With the criminal trial of Westports Martha Stewart set to begin within weeks, a judge today rejected government efforts to collect more evidence in the securities fraud case.

U.S. District Judge Miriam Goldman Cedarbaum said attorney-client privilege protects some of the documents sought by federal prosecutors in Manhattan while other material is not relevant to the charges.

She did permit the government to obtain billing records from a law firm hired by Stewart.

Prosecutors had sought 11 categories of documents from a law firm that represents Stewart and from co-defendant Peter Bacanovic.

Westport’s Gap store had the big sale signs out, as did most Main Street retailers today. WestportNow.com photo

The Jan. 12 trial date for Westports Martha Stewart has been delayed until at least until the third week in January, according to a court schedule for the proceeding.

Potential jurors in the criminal trial of Stewart, who is accused of obstructing justice and securities fraud, will be asked to complete a questionnaire about the case on Jan. 6, Bloomberg News reported.

In an order issued on Dec. 4 but just disclosed, U.S. District Judge Miriam Cedarbaum said potential jurors who are summoned to the courthouse in New York that day will receive a questionnaire asking them about their biases and other issues.

Westport’s Martha Stewart appeared on CNN’s “Larry King Live” tonight and once again said she is innocent of federal insider trading-related charges for which she goes on trial next month. CNN/WestportNow.com photo

A Superior Court judge today continued until Jan. 12 the Town of Westports request for an injunction against Daybreak Nurseries to stop using a residential area for its business operations.

Judge David Tobin approved the request in Stamford Superior Court submitted by DaybreakҒs attorney, Larry Weisman. He asked for the continuance because he was in the process of moving his office, according to Town Attorney Ira Bloom.

It was a busy last Sunday before Christmas today on Westport’s Main Street. Many shoppers were unaware of the announcement the government was raising the terrorist threat level. WestportNow.com photo

Home furnishing company Pierre Deux held an opening reception tonight at its new Westport location at 275 Post Road East. It is the 14th U.S. store for the Secaucus, N.J. -based company which introduced the French Country look to the U.S. market 35 years ago. WestportNow.com photo