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By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT An increase in the residential tax rate does not mean all homeowners in Prescott will pay that much more in property taxes this year, according to town officials.
Council approved the 2001 municipal budget Monday night. The residential tax rate increased by about 14 per cent, although councillors were quick to note much of that stems from an adjustment made to offset a significant loss in tax dollars caused by reassessment.
Commercial and industrial tax rates decreased by two and 22 per cent respectively.
When the education tax is factored into the residential tax equation, the overall increase is approximately nine per cent.
"We wanted to impact taxpayers as little as possible," said Jo-Anne Beckstead, chair of the finance and general government committee.
She went on to state services are being maintained but there was no room left to cut. There are times in which tax hikes are necessary, according to Beckstead.
Councillor Garry Dewar noted spending on the operations side is the same as it was last year. Dewar also pointed out changes made by the province forced municipalities like Prescott to adjust tax rates. Many properties were reassessed at lower values, something that will offset the tax rate increase in many cases.
"There will be some people whose taxes will be less," Dewar said.
The overall budget totalled just under $8,350,000. The operating budget totalled just over $5.5 million, roughly the same as was noted in the 2000 budget.
Taxation accounts for just under $3 million of the town's expected revenues this year.
One major shift will be the transfer of sewage taxes to sewage rates incurred by residential and commercial properties. Although rates will increase by 30 per cent or an additional $53 per year for residential users, the transfer reduces taxes by about $73. A user-pay system for the service was inevitable in order for the town to comply with provincial regulations. The system will be in place when a new sewage treatment plant is built; two-thirds of the estimated $15-million project would have to be funded on a user-pay basis.
On the capital side, council agreed to call a tender for the reconstruction of Churchill Road between Edward and Boundary streets. The project is listed at $600,000 in the capital budget. Council still has to decide how much of the work will take place this year, but town officials agree the project is a priority.
Other capital items include an environmental assessment study of the town's sewage treatment facilities and construction of an access road to the commercial development planned for the area east of the OPP station. Tenders for that project close next Monday.
Also listed in the budget are expenditures of $800,000 for renovations to the municipal building and $450,000 for renovations to the library. Proceeds from the merger of the former public utilities commission are earmarked to cover town hall renovations and one-third of library work; the remaining two-thirds would come from a government infrastructure program. Neither project has received the final green light from council.
The hiring of a new community services director and purchase of a Zamboni were noted as other positive moves made by the municipality.
Town officials will be on hand next Tuesday morning to provide more details on the 2001 budget at a breakfast meeting sponsored by the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce. The meeting will be held at the Legion Hall and is open to the public.
The final installment of 2001 property taxes is due Sept. 28.
By Jeff Lee - Journal Staff Writer
SPENCERVILLE Edwardsburgh/Cardinal residents face a tax increase of 14.6 or 18.6 per cent on the municipal portion of their tax bill this year.
Spending, meanwhile, for the newly amalgamated municipalities will be $5.24 million, a decrease in comparison to what each municipality spent in total last year when capital expenditures were $6 million. Council approved the budget at a regular meeting July 4.
Mayor Dave Dobbie said the increase is in large part due to the loss in assessment and new equipment purchases.
"I guess I say it every year. This was the most difficult budget that we've passed," he said, "trying to mesh these budgets together."
Dobbie noted that adding to the difficulties was not being too familiar with the Cardinal-side, which was compounded by not having any representation from previous Cardinal councils in the newly formed council.
For a base-residential Edwardsburgh home assessed at $100,000, $541 will go towards municipal taxes, up from $472 last year. The total bill of $1,291 includes both the counties and education levy.
A Cardinal resident assessed at the same rate taxes rise to $872 from $735, an increase of 18.6 per cent. The higher rate includes such services as garbage pickup, water and sewer. The total bill is $1,622, and includes counties and education levies.
The overall increase is 5.1 per cent over the combined budgets for the year 2000.
Dobbie cited the main reasons for the capital expenditure hike is the purchase of a $340,000 pumper truck for the Cardinal fire department, which was a Transition Board recommendation and had not been budgeted for last year.
"That's a pretty hefty amount of money to put into a one-year budget," he said.
Dobbie said Casco's successful challenge of its assessment also contributed to the increase in the residential bill.
Overall, assessment for the two municipalities dropped to $326 million from $324 million. About $4 million of assessment in large class industrial was transferred to industrial or commercial classes, resulting in a shift of taxes of about $150,000 to other classes.
The significant capital projects include the pumper truck for station 2, a $160,000 tandem truck for the public works department and $198,000 for paving projects. The paving projects are Ventnor Road East at $163,000 and East and John streets at $28,000. Partial funding of the capital expenditures includes $146,000 in restructuring grants and drawing down of $259,000 from reserves.
Topping the list of budgets, in the various department, includes public works at $1.298 million, policing at $955,360 and the fire department at $626,800.
PRESCOTT The history of the Fort Town comes alive at the Forwarders' Museum.
The museum, which also serves as Prescott's tourist information centre, is located at the corner of Water and Centre streets. The building dates back to the early 19th century and has served as a trading post and post office.
Curator Laura Parrott and Assistant Curator Dianne McCrea are being assisted by Missy Glock, Prescott's tourism ambassador this summer; all three will be entering Grade 12 this fall at South Grenville District High School.
The museum features a number of displays which chronicle the town's rich and varied history. The mandate of the museum is to preserve, collect and exhibit the history of transportation and trade by river, road and rail.
"There's a lot more to Prescott than people realize," Parrott said.
Museum staff are working on a new display. Admission is still free; donations are accepted.
The museum is open in July and August on Mondays to Thursdays from 11 am to 5 pm, Fridays from 11 am to 6 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 6 pm and Sundays from noon until 4 pm.
In addition to her duties at the tourist information centre and museum, Glock greets passengers of cruise ships that dock at Prescott. Glock also works at Sunday concerts at the amphitheatre and attends special events such as the poker run set for the end of August.
She said many people ask her where they can go to enjoy a good sit-down meal. There are also the usual requests for directions and maps as well as sightseeing information, she added.
Although she just started as tourism ambassador earlier this month, Glock said she is enjoying the job.
PRESCOTT Time has finally run out on parking meters in downtown Prescott.
Changes to municipal parking regulations were approved by town council Monday. Paid parking on King, Water, Centre, George and Edward streets will be replaced by free two-hour parking.
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead said council supports the philosophy of the Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA), the group which asked town council several months ago to have the meters removed. The BIA indicated the intent was to increase business in the downtown area.
Beckstead and other council members hope that goal will be achieved. However, town officials are also hoping merchants and their employees will leave those parking spaces for customers. The town is proposing a one-year trial run for the new system.
The heads of the meters are to be removed this week. Until that happens, drivers are being asked to continue to use the meters. However, the bylaw approved by council Monday was to take effect as soon as it was passed.
"No reparking within five hours of the initial parking shall be permitted in the free time limited area," the bylaw states.
Mayor Robert Lawn noted at the meeting the bylaw should not be interpreted as an indication people can only go downtown once a day. Enforcement officers are to be given a protocol developed by town officials to deal with motorists who make repeat trips to the free parking area during the course of a day, according to the mayor.
The bylaw was amended to include provisions for designated spaces for taxis. Designated spaces will be established in front of 189 and 222 King St. W. and will be in effect around the clock.
The town will also proceed with plans to re-establish paid parking in a portion of the municipal lot at the corner of King and Centre streets. Permits will be required to park in the back row. Permits will sell for $20 or $25 per month. Rate information will be available at the municipal building at the corner of Edward and Churchill.
The starting date for the permit system was not indicated at Monday's council meeting. Parking permits will not be required by market vendors who use the lot on Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays.
Unlimited free parking will remain in effect at the waterfront parking lot at the base of Centre Street.
PRESCOTT The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring a breakfast meeting at the Legion Hall on Henry Street next Tuesday morning, July 17, at which Mayor Robert Lawn will outline some of the highlights of Prescott's 2001 municipal budget.
The meeting will start at 7:30 am, and free coffee, muffins and danish will be provided by the Chamber. An invitation is extended to all citizens of Prescott to attend.
SPENCERVILLE Branch 604 of the Royal Canadian Legion will be serving lunch each Sunday in July and August.
Nutritious food will be served from 11 am to 3 pm. Take-out orders will be available. Call the branch at 658-2031
KINGSTON The normal summer upswing in employment continued in Leeds-Grenville last month, according to statistics released by Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC).
The Prescott HRDC office reported a decrease in the number of persons receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. There were 857 active claims at the end of June compared to 977 in May, a decrease of 12.3 per cent.
The regional unemployment rate was 5.7 per cent in June, down from 6.5 per cent in May. The region includes the counties of Leeds, Grenville, Lanark, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.
"The labour market outside of Ottawa is now performing better than the Eastern Ontario metro centres at the start of summer," an HRDC news release stated.
The regional jobless rate in June 2000 was eight per cent. Employment levels are up by nearly 5,000 over last year.
PRESCOTT Prescott will be the site of one of several events being planned for the first month of the United Way's 2001 campaign.
The Leeds and Grenville campaign kicks off Sept. 12 with a breakfast in Brockville. Proceeds from an art gala Sept. 19 in Brockville and a colours of autumn boat cruise Sept. 23 in Gananoque will be given to the fall fundraising campaign which has a goal of $650,000.
A golf tournament hosted by SCI will be held Sept. 29 at the Prescott Golf Club. Call Janice Kingston at 498-3508 for more information or to register for the local tournament.
The theme of this year's campaign is "Big Community, Bigger Heart." The United Way resource centre is located at 42 George St. in Brockville (342-8889).
SPENCERVILLE Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council decided the fire department can operate fine without its members overseeing the department's operations.
Representation in the fire department was rejected by council July 3, following the tabling of a bylaw to approve the departments and appoint former Edwardsburgh fire chief Jim Purcell as new chief and former fire chief Graham Van Camp as deputy chief.
Councillor Peggy Taylor sparked the discussion over the need to have council represented in a capacity with the department, like that of other municipal departments.
Council, however, decided the current system was working fine, and didn't need to be involved directly in the process.
Mayor Dave Dobbie said perhaps the department can talk more freely when council isn't part of its discussion, adding issues council needs to know about will be brought forward.
Dobbie said there was never any council representation in the department of the former Township of Edwardsburgh. The department ran and administered its own budget, he said. This differed from Cardinal, he noted, where council administered the department's budget.
"Let the fire department run the fire department," Dobbie said.
Taylor said there council should liaise with the department. Council is involved in all other departments except the fire department.
"In every other committee - environment services, the rec committee, administration - you know council's got a handle on it," she said. "But we don't have anyone on the fire department."
Despite Councillor Bill Sloan's involvement as is a firefighter in the department, Taylor said he only represented council in ward.
"I really strongly believe that we should have three members of council on a committee," Taylor said.
"Because of the nature the fire department, and the safety of the citizens, the buck stops at this table," she said. "We should know what's going on."
Dobbie seemed to make a distinction between the fire department and other departments when he said there has to be a level of trust between council and other muncipial employees that they are performing their duties correctly.
Taylor asked why then have any councillor representation on other committees if, as Dobbie suggested, their has to be element of trust the job is getting done.
"I'm not saying the fire department isn't doing a good job," adding the other departments also do "good jobs."
"But we have council representation on the other committees," she said.
Councillor Dan McDonald said we should "stay out of their way."
However, Taylor disagreed because then council should stay out of the way of the other committees.
Deputy Mayor Marie Thomson suggested, while a council liaison is not needed, the department could meet twice a year with council.
The bylaw for setting up the structure of the new department, including appointing Purcell as chief and Van Camp as deputy chief passed. The resolution to get council representation as part of the structure did not pass.
MAYNARD A request by Algonquin residents that would see improved safety for pedestrians and vehicles in the village was supported by Augusta Township council at it meeting Monday night.
Algonquin Road resident Laurie Young presented council with a petition with 48 signatures, asking support to have a four-way stop installed at the intersection of Algonquin Road and County Road 15.
Young noted visibility for drivers at the intersection is limited, and east and west-bound motorists are forced to pull out almost to the centre line of the highway to check for oncoming traffic. The dangerous situation of trying to cross over County Road 15 is frustrating, she said. As well, vehicles are often parked close to the Algonquin General Store at the intersection, further decreasing visibility.
Residents are also looking for support for the installation of a sidewalk along the west side of County Road 15 from the general store to the Augusta Public Library. Young said this is a frequently-travelled section by pedestrians from the village and by students attending Algonquin Public School. Teachers from the school also supported the sidewalk plan for students, who often walk to the library.
"We're not looking for anything fancy," Young said. "Just something a little more level, a little more safe for the children to give them a boundary of where they can walk."
Reeve George Vail said he had already spoken to a representative of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, which is responsible for changes to the county road. Vail indicated the county was also supportive of the plans, and the township and county could work together on the improvements. "I think it's a worthwhile venture," Vail said.
Vail suggested a public meeting be arranged to discuss the four-way stop. A large number of trucks use the county road, and a stop would result in increased noise and exhaust from the trucks gearing down and breaking, Vail said. "I just don't want to get into the position where after you put in the four-way stop, then six months down the road people will be coming to council saying we want these fumes and (noise) stopped."
Deputy Reeve Morris Stark said there are many accidents at the intersection, and noted one boy had been killed near the intersection a few years ago. Stark, who travels the road daily, said many vehicles drive between 80 and 100 kilometres an hour through the intersection. It is a 50-kilometre-an-hour area. The township's own trucks have difficulty crossing County Road 15, Stark said.
PRESCOTT The Brockville Lions Steel Band will perform this Sunday, July 15 at 7 pm at the Kinsmen outdoor theatre on the waterfront.
This will be the third in a series of Sunday concerts being presented in July and August. Previous concerts featured the Brockville Concert Band and the Riverside Singers.
Admission is free; however, donations will be accepted.
An article in last week's paper incorrectly identified the last names of the owners of AJ's Taxi. The name Horsley should have appeared in the article.
The Journal regrets the error.
By Jeff Lee - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT In 33 years of teaching at one school, David Hall has seen a lot change.
From his first days at South Edwardsburg Public School in Johnstown when he was a19-year-old teacher teaching some students three years his junior to Grade 3 students taking standardized tests, Hall's experience as an elementary school teacher has run the gamut.
But through it all, one thing remained constant: his enjoyment of working with children.
"I've always liked working with children," he said.
In fact, his life outside of school often revolved around working with children. He was involved with cubs and scouts, and shortly after beginning his teaching career in 1968, when he earned his one-year teacher's certificate, he was asked to teach Sunday school at St. Paul's United Church, where he taught for 13 years. (Hall completed his bachelor of arts from Queen's University in 1981.)
Although he had the "old type of certificate" allowing him to teach up to Grade 10, he never had any desire to teach at that level. Instead, he taught Kindergarten through Grade 8, with the majority of it spent at the primary/junior level, Kindergarten to Grade 6.
"I find they listen a bit better to you at those ages," he said, "that they don't think they know more than you do."
Just starting out, Hall found himself in the difficult situation of teaching students in Grade 8 who "think they know more than the teacher does," a teacher only three years their senior.
"It was interesting," he said. "I started when I was 19 years of age, and some of the Grade 8 students were 16 at that time. There were three boys that age in the class, because they still kept them in elementary school until they passed."
When asked what is was like teaching students three years his junior, Hall said, chuckling, "they didn't know how old I was likely. It was quite funny."
Hall was born and raised in Prescott. His parents were Fred and Lillian Hall. He went to Boundary Street Public School, then attended South Grenville District High School. He has a sister, Dorothy Olson. Hall is married to Barbara and has two children: Scott, who will be starting Grade 8 at Central Public School, and Lori, who starts Grade 11 at South Grenville District High School in the fall.
Although elementary students generally were better behaved than high school students, according to Hall, he did see changes in the students at his school over the years.
When Hall first started teaching, the students had far more respect, he said. Hall sees the decrease in levels of respect as a resulted of the changes in society.
"It seems as the years progressed there was less and less respect. But again society had an awful lot of an affect on that because there were a lot more single parent homes."
When Hall started, he rotated through Grades 6 to 8, teaching the English component for three years. Then the principal asked Hall if he could go down to the junior level. This change was made in 1974, when more homes were being run by a single mother, he said. Hall was then requested to teach Grade 2 for seven years, because the principal thought those grades needed a male influence.
Having a male influence seemed to give more stability at home, he said. Mothers would tell him of the positive affect he was having on their children: "I glad you're teaching them manners. They watch what I say. They are politer to me at home."
To help maintain control in a classroom, despite the changes from one year to the next, Hall had a strategy: "You have be friendly, but you have to be firm (when interacting with students)," he said.
The students may be showing less respect nowadays, but they are also under more stress, according to Hall, due to the new curriculum and testing.
"I find they are making the younger students do more and more...Math and reading as examples became more complicated," he said.
When Hall first started, the expectations were at the higher levels, but in more recent years, these higher expectations are being applied to the younger students with negative affects, he said.
"This were where some of the frustration levels came from," he said, "and more learning problems, because the younger ones were being forced to do more than they are capable of (doing)."
While they find it a lot more challenging, they can cope throughout the year. But for Grade 3 students, when they have to write their tests, Hall said, it just seems they become stressed.
"They are worried about performing and doing so well compared to everybody else," he said. "I've had children come to school in tears, just because of the hype over the testing that has been put on it."
Hall said he is still going to keep one foot in the teaching profession. He has signed onto three supply lists. He also belongs to the Odd Fellow organization, where he will volunteer as district deputy warden, then will move up to district deputy grand master next year. He also plans to help out at the computer lab at South Edwardsburg.
He said he'll miss the children and their stories they would tell each morning, but the politics he'll be happy to do without.
PRESCOTT The town will cough up some money to help attract doctors to the Brockville area.
Prescott council agreed at its final budget meeting last Wednesday to contribute $4,000 to the physician recruitment program based at Brockville General Hospital. Council had been asked for $6,000 per year for five years. However, councillors were reluctant to make a long-term funding commitment.
In suggesting a compromise, Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead said five years would be too long; funding could be reassessed depending on the success of the program, she noted.
"I don't think we should turn them down flat," Beckstead said.
A proposal to contribute $4,000 this year and reconsider the matter next year received the support of most councillors.
"I could buy it on an annual basis," Councillor Garry Dewar said.
Council also agreed last week to give $500 to the House of Lazarus, a support centre located in the Mountain area of Dundas county.
Twenty-five per cent of people who were using the facility's food bank as of earlier this year were living in Prescott, council was told.
"This should be an easy one," Beckstead said.
Some members of council were once again reluctant to make a long-term funding commitment. However, a majority voted in favour of a five-year commitment.
Other grant requests accepted by the town include:
* Prescott Figure Skating Club, $8,400
* South Grenville Minor Hockey, $8,400
* Youth for Life, $3,000
* Amphitheatre Concerts, $1,500
* Minor Soccer, $1,250
* Little League Baseball, $1,250
* Sandy Hill Cemetery, $1,000
* Fort Town Concert Association, $500
* St. Mark's Cemetery, $300
The Prescott Journal will publish its 2001 graduation supplement next week.
The supplement would normally have appeared in the first or second edition of July. However, computer problems experienced at South Grenville District High School have prevented the school from submitting information on local Ontario Scholars.
The special section will include Grade 8 class pictures and lists of award winners from schools throughout South Grenville.
MAYNARD Augusta Township will not be assisting Brockville in its attempt to improve its image as a commercial trading centre.
The township turned down at its Monday night meeting a request by the City of Brockville that would allow the city to change its Highway 401 signage to reflect the larger population in the surrounding area.
The city was endeavouring to include its area trading population on eastbound and westbound highway signs. The signs would have made reference to the Greater Brockville Area - Population 55,000.
"The awareness of a larger population base would undoubtedly improve our image as a commercial trading centre," Mayor Ben TeKamp stated in a letter to Augusta Reeve George Vail.
"These impacts would ultimately generate economic benefits to all of our municipalities in the 1000 Islands area, including Brockville," TeKamp stated.
Deputy Reeve Morris Stark said including Augusta's population in with Brockville's would cause the township to lose its identity. "We don't encompass Brockville," he said. "Basically, we're around Prescott."
Councillor Jane Fullarton noted Augusta's eastern boundary is at Prescott, and it would not be appropriate to have a Brockville population sign in that area. At no point does Augusta border Brockville.
The mayor noted the approach was successfully completed by the Greater Kingston Area in 1995 with the support of the neighbouring townships of Pittsburgh and Kingston.
Brockville had made a similar request in June to Elizabethtown-Kitley Township to lump its population in with the city's. That township did not support the request either, although it had made a suggestion a sign could read Greater South Leeds Economic Area, reported Elizabethtown-Kitley Administrative Clerk Yvonne Robert.
EDWARDSBURGH Crime Stoppers and the Grenville detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police are seeking assistance in solving a break-in and theft that occurred in the Township of Edwardsburgh-Cardinal.
The garage of a Pitt Road residence was entered sometime between 4 am and 4:30 pm April 26. Taken was a Coleman "Powermate" generator on a homemade steel frame with wheels. The generator's serial number is 77071226.
Police are also looking for a dark blue pick-up truck with white cap seen leaving the scene of the theft.
Anyone with information about this incident or any criminal activity is asked to contact Crime Stoppers. Caller do not have to identify themselves, and their information could result in cash rewards. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display or any other form of caller identification.
The number to call is 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
DOMVILLE An alternative energy source will help fuel development of the South Grenville Outdoor Education Centre
A grant of $4,000 from the Shell Environmental Fund has been secured. A solar energy unit will be purchased for the centre located on Barton Road south of Domville. The unit will be used to provide power for lights and electrical outlets at the centre.
The Grenville Land Stewardship Council operates the centre in partnership with South Grenville District High School and other groups and companies. Jack Henry of the stewardship council welcomes Shell Canada as a community partner in the centre project.
The centre is being developed as an educational and recreational destination for community groups.
"The goal of the fund is to support projects committed to environmental action and include a strong volunteer component," stated Linda Sharp, a spokesperson for the fund. "The outdoor centre in south Grenville county certainly meets this criteria and also includes a fabulous educational component for local students as well."
The environmental fund is a national program that has distributed grants totalling more than $8 million since the fund's inception in 1990.
MAYNARD Forests and fires don't mix, Augusta Reeve George Vail warned at a council meeting Monday night.
The reeve indicated the Augusta Fire Department was called twice during the past weekend to fight fires at Limerick Forest caused by the burning of old mattresses and couches. A car has also been burned in the forest, he said. Areas of the forest have been used as a dumping ground, he said.
"It was a serious enough fire that it actually singed the top of some of those big pines," Vail said. "You have no means of getting a fire truck in some of those roads that are closed in. They can fight the fire from the main road, but if it gets back in there, there's going to be a lot of lost acreage.
"It is a concern because it is a very beautiful area back there and there could be a lot of damage, especially in this hot, dry weather."
Vail asked everyone to be aware of burning in Limerick, and report any incidents.
Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Mayor Dave Dobbie, commenting on whether council should have representation in the fire department
The whole point of creating community safety zones is to alert drivers to the need to slow down because there is a nearby school or playground and an increased likelihood there are children who might decide to cross the street without being fully aware of the consequences of such an action. Jacking up the fine is seen as one way of getting motorists to ease up on the gas. The only problem is many drivers think that just because school is out for the summer they can take a vacation when it comes to obeying the speed limit. Such appears to be the case on Edward Street in Prescott.
Community safety zones in the vicinity of South Grenville District High School and St. Mark Catholic School are not always respected during school hours, let alone at any other time of the year. A young husky was struck by a vehicle in that area last week, and it sounds as though drivers were in a hurry to get places because no one made much of an effort to come to the aid of the dog or its owner. The dog was lucky to escape with relatively minor injuries, especially given the apparent lack of consideration on the part of motorists who must have had pressing engagements to attend. It is bad enough when a driver who runs over someone's pet does not have the decency to stop, but the unwillingness of others to lend a helping hand and then to speed by as if nothing were wrong adds insult to injury.
A group consisting of two women and two young children could be seen attempting to use the crosswalk near the elementary school Monday afternoon. A northbound van stopped to let the group cross, but the driver of the southbound car took no notice of the crosswalk signs, white pavement markings and four people trying to cross. Are we in that much of a hurry that we have to ignore both the rules of the road and respect for pedestrians? Police cannot be at every intersection, community safety zone or residential area on a regular basis, so it is up to the rest of us to keep the peace when it comes to common courtesy on public roadways. However, an occasional police presence at or near trouble spots could make drivers have second thoughts when they are about to come over the hill and wonder if a cruiser is waiting on the other side.
Most of us are not without sin when it comes to speeding and other violations of the Highway Traffic Act, but those who are chronic offenders need to ask themselves if putting pedal to metal is worth the well-being of pedestrians, other motorists and themselves. The Prescott area might not be any better or worse than any other community, but that should not give local motorists the green light to make a mockery of posted speed limits.
Tim Ruhnke
The old saying about an ounce of prevention being like a pound of cure is not limited to health matters. As the mechanic in that old automotive product ad would say, "You can pay me now, or you can pay me later."
So when the guy at a local repair shop reminded me it was about time to replace the timing belt on my car, I noted the comment, agreed with what was being put to me and did absolutely nothing about it. I figured there was no need to rush into replacing the belt. A few weeks wouldn't do any harm, right?
I heard a fairly quiet snap from the front of my car as I was about to hit the 401 early last Wednesday morning. As the "check engine" light went on and I began to lose power, it became clear my unwillingness to deal with potential medical and dental problems had crossed into the automotive department and would end up costing me a considerable amount of money. I did not expect the demise of the engine would happen so gently and quietly; however, there was some comfort in knowing the breakdown did not result in an accident.
As I stood near the vehicle which had come to rest in the median of an on-ramp, three motorists had the courtesy to slow down and ask if I needed assistance. There was nothing they could do, but their efforts were and still are appreciated.
Some car manufacturers recommend the timing belt should be replaced every 90,000 to 100,000 km. But it is the mechanics and not the owner's manual that will usually indicate whether you can expect the engine to be a write-off when the belt snaps. I have one of those international cars a North American name and a Japanese manufacturer. A failed timing belt will mean engine demise for most vehicles with such origins, I have been told. For more than 32 hours I pondered two options: replacing the engine of an old car or replacing the car. Let's just say the anxiety created by this type of unexpected dilemma would probably make an on-duty palace guard in London break down and weep.
Then came an unexpected development. When I asked if I would need to call a priest to perform last rites, I was advised the timing belt had not failed. Turns out the only thing that had snapped was my mind.
So everything is fine and the vehicle is back on the road, right? Not so fast. The actual problem is much more complex and could become a fatal flaw. Stay tuned.
Until then, if you've got a timing belt that's due for a replacement, deal with it. Pay them now, or pay them more later.
John A.H. Morris
Last week MPP Bob Runciman expressed his disappointment in our recent claim that health care spending was being reduced in Ontario, and sent us a 700-word novelette detailing what he claimed to be vast increases in the province's health care spending. He and his caucus cronies and their army of health care bureaucrats may feed on these figures, but there are too many howcums to be answered to satisfy our inquisitiveness, such as...
Howcum, if over 10,000 Ontario nurses have been laid off or have left their jobs to seek employment elsewhere, and scores of Ontario-trained doctors have moved to the U.S. in the past five years, these vast savings in salaries have not been reflected in health care budgets?
Howcum if the Ontario government is ever-increasing its health care spending, eastern Ontario has only four magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, with three in Ottawa and one in Kingston? The three MRIs in Ottawa serve a population of over 1.6 million, the highest percentage of users per machine in Ontario. These stats are even worse when you figure one of these machines is reserved for use at CHEO. This accounts for the fact that patients have to wait six months to a year for this vital and sometimes life-saving service.
Howcum the nearest CT scan machine is over 60 miles from Prescott and the waiting period is six to eight weeks, minimum?
Howcum the Brockville General Hospital has the funds to purchase a CT scan machine but cannot get the Ontario government to approve the approximate $250,000 per year operating cost?
Howcum you can get a CT scan at the Hepburn Medical Center in neighbouring Ogdensburg with just a couple of days notice?
Howcum there is a wait of six months to a year for a hip or knee replacement in Brockville, Kingston or Ottawa hospitals, but just a few weeks at the Perth hospital?
Howcum Prescott and area residents have to spend two to three hours travelling to BGH to get a x-ray when, up to a few months ago, they could get one in Prescott with about a half-hour's wait?
Howcum hospital budgets in Brockville are so tight that most surgery is now treated as day surgery and patients are sent home to be looked after by family (if available) or through home care services provided by Access Centres which are not given enough provincial funds to come anywhere near servicing this overload of patients?
Howcum a journalist with John Morris's experience would choose to perpetuate the myth that Ontario's health care system is in crisis, even after being assured by Mr. Runciman that the Mike Harris government has never reduced overall spending in its budgets?
Howcum John Morris wouldn't believe that if he supported Stockwell Day's candidate in Leeds-Grenville in the last federal election that Mr. Runciman would still respect him in the morning?
***
One issue on which we do agree 100 per cent with Mr. Runciman is that the federal government has siphoned off billions of health care tax dollars from Ontario residents and directed them elsewhere. Only a fraction of these taxes are being returned to the provinces while Prime Minister Chretien preens his political feathers on the backs of the sick and suffering.
***
We received a disappointing update on our story last week about the possibility of having the Irish-built replica of the Jeanie Johnston stop in Prescott this summer or next on a planned North American tour.
Over the Internet we found out that the project's board of directors had cancelled sailing plans for 2001 because of problem's with the ship's technical systems. The Jeanie Johnston was unique among the famine ships and coffin ships that carried immigrants from the U.K., Scotland and Ireland, in particular, to Upper and Lower Canada in the 1840s and 50s, in that she never lost a passenger to disease or the sea in her 16 Atlantic crossings.
Planned to set sail originally from Tralee on Ireland's southwest coast last year, the three-masted barque has been plagued by delays. So far the project has cost around 10 million Irish pounds provided by the Irish government, European Union and private donors.
Prescott was named a quarantine port during this mass migration era and several corpses from these ships were buried in Prescott and area cemeteries, many of them in unmarked graves. This was an important era in Prescott's history so we will keep researching the subject and keep hoping the Jeanie Johnston will come to Prescott next summer.
The Editor;
The letter to the editor of July 4 which suggested that we level our historic town hall and build a plastic one is insulting to the people of Prescott and all who care for this grand community.
The writer grossly misjudged Prescottonians by inferring they would be willing to sell their historical birthrights and denigrate themselves to the lowest common denominator by accepting a plastic-laden, coloured siding structure that may save a few dollars in the short run, as their local seat of governance.
Since there was no mention of the colour of siding involved, might I suggest orange? While I have no prejudice against this colour, I think that the spectacle of a plastic building should really stand out as an eyesore when it's bright orange. That way, all the tourists who come to see Prescott's historic Fort Wellington, Windmill Point, Forwarders' Museum etc. won't miss the "new and improved" town hall.
Our historic buildings are of significance to the people of Prescott, not only to our heart and souls but also for the practical lure of tourism dollars.
When you present yourself as a town that doesn't value your own history or culture, you won't attract tourists who come, in part, to appreciate Prescott's past. We can take notes from Perth and Merrickville not to mention Europe where even the most economically burdened of countries has had the foresight and intelligence to preserve their historical buildings.
Canadian tourists travel there in droves to admire the architecture and leave behind a lot of cash for the experience.
As people who care for Prescott, we must say that our community is not going to lower itself by demolishing our past in favour of coloured plastic buildings.
The author of the letter to the editor mentioned that his opinion of our town hall stemmed from his vast experience building wire mills; perhaps, then, we should consider a town hall made not of plastic, but of wire.
After all, anything is good enough for Prescott...
S.E. Annable
Toronto
The Editor;
I would like to know why The Prescott Journal implied that I was chosen to represent the Government of Ontario and the Hon. Robert Runciman because I am the president of Canadian Alliance Leeds-Grenville Constituency.
I was introduced as Brian DesRochers, a resident of Prescott and during my remarks before reading a letter from Mr. Runciman, I gave a background of my personal military attachment.
To set the record straight, I was asked to represent the Ontario Government and the Hon. Robert W. Runciman because I am a resident of Prescott, a proud member of the provincial Progressive Conservative party and because of my and my family's military background.
Both of my parents served overseas in World War II in Canada's forces.
My mother, Edna DesRochers, of Pembroke, served in the Canadian Women's Army Corps in England. My father, now deceased, was a member of the RCAF serving both in England and what at that time was called Ceylon.
I have over 30 years service in Canada's forces.
My son Greg has been a member of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry for the last nine years and has served on numerous peacekeeping missions.
I believe you owe everyone concerned with this rededication ceremony an apology for your attempt to try and politicize a solemn ceremony to honour our war veterans.
Brian DesRochers
The Editor;
In my opinion there are two excellent old stone buildings on Edward Street that are for sale at present. The one on the west side could be the town hall with parking on its south side property, the one on the east a library with the youth centre at the back.
It would also be a good idea to have a traffic light as a crossing between the two which would be a safety feature in helping to slow traffic at this point.
Myrne Hart
Jane Fullarton
The Augusta Township Public Library Board has reached its fundraising goal for its Millennium Project.
The library board began its project to add four computer workstations and to automate the collection in Dec. 1998. It has raised more than $38,000 through private, corporate and municipal donations and bingo revenues.
The board also received an additional $30,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, to purchase four computer workstations for free Internet access by patrons.
Library staff are currently in the process of adding bar codes to the library books in preparation for the computer scanning equipment. Volunteers are needed to help with this task. If you can help, contact Eleanor at the library.
The Summer Reading Program for ages 3 to 8 is now in progress on Wednesday mornings at 10. Dates for the program are July 11 and 25 and August 1, 15 and 22. Most of the programs are run by student volunteers. Volunteers are needed to expand the program to include August 8 and 29. Summer Reading Program Volunteers read a story or stories to the children and then do an easy craft with them. The library pays for all supplies. If you can help, call the library at 926-2449.
A contest for children ages 3 to 12 is being held at the library during the months of July and August. Children are asked to name the two goldfish in the rain barrel outside the library to be eligible to win a surprise. Enter at the front desk and the winner will be decided Aug. 27.
Applications for the Dreamers and Doers Award will be accepted at the library until July 31. If you know of someone who is an Augusta resident who has had a dream to enhance their community and has worked to make that dream come true, nominate them for this award. Nomination forms are available at the library.
The library will be closed on Wednesday, July 18 and Thursday, July 19 to allow library staff to receive training on the new automation system. The library will reopen Saturday, July 21.
By Willy Sieling Heuvel
A dinner BBQ will take place this Saturday, July 14 at 5:30 pm. Call me soon if you would like to attend. Pork chops are on the menu.
Don't forget your reservations for the Morrisburg dinner and show Aug. 2, a Thursday. If you would like more information give me a call at 925-5300. I have 15 tickets, and some have are spoken for..
Your down payments for the trip to Stratford in October must be in by the end of this month. My reservation list etc. will be made from this list. After this, if any places are left they will be opened up to outsiders. Thanks!
CARDINAL With school out, the local police service is trying to ensure children have a safe and happy summer.
Senior Constable Cathy Lindsey of Grenville County OPP has provided The Journal with a number of tips for parents to street-smart their children. These helpful guidelines to protect children and keep them safe this summer were also reinforced by Benson Public School Principal Donna Smith Reid, who sent a letter home with students at the end of school stressing the importance of personal safety and being street smart.
Lindsey notes two out of three families will be victims of an unwanted sexual act. Eighty per cent of the time, the assualt will occur before the person has reached the age of 21. Nearly one quarter of assaults or attempted assaults on female victims occur before the child has reached the age of 11. More than 80 per cent of the abusers are known to the child.
Most parents want to educate their children about sexual abuse, but are not sure how to go about it, Lindsey said. These guidelines will help parents teach their children how to keep safe. "Remember, you risk doing more harm to your child by avoiding the subject than by saying too much," Lindsey said.
"Parents who talk openly will be seen by their children as being approachable and children will feel free to bring their worries and concerns to them. Parents who street proof their children are reinforcing what is being taught in school, since in many communities today sexual abuse prevention is part of the school program," she said.
Here are some ideas for things to do as a family:
* An unattended child is a child at risk. Arrange with your child an alternative place where he or she can wait if you are delayed, especially in the darker winter evenings. Suggest a well-lit store or inside an arena or school.
* Whenever possible, have children walk in pairs or groups. Children should always travel the same way home.
* Know the adults who work with your children both at school and in recreational programs.
* Use a secret family code. Children should never go with anyone, not even close family friends, unless the friends are able to give the child the code. Once the code has been used it should be changed.
* Don't allow your young children to go to a public washroom unattended.
* Check your babysitter's credentials thoroughly. Know the latchkey rules if your child is at home after school: he or she should be taught never to admit visitors and never to let telephone callers know he or she is alone.
* As a family, obtain a family video on sexual abuse prevention. An excellent one is "Feeling Yes, Feeling No," which is available from the National Film Board.
These are some tips for things to tell your child:
* Explain to your children the difference between good touches and bad touches, and encourage them to listen to their feelings. Bad touch is the kind that makes you feel uncomfortable. Tell someone. If an older person is tickling you and you ask them to stop and they don't, that is a bad touch. It is important to tell an adult you trust. Good touch makes you and the other person feel good. Hugs and pats on the back are examples.
* Give your children the self confidence to assert themselves if they get a "no feeling" because someone either touched them or asked them to do something they felt was not right.
* Give them permission to say "no, don't touch me" to that person and reassure them it is not rude to do so.
* If anyone, even someone they love threatens or does touch them in a way that doesn't feel right, impress upon them they must come and tell you. Explain if an adult wants your child to have a secret only the two can share, then it is not right and your child must tell.
Here's what to do if your child tells you he or she has been approached or assaulted:
* Listen to your child and let him or her tell you in his or her own words. Don't suggest words or modify what is being said. Your ideas might confuse the truth.
* Children seldom lie about sexual abuse. Reassure the child you believe what he or she said, and you are glad to have been told about it.
* Do not blame the child, show horror or anger, or encourage any belief in the child this was his or her fault.
* Support the child and recognize the child's feelings - whether they are anger, fear, sadness or anxiety - and assure the child you will protect him or her from any further abuse.
* Let the child know you are going to take steps to make this stop, but don't burden the child with details about what happens next. Professionals can help you guide your child through this process.
General information:
* If you suspect your child or any other child has been abused, you must call police or child protection officials at once. The Prescott detachment of the OPP can be reached at 925-4221. If you live in Prescott, contact the town police service at 925-4252. Family and Children's Services in Brockville is available at 498-2100.
* If your child is to be interviewed by a social worker or police officer, ensure someone dear to the child is also present.
The July 3 council meeting saw the passing of the budget for this year. Mayor Dave Dobbie explained to those present this budget resulted in an overall municipal budget increase of 5.1 per cent with pro-rated increases as follows: Spencerville, 5.26 per cent; Cardinal, 8.59 per cent and the remainder of the township, 4.89 per cent.
The reason for the differences in the percentage overall is Spencerville and Cardinal are pro-rated for the services they receive. Adding to the overall increase is the fact the counties have removed the "heavy industrial" class and industries within the township are now rated "Industrial." Council was advised by the clerk and Mayor Dobbie the province is working towards a level tax system for all residents, be they individuals or industry. As this plan progresses, residential tax rates will be affected.
A recorded vote was requested on the budget and all members of council voted in favour.
A resolution regarding the Building Regulatory Advisory Group was passed for submission to our MPP and to the Minister of Municipal Affairs. This resolution opposes the proposed legislation designed to regulate standards within the construction industry to require all trades people be licensed and place the onus for ensuring same upon the municipalities rather than the province.
The bylaw regulating the fire department was passed. There was a suggestion the bylaw be amended to allow council members to be on the Fire Department Committee, but there was no support for the idea.
There was a change in the fire department operational format from that proposed by the Transition Board. There are no distinct functions of the chief and deputy chief as suggested by Chief Graham Van Camp (now Deputy Chief Van Camp) and Chief Jim Purcell, and accepted by the Transition Board.
On the topic of the skateboard ramps in Cardinal, Councillor Bill Sloan advised there is no money available to repair the ramps as $400 was spent on them at the beginning of the year. Mayor Dobbie advised the police have determined who damaged the equipment and they are in the process of having discussions surrounding reimbursement for the damages. Council should know more in a few weeks.
Councillor Sloan advised the computer for the OPP will be in the Cardinal office this week.
Council approved additional spending on Station 1 (fire hall in Spencerville) for aesthetic reasons. The amount is not to exceed $1,000. A recorded vote was requested on this item and councillors Peter Martin and Peggy Taylor voted against the additional expenditure.
The next meeting of council is July 16 at 7 pm in Spencerville. The Environmental Committee will meet July 17 at the Waste Water Treatment Plant in Cardinal at 7 pm.
CARDINAL The Cardinal pool staff has begun another season of fun for all ages.
With a full staff of seven instructors and lifeguards, including an aquatics co-ordinator, the pool is able to once again offer a swim team. Participants can be any age, but must be able to swim without a floatation device. The Sea Sharks Swim Team practices Monday to Friday for one hour each day. The Cardinal and Johnstown teams will be jointly hosting a swim meet Saturday, Aug. 25 at the Cardinal facility. The two teams will be competing separately, however.
The first of five swim lesson sessions has already started, and runs until July 17. The next session is scheduled for July 19 to Aug. 3. The third session, from Aug. 4 to 10, will be for bronze medallion, bronze cross and aqua leader levels. The fourth session runs from Aug. 19 to 24. There are still openings in the Saturday class that began June 30 and continues until Aug. 18.
Aquafit, an exercise workout in the water, is open to both men and women, and takes place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. A seniors' swim is offered Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 to 6 pm.
Public swimming is available Monday to Friday from 2 to 5 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 pm. A family swim/lane swim is offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 to 7:30 pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
Season passes and family rates are also available at the Cardinal pool. The pool can be reached at 657-4504.
John Merton Burchell died at the Brockville General Hospital Sunday, June 24, 2001 in his 87th year. He served his country in England, Germany, Holland and France. In Orbec, France, he was awarded the Croix de Guerre Medal with bronze star by General de Gaulle in the liberation of France. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 97, Prescott, for more than 50 years.
He was born June 30, 1914 in Edwardsburgh Township to parents John Edgar Burchell and Etta Sarah Wilson. He married Isabella Armstrong of Carp in 1939. She died in 1941. Mr. Burchell joined the Royal Canadian Signals attached to the Fifth Field Regiment RCA in 1942 and was discharged in Jan., 1946. On Aug. 30, 1952 he married Mildred J. Hanna in Brockville.
Surviving are his wife, Mildred, cousins and many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers Joseph Leonard and James Gordon Burchell; and a sister, Eileen Robert.
Funeral arrangements were conducted by the Chris Slater Funeral Home, 416 Dibble St. W., Prescott, with a service in the chapel. Rev. Father Claude Delorme officiated. Burial followed at Maynard Cemetery. Pallbearers were Victor Bois D'Emghien, Ralph St. Pierre, Edward Murdock, Greg Youde, Donald and Clifford Fretwell.
Mr. Burchell worked mainly on construction projects as a plumber and steam fitter. He was a member of Local Union 221 United Association, Kingston. He worked in the United States and Canada, and was also a road superintendent for a few years for Edwardsburgh Township. Mr. Burchell's main interests after retirement were carpentry, friends, family and gardening.
Robert John Jeffers, 2564 Second Concession Rd., Prescott, died Tuesday, June 26, 2001 at Augusta Township. He was 18.
Mr. Jeffers was born August 15, 1982 in Brockville, the son of Robert James Jeffers and Brenda Charbot.
Besides his parents, he is survived by his sister Carol Anne Jeffers of Prescott; grandparents Robert and Ann Jeffers of Prescott; Caroline and Jack Trupp of Toronto; Uncle Michael and Aunt Amanda Jeffers of Brockville; Russel and Aunt Joanne Wright of Burlington; Aunt J.J. and Sam of Brockville; dear friend Julie Sayeau of Prescott; best friend Wayne Jones of Prescott; great grandmother Florence Mackay of Brockville; and great great Aunt Jean McLean of Oakville. Mr. Jeffers is also survived by numerous other aunts, uncles and cousins and dear family friend Colombe Maloney.
Mr. Jeffers had been employed as a fast food preparer at Wendy's and McDonald's Restaurants. He was an OAC student at South Grenville District High School, Prescott.
The funeral service was at the chapel of Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott, Friday, June 29, 2001 at 11 am. Rev. Phil Phillips officiated. There was no visitation. A committal service followed at Sandy Hill Cemetery.
Pall bearers were Russell Wright, Sam Carbino, Mike Jeffers, Rob Heinekamp, Andrew Marcoux, Kevin Leslie and Mike Tanney.
Donations may be made to the charity of your choice and in memory of Robert John.
Marius P. Spek, a resident of St. Lawrence Lodge, Brockville, and formerly of Maitland, died Friday, July 6, 2001. He was 84.
Mr. Spek was the beloved husband of Irene Sonja (Limbeek) Spek, who predeceased him. He was the loving father of Erik and his wife Connie of Midhurst; Daisy and her husband Bob Ward of RR 1 Prescott; and Douglas and his wife Karen of Langley, B.C.
He will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren Hillary and Emily Spek, Samantha, Joshua and Alexandra Ward, and Bianca Spek. He is also survived by his sister Nies van der Ben in Holland. Mr. Spek was predeceased by his parents and a number of brothers and sisters in Holland.
Family and Friends paid their respects at the Irvine Funeral Home and Chapel, James Street East, Brockville, Monday, July 9, 2001. In celebration of Mr. Spek's life, a ceremony was held in the chapel on Tuesday morning, July 10.
Interment was at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. In remembrance, donations to Brockville General Hospital building fund will be gratefully acknowledged.
PRESCOTT Tennis lessons are being offered again this season at the Prescott Tennis Club at Centennial Park.
Four session are scheduled, with the first one to be held this week.
Session two runs July 16 to July 20, followed by session three, July 30 to August 3 and session 4, August 13 to August 17.
The sessions are an hour long, beginning at 8:30 am. The first session was cancelled because nobody signed up, said Level 1 pro and instructor Vijay Bhatt.
Bhatt is hopeful the next session will be held since several people already have expressed interest in it.
Bhatt, who also coaches tennis at the Brockville YMCA/YWCA, said if there are less than three people signed up for a session, arrangements can be made for private lessons, or they can be bumped to the following session.
If people don't want to learn in group session, which averages about four people, Bhatt said they can sign up for private lessons. The advantage to this setting is it allows for more one-on-one instruction.
Bhatt said he covers the basics during his instruction: ground strokes, serves and volleys. He also has his students run through game situations. Once the fundamentals are learned, placement of the tennis ball can be developed.
In the past, Bhatt said, his students have ranged from the beginners to intermediate players.
"Some of them had to just work on hand-eye co-ordination," he said.
Serving is also a challenge for those learning the game.
"A lot of people have played some sort of racket sport, where they have had to use ground strokes," adding except in badminton, the overhand serve is particular to the sport of tennis.
Bhatt said both adults and children can learn the game of tennis. Although adults may pick up the fundamentals of the sport quicker, Bhatt said, starting the game earlier is still recommended.
"It's hard for kids 10 and younger to get started," he said. "It takes longer for them to catch on than 15 or 16 year olds who just started."
Bhatt said it's easier to instruct older players, because they may understand his guidance and the game better.
However, this shouldn't suggest, Bhatt added, parents put off enrolling their children in lessons. Younger players' learning curve may be less steep, Bhatt said, but they potentially have more time to learn the game.
"I would say, if you start younger then you have more time to get better."
The Prescott courts received several improvements last year, including new nets, resurfacing and the installation of lights.
Session registration can be done at the Prescott Tennis Club Saturdays from 9:30 am to noon. or at the Blue Heron Inn.
For private lessons, contact Bhatt at 348-1434.
On Saturday, July 21, the club is serving pizza and tennis. New members are welcome to part take in the event, which starts at 9:30 am and winds up with pizza at noon.
Those interested are asked to bring a racket and to wear non-marking soled shoes. To book a time or for more information about the tennis club, contact Graham Cudlipp at 925-0562.
The Prescott junior baseball team has won 10 of 11 games, with their only loss to Williamsburg 10-7.
Four of the team's wins came at the expense of both Brockville teams. Against the Brockville Red Sox, Precott won 10-0 and 7-3.
The Brockville White Sox didn't fare much better, losing 12-6 and 4-2.
Prescott has also defeated teams from Morrisburg, Winchester and Mountain.
Pitching in all of these games were Braden Miller and Tyler Smith. Strong hitting support has been provided from all team members who include Jason Beaudoin, Curtis Bucking, Kevin Chamberland, Vince Francica, Logan Gillard, Richard LaHaie, Miller, Eric Spero, Smith, Mike Toll, Kory VanHyning and Jason Vanlanen.
The Prescott players range in age from 13 to 16 years of age.
PRESCOTT On July 7, Brent Scott Insurance beat Beck's Construction 5-2 in Prescott & District Minor Soccer League under-6 action.
Scott's Alex Modler scored three goals. Teammate Allysha Malcomson scored two. Beck's Alex Boswall netted his team's two goals.
Star Security took a 4-1 win over Prescott Chiros. Christian Zahn and Patrick Purcell each scored two goals. Kelly Fee scored for the Chiros.
Playit Star's John Lawless netted three goals in his team's 3-0 win over Lane's Smoke Shop.
Grenville Fish and Game edged out Tichborne Auto Supply 1-0. Lane Bailey scored.
At the 10:15 am games, Playit Star beat the Chiros 5-1. John Lawless had the hot foot again, scoring four of the Chiros' goals. Cameron Smith netted a single. Kelly Fee scored for the Chiros.
Beck's Construction fell 2-1 to Grenville Fish and Game. Lane Bailey scored two for Grenville. Alex Boswall scored for Beck's.
Tichborne beat Lane's 4-1. Devon DeGray scored three, while Morgan Marshall scored one.
Star Security beat Brent Scott Insurance 3-0. Christian Zahn scored two and Patrick Purcell netted a single.
Under 8
In July 3 action, Prescott IDA sealed a 2-0 win over SLP Printing Devils. Matthew Leonard and Christine Leonard each scored a goal.
Hometown Heating burned Tropical Pools 6-1. Scoring for Hometown were Ryan Van Stralen and Ronnie Harrison each with two. Singles went to Alex Stephenson and Lukas Henderson.
Colour Pallette drubbed Playit Star 7-0. Scoring two goals each were Lucas Stitt and Bradley Burton. Singles went to Trent Corney, Trevor Moore and Joey Sargent.
DBL Computing beat Grenville Pharmacy 5-1. DBL's Cory Wilson scored three goals. Singles went to Josh Bailey and Damian Van Hyning.
On July 5, Windmill Web Spiders beat Grenville Pharmacy 4-1. Spiders' Devon Leburn scored three, while Michael Lawless netted one. Jesse Boyd scored for Grenville.
SLP Printing Devils beat DBL Computing 2-0. Dylan Dorey and Nathaniel Arnill each scored in the win.
Hometown Heating's Ronnie Harrison scored two goals in the 5-2 win over Playit Star. Teammates Michaela Mills, Ryan Van Stralen and Brett Van Stralen each netted singles.
Tropical Pools dunked Prescott IDA 7-1. Richard Champagne scored five goals while Jamie Sturgeon had two. Sean Blackburn had his team's only goal.
Colour Pallette beat Prophet's Trophies 5-1. Colour's Lucas Stitt had three goals. Trent Corney had two. Tyson Lefebvre had one.
Under 10
On July 3, Beach Home Hardware and Royal Bank played to a 1-1 tie. Beach's Cody Patenaude scored. Kurtis Lavery scored for Royal Bank.
Kinsmen beat Splash 1-0. Andrew Bernard scored.
Becker's beat Hanson Cavity Kickers 3-0. Singles went to Justin Dalrymple, Lisa Norton and Zak Bernier.
In the battle between the banks, Montreal beat TD 3-1. Montreal's Nathan Clark scored two, while Matthew Suatac scored one. Shawn Perrin scored for TD.
On July 5, Bank of Montreal edged Hansen Cavity Kickers 1-0. Tim Johnston scored.
Beach Home Hardware secured a 3-0 win over TD Bank. Cody Patenaude scored two, while Mason Amell had one goal.
Kinsmen beat Kiwanis 6-0. Jessie Hyland scored three. Singles went to Coby LaTosha, Chris Rice and Zack Temple.
Mac's beat Royal Bank 2-1. Hayden Servage and Chucky Gamble netted singles. Kurtis Lavery scored a single.
Splash beat Becker's 2-0. Julian Goodman and Scott Stephenson each scored.
Under 12
Kriska manufactured a 5-2 win over DWJ Plumbing. Clayton Dunnington and Johnathan Arcard each scored two goals. Joshua Perrin scored one. DWJ's Michel Marchand and Hank Heykoop each scored singles.
Seaway Valley Pharmacy and Star Security played to a 1-1 tie. Seaway's Kristian Knapp scored and Star's Jordan Grootjans scored.
Freer Electric beat the Shriners 5-2. Ryan Armstrong scored three goals. Jacob Temple and Curtis Biccum each scored one goal. Joshua Gould and Roberto Noonan each scored singles.
Techcan Titans beat Giant Tiger 3-0. Bryan McMullen scored two. Dorrie Smith had one goal.
Under 16
On July 4, Watermark Printing beat Kriska 5-1. Watermark's Josh Joudoin scored two goals. Singles went to Jamie Farrell-Cote, Colin Thain and Ryan Fischer.
Playit Star and Gateway Packaging played to a 2-2 tie. Playit's David Code and Chad Hyland scored. Gateway's Larry Cardinal and Wes McFarlane scored.
PRESCOTT The under-12, Division 1 West Prescott Gunners slipped slightly in Ottawa Carleton Soccer League play, allowing second-place Goulbourn to gain a little ground on them after tying Carleton Place 1-1.
In a very physical game, the Gunners went against a very strong wind in the first half and achieved the result they were hoping for: a 0-0 tie.
In the second half, the Gunners would have liked to use the wind to their advantage, but Carleton Place had other ideas, scoring the first goal of the game 10 minutes into the second half.
The Gunners pressed hard but never seemed to get off a good quality shot. At least not until there were three minutes left in the game when Matt Cockshott, on a throw in from Steve Craig-Pettem, lifted the ball over the keeper's outstretched hands and into the net.
The tie now puts the Gunners' record at 6-0-1 (wins, losses, ties), and just one point ahead of second-place Goulbourn in the west side of Division 1.
Only three points separate first from third in the very tight division. Carleton Place sits just two points behind Goulbourn with 18 points.
Tied for fourth is OSG/Rideau and Nepean City, each with 15 points.
The Gunners play Wednesday, July 11 at 7 pm at South Grenville District High School, where they take on West Carleton, which only has one win in the season.
PRESCOTT A little rain shouldn't hurt the paint on the vehicles, but it could dampen the turnout for the 14th annual Car Show Sunday, July on the grounds of Fort Wellington.
Last year, with the cool and cloudy conditions, about 100 cars were parked on the lawn for registrants and visitors alike to view.
Mike Baril, treasurer of the St. Lawrence Valley Car Club, which hosts the event, said hopefully the weather co-operates, adding numbers could then be expected to be boosted to 150 vehicles.
He said with 90 per cent of registrants signing up the day of the show, it is difficult to predict how many vehicles will make the trip to the fort.
"Weather has a big effect on the numbers," Baril said.
Since admission is free to view the cars, Baril said, it is also hard to say have many have visited the show in past years, but if the weather is good, he is hopeful a lot of people will come out to see the vehicles.
There is a competitive element to the show. Car enthusiast have a chance to enter their vehicles and compete for trophies, including best of show and people's choice. There are 15 classes, ranging from street rods to modified vehicles.
However, a big draw is visitors can see the cars up close and ask the owners questions about their cars.
"They are more than happy to talk about their vehicles," he said. "Some have unique stories about how they acquired their vehicles."
Baril for example, has two classic cars, both 1965 Pontiacs: a Custom Sport hard top and Parsienne convertible. The show is the 32-member club's big event of the year. Throughout the season, the club holds tours and rallies. Baril noted that having a classic vehicle isn't even a prerequisite of being a member of the club.
"You just have to be interested in cars," he said.
The club's area stretches from Brockville to Cardinal, right up to Metcalfe. In addition to hosting the car show, the club has smaller activities such as tours and rallies.
In the past, members have driven on a four-day tour to Vermont. There are also one or two day tours. Members also take part in cruise nights throughout the region.
The show was held on Main Street was home to the show for the first three years, before moving to the fort grounds.
Originally, the car show had been part of Loyalist Days, but when it ceased to exist in the mid-1990s, the car club picked it up.