South Shore Gas Prices Rise Again!

As expected, prices are up this morning at South Shore gas pumps. Regular self serve is selling for $1.30.8 per litre. That is an increase of just under two cents a litre. High-test is priced at $1.39.7 per litre. Diesel is up in price as well this morning, by about 2.5 cents a litre.

Demers Hopes To Inspire Local Hockey Community

A Stanley Cup winner and two-time NHL coach of the year will be front and center tonight at the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks celebrity dinner and auction. Jacques Demers will say a few words to the attending public about his story and his career. He says he will also send an optimistic message to the community regarding the Junior 'A' club.


The event helps support the Lumberjacks, and there's lots of auction prizes including signed Halifax Mooseheads jerseys from Nathan Mackinnon and Jonathan Drouin. Tickets cost $75 each and a few are expected to be available at the door when the event gets underway at 5:30 at the Best Western in Cookville.

Province Supports Local YMCA Youth Centre

The YMCA's King Street Youth Centre has received a financial boost from the province. The provincial government has awarded the centre a $12,000 grant to help it provide workshops to youth including music, physical activity and job skills. The King Street Youth Centre offers drop-in programs and is considered a great place for kids in the community to gather. Youth Coordinator Kim Whitman-Mansfield says the funding is important to the centre.



The money is being provided by the province's Lighthouses Program, which invests in community projects to engage youth and prevent crime. Whitman-Mansfield says she expects the money to help with new Tuesday night activities.

Minor Injuries After Two Vehicle Crash In Crescent Beach

One person was taken to South Shore Regional Hospital after a two vehicle crash around 7:30 this morning along Highway 331 in Crescent Beach. Constable David Cullen with Bridgewater RCMP says the investigation into the cause is ongoing, but it looks like the vehicles side-swiped each other at a turn. He adds, road conditions were wet at the time of the incident. Members of the LaHave Fire Department along with EHS and RCMP responded to the call. The person was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

BREAKING NEWS: LeBlanc Pleads Guilty To Five Charges In Confinement Case

A man accused of confining and sexually assaulting a teenage boy at a home in Lunenburg County last fall has pleaded guilty to five charges in the case. David James LeBlanc appeared in Supreme Court in Bridgewater Thursday morning, where he pleaded guilty to kidnapping, forcible confinement, sexual assault, uttering threats and breach of conditions. Two other charges:  sexual assault causing bodily harm and administering a noxious substance with intent to cause bodily harm were withdrawn. The 48 year-old was charged after a teenage boy told police he was held captive in chains for about ten days last fall in a run-down cabin in Upper Chelsea. Sentencing is now scheduled for June 14th in Bridgewater court. LeBlanc also pleaded guilty today to making and distributing child pornography as well as sexual interference, in a separate case involving two boys, aged five and two in the Halifax area. Crown and Defence lawyers are working on a joint recommendation that LeBlanc be sent to prison for a total of up to 11 years.

Guilty Pleas Expected In Teen Confinement Case

A high profile court case involving a man charged with sexually assaulting and confining a teenage boy is nearing an end. David James Leblanc is expected to enter guilty pleas on a number of charges related to the case during an appearance Thursday)in Nova Scotia Supreme Court in Bridgewater. The 47 year-old is facing seven charges after a teenage boy told police he was held captive in chains for about ten days last fall in a run down cabin in Lunenburg County. His lawyer, Mike Taylor told reporters last week in Dartmouth that Leblanc would plead guilty to some charges in the confinement case but didn't go into specifics. Leblanc will also enter guilty pleas to unrelated child porn charges dating back to 2010 in the Halifax area. Taylor confirmed all of the charges will be consolidated. The Crown and Defence have been working on a joint recommendation in relation to a prison term. Meanwhile, another man charged in the case, Leonard MacKean, will have a preliminary hearing for his involvement into the matter in July.  MacKean is charged with sexual assault and prostitution related offence.

Committee To Discuss Proposed Diversion Facility

A proposed facility in Blockhouse will be a topic of discussion Thursday night for the Municipality of Lunenburg's planning advisory committee. The committee is expected to talk about the project proposed by Halifax C and D, who want to locate the construction and demolition diversion complex off the Cornwall Road. The Blockhouse and area advisory committee rejected a recommendation by the company last month for a development agreement. Community spokesman Paul Young says residents have clearly shown the facility isn't wanted in the area.



A group of residents protested at the proposed site early Wednesday evening. The planning advisory committee will meet at 7pm Thursday night at the Oakhill Fire Hall.

McIntosh Named To Canadian Pan-American Combined Events Cup Team.

A Bridgewater heptathlete will represent Canada next month at the Pan-American Combined Events Cup. Athletics Canada recently announced Rachael McIntosh will compete at the event in Ottawa. The 22-year-old finished in second place in the open division during last year's competition. She says she can build on her previous experience.



McIntosh says she's hoping to keep her momentum going at the event, after setting a personal best in Calgary earlier this month. The competition will be held June 1 and 2.

VIDEO: McNeil: Health Boards Would Be Cut Under Liberals

The province's Liberal Leader reiterated his plan to eliminate a majority of health boards if his party was in power. Stephen McNeil spoke Wednesday at a luncheon of about 45 local business owners, political figures and officials at the Best Western in Cookville. He says a Liberal government would get rid of district health authorities except one board for the IWK and another for the rest of the province.



McNeil says the initiative would help take dollars out of board rooms and administration and put it back into frontline health care. He believes it could save around $10-million. McNeil also touched on other subjects including the Muskrat Falls power project and economic development.

New Germany Girls Win Softball Districts

The New Germany Rural High School junior girls softball team went undefeated Tuesday to win the District Championship. Winning pitcher was Kaylee Hyson who only gave up one run in the three games. The team will now host the Regional tournament on Tuesday, May 28th.

Minor Injuries In Cookville Crash

One person was taken to hospital with minor injuries after two vehicles collided on Highway 10 in Cookville last night. Constable Colin Helm with Lunenburg County RCMP says the crash included a black car and an SUV. The incident happened around 7:30pm. Police along with EHS and fire officials from Northfield responded to the scene. The cause of the crash is also not known.

Moose Secure Semi-Final Berth

The Halifax Mooseheads played a nearly flawless game, taking period leads of 5-0 and 8-2 while drubbing the London Knights 9-2 at the Memorial Cup. Martin Frk had three goals and an assist, and Darcy Ashley also scored twice and picked up an assist, as the Mooseheads guaranteed themselves at least a spot in Friday's semifinals.

South Shore Health Excellence Awards

It was an evening of celebration for the region's medical community. South Shore Health hosted their annual Excellence Awards banquet last night. Four awards were presented in total including the Spirit Award - which was was presented posthumously to Clarke Johnson, and his faithful Dobermans, for their contributions to South Shore Health's Pet Therapy program. Johnson was instrumental in establishing the program which now includes 17 teams in three hospitals. The Community Health Leadership Award went to Palliative Care Physician Dr. David Abriel. The Exemplary Service Award was presented to Clinical Pharmacist Stephanie Oxenham. The Outstanding Quality Initiative Award was given to a group of staff in Public Health and Library Services from South Shore Health, South West Health and Annapolis Valley Health for a program designed to help women quit smoking. This was the ninth year for the excellence awards.

Fire Marshal: Extension Cord Caused Fire At Western Shore Home

The provincial fire marshal's office has concluded that a fire at a home in Western Shore last week was electrical in nature. Deputy Fire Marshal Ron Thibeau says the fire was caused by an extension cord in back of the home owner's washer and dryer that was jammed in between the wall. Thibeau says the finding is based on the scene evaluation after the fire. No one was hurt when the home went up in flames during the early morning hours last Thursday.

Mooseheads Battle Knights At Memorial Cup

The Halifax Mooseheads play their final round-robin game tonight at the Memorial Cup in Saskatoon. The Herd will take on Max Domi and the London Knights, with both teams looking to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Both teams sit at 1-1 and a win would guarantee at least a spot in Friday night's playoff. The loser would play in a tie-breaker game Thursday night. Mooseheads forward Nathan MacKinnon leads the tournament with four goals through two games. The two teams square off at 9pm.

Digby: RCMP Investigate Fatal Shooting

Mounties in Digby say a man is dead after he was allegedly shot over the long weekend. RCMP say they received a call on Victoria Day about a man suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The man's name has not been released pending notification of his family. An autopsy will be performed later today in Halifax. Digby RCMP will continue their investigation, they aren't saying if they have any suspects.

Lumberjacks: Ron Watkins Named New Head Coach

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks are bringing back a familiar face to be the team's new head coach. Ron Watkins was an assistant coach with the Junior 'A' club from 2009 until 2011. Now, he's back in town, bringing close to 20 years of coaching experience with him. Watkins resume includes head coaching stints with the Halifax Major Midgets, Canada Games men's and women's squads, and team Atlantic at the under-17 World Championship. He's also served as a scout for University and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Doug Petrie has been named an assistant coach while Devan Naugler will be a video coach.

Local High School Rugby Action

Lots of high school rugby action begins this afternoon at 4.30 at the Kinsmen field. Parkview Panther Girls will take on the Middleton High team as they compete for a chance to play the number one team for the Tier 2 banner. The boys team finished in the 2nd position in Tier 1 in regular season play. They will face 3rd place Avonview Avalanche today at 5.30 pm at the Kinsmen field. This match is a semi-final qualifier for the NSSAF Rugby Provincials to be held in Windsor May 30-June1st.

Trial Involving Former Principal Set For December

A retired elementary school principal facing child porn charges will go to trial in December. Brian David Jobb was charged last August after police searched a home in Lilydale. He facing charges of accessing child pornography.The 63 year-old retired as principal of Lunenburg Academy in 2006. Two days have been set aside for the trial beginning December 2nd.

Health Authority Hosts Excellence Awards Banquet

The region's medical community is set to celebrate outstanding contributions to health and health care within the district. South Shore Health will host its annual Celebrating Excellence Awards reception this evening. Four awards will be presented which recognize staff, physicians and community members who exemplify the highest levels of teamwork, integrity, respect, dedication and leadership. The awards include; Community Health Leadership, Exemplary Service, Outstanding Quality Initiative and Spirit. The banquet will be held at the Best Western in Cookville.

Teens Charged Following Assault On Yarmouth Taxi Driver

Yarmouth Town RCMP are investigating an assault with a weapon that occurred early Sunday morning.  It happened on Butler Street. Apparently, a Yarmouth Head cab driver had transported three men from Salmon River into Yarmouth. They alledgedly assaulted the cabbie. The 3 suspects then fled the scene on foot but were later apprehended. The cab driver, a 65-year-old man from Yarmouth, sustained minor injuries, he was examined and released by Emergency Health Services on scene. He appeared to be OK despite the ordeal. Meanwhile, a 17-year-old youth from Yarmouth has been remanded in custody and is facing charges of Assault with a weapon, fraud, and multiple counts of failing to comply with court orders.
Two other suspects, a 17-year-old youth from Yarmouth and an 18-year-old adult male from Lake Doucette, Digby County were released on conditions and are set to appear in court on a later date on similar charges. The investigation is continuing.

Local Sports Recap: May 21-13

The MARC in Dayspring is the place to be today for the junior girls and boys softball District championships. The girls games begin at 10am followed by the boys at 11am.
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In high-school boys soccer: South Shore United Under-16 Tier-1 beat "X" of Antigonish 3-1 over the weekend. Ryan Rhodenizer and Bailey Weagle had two goals each. This marks the third win in a row for the South Shore team.
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Lots of high school rugby action this afternoon at 4.30 at the Kinsmen field. Parkview Panther Girls will take on the Middleton High team as they compete for a chance to play the number one team for the Tier 2 banner. The boys' team finished in the 2nd place in Tier 1 in regular season play. They will face 3rd place Avonview Avalanche at 5.30 pm at the Kinsmen field. This match is a semi-final qualifier for the NSSAF Rugby Provincials to be held in Windsor May 30th-June 1st.
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Case you didn't hear, the Brooks Bandits are the 2013 RBC Cup champions. The Bandits captured the Canadian Junior A hockey title over the weekend with a 3-1 win over the host Summerside Western Capitals. The Western champs jumped out to a 2-0 lead before icing it with an empty-netter.
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Memorial Cup action: The London Knights need to bounce back in the Memorial Cup's preliminary round.  Last night, the Portland Winterhawks rocked the Ontario Hockey League champions 6-3 behind Ty Rattie's two-goal performance.  London can redeem itself against the top-ranked Halifax Mooseheads tonight in Saskatoon. Good luck to them on that one!! The herd has become a power house to be reckoned with.

Shelburne County Native Wins Logrolling Title

A Shelburne County native has claimed the Canadian Logrolling Championship. Darren Hudson captured the title over the weekend in Kaslo, British Columbia. Hudson beat Stirling Hart to win the title at the Kaslo Sports Competition. Hudson is a six time World Champion Logroller.

CLC Favors EI Moratorium

The Canadian Labor Congress is stepping up to the pitcher's plate, hoping to strike out Employment Insurance Reform. The CLC's Atlantic Region Director tells us South Shore workers and families are going to suffer from the changes. Tony Tracy is among those calling for a shelving of the EI cuts until further study.
He says the CLC has been getting an earful lately.



And its not just those involved in fishing and forestry. Tracy says a lot of school board workers, like those at the South Shore Regional board, fear they'll be deprived of benefits too through the summer because of the cuts. He says he strongly supports the Atlantic premiers and what they're trying to do to force a moratorium.

UPDATED: West Northfield Man Dies After Boat Capsizes

RCMP say an 80-year-old man has died after a boat capsized on Wentzells Lake Saturday evening. Police say Harris Arthur Turner of West Northfield passed away late last night in hospital. The cause of death is not known at this time. RCMP, along with EHS and fire officials responded to the scene around 5:30 last evening. A 63-year-old man was also taken to hospital with undisclosed injuries but was later released.

Local Men In Hospital After Boat Capsizes

Two Lunenburg County men have been taken to hospital after their boat capsized Saturday evening. Sgt. Alain LeBlanc says a 63-year-old and an 80-year-old are at South Shore Regional Hospital after the incident occurred around 5:30pm on Wentzells Lake. RCMP, along with EHS and fire officials responded to the scene. Sgt. LeBlanc says the extent of injuries is not known at this time. Preliminary investigation has determined that the men were out fishing in a small aluminum boat when the incident happened. 

Mooseheads Open Memorial Cup Against WHL Champion

The long-awaited start to this year's Memorial Cup in Saskatoon is about to begin for the Halifax Mooseheads. The herd square-off Saturday evening against the WHL Champion Portland Winterhawks. The top-three ranked junior players will all play in the game. Halifax's Nathan MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin will battle top-ranked defenceman Seth Jones. The game starts at 7pm.

Local Provincial Parks Set To Open

A pair provincial parks along the South Shore are opening for the season this weekend. Rissers Beach in Lunenburg County and Thomas Raddall in Queens will officially open Saturday. The Victoria Day long weekend is the unofficial kick-off to the summer season. Campers are reminded that the annual alcohol-free period is in effect at all parks until early July. RCMP say they will be out in full-force to monitor roads.

RCMP Remind Public About Bicycle Safety

RCMP are calling on residents to make sure they are being as safe as they can while riding their bicycle. Police says its important for people riding bicycles to remember to wear helmets, and they must have a light and reflector on their bike while riding at night. If people are caught without using the safety features, fines range from $141 to $342. The bike could also be seized by police for over 30 days. Police say motorists also face fines up to $800 if they don't give a bicyclist at least a metre of space while passing them.

Municipal Council Approves Pension Payments, Name Change

MARC North has a new name and a pension plan will be paid in a lump sum. The Municipality of Lunenburg moved ahead with the two recommendations from committee. Council has approved paying up to $190,000 to fund pension plans for 13 laid-off workers at the recycling centre in Whynott's Settlement. They also decided to change the name of MARC North, to River Ridge Common. A contest was held in surrounding communities to change the name of the land just outside New Germany.

Gas Prices Rise Again

You can hear the moaning and the groaning of South Shore drivers. Gas prices are up yet again today at the pumps. Its Friday and the province's utility and review board set prices overnight. Regular self serve has been bumped up almost 2 cents to $1.29.2 per litre. Diesel is unchanged at $1.26.1.

Argyle-Barrington Tories Select Their Candidate

A familiar face will be the PC candidate in Argyle-Barrington in the next provincial election. Chris d'Entremont was selected last night at a nomination meeting in Barrington. In accepting it, d'Entremont bashed the Dexter government for what he calls its lack of action in dealing with 13 percent unemployment in his area.



Progressive Conservative Party leader Jamie Baillie was also at last night's nomination meeting. He charged the NDP government with turning its back on families in the area. d'Entremont is a former radio announcer and first elected to the House of Assembly in 2003. He has served as a minister in various high-profile Cabinet posts, such as agriculture and fisheries and health.

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.

South Shore Students Receive Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal

Eleven students from the South Shore Regional School Board were presented with the Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal today. The ceremony took place at North Queens Community School with Brigadier-General J.J. Grant in attendance to present the medals. The medal can been awarded to two grade 11 students from each high school across the province. They are given to a boy and a girl who demonstrate leadership and service in their school and community while maintaining their academic standing. Students are nominated by their school annually. This year's medal recipients are listed below.

• Breanna Eileen Laffin - Bridgewater Jr/Sr High School
• Benjamin Willis Conrad - Bridgewater Jr/Sr High School
• Chelsea Jean Collicutt - Forest Heights Community School
• Brandon Granville Bremner - Forest Heights Community School
• Robyn Destiny Jade McLeod Whynot - Liverpool Regional High School
• Gavin William Raddall - Liverpool Regional High School
• Emma-Sue Wagner - New Germany Rural High School
• Jonathan Stanley Murphy - New Germany Rural High School
• Nichole Jane van Dyk - North Queens Rural High School
• Hanna Marie Longard - Park View Education Centre
• Morgan York Zwicker - Park View Education Centre

VIDEO: United Way Of Lunenburg County Celebrates 10 Years

A good mix of business representatives and community supporters turned out for the United Way of Lunenburg County's celebration of 10 years in operation Wednesday morning at the Days Inn in Bridgewater. The event also recognized the group's successful campaign of reaching $1-million invested back into the community. The video below is of various group's receive money from the United Way Lunenburg County.

Midville Branch House Fire Deemed Accidental

A fire that destroyed an Upper Branch Road home has been deemed accidental. Midville Fire Chief Graham Campbell says the fire marshal has wrapped up their investigation, but the cause remains unknown. Firefighters from Midville returned to the scene Wednesday morning after they received a call for a flare-up in the basement. A family of four are homeless as a result of the fire, which broke out early Tuesday afternoon.

Yarmouth MLA Calls On "Feds" To Shelve EI Reform

The MLA for Yarmouth is calling on the prime minister to stop ignoring the Atlantic region and put a hold on Employment Insurance reforms. Prime Minister Stephen Harper says the Atlantic premiers are wrong in suggesting changes to EI rules are hurting seasonal workers and industry. He says they're spreading misinformation. Liberal Zach Churchill in Yarmouth says the federal government has acted wrecklessly and should halt EI reform right away.



The Atlantic premiers plan to study the effects of the changes and present interim findings to the annual meeting of Canada's premiers in July.

Kiosks Help Parents Register Babies At Hospital

The province has set up a new electronic kiosk at the South Shore Regional Hospital to allow parents to register their baby's birth and enrol their child in government programs. The initiative gives parents the opportunity to apply for the baby's Social Insurance Number and Canada Child Benefits, activate a baby's health card and order their baby's birth certificate. A secretary for maternal child units with South Shore Health, Lisa Joudrey, says the kiosk reduces the amount of paperwork new parents face.



The hospital is one of nine across the province to have the kiosk installed. The system has been installed on the fourth floor in the maternal unit. The process to apply and activate a baby's information takes about 20 minutes.

UPDATED: Impaired Driving Causing Death Case Delayed

 

The case of a Lunenburg County woman charged with impaired driving causing the death of her nine-year-old daughter has been put over to June. Candice Roxanne Moore did not appear when her case came to provincial court in Bridgewater today. Her lawyer says she needs more time to review the case. Moore is charged with criminal negligence causing death, dangerous driving causing death and refusing to comply with a demand for a breath sample. Police say the 31-year-old woman's daughter was killed on January 19 after the little girl was dropped off at a home in Pleasantville. They say Olive Moore was standing in the road when she was struck by a van as it left the driveway. The case has been adjourned until June 19.

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.