Open Meeting For Potential School Board Candidates

A meeting will be held this week for people thinking about becoming a school board member this October. The regional school board is hosting the information session. The meeting is expected to provide potential members with an indication of what it means to be part of an elected School Board. It will also include information like how to run a campaign, the highlights and challenges of being a School Board member, and the role of governance and management. The meeting will be held Wednesday from 6:30-9pm at the School Board office in Bridgewater.

Facts And Folklore: Book to Be Launched

A book with quips and quirks about the South Shore will be launched Saturday at the Bridgewater Mall. South Shore Facts and Folklore was written by Vernon Oickle and talks about some of the region's history, culture and people. Oickle says the book is full of useful information.



The book is dedicated to current region of Queens Mayor and former teacher John Leefe. Oickle says Leefe taught him and inspired his interest in local history. The book will be launched at COLES Book Store from 1-3pm.

Slight Drop In Gasoline Price

The recently slumping price of oil is headed up again. After gaining 76-cents yesterday, oil is up another 50-cents this morning to trade at $91.16 U-S a barrel. Still, oil is down 13 per cent so far this month. Here on the South Shore this morning, gasoline prices are down a bit. The URB set the price overnight for regular self serve at $1.29 per litre. Thats a penny less than yesterday's price.

Air Cadets Celebrate 60th Anniversary in Queens

The 545 Air Cadets will celebrate 60 years in Queens County this weekend. It's a big milestone for the squadron which will culminate with a celebration at Queen Place in Liverpool on Sunday. The cadets have been busy preparing for the gala event - set to feature demonstrations, displays and visit from Premier Darrell Dexter. Commanding Officer Brian Oickle believes the anniversary is a great opportunity to show case the program.



The air cadets are in the midst of moving their program to the former South Queens Junior High facility in hopes of becoming more visible in the community. Events begin at 2 o'clock on Sunday afternoon.

Soccer Club To Manage Centre Fields

The Lunenburg United Soccer club will be managing the fields they play on. The Municipality of Lunenburg has entered into an agreement with the club to look after the former Centre school soccer fields this season. Club secretary Rachel Bailey says the fields are crucial to their operation.




Club members were concerned about the future of the fields in February because Centre school was pegged to close. Bailey says it will be business as usual for this season.

MLA Birdsall Speaks Out On Power

The MLA for Lunenburg says the future of power lies with the Lower Churchill project. Emera, the parent company of Nova Scotia Power, has an agreement with Nalcor Energy in Newfoundland to provide power to our province once the project is complete. Pam Birdsall believes the project will benefit the province when its ready.


Nova Scotia Power has asked the province’s Utility and Review Board for rate hikes of three per cent in each of the next two years for residential customers. Meanwhile, Birdsall says the opposition brought up deregulating the energy market during the spring session of the Legislature. She says Nova Scotians shouldn't travel down that road.

The first phase of the proposed $6.2-billion Lower Churchill project is expected to be completed by 2017.

URB To Hold School Board Hearing In June

A date has been set for a public hearing on the size of the next South Shore Regional School Board. Judith Sullivan-Corney announced Wednesday night the province's Utility and Review Board will hold the hearing June 18 at the board office in Bridgewater. The meeting will begin at 10am. The province decided to make changes to the Education Act in April to allow the opportunity for smaller school boards. The amendment will require school boards to have at least five members, along with two at-large members representing African Nova Scotian and Mi'kmaq communities.

VIDEO: Tattoo's New Events & Performers 2012

The Royal International Tattoo will feature more than national and international performers this year. They will host a new Nova Scotia Webcam to give fans a backstage peek of rehearsals and set up of the Halifax Metro Centre. On Canada Day, Tattoo events will air on PBS, and former Tattoo members are set to get married during the show. Artistic Director Ian Fraser says they put the event together as a fast moving package with lots of variety.



The show will also feature 3 sub themes: The Titanic, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the War of 1812. And after 12 years, the Naval Gun Race will return. There will also be free pipe and drum workshops. The annual Tattoo hits the stage on July 1st.

Jennex Nixes Moratorium On School Closures

The province's Education Minister is saying "no" to a moratorium on school closures in Nova Scotia. Ramona Jennex turned down the request during a meeting with District of Lunenburg mayor Don Downe Tuesday in Halifax. Downe was hoping for a moratorium because three schools have been closed in the municipality and are now their responsibility. He's calling on the government to take action.




Downe presented three options to the minister which includes a provincial position on the impact of school closures in rural communities, reviewing and revising the 1982 agreement between the Department of Education and Municipalities to transfer ownership of schools to the province to reflect the change in municipal units borrowing powers and reviewing the school review process. The two sides are expected to come together in the next few weeks.

PC Leader Embarks On South Shore & Valley Tour

Nova Scotia's Progressive Conservative Leader has embarked on a two day tour of the western part of the province.  Jamie Baillie is concentrating on the South Shore, Yarmouth and the Valley as he prepares for a provincial election, which could happen next spring.  His tour is aimed at the fishing, farming, forestry and tourism industries. 

He tells us South Shore residents deserve to know his beliefs and his party stands.

Baillie has meetings lined up with business and community leaders and citizens at large. He will be touring fish plants, the Shelburne ship repair facility and the restoration project at White Point Beach resort.



Baillie will wrap up his swing through the area when he speaks Thursday night at the nomination meeting in Bridgewater for new-minted Lunenburg-West PC candidate David Mitchell.

Staying The Course: MODL Says "No" To E-Voting

The Municipality of Lunenburg is sticking to their guns when it comes to voting. Council members decided against a motion to watch a presentation on e-voting for the upcoming municipal elections. Deputy Mayor Frank Fawson attended a meeting recently with the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities and says roughly 70% of municipalities in the province will be using some form of e-voting. Councillor Martin Bell says its too late to try and establish e-voting with only four months before the October elections. Bridgewater and Chester have both indicated they will use electronic voting for their advance polls.

South Shore: Bogus Money Floating Around

Police are trying to figure out if there is a connection between phony money floating around Halifax and the South Shore. Three cases have been reported in Bridgewater and Lunenburg in the last week where counterfeit bills were passed. Three other cases were spotted over the last week in the Halifax Regional Municipality. The bills seized were mainly $50's and $20's and are the older series paper currency as opposed to the new polymer banknotes. Constable Will Creamer of the Bridgewater Police Service says his office is working with the Financial Crime Unit in Halifax to see if the cases are connected. A Dartmouth man has been charged in relation to the incidents in Halifax. Counterfeit bills have also turned up recently in Windsor and Amherst.

Municipality of Lunenburg Sets Tax Rates

The Municipality of Lunenburg is holding the line on their residential tax rate. Council approved its 2012-13 budget Tuesday night. The residential rate remains at $0.81 cents per 100 of assessment while the commercial tax rate dropped $0.10 cents from $2.05 to $1.95. Mayor Don Downe says they plan to stay the course.



Residents will also continue to be taxed the two-and-a-half cents for the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. The municipality has a capital budget of just over $3.4-million while its operating budget is $29.8-million.

600 New Patients For Nurse Practitioners

Bridgewater's two new nurse practitioner's had a busy first week. They've accepted over 600 new patients. Spokesperson for South Shore Health Liz Finney says that even though the phone lines were busy, the first week has gone very well.




New patients will only be accepted after July 16th if they don't have a family physician. This will give the nurse practitioners time to intake their current new patients and arrange follow up appointments. The new hires are the first step towards Bridgewater's proposed Collaborative Health Centre.

Its Tick Time!

'Tis the season for ticks ... lots of ticks .... all the way from Yarmouth to the central part of the province.  There are various variations ... wood ticks, dog ticks and in some places .... black-legged ticks.
Museum of Natural History entomologist Andrew Hepda tells us, there is little you can do about them, except grin and bear it and take precautions.  He says its important to dress properly and to check for ticks when you get home.

"When you come back in just do a top to bottom check to see if there is "anybody" on you. It usually takes about 24 hours to get up into a feeding position so they're still crawling around for that first 24 hours. Once they start feeding (on your blood), it still takes them a good 48 hours to get that full feed. So, you've got lots of time to check."

Black legged ticks are the ones that can be potential carriers of lyme disease.  They have been confirmed to exist in some parts of the region.  Last year, a couple of black-legged ticks were found in Yarmouth County and confirmed to be carriers of the virus that causes Lyme disease.

Tipping Fees Going Up At Whynott Settlement Landfill

It will soon cost more to dump items at the Whynott Settlement landfill. Bridgewater council has agreed to recommendations from the waste management committee to raise the price of tipping fees to help recover costs. The biggest increase will see commercial haulers charged $141 to drop their waste, up from $60. Councillor Bill McInnis says the cost increases will mainly affect businesses and some residents.



Compost fees will be $100, increasing by $25, and rural septic users will pay just over $31. Blue bags remain at no charge. The price changes are effective August 1.

Potential For More Products From Forestry

There is great potential for expanding the forest industry in Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne and Yarmouth counties.  Thats the belief of Argyle MLA Chris D'Entremont. He points to the many products that can be produced, aside from the traditional paper and building products.

"The minerals, the extract and those kinds of things. Lets do some research. Lets see where we can go on that one and bring that forward. We know that when it comes to bio-medicine, there's a lot of money available in that, that might be able to take a piece of what that industry is and keep it alive."

D'Entremont says the forest industry needs to be more self-sufficient and not reliant on the large pulp and paper mills, like Bowater-Mersey.

Long-Service Awards For South Shore Paramedics

A trio of South Shore paramedics will receive long service medals during a ceremony in Halifax today. Bruce Leaman of Liverpool along with Crystal Larkin and James Currie of Shelburne will receive the prestigious award this year.  The Paramedic Long Service Award is based on five-year increments of service of 20 years and more. Paramedics with 20 years of service receive a medal for their dress uniform. For each additional five-year increment, paramedics receive a service bar pinned on the medal. The awards have been given out every year since 2010 in conjunction with Emergency Medical Services week in the province. The award is in the shape of the Star of Life, which is internationally recognized as the symbol for paramedic service. It also has the Nova Scotia Coat of Arms along with the EHS logo and is worn on the Paramedic dress uniform.

Man Charged In April ATV Incident

A Lunenburg County man is facing charges in relation to an incident in First South back in April.  The driver of an ATV was injured when he and his vehicle ran into barbed wire strung between two trees.  After an investigation, the RCMP have now charged a 65 year old man with criminal negligence and setting a trap that likely will cause bodily harm.  A court appearance is expected in a few days.

Mitchell Receives PC Nod For Lunenburg West

Lunenburg West has its PC candidate for the next provincial election. Current Bridgewater councillor David Mitchell got the nod after there were no other nominations received by the Tory Party. He replaces Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, who chose not to seek the nomination after battling health issues. Mitchell says he hopes to start a new chapter of his life as a provincial politician.



Mitchell says he's undecided about running for Bridgewater council now that he's running for MLA. He says he's not bothered by the wave of NDP orange covering every constituency on the South Shore.



Mitchell says school review and power rates are the biggest issues concerning South Shore residents. A meeting to announce Mitchell as the official Progressive Conservative candidate for Lunenburg West will be held Thursday evening at the Bridgewater Legion.

Queens MLA: Opposition Playing Politics Over Power Rates

The NDP MLA for Queens is calling it a productive session in the house. The Nova Scotia Legislature rose after 34 days Thursday with the government introducing 33 bills. But, it was the issue of Nova Scotia Power and rate increases that caught the most attention. Both Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil and PC Leader Jamie Baillie wanted the government to remain in the house until the issue was resolved. Vicki Conrad says it was a last minute ploy by the opposition.



Conrad says she's looking to get back to her constituency and dealing with local concerns.

Bridgewater, Liverpool Nominated For Kraft Celebration Tour

At least two South Shore towns have been nominated for the Kraft Celebration Tour. The event gives 10 communities across Canada a chance to win $25,000 towards improving active living in your area. Both Liverpool and Bridgewater have been garnering support so far. Queens County resident Joel Zwicker nominated Liverpool. He says the community needs a skate park.



Residents are encouraged to vote for Liverpool and Bridgewater by writing a small testimonial about why they should be chosen. People have until June 10 to show their support before judging begins on the nominated communities.Previous Nova Scotia winners include Amherst, Pictou, Port Hood and Sackville. To have your say go to http://www.kraftcelebrationtour.ca/

Fire Near Chester Under Investigation

No one was hurt as a result of a fire near Chester last night. Although an old garage containing vehicles in Haddon Hill on Highway 3 was destroyed. A century-old residence on the property that was once an inn, known as Haddon Hall, suffered considerable damage. At around 11:30 fire fighters from Chester, Chester Basin, Hubbards, Blandford and Western Shore were involved in battling the blaze. The fire department and police are in the preliminary stages of investigation.

Argyle MLA Says Its The NDP way Or No Way At All

NS Legislature Building

The spring sitting of the Nova Scotia legislature has wrapped up.  Proposed power rate hikes dominated the closing days of the session with both opposition parties saying the Dexter government doesn't want to deal with the issue.  Argyle PC MLA Chris D'Entremont says the government actually refuses to deal with anything that isn't NDP-branded.  He says:

"They don't want to listen to the opposition parties at all. I know how the back rooms tend to work. There's a little bit of trade-off that goes on. Once in a while, an idea gets put into an NDP bill or a government bill or there's a bill that comes forward from the opposition. But, when it comes to something substantive, absolutely nothing! There have been no dealings whatsoever!"

Meanwhile, the just-concluded session produced 34 government bills including one that extends the life of the former NewPage mill workers' pension plans.  Another ensures the utility review board evaluates the Maritime Link, part of the proposed 6.2-billion dollar Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project in Labrador.

Most Wanted: Bridgewater Police Make Arrest

A 22 year-old man listed among Halifax's most wanted has been arrested by police on the South Shore. Members of the Bridgewater Police Service took 22 year-old Matthew Sudds into custody last night after a foot chase in the downtown core. Sudds had outstanding warrants issued by Halifax Regional Police surrounding an assault and failure to appear in court. He has been transferred into the custody of Halifax Regional Police and is due in court later today.

RCMP Seek Public Help In Solving Lunenburg County Break & Enter

It happened well-over a month ago but Lunenburg County RCMP are still puzzled by a break and enter at a home in Cherry Hill.  Someone broke into the home along highway 331 during the afternoon or early evening of April 6th.

Among the haul stolen were two engagement rings, gold rings, watches, necklaces, vintage Beatles and Elvis records, silver coins and the list goes on.  The value is thought to be in the thousands of dollars.

Earlier this month, some of the stolen goods were found scattered in the woods off the Petite Riviere Road in Petite Riviere.

Investigators are seeking the public's help in tracking down the thieves.

Jennex: Former Board Members Can Re-Offer

Education Minister Ramona Jennex says she has no problems with former board members running in the October elections. Jennex fired the 12-member board last November after a scathing report from Deloitte Inc. revealed frequent violations by the board of its own by-laws, persistent cases of conflict of interest and too much focus on individual agendas. Members including Karen Reinhardt, Herb Seymour and Butch MacLeod have indicated they intend to run again while others remain undecided or don't plan to run. Jennex says she isn't concerned about former members getting re-elected.



She says every person has the democratic right to run in municipal, board, or provincial elections.

Chester: No Tax Hikes Included In Budget

There won't be any new tax hikes this year for residents and businesses in the municipality of Chester. Council passed their operating and capital budgets during their regular meeting this morning. The residential tax rate was set at $0.64 per $100 of assessment while commercial rates will hold steady at $1.54 per $100 of assessment. In a release, Warden Allen Webber says economic and environmental sustainability remains a priority for council and staff in hopes of promoting growth in the area. He says an example would be the large-scale wind project at the Kaizer Meadow Landfill site. The $5.5 million dollar project will be fully owned by the municipality. Other projects include fixing up the wharf in Chester Basin, constructing several sidewalks and putting a focus on health and well being initiatives. Overall, the municipality will feature an operation budget of just over $22 million dollars.

NSP Petition Turned Away

An online petition that opposes Nova Scotia Power's rate increases was turned down today in the legislature.  Roughly 30,000 signatures were gathered from social media websites. The NDP government blocked the petition based on a rule that prohibits tabling electronic petitions. Opposition Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the rule is out dated.


McNeil adds that support for the petition grows everyday. Last week Nova Scotia Power asked its customers to pay six per cent more for electricity over the next two years. A utilities and review board hearing will be held on the request this fall.

Court: Preliminary Hearing Set In Chester Basin Murder

A preliminary hearing for a teenager accused of killing his mother in Chester Basin will begin in January. Five days have been set aside for the hearing involving 18 year-old John (Jack) Buckley. He has pleaded not guilty to a charge of second degree murder in the death of Victoria Brauns-Buckley. The woman's body was found at her home on the Borgels Point Road on March 2nd, however its not known how she died. A preliminary hearing is used to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. The hearing will begin on January 16th in Bridgewater.

Group Urges Minister About Rural Education Strategy

Paul Bennett

A group of individuals are looking to change the way the province deals with rural education. The Small Schools Delegation met with Education Minister Ramona Jennex Tuesday to discuss their study called "Schools at the Centre: A Revitalization Strategy for Rural Communities." The group has asked for a moratorium on school reviews and closures during the proposed process. Chair Paul Bennett says change needs to happen sooner rather than later.



Bennett says Jennex seemed positive about the study but would need time to look over the document.

BREAKING: Leopold Found Guilty of Manslaughter

A jury has found a Liverpool man guilty of manslaughter in the death of his fiancée. It took a twelve member panel more than four hours to render a verdict in the trial of James Leroy Leopold. Sentencing will take place on June 27th. Leopold will be remanded to Nova Scotia Correction Centre.

BREAKING: Jury Requests Replay Of Testimony

The jury in the second degree murder case of Jamie Leopold has requested to hear a replay of testimony delivered by a forensic pathologist earlier in the trial. Dr. Eric Mont testified last week Laura Lee Robertson died from asphyxiation or some form of manual strangulation. However, Leopold told police Robertson was killed by a single blow to the neck after she bit his penis during a sexual act on the night of April 13th, 2011. The twelve member jury also asked for reenactment photos of how Robertson died but the request was denied because the photos were not entered as evidence during the trial. A reenactment of the fatal incident took place at Leopold's apartment just hours after he confessed to killing Robertson on April 27th of last year. The jury had been in deliberations for about two hours before making the request to replay the audio of the testimony.

Jury Deliberations Begin In Leopold Trial

The jury in the Supreme Court trial of James Leroy Leopold of Liverpool has begun deliberating the case. Leopold is charged with second degree murder in the death of his fiancée, Laura Lee Robertson. The twelve member panel will have to decide whether Leopold intended to kill Robertson or if her death was accidental. Justice Kevin Coady told jurors this morning during his instruction, if Leopold is found not guilty of second degree murder, a lesser charge of manslaughter would be applied. A guilty verdict on the second degree murder charge would carry a penalty of life in prison.

Meeting To Discuss Review Of Hebbville Academy

Parents and students of Hebbville Academy are gathering to talk about their school being up for review. A Town Hall public meeting will be held at 7pm Wednesday night at the school. The meeting will discuss potential changes and how residents can help during the process. The South Shore Regional School Board identified 10 schools for review between February and March. Hebbville's Student Advisory Council is hosting the meeting.

Leopold Trial: Moves Into Hands Of Jury

The fate of a Liverpool man will soon be in the hands of a twelve member jury. Thirty-three year-old Jamie Leopold is facing a charge of second degree murder in the death of his fiancée Laura Lee Robertson. Closing arguments wrapped up yesterday after Leopold's Defence lawyers decided not to call any witness in the Supreme Court trial. Robertson was killed on the night of April 13th, 2011 at an apartment she shared with Leopold in Liverpool. The jury is tasked with the job of determining whether or not Leopold intended to kill Robertson. A second degree murder charge carries a penalty of an automatic life sentence in jail.

Councillor Suggests More Info Needed On Tax Bills

A councillor with the Municipality of Lunenburg is looking to create more transparency. John Veinot put forward an initiative that would show residents where there money is going on their tax bills. He says people seem confused about the two-and-a-half cent special tax towards the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Veinot says it could clear things up if all costs were released.



The municipality's residential tax rate is currently at 80 cents per 100 of assessment. The notion was carried and will go to the public relations and communications committee for review.

MODL Concerned About Bridgewater Intersection

It's a change that needs to happen sooner rather than later, according to Arthur Young. The councillor with the Municipality of Lunenburg is looking for answers after the province's transportation department denied a request for traffic lights at the intersection where highway 325 meets the William Wile Road and Logan Road. Officials say it doesn't meet criteria but Young disagrees.



Committee of the Whole have decided to create an ad hoc committee. The committee will try and set up a meeting with department officials and local MLA Gary Ramey to determine a solution.

UPDATE: Closing Arguments Conclude In Leopold Trial

Closing arguments wrapped up today in the second degree murder trial of a Liverpool man after a sudden development in Nova Scotia Supreme Court. Defence lawyers for 33 year-old Jamie Leopold decided not to call any witnesses this morning in the court case. The move comes after the jury heard the end of a nine-hour police interview on Monday where Leopold told police he fatally struck Laura Lee Robertson in the neck but it was an accident. Leopold has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Robertson last April. Crown attorney's argue Leopold intended to kill Robertson based on testimony from a forensic expert who determined she was killed by some form of asphyxiation. However, defence lawyer Chris Manning says Leopold had no choice but to act quickly after Robertson bit his penis during a drunken sexual act on April 13, 2011. Manning presented photos of Leopold's injury to the jury today which still had not healed when the photos were taken five weeks after the alleged incident last year. The twelve member jury is expected to begin deliberations tomorrow morning.

Defence Rests In Bridgewater "Leopold Trial"

In a sudden new development this morning, defence lawyers for 33 year old James LeRoy Leopold have rested their case and will not call any witnesses.  Leopold has been on trial in Bridgewater Supreme Court on a second degree murder charge in the death of Laura Lee Robertson in April of 2011. 

The development came this morning after the jury heard a nine hour police video taped interview yesterday, in which Leopold told investigators her death was an accident.  Closing arguments are now taking place.

Jury deliberations will likely begin tomorrow.  The six man, six woman panel will be tasked with the job of determining whether or not Leopold intended to kill Robertson.

Day 5: Leopold Trial Resumes in Supreme Court

Defence lawyers for 33 year-old Jamie Leopold will call their first witness today in Nova Scotia Supreme Court. The Liverpool man has pleaded not guilty to a charge of second degree murder in the death of Laura Lee Robertson. Crown attorney's presented their final piece evidence on Monday in Bridgewater. The twelve member jury heard Leopold describe details of Robertson's death yesterday which he said was caused by a single blow to the neck on the night of April 13th, 2011. The details were revealed to the panel towards the tail end of a marathon interrogation interview. The jury heard Leopold tell investigators they were both drinking heavily at the time and her death was accident. The trial is expected to wrap up on Friday.

Former Lumberjack Conrad Back In Bridgewater

Jacob Conrad

A familiar face is back home and ready to try and bring an MHL title to Bridgewater. 19-year-old Jacob Conrad of New Germany, who has spent the last three seasons with the Gatineau Olympique of the QMJHL, will be suiting up for the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks this year. Conrad says he looks forward to playing in front of the hometown crowd.

Conrad had 11 points in 47 games last year with Gatineau. He played with the Lumberjacks for 21 games in 2009-10 before getting called up to the Olympique. He hopes to make an impact with the Lumberjacks as quickly as possible.

Bridgewater Lowers Tax Rate, Approves 2012-13 Budget

The tax rate is going down in the town of Bridgewater. Council lowered the residential rate from almost $1.67 per 100 of assessment to $1.65 and dropped the commercial rate from $4.05 to $3.99. Members also gave thumbs up to a capital budget of just over $2.8-million and a balanced operating budget of over $19.5-million. Mayor Carroll Publicover calls it a responsible budget.



Council voted 5-1 in favour of the budget. Jim Bell voted against, saying he couldn't support taking money out of reserves to balance the operating budget.

UPDATE: Leopold Tells Police Robertson's Death Accidental

A Liverpool man accused of murdering his fiance last April admitted to killing Laura Lee Robertson. However, Jamie Leopold told police in a videotaped statement it was an accident. The confession came during the tail end of a nine hour police interrogation video tape. Leopold revealed he struck Robertson in the neck while in bed on the night of April 13th and killed her with a single blow. Leopold told investigators he hit Robertson because she bit his penis during a sexual act at their apartment in Liverpool. He went on to tell police how he wrapped Robertson's body in a blanket and dumped the remains in the woods in Greenfield, Queens County. After the interrogation, Leopold led police to her remains shortly after 1AM on the morning of April 27th of last year. Crown attorney's finished presenting their evidence Monday on Day 4 of the trial. Lawyers for Leopold will now begin to cross examine witnesses. The Supreme Court trial is expected to conclude Friday.

Bluenose II Could Make Splash In Early July

Bluenose II Monday May 14, 2011

Nova Scotia's historic schooner could make waves in Lunenburg in two months. In an email obtained by CKBW/HANK-FM News between Captain Wayne Walters and members of the Lunenburg Board of Trade, Walters indicates the Bluenose II could be in the water as early as July. No firm date has been announced yet. A director with the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance, Kevin Feindel, says there is still work to be done before it goes in the water.




The project is expected to be completed in late September. There is no public sailing scheduled for this year but is expected next summer.

Police Make Arrests In Crack Cocaine Bust In Wolfville

Four people face charges after police seized four ounces of crack cocaine and cash after a bust last week. The Yarmouth/Clare Street Crime Unit arrested three men and a woman last week in Wolfville as part of an ongoing investigation. Two of the accused are from Sandy Beach, Yarmouth County while the others reside in Spryfield and Beaver Bank in HRM. They range in age from 28 to 56 years-old and each face trafficking charges. The quartet is scheduled to appear in court on June 25th in Kentville.

UPDATE: Leopold Trial Interrogation Nears End

The jury in the Supreme Court trial of a Queens County man is hearing the second half of a nine hour police interrogation. Thirty year old James Leroy Leopold of Liverpool is accused of killing his fiance, Laura Lee Robertson in April, 2011. RCMP Sergeant Greg Vardy began pressing Leopold in the videotaped interview conducted last year in Chester while he sat in a chair with his hands covering his face. At one point, Leopold told the officer he 'couldn't take this no more' and asked for his lawyer but Vardy continued to work him over. The interrogation lasts about nine hours in total and according to Crown attorney's includes Leopold's confession to the murder of Robertson. Leopold's lawyers have yet to present their case to the 12 member panel. The trial broke for lunch at 12:30PM and will pick back up at 2 o'clock.

Bridgewater "Leopold Trial" Resumes

James LeRoy Leopold

Crown attorneys will present the final part of their argument this week in the second degree murder trial of a Queens County man.  The jury will hear the second part of a video-taped police interrogation today involving 33 year-old James LeRoy Leopold and RCMP Sergeant Greg Vardy of Halifax.  The last half of the nine-hour interview is thought to include Leopold's confession to the murder of 47 year-old Laura Lee Robertson.  Defence lawyers have yet to present their case to the six-man six-woman jury.  The trial is expected to conclude later this week.

South Shore Businesses Receive Export Awards

A pair of South Shore businesses are receiving awards for their exporting excellence. Kenney and Ross Limited in Shelburne County along with TecBox in Rhodes Corner have been named top exporters in their communities. They are two of 11 companies across the province are also vying for exporter of the year. Vice President of Kenney and Ross, Jody Crook, says it's nice to be recognized in an elite class.



A ceremony will be held in Halifax Tuesday.

South Shore Health Holds Cancer Lecture

It's a chance for people to learn more about a dreaded disease. South Shore Health is welcoming residents to a lecture on colorectal cancer. The discussion will be led by medical oncologist Dr. Bruce Colwell and will be shown via video conference from Halifax. Communications Director, Liz Finney, says it will help people get necessary information.

The lecture will be held Tuesday from 7-8:30pm at the Regional Hospital in Bridgewater and Roseway Hospital in Shelburne.

Bridgewater And Area Softball Results

In Bridgewater and Area Mixed Softball League play from Friday night, Superior Rain Gutter took both ends of their double header against the Image Design Braves by scores of 14-6 and 12-11. Elsewhere, the Bridgewater Alers notched their first two wins of the year, taking down Northfield Home Heating 12-11 and 14-8. And Parsons ICF Construction split their contests with Bridgewater Insurance, winning 17-6 and losing 14-11. Elsewhere, the Oickle's Enviro Depot Naturals extend their winning streak to four games, defeating the Sociables 18-15 and 13-3. Meanwhile, Joudrey's Automotive Misfits handed the Renegades their first two defeats of the young season by scores of 12-7 and 9-8. Finally, OCR Motorsports maintained its share of first place by knocking off the Charlie's Pizza Longshots 11-6 and 17-5.

UPDATED: Infant Assault Case Adjourned Until May 16th

The case of a Barrington man charged with assault of his infant son has been adjourned until next week. Twenty-four year-old Adam Harold Hogg represented himself yesterday in Shelburne Provincial Court. He is charged with aggravated assault, failing to provide the necessities of life and criminal negligence. Last November, Mounties were called to the Roseway Hospital in Shelburne after medical staff reported a 23 day-old baby boy had suffered serious injuries. RCMP from the Southwest Nova Major Crime Unit in Chester led an 18-week investigation, which required detailed medical reports from the IWK Children’s Hospital in Halifax. He was arrested last month and has been released on conditions. The case picks back up on May 16th.

Gow's Grand Re-Opening

A local business that's over one-hundred-and-fifty years old is celebrating a grand re-opening. Gow's Home Hardware in Bridgewater will cut the ribbon on Thursday morning at 7:30. Amanda Fancy is the new owner of the town's oldest business, she says it's a way to thank customers and give them some deals. The event will include local dignitaries, dealers and Home Hardware officials.

Liverpool Home Hardware will also have a grand re-opening on the same day. They've been renovating the store over the year with new fixtures, décor and merchandise.

Michael Rafferty Found Guilty

Michael Rafferty has been found guilty of all counts in the abduction, rape and killing of eight-year-old Victoria Stafford.  A jury has convicted Rafferty of first-degree murder, sexual assault causing bodily harm and kidnapping in the 2009 death. Tori's father Rodney Stafford says he felt a lot of pent up emotion in the courtroom in London, Ontario.
 


Judge Thomas Heeney commended the jury for taking its time and reaching a verdict that was "just and amply supported by the evidence.''

20 Tree-Top Jobs At New Park

Jobs will be quite literally be high this summer at Upper Clement's Park. The fairground will be opening it's new "Adventure Park". The aerial venue offer 20 new jobs to supervise the elevated courses, zip lines and obstacles. General Manager Gregg Gaul says the new employees with join the 180 already working there.



The new park opens on June 16th. It's been 3 years in the making.