Power Outages across South Shore

Thousands of South Shore residents are without power at this time due to the high winds. About 400 households and businesses in Queens County lost power between 9-10 Thursday morning. Close to 2,000 residents in Shelburne County are also without electricity. Around 1,000 homes in Lunenburg County have lost their power as well. Nova Scotia Power says service should be restored to those areas no later than 3:15 this afternoon. The NSCC campus in Shelburne has been closed for the day after losing its power. The Tancook Ferry is out of service until further notice Thursday because of extreme high winds and waves.

Fairview Inn set to be demolished; Police say no charges will be laid

**Pictures taken of the Fairview Inn Wednesday December 7**

A Conquerall Mills company begins work Thursday morning on tearing down one of the oldest Inns in NovaScotia. C & T Construction is expected to have two excavators on site of the Fairview Inn on Queen Street. The company's owner, Craig Fancy, says they've already removed most of the metal from inside the building. He says it's just a matter of time before the building is demolished and the site is clear.

"Once we get it on the ground, I think it will go pretty quick. We have to get the trucks to haul it away to Chester, so it does take time."

The building's ruins will be taken to the Kaizer Meadow Landfill in the Municipality of Chester. Fancy is asking residents to remain away from the Fairview Inn site while its being demolished because of safety concerns. Meanwhile, Bridgewater Police Chief John Collyer says no charges will be laid after fire destroyed the Inn June 4. Collyer said in a release Wednesday that the fire marshal has concluded he cannot determine the exact cause of the fire.

Mayor unaware of Tethering issue in Municipality

The mayor of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg says he's not aware of a tethering issue with dogs in the area. The Nova Scotia SPCA is pressuring municipalities to protect pets from being tied up outside too long. Downe says he would like the SPCA to make a presentation to council on the issue. He says the municipality's current bylaw deals with dangerous dogs, dogs at large and dogs that constantly bark. The SPCA is claiming municipal bylaws don't do enough to protect the pets. They are asking for chains to be at least five metres long and away from trees and bushes to prevent dogs from getting tangled.

Decent Catch - Low Prices

Analysts, government and industry officials are calling this ... one of the best lobster fishing seasons in years. However, one of the ironies is ... while catches are as good, if not better than last year, market prices are lower. Provincial Fisheries Minister Sterling Belliveau says there's concern. Lobster is selling for about 3 dollars and 25 cents a pound. Some fishermen have resorted to selling their catches roadside where they can easily get a couple of dollars more per pound. The season opened a week ago and ends next May.

Chapter Ends at Sagor's Bookstore

Its been a fixture of the downtown commercial landscape of Bridgewater for decades. Now though, after 40 years, Sagor's Bookstore is closing. Owners Ron Topp and Susan Goodwin say times have changed, hi-technology is taking over and sales are dwindling for book sellers in general. Topp says after 4 decades, life is going to be very different for the two of them. "It's a big part of our social life actually and that's going to be quite a chance. It's going to be a relief in some ways to get out of the pressures of the business but yes, going to be a big change. We hope to keep in touch with people of course," Topp says inventory will be sold-off over the coming couple of weeks. Sagor's is Bridgewater's first bookstore and its the oldest one in the Maritimes.

Ski Martock: Helmet Law Makes Sense

The operator of a Windsor-based ski hill says mandatory helmet use for skiers and snowboarders makes sense. Andy MacLean has been overseeing operations at Ski Martock for more than 25 years says he's not surprised by the move. MacLean expects a smooth transition for many ski enthusiasts who visit Martock. He says around 90 % of guests who visit the ski hill already wear helmets on the slopes and that's tops in Canada. "We always been big promoters and big advocates of helmet use here at Martock. So, I think people know the law and it's top of mind right now that's for sure. I think between the three resorts in the province, we'll make it a smooth transition," Under the legislation, inspectors would be hired to enforce the law, which could result in a stiff $250 fine for each offense. The government says it intends to have the legislation in effect next November if passed.

Vote For Glo

Voting is underway for a Lunenburg County woman trying to win $250,000 for her 'Lucious Lemon Pudding.' Glo McNeill has become a popular fixture in the South Shore region after winning the first episode of the Food Network's TV show 'Recipe to Riches'. Now, the 82-year-old is looking for your help to make her the grande prize winner. McNeill says she's looking for people to cast their vote at http://www.recipetoriches.ca/ . Voting starts at 1:01 Wednesday morning and ends at 12:59am on Friday December 9. She says people can vote once a day, for three days. The voting results will be released during the final episode of 'Recipe to Riches', to be aired December 14 at 10pm on the Food Network.

Bridgewater council becoming Electronically Advanced

Bridgewater council is moving to a more technical way of doing business. Council recently discussed options of online voting during 2012 elections and issuing laptops for councillors to cut down on paper costs. Mayor Carroll Publicover says it should improve the way council works. Publicover says he expects council will move to e-voting and e-council around the October 2012 elections. He says the new initiative is covered in the 2010-11 and 2011-12 budgets.

MLA Parker introduces bill to enact Pulp and Paper Mill Agreement

Charlie Parker

Legislation was introduced Wednesday implementing a provincial investment in jobs, land purchases and innovation at the Bowater Mersey Pulp and Paper Mill near Liverpool. Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker says the bill is a strong statement of the province's commitment to support good jobs, strong rural communities and a sustainable pulp and paper industry that is an integral part of the provincial economy. The Bowater Mersey Investment Act will give legal authority to enact a multi-year agreement, outlined by Premier Darrell Dexter on December 2nd, that includes a capital investment, land acquisition and worker skills training. Highlights of the agreement include:


- $25 million in capital improvements to help reduce electricity consumption and also produce additional renewable energy.
- $23.7 million to buy 25,000 acres of company-owned land, some of which could be used towards the province's goal of 12 per cent protected lands by 2015.
- $1.5 million for skills training through the Productivity Investment Program.

Long Standing Bridgewater Business has New Ownership

A familiar Bridgewater business is changing hands. Gow's Home Hardware has been in the Gow family for several generations. Now, its been purchased by a long-time employee of the firm. New owner Amanda Fancy is a Lunenburg County native and she says the values and community-spirit of Gow's that's traditional with the company will continue. There will be no company name-change and the now-former owner Peter Gow will remain on staff. The change takes effect January 1st.

Vigil marks need to end Violence Against Women

The South Shore Labour Council is recognizing the need to stop violence against women. The group is holding a candlelight vigil Tuesday night at the Masonic Hall at 216 North Street in Bridgewater. A delegate for the council, Melissa Dorey, says the event helps create awareness about the issue. She says there are lots of places along the South Shore that can help including Harbour House. The event gets underway at 7pm Tuesday night and is expected to include a few guest speakers and prayer.

Bill 102: Grits & Tories Make Final Pitch

Opposition Leaders in Nova Scotia are pushing South Shore MLA's to break party ranks and vote against a controversial labour law. The NDP government is set to introduce a first contract arbitration bill that would allow for a third party arbitrator to decide the terms of employment in a newly unionized workplace. Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil is hoping to see amendments to Bill 102 so unions and management have more time to negotiate before the arbitration process. "What we're asking them to do is move away from the Manitoba model which is the most offensive - it's the one that Michelin, Sobeys and Clearwater have all express major concerns about - we're asking government to move closer to the Ontario model or quite frankly the model that the federal government uses which means you have to prove someone is bargaining in bad faith before going to arbitration," Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Jamie Bailie is calling on South Shore MLA's Gary Ramey and Pam Birdsall to oppose the bill. Ballie admits its a long-shot but is hoping to get support of five members from the NDP to vote against the legislation. The bill could come up for a vote as early as Thursday.

Big Brothers Big Sisters looking for Board Members

South Shore Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for board members. The non-profit group for Lunenburg and Queens Counties is searching for energetic people with drive and interest in promoting youth. The president of South Shore Big Brothers Big Sisters, John Collyer, says its a rewarding experience.

"Anybody who has been involved in mentoring youth would understand that it is a very rewarding activity and it brings so much to the quality of life for these young people."

Collyer says people interested would have to participate in a screening process with a criminal records check and search of the child abuse registry. He urges everyone to get involved by contacting South Shore Big Brothers Big Sisters at 543-4435.

Giant Tiger Donating Dollars to Food Bank

A Bridgewater business is doing their part to stock up a local food bank. Giant Tiger is donating one dollar from every transaction Tuesday to the Bridgewater Interchurch Food Bank. The manager of Giant Tiger, Shane Demmings, says the purchase can be anything from a chocolate bar to clothing. Demmings says the food bank is in desperate need to fill their shelves, especially during the holiday season. He hopes the store can raise at least $2,000 for the food bank.

Shelburne Medical Clinic: $236,000 for Upgrades

A primary health care clinic adjacent to Roseway Hospital in Shelburne has received a boost from the province. The Shelburne Medical Clinic will receive $236,000 in provincial funding for upgrades. Environment minister Sterling Belliveau, in making the announcement this morning in Shelburne on behalf of the health minister, says a key part of the area's health care system will now be modernized. The upgraded clinic will have improved space for health care teams to work together to provide care to patients and will help recruit and keep doctors. Community partners such as the Municipality of Shelburne and the Roseway Hospital Foundation are providing just over half of the project's total cost. The project will be getting underway in a few weeks.

South Shore Woman Safe Following 9-1-1 Call

A 59-year-old South Shore woman who got lost in the woods of Lunenburg County on the weekend has been found safe and sound by searchers. The woman went for a walk on a trail Sunday afternoon, but became disoriented as darkness fell. As the temperature dropped, the woman used her cellphone to call 9-1-1. Police and Lunenburg Ground Search and Rescue were dispatched to the trail near Aldersville. The woman was found more than two kilometres from where she began her hike.

Mahone Bay eatery hopes for Liquor License

A popular restaurant in Mahone Bay is hoping a decision from the province's utility and review board falls in their favor. Zwicker's Inlet Restaurant and Cafe has been operating without a liquor license since July mainly because of a dispute with the eatery's former owner's.  The matter has been before the URB for three months because the restaurant's previous operators have yet to sign over the license. Manager Neven Luck says if the ruling doesn't go their way - he'll be forced to make some tough decisions. "We are struggling and it's not a fun situation heading into the holiday season without having a liquor license, so we're trying to compensate by offering reduced prices to bring them in and remind them that we are here...we do hope the URB will cancel the present license that's in place for this premises and once that happens our license will be approved," Luck says the restaurant employs around 14 people and has been operating in the same location since 1989.  The Utility and Review Board has scheduled a show cause hearing on the matter for December 12th.

CKBW/HANK FM Listeners Plan to Support Local this Holiday Season

It looks like this Christmas season will be a promising one for local businesses in the South Shore. More than 88 percent of CKBW/HANK FM listeners say they will support local merchants while shopping for the holidays. In total, 149 of those who voted on our web site say they have already or plan on buying local. This week's question asks listeners if they support the Nova Scotia government's $50 million dollar bailout package for Bowater Mersey. Our poll is located toward the bottom of our Home page.

Baril named new President and CEO of Composites Atlantic

Composites Atlantic has a new president and CEO. Claude Baril has been involved with the company since 1989 and has spent the last 12 years managing the Composites Atlantics development center in Mirabel, Quebec. Baril was given the interim position in August after replacing Maurice Guitton. He says he wants to continue developing the company as a leader in aeronautic, defense and space markets.

Resolute: NS Gov' Support is Final Piece of Complex Puzzle

A spokesperson for Resolute Forest Products says a five-year $50 million dollar support package from the province is enough to keep the paper mill in Brooklyn running. Pierre Choquette confirmed the deal was the final piece of a complex puzzle to help the company reduce costs at the Bowater Mersey paper mill. Choquette says half of the money will allow the company conduct a complete overhaul at the mill to upgrade machinery and make the plant more energy efficient. "It's about being more competitive and to do that we need to better our equipment, invest in upgraded equipment and it will help us remain competitive and lower our costs," Coquette says the company will also explore exporting its newsprint to growing markets like Latin American. The package announced Friday in Liverpool includes the province spending more than 23-million dollars to buy more than 10-thousand hectares of woodland from the company. The land purchase will be complete by March 31st.