Arrests, Charges After Wild Incident In Chester Basin

Two men are facing charges following a break-in at a gas station in Chester Basin. The incident was reported early Friday morning at the Petro Canada. Authorities say when they arrived, they noticed the window to the garage door was smashed. Officers later found a 30 year old man inside the store who was being held by the person who reported the burglary. The alleged thief was seriously injured and was transported to hospital in Halifax. In a media release, Mounties say the suspect remains in serious condition. The Western Shore man is facing charges of break and enter, mischief and impaired driving. Meanwhile, a 51 year old man of Chester Basin has been charged with aggravated assault and assault with a weapon. Police say he was the man who called in the attempted robbery. He's been released and is due in court on July 3rd.

Tourism Strategy Focus' To Attract New Visitors

The province is working with tourism operators to attract more first time visitors to Nova Scotia. Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Graham Steele says the new five-year strategy helps to encourage tourists to make Nova Scotia their first choice and stop. The Nova Scotia Tourism Agency has already started to implement many aspects of the long-term strategy, such as a new tourism brand and marketing campaign.

The long-term tourism strategy focuses on five areas:

-- leadership and collaboration between government and industry

-- inspirational, strategic marketing that creates a unique and compelling brand

-- evidence-based decisions after consulting with visitors and potential visitors

-- higher-quality product and experiences that inspire visitors to travel throughout the province.

-- better access to Nova Scotia, and throughout the province

Whalen, McIntosh To Compete At World University Games

A pair of South Shore track and field athletes have been named to the Canadian team for this summer's World University Games in Kazan, Russia. Heptathlete Rachael McIntosh of Bridgewater and Chelsea Whalen of Liverpool will compete for their country during the event from July 7-12. Both women have enjoyed great seasons so far. McIntosh helped the Calgary Dinos win the CIS National Championship, winning a gold, silver and bronze during the competition. Whalen has continued to set new personal bests and records at Florida State University, while winning a number of events. Fifty-six athletes will represent Canada at the event.

Most Senators Doing Their Job Well: Political Scientist

As the expense claims scandal continues to stew in the Senate, Nova Scotia is represented in the country's upper chamber by ten senators. Conservative Donald Oliver of the South Shore has been there for more than 20 years and is assistant speaker. Liberal Senator Wilfred Moore also represents the South Shore. Political scientist Agar Adamson of Chester and Wolfville believes Oliver, Moore and the other 8 Senators from this province have been performing their duties well despite the scandal tainting the whole chamber.



Some other notable Senators from Nova Scotia include Liberals Jim Cowan and Terry Mercer and Conservatives Gerald Comeau and Kelvin Ogilvie.

Miss Ally Fundraiser Nets Over $86,000

A facebook site dedicated to helping the families of the Miss Ally crew members has raised more than $86,000. About 600 items raised money in 'The Courageous Crew of Miss Ally-Lost at Sea Fundraising Auction.' Items included hockey tickets and jerseys as well as gift certificates and handmade crafts. Administrator Kendra Swimm of Yarmouth says she expected to raise only $1,000, but the community rallied and the support has been huge. The last official total is $86,880. The auction started days after the five men were lost at sea. Their boat capsized about 120 kilometres southeast of Liverpool in mid-February. Swimm says local residents and people from as far away as Thailand supported the group's cause. Each of the five families are expected to receive over $17,000. She credits other organizers for making it a success including Margaret Chetwynd of Clark's Harbour and Nancy Drake of HRM.

Spts-Bottomley Signs Up As Amherst Coach & GM

First he's out! Now, he's in! A day after announcing Jim Bottomley would not be back in Amherst next season as coach and general manager, the club has now signed him to a new deal. Ramblers president Jim Henwood says Bottomley has signed a two-year extension to continue in both roles. Bottomley of course spent several seasons as head coach of the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks.

Spring Fling Not Far Flung Idea For Needed Roseway ER Dollars!

The hospital auxiliary in Shelburne is springing into high gear for its 4th annual Spring Fling! The Roseway Hospital group is attempting to raise $20,000. toward renovating the Emergency Department. Auxiliary secretary Tami Crosby says the annual event tomorrow (Saturday) will go a long way toward helping.



Among other things, the Spring Fling will feature gift basket raffles, a "this and that" table, clothing, books, baked goods, games and refreshments. It runs Saturday from 10am to 2pm at the Community Centre in Shelburne.

Committee Rejects Development Agreement For Proposed Blockhouse Facility

The planning advisory committee for the Municipality of Lunenburg is listening to resident concerns when it comes to a proposed facility in Blockhouse. The committee has rejected a request by staff to endorse a development agreement for a construction and demolition diversion complex. A crowd of roughly 140 people erupted with hand-clapping and whistles after the decision was made. Community spokesman Paul Young says a majority of residents couldn't be happier.



One member of the committee was in favour of moving ahead with the project. Councillor Eric Hustvedt says staff did a good job with the regulatory aspects and he wasn't as concerned as others with the environmental issues raised regarding the facility. Halifax C and D is interested in setting up the facility off the Cornwall Road. Council is expected to discuss the matter at their June 11 meeting.

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.