Mustangs down CB West - Back in Action this Afternoon

In Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League action last night the South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs built up a 5-2 lead and then hung on to edge the Cape Breton West Islanders 6-5. Shawn MacEachern led the Stangs with two goals and two assists. The clubs meet again today at noon in Port Hood.
 
Meanwhile, the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks hit the road today as they tangle with the Metro Marauders in Dartmouth. Gametime is 1 o'clock at the Sportsplex.

Legion to host Christmas Daddies Fundraiser in Liverpool

The Liverpool Royal Canadian Legion is doing their part for Christmas Daddies this weekend. Branch 38 is hosting a fundraiser Sunday with a number of musical acts, an auction, as well as 50/50 draws and raffle prizes. The Legion's president, Larry Weagle, says they're doing their part to make a difference. The Christmas Daddies fundraiser will be held from 1-5pm Sunday at the Liverpool Legion. Join Jonathan Crouse as this afternoon's MC for the fundraiser.

District of Lunenburg: Longhorn Spruce Beetle on Agenda

The longhorn spruce beetle found in the Lunenburg area recently has caught the attention of the Municipality. CAO Tammy Wilson says its a new issue for the Municipality and they haven't held any discussions. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has written a notice prohibiting movement of any spruce logs, bark or wood chips off grounds in the Sawpit Wharf or Garden Lot areas without permit. The Municipality is expected to discuss the beetle during its next council meeting December 13.

Annual Food Bank Challenge

It's paramedics versus police versus RCMP in the third annual food bank challenge. The three emergency services are challenging each other and you to donate non-perishable food items... to see who can fill their vehicles with the most food. Bridgewater Police Chief John Collyer says the need to donate has never been greater. The Food Bank Challenge goes from 1-5pm Saturday at the Bridgewater Atlantic Superstore. All proceeds go towards the Bridgewater Interchurch Food Bank.

Lumberjacks pick up "W" in Wild Affair with Capitals

In the most exciting Junior A game in Bridgewater this season the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks edged the Summerside Western Capitals 7-6 in a shootout last night. Jake Bullen had two third period goals for the Jacks who battled back from a 4-2 deficit. Brad Donaldson added a goal and two assists while Luke Ramey potted the shootout winner. The Jacks return to action tomorrow afternoon in Dartmouth when they face the Metro Marauders.

Resolute/Government Negotiate $50 Million Deal - Saves Mill

The Nova Scotia government has reached a deal with Resolute Forest Products to keep its Bowater Mersey paper mill operating. The five-year package amounts to $50 million dollars in total. Premier Darrell Dexter says $25 million of the deal will be a forgivable loan to Resolute. Dexter says that money is intended to make the mill more efficient and become more innovative. "In the end, I believe that in the newsprint industry, it's going to be the lowest cost mills that are going to be the ones that survive and once the newsprint industry reaches an equilibrium those companies will make money...but you have to get there first," He says the province will also spend $23.75 million to buy about 10,000 hectares of woodland from the company. Meanwhile, Resolute's Canadian Spokesperson Pierre Choquette called it good news for the South Shore and the industry. "You look at the way the industry has been affected by the economy over the past couple of years and you look at the demand going down as well. So it's no secret that the most competitive, low cost mills will be the ones that survive," The agreement includes $1.5 million for workforce training through the Productivity Investment Program, the province's plan for economic growth. The investment allows employees to upgrade their skills between 2012 and 2014, as a result of capital improvements to the mill. 

Black Legged Tick Confirmed in Gavelton, Yarmouth Co.

The black legged tick has been confirmed to be present in the Gavelton area of Yarmouth County. South West Health spokesperson Barb Johnson says recent tests confirm the bugs are there. The ticks can carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease and are normally found in grassy, shrubby and wooded areas. Johnson says letters will be going out this week for those who live in the Gavelton area reminding residents of the tick's presence. She suggests those who are working in potentially populated areas to conduct a thorough tick check when they get home - she's says one sign of exposure is a bulls-eye rash around the bite. Tick activity is normally reduced with the first permanent snowfall or when air temperatures are consistently below 4 degrees.

Dexter en route to Liverpool with news for Bowater Mersey

A big announcement coming today from Premier Darrell Dexter. It could help keep the Bowater Mersey paper mill running. A spokeswoman for Dexter has confirmed the government has worked out a multi-million dollar support package. Mill owners Resolute Forest Products have told the premier they will close the plant without help from the government, concessions from the union and reduced electricity costs. The President of CEP Union Local 141 Courtney Wentzell says he'll need to know the details of the deal before he can endorse it while officials from Resolute have declined comment. CKBW/HANK FM will have more on this announcement later this afternoon.

BREAKING: Multi-Million Dollar Support Package for Bowater Mersey

It's a huge development that may help keep the Bowater Mersey paper mill in production. The government of Nova Scotia has worked out a multi million-dollar support package for the Brooklyn based mill. A spokeswoman from the premier's office confirmed the agreement late Thursday afternoon. Premier Darrell Dexter will give details about the deal Friday afternoon during an announcement in Liverpool. Mill owners Resolute Forest Products told Dexter they would close the plant without help from the government, concessions from the union and reduced electricity costs. President of CEP Union Local 141 Courtney Wentzell says he'll need to know the details of the deal before he can endorse it. The union at the mill recently voted to cut 110 full- and part-time jobs in an effort to reduce labour costs and help save the operation. On Tuesday, the province's Utility and Review Board ruled that the mill would receive a three-year discount on its electricity costs. The Region of Queens Municipality has also approved a 15 per cent property tax reduction for the mill worth about $135,000 per year. Officials for Resolute did not return messages seeking comment. CKBW/HANK FM News will have more on this story tomorrow afternoon and full reaction.

Lumberjacks, Crushers meet in Pictou

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks head to Pictou Thursday night to battle the Weeks Crushers. The Jacks have dropped two in a row and are looking to bounce back from an 8-1 loss to Truro Saturday night. Head Coach Terry Rhindress says the team has to focus on what they do well.

"The key for us is to get a good start and play 60 minutes again. We know we can play with them, we have to get pucks deep, get pucks to the net, you know, we have to cycle the puck low. When we play our low game and cycle the puck, you know, that's our bread and butter, that's where we succeed."

Rhindress says his club needs to stay composed in their own zone and play better positionally. The Lumberjacks and Crushers face off at 7:30 in Pictou.

Mustangs face off against Dartmouth

The South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs bring a modest two-game winning streak into Dartmouth Thursday night against the Taylor Flooring Major Midgets. Dartmouth leads the Mustangs by one point in a sea-saw battle for second place in the Major Midget standings. Head Coach Tim Boyce says it will be a tough test on the road.

"Solid goaltending. Obviously the kid in nets, Jack Flinn, has been on a real roll this year. We are going to have to get some traffic in front of him, get some dirty goals. The other thing we're going to have to do is look to take away the middle of the ice, slow things down in the neutral zone because they are a very good skating club."

Boyce says he expects his team will struggle with their usual fast-paced forecheck because of the larger ice surface in Dartmouth. The two teams square off at 6:30 Thursday night at the Dartmouth Sportsplex.

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.