Long-time Newspaper Editor Moving On

The president of Lighthouse Media Group calls it a sad day. Long-time editor, Vernon Oickle, is no longer with the Lunenburg County Progress Bulletin. Oickle spent 20 years with the company, writing weekly editorials and helping the local newspaper win several regional and national awards. Lynn Hennigar says it was a difficult decision.



Oickle was editor when the Bridgewater Bulletin merged with the Lunenburg Progress Enterprise in 2011. Hennigar thanked him for his time with the company.

Hennigar says the newspaper is moving away from its traditional approach to better meet new needs in the industry.

Emera/NS Power Execs Hauling In Big Bucks

As power rates continue to soar in Nova Scotia, the top brass at Emera, the parent company of Nova Scotia Power, have again rewarded themselves with huge bonuses on top of their salaries. For instance, in 2013, Emera President and CEO Chris Huskilson took home 54 percent more in salary, bonuses, pension payments and other compensation. The final total ... 4.7 million dollars. The Atlantic director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation Kevin Lacey says its time the provincial government gave serious consideration to opening up the power market, stripping Nova Scotia Power of its monopoly.



Another high earner at Emera last year was Executive Vice-President Rob Bennett who took home 1.7-million. The figures are contained in documents that have just been released by the company.

Clocks Spring Ahead This Weekend

Daylight savings time begins on Sunday. People are reminded to set their clocks and watches ahead one hour at 2 a.m., or Saturday evening before going to bed. Watches and clocks are not the only items that need to be adjusted - ovens, microwaves, car clocks, electronic devices, and automatic timer lights need to be turned ahead. It is also a good time to clean dryer vents to prevent fires, and change batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke detectors should be tested monthly and replaced every 10 years. Daylight savings time lasts until early November.

Drennan, McIntosh Each Earn Silver At CIS Championships

A pair of Lunenburg County athletes have earned silver medals at the CIS Track and Field Championships. Bridgewater's Rachael McIntosh finished second in the women's pentathlon. She earned 4,063 points, only 102 points behind her training partner Rachel Machin at the University of Calgary. She plans to compete in another five events over the next two days. Meanwhile, Lunenburg's Jesse Drennan also finished second in the men's pentathlon. He finished with a total of 3,816 points, just 65 points behind his University of Windsor teammate Branden Wilhelm. The event is taking place at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

Lower Gasoline Prices

Gasoline prices are lower this morning. Regular self serve is selling at South Shore pumps for $1.39.3 per litre. Thats 2.5 cents lower than yesterday. High test is down by the same amount to $1.48.2. Diesel is down the most this morning. Its lower by almost 6 cents a litre and is selling in many places for $1.45.0.

Chester: 'Our Health Centre' Striving Towards Financial Goal

Proponents with 'Our Health Centre' in Chester have raised just over $2.2-million towards the facility. The community group is proposing a $6-million health facility near Shoreham Village. The group presented to the municipality on Thursday, giving an update on their progress. They have roughly 60 letters of support towards their initiative and are requesting $1-million from council. Warden Allen Webber feels they should support the project. However, council will wait until budget discussions to decide.



The centre would feature enough space for six doctors offices, examining rooms and blood collection. If the municipality does decide to commit $1-million and can raise enough money, the group hopes to have the project complete late in 2015.

Back Center Woman Faces Charges Relating To Elder Abuse

A 59-year-old woman is facing several charges in connection with elder abuse. Lunenburg County RCMP say an 81-year-old woman was the victim of abuse by one of the caregivers in her home. She was taken to hospital with minor injuries. The victim has since been removed from her home and placed into a long-term care facility. Dolores Blanche Labinowicz of Back Center is charged with assault and forcible confinement. She appeared in Bridgewater court Wednesday and was released with conditions. She will be back in court on April 9th.

Crash Causes Power Outage In Chester Area

Nova Scotia Power says there are roughly 1,000 homes and businesses without power  in Chester-area including East River, Simms Settlement, Hubbards, Queensland, and Black Point. The utility says the cause is a vehicle crash that happened around 12:25pm this afternoon. Power should be restored by 4:30pm.

Region Of Queens Fire Departments Look For Help With New Equipment Purchases

Volunteer fire departments in the Region of Queens are becoming increasingly concerned about finances. More money is needed to upgrade fire fighting equipment and budgets are tight. Mayor Christopher Clarke says auditors were recently hired to study the issue and have filed their report.



The Mayor says the Region of Queens is different than other municipalities where fire fighting purchases can be factored into the tax rate or reserve funds. he says council will get to study the report and talk about it in the months ahead. He says it will be a lengthy process determining how best to meet the challenge of upgrading equipment for fire fighters.

Blockhouse: Waldorf School Finalist In National Contest

An independent school for young children in Blockhouse is in the running for a national contest. The Waldorf school is listed as a finalist in the Majesta Trees of Knowledge contest. The school has been selected - along with nine others - across Canada for the chance to win $20,000 to help build an outdoor learning space. Parent Anastasia Malay says it's a wonderful opportunity.



Malay says they are hoping all of Canada gets behind the small school in Blockhouse.Voting begins online April 7.

For more information and to vote for the Waldorf school click here

McIntosh, Drennan Compete For National Titles

A pair of Lunenburg County athletes are going for gold at the CIS Track and Field Championships in Edmonton. Bridgewater's Rachael McIntosh and Lunenburg's Jesse Drennan are competing in the women's and men's pentathlons, respectively. McIntosh recently won the Canada West title while Drennan took top spot in Ontario. She is ranked number one overall on the women's side, while he comes in ranked fifth for men. McIntosh says she's trying not to focus on results.



Both McIntosh and Drennan are in competition today at the University of Alberta.

Bridgewater: Fire Dept. Band To Play Memorial Service In Ottawa

The Bridgewater Fire Department Band will help remember firefighters who lost their lives on the job. The band has been asked to play at this year's Canadian Fall Firefighters Foundation Memorial Service in Ottawa. The event pays tribute to more than 1,100 firefighters who died serving their communities. Band Director Wendell Eisener says men and women risk their lives everyday.



Eisener says the band will have ceremonial roles at the Ottawa parade and memorial service, but they will also give a public performance. Firefighters from across the country will attend the ceremony to show support for fallen comrades and their families. The band is currently fundraising to be able to make the trip. The service will be held September 12-14.

Mustangs Pushed To Brink Of Elimination

The Charlie's Pizza South Shore Mustangs are one loss away from playoff elimination. Jordan Messenger scored the lone goal as the Halifax McDonalds skated to a 4-1 win Wednesday night. The win gives Halifax a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven playoff series. Mustangs goaltender Colby Muise stopped 40 shots in the loss. Game six will be Saturday night in Bridgewater.

Gas Prices Expected To Drop Some Tonight

We may be in for a little relief tomorrow at South Shore gas pumps. In New Brunswick this morning, self serve regular is down by about 1.5 cents. The maximum price for diesel is down 2.4. Heating oil prices in New Brunswick also lower this morning. And, a big drop in propane prices ... down 9 cents. The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board will set the coming weeks prices at midnight tonight. Regular self serve is selling today at South Shore pumps for $1.41.8 a litre.

Clear Garbage Bag Request Coming To Bridgewater

It's Bridgewater's turn to start thinking about using clear garbage bags. The issue will be in front of the town March 10. Mahone Bay and the Municipality of Lunenburg are also looking at the potential change. Mayor David Walker says it will be a slow process.



If council decides to move ahead, there will be months of communicating with the public before clear bags would be put into effect. The proposed date to start using clear bags is October 1st. Forty-one out of 55 Nova Scotia municipalities use clear plastic bags during waste collection including Chester.

Spring Weight Restrictions Pushed Back

Spring weight restrictions are being pushed back another week. The Department of Transportation says due to cold weather they will delay implementing the restrictions for trucks on secondary roads another week. Spring weight restrictions were originally to start on Monday. They will now be put in place March 17.

Movement To End Violence Hits Lunenburg County

A pair of local events hope to help bring an end to violence against women and girls. Second Story Women's Centre, Harbour House and Be the Peace are promoting 'One Billion Rising'. The initiative acts as a global day of awareness for people to demand change, dance and rise to help end violence. Coordinator Helen Lanthier says the issue hits close to home.



Lunenburg will host the first event Thursday at 10am at the Farmers' Market. Another event is in Bridgewater Friday at 12:30pm at centre court of the mall. The events are a lead up to International Women's Day on Saturday.

NS, PEI Start Preparing For 10-Digit-Dialling

It's time to get ready for 10-digit-dialling in Nova Scotia and PEI. Starting in November, all local calls will require 10 digits - the area code followed by the seven-digit phone number. Canadian Numbering Administrator spokesperson Glen Brown says people can begin using the new dialling system immediately to prepare for the upcoming changes.



Brown says most people will also need to update the contact lists on their cell phone to make sure "902" is in front of the number they are trying to call. Also in November, the new 782 area code will be introduced in Nova Scotia and PEI

Old Ship May Soon Depart Bridgewater

Some residents of Bridgewater view it as an eyesore while others say its interesting. However, the large grey vessel docked across from shipyards landing could be sold. The former Canadian navy diving-support vessel, HMCS Cormorant, ended up in Bridgewater by accident more than 10 years ago in the midst of a legal battle over ownership. Port of Bridgewater President Rick Welsford says there is a potential buyer lined up for the HMCS Cormorant. He says despite its appearance, the vessel is sound.


Welsford is helping the vessel's American owners with the sale.



Welsford believes the ship will be sold soon and moved out of Bridgewater this summer or leave under its own power.

Mustangs, McDonalds Meet In Crucial Game Five

A crucial game five between the Charlies Pizza South Shore Mustangs and the Halifax McDonalds. The playoff series is tied at two games a piece ahead of Wednesday night's contest in Halifax. The Mustangs have yet to trail in the series and are expected to start goaltender Colby Muise. The winner of tonight's game would be one victory away from the league final. Puck drop is at 7pm at the Halifax Forum.