nearly 400,000 businesses across North America bear the BBB seal of accreditation and meet our standards; you can find the seal on Web sites and at business locations.  But BBB doesn’t just report on accredited businesses. You can locate trustworthy businesses by visiting www.atlanticprovinces.bbb.org. 

3.         Always read the fine print—especially for “free” trial offers. Each year, thousands of consumers signup for a “free” trial offer online that resulted in repeated charges to their credit or debit cards sometimes amounting to as much as hundreds of dollars every month. Read the terms and conditions of any “free” trial offer before handing over credit or debit card numbers. 

4.         Keep your computer safe. If you haven’t already, install anti-virus software onto your computer and don’t forget to regularly check for software and operating system updates and patches. Don’t open attachments or click on links in e-mails unless you can confirm the e-mail came from someone you trust. 

5.         Never wire money to someone you don’t know. Many scams require that the victim wire money back to the scammers. Scammers know that tracking money sent via MoneyGram or Western Union is extremely difficult. Even more troubling for victims is the fact that it’s nearly impossible to get your money back. 

6.         Fight identity theft.  Always shred paper documents that include sensitive financial data and dispose of computers, cell phones and digital data safely.

7.         Ask BBB for help. File a complaint with your BBB if you have a disagreement with a business or have been ripped off by a scammer.

8.         Create a budget and stick to it.  If you’re a cash-strapped consumer, setting a budget can help you stay afloat in 2014.  

9.         Fight fake check fraud.  Thanks to advances in printing technology, scammers have the ability to create very real-looking phony checks. Be extremely wary of checks that come with claims that you’ve won the lottery, are eligible for a government grant or have landed a job as a secret shopper. 

10.       Get everything in writing. Don’t just take a business’ word for it. Get every verbal agreement in writing to limit miscommunication and misunderstandings between your expectations and what the business delivers.

Updated: Fay Reaches Semi-Finals At Curling Juniors

Call it fate, call it destiny. Mary Fay says it's hard work paying off. The Chester skip and her team have earned a spot in the semi-finals at the M and M Meat Shops Canadian Junior Curling Championships in Liverpool. Fay defeated Quebec 9-5 Friday morning to reach the semi-finals. They face B.C. Saturday morning at Queens Place Emera Centre. Fay says the team isn't feeling any pressure.



The winner between Fay and British Columbia will take on Alberta in the championship game Saturday evening. Meanwhile, Robert Mayhew wasn't as lucky. Although the Windsor team won 6-3 this morning over Saskatchewan, they needed Alberta to lose to Northern Ontario to clinch at least a tie-breaking game. However, it wasn't meant to be, as Alberta won the game and knocked the Nova Scotia men's team out of the competition.

Updated: URB Dismisses Halifax Group's Appeal To Construct Blockhouse Facility

The province's Utility and Review Board is dismissing an appeal by group in the city to build a construction and demolition transfer and processing facility in Blockhouse. The regulatory board released their final decision in a 118-page document this morning. In their decision, the board says a draft version of a development agreement by Halifax C and D was not complete and lacked provisions which addressed various policies of the Blockhouse Secondary Planning Strategy. Municipality of Lunenburg mayor Don Downe feels the URB made the decision based on compatibility and nuisance.



Municipal council rejected the development agreement in June, which prompted the appeal from Halifax C and D. Downe feels it was municipal process that helped quash the move.



The mayor expects residents to be pleased with a decision today by the Utility and Review Board. The facility was being proposed for the Cornwall Road. Halifax C and D has 30 days to appeal the URB decision to the Nova Scotia Supreme Court.

Cdn Jr. Curling Championships: Win & Stay! Lose & Go!

Win and you're in! That's the simple scenario for Mary Fay's Nova Scotia curling team as they get set for their final championship pool game this morning at the M and M Juniors in Liverpool. Last night, the Chester rink came back from a 4-1 deficit to edge Saskatchewan 7-6 and improve their record to 7-2. The Fay foursome meets 3-6 Quebec this morning at 8 o'clock. A win would secure a semi-final berth against BC tomorrow. A loss might mean a tie-breaker later today. Alberta has already clinched top spot and a trip to tomorrow afternoon's final.
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Meanwhile, in the Mens division, Nova Scotia's Robert Mayhew needs to win and needs some help to stay alive. After a 5 and 4 record, the Windsor team must beat 6-3 Saskatchewan to remain in the hunt. They also need Northern Ontario to beat Alberta. If those results unfold, there will be tiebreakers to determine who heads to the playoffs. Those matches are also this morning at 8 at Queens Place Emera Centre. Manitoba will be in Sunday's final after going 9-1.

Higher Gasoline Prices

Gas is up in price this morning at South Shore pumps. Regular self serve has risen almost 1.5 cents to $1.32.8 a litre. High test is up by a similar amount to $1.41.8. Diesel is up about 3 cents this morning and varies some in price from station to station. The highest is $1.46.9.

Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation Celebrating 20 Years

An environmental group is celebrating their 20th anniversary this year. The Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation is marking the milestone with a get together this evening in Lunenburg. The evening will focus on the Foundation's 20 years of leading the protection, enhancement and restoration of the ecosystem and will include special guests like former town mayor Laurence Mawhinney. The group's chair, Rick Welsford, says the goal for the group started in 1993 by trying to bring a sewage treatment plant to Lunenburg.



Welsford says he's excited about new projects including one with Acadia University, to provide summer day camp opportunities for kids in the area. He says the first 20 years went quickly but says it's been rewarding work to be a part of.

Curling: Fay, Mayhew Back In Action In Liverpool

Both Nova Scotia teams control their own destinies, heading down the home stretch, at the M and M Canadian Junior Curling Championships. Mary Fay of Chester is in third place in the championship pool with a 6-2 record. If she wins her last two games she's guaranteed a playoff spot. If she splits them she can do no worse than a tiebreaker. The Nova Scotia girls face Saskatchewan tonight at 6:30pm before facing Quebec tomorrow morning (Friday) at 8am.  Robert Mayhew of Windsor is in a tougher spot. With a 5-3 mark, he must win his remaining two games to assure a tie-breaker. That task won't be easy. Nova Scotia faces Manitoba today at 2 o'clock followed by a match Friday morning at 8 against Saskatchewan. All contests are at the Queens Place Emera Centre. The Junior Womens Final goes Saturday at 4 with the Mens Championship game on Sunday at 4. Both matches will be shown live on TSN.

Chester Keeping Warden System Of Government

Chester is staying put with a warden. Council voted unanimously today to keep a warden style of government instead of switching to a mayoral system. The on-going consultation with community residents is complete after only 50 people responded to council out of a population of 11,000 in the municipality. Warden Allen Webber says he was hoping for a better response.


The municipality operates in a warden system, which allows councillors to choose the head of council. The other option gives voters in the municipality the choice. The issue was brought up late last summer because the municipality is required to review its electoral boundaries this year. Webber says he doesn't expect any further discussion to happen until after the next municipal election.

Lobster Industry Future To Be Discussed

Maritime fisheries ministers will meet in March to discuss the future of the lobster industry. The meeting will focus on recommendations made by an independent panel the provinces created to combat slumping lobster prices. Among other things, it called for a levy on each pound of lobster caught to pay for a marketing campaign aimed at boosting the fishery's profile. The panel estimated the levy would raise about $2.5 million a year. The meeting in March is being organized by the Lobster Council of Canada and will also include representatives from Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec.

MODL: Councillor Removes Street Lights; Staff Review Policy

The councillor for Dayspring and area is taking a bit of heat after removing six street lights along the Leary Fraser Road. Frank Fawson says he was under the influence the Municipality of Lunenburg's policy allowed for a 10% reduction or addition of existing street lights in a fiscal year. However, the move concerns the LaHave Manor Corporation, which is located near Fawson's home. They fear for the safety of their 66 clients and employees at the facility with the loss of lighting. Fawson says the lights have bothered him for many years.



The LaHave Manor Corporation is looking to have the lights reinstalled. Municipal staff will issue a report back to council providing options for a process to be followed.

Fay & Mayhew Win Evening Matches At Curling Championships

Chester's Mary Fay played giant killer last night at the M & M Canadian Junior Curling Championships in Liverpool. The team handed Alberta's Kelsey Rocque her first loss of the event, 6-3. The win gives Nova Scotia a 6-2 record, tied for second place with BC in the championship pool. Alberta leads at 7-1. The top three teams will advance to the weekend playoffs. Fay's next match is against 4-4 Saskatchewan this evening (Thursday) at 6:30.
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In the Mens division Nova Scotia's Robert Mayhew kept his playoff hopes alive with a convincing 10-5 win over Northern Ontario. The Windsor team has a 5-3 record, tied with four others for third place. Manitoba leads at 8-0 with New Brunswick next at 6-2. Mayhew battles unbeaten Manitoba this afternoon (Thursday) at 2 o'clock. All of today's draws are at Queens Place Emera Centre.

Its Cleanup Day Again!

Its a cleanup day on the South Shore as we dig ourselves out from under a huge snowfall. About 30 centimeters in all came down here yesterday, most of it during the afternoon and it was blown around by wind gusts up to 60km/hr. Plows have been busy all night but there's still much to be done. As far as school closures are concerned, all schools are closed today on the South Shore, including the French school in Cookville and the Waldorf School in Blockhouse. Schools are also closed today in the Tri-County area, which includes Shelburne, Yarmouth and Digby Counties. However, all NSCC campuses are open today.

Mahone Bay: Town Moving Towards Clear Plastic Garbage Bags

The town of Mahone Bay is trying to become part of the majority when it comes to using clear garbage bags instead of dark ones. More than 85% of municipalities in Nova Scotia use clear garbage bags during collection. Mayor Joe Feeney says three local municipalities including them, the town of Bridgewater and the Municipality of Lunenburg are moving towards the change. Feeney says under the new by-law, each home will be allowed opaque personal bag per collection. He says they are changing their approach to comply with sorting rules for the province's diversion target.



The town has already gone through first reading for a new by-law earlier this month. The next reading of the by-law is planned for February. Feeney says if it goes through, they will delay making it law until the fall so residents and businesses can prepare for the change.

Curling: Fay, Mayhew Drop Championship Round Openers

M & M Canadian Junior Curling Update from Liverpool: Chester's Mary Fay lost 7-6 to BC this afternoon. She takes a 5-2 record into a game tonight at 6:30 against unbeaten Alberta. Meantime Nova Scotia's Robert Mayhew dropped to 4-3 after a 5-4 loss to Ontario. He'll face Northern Ontario at 6:30 this evening. 

Liverpool: Fay, Mayhew Begin Championship Round At Canadian Juniors

The championship round is underway at the M& M Meat Shops Canadian Junior Curling Championships in Liverpool. Nova Scotia's Mary Fay, with a 5-1 record, is facing 4-2 BC this afternoon. Tonight at 6:30 at Queens Place Emera Centre the Chester team battles unbeaten Alberta. In the Junior Mens' bracket Windsor's Robert Mayhew, with a 4-2 record, is battling Ontario this afternoon. Tonight at 6:30 at the Liverpool Curling Club Nova Scotia meets Northern Ontario. Following Friday's final championship round games, the top three teams will advance to the weekend semi-finals and final.  The Canadian champs will earn a trip to the Worlds in Switzerland.

Construction Planned For Shelburne Falls Lane Bridge

A bridge in Shelburne is getting an upgrade later this year. The Shelburne Falls Lane Bridge will be getting an additional lane for vehicles, as well as a four metre wide multi-use active transportation lane for pedestrians, cyclists and ATV's. The project will cost $4.5-million. Spokeswoman with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, Pam Menchenton, says the work should be a boost for residents.



Menchenton says they're currently in the design phase of the project with planners and surveyors visiting the site. She expects construction to begin following the winter months. However, no firm date has been announced.

Parking Fees Rising At South Shore Health

The cost to park at South Shore Health's three hospitals is on the rise. The health authority's business plan was recently approved by the Department of Health and Wellness. It includes increasing parking costs by a dollar to four dollars beginning in March. Parking fees generate about $430,000 per year, which support the delivery of direct patient care. The increase is expected to generate an additional $140,000 per year in revenue. CEO Dr. Peter Vaughan says the rising cost is necessary to help protect existing programs and services.



Other measures identified in the business plan to help achieve approximately $1.3 million in cost savings include delays in filling vacant positions, administrative efficiencies such as reduced travel and supplies and strategies to reduce sick and overtime cost.

Yarmouth MLA: Return Of Ferry Service A Community Effort

The old Yarmouth ferry terminal and its customs annex will receive major upgrades prior to the May 1st resumption of ferry service to Maine. Ottawa is providing $2.5 million for the work. Two years ago it appeared the ferry service was gone forever. However, Yarmouth MLA Zach Churchill says the dedication of a lot of people has paid off.



The federal funding will go toward repainting lines in the marshalling yard and to  complete the demolition of the existing interiors of the building to remove mould and debris. Other work includes the installation of new roofs and doors and an upgrade to the building’s electrical, communications and heating systems.

Storm Expected To Intensify

We should be seeing heavy snow developing and gusty winds before long as the next wave of weather from that storm passing south of us kicks in. Environment Canada meteorologist Mel Lemmon says the snow earlier this morning will return and much more of it.



Environment Canada is forecasting 20 to 25 centimeters of snow for much of the South Shore. Winds will be gusting to 60 and from the northeast this afternoon creating white out conditions. The storm is expected to ease-up off tonight.

RCMP Issue Winter Parking Ban For Lunenburg County

A winter parking ban is in effect tonight for Lunenburg County. RCMP are asking motorists not to leave their vehicles unattended or parked along roads or highways with the impending snow storm. The Mounties say the ban is in effect between the hours of 1am and 6am. Sgt. Paul Coughlin says drivers risk their vehicles being towed if they don't follow the rules.



Coughlin says further restrictions are listed for communities including the Village of Chester, Western Shore and New Germany who have additional regulations in place to limit parking during snowstorms. Fines as high as $233 can be issued if cars have to be towed.

UPDATE: Kingsburg's Duckworth Reacts To Olympic Nod

It's official. Lunenburg County has another Olympian to call its own.
Kingsburg's Alexandra Duckworth was named to Canada's Olympic team Tuesday afternoon in Quebec by the Canadian Olympic Committee and Snowboard Canada. The 26-year-old half-pipe snowboarder is the only Nova Scotia woman among the Canadian team of athletes competing at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Duckworth says it's a dream come true.



Duckworth showed she deserved to be at the Games, following a pair of top-10 results recently in Finland and Quebec. She is now ranked as the top Canadian in the women's half-pipe. However, it was heartbreak for Duckworth four years ago in Vancouver. She was an alternate for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, after breaking her ankle mid way through qualifications, only to miss qualifying by one position. Duckworth says she's glad she stuck with it and will realize her dream.

She will compete February 12 at the Rosa Khutor Extreme Park.

Lunenburg County Man Accused Of Possessing Illegal Cigs

A 46-year-old man from Lunenburg County will have to answer to the court after he was accused of possessing illegal cigarettes. Bridgewater Police along with the Integrated Street Crime Unit and Criminal Intelligence Service Nova Scotia conducted a targeted traffic stop on the man recently. They seized over 50 bags of illegal cigarettes, along with a small quantity of marihuana and cash while searching his property. The accused will appear in Bridgewater court on March 12.

Curling: Chester Rink Beat New Brunswick, Prepare For Championship Round

Chester's Mary Fay is roaring into the playoffs at the M & M Meat Shops Canadian Junior Curling Championships. The Nova Scotia team topped New Brunswick this morning 10-5 to finish round robin action with a sparkling 5-1 record. She finished in a tie for first place in Pool B with Ontario and will cross over and play four playoff games against Pool A teams starting tomorrow. Nova Scotia's Robert Mayhew wraps up the preliminary round this afternoon against Alberta. The Windsor rink has already clinched a playoff spot by winning four of their first five matches. Action continues daily at the Liverpool Curling Club and Queens Place Emera Centre. The championship games are set for the weekend and will be televised nationally on TSN.

LaHave Resident Competing For MasterChef Canada Title

A local chef is one of two Maritimers competing on "MasterChef Canada." LaHave resident Trevor Jessome is among fifty contestants going to head-to-head on the new reality show, which began airing Monday night on CTV. The show consists of the top amateur chefs in the country after thousands applied to take part in the program. Jessome, who is a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force, was deployed overseas and couldn't be reached for comment. Annapolis Valley resident Allison Abernethy is also competing on the show. The chefs are trying to win the inaugural title of MasterChef Canada and a $100,000 cash prize.

Man Injured In South Shore Industrial Accident

An industrial accident on the South Shore is being investigated by the province's labour department. A 23 year old employee at Bridgewater Metal Industries in Oakhill was struck on site by a fork-lift owned by the company. He was sent to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. A stop work order is in place on the vehicle involved until investigators can examine it closely. Work has been allowed to continue as usual though at the company.

NS Teams Capture Playoff Berths At Jr. Curling Championships

Both Nova Scotia teams have grabbed playoff spots at the M & M Candian Junior Curling Championships in Liverpool. Mary Fay of Chester has a 4-1 record after two wins yesterday...9-4 over Northern Ontatio and 10-5 over PEI. The Fay foursome play their final round robin contest this morning against New Brunswick. Windsor's Robert Mayhew is also 4-1 after a 5-3 victory over the Yukon. His rink wraps up Pool-B round robin action today at 2 o'clock against Alberta. The playoffs start tonight with the championship games live on TSN this weekend. All the action is at Queens Place Emera Centre and the Liverpool Curling Club.

Liverpool Fire Labelled Suspicious

Investigators have ruled an early Saturday morning fire in downtown Liverpool is suspicious. Police and fire crews were called to the blaze in the vacant building on Market Street around 4:20 this past Saturday morning. The fire was kept from spreading and no one was hurt. Investigators say the blaze appears to have been deliberately set. The building formerly held Wong's Restaurant but its been vacant for several years. Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call Queens RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

Ottawa Lays Out Big Bucks For Ferry Terminal Upgrades

Ottawa has made it official! The federal government will spend up to $2.5 million to upgrade the Yarmouth ferry terminal and customs annex building. Monday's official announcement by Progressive Conservative MP Greg Kerr follows the transfer of the ferry terminal property to the town. The federal funding will go towards the repainting of lines in the marshalling yard and will complete the demolition of the existing interiors of the building to remove mould and debris. Other work to be completed includes the installation of new roofs and doors and an upgrade to the building’s electrical, communications and heating systems. The move comes ahead of the expected May startup of the new international ferry service between Yarmouth and Maine.

Powerful Storm Heading Our Way

Yet another major winter storm is heading our way for tomorrow! Environment Canada has issued a special weather warming. There are no specific total snowfall amounts predicted for the storm, but forecasters indicate if the storm maintains its current path, it could drop a significant amount of snow on us ... upwards of 30 centimeters. There will be strong gusting winds and blowing snow. Environment Canada is advising people to keep an eye on today's weather forecasts as they come in .

Mid-Week Storm Could Pound South Shore

Another winter storm is headed toward the South Shore. Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Wednesday. There are no specific totals predicted for the storm, but the forecasters indicate if the storm maintains its path, it could mean significant snow, blowing snow and strong winds. Environment Canada is advising people to monitor future forecasts for any warnings that may be posted.

Former NS Mayor Leaves Lasting Legacy

A well-known municipal politican has died. Bob Stead served as mayor and a town councillor in Wolfville for more than 20 years. He was a key figure when the municipality moved to ban smoking in vehicles when a child is present. The community was the first in Canada to pass such a law. Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Mayor Don Downe says it was a groundbreaking move with Stead's strong personality behind it.



A funeral for Bob Stead will be held tomorrow (Tuesday) at Acadia University.

Curling: Mayhew Rink Clinches Playoff Berth

Nova Scotia's Robert Mayhew has clinched a playoff spot at the M & M Canadian Junior Curling Championships in Liverpool.  Mayhew improved to 4-1 this morning with a 5-3 win over the Yukon. The Windsor team play their final Pool "B" round robin game tomorrow against Alberta.  On the girls' side, Chester's Mary Fay carries a 2-1 record into her afternoon contest against Northern Ontario. Tonight at 6:30 Fay tangles with PEI. Action continues through Sunday at both the Queens Place Emera Centre and Liverpool Curling Club.

Exciting Days Ahead For Snowboarder Duckworth

A Lunenburg County snowboarder is a front runner to be named to Canada's Olympic team. Alex Duckworth of Kingsburg is now the top-ranked Canadian in the women's halfpipe. She placed ninth at a World Cup event in Quebec over the weekend. The event was the last opportunity for Canadians to secure a spot for the upcoming winter games in Sochi, Russia. The remaining spots for Canada's snowboard team will be nominated on Tuesday.

Weekend Fire At Former Liverpool Restaurant

Fire crews were able to quickly put out a Saturday morning fire in Liverpool. It broke out around 4 a.m. at the former Wong's Restaurant in the downtown area. The building has been vacant for several years. Crews were able to contain the fire before it spread to other structures. The cause hasn't been determined yet.

UPDATE: Hubbards Fire Victim Identified

The RCMP have released the name of the victim of a fatal house fire over the weekend in Hubbards. 56 year old Shirley Ann Greek was found dead after fire swept through a home on Shore Road. Investigators have ruled the fire was a result of careless smoking. A medical examiners autopsy shows the death was caused by the accidental fire. A man in his 60's, thought to be a friend, escaped the flames unhurt along with pets.

Hubbards: RCMP Probe Fatal Weekend Fire

A fatal fire in Hubbards over the weekend. A woman's body was found inside a home on Saturday night. The blaze occurred around 10:15pm on Shore Club Road. Mounties are investigating and say the home sustained substantial damage. An auptosy will be conducted on the woman body. A man in his 60's - believed to be a friend of the victim - along with pets were able to get out of the house safely. The Canadian Red Cross has stepped in to help with lodging and clothing. The RCMP is investigating. Some reports indicated investigators believe smoking in bed may have been cause of the fire.

New Health Clinics Boost For Doctors & Others

New collaborative health care clinics opening soon in Bridgewater and Liverpool will go a long way in improving health care on the South Shore. Nova Scotia Health Minister Leo Glavine says they'll also provide a professional boost for doctors and nurse practitioners.



The minister also says the clinics will also help relieve the work loads of ER's at hospitals in Lunenburg, Bridgewater and Liverpool.



The Bridgewater facility will be opening in a few weeks and the one in Liverpool later in the year.

Early Morning Liverpool Fire Contained

There's an investigation into an early morning fire in Liverpool. The blaze broke out shortly before 4 a.m. at the former Wong's restaurant. Fire crews were able to contain the fire before it spread to other buildings. It took just over two hours to put the fire out on Market Street - located in Liverpool's downtown core. No injuries were reported. Firefighters from Liverpool. Greenfield, North Queens and Bridgewater were all on scene to help battle the fire. (Photo submitted to Dahl Dispatch Facebook Page)

Bridgewater: Tops'l Tavern To Reopen Under New Ownership

They will continue slinging drinks at the Tops'l Tavern in Bridgewater. The 50 year old bar and restaurant is getting a second life. Part owner Sheila Rodenhiser MacKay says the tavern will re-open Sunday under new ownership. On Thursday, Rodenhiser-Mackey confirmed they would be closing Saturday night. The news of the tavern closing spread quickly on social media with hundreds of people reminiscing about their good times at Tops'l. However, an eleventh hour deal to sell the building and keep it open was reached on Friday. She wouldn't confirm who the new owners are, but says they live along the South Shore. It's believed the same staff will be retained. The bar is expected to keep its traditional name.

Chester Junior Curling Team Ready For National Spotlight

The M and M Meat Shops Canadian Junior Curling Championships begin tomorrow in Liverpool. Fourteen men's and 14 women's teams from across Canada have arrived in Queens County seeking Canadian titles. Three draws will be played during tomorrow's starting day. The opening ceremonies will also be held at 6pm at Queens Place Emera Centre. Mary Fay and her Chester rink are representing Nova Scotia on the women's side. Fay says her team is looking forward to the challenge.



Fay's team begins play at 2pm Saturday against Newfoundland and Labrador at Queens Place Emera Centre. All tournament information can be found here .

Bridgewater: Mayor Shocked, Surprised About Tavern Closure

Bridgewater's mayor says it's disappointing to hear The Tops'l Tavern and Grill will close its doors. The owner confirmed the news with our newsroom Thursday afternoon that the popular tavern would close this weekend. The closure affects roughly 15 employees. The tavern has been a mainstay on King Street for 50 years since it opened in 1963. David Walker recalls his first visit to the pub and eatery while in Bridgewater for a teaching interview. He says people will remember their visits to the tavern.



Walker says the building is a landmark in the town, saying it is always there to greet people traveling over the new bridge. The tavern will close its doors on Saturday night.

Bridgewater Collaborative Health Centre Nearing Completion

The top doctor with South Shore Health says officials will begin moving into Bridgewater's collaborative health centre early next week. Dr. Peter Vaughan says the facility is nearing completion. He says they have two family practitioners, three nurse practitioners, a family practice nurse and administrative support designated for the clinic. They also have at least six family doctors interested in the facility. Vaughan says the numbers are good, but they're always on the lookout for more.



A grand opening of the Bridgewater collaborative health centre is expected by the end of March or early April. However, the clinic will be open to the public before that.

Financial Boost For Tourism Trail Project

Some major federal, provincial and municipal money will be pumped into a new project to attract tourists and locals on the South Shore. During a ceremony this morning at the Head of St. Margaret's Bay, $178,000 in funding was announced to create a continuous 109 kilometer hiking and cycling route between Halifax and Lunenburg. Known as the Destination Trail, it'll follow the former route and spur lines of the Halifax and Southwestern Railway and will include tourist promotion, signage and maps, information kiosks, improved access points, rest areas along the route and a mobile-compatible website. Lunenburg MLA Suzanne Lohnes-Croft says the trail will be a big boost to the tourism sector.



The trail will be promoted as a new way for visitors and locals to experience two of the province's most popular destinations and all the scenic communities in between.

Possible Overhaul Ahead For Municipal Taxation System

Updating the way Nova Scotia residential and commercial properties are assessed and taxed would be the focus of a proposed review. Municipal Relations and Service Nova Scotia Minister Mark Furey says its long overdue.



Property assessments across the province have increased this year and that will probably be reflected in tax rates set by the municipalities later this spring. Furey met with the mayors and councils of Lunenburg and Queens Counties on Thursday. He expects to do the same with others across the province in the coming month or two.

Queens Manor Facing Possible Strike

Management and workers at Queens Manor in Liverpool are hoping to avoid a strike. A conciliation officer has filed his report on the dispute with the province's labour minister. The 59 nursing home workers, members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), will be in a legal strike position at 12:01am on January 29th. Both side have agreed not to take any action before then and they will meet again with the conciliation officer the day before, January 28th, to try and avoid a walkout. The CUPE members have already voted 98 percent in favor of a walkout. The main issue is sick time.

Gas Prices Rise

Gas prices have increased overnight. Regular self serve up at South Shore pumps by about half a cent to $131.4 per litre. High test has increased by the same amount. Diesel is up by about 3 cents though.

Weight Restrictions On Gravel Roads

Weight restrictions are now in effect on all provincial gravel roads in Lunenburg County. Trucks weighing more than 15-thousand kilograms are restricted from using them. DOT says the wet weather has made many gravel roads very soft and messy and thus the reason for the restrictions. Restrictions are also in effect on gravel roads in Hants and Annapolis counties.

Young Makes Lumberjacks Coaching Debut Against Summerside

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks host the Summerside Western Capitals Friday night in Bridgewater. The local Junior 'A' club will welcome Travis Young behind the bench in his debut as the team's new coach. He started running practices and drills with players on Wednesday night. He takes over a team that has struggled all season, winning only two out of 36 games. Young hopes to make strides with the club before the regular season ends.



Young says players were upbeat and he was impressed with their work ethic during practice this week. The Lumberjacks and Capitals square off at 7pm at the Clearwater Seafoods Arena.

Sports: 'Fever Weekend'; AtomMania Hockey Tourney

High school basketball players will catch a 'fever' this weekend. Park View hosts its annual 'Panther Fever Weekend' tournament in Bridgewater, starting Friday night. The opening game tips off at 6pm between Sackville and King's Edgehill. The hometown Panthers are up at 8pm against Middleton. Full schedule is listed below.

Friday January 17th
6pm - Sackville vs. King’s Edgehill
8pm - PVEC vs. Middleton

Saturday January 18th
9am –King’s Edgehill vs. PVEC
11am- Sackville vs. Middleton
1pm – PVEC JV vs. Forest Heights
3pm – Middleton vs. King’s Edgehill
5 pm – PVEC vs.   Sackville
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The South Shore Atom 'C' Ice Sharks are welcoming seven teams to town this weekend. The Ice Sharks host the RBC AtomMania Atom tournament at rinks in Bridgewater and Lunenburg. The tournament will consist of five teams from the HRM, one from Shelburne and another from Berwick.