PC Leader Rejuvenated After Weekend Party Vote

There is overwhelming party support for Nova Scotia's Progressive Conservative opposition leader! At the PC Party's annual convention over the weekend, Jamie Baillie underwent a required leadership review and he was re-acclaimed by a whopping 95 percent of party members. Baillie says the show of support, especially from the South Shore, is humbling and it has re-energized him.



Its the first time the province's tories have met since last fall's election when gains were made at the polls, becoming the Official Opposition in the Legislature. A leadership review wasn't actually required until 2015 but Baillie wanted it early following the October 8, 2013 provincial election.

Hydraulic Pump Creates More Delays For LaHave Ferry

Problems with a hydraulic pump has created more delays for the LaHave River Ferry. The Department of Transportation says they noticed the pump wasn't working properly last week during sea trials. The pump helps operate the ferry's ramp. A department spokesperson says the equipment now has to be inspected and repaired, then re-installed and undergo more sea trials. The department is apologizing for the inconvenience and thanking residents for their patience. They hope to have it up and running again by the end of the week. The ferry has been out of commission since January 3rd.

Valley Stays Alive In Series With Mustangs

The Valley Wildcats have avoided play-off elimination. They picked up a 4-3 win Sunday night over the Charlie's Pizza South Shore Mustangs. Keith Getson scored twice and Alex Nauss added the other for the South Shore squad while Colby Muise turned aside 36 shots in nets. The Mustangs lead the best-of-seven series three games to one. The two teams will play game five Tuesday night in Berwick.

Mustangs Look To Sweep Valley In Playoff Series

The Charlie's Pizza South Shore Mustangs are one win away from advancing to the next round of the playoffs. Alex Nauss scored the overtime winner as the Mustangs defeated the Valley Wildcats 5-4 in game three on Saturday night in Bridgewater. The Mustangs lead the best-of-seven series 3-0. They go for the sweep this afternoon at 5pm at the Clearwater Seafoods Arena.

Do You Have A Retirement Financial Plan Ready?

A survey of Atlantic Canadians approaching retirement age shows more than half of them are going to work past age 65. The Harris-Decima survey for Scotiabank shows 4 of 10 plan to work out of financial need. In a CKBW and HANK-FM News interview, Scotiabank senior financial planner Islay McGlynn says going into retirement blinded is not a good idea! She says we all need to sit down with a financial planner and prepare.



McGlynn tells us planning ahead will make life a lot easier once you do decide to retire.



According to the survey, only 14 percent of Atlantic Canadians have a written financial plan already in place.
Thats 13 percent lower than the national figure of 27 percent.

Bridgewater: Cupcakes To Be Handed Out For Town's Birthday

A local town is getting ready to turn 115-years-old. Bridgewater is preparing for its celebrations. They became an incorporated town on February 13, 1899, a month after a fire completely destroyed the downtown core. The town will mark their 115th year by handing out small cupcakes to the community. Mayor David Walker says it's meant to be a fun day.



Thousands of the cupcakes will be handed out on Valentine's Day between 11am and 2pm.

Fire Destroys Grimm Road Home And Garage

A home is completely destroyed after a fire Saturday evening in Grimms Settlement. Lunenburg and District Fire Chief Darren Romkey says the blaze happened around 6:45pm at the Grimm Road home. He says the home and a garage were fully engulfed when they arrived on scene. Members from Dayspring, Riverport and Bridgewater fire departments also responded to the call while four others were put on standby. Romkey says one person was home at the time and managed to get out safely. The chief believes the fire started in the home's dryer and quickly spread. Nova Scotia Power, RCMP, EHS and the Department of Transportation were also called to the scene.

Charge Laid After Car Crashes Into School Bus

Police are laying a charge after a school bus and car collided in a intersection earlier this week in Bridgewater. Police say the driver of the car failed to stop at a red light. The crash occurred during a snow storm on Wednesday. There were roughly 20 students on board. Police say there were not any injuries. The matter will be before a judge on April 11.

Flag Signings Help Raise Almost $3,000 For Olympian Duckworth

Residents of Lunenburg County have stepped up in support of Olympian Alex Duckworth. People donated almost $887.50 as part of a week-long flag signings at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. The money is being added to the $2,000 contributed to Duckworth by the town of Bridgewater and Municipality of Lunenburg. Mayor Don Downe feels the real boost comes from the people.



Downe will present the signed flags and money to Duckworth's parents Friday night before they travel to Sochi, Russia to watch their daughter compete. The 26-year-old Duckworth hits the half-pipe Wednesday February 12. She will compete at 6am our time. If she qualifies for the semi-finals, she will be back on the hill at 11am. The finals will also be Wednesday at 3:30pm local time. (Photo Courtesy: Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images)

Bridgewater: Residents Get Early Look At Off-Leash Park

Bridgewater residents are encouraged to grab their dog and bring them to Generations Active Park on Saturday. An orientation will be held focusing on the new off-leash site. The park is moving forward and is currently seeking sponsorship or fundraising opportunities. Town Councillor Andrew Tanner says the meeting will help keep people in the loop.



Tanner says he's optimistic the park will be ready for use sometime this spring. People are asked to gather in the parking lot of HB Studios. The meeting will be held at 10am Saturday morning.

Pharmacy Flu Shots Exceed Expectations

As the flu season begins to wind down, health officials in Nova Scotia are taking stock of the success of the flu vaccine program. Health Minister Leo Glavine tells us allowing pharmacies to give flu shots has exceeded all expectations.



It was originally projected 20-thousand shots might be given by drug stores province-wide. That number has ballooned to almost 75-thousand.

Mustangs Resume Playoff Series With Valley

A pivotal game three for the Charlie's Pizza South Shore Mustangs on Saturday night. The Mustangs can take a strangle-hold in their playoff series against the Valley Wildcats with a win. The South Shore club leads the best-of-seven, two games to none. It's also minor hockey appreciation weekend for the Mustangs. Kids who wear their team jerseys get into the games for free. Game three goes Saturday night at 8:30. Game four will be played Sunday afternoon at 5pm. Both games are at the Clearwater Seafoods Arena.

Lower Gas Prices

A bit of a surprise at the gas pumps this morning! Prices are actually down some. Regular self serve down by almost a cent to $1.34 at South Shore pumps. High test is at $1.42.9. Diesel is also lower this morning, selling at many spots at $1.49.8.

Mock Exercise Tests Emergency Organization's Preparedness

It's considered the best way to prepare for any future emergencies. The Nova Scotia Emergency Measures Office set up mock exercises simulating five major disasters including a train derailment and a six-car motor vehicle accident involving a fatality. The exercises put officials with Lunenburg County's Regional Emergency Measures Organization under the gun. Spokesperson John Collyer says it's important for them to prepare for any situation.



The towns of Bridgewater and Mahone Bay along with the Municipalities of Chester and Lunenburg make up the local REMO outfit. He says EMO will issue a report back to them, evaluating how they reacted in the situations and offering advice to help them improve. Collyer is reminding all local residents to have enough supplies to survive for 72 hours in case there is an emergency. For details on what should be included in an emergency kit, click here .

Kippers School Of Gymnastics Celebrating 40 Years

Forty years and counting for Kippers School of Gymnastics. The Bridgewater club will hold an open house at their space inside the Gateway Plaza Mall on Saturday from 1pm to 4pm. The open house is an opportunity for the public to learn more information on programs being offered or to watch demonstrations by gymnasts and cheerleaders. The host and current coach, Deanne Oickle-Conrad, says there are benefits with their programs.



Oickle-Conrad says the club has been through a lot in 40 years and this event is a chance to say thank you and get more people involved.

Landmark South Shore Church Expanding

At a time when many Nova Scotia churches are closing because of declining congregations, a South Shore House of Worship is actually expanding! The congregation at the 94 year old Bridgewater Baptist Church on King Street has ambitious plans for a 5.2 million dollar new building. They've just about reached the goal and approval's been given for the project. Pastor, Dr. Brian MacArthur, tells us expanding wouldn't be possible without a growing and dynamic community behind it.



Dr. MacArthur also says the new facility will help in the church's expanding community outreach.



The new Bridgewater Baptist will rise on a parcel of already-purchased land just off Glen Allen Drive. Its hoped to be ready for parishoners in time for Easter next year (2015).

Bridgewater: Town Adds Kinsmen Field To Budget Talks

The future of Kinsmen Field in Bridgewater will be put to the test this spring. The town must decide if it will contribute money towards fixing drainage at the field in its upcoming budget. Mayor David Walker says that could cost upwards of $70,000.




The town already has $30,000 set aside for the work following last summer's Kraft Celebration Tour. Fixing up the field is part of a proposed three phase project which includes adding a storm sewer system on Oak Street to intercept water from flowing onto the field. The cost to do that is around $70,000. The three phase project could cost as much as $200,000 to complete.

Gasoline Prices May Rise Tonight

Gas prices may increase yet again tonight at South Shore pumps after the utility and review board sets the week's rates. In New Brunswick today, prices there are up about a cent for both regular self serve gas and diesel. The average price this morning is $1.32.4 a litre for regular gas. If there's a similar increase here tonight, the price will be almost $1.36 a litre for regular.

The Storm Is Over And The Cleanup Is On

The snow has ended, another day is here, its sunny but there is still a mess to be dealt with today. About 20 cm of snow fell on the South Shore yesterday and this morning the cleanup is underway. If you're driving, do so carefully! All roads are snow-covered and slippery!
Things are returning to normal at the Halifax airport this morning following yesterday's slew of delays and cancellations. As far as school is concerned, Tri-County schools are closed for the day. All South Shore schools are open with the exception of the Waldorf School and the Forest Heights family of schools. Also, school buses are following the back-road closure plan. In the Valley, Annapolis County schools are closed. Kings/West Hants schools are open but bus drivers are using discretion on the side roads.

Bridgewater: No Injuries In School Bus Crash

No one was hurt when a school bus and another vehicle collided yesterday afternoon at an intersection in Bridgewater. It happened at York Street and Victoria Road during the height of the snow storm. There were young children on the bus at the time but they were not injured. They were loaded aboard another bus and taken home for the day. No word on any charges related to the crash.

Mahone Bay Looking To Increase Water Rates

The town of Mahone Bay is looking to increase its water rates. Council has applied for a 6.7 per cent hike annually for the next three years. Mayor Joe Feeney says the town's utility ended last year in a deficit of close to $240,000. He says changes need to be made.



Feeney says the province's Utility and Review Board will hold a rate increase hearing in Mahone Bay around the end of April.

Queens RCMP Search For Stolen Car

Queens County RCMP are on the lookout for a stolen vehicle. The Mounties says a 2000 silver pontiac grand am was stolen sometime between midnight and 4am Tuesday morning from a home in Milton. Corporal Victor Whalen says the Nova Scotia license plate is DDD 677. Anyone with information can contact Queens RCMP or crime stoppers.

Lunenburg: Winter Storm Parking Advisory Imposed

It's probably not a good idea to park your vehicle for a long time on the streets of Lunenburg. A winter parking advisory has been imposed in the town. The region is expected to receive up to 25 centimetres of snow over the next 24 hours. Corporal Bill Wilcox of the Lunenburg RCMP says they want to make sure the roads can be cleared properly.



Wilcox says those who don't follow the advisory can be given a ticket and towed. He says they had to tow more than 14 vehicles during the past two snow storms.

Fears Lunenburg Man Drowned In Saskatchewan River

There are fears a 28 year Lunenburg man has drowned after falling into a river in Saskatchewan. Greg MacIntosh has been missing since leaving a bar last Saturday. McIntosh and his friends were celebrating his upcoming wedding in Saskatoon. He left the bar around midnight and hasn't been seen since. The same night rescue crews were called after two witnesses reported seeing a person walking on the South Saskatchewan River who suddenly disappeared into the water. MacIntosh was working as an electrician and living out west for the past four years. He was set to get married on February 15. Police are still interviewing witnesses and are investigating both incidents separately.

Ferry Loss Upsetting Residents: Councillor

The loss of the LaHave River Ferry has stretched into over a month. The ferry has been out of operation since it broke free from its cable during a wind and snowstorm on January 3. Since then, crews have been working to fix the vessel and get it back into service as quickly as possible. The councillor representing West LaHave, Martin Bell, says some residents are beginning to get tired of the extra drive.



Bell says he hopes the ferry will return to serve residents sooner rather than later. A spokesperson with the Department of Transportation is now saying it could be the end of this week before the ferry resumes operations.

MODL: Resident Calls For Councillor Resignation Over Street Light Issue

Six streetlights will be re-installed along the Leary Fraser Road, but it might not be enough. Homeowner Carmen Fraser says the removal of the lights by local councillor Frank Fawson jeopardized the safety and security of those who live and work on the road. Fraser is putting out a call for his resignation.



He says Fawson should have consulted with residents and businesses before removing the lights. However, Fawson says he's not resigning because he didn't do anything wrong.



Council has contacted Nova Scotia Power in an effort to get the lights re-installed. There has been no indication when the lights will be back on the road.

Forecasters Predict Another Wednesday Storm

It's Wednesday and that means another snow storm for the area.
Environment Canada says upwards of 20 centimeters of snow is likely to hit the region today, starting late this morning. It will be accompanied by a northeast wind gusting to 60 km/h. The weather agency says that will translate into blowing snow and white out conditions late in the afternoon. It will be the third Wednesday is a row a snow storm has hit the area.

Local Veteran Speaks Out Against Office Closures

The federal government has closed 8 veterans affairs district offices across the country, the nearest one in Sydney! More are likely to follow according to a South Shore veteran. Roger Purnell of Bridgewater says the district offices are life-lines for veterans and he says the feds are beating up veterans for the sake of saving a few bucks. However, he says veterans and their supporters are not going to go away quietly from this issue.



South Shore veterans are served by the Halifax district office. There are other offices in Yarmouth and the Valley. Purnell says those offices too might soon be threatened with closure. By the way, its really no big surprise that a motion by opposition parties, aimed at keeping those district offices open, has failed by a vote in the House of Commons. Split firmly along party lines, 117 NDP, Liberal and Green MPs voted in favour of the motion, which would reverse the government’s decision to close the offices. 146 Conservative MPs voted "No"!

South Shore Man Missing In Saskatoon

A 28-year-old man from Lunenburg is missing in Saskatoon. Police in Saskatchewan are looking for Gregory Myles MacIntosh after he disappeared from his own stag party last Saturday night. MacIntosh was last seen at a bar celebrating with friends before he was allegedly kicked out by a bouncer around midnight. MacIntosh is described to be six-feet tall and weighs roughly 200 pounds. He also has a silver lip ring. He was last seen wearing a blue suede suit jacket, a white t-shirt and light blue jeans. Police are asking anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers.

No Charges In Yarmouth Shot Dog Case

Charges will not be laid after a dog was found dead Sunday on a snowmobile trail near Yarmouth. The pit bull terrier was shot and killed and its body discovered by snowmobile drivers. The RCMP says the dog's owner has been found but say there are no grounds to lay charges. The investigation has involved the RCMP, SPCA and Animal Control.

Bridgewater: Outdoor Rinks Quashed For This Winter

There will be no outdoor rinks this year at Bridgewater's Kinsmen Field. The previous coordinator, Andrew Tanner, says no one stepped forward to fill the position this year. He adds, the weather hasn't really cooperated and decided to try again next winter. Tanner says this season is a wash.



Tanner says the rinks have only lasted until the middle of February in the past before the temperatures begin to rise. He encourages anyone interested in helping coordinate the outdoor rinks to contact him or put their name forward on the Bridgewater Outdoor Rink facebook page.

Chester: Fire Chief Happy With New Emergency System

A new recorded message will alert firefighters of an emergency in Chester. The Village Commission has decided with an electronic sounding device over its air raid siren system following a recommendation from an independent auditor with Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech. The auditor suggested the decibel level of the siren could damage hearing. Chester Fire Department Chief Duke Chafe says the new unit acts like a public address system that includes a siren with a lower decibel level. He says it's beneficial to have in the community.



The new system is expected to be in place in the spring.

Yarmouth: Dead Dog Sparks Police Probe

Criminal charges could be laid after a dog was found dead in the woods in Yarmouth County. An investigation is underway in Arcadia involving the RCMP, SPCA and animal control officers. The dog was found on a snow mobile trail on Sunday afternoon. Corporal Jennifer Clarke says the dog died from an apparent gun shot wound.



Photos have been circulating on social media. They show a bloodied pit bull terrier lying in the snow. Clarke says it's the RCMP's job to find out why the dog was killed.

Tentative Agreement In Queens Manor Dispute

A threatened strike by workers at Queens Manor in Liverpool may have been avoided. A tentative agreement has been reached between management at the manor and its general employees. Those affected include several nursing groups. Last summer, the workers voted 98 percent in favor of strike action. They were battling a concession that would have seen their sick leave nearly cut in half. A vote on the tentative agreement will be held this Wednesday evening. Details won't be released until after the vote.

South Shore Residents Warned Of False Job Offers

Several Maritimers have been left holding the bag, bilked out of tens of thousands of dollars by a phony offer of part-time work. According to the Better Business Bureau's Jill Atkinson, the scammers have been posting job offers on the web, using a fake company name and then "hiring"  people as mystery shoppers.



Many of those who've been scammed blame Western Union for its loose regulations. They're calling on the iconic money-wiring company to make things tougher. Meanwhile, back at the BBB, Jill Atkinson says their best piece of advice to avoid getting dinged is never wire money to anyone you don't know.

Man Passes Away After Barrington Passage Fire

A 69-year-old man has died after a fire last week in Barrington Passage. Barrington RCMP confirm the man passed away Sunday in hospital as a result of serious burn injuries suffered on January 28. The blaze happened along Highway 3 when a mobile home under construction caught fire. The cause of the fire hasn't been determined.

Another Record For Chelsea Whalen

Liverpool shotputter Chelsea Whalen had an indoor personal best and set another Nova Scotia senior women's Shot Put record over the weekend in Arkansas at the Razorback Invitational. Whalen's throw of 16.27 meters was good for first place. Whalen will be back in Arkansas for the Tyson Invitational in two weeks time.

Bridgewater Anti-Tether March Attracts Hundreds

Hundreds of animal-lovers and their dogs hit the streets of Bridgewater over the weekend, supporting planned changes to the province's Animal Cruelty laws. They would ban the chaining of dogs and penalize those who do. One of the march's co-ordinators Lindsey Parnell says the movement for change began here on the South Shore. However, she says animal cruelty incidents in our region are just a drop in the bucket.



There were similar marches in other parts of the province including Yarmouth and Halifax.

Mustangs Take 2-0 Series Lead Over Valley

The Charlie's Pizza South Shore Mustangs couldn't ask to be in a better position. The Mustangs won both their games in Berwick over the weekend for a 2-0 lead in their playoff series against the Valley Wildcats. On Sunday, the Mustangs won 4-3. Keith Getson, Jered Scott, Alex Nauss and Christopher Goreham scored while Colby Muise stopped 35 saves. The Mustangs host the Valley in game three Saturday night at 8:30pm at the Clearwater Seafoods Arena.

Chester's Cox Wins Girls Under-18 Curling Title

A Chester curling team have made their mark as another contender in junior curling. Cassie Cocks and her rink won the girls under-18 provincial title this weekend in Bridgewater. Cocks defeated Kirsten Lind's Dartmouth team 6-5 in the final. Meanwhile on the boys side, Matthew Manuel successfully defended his title, defeating Chester's Adam Cox 5-2 in the championship game. Both winning teams will represent Nova Scotia at the Atlantic Under 18 Championship in Oromocto, New Brunswick from April 4-6.

PC Leader Calls For Better Security Of Former Bowater Lands

Its almost two years since the Bowater Mersey paper mill in Brooklyn closed for good and its been a year since the former NDP government secured the company's wood lands in Western Nova Scotia. Since then however, the province's Opposition leader says the valuable forested lands scattered from Yarmouth to Sydney have been left in a holding pattern. Jamie Baillie is worried the lands are unprotected with no law in place dealing with access to them.



Baillie plans to raise the issue in the Nova Scotia Legislature during its spring sitting in March or April.

Automotive Festival Eyes Big Rig Racing

Big rigs could be making their mark in Bridgewater this summer. Organizers with the popular automotive festival, South Shore in Motion, are hoping to add big rig drag racing to the event in August. The event would require a temporary closure of Dufferin Street, between York Street and Hillcrest Street. Festival co-chair Charlie Horstman says he's optimistic council will give them the green light.



Horstman feels the event could be an economic driver, bringing big rigs to the town from across Canada. Council will look into the request and report back later this month.

Lumberjacks Shutout Campbellton, Snap Winless Skid

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks finally have their third win of the season. The Lumberjacks shutout the Campbellton Tigers 5-0 Friday night in Bridgewater. Brennan Bailey led the way with a goal and an assist. Patrick Byrne, Shaun MacEachern, Matt Wright and Jesse MacInnis also scored while Jeff Arkin turned aside 24 shots for the shutout. The victory broke a winless streak of 19 games for the Lumberjacks, who hadn't won since November 15. The Junior 'A' club is back on the ice Saturday night against the Valley Wildcats.

Anti-Tethering March Planned For Saturday

Hundreds of animal-lovers and their canines will take to the streets in Bridgewater tomorrow. They'll be marching to support planned amendments to the province's Animal Cruelty laws. The changes would ban the chaining of dogs over long periods of time and provide stiff penalties for those who break the laws. One of the march's co-ordinators Lindsey Parnell says the movement for change began here on the South Shore.



Saturday's march begins at the former Appleberry property on LaHave Street and will wind its way through the town. There will be similar marches tomorrow in other parts of the province including Halifax and Yarmouth.

Queens: Mounties Searching For Answers On Suspicious Fire

Queens RCMP are hoping public tips will help make a difference in finding individuals responsible for a fire in Liverpool earlier this month. Police have received very few leads or new information regarding a blaze January 18 at the former Wong's restaurant on Market Street. Investigators say the blaze appears to have been deliberately set. The building has been vacant for several years. Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call Queens RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

Minimum Wage Increasing April 1

Minimum wage is going up in Nova Scotia. The province has agreed to increase minimum wage by 10 cents, to $10.40 an hour beginning on April 1. Rates are adjusted annually, based on the previous year's national Consumer Price Index.  Nova Scotia has the fourth highest minimum wage rate in the country, behind Nunavut, the Yukon, and Manitoba.

Taxpayers Federation & NS Government Seek Answers

The Nova Scotia government is asking the auditor-general to review those huge cost overruns related to the Bluenose II rebuild in Lunenburg. Premier Stephen McNeil says there are too many questions surrounding the project and he wants a full accounting of why the project is so far over budget. Earlier this week, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation revealed to us through a freedom of information request that some supplies for the schooner were purchased at a 43 percent mark-up. Now, CTF Atlantic director Kevin Lacey says its important for the auditor-general to look into the goings-on around the rebuild.



It's believed the cost of the project has soared way past it's original $16 million price-tag.

A Hike At The Gas Pumps

As expected, gasoline prices took a hike overnight, heading northward at South Shore pumps! Regular self serve has increased two cents and is selling now for $1.34.7 a litre. High test is selling for $1.43.6. Diesel is now up to $1.50.5 a litre at many South Shore locations.

Jerry's Diner Sold To Wilson Fuels

It's been a mainstay in Bridgewater for 34 years, and now it's changing hands. Jerry's Diner is being sold to Wilson Fuels. The sale is expected to be approved before the end of the day on Friday. The popular restaurant opened in 1980 under owners Jerry and Vera Swain. The couple has decided to sell the restaurant and retire after a recent health scare. Jerry Swain says it wasn't an easy decision.



Swain expects Wilsons to make a few minor changes, but adds there are no job losses and the diner is there to stay. He says the couple will remain in Bridgewater and enjoy time with family.

Fay Gets Back To Work At Under-18 Curling Championship

Ten South Shore curling rinks are vying to be the next provincial curling champion. Play gets underway Friday at the 2014 Nova Scotia Under-18 championships in Bridgewater and Chester. Mary Fay's rink of Chester is the number one seed on the women's side. The team is the reigning provincial and Atlantic champions in the age group. They're also coming off a bronze medal at the national junior championship in Liverpool. There will be plenty of competition among the 12 women's teams including the second seed, Brooke Demone of Lunenburg. On the boys side, there are 16 teams including Matthew Manuel of Mayflower. He is the defending champ and ranked number one followed by Chester's Adam Cocks. The winners will represent Nova Scotia at the Atlantic Under-18 Championship.