SSRSB to Debate Censuring Reinhardt

South Shore Regional School Board members are about to debate censuring one of their colleagues. Karen Reinhardt breached 11 sections of the Board's code of ethics. Board members voted 6-4 last Wednesday, in favour of deferring a decision until Monday night. Reinhardt is expected to be at the meeting, which begins at 7pm at the School Board office.

No Band-Aid Fixes For Bowater - Dexter

Premier Darrell Dexter says the province is in discussion with Bowater Mersey on a potential assistance package. However, officials are facing a January 1st deadline to come up with a savings package that Resolute Forest Products will have to accept in order to keep the mill open. Dexter spoke about the potential deal during a closed door meeting with almost all of the South Shore's mayors and wardens in Liverpool last week.  He told reporters before the meeting that the province doesn't want a band-aid solution for the mill. "We want to look for technologies that will be more energy efficient which of course yields a benefit over the long term. These are the kinds of things we want to look for, we want to make sure the plant isn't just sustainable for a year - but over the longer term,". The Region of Queens Municipality extended an olive branch to the company last week as well, council approved a 10 year-deal that will lower taxes for the mill by $135,000 annually. The Board of Directors at Resolute will ultimately decide the future of the mill in December.

Local Sports Scene - Jacks edge Mariners

A former Mariner haunted his old team last night as the visiting CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks edged Yarmouth 2-1. Shawn Boudreau, who was traded to Bridgewater a week ago, had a goal and an assist for Jacks. Michael Crawley potted the winner midway thorugh the third while Billy Clarke turned aside 32 shots. The South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs have been knocked out of the Monctonian Major Midget Hockey Tournament. After going unbeaten during round robin play the Stangs fell 5-0 to Dartmouth in last night's  wild card playoff game. It'll be Sir John A. MacDonald against Yarmouth in the championship game at the Glen Murray Highschool Hockey Tournament. In last night's semis Sir John A topped Parkview 5-3 while Yarmouth blanked Bridgewater 5-0. Today's final faces off at 1:30 at the Bridgewater Arena. The Bridgewater Senior Girl Vikings are Western Region Highschool Volleyball champs. Playing on their home court the Vikes advanced to the Provincials with a straight sets win over Middleton. Bridgewater goes for a fifth straight title in two weeks.

Antique Pocket Waches & Cash Taken From Liverpool Home

Approximately 10 antique gold watches and some cash has been taken from a home in Liverpool. RCMP are investigating a break in at a home on Main Street in the community. Police say the items were stolen on Thursday night between 5 PM and 9:30 PM. Anyone with information on the crime is encouraged to phone the Liverpool RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

South Shore Hockey Scene - Glen Murray, Monctonian & Junior A

The Barrington Barons and Sir John A. MacDonald Flames lead the way at the annual Glen Murray Highschool Hockey Tournament in Bridgewater. Both clubs are 2-0. Highlights from Friday's action included the Barons 8-2 win over Digby and Parkview's 5-0 victory over the Bridgewater Vikings. That contest was forfeited in the third period when the Vikings ran out of players. Action kicked of this morning at 8:30 with Bridgewater facing Digby. Four more round robin contests follow. The semi finals are slated for 7 & 8:30 this evening. Meanwhile, the South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs go for their third straight win this afternoon at the Monctonian Major Midget Hockey Tournament. The Stangs wrap up round robin action against the St. John's Privateers at 12:30. A win or a tie will clinch a playoff spot for the locals. The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks are on the road tonight as they face the Mariners in Yarmouth. The Junior A Jacks have lost two straight while the Mariners are coming off a 2-1 overtime win against Amherst. Gametime is 7:30 at the Mariner Centre.

Lock Your Vehicles

Lunenburg County RCMP advising residents to lock their vehicles, even in their own driveways. There's been a recent rash of thefts from vehicles in the Pine Grove area with at least 10 complaints. Staff-Sgt. Bruce Hill says all of the vehicles that had items removed from them were not locked at the time of the theft. Hill says at night, vehicles should be parked close to the house, and if possible, keep an outside light on and remove all valuables

Hit & Run at Gows in Bridgewater

Bridgewater police are hoping to find out who's responsible for a hit and run in the parking lot at Gows Home Hardware this week. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon sometime around 2 or 3 o'clock. Police say a black dodge was left with a large dent on the truck's box. The person responsible left the scene before exchanging information with the owner of the truck. Anyone who may have seen this incident is asked to call the local Bridgewater detachment or Crime Stoppers.

Mustangs Improve to 2-0 in Moncton

The South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs moved to 2-0 at the 'Monctonian' tournament in New Brunswick. Josh Shatford scored and added three assists in the Mustangs 5-2 win over Charlottetown Friday morning. Shaun MacEachern had a goal and an assist for the second straight game. The Mustangs take on the St. John's Privateers at 12:30 Saturday afternoon in their final round-robin game.

Park View, Bridgewater Square Off in Glen Murray Hockey Tournament

Park View Boys 2011 Hockey Team

Another chapter in the Bridgewater-Park View rivalry hits the ice Friday night. The two local high school teams square off in the Glen Murray Hockey tournament. Park View Assistant Coach Mark Seamone says it promises to be an exciting game.

"Bridgewater and Park View has always been a big rivalry. We're hoping fans will come out and support both local teams, and like I said, it should be a good game with the rivalries that have gone on in the past."

The two teams face-off at 7pm, directly following the tournaments opening ceremony at 6:50.

Bridgewater Justice Centre Receiving Security Upgrades

Justice Minister Ross Landry

Bridgewater's Justice Centre is getting security upgrades. The province announced the local Centre is one of 10 courthouses Nova Scotia-wide to receive funding to make the building safer. The Centre is getting new closed-circuit cameras and an upgraded alarm system. The communications advisor for the Department of Justice, Dan Harrison, says the upgrades will improve building security.

"We don't believe safety or security at the courthouse is compromised right now, we think our courts are very safe. But, we see areas that we think we can do better and improve."

The province is investing $2-million into the 10 courthouses, but Harrison couldn't confirm how much money Bridgewater would receive. The upgrades at the Justice Centre won't begin until roughly Spring 2012.

Closure This Weekend at the ED in Lunenburg

The emergency department at the Fisherman's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg will be temporarily closed this weekend. There won't be a doctor available beginning at 2 o'clock on Sunday until 7:30 Monday morning. Anyone requiring immediate medical assistance during this time is asked to phone 9-1-1 or visit the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater.

Dexter: Province Will Support Those Who Lose Their Jobs @ Bowater

Mayors and wardens representing almost all of the South Shore's municipal units participated in a closed door meeting with Premier Darrell Dexter Thursday night. No word on what specific items were on the agenda last night but discussions centred around the future of the mill and how the province may be able to help.  Dexter told reporters the province will be there to support those 110 workers who will lose their job. “I was very clear with them. If some of them, for example, need retraining, if they need training or support through that transition period, its going to be available to them,”  Dexter says he stands behind the decision unionized members at the mill made this week in what he called an industry under an extraordinary amount of stress. The Premier travelled to the Bowater Mersey Paper Mill in Brooklyn yesterday in a show of support for the workers and local management.

Police Break Up Outboard Motor Theft Ring

Lunenburg County police have charged six people in relation to an outboard motor theft ring. Police say over 30 boat motors were seized from vessels in Lunenburg County between July and the first week of November. Investigators believe the boat motors were sold by contacting buyers through the internet. Computers, laptops, and cell phones believed to be used in the commission of the offences were seized by police.  The matter remains under investigation. Police are hopeful further investigation may result in the recovery of some of the stolen motors. Six people ranging in age from 17 to 44 are facing a total of 59 charges. They have all been released on conditions and are scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial court on January 25, 2012. The four men , one woman, and a 17 year old boy were arrested on November 15th.

The following individuals have been charged:

- Alan George James, aged 44, of Mader's Cove, Lunenburg County
(18 counts of Theft )

- Denise Marie Bond, aged 38, of Chester Grant, Lunenburg County
(17 counts of Theft )

- Michael Amos James, aged 19, of Mader's Cover, Lunenburg County
(3 counts of Theft )

- Scott Reeves, aged 24, Mader's Cove, Lunenburg County
(12 counts of Theft)

- Jesse Albert Hamm, aged 21, Blockhouse, Lunenburg County
(7 counts of Theft)

- A 17-year old male, Lunenburg County
(2 counts of Theft)

High Liner Foods Reaches Agreement to Acquire Icelandic Group's U.S. and Asian Operations

High Liner Foods of Lunenburg has struck a deal to purchase Icelandic Groups U.S. and Asian processing plants. The transaction is valued at roughly 230.6 million dollars U.S. High Liner's Executive VP and Chief Financial Officer, Kelly Nelson says the Icelandic stakeholders were worried about a couple of things..one, their worldwide brand of the parent company of the assets, which is Icelandic Seafood. Nelson says High Liner was able to come up with very creative ways of licensing the brands for a long period of time as well as developing a distribution agreement to make sure that the Icelandic harvesters continue to get access to the U.S. market.  The acquisition includes Icelandic USA's processing plant in Newport News, Virginia, as well as subsidiaries that operate a processing plant in China and procure product from other Asian countries. High Liner is acquiring several brands in connection with the acquisition and has agreed to a seven-year royalty-free licensing agreement with Icelandic Group for the use of the Icelandic Seafood™ brand in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The transaction is expected to be completed later this year or during the first quarter of 2012.

Mustangs off to New Brunswick for Monctonian Tourney

The South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs are in New Brunswick for the annual 'Monctonian' tournament. The local major midget club opens up their round-robin Thursday night against the Miramichi Rivermen. Head Coach Tim Boyce says it's key to open the tournament with a win.

"It's kind of tough, you know, we've never seen the team play. Obviously, you approach every game the same, you want to worry about what you're doing on the ice and not what the other team is doing. The first game of any tournament is always the most important, you want to get off to a good start."

Boyce says he expects the tournament to be a good test for his club. The Mustangs take on Miramichi at 5:30 Thursday evening in Moncton. They also play Charlottetown and St. John's during their round robin.

Glen Murray Hockey Tournament hits the ice

Park View Panthers 2011 Boys Hockey Team

One of the top high school hockey tournaments along the South Shore gets underway Thursday night. The 9th annual Glen Murray tournament kicks off Thursday evening with two games including the Park View Panthers hosting the Sir John A MacDonald Flames. Panthers Assistant Coach Mark Seamone says the Flames won't be taken lightly. He says he believes his team has a great chance to defend their title. The Flames and Panthers open the tournament at 6pm, followed by the Bridgewater Vikings taking on the Liverpool Warriors at 7:45. All games are held at the Bridgewater Memorial Arena.

Province Invests $750,000 into Fisheries Museum Design Study




Lunenburg West MLA Gary Ramey, left, with Lunenburg MLA Pam Birdsall

 










The province is spending $750,000 on a design study for the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. Lunenburg MLA Pam Birdsall made the announcement at the Museum Thursday morning. She says the study will provide options to address future maintenance needs for the Museum. Meanwhile, the mayor of Lunenburg calls the funding announcement for the Museum a "positive" for the town. Laurence Mawhinney says it's an important step for the building's future.

"These buildings wear out, they weren't built to last forever and ever and there's a lot of use to this building, a lot of weight in this building and it does need to be properly engineered and designed so that it's going to be stable and stabilized for the next 40 to 50 years."

Mawhinney says the Museum is a major attraction on the South Shore and applauds the government for their support. The money is coming out of the capital plan for 2012-13, meaning the study won't begin until sometime after the beginning of the fiscal year next spring.

Resolute Forest Products: "It's an Important Development"

The VP of Communications for Resolute Forest Products - formerly Abitibi Bowater - called last night's vote by union members to accept concessions from the company at Bowater Mersey an important development. However, Seth Kursmen gave no assurances it will be enough to keep the mill in Brooklyn in operation. In an interview with CKBW/HANK FM News, Kursmen says the companies January 1st deadline to come up with a new management/labour plan to make the plant financially viable remains in effect. "We cannot have a mill continue to be in a losing position. There are multiple pieces that need to come together in order to correct the situation. You know, our timeline remains and we all need to stay focused on the goal," Kursmen says the company will continue to work with government and other stakeholders to address the various challenges the mill is facing. He wouldn't say when negotiations on a new collective agreement will begin.

Municipality of Queens Extend Olive Branch to Bowater Paper Mill

The Region of Queens Municipality has given the green light on a 10 year tax freeze for Bowater Mersey. The municipality voted on the deal this morning at a special meeting, which means a savings of approximately $135,000 annually at the mill. The motion passed unanimously. Mayor John Leefe says the municipality is simply trying to do its part to try and keep the mill open. Meanwhile, the Municipality of Lunenburg is expected to follow suit this week. They're set to sit down with Bowater executives later this afternoon. On Wednesday night union locals 141 and 259 voted to accept contract concessions, meaning 110 workers will be out of a job. The vote was 104-97 in favour of accepting concessions. Negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement are expected to begin in the near future. Meanwhile, Premier Darrell Dexter will be in Liverpool at 3pm today to address the current situation at the Mill. CKBW/HANK FM News will have more on this developing story.

Razor-Thin Vote To Accept Concessions @ Bowater Mersey Mill in Brooklyn

Unionized workers at Bowater Mersey have narrowly voted to accept contract concessions that include cutting 80 full-time and 30 casual positions in an effort to save the paper mill. Members of CEP Local 141 and 259 voted 51.7 per cent in favour of accepting the concessions during a secret ballot Wednesday night. Union President Courtney Wentzell was clearly dejected as he delivered the news to a handful of his co-workers at the union hall in Brooklyn.  Meanwhile, Brian Godfrey has worked at the mill for over 30 years and says the result, if anything, means there's some hope. No word on when negotiations between the company and union will commence. Wentzell didn't take any questions from reporters or reveal how many of the union's 228 members voted.