Transportation Department Fixing Potholes

With winter on its way out, the Nova Scotia government wants to hear about potholes closest to you. A toll-free phone number has been set up to connect people to their nearest Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal base. Crews are filling potholes with a temporary patch called cold mix. Executive Director of maintenance and operations, Barb Baillie, says they have some catching up to do.



The starting date for permanent patching depends on location and weather conditions. People can call in problem potholes to the toll-free number, 1-888-432-3233.

New Wildfire Fighting Truck Headed To Shelburne

They're brand new, high tech and ready to go! Two new fire trucks have been unveiled by the province's Natural Resources Minister. Zach Churchill says the vehicles will be based in Cape Breton and in the Shelburne area and ready to join the fight against wild fires when they break out.



The fire truck steel bodies were manufactured and outfitted by Specialty Steel in Debert.

New Fire Services Committee Established In Barrington

A new committee is expected to provide more effective and efficient fire fighting and emergency services in the Barrington area. The municipality says the new structure has been developed through the efforts of five fire departments and municipal council. The committee is made up of the municipality's fire service coordinator, five chiefs, three deputy chiefs and a municipal councillor. Warden Eddie Nickerson is optimist the group can work to create some positive change.


Nickerson says the committee will discuss issues among the fire service and bring forward any concerns or recommendations to council. He expects there will be cost-savings in the future. The change is expected to allow the municipality to adapt for future development, and improve service at a reasonable cost to residents.

Cape Sable Island Man Killed In Fishing Mishap

A Cape Sable Island man drowned after falling into cold water while fishing earlier this week in Annapolis County. Fifty-one year old Cecil Ellsworth Brannen was killed when his small boat overturned on Tuesday in Fisher Lake. Another man was able to swim to shore and call for help. Police say the vessel hit a rock and caused the boat to tip over. Search crews found his body Wednesday morning.

South Health CEO Appointed To Deputy Minister Post

The head of the health authority on the South Shore has been appointed to a key role within the Nova Scotia government. Dr. Peter Vaughan will be the new deputy minister of health, wellness and seniors. Vaughan has served as the CEO of South Shore Health for the past two years. He also spent time leading the Canadian Medical Association. Meanwhile, Sandra MacKenzie will become the deputy Minister of Education. Frank Dunn will move from education to the deputy ministers post in Natural Resources. The appointments take effect April 28.

Get Set For Yet Another Gas Price Hike

This doesn't bode well for South Shore gasoline prices come tomorrow! In New Brunswick overnight, a significant rise in the price of self serve regular after the weekly setting. The maximum price has gone up by more than 4.5 cents a litre. The price of diesel is also higher this morning in New Brunswick, up by a cent a litre. If the price increases here overnight tonight by the same amount, it will push the price for a litre of regular self serve to almost $1.45.