Income Tax Deadline Near

If you're a procrastinator and you've been putting off filing your 2013 income taxes, you have until midnight tomorrow (Monday) to do so. As you carefully plod your way through all that paperwork, renowned Canadian financial expert, author and university professor Mark Milke (MILL-kee) says you can blame our government of nearly 100 years ago for putting you through all the stress today! Milke says the newly imposed income tax during the First World War was supposed to be in place for a short time, not a long time.



Milke is the author of 5 books and dozens of studies and he's released a new edition of his best seller ... "Tax Me I'm Canadian". Its an entertaining history of how we ended up being saddled with income and other taxes in Canada.

Four of Region's Worst Roads In Nova Scotia

A rural road in Cape Breton is the winner of the Canadian Automobile Association's annual Worst Roads Campaign! The Gillis Point East Road in Washabuck Centre won this year's on-line public voting. Gary Howard of the CAA says often the reason for so many roads cracking and heaving is a result of poor construction.



Howard hopes the top 10 list will shame governments into fixing up the pot-hole littered and crack-laden roads. In all 4 Nova Scotia roads made the list and 3 in New Brunswick. Among them, Park Street in Kentville and the Hanwell Road in Fredericton.

Police Holding Second Prescription Drug Drop-off

RCMP are asking people to get rid of their unused medications safely. The Mounties along with municipal police services are holding their second National Prescription Drug Drop-Off day on May 10. The RCMP say people should clean out their medicine cabinets and bathroom drawers to get rid of medications. Sgt. Keith MacKinnon says they want reduce access and abuse of prescription drugs.



MacKinnon says they collected roughly two tonnes of pills during last year's inaugural event and they're hoping to build off that success. Drop-off points will be held across the province including Bridgewater at the Bridgewater Mall, in Chester at the Chester Pharmasave, at Kinley's Drug Store in Lunenburg and the RCMP detachment in Yarmouth.

EMO: Prepare Today For An Emergency

Emergency Preparedness Week kicks off today in Nova Scotia. The government is using the week to remind people to take responsibility to know the risks, plan ahead and prepare for potential emergencies. Lunenburg West MLA Mark Furey will be in Pine Grove on Monday to meet with emergency management officials. Furey, who is also the Emergency Management Minister, says emergency preparedness begins at home. The Emergency Management Office says people can prepare a 72-hour home emergency kit, select a common meeting place for their family and keep a list of phone numbers and addresses by the phone. Emergency Preparedness Week runs until May 10.

World War II Battle Remembered

It was a turning point in World War II. Today, marks the 71st anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic. Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino says the month of May in 1943 was a game changer for the Allies. They gained the upper hand over German U-boats. The victory by the Allies kept supply routes open between North American and Britain. Heroic efforts by the Royal Canadian Navy and Air Force kept those critical routes open but claimed the lives of 4,600 men and women. The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous military campaign in World War II, running from 1939 to the defeat of Germany in 1945.

Campaign Focus' On Motorcycle Safety

Bikers are set to hit the open road as the warm weather approaches. A public awareness campaign has been launched in Nova Scotia as motorcycle traffic is set to increase on rural roads and cruises on the Trans-Canada. Last year, there were 11 bikers killed in crashes in the province. Spokesperson for Safety Services, Ed Snow says that's extremely concerning.



New data shows there are over 30,000 motorcycles registered in province including 4,500 that are newly licensed. Snow suggests new and experienced bikers should always consider taking defensive driving courses before the riding season kicks into high gear.

Two Arrests In Halifax Homicide Case

A pair of arrests in connection with a homicide last fall in Halifax. Investigators with major crimes are questioning two people in relation to the death of Matthew Sudds. His body was found in a ditch along Africville Road last October. The 24 year old's death was determined to be suspicious the same day. This morning, a 29-year-old Halifax man was arrested in relation to the death. Meanwhile, a 23-year-old woman, originally from Halifax, was arrested in Ontario. They are currently in custody and being interviewed. No charges have been laid.

d'Entremont Challenges Heritage Minister Over Bluenose II Delays

The PC MLA for Argyle-Barrington has taken the heritage minister to task for recent comments regarding Bluenose Two. Chris d'Entremont says minister Tony Ince said in mid-April in the Legislature the vessel was undergoing sea trials. Yet, yesterday Ince said the sea trials won't be done until a steering problem with the vessel is examined during an upcoming test drive in Lunenburg Harbour. d'Entremont wanted clarification.



The Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance - which has been rebuilding Bluenose Two - says they will not be surprised if the iconic vessel isn't ready for public sailing tours this summer. Officials there say they're taking unfair criticism for delays in getting the vessel back in service.

Studded Tires Removal Delayed In Nova Scotia

The province of Nova Scotia has extended the deadline for removing studded winter tires from vehicles to the end of the month. Its designed for garages and tire shops to clear a backlog of customers wanting their studded tires removed. In turn, extending the deadline could lead to even more damage to highways. Gary Howard of the Canadian Automobile Association says the benefits of studded tires are outweighed by the damage thats caused.



Howard suggests studded tires are not really needed .. that present-day tires are of higher quality and provide good traction in winter driving.

Barrington Council Votes Down Mayoral Proposal

There will be no change in the form of government in the Municipality of Barrington, at least for now. Councillors there have been discussing the pros and cons of establishing a mayoral system to replace the present warden system. Barrington Warden Eddie Nickerson says council has voted down the issue.



Barrington residents have already voted by plebescite in favor of a mayoral system. Council will be seeking a closer study of the issue before members come up with a final vote.

Peterson-Rafuse: People Feel Betrayed By Liberals

The MLA for Chester-St. Margaret's says she's not surprised to see the spring sitting of the Legislature rise early. NDP member Denise Peterson-Rafuse says the sitting usually goes until at least mid-May but it wrapped up on Thursday. She says the Liberal government upset a lot of people, including students, when they ended the Graduate Retention program and did very little in return.



Peterson-Rafuse says she's heard comments from the public saying the Liberals aren't as advertised and they feel betrayed. The spring sitting was in session for just over a month.

Gas Prices Drop At South Shore Pumps

A nice surprise this morning at the gas pumps! Prices were expected to stay about the same after the midnight setting by the utility and review board. However, prices this morning are down by three cents a litre to $1.43.2 a litre for regular self serve. High test also down in price by the same amount to $1.52.1 per litre. The biggest change is diesel. Its lower this morning by five cents a litre to $1.37.7 a litre.

Liverpool Driver Clocked Going 189km/h

A Liverpool driver faces stunting charges after he was caught going almost double the posted speed limit. Queens RCMP say the 19-year-old man was pulled over Wednesday night after he was clocked doing 189km/h in a 100 zone on Highway 103. The driver's silver Honda Civic was seized for seven days. If convicted, he faces a fine of over $2,400. Three other people in the vehicle also face charges under the Liquor Control Act.

Strong Emotions Emerge Over Bluenose II Project

There are strong emotions emerging in relation to the Bluenose II restoration project. The Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance is telling media outlet they will not be surprised if the iconic vessel isn't ready for public sailing tours this summer. President of Covey Island Boatworks, Al Hutchinson says the alliance is taking the brunt of public criticism over costly delays in the $16.7 million project - but it's not their fault.



However, the province feels once they get the steering situation resolved, the Bluenose will be ready for sea trials. Heritage Minister Tony Ince says they need to find out what's going on with the project.



The biggest issue with the Bluenose is steering problems which have raised safety concerns.

PC's Seek Economic Stimulus Now Rather Than Later

The province's economy is going no where and fast according to the Official Opposition in the Legislature. Jamie Baillie of the PC's says while the economies of other provinces are showing improvements, Nova Scotia's economy has flat-lined and we're in a recession. He says the McNeil government is doing absolutely nothing to get the ball rolling on economic stimulation.



Baillie says the province is in troubled territory with higher-paying manufacturing output down 2 percent and 14 of 19 major companies in decline.

NDP Confronts Premier Over Health Reform Costs

The province's New Democrats continue mining for information on the costs associated with health reform. Leader Maureen MacDonald has tabled Freedom of Information documents that show the costs much higher than first thought. In the Legislature, MacDonald accused Premier Stephen McNeil of breaking promises on how to achieve cheaper health care.



McNeil says reform is already underway to cut the number of health authorities to 2 from the present 9 to achieve better front line care.

Bridgewater: Teen Arrested For Trespassing

A 16 yeard old is facing charges after an incident in Bridgewater last night. The teenager was arrested around 11pm in a residential area near Pinehurst Avenue. Police say the teen is from Caledonia. He was arrested for trespassing and is facing three charges. The youth is due in court next month.

Gasoline Prices Expected To Remain Unchanged For Coming Week

Don't expect much of a change, if any, overnight tonight in South Shore gas prices. Prices in New Brunswick are down by less than half a cent this morning. The same for diesel. Gas prices there and in our area are at record highs right now.

Bridgewater Police Budget Increasing For 2014-15

A slight rise in funding for the Bridgewater Police Commission budget for the upcoming year. The commission oversees policing in the town and has just over $4-million for 2014-15, but that includes more than $442,000 in income. The budget is increasing by roughly $170,000 from last year including a raise in small equipment costs, crossing guards and training. Police Chief John Collyer says there are a lot of young members that require training.



Collyer feels it's a reasonable budget, but understands the public might not be happy with the increase. He says they work hard to find efficiencies each year to keep the figure as low as they can.

New Grads Can Apply For Loan Relief

New graduates can apply to have the government pay the interest on their provincial student loans. The average loan is roughly $5,600. Removing the interest would save about $800 over the life of the loan. Education Minister Kelly Regan says it will save money as people get ready to begin their career. In order to qualify, you would have to live in Nova Scotia, have a government-sponsored direct lend loan and have graduated from a post secondary school. A link to the application forms is available here

MODL: Mayors Not Interested In Partnership On Bridgewater Arena

It's a decision based on what is affordable. The deputy mayors and mayors of the Municipality of Lunenburg and town of Bridgewater recently met to talk about working together to fund the Memorial Arena. However, initial feedback from Don Downe is that the municipality isn't interested in supporting the arena because they have already invested $3.85-million in the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Downe feels it wouldn't be something council would entertain.



Downe feels council wouldn't support a facility in competition with the LCLC. The Memorial Arena will remain open for the the year at a cost of over $150,000.

Puppy Program A Farce: Baillie

A program that provides puppies for inmates of provincial jails is still being funded by the McNeil government. Yet, it was supposed to be scrapped. PC Opposition Leader Jamie Baillie says the government is still pouring out money to do nothing more than make prisoners feel all warm and fuzzy. Baillie says the program plays no role in boosting the economy or re-habbing inmates.



Baillie says getting guns off the street should be a priority of the government. He says the puppy program is simply an indication of poor fiscal management.

Shelburne County Youth Park Changes Hands

The Municipality of Shelburne will take over a local youth park. Council has agreed to assume maintenance needs and operating costs at the Jordan Falls Youth Park. A local association in Shelburne County had been looking after the park but they no longer have the resources to continue up keep on the property. The municipality is currently looking at what needs to be done for upgrades at the park. They want to keep it in good shape so families and visitors can continue using the park. The Jordan Falls Youth Park is located just off Highway 103.

Nova Scotia: NDP MLA Fighting Cancer

A Cape Breton MLA is fighting cancer. Gordie Gosse has announced he has been diagnosed with the disease and is set to undergo chemo-therapy. He represents the riding of Whitney Pier-Sydney. Gosse will reduce his responsibility while he receives treatment and states the cancer was detected in its early stages. The long-time NDP MLA was first elected in 2003. He hopes to return to his seat in the legislature for the fall session.

Health Reform Costs To Soar Says MacDonald

Its going to cost a lot more than first estimated to reform health care in the province. Former health minister and now NDP Leader Maureen MacDonald has told the Legislature newly released Freedom of Information documents showing cost projections. She made them public by tabling documents released by Freedom of Information.



MacDonald called on the premier to make good on his election campaign promise of transparency in government by revealing all costs associated with health care reform.

MODL: Chief Administrative Officer Resigning

The search is on for a new Chief Administrative Officer for the Municipality of Lunenburg. Tammy Wilson is resigning from the position as of May 30. She spent 18 years with the municipality including eight years as CAO. Wilson is moving on to work with the province as a director in the Department of Municipal Affairs. Mayor Don Downe says it will be tough to replace her.



Council received the resignation during a special meeting today. Downe says they are developing a plan for recruiting a new CAO.

Park View Students, Staff Raising Money To Grant Boy's Wish

A group of students and staff from a local high school are gearing up to raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. The Alternate Program at Park View Education Centre are participating in the Rope for Hope fundraiser. Participants must raise a minimum of $1500 each in support of sick children in Nova Scotia. Teacher Katie Wheatley says they are working toward sending five people "over the edge" in June.



The team is also raising funds to grant a wish for Brennan, a four-year-old train lover from Cape Breton who is living with leukemia. He wants to go to Thomas Land in Florida. People can support the group through donations and their upcoming Pancake Breakfast at the Local Public House in Bridgewater on Saturday May 3 from 9am to 11am. Tickets are $10.

MLA Wants High-Speed Internet For Residents

Hundreds of residents in Pubinco and Woods Harbour are frustrated over slow internet connections. Tory MLA Chris d'Entremont has submitted two petitions in the Nova Scotia Legislature calling for upgrades to the services. The petitions have roughly 700 signatures. D'Entremont says it's unacceptable that rural areas don't have high speed Internet with all the improvements to technology. He wants to see the service brought up to current standards. Residents report that the system - owned and operated by Eastlink is at the same speed and quality of dial-up.

Province Prepares For Tick Season & Lyme Disease

Tick season will soon be upon us as deer and wood ticks hatch and spring into action. The province's health minister says more is known today about Lyme disease than 10 or 20 years ago. Leo Glavine says there are ways of preventing getting bitten by a tick and in some cases, the resulting occurance of Lyme Disease.



Glavine says people should not be afraid to get out and enjoy the outdoors. More information about ticks, Lyme Disease and ways of preventing it are available at the Nova Scotia Department of Health's website.

Bridgewater: Mi'kmaq Group Allowed To Use Land To Promote Event

A local group will be allowed to erect a large sign promoting their event in Bridgewater. The Mi'kmaq Burial Ground Research and Restoration Association proposed the idea to the town.  They will be allowed to put a sign at Aberdeen Green for roughly three months to promote their month-long fundraiser called 'Christmas in July'. Group member Krystle Retieffe says they hope the sign will help their efforts.



There was some concern among council about setting a precedent, but members agreed to support the group. A sign will be placed at 45 Aberdeen Road until the end of July.

Bridgewater: Groups To Discuss Health Care Funding

Changes within the health care system will be the hot agenda item during a meeting in Bridgewater. The Council of Canadians and CUPE are joining together for a public discussion on the need for a new Health Accord. The accord expired at the end of March. It guaranteed a certain level of funding from Ottawa to the provinces for health care and medication. The meeting will also discuss a potential funding crisis in the health system across Canada. It will be held this evening at the Best Western in Cookville at 7PM.

UPDATE: Bridgewater Hotel Guests Forced To Evacuate Their Rooms

There was considerable smoke and water damage resulting from a fire earlier this morning at the Best Western Hotel and Convention Centre in Cookville. The blaze broke out around 4am in a laundry room and quickly spread smoke through the building. Sprinklers were set off causing water damage. Northfield Fire Chief John MacKay says about four dozen overnight guests were forced into the pre-dawn cold. He says no one was hurt and guests were allowed back into their rooms about half an hour after being evacuated.

Fire crews from Northfield were assisted by those from the Oakhill, Conquerall Bank and Bridgewater fire departments. 

Bridgewater Passes 2014-15 Budget

A challenging budget has passed in Bridgewater. The town decided to hold the line on their residential and commercial tax rates at $1.65 and $3.99 per 100 of assessment respectively. Council also chose to make a debt payment of $1.2-million, to move ahead with the first phase of repaving Dominion Street from High Street to Forest Hill and keep the Memorial Arena open for at least one more year. Mayor David Walker says there is work to do for the future.



Deputy Mayor Bill McInnis and Councillor Jennifer McDonald voted against the budget, both voicing concerns about keeping the Memorial Arena open. McInnis feels there are other arenas in the local area that could be utilized.



Bridgewater's capital budget is just over $2-million while their operating budget is over $18.5-million.

Nova Scotia: More Support For Low-Income Children

Low income families will get more support beginning in July. The Nova Scotia government will increase the income threshold for child benefits up to $26,000. The move will bring another 1,300 children under the program's umbrella. The current threshold is $25,000. Meanwhile, families earning between $18,000 and $26,000 can still qualify for partial benefits. The province invests roughly $2.2 million each month in support for those families struggling to make ends meet. The Nova Scotia Child Benefit Program began in 2001.

Municipal Partners Managing Resource Website

A website focusing on businesses and services in Lunenburg and Queens Counties is sticking around. Municipal partners including the District of Lunenburg, Bridgewater Development Association, Municipality of Chester and the Region of Queens will manage 'WhyHere.ca' until a new economic network is formed. The move follows a decision by the South Shore Business Growth Association to stop managing the site at the start of April. Economic Development Officer for the Municipality of Lunenburg, Dave Waters, says the website is critical for attracting people to the area.



A plan is also in place to expand the website to include Shelburne. Waters expects it may cost the group a couple hundred dollars to manage the site.

Proposed South Shore Crematorium On Hold

A proposal for a funeral home crematorium in Liverpool will not be moving ahead for now. Chandler's applied to Region of Queens Council to allow the establishment of the facility adjacent to the existing funeral home.However, the company has now withdrawn its application with manager Kevin Samuels saying public opposition played a role.



Region of Queens had given approval in principle to the project but subject to further study. Samuels hasn't ruled out bringing the proposal back to the table in the future for a different site.

Court Appearance Today For Those Accused In Homeless Death

The accused in the bus shelter death last fall of a homeless man in the Annapolis Valley are in court today. 26-year-old Daniel Wayne Surette of Berwick and 25-year-old Kyle David James Fredericks of nearby Berwick District were charged Friday with first-degree murder. 62 year old Harley Lawrence was found dead in a burned out bus shelter in Berwick on Oct. 23. Lawrence is said to have begun using the shelter for refuge as temperatures dipped last fall.

Baillie Skeptical About Gas Deregulation Promise

The province's Official Opposition Leader says he'll believe it when he sees it! Jamie Baillie says Premier Stephen McNeil's claim his government will look at gasoline price deregulation this fall comes with a big question mark. He believes deregulation should happen now, not later, to quickly eliminate the tax on tax at the pumps and give everyone a break.



Baillie also says the HST should be lowered by a cent or two now .. not later! He believes lowering that and deregulating gas prices would be helpful in fanning the flames of economic growth across the province.

NS Gasoline Industry Faces Possible Price Deregulation

With gasoline prices through the roof at South Shore pumps, the province is now seriously considering deregulating prices. Premier Stephen McNeil says prices are way out of control and something may be done in the fall, aimed at deregulating them.



Prices across the province increased by more than two cents on Friday for regular self serve and more than a cent for diesel. Regular gas is now at $1.46.2 a litre at South Shore pumps. Thats the highest its been in years.

Day Of Mourning Event Held In Bridgewater

Nova Scotia is joining the rest of Canada to remember people who were injured, killed or became ill at work. The International Day of Mourning is marked today. There were 34 workplace deaths last year in Nova Scotia, while just over 25,000 people were injured on the job. There have also been two deaths so far this year. President of the South Shore Labour Council, Lisa Mason, says it's something that needs to stop.



An event is planned for today in Bridgewater at 1pm at Shipyards Landing. Other ceremonies are planned for Halifax, Sydney, Kentville, and Port Hawkesbury.

Yarmouth: RCMP Arrest Man In Possession Of Firearm

A Yarmouth man is in court Monday after he was arrested with a loaded gun in a shopping area. RCMP say the man was taken into custody around noon on Saturday near the back of a grocery store. The Mounties say the 49-year-old man appeared to be intoxicated. A short time later, RCMP received a report of a break and enter at a home where a .22 calibre rifle was allegedly stolen. Police believe the two incidents are related. The man is facing several charges.

Teens In Custody Following Kings County Fires

Two teenage boys are in police custody following a pair of fires in Kings County. RCMP say they are investigating the fires, which happened Sunday in Aylesford. Police and firefighters responded to the call of an abandoned house and abandoned barn fire around mid-afternoon. Both buildings are a complete loss and the fire is being treated as suspicious. No one was injured. The Fire Marshal's Office is determining the cause. A 15-year-old boy and 17-year-old boy were still in police custody as of Sunday night.

Rail Museum Readies For New Season

Just like "The Little Engine That Could", there's a South Shore Museum that's working to keep the area's railway history alive! Duane Porter owns and operates the Halifax and Southwestern Railway Museum in Lunenburg and he says his company is one that will not be going, hat in hand, to government seeking financial support. He says the rich history of the former line is strong enough to keep tourists dropping by each year and in turn financially supporting the museum. Porter says the rail line's unique characteristics endeared itself to South Shore communities for 80 years.



Porter says the railway museum is known all over and has become a "must-see" spot in tourism circles.
It re-opens for the summer season, May 2nd.

Author MacLeod Returns Home

A church in a tiny section of Cape Breton will celebrate the life of an author known around the world. A memorial service is being held today in Broad Cove for Alistair MacLeod. The church is located only a short drive from where the decorated writer grew up and later spent his summers with his family. MacLeod died last Sunday in Windsor, Ontario with his family at his side. He's credited with writing timeless novels such as No Great Mischief and Lost Salt Gift of Blood. MacLeod was 77.

Two Men Charged In Harley Lawrence Death

RCMP in Nova Scotia have charged two men with first degree murder in the death of an Annapolis Valley man. Twenty-six-year-old David Wayne Surette and 25-year-old Kyle David James Fredericks of the Berwick area were arrested and charged in the death of Harley Lawrence. Lawrence was found dead in October after a fire at a bus shelter. Both men have been remanded into custody and will appear in Kentville court on Monday.

Group Looking To Bring 'Awesome' Ideas To South Shore

Are you ready to be awesome? A group of people are willing to pay $1,000 to see just how awesome you can be. Awesome South Shore is offering money to people who have ideas that could bring great events to the local area. Trustee Andrew Button says it could be anything from a lego party to using the money to recreate a scene from a famous movie. He says they want to inspire people.



The group is made up of 30 people. Every month 10 people donate $100 to create a $1,000 grant for an idea. They are collecting ideas on their website and will give out their first $1,000 during a May 28 event at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic in Lunenburg. The website where you can submit ideas can be accessed here .

Program Attracting Doctors To South Shore Expanding

Introducing student doctors to rural Nova Scotia in the last year or so of their residency is the focus of the province's rural retention program. It offers encouragement to settle in places like the South Shore where its always a challenge to retain doctors. Premier Stephen McNeil says the program will be continued and expanded.



McNeil says there has been too much focus in the past on Halifax and having many doctors and specialists centred there. He says every effort is now being made to provide incentives to new doctors to settle here on the South Shore and in other rural areas of the province where the need is greatest.

Waldorf School Heading Toward The Finish Line

A South Shore independent school is in the middle of the pack in the hunt for first prize in a major national competition. The Waldorf School in Blockhouse is a candidate for winning the National Trees of Knowledge online competition. Parent Anastasia Malay says winning the $20,000 top prize will allow for an expansion of the school's tools of learning.



The Waldorf School is in sixth place and voting online runs until May 5. You can vote for the school at least once a day until then and stand a chance to win $10,000 for doing so. You can vote here .

Gas Prices Hot Topic In Legislature

Gas prices are up across the board today at South Shore pumps. Regular self serve has increased overnight by more than 2 cents a litre to $1.46.2 and diesel is up by a similar amount to $1.42.7 in many locations. With prices today now having reached record-breaking territory, the issue of double taxing gas has hit the floor of the province's legislature during question period. Opposition PC Leader Jamie Baillie led the attack on the McNeil government.



Some industry watchers predict gas prices will balloon past $1.50 before the start of the summer.

Berwick: Arrests Made In Death Of Homeless Man

There are new developments in the case involving the suspicious death of a homeless man in the Annapolis Valley. Mounties say they have two people in custody in connection with the death of Harley Lawrence. Lawrence died in a bus shelter in Berwick last year. The shelter was set on fire in October. Police say one person was arrested in Berwick around midnight and another was taken into custody around 1:30 a.m. in the Sackville area. They are being interviewed by members of the RCMP's Major Crimes Unit.  However, police say no further details are being released.