RCMP, Fire Marshal Investigate Western Shore House Fire

RCMP and the fire marshal's office have taken over an investigation into an early morning house fire in Western Shore. Officials with both groups spent the morning at the scene, gathering data and sifting through debris to help them establish the cause of the blaze. Five fire departments were called to the scene just after 1 o'clock Thursday morning. Deputy Fire Marshal Ron Thibeau says they've wrapped-up their investigation at the Swinimer Road home. He says the next step is to interview fire fighters, residents and the homeowners to gather additional details. There is no timeline when the investigation may be complete.

Hebbville Academy Marks Milestone

A 30 year anniversary is being marked at Hebbville Academy. Since 1983, students and staff at the Lunenburg County school have taken part each year in the Heart and Stroke Foundation's "Jump Rope For Heart" campaign. Its aim is to promote healthier lifestyles. Students at Hebbville Academy have raised more than 80-thousand dollars in 30 years for the program. Barb Johnson of the Heart and Stroke Foundation says that's a lot of money.



This morning, this year's fund-raiser was kicked off with an information session for students with videos explaining the program and the school's involvement over the years.

Town Approves Cleve's Move To Old Bridge Automotive Building

A sporting goods store in Bridgewater has been given the green light by council to start expanding the Old Bridge Automotive building. Members unanimously approved a development agreement for Cleve's Source for Sports that will expand the Old Bridge location by almost 2,900 square feet. Company President Kevin Bezanson says they're hoping the move will increase the number of customers and allow them to hire more staff. He believes it will be a better location than their current store on King Street.



There is a two-week appeal period for the public to oppose the matter. If there are objections, a hearing will be held with the province's Utility and Review Board.

Guilty Pleas Expected In Teen Confinement Case

The lawyer for a man accused of confining and sexually assaulting a teenage boy in a run down cabin in Upper Chelsea says his client will plead guilty to some charges in the case. Mike Taylor confirmed in an interview today with The Canadian Press that David James Leblanc will enter guilty pleas on a number of charges when he appears next Thursday in Nova Scotia Supreme Court in Bridgewater. Taylor declined to specify which charges Leblanc intends to plead guilty to, but he said the matter would be finalized when the pleas are entered. Taylor said the remaining charges would be dropped by the Crown, likely during sentencing about two or three weeks after Leblanc pleads. Leblanc faces seven charges in relation to the alleged incident last fall. Those charges include sexual assault, sexual assault causing bodily harm, forcible confinement and kidnapping. The 47 year-old had been scheduled in relation to the matter next March.

Lottery Scam Targets Unsuspecting Consumers

The RCMP is "red-flagging" yet another scam thats shown up in the province. Residents in Antigonish have been receiving unmarked envelopes in the mail claiming they've won millions in an international lottery. However, the Better Business Bureau says its also receiving complaints from the South Shore, the Valley and HRM about the scam. Jill Atkinson of the BBB says it appears the fraudsters are blanketing the region.



Atkinson says if you receive one of the envelopes, ignore it and call the BBB. The aim of the scam is like most others ... to get personal identification and financial information from you.

VIDEO: Fire Destroys Home In Western Shore

An overnight fire in Western Shore has uprooted several people. Crews from five fire departments including Chester, Chester Basin, Martins River, Mahone Bay and Western Shore were called to the home at 99 Swinimer Road shortly after 1 o'clock Thursday morning. The cause isn't known. Western Shore Fire Chief Scott Rafuse says the two-storey house is a complete loss.



Rafuse adds, no one was home at the time of the blaze. The fire marshal is expected to be on scene later Thursday morning.