Red Cross assisting family of 5 displaced by house fire in New Glasgow, community fundraiser also underway
Two adults and three young children safely escaped when fire broke out early Monday night in a house on Brother Street Extension in New Glasgow. The home sustained extensive fire and smoke damage, but no one was injured. Brother Street Extension was closed for over an hour while New Glasgow Fire Department attended the scene. Investigators from fire and police are trying to determine the possible cause of the fire. The Canadian Red Cross is providing assistance and Ward One Counsellor Russell Borden has also organized a community fundraiser for the family. He asks that if anyone is able to donate, any amount would be appreciated. Monetary donations, gift cards, clothing, and furniture are being accepted. Donations can be sent by EFT to: russellborden@gmail.com In-person donations can be dropped off at 118 Old Marsh Road (leave items on side step for contactless delivery). Items needed include 12-14 girl clothes size, 6 women’s shoe, 11-12 girl clothes size 4 children’s shoes, 2T girls clothes size 8, and toddler shoes.
Nova Scotia reports five new deaths related to COVID-19
Nova Scotia reported an additional five COVID-19-related deaths on Monday, as well as 15 new hospital admissions due to the disease. Officials say three of the new deaths were reported in the central zone, while the two others were in the western region. With the latest deaths, a total of 131 people in the province have died after contracting COVID-19. Officials say there are 92 people being treated for COVID-19 in hospital in a designated unit, including 14 people in intensive care. There are also 119 people who contracted the disease after being admitted to hospital and 93 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival at hospital but do not need specialized care for the disease. 362 new lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported. There are 165 cases in Central Zone, 45 cases in Eastern Zone, 61 cases in Northern Zone and 91 cases in Western Zone. As of Monday, there was an estimated 4,470 active cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia. (With files from The Canadian Press)
67-year old woman dies in house fire in Colchester County
RCMP are investigating a fatal house fire just east of Truro. Police say the home was engulfed in flames when they arrived on the scene in Murray Siding early Sunday morning. Emergency crews discovered the body of a 67-year-old woman inside the home when the fire was extinguished. The Mounties say a preliminary investigation has determined the fire was not suspicious.
Premier Houston to chair Council of Atlantic Premiers meeting
Photo credit: Communications N.S.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston will lead a virtual meeting today of the Council of Atlantic Premiers. It will be his first council meeting as chairman, a role he assumed on January 1st. The agenda will focus on COVID-19 and economic recovery. As well, federal Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc will take part in a discussion about the Atlantic Loop energy project.
Mounties in East Hants search for cremation urn stolen in recent break-in
Police in Nova Scotia are asking for the public’s help as they investigate a break-in that resulted in the theft of several items, including an urn containing cremated remains. The RCMP in East Hants say the theft was reported Dec. 30 from a home in Upper Rawdon, about 60 kilometres north of Halifax. The Mounties say the stolen urn contained the ashes of the homeowner’s late son, and a laptop, a television and jewelry were also taken. A Facebook post on Monday from the RCMP shows a photo of the urn, an ornate box that features a photo of the young man. (The Canadian Press)
New program helps Nova Scotians quit smoking with free nicotine replacement therapy
The Lung Association of Nova Scotia has launched a new program called Quit NS, and it provides free nicotine replacement therapies to people trying to quit smoking. It’s aimed at helping someone quit smoking over a four-week period through nicotine replacement therapies like gum and lozenges, which are sent directly to them in the mail. About 400 nicotine replacement therapy kits are available to Nova Scotians over 18. You can register online or by calling the Lung Association of Nova Scotia. When registering, participants will answer a few questions which will be screened by staff at the centre to determine if they are eligible, how addicted they are to nicotine and what dosage they will require. The kits will then be mailed directly to the participant. (With files from CBC)
2 new programs launched in New Glasgow
The Town of New Glasgow has partnered with the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage to launch two new programs. The Youth Micro-grant Program was created as many young students in the community wanted to be more involved in municipal projects and planning. The town says the program will support youth in New Glasgow to implement projects related to walking, biking and/or unstructured outdoor play. Youth are invited to submit applications for micro-grants up to $1000. The Town of New Glasgow is also seeking submissions from local artists of all ages for art pieces to be installed along the trail system. Application packages can be obtained by contacting Veronica at recreation@newglasgow.ca or 902-755-8363. The deadline to apply to each program is Sunday, February 20, 2022, at 11:59pm.
