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.

Lunenburg Hosts UNESCO Photo Challenge

New and veteran photographer's can get ready to shoot! Canadian Geographic and Parks Canada have teamed up to create the "World Views" contest. They're encouraging anyone with a camera to capture a photo of any Canadian UNESCO World Heritage site. And with over $5,000 in prizes, Old Town Lunenburg looks as pretty as a picture. John Pinkerton from Parks Canada says the contest is a great way to show off the town.



Pinkerton says the contest is part of the 40th anniversary of the World Heritage Convention.  Photo's can be submitted online until August 24th.

School Board Wins Fourth Consecutive Transportation Award

It's a gold star for the regional school board's transportation department. The division won its fourth consecutive Nova Scotia Pupil Transportation Gold award. The awards are presented for high scores in safety and performance-related areas. Transportation Coordinator, Denise Crouse, says the award is another notch in the belt for the team of workers.


The board operates 87 buses that transport roughly 6,500 students daily.

Mother's Day Gift That Gives

If you're looking for a meaningful Mother's Day gift, why not help out a women's centre? Second Story Women's Centre in Lunenburg is hosting their annual Mother's Day jewelry sale tomorrow at Bridgewater mall. All jewellery is donated by women in the community with all proceeds going into the Centre's programming. Second Story's Joanne Jefferson says the fundraiser raises as much as $1,000.

Jewelry can still be donated on the date of the sale, which will happen from 10 until 3.  Prices range from 50 cents to 5 dollars.

Gasoline Prices Down Again!

Gasoline prices have taken another drop at South Shore pumps.  A litre of regular self-serve is selling this morning for $1.30.1.  Thats a drop of close to three and a half cents.  By the way, if you are in Halifax today and need to top up or fill up, gasoline at metro area pumps is a few digits less than here ... $1.29.7 a litre.

South Shore Health Releases 2012-13 Business Plan

South Shore Health is looking at doing business differently. The local health authority has recognized $2.2-million in cost efficiencies in their 2012-13 business plan. The cost savings include better management of their medication, utilizing beds, reducing their lease costs and becoming more energy efficient. CEO Alice Leverman says they want to minimize the impact on programs for patients.

"We looked internally at what we are doing and how we are doing it to define ways that we could be more efficient in carrying out the business that we're in."

She says it will allow them to stay on top of rising costs like inflation, wages, and energy to remain within budget parameters. Health and Wellness Minister Maureen MacDonald says the nine health authorities will receive $1.6-billion for their business plans. More details can be found at http://www.southshorehealth.ca/ .

Power Restored To South Shore Residents

Power is back on for almost 3,000 residents and businesses in and around the Bridgewater area. Communities including Barss Corner, West Northfield, Auberndale and East Dalhousie were affected. Nova Scotia Power says the outage was caused by trees falling onto power lines. The outage occurred shortly before 4pm this afternoon.

Power Outage Affecting Bridgewater And Area

Almost 3000 people in and around the Bridgewater area are without power at this time. Nova Scotia Power indicates trees have fallen onto power lines causing roughly 2,800 households and businesses to be in the dark. The outage is affecting communities like New Germany, East Dalhousie, Barss Corner and West Northfield. The utility estimates power will be restored by 5:30 Thursday evening.

Solid Sprint For South Shore Olympic Hopeful

Jenna Martin moved another step closer to an Olympic berth last night with a second place finish in the 400 metre dash at the Cayman Invitational Track & Field event at George Town, Grand Cayman. Martin, from Bridgewater, ran a personal best time of 51.69 seconds.  Canadian Olympic trials are set for late June in Calgary. The 24-year old needs to crack 51.55 seconds to wear the Maple Leaf in London this July.

Law Court Briefs

    A former Girl Guide district commissioner in Shelburne has been sentenced to 150 hours of house arrest, 18 months probation and told to repay money she stole from the organization.  34 year old Chastity Enslow had already pleaded guilty to fraud and stealing more than 5-thousand dollars from the Girl Guides in unpaid-for cookies before she was sentenced yesterday in court.

    Meanwhile, a 75 year old Shelburne man has received 548 hours of house arrest for trafficking prescription drugs. Burton Crowell was also ordered in court yesterday to pay a 100 dollar victim fine surcharge.  He earlier pleaded guilty. Crowell was arrested last November at his home during an RCMP search which saw Dilaudid pills, cash and drug paraphenalia confiscated.

Additional Councillors Coming To South Shore Schools

Schools across this region are getting additional help for students. South Shore Health is looking at providing two more councillors to every junior and senior high school to help with addiction, mental health and sexual health issues. Director for Community Services, Todd Leader, says its critical to have the service available for students.

"Adolescents live in the moment. If an adolescent realizes that he or she has some type of issue or difficulty that he or she wants to get help for, we need to have that service available in a timely way before the mood changes, you know, before the impulse changes or the motivation to address the issue."

Leader says councillors will be provided by an on-demand need from students. The additional councillors are expected to start in September.

Infant Assault Case Begins in Shelburne Court

A Barrington man who is charged with assault of an infant will appear in court in Shelburne today. Twenty-four year-old Adam Harold Hogg is expected to enter a plea to the charges today. 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. Hogg was arrested in relation to the assault late last month. He is charged with aggravated assault, failing to provide the necessities of life.

Supreme Court: Key Evidence Presented In Murder Trial

A key piece of evidence is being presented today in a second degree murder trial in Nova Scotia Supreme Court. The jury in the trial of 33 year-old Jamie Leopold will hear almost nine hours of police interrogation spread out over two days in court. Sergeant Greg Vardy is on the witness stand in Bridgewater and is the lead investigator in the death of 47 year-old Laura Lee Robertson. According to Crown attorney Leigh-Ann Bryson, the videotaped statement includes Leopold's confession that he was responsible for Robertson's death. The police interview was conducted in Chester last April. Shortly after it was over, Leopold led Mounties to Robertson's body in Greenfield. After today's evidence is presented, the case will adjourn until Monday.

MODL Mulling Public Transit Option

The mayor of the District of Lunenburg feels there is a need for public transit in the region. But, that doesn't mean it's a done deal. Don Downe says there are people that would benefit from buses travelling across the county, allowing them easy access from one place to another. He says it is more of a wait-and-see approach.

"Every transit system that is out there doesn't make money, it loses money, and so, we'll have to see whether or not the province wants to be a part of the process and to what degree they're going to provide assistance, as well as, if there is any federal funding to be applied to this as well."

Downe is reacting after council listened to a presentation from a group advocating for public transit in the region. Bridgewater and the town of Lunenburg have also been approached by the public transit group. He says the matter will be presented to a working committee to gather more details.

Day 3: Queens County Murder Trial

A total of ten witnesses will be called to testify over the course of a murder trial in Bridgewater Supreme Court. Thirty-three year old James Leopold is facing a second degree murder charge in relation to the death of his fiance last year. Forty-seven year-old Laura Lee Robertson's body was found just off Highway 210 in a wooded area last April. Forensic expert, Dr. Eric Mont told court yesterday her body was in the beginning stages of decomposition when it was found. She had been missing for almost two weeks before her body was discovered. Leopold is being tried by a six-man, six-woman jury.

Money Pre-Approved For Bridgewater Mapping Project

Bridgewater council has approved funding to help establish a three-dimensional profile of the LaHave River. Members pre-approved $14,492.75 from the 2012-13 capital budget Monday night to help the town receive Light Detection and Ranging Mapping. The mapping can also be flown in a matter of days before vegetation along the river becomes too full. Deputy Mayor David Walker says the timing worked out to acquire the mapping.

''Our Director of Planning, Eric Shaw, had an opportunity partnering with the Nova Scotia Community College, to take advantage of some aerial photography that would not only prove beneficial for the Climate Change project but also for the Downtown Revitalization plan and for other things we have on our agenda as well."

Walker says the mapping is needed to provide flood projection analysis including sea-level rise projections, storm surge projections and erosion projections. The mapping project is part of Bridgewater's Municipal Climate Change Action Plan.

SchoolsPlus Expands Along South Shore

The South Shore Regional School Board's plea for another SchoolsPlus site has been answered. The province has expanded the program to 12 additional schools following an announcement Tuesday morning in Liverpool. Student Services coordinator, Jeff DeWolfe, says the program should go a long way to helping schools.

"We know some of those struggles, you know, in those schools communities' and some of the families that need our support and the students that need our support, so this allows us to give a different level of support coordinated with other agencies that will hopefully make a big difference."

Over 100 services and activities will be introduced into schools like anger management, employment support and art and sport programs. The board will receive $125,000 from the province to provide leadership and community outreach. In total, the province is investing $2.5-million in SchoolsPlus province-wide, bringing together teachers, students, families and community volunteers to design and deliver programs that meet the specific needs of the community. The program will be introduced into the following 12 schools, beginning in 2012-13:

1. Liverpool Regional High School
2. North Queens Community School
3. Greenfield Elementary School
4. Dr. John C. Wickwire Academy
5. South Queens Junior High School
6. Milton Centennial School
7. Mill Village Consolidated School
8. New Germany Rural High School
9. New Germany Elementary School
10. West Northfield Elementary School
11. Bridgewater Elementary School
12. Bridgewater Junior/Senior High School

UPDATE: Robertson's Body Wrapped In Blanket, Covered With Debris

A forensic expert believes 47 year-old Laura Lee Robertson was killed by some form of asphyxiation. Dr. Eric Mont of Halifax was called to the scene when Robertson's body was found in a secluded area in Greenfield, Queens County last April. Mont testified this morning her body was found wrapped in a blanket and covered in debris which included branches and sticks. Thirty-three year-old James James Leroy Leopold of Liverpool is facing a charge of second degree murder in relation to her death. The case will centre on the circumstances surrounding Robertson's death and whether Leopold intended to kill her or if the death was accidental. A jury of six men and six women has been selected for the trial.

Chester School Ready To Move On

Forest Heights Community School is ready to move forward from the t-shirt issue. Students and teachers took part in discussions yesterday about balancing freedom of expression and religious beliefs. The talks were sparked after grade 12 student William Swinimer was suspended last week for wearing a shirt expressing his religious beliefs, despite being repeatedly asked not to. The consultation involved guidance councillors, the Human Rights Commission and members of the Department of Education and Justice. Board member Judith Sullivan-Corney says it was a success despite Swinimer's absence.

"Our focus was on making sure that we created an opportunity for the students yesterday to continue to express their personal areas of interest, their beliefs, and any concerns that they had about the conflict that we've had over the past week."

Sullivan-Corney adds students feel positive things about the school have been overshadowed by the suspension. Facilitators will meet on Friday to discuss the feedback from students and how to best move forward.

Leopold Trial Into Day Two At Bridgewater Supreme Court

Its Day-2 of a second degree murder trial in Bridgewater Supreme Court.  33 year-old James Leroy Leopold of Liverpool is accused of killing his fiance, 47 year old Laura Lee Robertson.  Her remains were found off Highway 208 near Greenfield in April 2011.  The trial is expected to centre on the circumstances surrounding Robertson's death, whether Leopold intended to kill her or if the death was accidental.  The six men and six women on the jury will heard testimony today from a Halifax forensic expert.  Dr. Eric Mont is an expert at determining cause of death. He testified this morning that Robertson was killed by some form of asphyxiation. Her body was found face down, wrapped in a blanket and covered with debris. Leopold is present for the trial, which is expected to last eight days.

Dive Team Recovers Body Of Chester Man

Police have located the body of a missing Chester man in Spectacle Lake. The body of 41 year-old Timothy Llewellyn was found just before 2 o'clock this afternoon by police and Queens County Search And Rescue. Sergeant Bruce Hill says an autopsy will be conducted over the next couple of days.

"He was located in the area where the canoe overturned, approximately in the middle of the lake,"

Llewellyn had been missing since Saturday night when his canoe flipped during a fishing trip on the lake. An 18 year old who was also in the boat was able to swim to shore.

Queens County Murder Trial Underway

A second degree murder trial is underway in Bridgewater. The Supreme Court trial began this afternoon following jury selection. Thirty-three year-old James Leroy Leopold of Liverpool is accused of killing his fiance. The remains of 47 year-old Laura Lee Robertson were found of Highway 208 outside Greenfield in Queens County in April of last year.

Another Twist In "Jesus T-Shirt" Saga

A Grade 12 student in Chester Basin who was suspended from school last week for wearing a T-shirt expressing his religious views returned to class today before his father abruptly pulled him out. John Swinimer says his son, William, won't participate in discussions today about freedom of expression and religious tolerance at Forest Heights Community School and won't bring his son back until "regular" classes resume. Board superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake says she's disappointed that Swinimer won't take part in the discussions. William Swinimer wore the same yellow shirt that has generated national headlines and sparked debate over freedom of speech and religion. The school board has said students complained about the shirt, and after Swinimer refused to abide by a principal's request not to wear it, he was suspended. The school says it is now allowing him to wear the shirt.

Boater Presumed Drowned in East Chester

 A 41-year old East Chester man is presumed drowned after a weekend fishing excursion on Spectacle Lake. A police dive team remains at the site for a second straight day in an effort to locate the man's body. Sergeant Bruce Hill says a sonar device is being used to scan the bottom of the lake.

"There is no indication that he had got to shore. Since the canoe overturned there has been no sign of him. At this time, it would be considered a recovery mission,"

An 18 year-old was also in the canoe when it flipped on Saturday night but was able to swim to shore. Hill says the pair were not wearing life jackets.

Two New Nurse Practitioners For Bridgewater

Bridgewater is about to be home to two new nurse practitioners. The new hires are the first step towards Bridgewater's proposed Collaborative Health Center. Primary health care manager Marlene Wheatley recognizes a shortage of primary health care providers in the area, and says the new nurses will help with that need.

"They're independently licensed practitioners - but they can diagnose, treat illness and health concerns, they can order tests, prescribe most medication, manage chronic diseases such a diabetes, and they can also refer patients to specialists or other health care providers."

The nurse practitioners will be able to accept 700 new patients each over the next year. Their office will be accepting new patients starting May 14th. To book appointments call 527-4310. South Shore officials are asking for the publics patience in this process.

Another Planned Bowater Shutdown Underway

Another shutdown of operations is underway at Bowater Mersey.  It began yesterday as the paper machines were shut down and most workers stayed home. This is the third such closure of the Brooklyn mill since December when the province and local governments antied up 50-million dollars to keep the mill from closing.

Premier Darrell Dexter stands behind the decision to provide Bowater with the financial life-line.  He says too many people and businesses are at stake.  He says:  "The forresters, the harvesters, the silvaculture people, the suppliers they interact with, the sawmills. So, in the case of Bowater, we're talking about literally thousands of jobs on the South Shore that extend from Lunenburg County right to Yarmouth."

Meanwhile, Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says he can't help but be nervous about taxpayer money being pumped into Bowater with markets being so volatile over the past couple of years.  McNeil says: "With the latest shutdowns, we're now looking at eleven of a possible thirty weeks that the mill will be closed. Obviously, we're concerned for those workers who are left there. What does this mean for the future of the mill and what assurances has the premier received from Resolute that there is a future for that mill?"

PC leader Jamie Baillie tells us he still supports the need for the infusion of money into Bowater last year to save the mill.  Baillie says: "Given the importance of the forest industry on the South Shore, I think the right thing to do now is to remain calm and make sure all parties are working together to find that long term viable future for the mill. At the same time, look for ways to create a forestry industry that is independent of the mill."


Officials at Bowater's parent company, Resolute Forest Products, say this shutdown will end May 21st. There will be another one though from June 17th to July 2nd.  Resolute says both closures, like the others, are a result of poor paper market conditions.

Search Continues For Missing South Shore Canoeist

The search is continuing for a man believed missing in Spectacle Lake in East Chester.  The RCMP received a 911 call early Saturday evening about a missing canoeist.  It was then determined two men were operating a canoe, when it overturned in the lake.  One of them, an 18-year-old, managed to swim to shore and a 41-year-old is still missing.  Members of the RCMP and fire departments from Chester, Mahone Bay and Blandford and the South Shore Ground Search and Rescue have been searching Spectacle Lake and the surrounding area.  No sign though of the missing man.  Names haven't been released by the RCMP.

Jury Selection Begins in Leopold Murder Trial

Jury selection will begin this morning in the trial of a 33 year-old Liverpool man accused of killing his finance. James Leroy Leopold has pleased not guilty to a charge of second degree murder in the death of 47 year-old Laura Lee Robertson. Her remains were found off Highway 208 outside Greenfield in Queens County in April of last year. The trial is expected to begin this afternoon in Bridgewater.

Student Will Continue Wearing "Jesus T-Shirt"

 A Grade 12 student in Chester Basin says he will continue wearing a religious T-shirt to school, even though it got him suspended. William Swinimer says he plans to show up at Forest Heights Community School on Monday wearing a shirt that says ``Life is wasted without Jesus.' The school plans to hold a debate that day with students about the controversy. School Board superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake says if Swinimer or any student chooses to wear a similar shirt on Monday, it will help form part of that discussion.