Queens: Three Injured In Head-On Crash

RCMP say there are multiple injuries following a two vehicle crash this afternoon in Queens County. The head on collision occurred shortly after 3 o'clock near Exit 18. Police say three people were taken to hospital with various injuries. Another person involved was not hurt. Mounties indicate charges may be laid.

Hurricanes Rolling At Esso Tourney In Halifax

The BMO Western Hurricanes remain undefeated at the Esso Challenge Major Bantam Hockey Tournament in Halifax. The Hurricanes knocked off Cape Breton today 4-0. Dawson Wood, Josh Manzer, Walter Flower and Jacob Myra had the goals while Parker Rowter earned the shutout in nets. The Hurricanes are 3-0 and in first place in their division heading into their final round robin game tomorrow morning against Fredericton.

Chester: Site Walk Planned For Our Health Centre

Proponents with Our Health Centre will walk the site of their future facility this weekend. The virtual walk-through is scheduled for Saturday from noon-2pm. The outside and interior walls on the main floor have been staked out at the site, so people can get a feel for the space. A number of dignitaries have been invited to the event including the premier, the minister of health, as well as the area's local MLA, Denise Petersen-Rafuse and councilors from the Municipality of Chester. The centre received a $500,000 investment from the province before the October election. Volunteers with Our Health Centre will be on-hand to tell people about the facility and the programs and services it will offer.

The Chronicle Herald Christmas On The LaHave This Weekend

The magic of the holiday season ramps up this weekend with The Chronicle Herald Christmas on the LaHave. The traditional event features a number of afternoon activities at the Bridgewater Mall on Sunday, before a parade and fireworks are planned for the evening. This is the ninth year for the event. One of the organizers, Michael Graves, says there are many floats in this year's parade.



Bridgewater's Jenna Martin will also serve as the official parade marshal. There will also be a LED light exchange, a chance to donate food to the local food bank, and red noses for sale to help support local Olympians. The fireworks will be held over the LaHave River.

New Ross Gears Up For Christmas Festival

The community of New Ross is gearing up for their 20th annual Christmas Festival. More than 100 people took part in a silent auction last night at the Royal Canadian Legion to help raise money for the annual event. The auction is hosted by the New Ross Regional Development Society and raised just over $7,400.  Co-organizer Janet Larder says the event helps launch their festival and also promote local business.



Some of the money raised is donated to Ross Farm to help with their development project while other funds go toward putting on the Christmas Festival. The three day festival kicks off December 6th throughout New Ross.

Planned Power Outage At Queens General Hospital

There will be a wide spread power outage this weekend at Queens General Hospital. Health officials say the entire hospital will be without power for several hours on Sunday while workers continue electrical work related to the QGH project. The outage means the emergency room will shut down for a four hour period on Sunday morning. South Shore Health CEO Peter Vaughan says they've reached a critical stage of the construction project.



Power is expected to be restored at the hospital by noon. Vaughan says contingency plans are in place should it take longer than expected. Those needing emergency care should dial 9-1-1 or visit hospitals in Bridgewater or Shelburne.

ER Closure Planned At Fishermen's Memorial

Another closure of the emergency department at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg. The ER will close this afternoon (Friday) at 5 o'clock. It will reopen at 7:30 Saturday morning. The closure is a result of a shortage of staff. South Shore Health says during the Fishermen's ER closure, anyone requiring emergency services should call 911 or visit South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater. Patients with non-emergencies should contact their family doctor or call Health Link 811 for medical advice.

Lumberjacks Square Off Against Wildcats

Two new faces will be in the Lumberjacks lineup tonight when the junior club takes on the Valley Wildcats. Matt Wright and Patrick Byrne will suit up in their first game. Byrne was acquired from Miramichi earlier this week. Wright is reporting to the club as part of the Shawn Boudreau to Yarmouth trade last month. The Lumberjacks trail the Wildcats for a spot in the mini-series. The game will get underway at 7pm at the Clearwater Seafoods Arena.

Gun Charge Laid In Bridgewater

A man will appear in court at a later date in connection with an incident in Bridgewater. Its alleged the accused threatened a woman with a gun. Bridgewater police responded to a call Thursday morning on King Street and they say they arrested a man in his 20's. They allege he was in possession of a paint gun. The suspect has been charged with uttering threats and possession of a weapon. He was released with a promise to appear and an undertaking.

No Surprise: Gas Prices Increase

As expected, gasoline prices are up this morning at South Shore pumps. Following New Brunswick's lead yesterday, the utility and review board set the prices at midnight. Regular self serve is just short of 3 cents higher in price this morning at $1.30.1 per litre. High test is up by a similar amount to $1.39.0. Diesel is up 2.5 cents a litre to $1.37.

Hurricanes Top Summerside; Earn Second Win At Esso Tourney

The BMO Western Hurricanes have jumped out to a 2-0 record at the Esso Atlantic Major Bantam Hockey Tournament in Halifax. Matt Barron scored twice and added an assist to lead the Hurricanes to a 5-1 win over Summerside this afternoon. Ian MacPhee, Matt Sabbean and Alex Wentzell also scored. Earlier today, the Hurricanes also beat Pictou 4-1. Dawson Wood scored twice, while Ian MacPhee and Connor Barnhill also scored in that game. The Hurricanes are back on the ice around 11:30 tomorrow morning against Cape Breton.

Minister Encourages Radon Tests

The province is encouraging people to pick up a radon test kit to test their homes for the dangerous gas. Nova Scotia has the highest levels of the gas in Canada. Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill said four out of ten homes in high-risk areas are likely to exceed the Health Canada Guideline. The MLA for Yarmouth, Churchill says it's the second leading cause of lung cancer and in Nova Scotia and it claims about 70 lives a year. Radon is tasteless, odorless, and invisible and often finds its way into home through basements and concrete slabs. The province has released a map identifying the high to low areas for radon. A link to the map is can be found here

Property Crime Rates Drop In Barrington

Property crime rates in Barrington are at their lowest levels in six years. An RCMP crime analyst provided details to council members with the Municipality of Barrington. Mischief is on the decline in the municipality, but break and enters are on the rise based on analysis of this year's figures to date. Barrington RCMP detachment commander, Sgt. M.J. Deluco, says the reduction in property crime could lead to a trickle-down effect in neighbouring communities.



Deluco says she's pleased with the results. She says by examining crime data, it can identify people responsible for offences and locate key pockets of crime.

Hurricanes Open With Win At Esso Tourney

A good start for the BMO Western Hurricanes in Halifax. The Hurricanes opened up play this morning at the Esso Atlantic Major Bantam Hockey Tournament with a 4-1 win over Pictou. Dawson Wood scored twice, while Ian MacPhee and Connor Barnhill added singles. Matt Barron also chipped-in with three assists. The Hurricanes are back in action at 2:30 this afternoon against Summerside.

Health Authority Looking To Improve Patient Intakes

The CEO for South Shore Health says they are searching for ways to improve patient intakes for family doctors. The health authority has been criticized by the general public recently after a phone line was setup for 150 people to acquire a new doctor or nurse practitioner. The phone line botched on its first attempt after human error. It was cut-off in less than five minutes on the second attempt after the maximum amount of patients was received. Peter Vaughan says it's been a learning experience.



Vaughan says the challenge to provide other options includes costs they don't have the resources to cover. Another patient intake for Dr. Sheila Dwyer is expected later this winter.

MADD's Red Ribbon Campaign Set To Launch

MADD Canada's most recognizable initiative will kick off this weekend. A launch for the Red Ribbon Campaign will be held this weekend at Queens Place Emera Centre. The campaign is entering it's 26th year and serves as one of the most important events MADD Canada hosts each year heading into the Holiday Season. Vice President for Lunenburg-Queens Chapter, Laura Cormier says the red ribbons send a strong message.



Cormier says by displaying a ribbon on your car it shows a personal commitment to drive sober. The launch in Liverpool gets underway at 11 o'clock on Saturday.

Gas Prices Will Likely Climb Overnight Tonight

Gas prices are up this morning in New Brunswick after the weekly setting and you know what that likely means for South Shore prices come tomorrow. Prices will likely rise here also by similar amounts. The maximum price for self serve regular gas in New Brunswick today has risen by three cents a litre. The cost of diesel in New Brunswick has also increased by a cent and a half a litre.

Bridgewater: Proposed Feeding Wildlife By-Law Postponed Until May

The town of Bridgewater has postponed a wildlife feeding by-law until next May. Council didn't vote on first reading after deciding more information was needed on the issue. The by-law would essentially limit people from intentionally feeding wild animals, with exception of feeding fish or birds near duck ponds or baiting a live trap to capture an animal. Mayor David Walker says education and enforcement needs to be addressed.



Walker says the town will be reviewing its by-laws and enforcement, so he didn't feel council should rush into the matter. The need for a by-law grew after local residents approached council, frustrated with a person excessively feeding raccoons and birds. The citizen group say it is negatively affecting their properties and starting to attract rats.

Valley: High Risk Sex-Offender Arrested/More Charges

Mounties have arrested a high risk sex-offender in the Annapolis Valley. Thirty-six year-old Shane Smith was arrested on Monday after police stopped by his home in Aylesford. However, police say he wasn't home at the time, which breached his curfew. Smith has been charged with two counts of breach of recognizance. He was released from custody and is due back in court at a later date.

Lumberjacks Pickard, Parsons Named To Team Atlantic

A pair of CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks will represent the Atlantic provinces in the World Under-17 Challenge in Cape Breton. Campbell Pickard and Layton Parsons are two of nine Nova Scotians named to the team Atlantic roster for the event, being held from December 29 to January 4 in Port Hawkesbury and Sydney. Pickard has 11 points in 16 games with the Lumberjacks this season while Parsons has seven points in 18 games. Team Atlantic will open its round robin against Ontario on December 30. This year's World Under-17 Hockey Challenge will mark the last tournament which will see a Team Atlantic squad participate. Hockey Canada announced earlier in the year they will be sending three teams to the event instead of the traditional five Canadian teams. Team Atlantic's full roster can be found here .