Queens County: Injuries After House Fire

Nine fire departments were needed to contain a house fire in Queens County. The fire was reported late Wednesday afternoon on Charleston River Road. A person inside the home suffered undisclosed injuries and was taken to South Shore Regional Hospital. Firefighters spent more than four hours on the scene making sure the blaze was put out. RCMP, EHS and Nova Scotia Power Crews were also called to the scene. The home is described as a complete loss.

UPDATED: Serious Crash Near Exit 12

Mounties say a section of Highway 103 has re-opened. The highway was closed for roughly three hours near Exit 12 after a serious two-vehicle collision involving a pick-up truck and an SUV. RCMP say a woman who was driving the pick-up has been airlifted to the QE II Hospital in Halifax. Her condition is not known at this time. The two occupants of the SUV were not hurt. RCMP are asking motorists use alternate routes until the highway re-opens. The cause of the crash has not been determined.

Nowe Leads CN Future Links Atlantic Golf Championship By Four

Bridgewater's Ryan Nowe is poised to win the CN Future Links Atlantic Championship at the Antigonish Golf and Country Club. The 17-year-old fired an even-par round of 72 today, to remain at one-under overall through 36 holes. Nowe made four birdies, which were offset by four bogeys. He remains four shots ahead of the pack, heading into Thursday's final round. Meanwhile, Chester's Allison Chandler shot her consecutive 11-over par, 83 to sit in a tie for fifth place. She sits nine shots back. Chester Basin's Cole Mulrooney withdrew from the tournament. The top six competitors in the Junior Boys division will earn exemptions into the 2013 Canadian Junior Boys Championship at the Timberwolf Golf Club in Garson, Ont. The Junior Girls champion will earn an exemption into the 2013 Royale Cup Canadian Junior Girls Championship at the Cherry Downs Golf and Country Club in Pickering, Ont. Both events are scheduled July 29 to August 2.

UPDATE: 11 Break-Ins Tied To "Pillowcase Bandits" In Lunenburg County

Mounties say 11 of the three dozen break-ins related to the "Pillowcase Bandits" occurred in Lunenburg County. Those break-ins appear to be closely tied to a variety of thefts which took place over a two-week period in April in the communities of Baker Settlement, Newcombville, Chelsea and West Clifford. The accused, who police say refer to themselves as the ``Pillowcase Bandits,'' were arrested Monday at Halifax provincial court as they appeared on other matters. The name comes from the practice of allegedly using stolen pillowcases to transport loot. Investigators say online tools, such as Google Street View and the real estate listing service M-L-S, were used to identify target homes. Police laid 170 charges against 22-year-old Cory Jollimore, 26-year-old Jason Marriott and 28-year-old Ryan Marriott. Break-ins also took place in the Halifax area and Colchester counties.

Bayswater Beach Closed Due To High Bacteria Levels

A Lunenburg County beach has been closed because of high levels of bacteria. The Department of Health and Wellness has closed Bayswater Beach to swimmers. A spokesperson for Health and Wellness says the issue could be caused by a number of factors including water run-off from the land, to water feeding into the area from other lakes, rivers or streams, or high concentrations of feces from wildlife. Test results received Wednesday didn't identify a specific source. The beach will reopen when water testing shows it is safe. In the meantime, lifeguards will continue to be at the beach to inform the public it is closed. To check on the status of the beach, call the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service Beach Information Line at 902-477-6168 or visit their website here .

Board Sets Hearing Date For Proposed Blockhouse Facility

The province's Utility and Review Board has released the date for a public hearing concerning an appeal by Halifax C and D Recycling Ltd. for a demolition debris transfer facility in Blockhouse. The Halifax-based company is appealing the Municipality of Lunenburg's decision to refuse a development agreement for the proposed facility along the Cornwall Road. In a letter to the UaRB, Halifax C and D feels the municipality's decision does not reasonably carry out the intent of the municipal planning strategy. The hearing is scheduled for September 25 at 9:30am at the Blockhouse fire hall.  An evening meeting could happen at the same location if necessary.

Groups Receive Provincial Funds For Community Transportation

Three South Shore groups are cashing-in on provincial dollars for sustainable transportation. The province recently announced $650,000 in operating funding for 14 community-based organizations including the Municipality of Chester Transportation Society, the Handicap Organization Promoting Equality in Yarmouth County and the Sou'West Nova Transit Association in Shelburne County. The Shelburne County group received just over $26,093 to provide low-cost, door-to-door, wheelchair-accessible transportation to the local residents. The Chester society is getting $19,078 and the Yarmouth County organization over $45,495. The funding will help offset operating expenses.

Gold River Shooting Trial Set For Thursday

A Gold River man will appear before a judge tomorrow after an alleged shooting. Ronald Lorne Paul is facing three charges after a man was taken to hospital over the weekend with an apparent gunshot wound. Mounties issued an arrest warrant for the 60 year-old on Sunday, he turned himself into police the next day. Paul is charged with aggravated assault, discharging a firearm with intent to endanger a life and assault with a weapon. The 31 year-old shooting victim was taken to the QE II in Halifax. However, his injuries were not described as serious.

Men, Women Square Off In Softball Fundraiser

A battle of the sexes on the softball diamond Wednesday night in Mahone Bay. A team of female players from the South Shore Women's Softball League will take on a crew of men from the Bridgewater & Area Mixed Softball League. The only catch is, the men's team will be batting backwards from their weak side of the plate. The game is raising money for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Anyone interested in attending the game is asked to bring a cash donation. Game time will be 6:30pm.