Updated: Red Cross Helps Family After Fire Destroys Home

The Canadian Red Cross has stepped-in and provided emergency lodging after fire destroyed a home Tuesday afternoon in Midville Branch. The blaze started around 1:30pm along the Upper Branch Road. A woman and the family’s pet dog escaped unhurt.  The woman's husband was at work in Bridgewater while their two kids were in school at the time of the blaze. Five fire departments including Midville, Hemford, Bridgewater, Northfield and Tri-District responded to the call. Fire officials say the blaze appeared to start in the basement and spread quickly, but the cause is under investigation.

Lumberjack Forward Butterworth Drafted Into USHL

One of the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks top rookies has been drafted in the United States Hockey League. Jeremy Butterworth was taken in the fifth round, 73rd overall by the Fargo Force of North Dakota. The 17-year-old enjoyed a standout season with the Lumberjacks, notching 42 points in 45 games. Butterworth says he's looking forward to the opportunity.



He says the USHL is known to produce hockey players to the NCAA and Butterworth adds, it's been a goal of his to play college hockey since he was about 10-years-old. Tryouts for the club will be held this summer.

United Way Of Lunenburg County Celebrates Million Dollar Mark

The coordinator for the United Way of Lunenburg County says people have two reasons to come to a event being held Wednesday in Bridgewater. The group is celebrating its 10th anniversary, but it's also marking its $1-millionth dollar invested in the community. Michael Graves says it's a major accomplishment.



He says the United Way of Lunenburg County gave out just over $180,000 this year to 32 groups. The event will be held from 9:30 until 11:30am Wednesday at the Bridgewater Days Inn.

Police Chief: Drug Drop-Off Day "A Success"

It's considered a good first step by police and mental health officials concerned about pills getting into the wrong hands. Bridgewater held their first prescription drug drop-off day over the weekend, and collected just over 6,600 pills. Police Chief John Collyer says among the old and unused meds were roughly 500 pills commonly found in the town including hydromorphones. He says they're pleased with the turnout.



Collyer says from what he's heard, Bridgewater had some of the best results across the province. He's hoping the event will expand further down the South Shore next year.

Fire Leaves Two People Homeless

A fire in Windsor has left two people homeless. It happened Monday  evening. A woman and her teenage daughter escaped injury as the blaze extensively damaged their apartment at 1011 Burgess Crescent in the town. They're receiving help with emergency lodging, clothes and food from the Red Cross. Other tenants in the 24-unit building were evacuated while the fire was put out and the smoke ventilated. They were later allowed back in. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.

Local Winery Expansion Gets Federal Boost

A New Ross-based winery is getting a financial boost from the federal government. A $150,000. repayable loan is being given to Muwin Estate Wines to help with its expansion. South Shore-St. Margarets MP Gerald Keddy says the money will also support the purchase of new equipment to help the company meet increasing export demands for its products in Asia, including China, South Korea, and Taiwan. The company has also sold small quantities to the Netherlands and Nigeria. Keddy says the wine industry is quickly becoming a major economic driver for the province and continues to expand.

Bridgewater Approves 2013-14 Budget

The town of Bridgewater has approved its 2013-14 budget, agreeing to hold the line on its tax rates. Council kept the residential rate at $1.65 per 100 of assessment and the commercial rate at $3.99 after lowering both last year. Members also gave a green light to a capital budget of just over $3-million and an operating budget of $18.7-million. Mayor David Walker believes it is a sound budget.



The budget was unanimously approved by council.