***The Municipality of Pictou County received notice overnight of a water main break in Riverton. MOPC public works is working to resolve the issue and water service may be disrupted for residents while this work is being completed. This may also impact traffic in the area, although the County expects at least one lane will remain open at all times.
Slight drop at the pumps in N.S. overnight
Gas prices went down overnight in Nova Scotia. Gas prices fell by 1.7 cents per litre, putting the cost locally of regular self serve gas at 141.0 cents per litre. There’s no change in the price of diesel, as you’re still paying 142.2 cents per litre in our area.
Smaller in-person ceremonies mark Remembrance Day in Atlantic Canada
Westville Remembrance Day Service (photo credit: Bob MacEachern)
Most communities in Atlantic Canada returned to in-person Remembrance Day ceremonies that followed COVID-19 protocols. A crowd numbering in the hundreds tuned out in brilliant sunshine yesterday at the Grand Parade in Halifax. Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston returned home to attend local services yesterday, including the ceremony that took place in Westville.
N.S. reports 30 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday
The number of active cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia dropped slightly with numbers released Wednesday, but an outbreak at a long-term care home in the northern region continues to grow. The province reported 30 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, including 16 in the northern zone that includes Pugwash. Health officials say 22 residents and staff at a long-term care facility in the community have now tested positive for the disease — up from 19 Tuesday. The province also reported 33 recoveries — pushing the number of active cases down to 227, including 10 people who are hospitalized.
Nova Scotia Health’s COVID-19 vaccine outreach clinics will be offering drop-ins for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in Northern Zone. One of those clinics will be at: Tatamagouche Fire Hall (202 Main Street, Tatamagouche) Nov. 18 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Drop-in only.
Nova Scotia committee that oversees public spending granted more oversight powers
Photo credit: Communications Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia’s new Progressive Conservative government has lifted restrictions placed on the legislative committee mandated to oversee government spending. The public accounts committee adopted a motion Wednesday that will see it return to weekly meetings and allow it to call witnesses on a range of topics at its discretion. The former Liberal government had restricted the committee to monthly meetings that were limited to reviewing auditor general reports. P-C committee vice chair Nolan Young says the government will face tough questions but returning oversight powers to the committee is a tool for a stronger democracy.
Arrest warrant issued for Colchester County man
RCMP photo (submitted)
Colchester County District RCMP have obtained an arrest warrant for a man charged in regards to incidents that occurred between April and November in Hilden. 27-year old Shawn Kenneth Hughes of Colchester County is charged with 3 counts of Assault; Break and enter; 6 counts of Mischief; Utter threats and Arson. Hughes is described as 5-foot-8, 200 pounds with black hair and blue eyes. Hughes may be driving a grey 2010 Acura TL with Nova Scotia licence plate GVS590 or a red 2012 Hyundai Accent with Nova Scotia licence plate GTK964. Anyone who sees Hughes is asked to refrain from approaching him and to call police.
Veterans and children with disabilities could see fall in public housing rent
Veterans and families caring for a child with a severe mental or physical disability will soon save on their public housing rent costs. The Province has announced it will now exclude the veterans’ disability pension and the child disability benefit when calculating how much rent someone will pay in public housing. Government says this means someone receiving the veterans’ disability pension would see their public housing rent decrease by as much as $100 per month. It says a family receiving the child disability benefit could save about $60 per month.
Health Canada to fund training of service dogs to help veterans with PTSD
Photo: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Health Canada is funding special schooling for service-dog trainers to teach the animals to help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. The online training course, funded by the department’s Substance Use and Addictions Program, is designed to help trainers prepare service dogs for veterans, including those recovering from substance abuse. The dogs are trained to comfort veterans, provide company and support, and wake them up from nightmares.
Sports note:
The Crushers lost 6-4 to the Ramblers in Amherst last night.
