District of Lunenburg assumes control of Osprey Ridge

The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has assumed control of Osprey Ridge Golf Course after the club couldn't meet a 60 day deadline to meet financial obligations. The Municipality issued a notice of default to the golf course towards the end of September and is now on the hook for upwards of $3.2-million in unpaid mortgage payments. The Chief Administrative Officer for the Municipality, Tammy Wilson, says they've started the process of hiring a consultant to sell the property.

"We have a proposal call out for the development of a prospectus and marketing strategy to market the land, with the objective of finding investors to acquire the property as a long-term solution."

Wilson says once a consultant is hired, there will be a public process to determine interest in acquiring the land. The Municipality expects Osprey Ridge to be open next season and operated by the non-profit group Bridgewater Golf and County Club.

Fleur de Sel, Charlotte Lane among Taste of Nova Scotia award winners

Several popular South Shore eating establishments have scored big at the Taste of Nova Scotia Prestige Awards. Fleur de Sel of Lunenburg won the Restaurant of the Year Award for chef inspired fine dining, as did Charlotte Lane of Shelburne for chef inspired casual dining. Charlotte Lane co-owner Roland Glauser says the award means a lot to his business.

"We are so pleased that our customers enjoy our product so much, you know, it really makes it worth our while to be here in Shelburne and it's really good to get this recognition."

Glauser says Charlotte Lane received 250 out of a possible 900 votes between the eight award categories. Elsewhere, the Consumer Choice Product of the Year award went to Schoolhouse Gluten-Free Gourmet of Mahone Bay for their pumpkin muffins.Waitress Simone Momberquette, who works at Trattoria della Nonna in Lunenburg, was voted server of the year. The awards honour restaurants and producers providing exceptional culinary products and services.

Good Lobster Catches Reported

The lobster season between Eastern Passage, along the South Shore and around the tip of the province to Digby got underway Tuesday.
Fishermen bringing-in their early catches predict numbers will be about the same as last year, if not slightly higher.
The DFO's Conservation and Protection officer Bill Wolfe in Liverpool says the price per pound should be set any day now. He says: "The buyers for the most part are going to set the prices and hopefully they will set them soon. With harvesters moving their fresh lobsters into market, there are all kinds of rumours on the wharves that (prices will be) anywhere from $3.25 to $3.50 per pound. But, that isn't set yet."
Wolfe says the weather has been a factor in a smooth-run so far this lobster season for fishermen and their vessels.

Crosswalk Safety A Concern in Lunenburg

A town councillor in Lunenburg is pleased the local traffic authority will examine crosswalk safety within the community. Peter Zwicker believes there's a definite need for more crosswalks in the town and adds there's been a number of close calls recently. He says it's a good time to conduct a review, especially given Bluenose Academy planned opening next year. "I think with approximately 600 students coming to the new academy, they are probably going to be heading to the grocery store, coffee shops and convenience store there's going to be a lot more pedestrian traffic in that area and it something we need to be aware of and take the necessary steps to ensure that area is safe,"  Council also discussed the need for a new crosswalk near Hall Street and the Tim Horton's at their meeting this week. Zwicker says the traffic authority will come back with recommendations for council to consider in the New Year.

RCMP: ATV Stolen from Simpson Corner

Mounties in Lunenburg are looking for tips in locating a 2011 Polaris Razor Ranger ATV. It's blue in color and is a four seater. Police say the ATV was taken sometime overnight on Sunday, November 20th. It was stolen from Simpson Corner. Anyone with information on the theft is asking to contact the Cookville RCMP detachment.

Bridgewater's Giant Tiger wins Lieutenant Governor's award

Margaret Matthews of Employment Solutions (left) and Shane Demmings of Giant Tiger (right)

A Bridgewater business has received an award for recognizing persons with disabilities as a valuable asset in the work place and the community. Giant Tiger received the Lieutenant Governor's Persons with Disabilities Employer Partnership award Wednesday night at a ceremony in Halifax. The store manager at the Bridgewater Giant Tiger, Shane Demmings, says the award speaks volumes for their business.

"Well, it's a great honour for sure to be recognized in this way. We have a great partnership with the Employment Solutions society that nominated us for the award and we've had a lot of really good success stories come out of working with them and employing people with barriers to the workforce."

Demmings calls the award a pleasant surprise but is happy people think the local business is making a difference. Bridgewater's Giant Tiger is one of 10 businesses province-wide to receive the award Wednesday night, including Giant Tiger's Halifax location. He says the store plans to showcase the award for the public to see.

December: Another Critical Month for Bowater Mersey

It's the beginning of another critical stretch for Bowater Mersey. Today is the deadline for 80 workers at the mill to either accept or reject severance packages from their employer while Resolute Forest Products is expected to make a decision on whether or not they will continue to operate the Brooklyn mill next week. A number of stakeholders have already agreed to numerous company demands and cost reduction measures which include a break on power rates, job cuts, wage freezes and tax relief. However, the company hasn't said if its enough to keep the mill in operation. Premier Darrell Dexter has yet to provide any details on potential assistance from the province to help keep the mill remain open. Resolute is expected to begin its Board of Director meetings on December 7th.

Cash Taken During Xmas on the Lahave Parade

Bridgewater Police are investigating after someone stole some cash out of a vehicle at the NSCC Campus. The theft occurred around 5:15PM and 6:45PM during the Christmas on the LaHave parade on Sunday. Police say the thieves found both Canadian and American currency inside the vehicle. They are asking anyone with information to contact the Bridgewater police or Crime Stoppers'.

Fairview Inn Investigation coming to an end: Police Chief

Bridgewater's Police Chief says he believes the investigation into the Fairview Inn will soon be over. John Collyer says it's been a lengthy process involving a number of different agencies including the Fire Marshal's office. He says its a matter of time before the investigation ends.

"A major part of our investigation was talking to all of the witnesses and, you know, just answering all the questions that have cropped up and, ya know, we're still doing that but I believe we are almost to a point of having things concluded."

Collyer says police received the Fire Marshal's report roughly a month ago and investigators are wrapping up their interviews with witnesses. The Fairview Inn blaze happened June 4 and fire officials have since deemed it suspicious.

No injuries after Lockeport House Fire

A Lockeport man escaped unharmed after a fire broke out at his home earlier this week. The blaze happened around 1:30 Monday afternoon. Volunteer firefighters from Lockeport were able to contain the blaze to one room, but there was smoke and water damage elsewhere in the house at 7 Point Road. A couple in their 50s were temporarily forced out of their home because of the fire.

SSRSB introduces new, one-person Board

Judy Sullivan-Corney

The new person in control of the South Shore Regional School board visited the area Tuesday afternoon. Judy Sullivan-Corney was introduced to school board staff and met with local media. She says taking over the board will be a challenge, but she's ready to make an impact right away.

"My interest is making sure that we are open and transparent and that I hear the needs of students and teachers and families in the communities, so, I will have open meetings. There are certain things that have to be discussed in-camera but otherwise meetings will be open."

Sullivan-Corney says she looks forward to building trust with the public.

"I do think the public are interested in stabilty, I think they are interested in making sure that students get a good education, so, I would see if I can get back on track with those priorities then I'm hoping the public will regain its confidence in the board."

Sullivan-Corney is a former teacher and has worked in aboriginal negotiations and labour relations and retired from public service October 1st. She came out of retirement to take over the board's responsibilities. Twelve board members were fired following an independent report by Deloitte into the governance practices of the elected members.

Town of Lunenburg begin Capital Budget Deliberations for 2012-13

The Town of Lunenburg is looking to replace a critical part of the arena's refrigeration system. The rinks condenser is 22 years old and council has set aside $50,000 in their 2012-13 capital budget to make the upgrade. Councillor Jamie Myra says the rink is an important part of the community and hopes council will approve the expenditure. "It's at the point now where if something major were to happen, I'm not sure we would even be able to get the appropriate parts [to repair it]...it's basically a six to eight week fix and if its a major break down it would shut us down for the year, so committee is recommending that council put this [expenditure] in the budget," He says the new condenser would be installed in the spring and in place for the start of next hockey season. The town began budget deliberations on their capital spending plan for the new fiscal year at its regular meeting last night.

Former SSRSB Vice-Chair agrees with Minister's Decision

Gary Mailman

The former Vice-Chair of the South Shore Regional School Board says he believes the Education Minister made the right choice in firing the board. Gary Mailman says he wasn't really shocked by Ramona Jennex's decision. He says he's disappointed by the actions of some former board members.

"I wish a couple board members would've stepped up to the plate and would've realized that they may have had a part in how the board started to fall apart but, no one really wanted to take any blame and so the minister had to do what she had to do."

Aside from the Deloitte report, Mailman believes there were a number of factors that contributed to the Board being fired.

"There was people weith various experience of being an elected official and I think there were different views on what governance really was and unfortunately, I think there were a couple board members who had a different view of how governance should've been and that caused the board to, I guess you could say, become dysfunctional."

Mailman believes if the board could've got back on track, the group of 12 were competent enough to do the job. He says he's undecided if he will run for school board in October 2012.

Mustangs thump Cole Harbour 7-0

Avery Clarke continued his torrid scoring pace with a hat-trick as the South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs dumped the Cole Harbour Major Midgets 7-0 Tuesday night. The Mustangs got goals from five different players including Alex Mann and Jamie McIntyre while Cory Peterson stopped 40 shots in the shutout victory. Head Coach Tim Boyce says Clarke is playing with a lot of confidence right now.

"He has some offensive instincts and he's a very smart player. The biggest thing is he's just starting to grow into his body now and understanding how he can use it as a weapon on the ice in the offensive zone."

Clarke now has 22 goals in 21 games to lead the Major Midget League in goal scoring. The Mustangs take a modest two game winning streak into Dartmouth Thursday night.

Heavier Power Bills in 2012

Power rates are going up in Nova Scotia. Residents will see their bills rise by about six per cent. The hike is to offset revenue shortfalls of two of NSP's major clients - NewPage Port Hawkesbury and Bowater Mersey. The mills were looking for a five-year break on the utility's load retention tariff. The province's utility and review board has agreed to three years. Canadian Taxpayers Federation Atlantic Director Kevin Lacey says the writing may be on the wall for Bowater-Mersey. "This could mean trouble for them and you know, ultimately it's important for these companies to survive," Meanwhile, Lacey also slammed NSP  and their "high-paid executives" - he says if they were "unload" some of those positions power rates might be lower instead of higher. "What we're seeing today is just the product of years of mismanagement by Nova Scotia Power and now what they're expecting is regular rate payers to pay the price of their mismanagement," The increased power rates take effect January 1st.

BREAKING NEWS: Education Minister Replacing SSRSB

Education Minister Ramona Jennex

Education Minister Ramona Jennex is restoring stability for students, teachers and staff by replacing the South Shore Regional School board with an appointed board member. The move follows an independent report by Deloitte into the governance practices of the elected board. That report found frequent violations by the board of its own by-laws, persistent cases of conflict of interest, inappropriate use of in-camera meetings and a focus on individual agendas at the expense of the region's overall best interest. Jennex says it is clear from the Deloitte report that the board was unable to fulfill its duties and its conduct placed the quality of education for students at risk. Jennex informed board members in a meeting in Bridgewater Tuesday morning that she was exercising her authority under the Education Act, which allows her to transfer the school board's authority and responsibilities to Judith Sullivan-Corney, a former deputy minister.The Deloitte report is available on line at http://www.ednet.ns.ca/.  More details to come.

BREAKING NEWS : Deloitte Inc. releases its Review of SSRSB

Deloitte Inc. says the South Shore Regional School Board has serious governance issues. The Performance Review was released in Halifax Tuesday morning. Deloitte. Inc revealed the board was in frequent violation of their code of ethics, there was mistrust of management and persistent cases of conflict of interest on the part of some members. Deloitte Inc. made a number of recommendations in their report including addressing breaches of conflict of interest and ethics, removing the Board from its involvement in management issues and eliminating members' interference in schools. Deloitte Inc. further says in their report "We believe that the capabilities required to successfully implement thse recommendations are largely absent from the Board, and success is unlikely to be achieved by the current members, even with substantial outside assistance. More details to come.

Baillie: Talks Power Rates, Families & Forestry

Conservative leader Jamie Baillie says sky high power rates are haunting average families and putting some businesses like Bowater Mersey on the brink of closure. He made the comments on Monday after meeting with business leaders in Hubbards and Liverpool during a quick swing through the South Shore. Baillie stressed the need for political parties to work together on items such as power rates and policy. "I wanted the people of Lunenburg and Queens County to know that I believe there is a long term future for the forestry industry. We all know that the world-wide demand for paper has gone down but there will be paper mills in the long run - our goal is to make sure some of them are here," The future of the pulp and paper mill in Brooklyn hinges on a plan that could include provincial government funding and breaks on energy costs. The Tories have already introduced four legislative bills during the fall session of the legislature aimed at tackling power rates. However, the bills will be lucky to see the light of day given Premier Darrell Dexter's majority government.

Fairview Inn to be Demolished

Photo Courtesy of Dan Hennessey

A sad end to one of the province's oldest Inn's. The Fairview Inn is expected to start being demolished this week, nearly six months after being ravaged by fire. Bridgewater Mayor Carroll Publicover confirmed the news at Monday night's council meeting.

"There has been a demolition permit issued. On the 22nd of November it was issued and there is machinery there now and I guess it's on the verge of being brought down."

The Inn was built in 1916 after another blaze destroyed the site's original hotel. Publicover says it's sad to see the Inn up for demolition, but adds, it's been a dangerous and unsightly property since the fire. The Inn is one of two heritage sites in Bridgewater after town council deregistered the Riverview Community Centre in July. No word yet if another Fairview Inn is expected to be built.

Chester's Doucet, Fay qualify for Junior Girls Curling Provincials

Team Doucet in Berwick

A pair of Chester junior girls curling teams have qualified for provincials. Lindsay Doucet's rink made it look easy over the weekend in Berwick; quashing the competition en route to a perfect 3-0 record. Doucet, who has two different players on her team compared to last season, says it was a weekend of learning.

"The most important thing about this weekend is kind of what we learned, more important than our record. We just figured out how each of us throws and what works and what doesn't, so it will be really helpful going on and going to provincials later in December."

Also, Mary Fay beat Bridgewater's Raquel Bachman 11-3 Monday afternoon for the second provincial qualifying spot. On the boys side, Windsor's Drew MacCormack and Wolfville's Robert Mayhew earned provincial spots. The provincials will be held, beginning December 27, in Windsor.