NS Budget: More Money For Health & Education

The Liberal government has delivered its first budget since taking office. Finance Minister Diana Whalen unveiled its details when she rose in the Nova Scotia legislature earlier this afternoon. The fiscal blueprint includes $9.6 billion in revenues, $9.9 billion in total spending, and a $279 million deficit. Some other highlights include, $19 million more for public schools, class sizes will be capped from primary to Grade 3 along with more support for math and literacy programs. In health, there is nearly $200 million more in the budget to support home care, improve access to cancer drugs and cut down wait time for hip and knee surgeries. Meanwhile, the efficiency fee will come off all power bills on January 1st resulting in energy savings for all Nova Scotians. As expected, the HST remains unchanged at 15%. Nova Scotia's net debt sits at a whopping $14.6 billion.

Bridgewater Man Facing Child Porn Charges

A Bridgewater man is facing child porn charges. Town police along with RCMP searched a Queen Street home on Wednesday. A number of computer-related items including USB drives and DVD's were seized. Police arrested a 31-year-old man and he is facing charges of accessing, possessing, and distributing child pornography. Additional charges could be laid once forensic examination of exhibits is complete. The man is expected to appear in Bridgewater court on May 28th.

Tops'l Tavern Now Known As King's Corner

It's official. The name of the Tops'l Tavern has changed. New owner Sharon Saulnier says it's now known as King's Corner. The tavern has been known as Topsl's since it opened in 1963. Saulnier says the name change makes sense.



Saulnier plans to leave the Tops'l signs on the building and add their own branding to help remember its history. The restaurant opened Thursday and the bar will open Friday evening.

Large Drop Likely In Diesel Fuel Price

There's been a large drop in the price of diesel fuel in New Brunswick. That probably means a similar move on the South Shore tonight when the utility and review board sets the coming weeks prices. Diesel is selling for almost ten cents a litre lower than yesterday in New Brunswick. Self serve regular has increased slightly though today.

No Plans To Extend School Year

There aren't any plans to extend the school year due to storm days. In Nova Scotia, some school districts have lost as many as 12 instructional days. Locally, there have been 10 days missed within the South Shore and Tri-County School Boards because of poor weather conditions over the winter. Communications manager Trish Smith says losing two weeks of classes is manageable.



For the South Shore, the back road closure plan was put into place 13 times this winter while two additional snow days were seen in the Chester area family of schools. Smith says it's been a challenging winter for all their staff, students and parents.

Ottawa Invests In Chester Theatre Council Society

An investment from the federal government is going to help the Chester Theatre Council Society. South Shore - St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy announced over $11,000 in funding to the Christopher Ondaatje Theatre Foundation, who will manage and invest it on behalf of the society. The money is being provided through a component of the Canada Cultural Investment Fund, which encourages Canadians to donate to professional arts organizations. The Chester Playhouse was purchased by Sir Christopher Ondaatje in 1987 and was donated to the Chester Theatre Council Society in 1992. The society's mission is to foster, promote, encourage and develop the performing arts and to maintain a community arts facility in the Municipality of the District of Chester.

NS Labour Relations In Tatters As HRM Nurses Walk: MacDonald

With many people fearing a strike will affect health care along the South Shore and elsewhere, nurses in the Halifax area have walked off the job today to back their demands for better patient-nurse ratios. Hundreds of nurses with the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union are picketting all health care facilities in HRM. Although her union isn't part of the labour dispute, Nova Scotia Nurses Union President Janet Hazelton tells us Friday's likely passage of essential workers legislation will probably mean the walkout will last only through today. She says there is a lot of frustration for nurses everywhere and anxiety for patients heading into today's walkout.



NDP leader and former Health Minister Maureen MacDonald says she's appalled the dispute between Capital Health and the NSGEU has reached this point.



The largest hospital complex in Atlantic Canada, the Q-E-2 Health Sciences Centre in downtown Halifax, is among facilities being picketted today by the nurses.

Local Curlers Battle International Competition In B.C.

Two youth teams representing the Chester curling club will meet some of the best players in their age group from across the world. The Optimist International under-18 curling championships get underway Thursday in Surrey and Langley, B.C. Teams from across Canada, the United States and Japan will compete in the tournament. The Nova Scotia girl's team consists of Cassie Cocks, Megan Brown, Rachel Crouse and Taylour Stevens. They open up play against Ontario. On the boy's side, the Nova Scotia team of Adam Cocks, Brett Dorey, Jacob Rowsell and Spencer Demone take on Northern Ontario in their first match. For more information and results, click here .

Liberal Majority Delivers First Budget

The majority Liberals under Premier Stephen MacNeil will unveil its first budget Thursday since taking office. Finance Minister Diana Whalen has been meeting with business leaders, towns and communities over the past few weeks to discuss their needs. However, Whalen stated it would be a difficult budget because her part has only been in power for six months. The grits have already announced they would eliminate interest on student loans to help new graduates. During a fiscal update in December, it was revealed the province was facing a $481 million deficit. Also, the new government has stated the province could not afford a reduction in the HST.

Bridgewater Mayor Happy To See Topsl's Re-Opening

The re-opening of the Tops'l Tavern in Bridgewater is getting a thumbs up from the mayor. There is new ownership of the King Street property and the general manager expects between 20-30 people will be hired. David Walker says it's good to see more jobs becoming available.



Walker is also commending the new owner for making significant renovations to the building. Tops'ls is scheduled to open Thursday morning.

Province Accepting Moose Hunting Applications

South Shore hunters hoping for the chance to get a moose license have until the end of next month to apply. The deadline to send in an application is midnight on May 31. The draw will take place on June 25 at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre and winners will be notified by mail.  The draw is also broadcast on the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters website. Moose hunting is only available in Victoria and Inverness counties between September 29 and November 8. A special three-day season in part of Inverness County is scheduled to begin December 9. Applications can be sent by phone, online or mail.


More Information:

To be eligible, an applicant must be a resident of Nova Scotia, have a valid Nova Scotia Wildlife Resources Card and be at least 18 years old. Hunters who held a moose hunting licence between 2009 and 2013 cannot apply for a licence this year.

Hunters can apply online at http://novascotia.ca/natr/ by following the Hunting key topic. Hunters can also call 1-900-565-3337 from a landline and the application fee will automatically be added to their phone bill. The phone option does not work with cellphones and it cannot be billed to a different phone number. It costs $7.83 (plus HST) to apply for a licence online or by phone.

Applications can also be paid by cheque and submitted by mail, using a form from the Natural Resources website. It costs $11.35 (plus HST) to apply by mail. Cheques should be made payable to HMC Communications Inc.

Each licence is valid for one season and in one geographic zone. Hunters must pick their season and zone when they apply.

Detailed information about the seasons, the five hunting zones and restrictions on the use of vehicles, is explained on the website.

Bridgewater: Tree Causing Problems For Churchill Street Family

A tree is causing some financial problems for a Bridgewater family. Gordie Rendell and his wife live on Churchill Street and have spent hundreds of dollars removing roots from a large tree that entered one of their underground pipes. Now, they're considering removing the old pipe and installing a new one at a cost of about $6,000. However, it's a question of responsibility.



Town staff are consulting with the family about their options.

Springhill Dissolution Moving Ahead

Former Region of Queens Mayor John Leefe is meeting today and tomorrow for the first time with town officials in Springhill. He was appointed last month as transition co-ordinator as Springhill prepares to be dissolved of its town status. Leefe is facilitating the process and guiding discussions for the town to become part of the Municipality of Cumberland.



The provincial Utility and Review Board gave permission several weeks ago for Springhill to lose its town status.

Another Nova Scotia Town Heading For Dissolution

Another Nova Scotia community is applying to be dissolved as a town. Financial pressures have forced Bridgetown in the Annapolis Valley to approach the province's Utility and Review Board. Its the third town in the province to do so in the past couple of years and for the same reasons. The President of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities David Corkum says a change is needed in the way everyone does business.



Corkum predicts many municipalities may be forced to go that route if they want to survive. He says its becoming too costly for communities. Other towns forced to divest themselves of their town status include Springhill and Canso.

Former Bowater Forest Roads Off-Limits

Forest roads on former Bowater land will be temporarily closed due to expected weather conditions. The roads will be off limits to all motorized vehicles until further notice as of Thursday. The decision will protect the roads during wet spring conditions. Muddy roads can also trap vehicles in remote areas where cellphone service is weak and create potentially dangerous situations. A map showing all closed gates is on the Department of Natural Resources website. The former Bowater lands have 2,500 kilometres of forest roads.

Mayor Speaks With Pictou County Michelin Employees

A group of employees at Michelin in Pictou County were in town Tuesday for a visit. Roughly 15 people visited the Bridgewater facility for a tour. Municipality of Lunenburg Mayor Don Downe met and spoke with the people on behalf of mayors and wardens in Lunenburg and Queens counties. He says it's all about making a good first impression.



Downe says most of the people asked questions about what the area can offer their families, schooling and recreational opportunities. A different group of Michelin workers visited the Bridgewater plant last week and Downe expects more to come. Two hundred employees will be out of job in Pictou County as of July 1st, while another 300 people will get their walking papers by July 2015.

Shelburne: New Water Rates Approved

The Nova Scotia Utility & Review Board has approved new water rates in Town of Shelburne. However, they aren't as large as first expected. The increase for average home is 47 percent in 2014/15.  That means water bills will be in the area of $160 per quarter. Meanwhile, another 10 percent increase will be imposed in 2015/16. That hike will push bills up to $177 per quarter. The regulatory board also approved shifting around funding to help pay down the deficit on the town's water utility. The accounting move will save ratepayers in Shelburne money on water bill and means the rate hike is not as large. Originally, water rates were expected to rise 70 percent.

Getson Earns Rookie Honors; Named To Team Nova Scotia

A Bridgewater hockey player is being awarded for his season on the ice. Keith Getson was named to the Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League's Rookie All-Star Team. The 16-year-old scored 18 goals in 29 games during the regular season, finishing third among rookies. Getson will also represent Nova Scotia later this spring at the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Excellence Challenge. It features the best midget-aged players from New Brunswick, Newfoundland, PEI and Quebec. Getson, along with Christopher Goreham of Clark's Harbour and Yarmouth's Hunter Hurlburt were among 20 players named to team Nova Scotia. The tournament will be held at the beginning of May in Blainville-Boisbriand.

NS Nurses Union Joins Debate Over Essential Services Legislation

The Nova Scotia Nurses Union (NSNU) has chimed-in on the debate over the essential services legislation introduced last night by the McNeil government. President Janet Hazelton says her group has bargained new contracts without conciliation or interference for more than 30 years. She says the right to strike not only encourages the employer to negotiate a contract.



Hazleton says the legislation, also known as Bill-37 takes away the right to strike and will make future contract negotiations very one sided, favoring the employer. The NSNU represents nurses all along the South Shore to Yarmouth, through the Annapolis Valley and back to Halifax.

Bad Weather Drives Up Lobster Prices

Poor weather conditions is helping drive up the price of lobster. For the last two years, fishermen have been upset because the market was flooded with product and prices were hovering around $3.50 per pound. However, smaller catches this season have dealers selling lobster between $6 and $7 dollars per pound. Fisheries Minister Keith Colwell says he'd like to see more assurances in the market.



Colwell believes it's important to introduce a levy on catches to help promote lobster. He says it will create more demand and give fishermen more money for their product.

More Messy Weather/Schools Closed

No! This is not a cruel, April Fool's joke!  Its the real thing!  Freezing rain, ice pellets and snow impacted the South Shore overnight and into this morning. Driving is dangerous in spots so slow down! Environment Canada meteorologist Gelas Duguay says we can expect a mixed bag of weather goodies all day!



No big surprise that there are school closures today. All schools in Lunenburg and Queens counties are closed. The Waldorf School in Blockhouse and the French School in Cookville are closed. So are those in the Tri-Counties, Shelburne, Yarmouth and Digby. All schools in the Valley are closed. School buses are not running in HRM but some schools are open. All NSCC campuses are OPEN for the day however.

Tops'l Dining Room and Lounge Re-Opening

Big changes at the Tops'l Dining Room and Lounge in Bridgewater. The long-time bar and restaurant is re-opening, with renovations currently happening at the King Street property. Some of the changes include a bigger stage for bands, a new elevated shooter bar, additional pool tables, new bathrooms, a designated smoking-area outdoors, a dress code, longer kitchen hours and increased security. General Manager Mike Habib says they want to change the way people think about the bar.



The new owner is Sharon Saulnier of Liverpool. Habib says they plan on catering to all ages.



There will be roughly 30 people employed. The restaurant will open Thursday. Habib says a full opening could happen if they receive their liquor license.

Communities Push For New Health Accord

Communities across the country were standing up to support health care today. The Health Accord established in 2004, expires at the end of this month. The agreement between federal, provincial and territorial governments ensures certain levels of funding to help deliver health care services. In Bridgewater, Council of Canadians member Mary Wright says it's important to raise awareness.



Rallies will be held in 45 communities in Canada on Monday. They will be raising awareness and calling for new Health Accord.

REMO: Potential Flooding For Lunenburg County

Another 30 millimeters of rain is forecast to fall in Lunenburg and Queens counties. It's putting the Lunenburg County Regional Emergency Management Organization on watch for potential flooding. The group reports 96 millimeters of rain has fallen along coastal areas of the two counties since Saturday night. Spokesperson John Collyer says the LaHave River should have room to absorb the rain.



Collyer says people should be prepared as best they can for potential flooding. Rainfall and freezing rain warnings have been issued by Environment Canada for Lunenburg County. The weather agency has also issued rainfall warnings for Queens.

Mediation Talks Resume In Nurses' Dispute

Its back to the table today for the union for nurses in the Halifax area and Capital Health. They'll be meeting with a previously-appointed mediator. Both sides are hoping to avoid a walkout which could legally happen this Thursday. Health minister Leo Glavine says time is running out and he feels the situation now could have been avoided more than a year ago.



A previous mediation session about a week ago failed. The latest follows an appeal late last week by the premier.

Lunenburg Regional Council Readies For Community Meetings

Lunenburg Municipal Council is hitting the road! Its annual series of meetings throughout the county kicks off this evening with a stop in Conquerall Bank. Mayor Don Downe says after five years, these meetings have become a "rite of spring" in the region.



Tonight's meeting begins at 7 o'clock at the Conquerall Bank fire hall (Doors open at 6:30pm). Other sessions are planned over the next couple of months in West Northfield, Newcombville, Lunenburg, Cherry Hill, Barss Corner and Big Tancook Island.

Bridgewater: Fundraiser Underway For Off-Leash Dog Park

A fundraiser has started in Bridgewater to bring an off-leash dog park to the town. People can now buy stainless steel dog bones for $25 or $50 and get them engraved with their name or pet name. The bones will then be hung from the fence surrounding the off-leash park. Town councillor Andrew Tanner says they need about $60,000.



ABCO Industries of Lunenburg has been tasked to do the work. The bones are available at town hall in Bridgewater.

VIDEO: Ice Sharks Fall In Peewee 'A' Provincial Hockey Final

It was a second place finish at provincials for the South Shore Ice Sharks Peewee 'A' hockey team. The club fell 4-3 in overtime to the Sackville Flyers in Sunday's final. Colton Lohnes, Nick Landry and Remi Levesque scored for the South Shore while Jeremy Robar stopped 50 shots. Head Coach Yves Levesque says there is no shame in finishing in second place.



The club also won three tournament banners this year, with another event coming up in early April. Tournament awards went to Nick Collins for top defenseman and Colton Lohnes as most valuable player. Lohnes was also named to the first all-star team along with goaltender Jeremy Robar and Remi Levesque. The game winning goal is shown below.

Lobster Fishermen Need Input Into Study: d'Entremont

Those attending a lobster industry summit held in Halifax this past week included buyers, shippers and processors. However, it didn't represent everyone. According to Progressive Conservative MLA Chris d"Entremont, whose riding of Argyle-Barrington has a large population of lobster fishermen, he says the ones who really make it all work were not at the meeting.



The Maritime lobster fishing industry is getting behind the idea of a one cent levy on catches to help support marketing lobster around the world.

Oak Island Seen As Tourism Bonanza

A famous island on the South Shore is catching the attention of people everywhere, thanks to the medium of television. Oak Island in Mahone Bay is particularly appealing to History Television viewers in the US who are seeing it as an interesting place to visit and to search for buried treasure. Chester-St. Margarets MLA Denise Peterson-Rafuse is urging the provincial government to capitalize on the new notoriety and better promote Oak Island as a tourism must-see location.



The History Channel, which features a reality show about two brothers looking for the fabled treasure buried on Oak Island, recently did a survey of its viewers. It indicated more than 100,000 of them would be very interested in visiting Nova Scotia and touring Oak Island. They say the remarkable scenery, the way of life and the lure of possible buried treasure are key reasons.

Province, Roué Family Reach Bluenose II Settlement

A settlement has been reached between the province and the Roué family over copyright and moral rights claims in the restoration of the Bluenose II. Terms were reached today. The agreement includes the province paying the Roué family $300,000, which includes legal fees. The family will release the province, the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance, Lengkeek Vessel Engineering and MHPM from any and all claims relating to the project or future activities relating to the Bluenose II. The dispute arose from allegations the province used William J. Roué's drawings in the Bluenose II restoration project. Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Tony Ince says he is pleased a settlement has been reached, and says it is clear the Bluenose II and its legacy belong to the people of Nova Scotia and William J. Roué has played an important part as the original designer of Bluenose. The schooner is in the final stages of the restoration process and is expected to sail this summer.

Province Wipes Out Student Loan Interest

It's going to be a big help for graduates with heavy student loans. Interst on loans will no longer have to be paid. Advanced Education Minister Kelly Regan says the move will save graduates money as they start their careers. There are about 18,000 borrowers who be eligible to benefit every year. That number does not include current students who may also qualify in the future. In order to qualify you must have graduated, be a resident of Nova Scotia, have a "direct-lend" loan sponsored by the government and have made payments recently. However, the program does not include the federal government portion of the borrower's loan. The Nova Scotia government will invest $1.6 million in this program per year. Newfoundland was the first province to eliminate student loan interest in 2009.

South Shore Hockey: Wild Lose, Ice Sharks Tie

The South Shore Wild remain winless at the Maritime Hockey North Junior 'C' Championships. They fell 8-1 to the Kivalliq Canucks. They play their final round robin game at Queens Place Emera Centre at 8pm tonight against Spryfield.

The South Shore Ice Sharks Peewee 'A' team opened up provincials with a 3-3 tie against Sackville. Colton Lohnes, Jenson Glover and Rylan Mayo scored for the home team. They play Pictou County at 5pm at the Clearwater Seafoods Arena.

Also, the South Shore Ice Sharks Atom 'AAA' club tied Truro 5-5 this morning at their provincials in New Waterford. They play the TASA Ducks at 2pm.

Coast Guard Suspects Broken Pipes For Sinking Ship

The Canadian Coast Guard says two pipes in the engine room of the Cape Rouge were found broken causing the vessel to sink to the bottom of the LaHave River in Bridgewater. Senior Response Officer, Keith Laidlaw, says the pipes likely froze and split due to the cold temperatures. The coast guard raised the old fishing trawler on Tuesday. He says they will begin steam-cleaning the entire vessel early next week because its full of oil.



A red Transport Canada surveillance plane with oil tracking equipment has also been scouring the LaHave River. Laidlaw says small sheens of oil have been noticed in the river, but its too late to be recovered. He urges people to report any sheens they see by calling the oil pollution desk at 1-800-565-1633. (Photo Courtesy: Frank Bailey)

Premier Urges Nurses, Capital Health To Resume Talks

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil is urging Capital Health and the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union to get back to the bargaining table. Addressing the legislature, the premier says Nova Scotians shouldn't have to feel their safety might be jeopardized by a nurses strike in HRM.



The 25-hundred nurses could walk out next Thursday and its effects could be felt right across the province, including the South Shore.

Wild Aim For Semi-Final Berth At Junior 'C' Championships

The South Shore Wild need at least one win today to have chance of advancing at the Maritime Hockey North Junior 'C' Championships. The club sits at 0-2 heading into today's final day of round robin play in Liverpool. The Wild take on the Kivalliq Canucks at 11am and the Spryfield Silver and Black Attack at 8pm at Queens Place Emera Centre. The top four teams advance to tomorrow's semi-finals. The championship game will be held Sunday.

Pressure Mounts On Province To Deal With Threatened Nurses' Strike

A strike by 25-hundred nurses in the Halifax area is looming with threats of a walkout happening next Thursday. As Premier Stephen McNeil says he's watching the situation closely and calling on both sides to get back to the bargaining table, hospitals in HRM are preparing for a walkout with pending cancellations of surgeries and patients being sent home. Progressive Conservative health critic and Argyle-Barrington MLA Chris d'Entremont says the government has to deal with the situation quickly.



d'Entremont says an HRM nurses strike would impact all of the province's health districts, including the South Shore.

Friday Morning Gasoline Prices At South Shore Pumps

Some prices for South Shore gasoline are lower this morning, while another is higher. Regular self serve is down a cent to $1.34.9 per litre. High test is also down by the same amount to $1.43.9. The price for a litre of diesel has risen though by a cent and a half. Its selling in many places this morning for $1.45.5.

Lobster Levy Endorsed During Industry Summit

Some rare unity within the fishing industry will help market lobster around the world. Fishermen, buyers, shippers and processors all endorsed a levy to help promote lobster in new markets. The levy will support creating a generic marketing plan to promote Canadian lobster as a premium product. The consensus was reached during an industry summit in Halifax. It was hosted by the three Maritime fisheries ministers and was attended by more than 200 industry members. Fisheries Minister Keith Colwell says he is encouraged by the co-operation and that the ministers received great feedback on important issues. The two day summit wrapped up Thursday.

Atom 'AAA' Ice Sharks Compete At Provincials

The province's Atom 'AAA' provincial championship gets underway today in New Waterford. The South Shore Ice Sharks are taking part and their first game will be at 5pm this afternoon when they meet the East Hants Penguins. Other teams involved in the provincials include the New Waterford Sharks, the Cape Breton West Screaming Eagles, Sydney Steelers, Truro Bearcats and TASA Ducks.

Wild Look For First Win At Junior 'C' Championship

The South Shore Wild look for their first win of the Maritime Hockey North Junior 'C' Championships this afternoon. The club takes on the Tignish Aces from PEI at 5pm at the Queens Place Emera Centre. Ryan Poirier, Ryan Campbell and Ryan Matheson scored for the Wild in a 5-3 loss to Hampton, New Brunswick in their opening game. Play goes until Sunday in Liverpool. More information on the tournament can be found here . (Photo Courtesy: Chris LaRocque)

Bridgewater: Outdoor Pool Returning This Summer

Bridgewater's outdoor pool has at least one more summer in it. The town agreed to keep it open and will evaluate data before deciding on its future after the upcoming season. A survey was conducted at Bridgewater Elementary and shows 65 per cent of roughly 500 students use the outdoor pool. Guidance counsellor Belinda Josephson says student responses support the pool.



Josephson says a lot of families don't own vehicles and the pool is more convenient then the new aquatic facility at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Meanwhile, President of the Bridgewater Barracudas swim club, Blair Lipsett, says the outdoor pool allows them to have spectator and team camaraderie.



Lipsett says swimmers thrive on the environment of the outdoor pool. Meanwhile, the BMO Financial Aquatic Centre is expected to be open next month. Bridgewater's outdoor swimming pool has been in the community for 42 years. The town will spend $17,591 to keep the pool open this summer.

Shelburne: Lights Back For Most Residents

It's relief for some residents of Shelburne. Nova Scotia Power crews have restored the juice to residents of Lockeport and Port Clyde area. They didn't have power for the last 24 hours.
Comfort centres were opened to give people a warm place to hang out before the issue was fixed. Outages still remain in a small pocket of Shelburne County. Others are reported in New Germany and sections of Yarmouth County.

Queens: Youth Charged After Threatening Father With Knife

A youth in Queens County has been charged after threatening his father with a knife. RCMP were called to a home on Old Port Mouton Road on Monday. The youth and his father allegedly got into an argument before the weapon was pulled. He was arrested and held in police custody overnight. The youth has appeared in court and is facing threats and weapons charges.

Legislation Cutting Number Of DHA's Not Ready Yet: NS Health Minister

The Nova Scotia Legislature begins its spring session today and jobs and the economy are likely to take centre stage. However, the McNeil government may have to deal with a pending strike by nurses in the Halifax area. Other health issues: the minister Leo Glavine doesn't expect to bring in legislation just yet, cutting the number of health boards in the province from 9 to 2.



The legislation, when its presented to the House, would cut the number of health boards, or DHA's, from 9 to 2, one for Capital Health and the IWK and one for the rest of the province. A throne speech is expected to begin the legislature session this afternoon.

South Shore MLA Seeks "Revival" Of Seniors Programs

The Nova Scotia legislature's spring sitting begins this afternoon. Jobs and the economy will likely be among the top issues but there will probably be some focus on the possible nurses strike in the Halifax area and its impact on the rest of the province. Meanwhile, Chester-St. Margarets NDP MLA Denise Peterson-Rafuse plans to push the government during the upcoming legislature sitting to revitalize several programs for seniors which she says the current government doesn't seem to take seriously.



The legislature session begins this afternoon (Thursday) with the throne speech. A budget will be presented in a week or so.

Gas Prices May Rise Slightly

There are predictions the price of gas at South Shore pumps will remain about the same or rise slightly. In New Brunswick today, gas prices there have increased. Regular self serve is up by 7/10ths of a cent. The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board will likely follow closely at midnight tonight when it sets the coming week's prices.

Shelburne: Comfort Centre Open Due To Lengthy Power Outages

Some residents in Shelburne County have been without power for more than 24 hours. In parts of Lockeport, the power went off yesterday morning at 10 o`clock. A spokesperson for the emergency management office says comfort centres will remain open at the fire hall in Lockeport and Port Clyde. Howard Roszell says they want to make sure people are safe and have a warm place to go until the power comes back.



Nova Scotia Power says restoration times could be as late as 6 o`clock. Outages are also being reported outside of Liverpool, Chester and Yarmouth.

Cleanup Day Is Underway

Its the day after, cleanup day from that snowstorm that whalloped us through most of yesterday. The wind was the big factor in the storm. A few gusts were clocked as high as 125km/hr in the Shelburne-Lockeport area and 100 further east in Liverpool, Bridgewater and Chester. Environment Canada meteorologist Andy Firth says snow amounts vary.



It will be clearing up today with sunshine for the afternoon but the wind will persist until overnight tonight.
The storm this morning is centered to the east of Cape Breton heading toward Newfoundland.
As a result of the storm, all schools across the province are closed for the day.

Bridgewater Mayor Expects Tough Budget Process

The mayor of Bridgewater expects the budget process will be difficult for the upcoming year. Preliminary figures indicate the town has a $1-million shortfall. Councillors debated a number of issues Monday night, including paying for the outdoor pool for at least one more year and giving pre-budget approval for an electronic fingerprint device for town police. Mayor David Walker says times are tough and he doesn't want to raise the residential tax rate.



Walker feels some key programs or services may be cut during talks. The town has a goal of approving their 2014-15 budget by April 24th.