Fire has destroyed a two-story home in Appleton. Gander RCMP say the blaze broke out just before 11 this morning at the home on River Road. Police say a young girl got out of the dwelling unharmed.

Motorists travelling near Holy Sepulchre Cemetary this evening will want to take note of the following traffic advisories. Beginning at 4pm this afternoon, traffic on Blackmarsh Road between Topsail Road and Canada Drive will be cut down to one lane heading in the easterly direction only.

NAPE has been declared the sole bargaining agent for all laboratory and x-ray technicians with the Labrador - Grenfell Health Authority . Previously those workers were represented by NAPE and CUPE . NAPE President Carol Furlong welcomed the former CUPE members.

Thousands of children across the province will benefit from a 350 thousand dollar investment from the provincial government in the Canadian Tire JumpStart Program . The President of the Canadian Tire Foundation for Families Dan Thompson says the program helps kids participate in organized sports and recreation like dance, martial arts, swimming and hockey.

A cross country bicycle tour for cancer is coming to a close. The Typically Canadian cyclists spent last evening in Harbour Grace, and today begin the final leg toward St.John's. They will officially be welcomed at Confederation Building 11:30 tomorrow morning.

Cadet Declan Seviour is on the Basic Course at the Greenwood Air Cadet Summer Training Center, located in Greenwood, Nova Scotia.

It might have been unheard of years ago, but a shortage of workers has prompted a well known St.John's business to reduce its shop hours. Auntie Crae's has been operating 7 days a week for the past 30 years but owner Janet Kelly says that is no longer possible.

Anaconda Mining of Toronto says its first gold pour at the Pine Cove mine on the Baie Verte Peninsula took place last week. The pour yielded three gold bars with a collective weight of 141 ounces.

The Federal Standing Committee on Finance will be holding a public hearing in St. John's October 6th. MP Norm Doyle says July 31st is the deadline for groups or individuals wishing to make a presentation to the hearing.

St. John's appears to be having a better than average year for tourist activity. A Destination St. John's survey indicates the first 6 months of 2008 have seen an increase in accommodation in hotels.

RCMP have not released the cause of a suspicious fire at an abandoned building on the Salmonier Line. The blaze broke out at the old pharmacy in St. Catherine's early Wednesday morning. Police say the building had no power going to it and has been abandoned for eight years.

The Federal Fisheries Minister says the proposed ban of seal products by the European Union should not apply to Canada...and an official with the EU seems to agree. The EU has proposed an import ban on products derived from seals it deems are 'inhumanely' killed.

Noon today is the deadline for PC nominations in two districts awaiting a byelection call...and there is no shortage of interest in representing the governing party on the ballot.

The RNC is staying mum on further details concerning what they have termed a suspicious death in Mount Pearl. A 64-year old man was found dead in his home Monday night. Officers were reportedly canvassing the neighbourhood yesterday, asking questions.

The market watchers were correct! Fuel prices have taken a tumble in Newfoundland and Labrador. Gasoline is down by close to ten cents a litre this morning while diesel costs about 8 1/2 cents less.

The Nurses Union says a shortage of nurses continues to impact patients' access to health care.

RCMP are investigating a suspicious fire at an abandoned building on the Salmonier Line in St. Catherine's. The building, commonly known as the old pharmacy, was found ablaze around 3 this morning. The local volunteer fire department doused the flames.

Several people have come forward looking to represent the conservatives in anticipation of a couple of upcoming byelections. Tomorrow noon is the deadline to file papers. Torbay Mayor Bob Codner and Flatrock Mayor Kevin Parsons have announced their intent to seek the nod in Cape St. Francis.

The federal minister of fisheries is expected to issue a statement later today on the latest development in the seal hunt. The European Union has proposed an import ban on products derived from seals it deems are inhumanely killed.

Mount Pearl councilors say this year's Mount Pearl City Days were a huge success, but there was one matter that several residents did complain about....smoking. It is not permitted at city-owned facilities, inside or outside, including St. David's Field.