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