Editor's Note: Each week in this space we compile the most widely read stories from the past week. With NOTL in the path of totality for Monday's solar eclipse, we take a look at our top stories about that topic. 

Amnesty organizes lecture on endangered species to recognize Earth Day 

On Earth Day, The Local’s own naturalist, Owen Bjorgan, will give an educational lecture at the community centre about species in Niagara that are threatened with extinction. After reading one of Bjorgan’s articles about the extinction of species, an Amnesty member thought it would be a perfect topic for Earth Day, a day set aside to bring attention to support for environmental protection. Amnesty also organized a flag-raising at the town hall to recognize Earth Day. To read the whole story click here.

Rand hearing told heritage buildings will be destroyed

A carriage house, two sheds, stables, and the Calvin Rand Summer Home, heritage assets on the Rand property, are planned to be knocked down, a heritage planner representing Solmar said during the second week of the Land Tribunal hearing over a subdivision that could see almost 200 homes built. Click here to read more.

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Rand hearing wraps up week with talk of archaeological findings, building conditions

The condition of heritage buildings slated to be destroyed, including the Calvin Rand Summer House, the carriage house and bath house range from 'quite poor' to 'fairly good.' To read more click here.

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Cold weather didn't freeze attendance at Niagara College Bioblitz

Owen Bjorgan's hike at Niagara College drew a good crowd on a cold, windy morning, to give a general biodiversity and Niagara Escarpment talk, with an age range of participants from toddler to seniors. For more click here.

One more net to jump for outdoor pickleball approval

All but one councillor has given the nod to the outdoor pickleball courts in Virgil opening in June; Sandra O'Connor is concerned the nearby residents have not been consulted. The matter will be finalized when council votes to approve the reopening. To read the details of the council discussion click here.

Crew begins clean-up of slimy, slippery spots on lawn bowling green

The town is dealing with a mould problem that has been getting worse, in time for the Lawn Bowling Club's spring opening. Members believe the green needs to be fully replaced some time in the near future. For more click here and here

NOTL councillors should be losing sleep over funding shortage

A lack of money for road work should be keeping everybody up at night, says one Niagara-on-the-Lake councillor. To see why, click here.

INSIDE THE VILLAGE: A social network that’s actually social? Here it is

Village Media has created its very own social network — one that is safe, civil and community-powered. To learn more about it and how to sign up for a waitlist, click here.