Friday, February 21, 2014

Higher Gasoline Prices

Gas prices have increased overnight. Regular self serve is actually past $1.40 now, selling this morning for $1.40.2 per litre. That's a jump of almost three cents. High test is at $1.49.2. Diesel has increased about a cent. It's selling this morning in some places along the South Shore at $1.48.7 a litre.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Shelburne: RCMP Search Home, Issue Charges

A Shelburne man is facing more charges after he was caught with marijuana in addition to breaking conditions related to his house arrest. Police say they searched a home Monday night on George Street. The house was empty but some grass and drug related property was seized. Police tracked down the person they were looking for about two blocks away. They seized roughly 30 grams of pot in total. Vincent William Buchanan is facing new charges and was taken into custody. The 34 year old is due in Shelburne court in April.

Land Clearing Halfway Done For South Canoe Wind Project

Over half the land needed for the South Canoe Wind Project has been cleared. Representatives with Nova Scotia Power and Minas Basin Pulp and Power met with Chester council Thursday to give an update on the project. Land clearing began towards the end of January for the 34 wind turbine project in the New Ross area. Community relations manager for Minas Energy, Mary-Frances Lynch, says they have lots of work coming up.



Looke CanCut of Barss Corner was hired to complete the land clearing. Lynch says they're working on developing a local route to deliver the turbines near the Lake Lawson Road and the New Russell Road. However, it still needs final approval from the province. A project office for South Canoe has also been set up on the Forties Road in New Ross at Cottage at the Cross if people are looking for more information.

South Shore School Board Chair Welcomes Study

Former Nova Scotia Lieutenant Governor Myra Freeman will be heading up a study of the province's education system. Freeman and 5 panelists will be seeking public input on what's working with the system and what needs improvement. Here on the South Shore, School Board chair Jennifer Naugler welcomes the study.



Education Minister Karen Casey says the education system hasn't been reviewed thoroughly in a quarter century. An action plan will be developed to reflect the input of Nova Scotians during the consultation process.

Skills Canada Showcases Trades For Local Students

Local students are getting a hands on introduction to skilled trades and technology. Skills Canada is hosting a workshop today at the NSCC in Bridgewater for high school students along the South Shore. They will take part in a program called TechShop. It's a one day event offering students the opportunity to explore skilled trade and technology career options. The workshop also gives students an opportunity to learn information on training, potential salary for certain position. Some of the programs being featured range from natural resources environmental technology to diesel engine repair.

Gas Prices Will Likely Rise Again Tonight

Don't be surprised if South Shore gas prices take yet another jump overnight tonight. It could increase by as much as 3 cents a litre. New Brunswick prices are up this morning (Thursday). Regular self serve is selling for 2.5 cents more a litre there while diesel is up by half a cent.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

MODL: Municipality Exploring Clear Plastic Bags

Clear garbage bags could soon be coming to the Municipality of Lunenburg. Council members decided to make changes to a bylaw that would provide them with more information on the issue. The province has set a waste disposal target of 300 kilograms per person by next year. Right now, the municipality is above that number. MODL Mayor Don Downe says they're trying to take the necessary steps.



If it moves forward, residents could still use one black bag for private items. Forty-one out of 55 Nova Scotia municipalities use clear plastic bags in the their waste pick-up. The town of Mahone Bay is also moving towards implementing clear bags. The issue will come to Bridgewater on Monday night.

Yarmouth: Baseball Bat Used In Assault

A 49 year old man in Yarmouth is recovering after he was allegedly beaten with a baseball bat. RCMP say the man was hit in the head twice after an argument broke out involving an 18 year-old. He was taken to hospital where police were made aware of the situation. Wiliam Jamie Nathan Weagle was arrested without incident and is facing two assault charges. The teenager was expected in court today.

Minister: "Education Review Needed"

A former lieutenant governor will lead a panel to identify what Nova Scotians think needs to be done to strengthen the public education system. Myra Freeman and five panelists will seek public opinion on what is working with public education and what needs improvement. Education Minister Karen Casey unveiled the panel today. She says the system hasn't been reviewed thoroughly in 25 years. The panel has reps from Digby, Brookfield, Sydney, Pugwash, Sydney and a former Yarmouth resident. They will review curriculum, technology and student outcomes. An action plan will be developed that will reflect the input of Nova Scotians during the consultation period.

VIDEO: Businesses Concerned About Proposed Sewer Rates In Chester

Businesses in Chester are worried over new proposed sewer rates. Council is looking at introducing a universal rate to help eliminate deficits in five of the six sewer systems in the municipality. However, businesses are worried the increases will cost them thousands of dollars more each year. Chamber of Commerce President Jo-Ann Grant says more work on the issue needs to be done.



Council is looking into a flat fee or increased assessment as options for applying a universal sewer rate. Staff will gather more information and report back to them in March. Video of Grant's speech to council can be watched below.

Prepping For The Drive On Snowy Roads

As we get set for yet another snowstorm tonight and the usual bad driving conditions the morning after, the Canadian Automobile Association is advising South Shore motorists to bone-up on their driving habits and skills. Gary Howard of CAA says its especially important not to rush to get to work on a snowy-road morning. He says back off on the speedn and don't worry if you're a bit late getting to the office.



Howard says make sure your car, truck or SUV is clear of all snow and ice before you head out, stay well behind other vehicles on the highway and do not use cruise control. Its dangerous to use in the winter.


Remembering The Wrath Of "White Juan"

As we plough through storm after storm this winter, many people say its nothing like 2004. Ten years ago this week, a weather-bomb known as "White Juan" struck the South Shore and the rest of Nova Scotia, crippling the region for days! More than 100 centimeters of snow, blown around by 120 kilometer an hour gales, trapped people in their homes, hotels and in a few cases, vehicles. Department of Transportation Area Manager Glen Strang went to work the evening the storm began and didn't get home for nearly three days. He and his fellow DOT crewmembers worked feverishly to keep things open.



Strang says there was an "upside" to the storm though.



The storm lasted for two days and was named "White Juan" because it had been less than 6 months since Hurricane Juan swept across the province.

Health Minister Eyes South Shore Health

Nova Scotia's Health Minister will be spending the day (today) on the South Shore meeting with health care officials at South Shore Health. Its a continuing series of meetings province-wide as Leo Glavine prepares to overhaul the health care system. The plan is to reduce the number of health authorities from 9 to 2, one for Capital Health/IWK and one for the rest of the province. Glavine will also be dropping by the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater and Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg to talk with doctors, nurses and specialists.



Last month, the minister was in Queens County and visited Queens General Hospital for similar consultations.

Steady She Goes On The Highways

Its a very messy drive this morning everywhere along the South Shore and particularly nasty driving in Lunenburg County! Queens County is a little better. The 103 is snow-covered with icy patches underneath.
Pretty much the same for most other roads. If you're heading out this morning, Gary Howard of the Canadian Automobile Association says don't risk speeding to make it to work on time.



Howard says make sure your car, truck or SUV is clear of snow and ice, stay well behind other vehicles on the road and don't use cruise-control.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Bridgewater: More Information Needed On Big Rig Racing

A few issues are throwing caution flags in the air for a proposed event in Bridgewater. The town has been exploring the option of allowing South Shore in Motion to add big rig drag racing to its event in August. However, Mayor David Walker says insurance, the number of concrete barriers needed, along with a traffic plan and security are all a concern at this point. He says they're waiting for more details.



Organizers would need to temporary close Dufferin Street, between York Street and Hillcrest Street to hold the afternoon event. Walker says they're hoping to have more information for their next meeting on Monday night.

LaHave Ferry: Repaired Again After Minor Hydraulic Probem


The LaHave River ferry was quickly repaired after more damage was discovered. The ferry was pulled out of service for a few hours this afternoon. However, the Department of Transportation says workers fixed a hydraulic problem. The ferry was originally damaged after it broke free from its cables during a blizzard January 3.

Business Impacted By New Holiday?

Like most parts of Canada, this province will also have its own holiday in mid-February, starting next year. Some businesses in HRM are complaining though about possible lost revenue as a result. On the South Shore, Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce Manager Dan Hennessey doesn't see that happening here.



The holiday on the third Monday of February will honor notable historic figures important to the province. The first one, next February 16th, will honor Viola Desmond, a black activist. A province-wide schools contest to give the holiday a general name is now underway.

Best In Lunenburg-Queens Business Receive Awards

A Liverpool company has been named the best large business in Lunenburg and Queens Counties for 2013. J and H Industries took home the honour during the Lunenburg-Queens Business Excellence Awards Monday night in Cookville. Also, Lanes Privateer Inn of Liverpool was recognized with the hospitality award. Other award winners include Bailly's Fuels in small business, Cocoa Organic Spa for best new business, RPS Composites for exporting and New Voice Language Academy for entrepreneurial.

Monday, February 17, 2014

LaHave Ferry Returns To Service Monday Evening

Good news for LaHave Ferry users. The Brady E. Himmelman has underwent sea trials and will be back in service around 6pm Monday evening. Workers have fought several snow storms and icy conditions the past few weeks trying to get the ferry returned to residents. There was also a problem with the hydraulic pump, which caused another week long delay. The ferry has been out of service since January 3 after a strong wind and snow storm knocked the cable ferry loose and sent it adrift until it ran aground at Oxners Beach. It travels daily from LaHave to East LaHave.

Lunenburg: Mayor Backs Shipyard Alliance On Bluenose II

The town of Lunenburg's mayor is standing behind its shipyard alliance. Covey Island Boatworks, the Lunenburg Industrial Foundry and Engineering Ltd. and Snyder's Shipyard make up the group which is re-building the Bluenose II. The project is making headlines after the Nova Scotia government asked the auditor general to investigate its costs. However, Rachel Bailey feels the alliance isn't at fault.



The last confirmed cost of the Bluenose II was around $16-million, almost $2-million over budget. Bailey says she's interested to hear what the investigation concludes.

Bus Drivers Given Credit During Challenging Winter

It's been a challenging year for bus drivers traveling roads within the South Shore Regional School Board. Superintendent Geoff Cainen says this winter has been atrocious when talking about road conditions. Cainen says local bus drivers deserve credit. He says back roads have been a major challenge.



Even with several major storms, no major incidents involving buses and students have been reported. Cainen says bus drivers face challenges even on the best of days.

Yarmouth: Three People Charged Following Robbery

Three people face charges following a violent robbery in Yarmouth. RCMP say the incident happened in the early hours Sunday morning on Tooker Street. Police arrived on scene to find a 46-year-old man who was assaulted with a weapon. He was taken to Yarmouth hospital with serious injuries and later released. Eighteen-year-old Ronald Higby, 21-year-old Desi Sisco and 22-year-old Trevor Jacquard, all from Yarmouth, are in court today. They have been charged with several offences including robbery and assault causing bodily harm. Police say the victim and suspects know each other and it was not a random act.

Tenth Anniversary of "White Juan's" Mighty Wrath

Remember this!? Ten years ago this week, one of the South Shore's most spectacular storms bore down on the region. It was a snowy hurricane called "White Juan", just a few months after Hurricane Juan smashed into Halifax in September 2003. More than 100 centimeters of snow crippled most of the region and winds, in some cases exceeding 120 kilometers an hour, destroyed trees, roofs and power lines and tied up transportation. Many people had no power for many days. In almost two weeks, the Red Cross helped more than 30,000 people province-wide.

Shelburne County Honours Miss Ally

Porch lights in Shelburne County will be left on over the next few days to remember the five fishermen killed in a tragic fishing accident last year.  It's being seen as a way to honour the young men killed a year ago when the Miss Ally capsized in rough seas. The lobster fishing boat was based out of Woods Harbour. The five fishermen that were killed were Captain Katlin Nickerson, Joel Hopkins, Tyson Townsend, Billy Jack Hatfield and Steven Cole Nickerson. Their bodies were never recovered despite a dramatic search. During the search last year, many people left their lights on in the symbolic hope that the fishermen would find their way home.

No Injuries As Fire Destroys Windsor Home

The Red Cross is helping a young family left homeless over the weekend in the Windsor area as a result of a fire. Firefighters were called to battle the house fire on Tongue Hill Road Saturday afternoon. When they arrived, flames were coming through the garage doors. Several other fire departments were called for help. No one was hurt and the family was apparently away at the time. They're now staying with relatives.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Opposition Leader Suspects Bluenose II Cover-Up

Nova Scotia's Opposition Leader says there's something fishy with the excessive expenses incurred by the still-incomplete Bluenose II re-build. Jamie Baillie suspects a coverup and he's calling upon the McNeil government to come clean!



Baillie also suspects the recent "retirement" of Freedom of Information officer Dulcie MacCallum had something to do with the release of information about Bluenose II from her office. He intends to bring the issue up when the Legislature resumes sitting in the spring.



The original cost for the rebuild was $14-million. Then, it jumped to $16-million, and now, many suspect the cost will be pushing $20-million by the time its completed. Bluenose II still has not returned as Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador after nearly 4 years into the project.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Record Breaking Valentine's Day Radiothon

It's a record fundraising drive for an organization trying to purchase new equipment for hospitals in Lunenburg County. The Health Services Foundation was able to raise just over $95,000 during its annual radiothon on Valentine's Day. They had set a goal of $100,000 for the day. However, more donations are expected to pour in over the next few weeks. Announcer with CKBW and HANK FM spent the day at the hospital helping to raise the money. It turned out to be an overwhelming success. It's the fourth annual radiothon. The foundation is looking to raise enough money to buy a mobile x-ray unit for the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater. The total cost of the unit is $225,000.  More fundraisers are planned to help reach the target.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Officials Gather To Assess Emergency Situations

Three different scenarios forced Lunenburg County's Regional Emergency Measures Organization in action for a short time on Friday. The group activated its operations centre in Bridgewater for roughly 90 minutes to assess emergency calls for flooded basements, a fatal crash in New Germany and an overturned oil truck in Chester Grant. However, spokesperson John Collyer says they decided to shut down the centre because all situations were handled.



Collyer says officials will continue to watch the weather forecast with freezing rain, snow and rain in the forecast for Saturday evening.

South Shore Senior Groups Benefit From Provincial Grant

Four South Shore groups are getting financial support from the province. Senior Safety programs in Lunenburg, Yarmouth, Shelburne and Queens counties are all receiving money from Nova Scotia's senior safety grant. The money was announced earlier this week for South Shore Safe Communities, Yarmouth Town and County Crime Prevention Association, Shelburne County Senior Safety Society and Queens County Crime Prevention Association. The money helps support non-profit groups educate and raise awareness of senior abuse, prevent crime and encourage the overall health and safety of seniors. Funding for the groups is listed below.

South Shore Safe Communities:  Lunenburg County Seniors Safety - $20,000

Yarmouth Town and County Crime Prevention Association - $20,000

Shelburne County Senior Safety Society: Safety for Seniors - $19,998.12

Queens County Crime Prevention Association - $18,170


Bridgewater: Town Moving Ahead With New Logo

Bridgewater is moving ahead with plans to tweak a proposed new logo. The town has agreed to spend up to $5,000 to give its logo a facelift.  The proposed logo is a circle that includes the colours green, white and blue. The white represents the LaHave River while the green promotes sustainability and the blue represents the sky. Mayor David Walker says the colours remain up for discussion.



Walker says council hasn't made up its mind on the colours, which could change the final design. The logo would be placed on everything including town vehicles, signs welcoming people to the town and bills. Mayor David Walker welcomes the change.


The money is pre-approved from next year's budget. 

Emergency Officials Meet To Discuss Flooding



Emergency management officials in Lunenburg County are meeting to discuss a potential action plan after the region was hit with 40 to 50 millimetres of rain. A number of people are dealing with flooded basements. Officials are also dealing flooding on road ways. We'll update this story when we have more information.

Fatal Crash In New Germany

Police say a 60 year-old was killed when his car slammed into the ditch in New Germany. The crash occurred shortly after 4 a.m. Mounties say the man was from Pinehurst. A section of Highway 10 was shut down four more than four hours while investigators checked out the scene. Road conditions were poor at the time of the crash. However, police did not say if that was a factor.

Storm Causes Flooding, Closes Schools



It's a messy morning. The South Shore Regional School Board has cancelled classes in Lunenburg and Queens Counties. Also, no classes at the Waldorf school in Blockhouse or the French School in Cookville. Schools under the Tri-County Regional School Board are open. However, buses will not travel on gravel roads. More rain is also expected today, another 20 to 30 mm of rain is in the forecast before changing to flurries later this afternoon. Some South Shore residents are reporting basement flooding as result of all the rain overnight. Meanwhile, RCMP are reminding motorist to reduce speeds in case of hydroplaning. There was a single vehicle crash this morning on Highway 10. A section of the highway is closed near Guppy's Restaurant in New Germany. No other details on the crash have been released. About 2,500 Nova Scotia Power custmers are in the dark this morning, outages are being reported in Digby, Halifax and Sydney.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Martin, Duckworth Receive Funding From New Program

A pair of South Shore athletes will benefit from funding for Atlantic Canadian Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls. The Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic and several businesses have launched Elevate, a program providing assistance to athletes striving for the international podium. Snowboarder Alex Duckworth from Kingsburg and Bridgewater's Jenna Martin are among seven athletes from Nova Scotia and P.E.I. receiving funding. The groups have announced $100,000 in funding will be provided annually over the next four years towards the program. Money will be used to access training facilities, performance professionals, nutritional guidance, leadership and mentoring.

Gutsy Walk Coming To Bridgewater

A walk targeting the end of Inflammatory Bowel Disease is coming to Bridgewater. Gutsy Walk is Crohn's and Colitis Canada's largest national fundraising event. It will be held in Bridgewater and nationwide later this spring. Jody O'Donnell is chair of the local walk. He says IBD is not easy to live with.



O'Donnell's son suffers from Crohn's and he wanted to bring the walk to Bridgewater to help raise awareness. Over 66 events were held last year, helping raise $2.3-million nationwide. The Bridgewater event will be a five kilometre walk or run beginning at Shipyard's Landing June 8. There are hopes it will raise $10,000. For more information on the event or to make a donation or enter your team, click here .

Radiothon Returns For Fourth Year

Another year and the same great cause for the Health Services Foundation of the South Shore. Friday will mark the fourth annual 'Gift for the Heart' radiothon on CKBW and HANK-FM. This year the goal is to raise $100,000 to help purchase a new mobile x-ray unit. Development officer Bernadette Jordan says they're hoping to build off of last year.



Jordan says there are roughly 20 items people can bid on during the live auction. More than 40 volunteers will be involved when the radiothon goes from 8am until 6pm Friday morning. If you're looking to make a donation, you can call 541-3246 or 1-844-842-3246.

EMO Warns: Be Prepared For Possible Flooding

A major rain and wind storm is set to pound the South Shore The Emergency Management Office is warning of potential flooding due to significant rainfall. Environment Canada is forecasting roughly 5cm of snow and between 40 and 50mm of rain. Wind gust will be as high as 100 km/h along parts of the coast. EMO spokesperson Steve Mills says he's been reminding communities to have their storm drains free of ice and snow.



Nova Scotia Power crews will be on standby in case of possible outages due to the wind. The storm should taper by Friday morning.

Gas Prices May Rise Tonight

With word of an increase this morning in gasoline prices in New Brunswick, many South Shore residents will likely be filling up today at the pumps. You can expect gas prices to probably rise overnight across the province including along the South Shore by a couple of cents. Prices are up in New Brunswick today with regular self serve leading the way with a 2.5 cent increase per litre. Diesel is also up by a couple of cents in New Brunswick.

Search In North River Leads To Drug Charges


A man is facing drug charges after police searched a home earlier this week in North River. Police say they found cocaine, ecstasy or MDMA, some pot, cash and firearms. A 30 year old Lunenburg County man is facing possession and trafficking charges. He's also been charged with unsafe storage of a firearm. The matter will be before a judge April 9.

No End To Old Man Winter's "Hits"

Get set for another dose of unrelenting winter weather. Another storm is headed our way later today. This one will be a huge rain and wind event! Snow will begin here late this afternoon followed fairly quickly by rain, and lots of it, and the wind gusts will top 100km/hr by times. Meanwhile, Ming Szto of Environment Canada tells us yet another storm will be moving in on Saturday into Sunday.



There are some indications we could get about 15 centimeters of snow here on the South Shore Saturday night.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Resident Concerned About Speed In East Chester Area

RCMP will use radar and increased patrols to discourage motorists from speeding in the East Chester area. However, it might not be enough. A local resident has requested the Municipality of Chester to change the speed zone along Highway 3 from 80km/h to 50 or 60km/h. Warden Allen Webber says it's a request for the province's Department of Transportation.



Webber expects a response over the next few months.

Burnout Predicted For Liverpool Lab Technicians

Two, full-time hospital lab technicians in Liverpool are being transferred to Bridgewater. South Shore Health says its to help alleviate a shortage of 4-full time and 1 part-timer in the lab at South Shore Regional Hospital. However, Canadian Union of Public Employees local President Dianne Frittenburg says moving them out of Queens General makes little sense.



Frittenburg says the added workload on the remaining 3 lab techs at Queens General will lead to burnout and more sick time. She's requesting a meeting with South Shore Health to discuss options. Frittenburg says the union has been told the transfers will take place in March. She also fears possible closure of the Queens General Hospital lab sometime in the future.


UPDATED: Duckworth Reacts To Olympic Results

There will be no Olympic medals coming to Kingsburg, but there will be a proud Olympian returning home. Alex Duckworth finished 17th in the women's snowboarding halfpipe event in Sochi, Russia after failing to qualify for the finals. Duckworth says she has no regrets after stumbling during her two semi-final runs.



Duckworth says she's proud of the support she received from the South Shore community along with residents across the province and country.



She plans to be a spectator for the rest of the Olympics and hopes to meet fellow Nova Scotian Sidney Crosby.

BREAKING: Duckworth Advances To Olympic Semi-Finals

Kingsburg's Alex Duckworth advanced to the semi-finals of the women's half-pipe snowboarding event in Sochi, Russia. The 26-year-old had a clean second run, scoring a 69.75. She finished 7th overall in the first heat. Duckworth scored a 42.25 on her first run after stumbling near the end. Duckworth was on twitter before competing saying she was " Giggly, excited and jacked up on nerves." Now, she is one step away from making it to the finals and challenging for a medal. She will be back in action at 11 o'clock this morning. You can follow the CKBW twitter (@ckbwradio) and HANK-FM twitter (@HANK_FM) along with the facebook pages for updates.

Mustangs Eliminate Valley After Game 5 Victory

The Charlie's Pizza South Shore Mustangs are heading to the next round of the playoffs. Travis Parks scored on a third period penalty shot, which held up for the game winner as the Mustangs beat the Valley Wildcats 4-3 Tuesday night in Berwick. The Mustangs won the series four games to one. Jordan Messenger and Mitchell Baker added a goal and an assist while Christian Tufts added the other goal. Nick Dawe turned aside 43 shots. The Mustangs are waiting for other series' to finish to determine who will be their next opponent.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

South Shore: Another Storm Expected Thursday

Another large winter storm is expected to pound the region this week. However, instead of the "regular" Wednesday storm, this system will arrive on Thursday. Environment Canada is advising residents to pay attention to the weather as the storm approaches the region.  The last two mid-week storms to hit the South Shore carried about 20 centimetres of snow. Three weeks ago an intense blizzard arrived mid-week and brought about 25 centimetres of snow.

Bridgewater: Mayor Concerned About Security At Town Hall

Bridgewater's mayor wants to tighten down security at town hall. David Walker says he's concerned about staff safety because people are able to walk into the building freely without checking in. He says the town has discussed the issue for years but hasn't done anything about it. Walker would like to see identification tags used to access parts of the building.



Walker says he hopes to have a meeting this week to talk about the issue. He also hopes to add the item to the upcoming budget talks for 2014-15.

Bridgewater: Snow Removal Projected "In The Red"

Snow removal costs are expected to be in the red for the town of Bridgewater. Director of Finance, Dawn Kaizer, says they're currently projecting snow removal to be $91,000 over budget. However, there is still lots of winter remaining and more snow in the forecast for this week. Kaizer remains optimistic things will be alright.


The snow removal budget is $356,000 and is projected to be at $447,000 at last look. Kaizer says a decision will be made to tap into the snow reserve fund once final budget numbers are known.

How To Make Life Easier For The South Shore's Learning Disabled

South Shore parents of students with learning disabilities will meet tomorrow night (Wednesday) with officials who are knowledgeable on the subject. The school board will hold an information night to explain what LD is all about and how better to support students afflicted by it. There are currently 460 students diagnosed as learning disabled within the local school system. Cindy Kowalyk is an LD Services facilitator. She says Ipads and similar high-tech devices are helping make things easier for students.



Some parents are providing the tablets themselves for their children. Others are being donated. Its all in the name of making life easier for these kids who face their disability every day. Wednesday evening's information meeting begins at 6:30 at South Queens Middle School in Liverpool.



Duckworth Set To Compete At Olympics

The dream of competing at the Olympics will soon be realized for Alex Duckworth. The 26-year-old from Kingsburg will take on the best in the world in the women's snowboarding half-pipe event. The qualification round begins at 6 o'clock local time Wednesday morning. She will compete in the first heat. It's scheduled to be shown on Rogers Sportsnet. Duckworth is ranked as the top Canadian and is competing at the Olympics for the first time. She was an alternate for the 2010 games in Vancouver. If she qualifies for the semi-finals, she will compete again at 11am local time Wednesday morning. CKBW and HANK-FM will be providing updates on twitter and facebook before, during and after the race.