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PRESCOTT A Prescott-wide garage sale, both downtown and throughout the town, is being organized for Saturday, Aug. 26, the day of the 1000 Islands Poker Run. Thousands of people are expected to visit town to view the speedboats that day. The speedboats are due to arrive in town at 2:40 p.m. and depart by 3:30 p.m, heading to the finish line in Gananoque. Earlier in the day, the boats will also make stops in Brockville and in Clayton and Alexandria Bay, N.Y. For more information about participating in the garage and yard sales, call 925-2812 or 925-4324.
OTTAWA Leeds-Grenville MP Joe Jordan has been appointed as parliamentary secretary to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. Chrétien made the appointment last Wednesday.
In the new position, Jordan will have increased responsibility for parliamentary business and will assist the prime minister with relationships with the public and interest groups across Canada.
"I am very pleased that the prime minister has asked me to become his parliamentary secretary," Jordan commented in a press release.
"This new position will enable me to assist the government in communicating with the public and will help me provide a better link between the constituents of Leeds-Grenville and the federal government."
The appointment becomes effective Sept. 1.
PRESCOTT Youth for Life has a full slate of activities planned for the remainder of the school holidays. On Wednesday, Aug. 16, there will be swimming from 1:30 to 3 p.m.; a sports afternoon and movie night on Thursday, Aug. 17; mini-putt in Brockville on Friday, Aug. 18 from 1 to 4 p.m.; a trip to the YM-YWCA on Monday, Aug. 21 from 2 to 5 p.m. and baseball next Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2 to 4 p.m. Anyone age 6 to 17 can participate in the events. For more information, call co-ordinator Leslie Ross at 925-2004.
By CHRISTINE ENDICOTT - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT A ring of fibre-optic cable that will be installed around Prescott this fall is expected to have a positive effect on the local economy.
During a meeting last week, Prescott Public Utilities Commission officials presented their plan to install fibre-optic cable in a loop around the town. Chairman Don Gibson said the PUC hopes to have it ready by October.
Companies, small businesses, schools and government departments will pay to connect to the fibre-optic loop. The PUC plans to begin its sales effort in the coming weeks.
The fibre-optic cable would need to be connected to a supplier to link it to a larger network.
Prescott PUC manager Allan Beckstead said the utility plans to string the fibre-optic cable on poles along Churchill Road, Boundary Street to King Street, down Water Street, up Sophia and back around Kriska, where some fibre-optic cable already exists. The cable would also be installed along Edward Street so that businesses along that street can connect, he added.
"We also want to hit all schools and federal and government offices," added Gibson. The utility plans to offer fibre-optic service to the post office, Ontario Provincial Police, Canadian Coast Guard base and many businesses, including Brister Insurance, which is connecting fibre-optic cable to its wireless network at the Prescott water tower.
Gibson said the cable will be installed as a loop rather than stringing each user to a hub. South Dundas has 22 kilometres of cable attached to a hub, Gibson said, and councillors commented that this could pose problems if there were difficulties at the hub.
Beckstead said the cost for businesses and agencies to connect will be approximately $6 per metre per year for the first strand and $2 per metre for additional strands, although the PUC is still assessing the market and the price could change.
"Our intention is to provide service at 70 per cent of the cost of other suppliers," he said. "We think it will be an economic development tool."
"It's an economic plus for the town," added Gibson. "You're going to draw factories in, you're going to draw commuters in."
Fibre-optic cable allows data to be transferred much more quickly than through traditional telephone lines.
"It's fast. It's the speed of light," Beckstead explained.
To save money, PUC crews will install the cable mostly on the PUC poles, he added. The installation cost will be approximately $40,000, and the utility is paying another $12,000 for engineering.
"We're trying to keep the costs down. We're trying to use what's already there," said Beckstead.
"Very limited maintenance" will be required, he added. Customers will be responsible for their own electronics; the PUC will simply supply the cable and "light it up," the manager added.
Installing the cable on poles already owned by the PUC will be less expensive than digging to put it underground. "You certainly don't want us to run through your new pavements," Gibson told councillors.
Beckstead said although the PUC has yet to receive inquiries for fibre-optic service, he expects a good response once the marketing effort begins.
"If we are the only game in town, we'll have a higher success rate."
The PUC plans to become a "carrier's carrier," connecting to a larger company such as AT&T or Bell.
The Prescott PUC is still discussing a possible merger of the utility with other utilities to form a larger entity. A public meeting to reveal the plan will be held Aug. 28.
Beckstead expects the fibre-optic cable will be a factor in the economic success of Prescott. "The sooner we can do it and get the word out, the more benefit it will generate for the town."
PRESCOTT The Prescott Public Utilities Commission will hold a public information session on Monday, Aug. 28 to discuss its plan to merge with several other utilities. The meeting will be held at St. Mark's Parish Centre starting at 7 p.m., reported PUC chairman Don Gibson.
Gibson said everyone is welcome "anyone who wants to listen to what's happening with the PUC."
The PUC has been in negotiations with other utilities in the region for several months.
By JEFF LEE - Journal Staff Writer
SPENCERVILLE Work has begun on the Township of Edwardsburgh's new fire hall located just south of Spencerville on County Road 44.
Last Thursday, a ground-breaking ceremony was held as work continued on the preparation of the 14-acre property purchased by the township last year.
The total cost of project is pegged at $595,000. The township's contribution is $300,000, while a fundraising campaign by the volunteer fire department has raised $270,000. However, funding for the project remains $25,000 short.
"We are hoping we will get donations to finish it up," said deputy reeve and firefighter Bill Sloan. Tax receipts will be provided for any donations of more than $20.
The completion date for the fire hall is set for late fall, said company estimator Andrew K. Turner of D.C. Snelling Limited, a general contractor and builder in Prescott. He said the company will have 20 to 25 people working on the project.
Dobbie said the township had been considering a larger facility for a number of years but that it wasn't until the last four years that there had been a "real push" to get one. "[The township] was thinking about buying the property and had been discussing where the fire hall should go," he said.
He added firefighters decided where to locate the building, either east or south of Spencerville. The conclusion, Dobbie said, was that locating the hall south of the village would be the best location. The property is just south of County Road 21, with access to Highway 416.
The new building will eliminate the problem of lack of space the department currently faces. Dobbie said the present fire hall, which was added to the northeast corner of the municipal building in 1974, is not large enough to house the department's four vehicles, including the original 1951 pumper truck which is now used for parades.
With only one bay, it is difficult to arrange the vehicles, and the parade truck has to be kept off site, Dobbie said. The 2,160-square-foot facility includes a small meeting room on the second floor.
The vehicles have to be backed into the garage and if, for example, the first vehicle has mechanical problems, the other vehicles may be stuck until the first one can be moved.
"[The current] garage is not very handy," Dobbie said. "There was a lot of juggling of vehicles. The new one will be a big improvement."
Other non-essential equipment is housed at the Spencerville Fair building.
The new fire hall will have three bay doors and be two vehicles deep, with corresponding doors on both ends of the garage so vehicles can be driven through it.
It will also include administrative and operations rooms such as a fire prevention office and a fire chief's office, a dispatch room, a large training room, two smaller training rooms, a small kitchen and meeting rooms. It will have a separate room for the firefighters' air packs so the packs can be maintained in a "clean shop."
"The new building will be adequate for quite a few years to come," said the township's fire chief, Jim Purcell.
This is the second time the facilities have been expanded since the formation of the department on Feb. 3, 1951. Originally, a two-bay fire hall was at the back of the municipal buildings, where the current council chambers and offices are located.
SPENCERVILLE Fair organizers in Spencerville are hoping various community groups, churches and businesses will challenge each other in the round bale decorating contest, to be held in conjunction with September event.
Paula Carmichael said the deadline for entries in the competition is Aug. 19, with judging to take place following Aug. 27.
There is a $50 prize for the best display by a community group or organization; the most creative exhibit takes $30, and $20 goes to the most promotional exhibit.
The exhibits must be a minimum of one round bale and a maximum of three bales high; they must have a clear sign indicating the fair name and the date held; they must be original and should promote the fair; and exhibits must remain in place for the duration of the fair.
LEEDS-GRENVILLE Former journalist Doug Aldridge of Lombardy, consultant George Clark of Merrickville and Gananoque businessman and municipal councillor Gord Brown have put their names forward for the Canadian Alliance nomination in Leeds-Grenville for the next federal election.
Aldridge, who ran for Reform in 1997, is also seeking the Canadian Alliance nomination in Leeds-Grenville for the next federal election.
Doug Aldridge
Aldridge, 50, of Lombardy, co-ordinated local efforts for the successful leadership campaign of Canadian Alliance leader Stockwell Day. Day had 80 per cent of the vote in Leeds-Grenville in the run-off ballot against Preston Manning.
A former news anchor and reporter with CFMO, Aldridge is now an issues consultant. He managed the Reform Party's mini-campaign on criminal justice and has worked with regional councillors in Ottawa-Carleton on local issues.
In the 1997 federal election, Aldridge picked up 10,484 votes, or 22 per cent of the popular vote, losing to Liberal Joe Jordan.
Aldridge spent 16 years as a broadcaster and reporter with the Canadian Forces Network at the former Canadian Forces base in Lahr, Germany. The experience gave him perspective and background on issues facing the Canadian military. He said he had a front-row seat for the political upheaval and social change in Europe in the 1980s and early 90s.
Aldridge is married to the former Susanne Wolfram, of Offenburg, Germany. They have two children Carina, 13 and Harry, 10. Both attend Lombardy Public School.
George Clarke
This week, Clarke, of Merrickville, announced his candidacy.
Clarke holds degrees in political science and philosophy as well as a masters in health management. While working in the National Blood Program, Clarke rose through the ranks to become manager of the National Marrow Donor Program. He now works as a consultant.
Clarke has served his community as a volunteer in several capacities, including as a summer festival co-ordinator and vice-chairman of the Rideau Valley District Health Council. Today, he is a cub scout leader and a member of the Merrickville District Community Health Centre board of directors.
He lives in Merrickville with his wife Marsha Clarke and their two children, Jessica and Jacob. In his spare time, he labours to restore their heritage home.
Politics is "a natural step for me," Clarke said. "I have always valued my community."
He added that "the Canadian Alliance Party is about values and principles. Their declaration of policy is a roadmap that will make a difference in the lives of all Canadians."
Gord Brown
Brown, who is presently chairman of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, made his announcement last week.
He said the Alliance's team-building approach matches his own philosophy and principles.
"The Liberals' free ride in Leeds-Grenville is over," he said through a news release. "The time is right for a change in the government of Canada and a change of political leadership in Leeds-Grenville."
Brown said the region needs an "outspoken representative in Ottawa who will work hard to achieve the goals of all Canadians... goals like lower taxes, reliable long-term health care funding, mandatory balanced budgets and a commitment to safe communities."
He sees Leeds-Grenville as having a future with limitless growth based on a free-enterprise economy.
Brown, 39, is married to Sherry Brown, who is expecting their first child this fall. He is the owner of a Brown Hospitality Corporation, which employs more than 40 people at Days Inn, Quality Inn, Lobster Trap Seafood Restaurant, Putt N Play Mini Golf and Baskin Robbins in Gananoque.
He has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in political science from Carleton University.
PRESCOTT Town residents can expect to receive their tax bills in the mail this week.
The final tax bills, to be paid in two installments, were printed Monday and mailed this week.
Local taxpayers paid the first installment of their taxes, roughly one third of their bills, last spring, and will have to pay the second installment by Aug. 31.
The final installment will be due by Sept. 29.
Anyone with questions can call tax collector Shauna Faber at Prescott town hall, 925-2812.
PRESCOTT Town councillors have reviewed revised plans for a 19-unit townhouse development for a lot beside the Moran-Hooker Trade Building on Water Street.
Land owner Jim French presented the sketches to councillors at a committee meeting last week, to allow council to show them to Moran-Hooker Trade Building co-owner Scott Hubbard. Last spring, Hubbard disputed the project at an Ontario Municipal Board hearing. OMB member Richard Makuch gave conditional approval for the project but requested a final site plan before he would grant full approval.
At the hearing, Hubbard expressed several concerns about the project. He is against a roadway that was to run between the two rows of townhouses, one row facing the harbour and the other facing Water Street. Under the revised plan, the garages will come directly off Water Street. Hubbard had also expressed concern that townhouse residents would use the Moran-Hooker Trade Building's stairway to access the harbour parking lot. Under French's new plan, walkways are indicated on each side of the townhouses, and a retaining wall of six to 10 feet would be built.
The 19 townhouses will include three-bedroom units of 1,500 square feet and two-bedroom units with 1,200 square feet, French said.
He said the building exteriors will include brick, some siding and "a lot of glass," giving harbourside residents views of the river.
PRESCOTT Architect Ralph Vandenberg's sketch of the new town hall, which council intends to build on the municipal parking lot around the existing clock tower at the corner of King and Centre streets, was briefly discussed during a committee meeting last week.
Vandenberg was unable to attend the Tuesday night meeting because of a previous commitment, according to town clerk-administrator Andrew Brown. However, councillors spent a few minutes discussing the layout of the building's interior and some possible changes.
The sketches of the interior show the library and storage rooms on the first floor, with the staff and mayor's offices as well as council chambers on the second floor. The building would include one elevator.
Councillors will again meet with the architect in the near future to go over the details, Brown said. Once the design is approved, councillors plan to begin choosing building materials. Some councillors have indicated that they would like to see an elegant facade of brick and stone.
Vandenberg provided a rough estimate for the 12,200-square-foot building of $1.2 million to $1.5 million, which does not reflect the cost of demolishing the present town hall on Dibble Street. The cost could vary depending on other variables, such as building materials and fibre-optic wiring, Brown noted.
Coun. Frank Whiten remains the lone dissenter to the town hall project on council. Whiten would prefer that the present town hall be demolished and a smaller building be built to replace it on the Dibble Street lot. Whiten says the present library could remain standing, so the project would cost only a fraction of the pricetag of a new town hall downtown.
The sketches which Vandenberg provided to council last week show an altered clock tower roof, a suggested change. Twenty-seven parking spots are indicated. A second sketch shows the architect's plan for the parking lot and market. An archway would lead from the clock tower into the market on Centre Street, which would be closed to traffic between King and Water streets on market days.
The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce remains opposed to the project.
At a recent public meeting organized by the chamber, 72 per cent of the 502 members of the public who submitted surveys indicated they would prefer that the present building be renovated. An engineering firm is presently conducting a cost estimate to renovate the Dibble Street building.
The study, which the chamber and council are funding jointly, will cost $4,500.
By CHRISTINE ENDICOTT - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT The $9-million sewer reconstruction project under way in Prescott is approximately one month behind schedule and will likely involve more blasting during the next few months, the town engineer reported.
In an interview Monday, Clyde Solomon said Cornwall Gravel crews are presently working in three areas: Park Street between Prince and Duke; James Street between Prince and East; and the area of Clarendon, Zaire and St. Lawrence streets.
Blasting also began last week on Josephine and Hyde, an area originally scheduled for work in September, he added.
"The problem is that they have a crew that blasts and a crew that installs the pipes. They can't have a crew sitting and waiting. Time is money."
Overall, the work is approximately one month behind schedule, but the three crews may still be able to complete the work by late November. Solomon expected to meet with construction company officials this week to discuss the project.
Adding new crews is not always possible because ripping up more roads at the same time could cause traffic-flow problems, blocking truck access to industrial plants, for example.
Work by Louis Bray Construction Company crews, which began last year, is now complete. Bray finished putting asphalt on several streets this month.
Cornwall Gravel has Contracts 300 and 400 for the project. The company had anticipated having Contract 300 streets west of Edward Street finished by late September, but considerable work remains, Solomon said. "I don't think there is any way they could be done on time."
Contract 500, involving the sewer and water main work on streets east of Edward, is already under way and is scheduled for completion by the end of November.
Solomon said it's too early to predict whether that contract will be finished on time.
Blasting generally takes less time than drilling through rock with a hoe ram and is necessary in the areas where the rock is three to six feet deep, the engineer said. To install new sewer pipes and water mains, the trenches are dug eight to 11 feet deep.
Solomon expects that Cornwall Gravel will do more blasting in the coming months. East, Wood and Prince Street north of Park all have a large amount of rock, and residents of those streets can expect blasting, he noted.
A subcontractor has been doing pre-blast surveys and home inspections where the blasting is occurring, he noted.
"I haven't heard any complaints from residents at this point about the blasting. No damage has been reported," the engineer said.
"They aren't blasting whole streets. They are being very careful."
While hoe ramming is safer "you don't have damage" it is also slower and noisier, he noted.
Most town residents have accepted the dust, noise and inconvenience of the construction this summer as the price they have to pay to have a better sewer system and new, paved roads.
"I think people are aware of what's happening. They're going to end up with new streets. That's what people see the most."
The residents who experienced sewer blockages and backups in the past understand that the project was necessary, he added.
Sections of the following roads west of Edward Street could be affected: Railway, Clarendon, Josephine, Zaire, Hyde, Jessup, Park, George, Walker, Wood, Susan, and Eliza.
East of Edward, the service road by the Edward Street overpass and sections of Wood, Park, James, East and Prince are still due to be completed.
Other areas where the sewers and water mains have already been installed have yet to be paved, Solomon noted.
If sufficient funding remains, the town may also extend the project to include parts of James, Dibble and Prince streets.
By CHRISTINE ENDICOTT - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT Homeowners on James Street East are concerned about a potentially dangerous problem in some homes in town.
Gary and Martina Libby of 131 James St. East said they discovered their potable water line is connected with their sewer line, which could cause serious health problems if the sewage ever backflowed.
Gary, a licensed plumber, said he will correct the pipes in his home when the street is ripped up for the sewer reconstruction project, but he's concerned that other homeowners share the same problem and may not be aware of it.
"They hooked my sewer line and my water to the same pipe," he explained. "It's the worst thing they could have done. I'll fix it I don't want my kids drinking out of the sewer."
The Libbys' three children range in age from two to 13.
Their sewer and water lines were connected to prevent the water from freezing during the winter. Because of bedrock, the water line to his home was not placed deep enough to keep it from becoming clogged with ice during the winter. Therefore, the water line was linked by a valve to the sewer pipe so a small amount of water could trickle into the sewer to keep the water from freezing, he said.
Libby said a backflow preventer, similar to the ones used in homes in Rockland, would help correct the problem, but the lines should not have been connected in the first place.
Libby believes many other homes have the same problem.
"There's all kinds of cross-connections in the plumbing in Prescott."
Once the digging is finished and roads are repaved this summer, the problem will be much more expensive to fix, he said. "They're going to cover plumbing problems with brand new asphalt."
Town engineer Clyde Solomon said it's up to individual homeowners to correct the problems or contact the Public Utilities Commission for advice. "We don't deal with the water line. That's the public utilities. We deal with sanitary sewers."
Solomon commented that letting water trickle to keep the pipes from freezing is an "old-fashioned" solution, but that the town would not have been involved in creating any cross-connections between water and sewer lines.
"It's certainly not a permitted use. I can't believe the Ministry of the Environment would allow it.... I can't believe any authority would have permitted such a thing."
He noted that some people tap into hydro or cable lines illegally, and officials have little control over their actions until they are discovered.
Sometimes people purchase homes without being aware of the wiring and plumbing problems created by previous owners.
Sewer-water cross-connections should be fixed, the engineer said.
"I totally agree that any type of potable water line should not be connected to a sanitary sewer system."
He suggested that anyone who discovers the problem should ask the PUC for advice. "They are the local experts."
Jane Fullarton
The summer parks program will run its final week of activities next week. Kristen Schaub, who has coordinated the summer program, says the program has been a lot of fun for all the participants. The rainy weather has not dampened the spirits of those involved because they have have the flexibility of using the MERC Hall during rainshowers.
Schaub reports that the children have gone swimming and played lots of water games on the playground to keep cool. This week, the theme is the Olympics, and next week the theme is ancient civilizations. Schaub and her helpers Sarah Price and Alyson Johnson are planning a final wrap-up event for next week. You can register on Monday morning at the MERC Hall to take part in next week's events. The program runs from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. weekdays.
Summer softball is almost done for the season with final tournaments taking place this weekend.
Chocolate lovers: This Friday afternoon is your afternoon at the Forwarders' Museum. Come to the museum between 1:30 and 4 p.m. to participate in the chocolate lovers' tea, the last of the summer fundraising tea series. The event will include entertainment, beverages and a variety of chocolate treats for a reasonable price.
The museum staff thanks all who came to the bake sale this past Saturday. The sale took place outside of Bi-Way and featured home-baked goods prepared by museum staff and board members. It raised $95.75 towards the Setting Sail for 2000 capital campaign to restore and resuscitate the museum.
The museum is now looking for artifacts to fit into some of the new displays planned for next year.
Anyone who would like to make donations or loans to the museum of artifacts that could fit into displays on the postal service, the rail lines, stagecoaches or boats and shipping can contact the museum at 925-5788.
Jim MacKay of 550 Boundary St., Prescott, who is well-remembered as a former general manager of Prescott's RCA plant and an avid golfer and supporter of the local golf club, died suddenly Aug. 2, 2000, at Kingston General Hospital with his family by his side. He was 67.
This past spring, Mr. MacKay had been awarded a lifetime membership to the Prescott Golf Club in appreciation of the endless hours he had spent playing the game and working as a volunteer. Mr. MacKay had golfed for more than 60 years and helped celebrate the club's 60th anniversary in 1999.
He started playing golf at the age of seven, and moved rocks on the original golf course. He held several positions on the club's board, including president, while being instrumental in the expansion of the course to 18 holes and the completion of the new clubhouse.
By the age of 14, Mr. MacKay had won his first of 29 club championships, and in 1999 took the senior championship. He qualified annually for the team representing his home club.
Mr. MacKay worked tirelessly for the golf club and its future. This year, he was a member of the Intersectional Team, the Border League and the Senior Intersectional Team. This would have been MacKay's 50th year playing with the Prescott Border League Team.
For two years, MacKay and his partner were winners of the Member/Guest Tournament. His golf took him to neighbouring clubs, where he participated in the sport and its fellowship. Regardless of the format or the tournament, there is a trophy with his name on it.
He was a member of the Brockville and Area Sports Hall of Fame.
His favourite time of day was the early morning hours, when he and his friends would set out on the dew-covered grass of the club he loved and resided near since he was a boy. His white golf cart was part of the landscape near the putting green where he would play daily. He will forever be known as the best at the game in Prescott.
Mr. MacKay enjoyed time at his plantation in Mallorytown, where he and his nephews and brothers Pat and Dunc would hunt each fall. He maintained and kept the property with seedlings and reforestation projects. He had travelled to New York State to deer hunt at his brother's camp as well.
He loved wood carving and refinishing furniture in his spare time. He enjoyed dining out, dancing, reading, long drives, TV weekend golf and travelling with his friends and family to golf resorts in the winter months. Mr. MacKay also enjoyed cooking and baking for special occasions and holidays. He spent hours viewing the St. Lawrence River and the golf club in the afternoons and evenings from the porch at his home on Boundary Street. His wife and family were a source of joy and pride.
Mr. MacKay's career with RCA began in 1953, after graduating from New York State college in Canton. The young mechanical-electrical technologist was placed within the company as a test equipment maintenance technician, at a time when RCA manufactured only radios.
Mr. MacKay continued to work his way up in the company management, becoming resident engineer and then manufacturing manager for a number of years. He was plant manager for about 12 years until his retirement in 1993. The company later become known as Thomson Consumer Electronics.
He was born James Duncan MacKay Jan. 12, 1933 in Prescott to Duncan M. MacKay and Mildred V. Bradley, who predeceased him. He was also predeceased by his first wife, Barbara Reynolds.
Mr. MacKay is survived by his wife, Frances MacKay (MacDonald), whom he married May 18, 1991 at St. John's United Church in Cardinal; his daughters Heather MacKay-Kelso (Robert) of Domville, Debbie MacKay of Prescott and Sandra MacKay of Glen Walter; grandchildren, Jamye, Sidney, Mitchell, Kendra, Kyle, Kelsey and Mason; sisters Margaret Wallace of Nepean, and Betty Slack (Francis) of Brockville; brothers Patrick (Diana) MacKay of Maryland and Duncan MacKay of Prescott; and several nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed by Lottie Reynolds and Gladys MacDonald. Mr. MacKay was a stepfather and friend to Rick Wyatt and Sherry, Terry and Kelly Wyatt and Kelly Tobin.
As requested by Mr. MacKay, there was no visitation or funeral service. Cremation was at the Cataraqui Crematorium Aug. 3, 2000.
There will be a celebration of his life held at the Prescott Golf Club Aug. 25 at 1 p.m.
Donations to the J.D. MacKay Junior Golf Foundation, recently established by his family at the Prescott Golf Club for special projects involving the junior membership of the club, would be gratefully accepted. Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would also be appreciated.
Arrangements were handled by the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott.
AUGUSTA - Grenville County OPP were called to investigate a break, enter and theft at a residence on South Branch Road in North Augusta Saturday at 6:18 p.m. The residence was entered and a stereo and speaker were stolen. Anyone with information is asked to contact Const. Matt Robinson at 925-4221.
AUGUSTA A 41-year-old man was arrested and charged with assault after Grenville OPP were called to investigate a domestic disturbance at a residence on Charleville Road in Augusta Saturday at 3:54 a.m. The man was lodged in Brockville Jail and later released. He is to appear in court Sept. 1. The 45-year-old female victim did not receive injuries in the incident.
EDWARDSBURGH Grenville OPP were on routine patrol eastbound on Highway 401 in Edwardsburgh Township Sunday at 3:10 a.m. when they saw a vehicle parked on the right shoulder partially blocking the driving lane.
Allen Lacharity, 35, of Ottawa, was arrested for impaired driving while in care and control of a vehicle. He is to appear in Brockville Court, Provincial Division on Sept. 15.
EDWARDSBURGH Electronics and jewelry were stolen from a home on County Road 2 in Edwardsburgh Township sometime before Sunday at 5:44 p.m. Const. Matt Robinson of the Grenville OPP is investigating the break, enter and theft.
NORTH AUGUSTA Two youths have been charged by Grenville County OPP in the theft of a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado pickup from a residence in North Augusta.
Officers responding to the call of the theft last Wednesday at 5:36 p.m. saw the stolen vehicle on County Road 21 in Augusta Township in the area of Finucan Road. When police attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver and passenger fled on foot into the bush area on the north side of County Road 21. Several Grenville OPP members arrived and set up a containment of the scene. The canine unit from Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry OPP was called to assist.
A local resident spotted the suspects a short time later, and two youths were arrested on Klitbo Road in Augusta. Two 17-year-old boys are charged with theft over $5,000.
AUGUSTA A 41-year-old man was arrested and charged with two counts of breach of an undertaking after Grenville OPP were called to a residence on Charleville Road in Augusta Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Police had been notified that there was an unwanted guest at the residence. The man was lodged at Brockville Jail pending a bail hearing this week.
BROCKVILLE Leeds and Grenville County OPP detachments are investigating two separate armed robberies involving Brockville taxi cabs last Wednesday.
The Brockville Executive cab company dispatch received a request for a ride at Thousand Islands Mall at the Sears entrance at about 4:30 p.m. Two young men asked to be taken to Roebuck in Augusta Township. Once in Roebuck, the taxi driver was threatened with a knife. The two men then stole the vehicle and a quantity of cash from the driver. The 57-year-old driver was not harmed. The vehicle was later recovered near Merwin Lane in Augusta.
A City Cab taxi dispatcher received a request for a taxi from Korim's Store in Elizabethtown Township to the Village of Tincap. The taxi driver picked up two young men and drove them to a location east of Tincap. The driver was threatened with a knife and robbed of his wallet and vehicle on arrival in Tincap. The 29-year-old driver received minor injuries. The red 1990 Buick LeSabre has not been recovered. The car has a lighted sign on the roof with number 22 on the trunk lid.
The two suspects are described as being 18 to 20 years old, with slim builds, wearing T-shirts, long denim-type pants and possibly backwards ball caps or bandannas.
Anyone with information can contact the OPP detachment in Brockville at 345-1790, in Prescott at 925-4221, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
By JEFF LEE - Journal Staff Writer
Janet Arcand "It looks quite nice. I was of the opinion that they should fix the old one. ...I just think [the new town hall] will cost a lot." She added that council should gut the existing one, keeping the shell, and make the necessary renovations.
Roger White "It's stupid that they are taking away the marketplace. It's right in the middle of town. I find that area peaceful.... The money that they are going to spend on that, why don't they fix up the existing place? A lot of people I hear are against it. The money they are going to spend is foolish."
Elise Castonguay "A lot of people are against it.... It's going to be hard to put the farmers' market on [Centre] Street, there's not a lot of room there. Why didn't they just renovate the one that they got? It's going to be a hell of a lot cheaper. What are they going to do with the old building? All they need to do is renovate."
Donna Ross "I hadn't been really following it. I've read bits and pieces. Usually when council makes a decision, that's what it's going to be. Whatever decision they come down to, that's what's going to happen. I don't get too worked up about this stuff."
Tony Bailey "I figure it's about time to get a new building. I've been here 25 years and it's always the same place. The basement has been condemned. It might be better that they put money into a new building."
Tom Omarra "It sucks. What's wrong with the old one? Why do they need a new one? They employee three or four people.... As far as I'm concerned, the mayor wants his name on it so he can go down in history."
JOHNSTOWN The 47th annual Gilmer family reunion was held at the South Edwardsburgh Commu-nity Centre on Sunday, Aug. 13.
Descendants of the late Gawn Gilmer and his wife Mary Ann Wright attended.
A total of 94 family members and three guests were present for the pot luck dinner. President Carl Gilmer presided over a short business meeting. Since the last reunion in 1999, there had been three marriages, approximately seven births and two deaths in the family. A minute's silence was observed for Randy Marriner and Dale Hunter, the family members who died. Sheldon Gilmer led family members in a short prayer in respect for the departed.
Toonies were presented to Lindsey Dawn Hoogwerf and Dylan Robert Simpson, youngest girl and boy present at the reunion.
Scrolls which had been signed by family members were presented to Evelyn Bowbeer and Clarence Gilmer, who were the eldest family members present.
Recognition was given to Betty Caitlin, the family member who travelled the furthest to attend the reunion. She had come from Tennessee to attend her first reunion this year.
Certificates for 35 to 55 years of marriage were presented to Glenn and Pat Seeley, Sam and Marie Cowan, Joyce and David Bova, Joyce and Gerald Renkema, and Dwight and Marion Gilmer.
Shelley Porter won a jar of jellybeans and Ashley Gilmer a jar of strawberry gummies.
For the 2001 reunion, family members are asked to bring maps, charts, photos and anything of interest pertaining to the family. Next year's reunion will be held at the South Edwardsburgh Community Hall, Johnstown the second Sunday in August. Registration will be held at noon, and the meal at approximately 12:30 p.m. Anyone who can come early and set up tables or help out in other ways will be greatly appreciated.
Secretary Isobelle Finney, who is moving to Winnipeg, was sincerely thanked by president Carl Gilmer for all her dedication to researching family history. She was presented with a card signed by all present and a gift of money. Family members said she will be greatly missed.
I am outraged the persistence of our town council in trying to overwhelm us with their grandiose plans for a new town hall in the municipal parking lot when 72 per cent of our townspeople are against it. We really need to know just how much we are committed to this architect.
Let us take care of what we have. Centennial Park needs a lot of sprucing up. Don't most people trim the weeds when they trim the grass? The way the scrub bushes and weeds are being allowed to thrive among the rocks, we soon will not have a decent view of the river.
On another subject, our library is desperately in need of funds for more books, as our council has no funds, so I would like to start off a fundraising drive by donating $20 and hope other avid readers will follow suit.
Betty Elliott
Prescott
SPENCERVILLE Girls and women age 17 to 24 are invited to put their names forward for the Spencerville Fair Queen pageant.
Organizer Paula Carmichael and 1999 Fair Queen Sarah Bush are looking for community-spirited girls and young women who enjoy the Spencerville Fair and would like to become an important part of the celebration.
The pageant and fair offer them the opportunity to meet new people.
To date, few girls have called about taking part and attendance was low at a special information session held recently, so Carmichael is now actively seeking volunteers.
To find out more about the pageant and becoming a contestant, call Paula Carmichael at 658-5258 or Sarah Bush at 658-5413.
By MONICA WHITNEY - Journal Staff Writer
AUGUSTA A report from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on strict environmental safeguards for agricultural practices prompted a brief discussion from Augusta township councillors on the need for water wells to be properly drilled and encased.
Wells should be encased into the rock and include an engineer's certification, said Coun. George Vail.
Reeve Adrian Van Schie said he recently had a local farmer ask that a moratorium be put on all farmland and farm-intense operations, restricting severances to ensure there is no runoff from manure into wells. He added there will be legislation introduced this fall controlling farm severances.
Councillors agreed to send a copy of the report to Grenville Federation of Agriculture president Adrian Wynands before making further comment.
The Ontario government's proposal for clear, enforceable province-wide legislation regulating agricultural operations includes defining categories for types of farms including livestock operations; developing standards according to the size of farms for agricultural practices including manure handling, storage and application; providing strict enforcement authority; and setting out penalties and fines for infractions.
The ministry's report states farming practices in Ontario have changed dramatically in recent years, as economics, demand and technology have combined to encourage ever-larger farming operations.
PRESCOTT Town council has approved a rezoning application from Don Gibson of Inverwin Properties for a parcel of land north of Wellington Woods and south of Highway 401.
During a special meeting, councillors agreed to rezone 22 acres of the 32-acre parcel from residential to commercial to allow for the possibility of a retail development.
Gibson, who owns the land, has not yet specified exactly what type of business or businesses or proposed, although he has discussed his plans with councillors behind closed doors.
About 35 people crowded Prescott council chambers last Tuesday to hear councillors pass the bylaw to allow the rezoning of part of the land. The westerly 22 acres of the parcel will become commercial, and an 18-metre buffer will be created along the easterly limits of the property, near Wellington Woods and other residential lands. The buffer will include some of the existing trees.
The buffer is intended to ensure visual and sound barriers between commercial and residential zones, the bylaw states.
The development will be accessed from Edward Street.
As part of the bylaw, council has agreed to consult with adjacent landowners in Wellington Woods to determine adequate buffering before approving a site plan for a proposed development.
Coun. Evelyn Dales said the bylaw shows that council has listened to the concerns of Wellington Woods residents. "By this, we have shown we want to include them in the process... We need to protect them from the sounds of commercial development."
Coun. Craig Worden said two of his daughters live in the area and were among those who signed a petition, not realizing that traffic access would be from Edward Street and their residential road would not become a through street for the development.
"I believe it's an excellent compromise for the owner and the folks of Wellington Woods," added Coun. John McAuley.
PRESCOTT Tom Wilson and his band Border Blue Grass will perform at the Prescott Kinsmen Amphitheatre at the Sandra S. Lawn Harbour this Sunday evening. The free concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. The final concert, on Aug. 27, will feature The Codes Running Kind.
PRESCOTT Town council has hired a consultant to conduct an operational review of the town. At a meeting last week, council decided to appoint Howard Allan and Associates to do an operational review of the town, assessing corporate and organizational structure, employee work assignments and effectiveness, job descriptions, and information technology assessment.
The review is the result of many changes at town hall. Clerk-administrator Andrew Brown and his support staff have assumed responsibilities in economic development following the demise of the South Grenville Economic Development Commission.
Also, the town has not had a recreation director for several years, and changes are occurring in the water department.
The cost of the review is estimated between $5,000 and $10,000.
AUGUSTA Long-time Augusta roads superintendent Garry Ferguson will retire at the end of September, township council announced at its meeting Monday evening.
Ferguson has been employed by the township for 30 years.
AUGUSTA A Brockville couple asked Augusta Township council Monday evening to rezone a parcel of land on Dixon Road north of Algonquin to operate a dairy distribution warehouse.
Robert and Darlene Jones of R & D Dairies Ltd. presently have an office on James Street West in Brockville and are distributors of Sealtest milk and ice cream mixes. Their land on the Seventh Concession is now zoned restricted rural to promote agriculture and reforestation.
Darlene Jones told council the warehouse would consist of one trailer and three five-ton trucks. The product is taken from the trailer and placed on the three trucks for distribution throughout the community. Approximate hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., she said.
By Willy Sieling Heuvel
If you are going with us on the mystery tour tomorrow (Thursday), be at Walker House for 10 a.m. We will have a pot luck lunch at noon. Let's hope for great weather but if not, it's still on.
The final installment is now due for the trip to Niagara on Sept. 20 and 21. Please stop in very soon so expenses can be paid. A few seats are left; if you would like to go, please contact me at 925-5300 as soon as possible.
A dinner will be held Aug. 26 at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome. Pork chops are featured this time. Reservations must be in by Aug. 24 so supplies can be purchased.
Winners at the card tables last week were: Monday bridge: Mary Reynolds 5230 and Kitty Wormington 5020. Audrey Kingston won the door prize. Tuesday cribbage: high hand and high score Alice Crowder, 2nd Sam Covey, 3rd Hilda Hutton. Wednesday bridge: 1st Sam Covey, 2nd Kitty Wormington. Thursday euchre: 1st Marie Shahan, 2nd Hilda Hutton and Myrtle Shahan, 3rd Bea Hemsley, and Claire Marchand won the door prize.
Cardinal Reeve Larry Dishaw, discussing the First Responders program
The best work is often done behind the scenes with little fanfare. This became evident again during a town council committee meeting last week, when Prescott Public Utilities Commission officials explained to councillors their plan to install a ring of fibre-optic cable around Prescott.
This can be only positive news for local small businesses, corporations and government agencies with Prescott offices, as well as for the community at large. Once the cable is installed around the town and connected to a larger fibre-optic trunk, customers including Internet service providers will be able to connect to it and start sending data at the speed of light. This certainly beats the slow modem transfer presently available through old-fashioned telephone lines, and it cannot help but impress potential investors to the town.
Prescott will be able to transform itself from a technological backwater to a place where more modern companies will consider locating. Most companies now consider rapid data transfer vital to remaining efficient and competitive with firms in larger urban centres, where high-speed access is generally less expensive than in towns. Offering fibre-optic service will help Prescott retain its present industrial and commercial employers and hopefully attract new ones. Judging by the unemployment rates and declining tax base, Prescott could use a few more employers.
Congratulations to the PUC on their forward thinking. Let's hope the utility will work closely with the experts at the publicly funded Upper Canada Networks to create a reliable system.
Perhaps it's time to take this one step further by reviewing the commercial and industrial tax rates in town. We've heard many comments that the municipal business taxes are prohibitive, and we know that companies do not set up and stay in a town out of a sense of goodwill; they stay because it's profitable for them to do so. Perhaps the commercial and industrial rates could be made more attractive. A small reduction in the rates could lead to new industries which leads to new tax revenue for the town, new jobs and new prosperity for all. Christine Endicott
Monica Whitney
Are divers getting hooked on fishing? They may be in some ways.
I've heard complaints that divers are becoming pushy, taking control
of the best fishing spots, and ignoring designated areas. Some
have said, and I admit to thoughts along this line as well, that
divers contribute nothing to the local economy and just leave
behind their garbage.
I figured I had better do some checking before making any claims, so I talked to local divemaster Kevin Benish of Sea 'N' Sky.
He told me that "in any given weekend, at least 200 divers frequent this town and do they like to spend money. At least $5,000" is pumped into the local economy each weekend, through the rental of motel rooms, dinners, shopping and various events.
These divers are coming specifically to Prescott from places such as Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, New Jersey and Florida, for the clean, clear and warm water conditions. "We are the best fresh water diving in the world," Benish claimed.
That is good news for the area, as long as the divers have remembered to bring along their manners.
Recently, about eight divers noisily horned in with their gear and bad attitudes to disrupt our quiet, relaxing family fishing time at the Galop Canal. The group tried to get my son to shove off by claiming the fish were bigger on the other side.
The town dock has been a favourite fishing spot for many regulars for years. Divers come dangerously close to hook-infested lures, choosing to swim beyond the designated diving area into the waters clearly marked: No Diving or Swimming.
Last Sunday, I spoke to James Ztiferas while he was fishing in front of Prescott. He said he's been fishing here since 1971. The divers don't respect the fishing area, and they're scaring away the fish. "It's the worst thing in the town here. I'm not happy with these people here. If you come over after 7 o'clock you see all their garbage there," said Ztiferas, pointing to a large crowd of divers along the shore who appeared settled in for the day. The fisherman said he has wanted to contact the police for some control.
Benish said he hasn't noticed that garbage is a problem, and he tries to keep the shoreline and water clean and free of hooks. As for designated areas, "It's a big body of water and everybody has to learn how to share it. A good diver will find another spot to dive." But, he added, "The water's full of fish."
Anglers are required to buy an annual government license, and the fishing police are out there to catch you without one. While divers do not need a government permit to dive, Benish said you do need "a decent head on your shoulders and proper training. If you've got that you deserve to be in the water having a good time."
We all deserve to have a good time on a public waterfront. Let's respect others' pastimes.
John A.H. Morris
Leaving our office on a recent Sunday afternoon and cutting through the municipal parking lost (sic) to Water Street, we caught out of the corner of our eye what we thought was someone sweeping the sidewalk and southeast corner of the parking lot. Just to make sure that our usual Sunday morning fuzzies were not lingering on past midday, we circled the block and came back to Water Street via Centre Street.
Sure enough, our first glance was right. There was someone using a push broom to sweep up the sidewalk. As we got closer we noticed a shovel and an empty cardboard box beside a car in the parking lot.
Neat little piles of leaves and twigs and such downtown jetsam as coffee cups, candy wrappers and butts from Clock Tower-Lites and Baby Stroller Filters were dotting the sidewalk on the north side of Water Street, across from the Forwarders' Museum.
Our first guess that it wasn't Mayor Hayes getting the area ready for a town hall ground-breaking was correct. Our second guess that it wasn't Councillor Dales creating extra parking spots that she would sell to downtown merchants was also correct.
When the homo sapiens at the upright part of the push broom straightened up and looked our way after we said, "Excuse me, sir..." We realized by the metre-wide grin that this one-man army of volunteers was Bob "Snips" Miller, the man responsible for keeping many of the male topknots in this town neat and tidy.
"Watcha doin', Snips?" we asked. "Oh, just tidying up the dirt and garbage here across from the museum so visitors'll get a good impression of our town," he replied.
"Hey, that's great Bob. Anybody helping you?"
"Nope. Just thought that with all the visitors we have around this corner on the weekends that it could use a cleaning up, so I'm doing it."
We later found out that Bob has made arrangements to have paint donated so that he can spruce up the clock tower, and that he has arranged to have the PUC guys help him with this and also to trim and prune and set up an automatic watering system for the town Christmas tree in the middle of the parking lot which is dying from wounds it received during our 1998 ice storm. Thanks for noticing, Bob, looks like council couldn't see the tree for the palace.
A sincere thanks to barber Bob Miller for these volunteer efforts. We know we promised not to write anything about this in the Fort Town Diary, but we lied. This is a good slice of Prescott Pride, so the next time you pass Bob's shop on King St., give him a "thumbs up."
* * *
Timing means a lot, especially if you are dealing with the federal government. Last March we sent an application to Human Resources Development Canada asking for a millennium grant with which to mark an event that will happen only once during the next 1,000 years.
My family and friends thought I was applying for a grant for my Prescott history book (one of the few millennium projects Prescott will realize this year), but actually these HRDC funds are going to be channelled into the biggest birthday bash we've ever had. And yes, it's the only time we'll be 65 this millennium. Guess how old that makes my older sister Connie?
The funds are being dispensed through HRDC's Income Security Programs, and not a month too soon. We read on Monday that Prime Minister Chrétien is considering creating a hoof's-length agency to run the controversial HRDC programs and dole out the money. Looks like we just got in under the barrel on this one... but it was rumoured we could have had a lot more funding if we had arranged our celebration at Porc du Chrétien in Shawinigan.
* * *
The anti-casino forces in Leeds and Grenville (including Prescott) have fired the first couple of salvos in this contest by pointing out that millions of dollars will be taken out of Prescott each year by the Ontario government should our town win the four-way fight for the proposed casino.
It won't be Prescott's money that would be leaving the town to fill the provincial coffers. It would be money that people from out of town will bring with them to spend in Prescott that will be skimmed off by Queen's Park. However, a few million of these outside dollars will stay in Prescott every year to help pay for services we cannot afford at present, plus millions more in job creation.
If the tree huggers want to stop Prescott gambling dollars from leaving Prescott while leaving very little behind, they should go after the lotteries, scratch-and-win games and to a certain extent, bingos. There are probably hundreds of thousands more Prescott dollars leaving this community in these forms of gambling than ever will be lost to us through a casino.
By MONICA WHITNEY
Journal Staff Writer
CARDINAL Cardinal's volunteer firefighters may have no choice but to become First Responders at an accident scene before trained ambulance personnel arrive.
Municipal councillors discussed a report on emergency medical services from the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville at its regular monthly council meeting last Tuesday and its transition board meeting last Wednesday.
The province has previously announced that Leeds and Grenville and other upper tier municipalities would be responsible for funding the cost of their own ambulance services beginning in 1998, and be responsible as well for the delivery of the system by Jan. 1, 2001.
Cardinal councillors agreed to read a 50-page document detailing changes and upgrades to area ambulance services to prepare for further discussion and questions on the new program.
Reeve Larry Dishaw explained the operation of ambulance services in Leeds-Grenville once cost $22 million per year, with the province kicking in $11 million of the cost. It is now projected the enhanced system will cost $38 million, but with no change in the allotment from the government.
"This land ambulance business is so complex it's unbelievable. It's huge in terms of expenditures. It's one of the biggest downloadings across the entire province. We have no choice at this point. The decision has been made and it's moving forward. The biggest item Cardinal has to think about is the First Responder program and the costs associated with it," Dishaw said.
This program gives firefighters training to provide basic pre-hospital care prior to the arrival of paramedics. The firefighters could be called if patients' vital signs are absent, they are unconscious or choking, or if there is a delay in ambulance response. In addition to standard first aid and CPR courses, the firefighers would take a 40-hour First Responder course and an eight-hour defibrillation training course. Under the program, firefighters will also be able to assist paramedics after the ambulance arrives.
The report suggests using firefighters as First Responders is more cost-effective than adding additional ambulances to improve response times.
Cardinal Fire Chief Graham VanCamp said at the transition board meeting the village had chosen not to participate in the program, even though all other fire departments within Leeds and Grenville are involved to some degree. In the Edwardsburgh fire department, there are now 12 qualified first responders.
VanCamp said he believes the attitude among local firefighters is that the system would be abused by ambulance personnel, and that local volunteers feel they are "getting two bucks standing in for a guy who's getting 60. It's souped-up first aid... to stabilize the patient until someone gets there."
Dishaw later said the first responder issue has created some controversy within the village and its fire department.
The local firefighters are already involved in vehicle extrication, spill management, confined space entry, hazardous material containment, CPR training, and CASCO is looking for high-angle rescue at its plant.
"It's time consuming," Dishaw said. "What is it you're expected to do as a volunteer? A lot of these guys joined the fire department to fight fires, not to be paramedics. How much can you ask of a volunteer?"
The timing for the program is also "inappropriate" for the village, he said.
The village was not aware of the costs associated with the program when it struck its 2000 budget, Dishaw explained, and Cardinal is also heavily involved in amalgamation issues with Edwardsburgh Township.
"We're trying to mesh fire departments together, and no one really knows how that's going to crunch out until the end."
The United Counties provides an instructor for the first responder program and all training materials, Dishaw said, however the village would be responsible for providing for lost wages.
Dishaw noted, however, the village may have to provide the service.
"If we become the only one in Leeds-Grenville, that puts extreme pressure on ourselves."
The decision may be put off until the new Edwardsburgh-Cardinal council comes to power in January, "unless there's pressure from the Counties" before then. "I guess we have no choice at that point."
Brenda Deschamps "I think the parade with all the kids and their bikes (is the best part). I like the fact that all the community comes out for it. It's very important for the community to get together and do things as a whole."
Bill Gabriel "I think it's a really good idea about the Labourfest, but I don't get involved in it. It's almost like a union of people and they get together and celebrate that. They should be doing this anywhere there's working people."
Marcia Heldens "It's great out here, and it's lots of fun for families. They always go all out for it. We always come for the parade and the kids enjoy the games."
Mark Smith "I haven't seen the parade in two years, but I'll be here this year, and I'm hoping there's horses involved in it. Any sort of activity with horses I enjoy."
Norma Saunders "I like the celebration and the dancing, because we've gone every year as long as I can remember. I like the friendliness of the people and its convenience because it's in our village."
Etta Merkley, 88, of RR 2 Iroquois, died suddenly Aug. 8, 2000 at her home.
She was born July 13, 1912 in Mountain Township to Wesley Bellinger and Annie (Dutton) Bellinger who predeceased her. She was also predeceased by her husband Burnis Merkley, whom she married Dec. 21, 1935 in Iroquois.
Mrs. Merkley was a lifetime resident of the area, and was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Riverside Heights. She had worked for many years as a custodian at the Irena and Stampville public schools.
She is survived by her sons Rowat (Ruth) of RR 2 Ingleside and Dwight (Judy Gilmour) of RR 1 Prescott; brothers Joe (Maisie) Bellinger of Brockville; sisters Geraldine Hunt of Prescott and Bertha Dodge of Montreal. Mrs. Merkley will be sadly missed by grandchildren Steven Merkley, Margaret Brown and Chris Merkley and great-grandchildren Daryon, Connery, Embyr, Cole and Jessica and many nieces and nephews.
She was also predeceased by a sister, Kathleen Bellinger and brothers George, Arnold, Stanley and Charlie.
Mrs. Merkley was a hard worker and she was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. She was an excellent cook and was very talented at doing needlework projects such as knitting and crocheting.
Friends and family called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Iroquois on Aug. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. and Aug. 12 from 1 p.m. until the service at 2 p.m. Rev. Joachim Barkley-Probst officiated. Interment was at South Gower Cemetery.
The pallbearers were Steven Merkley, Chris Merkley, Warren Whisselle, Ron Holmes, Lee McCaslin and Brian Cooper.
CARDINAL - The Ontario Fire Marshall's office is investigating a suspicious house fire in Cardinal Monday just before midnight, Grenville County OPP say.
Cardinal Fire Chief Graham VanCamp said the lower floor of the home was completely engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived at 2041 County Road 2 at Helen Street. There were no injuries in the blaze.
The two-storey older home was a "total loss," VanCamp said.
The Cardinal Fire Department responded with 20 men and five pieces of equipment, and Edwardsburgh was on the scene with 16 men and three pieces of equipment. The crews remained at the scene until 5:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Weapons charge
CARDINAL - A 15-year-old youth was arrested for assault with a weapon, uttering death threats and mischief under $5,000 after Grenville OPP were called to investigate a report of an assault at a residence on East Street in Cardinal Aug. 8 at 10:40 a.m. The youth is to appear in Brockville Court, Youth Criminal Division on Aug. 29.
CARDINAL - All children of the community age five to 12 are invited to participate in an Adventure Fair at St. John's United Church, to be held Tuesday, Aug. 22 to Friday, Aug. 25. Sponsored by the church Christian Education Committee, God's Kids in Action features games, songs, crafts, snacks and lots of fun. You can choose to attend just some of the days or for the entire four-day event. Donations of non-perishable goods at the fair to the House of Lazarus are welcome. For more information, call 657-4702, 657-3113 or 657-3604.
CARDINAL - Jim Purcell, the chief of the Edwardsburgh Fire Department, will be the head of the new Edwardsburgh/Cardinal fire department when it comes into operation under amalgamation Jan. 1.
The current chief in Cardinal, Graham VanCamp, will become Deputy Chief. The decision was made during an in-camera session of a transition board meeting held in Cardinal Aug. 9, Cardinal Reeve Larry Dishaw said.
CARDINAL The deadline for the submission of nomination papers for anyone wishing to run in the upcoming municipal election is Oct. 13.
The race for office this year will involve the election of six councillors and one mayor to serve the new municipality of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.
The area will be divided into the east, west and north ward, with two councillors representing each section, Cardinal Reeve Larry Dishaw said.
Nomination papers are available at the village municipal office and at the Edwardsburgh office in Spencerville.
CARDINAL - The Transition Board for Edwardsburgh and Cardinal is calling for tenders for a new pumper/tanker for the village fire department.
It is expected to cost more than $250,000. Cardinal requires a new truck to service Edwardsburgh's rural areas after amalgamation is effective. The village's aging 1972 pumper needs to be replaced, and one truck is needed to serve as both pumper and tanker.
The Transition Board is requesting the truck be a red 2,500-gallon tanker capable of carrying six firefighters. The truck will also be equipped with a foam system to increase water capacity, Chief Graham Van Camp said.
CARDINAL Cardinal residents will be seeing a new addition on their October hydro bills.
Council decided at its meeting Aug. 8 to print three lines on the bills asking people to call a telephone number or visit a website for more information on child safety.
The printing was requested by the Children's Safety Association of Canada, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the number of preventable accidents in young children by supplying as much safety information to as many parents as possible.
Callers will receive a free information package on such safety issues as car seats, child proofing in the home, water, toy and window covering safety and poisonous materials. Each caller will also be mailed a window covering safety kit.
CARDINAL - Early enrollment for all guiding units in Cardinal will take place Aug. 21, at 7 p.m. at the Cardinal and District Resource Centre. For more information, contact Lori McNamara at 657-1146.
CARDINAL The Village of Cardinal and the Township of Edwardsburgh has been allocated $180,241 under the Municipal Restructuring Fund for costs associated with amalgamation.
The allocation represents 75 per cent of expenditures eligible for assistance through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
The funding announcement was made at Cardinal's council meeting Aug. 8 and at a transition board meeting Aug. 9.
Cardinal Reeve Larry Dishaw said there are 12 areas where the funds can be used, some of which are office and facility coordination, labour adjustments, bylaw consolidation, professional and audit fees, special election costs, integration of communication systems, planning and document consolidation and stationery and seals.
CARDINAL Five streets within the village will be renamed once Cardinal has joined with Edwardsburgh Township.
Under amalgamation, a number of streets had duplicate names, so the transition board recommended the solution that duplicate streets with the larger number of residents would remain the same, while the streets with lesser number would change.
Edwardsburgh has already changed the names of seven streets within its boundary.
The street name changes proposed by council at its regular meeting Aug. 8 include: Centre to Reid, in honour of Raymond Reid who developed the area; Second to Gill, in recognition of the Todd Gill family who reside on the street; Queen to Dishaw, in honour of the current reeve who was instrumental in the building of the new municipal office on that street and his 12 years as head of council; Marjorie to Hoy, in honour of the Hoy family that has been actively involved in the community; and Third to Dodge, in recognition of the Dodge family, in particular Frank, Jack and Jeff, who have a long history in Cardinal.
CARDINAL - A 15-year-old youth was arrested for assault with a weapon, uttering death threats and mischief under $5,000 after Grenville OPP were called to investigate a report of an assault at a residence on East Street in Cardinal Aug. 8 at 10:40 a.m. The youth is to appear in Brockville Court, Youth Criminal Division on Aug. 29.
CARDINAL A Dundas Street resident who village councillor Jim Pakeman says is running a daily garage sale will be receiving a letter from council requesting the sale hours be cut down and the area cleaned up.
Pakeman said he had received complaints about the home that runs a sale seven days a week, and is "unsightly as you enter our community." He asked what avenue the village had to get the area cleaned up without imposing too many restrictions on garage sales, or hurting those who enjoy a morning of treasure hunting and fun. "We're having at least one problem in the community and it has to be handled."
Some concerns had been expressed, Pakeman said, that the resident was running a commercial business or enterprise.
"Clearly, a municipality has the authority to regulate yard sales and their frequency," clerk Jack Walsh said. Cardinal does not currently have a yard sale bylaw.
CARDINAL Council passed a resolution Aug. 8 in support of the Town of Cobalt, which has petitioned the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to reconsider charging municipalities interest for late payment of the education levy.
The ministry had recently sent Cobalt an invoice for interest charged for late payment on school board payments from last year. Cobalt maintains its late payment was a direct result of the province's lateness in providing information to the municipality within a proper time period.
Reeve Larry Dishaw said at the meeting Cardinal has had to pay interest charges in the past as well.
CARDINAL Cardinal residents are not being charged an out-of-town rate of $40 to join the swim team in Johnstown.
Mike Spencer, facility coordinator for the Johnstown pool, sent a letter to Cardinal councillors clarifying the rate schedule at the pool. His letter stated a village parent had said in a recent Cardinal News article that she had been charged an out-of-town fee of $40 for each of her children to join the Johnstown swim team after the Cardinal Sea Sharks team was cancelled for the season.
The policy in place at the Johnstown pool for the past 15 years is that all swim team members are charged $40 if they are not registered for swim lessons at the pool. Those who are signed up for lessons are charged $20 to join the swim team, Spencer stated in the letter.
"There were no additional charges applied to any resident from Cardinal who had decided to come up to Johnstown to join the swim team," Spencer said.
CARDINAL Funding to purchase a rescue van for Cardinal's fire department has been turned down by the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
The village had applied for funding through the Joint Emergency Preparedness Program in Sept., 1999.
A letter read to council at its Aug. 8 meeting stated there was insufficient funding available in the program to approve all proposals submitted by municipalities. Cardinal has been placed on a waiting list and will be advised if funds become available this year.
In Under 6 action (junior tyke) on Saturday, Aug. 12, Grenville Fish and Game netted a 4-0 win over Playit Star. Joey Sargent and Sloan Jarvis both scored two goals.
Lanes Smoke Shop swamped Tropical Pool Service 9-0. Jesse Boyd scored four, Emily Colwell and Nicholas Heykoop each had two and Matthew Boyd netted a single.
Tichorne Auto Supply won by default over Brent Scott Insurance.
In the Prescott Chiros versus Beck's Construction match up, the score was not available.
In game two Saturday, Beck's Construction won by default over Brent Scott Insurance.
Grenville Fish and Game beat Tichborne Auto Supply 2-1. Joey Sargent and Sloan Jarvis both scored one goal each. Payton Marriner netted a single for Tichborne.
Lanes Smoke Shop beat Playit Star 3-0. Scoring a goal apiece were Emily Colwell, Samantha Heykoop and Nicholas Heykoop.
Hometown Heating beat Tropical Pool Service 2-1. Christian Saumier and Alex Boswell each scored netted a goal. Amber Warren scored one for Tropical Pool Service.
Under 8 (senior tyke)
No games were played Monday, Aug. 7.
On Wednesday, Aug. 9, SLP Printing Devils played Grenville Pharmacy to 2-2 tie. Scoring for SLP were Mathew Suatac and Luke Kreation. Rick Champagne scored two for Grenville Pharmacy.
Windmill Web Spiders beat Freer Electric 4-2. Cody Patenaud scored two, while teammates Ian King and Kurtis Lavery each netted singles. Richard Joudoin and Mitchell Grant each scored one for Freer.
DBL Computing beat the Colour Pallette 2-0. Josh Pitt scored both goals in DBL's win.
Playit Star beat Johnstown Duty Free 4-0. Scott Stevenson scored three, while teammate Devon LeBurn netted one goal.
Under 10 (atom)
There were no games played on Monday, Aug. 7.
In Wednesday's action, Kriska Transport beat Prescott Kinsmen 5-0. Alanna Lasenba scored four of five goals. Chris Noonan scored one.
Mac's beat Prescott Kiwanis 6-0. Scoring was divided up among six players: Alex Lee, Mason Amell, Brodie Somerville, Mike Thomas, Evan Modler and Jessie Hyland.
Bank of Montreal beat Becker's 3-0. Reilly Grootjans scored two. Josh Beckstead scored one goal.
Home Hardware beat TD Bank 5-2. For Home Hardware, Kristian Knapp scored three, while teammates Brian McMullen and Jennifer Bernard each scored singles.
Jessica Rupert and Colin Grant each scored one goal apiece for TD.
Prophet's Trophies beat Hansen Cavity Kickers 7-5. Prophet's Curtis Biccum scored four goals, Kyle Beaudoin scored two and Nathan Merkley scored one. For Hansen, Tyson Wilson scored three, and teammates Kyle Warren and Jacob Temple each scored one.
Royal Bank drubbed Splash Well Drilling 9-0. Brandon Spencer scored four goals, Justin Sutherland scored two and Hank Heykoop and Jason Deeks each scored one apiece.
Under 12 (mosquito)
There were no games on Monday, Aug. 7.
In Wednesday's action, Delphi Solutions tied DWJ Plumbing 2-2. Delphi's Chad Hyland scored the team's two goals.
For DWJ, Carrie Patterson and Jordon Dunlop each scored singles.
Giant Tiger beat TechCan Titans 3-2. Scoring singles for Giant Tiger were Rob White, Nick Gould and Nick Francica.
Daniel Lewis and Sam Whitey each had one goal apiece for the Titans.
Seaway Valley Pharmacy played the Shriners to a 5-5 tie. Scoring for Seaway were Ryan Armstrong (2), Stephen Joudoin (1), Jamie Cote (1) and Joel Jodoin (1).
For the Shriners, Cody Sargent scored three goals, while teammates Clayton Dunnington and Michael Froom each netted singles.
Under 16 (peewee)
On Tuesday, Aug. 8, Playit Star beat Watermark Printing 3-0. Mike Todd scored two. David Code scored one.
Kriska Transport beat Nitrochem 5-3.
Kurt Latimer scored three in Kriska's win. Teammate Kory Van Hyning scored two. David Thornhill scored two for Nitrochem and Logan Gillard netted one.
In action Thursday, Watermark Printing beat Gateway Packaging 3-0.
Allan Robertson scored two. Chausey Bowen scored one.
Playit Star beat NitroChem 6-2. Wes McFarlane and Matt Fahrngruber each scored two goals, while David Thornhill and Robin Rivetbowe each scored one apiece. Ryan O'Brian and Justin Palasz each netted singles for Nitrochem.
Ottawa Carleton Soccer League
On Monday, Aug. 7, the under-13 girls Prescott Gunners lost to Goulbourn 3-0.
The Gunners are in ninth place, two points ahead of the last place Ottawa Royals.
Under 13 boys
In under-13 boys' action on Monday, Aug. 7, the Prescott Gunners drubbed South Nepean 7-1. The Gunners sit in seventh spot with a record of 4-6-2. Russel is one point ahead of the Gunners with 15 points. Matt Deeks scored two.
Singles went to Justin Rust, Brandon Baily, Nick Maggio, Jacob McGuire and Mike Armstrong.
Under-11 boys
On Thursday, Aug. 10, the Prescott Gunners shut-out Smiths Falls, 6-0.
Steve Joudoin and Zack Van Allen each scored two goals, while teammates Mike Froom and Kyle Lavery each netted singles.
Senior men's division two
The Prescott Gunners sit in eight place with a record of 3-4-4, one point ahead of the Internationals.
Seventh place Hellenic is four points ahead.
The Roebuck peewee boys team finished first in their division of the Augusta Minor Softball team with a perfect 18-0 record.
Now, the team moves on, after earning a birth from the playdowns, to compete in the under 10,000 population tournament to be held on August 19 and 20.
"I don't know how well we will do," said coach Mike Toll. "I hope they will do well. I know at least that they will see some good ball. I know the parents are excited."
On August 25 and 26, in North Augusta, the Roebuck club will compete in the tournament to determine the Augusta champions, which has seven teams in the division.
Coach Mike Toll said the division had some strong competition this year, with the toughest competition coming from the Spencerville club, which finished second with 28 points.
"They gave us a good run, always," Toll said.
"The games were close, with low scores. Spencerville was nipping at our heels all season."
He added that the North Augusta club, which finished in third with 17 points, was strong too.
Toll contributes the team's success to having an all-around terrific team, with strong hitting and pitching at its core. He added that the two assistant coaches were excellent too.
The club also won two 'A' side tournaments, one of which, the Gananoque tournament, was an especially sweet victory, Toll said, because the team faced rep. clubs. His team played four games, walking away with four wins.
"There was some very good ball," Toll said. "And the boys played well. They played their guts out.
"They proved to themselves that they could compete because they were what you would call the underdogs [of the tournament]."
PRESCOTT On Sunday, July 9, 40 golfers teed it up at the Prescott Golf Club to determine who would be the winner of Section E of the Ottawa Valley Golf Association Intersectional competition for this year.
Section E consists of one ten-man team, plus a first and second alternate players from the clubs in the Ottawa Valley.
The clubs represented were links of Woodlawn, Carleton Yacht and Golf Club, Emerald Links Golf Club and the Prescott Golf Club.
The Prescott team, captained by Neil Coulter, consisted of Dick Wilson, Paul Pidgeon, Jim MacKay, Chris Veltkamp, Mike Lynch, Rob Kimmerly, Drew Edmunds, Jeff Ferguson, Adam Miller and Phil Patterson. The alternates were Dale Walker and Claude Labranche.
Each player competed against his three opposites from the three other clubs and was awarded two points for a win and one point for a tie, for a total of six possible points for each player.
Despite a very heavy rain that lasted throughout the day, the Prescott team achieved 52 points, out of a possible 60 points. Five of Prescott's players obtained six points each and no one was shut-out.
The second-place team obtained a meagre 26 points. Phil Patterson of the Prescott Golf Club was two under par when he closed his competition out after 12 holes.
This was probably the strongest team to represent the Prescott club in a number of years.
As a result of their win, next year's team will be representing the Prescott Golf Club in Section D at the Camelot Golf and Country Club near Orleans, Ontario.
DOMVILLE The bantam boys softball mid-season tournament was held Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22 at the Domville ball diamonds, with six of the league's teams taking part in the tournament.
Kitley beat Maitland 14-3 to capture the 'B' final. The host team, the Spencerville Sharks, was able to get by Maynard to win the 'A': final score 20-7.
The tournament also saw a hometown derby won by Ian Edwards of Maitland. And the skills competition was won by a three-man team from Maitland.
The Sharks would like to thank the umpires, teams, fans and volunteers that helped to make the weekend a success. Thanks to Jack Weststrate for making the diamonds available.
ROEBUCK Cardinal took the 'A' side championship of the men's fastball tournament by beating Spencerville on Saturday.
In the finals, Cardinal defeated Spencerville 5-1. Cardinal ended the tournament with a perfect 3-0 record, the only team in the tournament to do so, by beating Maynard, North Augusta and Spencerville. In the 'B' side, Algonquin beat Maynard. The two-day tournament started Friday night and had eight teams competing.
CARDINAL The 16th annual mixed slo-pitch tournament will take place on Friday, Sept. 1 to Sunday, Sept. 3 in Cardinal.
It is open to 24 teams, with a minimum of six men and four women per team.
Teams are guaranteed two games.
For more information, call Barry Stitt at 657-3633 or Ritchie Pitt at 658-3486.
PRESCOTT - The Prescott Lawn Bowling Club hosted the Loyalists Days Mixed Pairs tournament on Saturday, July 15.
Teams competing in the tournament came from Brockville, Iroquois, Smiths Falls, Perth, Kemptville, Ottawa and the host team of Prescott
Two games were played during a light rain.
After the second game, and much heavier rain, the skips took a vote to play or call off the third game.
The result was a draw, where upon a coin was tossed.
And the players proceeded with the final game.
Results
The game one high was won by skip Elmer Stephenson and vice Susie Locke from Prescott.
The game two high was won by skip Elmer Janzen from Ottawa and vice Sherry Sidez B.C.
The game three runner-up was the Iroquois team of Ernie and Helen Schuck
The trophy winner was the Prescott team of skip Marie Simpson and vice Eric Reid.
Susie Locke noted that we sure must love this sport to be playing under such weather conditions.
On Sept. 16 and 17, Canadakicks.com is hosting an Adult Soccer Sixes tournament at the Wolfgang Noe Park in Prescott.
There will be three open divisions, men's, women's and co-ed. Teams will play six-on-six, using a small field, with five players and a goalie. Games will consist of two 12 minute halves.
Each team is guaranteed at least three games. The top teams in each division will be rewarded. Highlights of the tournament will include a skills competition, great food, entertainment and a Saturday Night after party.
Teams of 8 to 12 players interested in playing can call 925-2653 or for more information, visit the web site at www.canadakicks.com/soccersixes.
Anyone interested in getting involved with the tournament is also welcome to call. The registration deadline is Sept. 1.
PRESCOTT The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce Charlie MacFarlane Memorial annual golf tourney will be on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at the Prescott Golf Club.
The shotgun tee off is 12:30 p.m. There will be two hole-in-one prizes as well as a number of others. Everyone is welcome for fun day - amateurs, pros, women, men, individuals or foursomes.
Registration and payment must be done by Sept. 5. For more information or to book a tee time, call Allan Norton at the TD Bank at 925-4244.