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Prescott Journal is published weekly by St. Lawrence Printing Co. Ltd., 231 King Street West, Prescott, Ontario, K0E 1T0, (613) 925-4265 - fax (613) 925-3472, e-mail journal@stlawrenceprinting.on.ca |
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Daylight Savings Time ends early Sunday morning. Remember to turn back clocks, watches and other timepieces by one hour before calling it a night Saturday.
JOHNSTOWN The South Edwardsburgh Recreation Association will host a Halloween party Saturday, Oct. 27 from 1 pm to 3 pm at the Johnstown Community Centre on Sutton Drive.
Halloween crafts and a costume parade will be among the activities taking place at the party. Refreshments will be provided.
There is an admission fee; door prizes will be awarded.
PRESCOTT The United Way of Leeds and Grenville is launching a new fundraiser this week.
The Canadian Tire and valu-mart stores are participating in "Loonie Days" Thursday, Oct. 25, Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27. Customers will be asked if they would like to top up their purchases with a loonie which would then be donated to the United Way.
This year's campaign goal is $650,000. Proceeds from Loonie Days will benefit the 19 agencies supporting youth and children in Leeds and Grenville under the United Way's funding umbrella.
PRESCOTT St. Mark's will present its fall bazaar Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10 am to 2 pm at the parish centre at the corner of Edward and James streets.
A fall rummage sale will take place at the parish centre Monday, Oct. 29 and Tuesday, Oct. 30. The centre will be open from 6 pm to 8:30 pm Monday and 10 am to noon Tuesday.
PRESCOTT Branch 97 of the Royal Canadian Legion will present its annual Remembrance Tea, Bake and Craft Sale Wednesday, Nov. 7 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Legion Hall on Henry Street.
The luncheon will include soup, sandwiches and squares, as well as tea or coffee. There will also be a draw for prizes. Tickets will be sold at the door.
The event is being hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary of Branch 97.
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
SOUTH GRENVILLE - Friends and foes of Ontario Premier Mike Harris seem to agree on one thing his actions have had a huge impact on the current state of the province.
Harris, who led the Progressive Conservatives to victory in 1995 and again in 1999, announced his resignation last Tuesday. He will continue to serve as premier until the party conducts a leadership convention expected in the spring.
The premier's announcement came as a surprise to Leeds-Grenville MPP and Economic Development and Trade Minister Bob Runciman. The news came as a shock and disappointment, Runciman told The Journal. Both were first elected to the legislature in 1981.
"I was counting on him taking the party through the next race," Runciman said.
The MPP noted he and the premier had talked on many occasions in recent months, but there was "never a hint" that his friend would soon be leaving.
Runciman credits Harris with turning Ontario around and saving the province in ways.
The premier has made difficult decisions and withstood the slings and arrows, according to the MPP.
Harris has had to put up with more abuse than any other political leader of his time, Runciman said.
"I can understand his readiness to step down," he added.
Bill Pakeman, president of the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce, acknowledged Harris could not be all things to all people.
But Pakeman noted Harris became premier at a time when the province's fiscal policy "was out of control."
The small business sector in Ontario is better off now because of improved fiscal policies initiated by the Harris government, according to Pakeman.
Although there have been "some pretty serious cuts" to certain government services along the way, Pakeman believes Ontario is better off overall thanks to Mike Harris.
The price of doing nothing far outweighs the price of doing something, the chamber president added.
Many of Harris's critics were quick to respond to his announcement. Greg McGillis, president of District 26 of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, said people concerned about social issues rejoiced upon hearing of the premier's resignation.
"Teachers and education workers are shedding tears of joy mixed with despair in the schools of Ontario today, not for what Mike Harris has done, but for what might have been," McGillis stated in a news release.
"He took the best public education system in Ontario and for six years undermined and demoralized the system and those who work in it without let-up or regret. I think that should be his political epitaph."
Runciman believes history's assessment of Mike Harris will be "mostly positive." As for the future of the party, the MPP indicated there would likely be "some differences in shades," but it is difficult to predict any dramatic policy swings.
"I don't think the party would want to see significant wavering," Runciman said.
The person who will succeed Harris as party leader and premier will have enough time to put his or her stamp on things before voters go back to the polls, according to the MPP.
The next provincial election does not have to be called until June 2004.
EDWARDSBURGH Police continue to investigate a two-vehicle collision Monday morning that left a 16-month-old toddler dead and several other people injured.
Grenville County OPP report a passenger van was travelling eastbound on Highway 401 near the Highway 416 exit just before 5 am when the vehicle crossed the median, entered the westbound lanes and struck a tractor-trailer.
The female toddler, a passenger in the van, was pronounced dead at the scene. Several other passengers were transported to Brockville General Hospital; one was taken to Kingston General Hospital. It was reported there were 10 people in the van. Police released the name of the toddler, but other details involving the identities of the others in the van and where they live were unavailable.
In addition to OPP and Leeds and Grenville EMS personnel, firefighters from Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, Prescott and Morrisburg responded to the accident call.
Eastbound and westbound lanes were closed for about two hours after the accident occurred. Westbound traffic was rerouted onto Highway 16, County Road 2 and Edward Street in Prescott for much of the morning and afternoon. Westbound traffic was backed up for several kilometres along the detour route. Westbound traffic was fairly heavy on Cedar Grove Road to the north of Highway 401.
Grenville OPP officers determined the van was not being operated as a shuttle service, according to an OPP news release issued Tuesday morning. Five people were killed in a shuttle van accident last July on Highway 401 west of Prescott.
Constable Tyler Boutilier of the Grenville County OPP detachment is the investigating officer; he is being assisted by Sergeant Hali Adair. A technical traffic collision investigator is assisting the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information on the accident is asked to contact the OPP detachment in Prescott (925-4221) or the OPP communications centre at 1-888-310-1122.
MAYNARD Public input is being sought on two bylaws being proposed by Augusta council.
The bylaws, which deal with dog control and property standards, received first and second reading at Monday's council meeting. Council approved the creation of two ad hoc committees to review the bylaws and made recommendations to council.
The existing property standards bylaw applies only to residential rental properties. Council is proposing to expand the bylaw to include all residential and commercial properties.
The proposed dog control regulations are much more detailed than regulations currently on the books in the township.
Deputy Reeve Morris Stark will serve as chair of the dog control bylaw committee. The ad hoc committee on property standards will be chaired by Councillor Doug Barton.
Although resolutions approved by council state each committee is to report its findings in time for the Nov. 12 council meeting, Reeve George Vail said Monday the mandate of the committees may extend beyond that date. It was also noted committee membership would not be restricted to council members.
Public meetings are to be held at some point within the next few weeks. Information on those meetings will be advertised once details have been finalized, according to township officials.
A three-person property standards committee is already in place in Augusta. Changes being proposed in the draft bylaw are similar to those adopted by other municipalities.
The proposed dog control bylaw outlines measures to be taken by owners of dogs deemed to be "aggressive."
Copies of both proposed bylaws are available at the township office in Maynard.
SPENCERVILLE The Township of Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal hosted an open house Saturday to showcase upgrades to the council chamber and municipal offices.
Approximately 30 people were on hand as the ribbon was cut to mark the official opening of the new chamber. The renovated facility is a big improvement over what council and staff have had to work with in the past, according to Mayor Dave Dobbie. Changes would have been made regardless of whether Edwardsburgh and Cardinal amalgamated, the mayor said.
Changes to the building became possible last year when the Spencerville fire hall was moved to a new building near the intersection of county roads 44 and 21. The move freed up a considerable amount of space.
The main part of the renovation project was completed in August after about two months of work. Council has already conducted several meetings in its new home.
The majority of the $105,000 spent on renovations came from transition funding provided by the province. The municipality tapped into money held in reserve by the former Edwardsburgh to cover its share of renovation costs. Dobbie pointed out the expenditure does not place any additional tax burden this year.
In addition to a roomier council chamber, a small committee room has been added to the municipal building. There is also a small kitchen area adjacent to the chamber and committee room. A more suitable storage area was also added. Other components of the building include a large reception area as well as a clerk's office.
Dobbie said he has been to many municipal halls, and the one in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal "...rates pretty high."
Photographs of the old municipal halls adorn the back of the chamber. There are also several sets of counties council pictures from when the reeve of Edwardsburgh or Cardinal served as warden. The new township logo appears inside and outside the chamber.
MAYNARD The waste transfer station at the Maynard dump is expected to open within the next two to three weeks, Augusta council has been told.
The conversion of the dump to a transfer station was to have been completed by this week. However, Councillor Doug Barton told township council Monday the process is slightly behind schedule.
The licensed portion of the 80-acre dump property has been filled to capacity and will be closed, Barton noted. Garbage deposited at the transfer station will be compacted and trucked away. Barton said this process will be more cost-effective than maintaining the site as a landfill.
The township will be responsible for the site for a minimum of 20 years, according to Barton. The goal is to eventually use the site as a recreation area.
Although he noted plans are "starting to take shape" at the landfill, Barton said things will be congested for a while.
BROCKVILLE Bob Runciman's visit to the World Trade Center site has given the Leeds-Grenville MPP a stronger affiliation with Americans and what they are having to endure in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Runciman was part of a delegation of political leaders from Ontario, including Premier Mike Harris, who visited New York City Oct. 16. The trip included a stop at the Manhattan office of New York Governor George Pataki. It was revealed less than 24 hours later a worker in the governor's office had been exposed to anthrax.
The MPP and premier were among government officials and journalists from Ontario who expected to be tested. However, medical officials in New York concluded the risk of exposure did not warrant testing or the use of antibiotics as a precautionary measure.
Runciman told The Journal his initial reaction to the anthrax news was one of shock and concern. After he was confronted by the media last Wednesday morning and then called his wife to let her know what had happened, Runciman's initial concern subsided once he began to consider the facts about anthrax and how it was unlikely his health was at risk.
However, he noted the incident made him take notice of how the threat of anthrax real or imagined is disrupting so many lives. "Worry grew into anger," Runciman said.
The MPP indicated he was relieved to hear he would not have to take antibiotics twice a day for two months. However, Runciman was advised last week to be on the lookout for any cold or flu symptoms during the next several days.
As for the visit to Manhattan and the site of the attacks, Runciman said it is hard to describe the magnitude of the tragedy "unless you're right in the heart of it." The place still has the odour of a burn site, he said; smoke rises from the debris in some spots. The group was told it would take at least one year to clear the site.
"You do think of the remains of thousands of people" at the site, according to Runciman.
The MPP said the memorials located near the site hit him the hardest. In addition to seeing teddy bears, flowers and other items, Runciman read a card a girl had written to her father who presumably died in the attack.
"It hits you in the pit of the stomach," Runciman said. "These memorials drive it home to me probably more than the site."
The MPP noted people were continuing to line up and applaud the efforts of emergency workers leaving the site. Runciman said he was impressed by the sense of unity and strength being displayed by New Yorkers at a time of such unbelievable tragedy.
JOHNSTOWN Grenville County OPP are investigating the second break and enter in less than a week at Bayview Convenience.
Police were called to the store Oct. 20 at 4:37 am. Cash, cigarettes and lottery tickets had been taken; property damage was also reported.
A break-in occurred at the same location during the early morning hours of Oct. 15; however, nothing was taken. Anyone with information on either incident is asked to contact the investigating officer, Constable Tina Meldrum, at the OPP detachment in Prescott (925-4221) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
AUGUSTA A residence on County Road 15 near Augusta was the scene of an attempted break-in. Grenville County OPP were called to the home Oct. 20 at 10:19 am. Nothing was taken from the residence, according to police. Constable Brad Wilhelm is the investigating officer.
PRESCOTT The heritage designation of the lands of 175 Water Street in Prescott, commonly known as "The Blue Fence Property", will be rescinded because the designation was erroneous, town council was told at its committee-of-the-whole meeting Monday night.
When the Moran Hooker Building was designated in the early 1980s, the legal description included the 175 Water Street lands. However, since there was no building on the property, the land should not have received a Heritage Designation.
The Town of Prescott will need to advertise intent to repeal the designation, send out notices, pass by-laws and once again provide notices before the designation is officially rescinded.
SPENCERVILLE Sound Waves will fill the Drummond Building with everything from Broadway and rock to jazz and country music Saturday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 pm.
The event, which is being presented by the Edwardsburgh Public Library, will feature vocalists Elyssa Mahoney, Paul McIntyre and Tim Ruggles. It promises to be an evening of entertainment the whole family will enjoy.
For tickets or for more information, call Dianne Pinder at 658-5136 or Janice McIntyre at 658-2052.
JOHNSTOWN Grenville County OPP are investigating the second break and enter in less than a week at Bayview Convenience.
Police were called to the store Oct. 20 at 4:37 am. Cash, cigarettes and lottery tickets had been taken; property damage was also reported.
A break-in occurred at the same location during the early morning hours of Oct. 15; however, nothing was taken. Anyone with information on either incident is asked to contact the investigating officer, Constable Tina Meldrum, at the OPP detachment in Prescott (925-4221) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
AUGUSTA A residence on County Road 15 near Augusta was the scene of an attempted break-in. Grenville County OPP were called to the home Oct. 20 at 10:19 am. Nothing was taken from the residence, according to police. Constable Brad Wilhelm is the investigating officer.
PRESCOTT The heritage designation of the lands of 175 Water Street in Prescott, commonly known as "The Blue Fence Property", will be rescinded because the designation was erroneous, town council was told at its committee-of-the-whole meeting Monday night.
When the Moran Hooker Building was designated in the early 1980s, the legal description included the 175 Water Street lands. However, since there was no building on the property, the land should not have received a Heritage Designation.
The Town of Prescott will need to advertise intent to repeal the designation, send out notices, pass by-laws and once again provide notices before the designation is officially rescinded.
SPENCERVILLE Sound Waves will fill the Drummond Building with everything from Broadway and rock to jazz and country music Saturday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 pm.
The event, which is being presented by the Edwardsburgh Public Library, will feature vocalists Elyssa Mahoney, Paul McIntyre and Tim Ruggles. It promises to be an evening of entertainment the whole family will enjoy.
For tickets or for more information, call Dianne Pinder at 658-5136 or Janice McIntyre at 658-2052.
PRESCOTT Less than two months into his new job, Alex Bujacz already knows he made a great decision.
Bujacz, the new principal at St. Joseph Catholic School in Prescott, says the school and the community have been very receptive, and he has no regrets about taking the job.
"I thought I'd be treated well, but I never thought I'd be made to feel this comfortable this fast," Bujacz says. "Prescott is an absolutely wonderful community and I was thrilled to get the opportunity to come here."
The alumnus of South Grenville District High School served as vice-principal of Notre Dame Catholic High School in Carleton Place for three years before accepting the principal position with St. Joseph. He had never served as principal of a school before this year, but says the transition has been an easy one.
"There are never enough hours in the day," he says. "However, St. Joseph is a wonderful school with fantastic parents, great kids and tremendous parish support."
Bujacz received his Bachelor of Science (Honours) and Bachelor of Education degrees at Brock University, and says he discovered his calling in life in his third year of university.
"I was working in the summer for the Niagara Parks Commission as a Parks Naturalist," he says. "I took elementary and high school kids on nature tours, and it was then I knew I wanted to be a teacher, to work with kids. I haven't regretted it for a second."
Bujacz currently makes the one-hour commute from his home in Carleton Place to Prescott. He says he and his family will decide next year whether or not to move to Prescott.
"We'll wait until spring to decide, and we'll look at all the aspects," says Bujacz, whose wife works as a nurse in Carleton Place. "We'll decide what to do as a family."
In the meantime, Bujacz travels with a suitcase. He says he has a lot of family in the Prescott and Brockville area and stays with relatives several nights a week.
Copy of a letter sent to Leeds-Grenville MP Joe Jordan
Dear Mr. Jordan;
Let me first say that my wife and I (retired) moved to Massie Drive in Prescott two years ago. We were well pleased with our new home, the people, the golf course, and the town in general. However, there is one thing I do not appreciate. That is the postal service, or should I say, the non-postal service. We are being treated as second class citizens.
There is one post office for the entire K0E 1T0 area code. This encompasses a total of approximately 6,200 people, some of whom live more than a kilometre from the post office. At the post office there are more than 3,000 post boxes, most of which are 6" X 6" which means some of our mail must be bent out of shape to fit in the small boxes. If travelling by auto, truck, etc., upon arriving at the post office, most times there is no vacant space in which to park. A total of only three spaces are located in front of the post office and two across the street at the police station. If we are ill (my wife and I) we must pay someone to go and retrieve our mail.
I have put up with the above without complaining until I received the attached notice which signifies that the postal clerks are either too lazy to look up the box number corresponding to the street address, or an edict has been issued from the powers above.
The change of address cards are free; however, you must place a 47-cent stamp on each one or it won't be delivered.
No Canadian (or landed immigrant for that matter) living in Prescott, or wherever this is being done, should be treated this way. Everyone is equal as written in the bill of rights and should be treated equally.
A number of years ago The Toronto Star printed a pull-page ad (inserted by Canada Post) indicating all new areas would not receive mail delivery to their door. However, no one would be more than 800 feet from newly installed postal boxes. This has been done in many areas, for example Glen Abbey in Oakville. Are the people of Glen Abbey better citizens than Prescott?
I did notice a particular bill and can only assume it was returned because it did not have the postal code on it. (In previous months I received it without the post office box number on it.) I am now obliged to pay interest. Are you or the government willing to compensate me for my interest I have to pay plus 47 cents for every stamp that I put on the free change of address cards?
I urge you as our MP to take this matter up with the minister responsible for postal services.
If this is not promptly resolved, next election we the citizens of Prescott and all others who are treated in a similar fashion should ensure the next MP for the area has or agreed to revise this policy and make us first class citizens again. We have earned this right even if the only contribution we have made is to have paid our taxes.
Doug Watt
BOUNDARY STREET PUBLIC SCHOOL On Friday, the hot lunch is Kentucky Fried Chicken. There is a Spirit Assembly in the gym. Also, at 2 pm, "Merigold the Magician" will be here to entertain Kindergarten to Grade 6 students with her magic tricks. After the show each student will receive a balloon character and a prize.
Soccer practices have begun and there will be a soccer tournament at the school Oct. 31.
CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOL All students from Grades 4 to 8 are invited to a Halloween Dance Oct. 26 from 6:30 - 9:30 pm. The hot lunch Oct. 24 is hot dogs. Congratulations to all our cross-country runners at the championship meet in Brockville last week. Our novice boys finished second overall.
ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL School photos took place yesterday for Junior Kindergarten "A" to Grade 3 yesterday and take place today for Kingergarten "B" students.
Hot lunch this week is chicken chunks.
Next week's will be hamburgers.
Halloween will be celebrated on Tuesday for Kindergarten "B" students and next Wednesday for all other students.
Please remember that Friday, Nov. 2 is a half-day of school. Students will be dismissed at 11:45 am.
The school year is well underway at South Grenville and the students are as busy as ever. Many students will be taking part in the Walk Against Male Violence, which will be held in Brockville Nov. 1. The Walk Against Male Violence takes place in many locations across the province, and the Brockville walk will include students from seven local high schools.
Spirit of Giving has started planning for its food drives that will be taking place until Christmas. Everybody is encouraged to donate at any of the food drives that will be announced at a later date.
As the weather grows colder, we are reminded that Halloween is not far off. It is this time of year that we most commonly think about UNICEF. The members of South Grenville's UNICEF group will be going around to many of the local public schools distributing collection boxes. They will also be hosting a party at the school for children 12 and under Saturday, Oct. 27 from 12:30 to 4:30 pm. Children are asked to wear costumes and parents are asked to sign their children up with a phone number in case of emergency. Admission will be charged at the door and refreshments will be provided. Money raised through this event will be sent overseas to help children in need.
The annual MERC Volunteer Appreciation Night will take place Friday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 pm at the Maitland Hall. Anyone who has volunteered in the Maitland community in the past year is welcome to this special evening. The MERC Volunteer of the Year will be awarded at this celebration. This will be the second year for this award. Last year's recipient was Faith Allingham. The evening will feature a DJ, cold buffet, door prizes and cash bar.
There will be a teen Halloween dance Nov. 2 for students in grades 5 through 8 at the MERC Hall. Music is provided by Heather and Co. Parents interested in helping with supervision can call Cynthia at 348-1760.
There will be a meeting of the committee to stop the train whistles in Augusta Nov. 6 at 7:30 pm at the MERC Hall. A representative of Transport Canada will be there to answer questions.
There will be a ski and skate sale Oct. 27 from 9-11 am at the MERC Hall. Items for sale should be labelled with your name and asking price, and delivered to the hall between 6 and 7 pm Friday, Oct. 26 or on the morning of the sale.
Tickets are now on sale for a queen-size quilt. The "bed of roses" pattern is hand appliqued and hand quilted. Call Walker House at 925-5300 for information.
A chicken dinner with all the trimmings will be served Saturday, Oct. 27 at 5:30 pm. Call in your reservation by today (Oct. 24) at 4 pm.
Card game winners last week were: Monday bridge 1st, Audrey Kingston; 2nd, Harry Nesbitt; Ruth Britnell won the door prize. Tuesday cribbage high hand, Jeannine Marion and pete Lowry; high score, Jean McCrady; 2nd, Myrtle Shahan; 3rd, Hilda Hutton. There was no Wednesday bridge last week. Thursday euchre 1st, Sam Covey; 2nd, Eddie Arcand; 3rd, Alice Crowder and Mary Reynolds; Jessie Shaver won the door prize.
KINGSTON The regional unemployment rate decreased in September, according to figures released by Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC).
Last month's jobless rate was 5.3 per cent, down from 5.7 per cent in August. These rates apply to the region extending from Leeds and Lanark counties to the Quebec border west of Montreal, excluding Ottawa. An HRDC media relations representative indicated the department could not provide a more localized jobless rate for smaller areas such as South Grenville.
Other regions of Eastern Ontario reported higher unemployment figures in September.
Sectors reporting increased employment levels last month were agriculture, construction, accommodation and food services. Decreases occurred in manufacturing and public administration, according to an HRDC news release.
The regional unemployment rate in September of last year was 6.5 per cent.
The Prescott HRDC office reported a slight decrease last month in the number of persons receiving regular or special Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. There were 884 claimants at the end of September compared to 902 at the end of August.
The HRDC office in Brockville reported a slight decrease in EI claimants for the same period.
AUGUSTA The Colonel Edward Jessup branch of the United Empire Loyalists (UEL) will hold its charter meeting this Saturday, Oct. 27 at Bethel United Church hall west of Maynard on the third concession.
UEL members strive to gather information about their ancestors, heritage and history. Anyone interested in local history is invited to attend.
The meeting begins at 11:30 am, and lunch will be served at noon. A certificate presentation to a UEL descendent will follow, and author John Morris is scheduled to speak on his new book, Morrises' History of Prescott, 1800-2000.
For ticket reservations or more information, contact Fraser Carr at 925-4390 (e-mail fraser.carr@ recorder.ca) or Myrtle Johnston at 924-2928. Reservations are required by Oct. 21.
The school year is well underway at South Grenville and the students are as busy as ever. Many students will be taking part in the Walk Against Male Violence, which will be held in Brockville Nov. 1. The Walk Against Male Violence takes place in many locations across the province, and the Brockville walk will include students from seven local high schools.
Spirit of Giving has started planning for its food drives that will be taking place until Christmas. Everybody is encouraged to donate at any of the food drives that will be announced at a later date.
As the weather grows colder, we are reminded that Halloween is not far off. It is this time of year that we most commonly think about UNICEF. The members of South Grenville's UNICEF group will be going around to many of the local public schools distributing collection boxes. They will also be hosting a party at the school for children 12 and under Saturday, Oct. 27 from 12:30 to 4:30 pm. Children are asked to wear costumes and parents are asked to sign their children up with a phone number in case of emergency. Admission will be charged at the door and refreshments will be provided. Money raised through this event will be sent overseas to help children in need.
The annual MERC Volunteer Appreciation Night will take place Friday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 pm at the Maitland Hall. Anyone who has volunteered in the Maitland community in the past year is welcome to this special evening. The MERC Volunteer of the Year will be awarded at this celebration. This will be the second year for this award. Last year's recipient was Faith Allingham. The evening will feature a DJ, cold buffet, door prizes and cash bar.
There will be a teen Halloween dance Nov. 2 for students in grades 5 through 8 at the MERC Hall. Music is provided by Heather and Co. Parents interested in helping with supervision can call Cynthia at 348-1760.
There will be a meeting of the committee to stop the train whistles in Augusta Nov. 6 at 7:30 pm at the MERC Hall. A representative of Transport Canada will be there to answer questions.
There will be a ski and skate sale Oct. 27 from 9-11 am at the MERC Hall. Items for sale should be labelled with your name and asking price, and delivered to the hall between 6 and 7 pm Friday, Oct. 26 or on the morning of the sale.
Tickets are now on sale for a queen-size quilt. The "bed of roses" pattern is hand appliqued and hand quilted. Call Walker House at 925-5300 for information.
A chicken dinner with all the trimmings will be served Saturday, Oct. 27 at 5:30 pm. Call in your reservation by today (Oct. 24) at 4 pm.
Card game winners last week were: Monday bridge 1st, Audrey Kingston; 2nd, Harry Nesbitt; Ruth Britnell won the door prize. Tuesday cribbage high hand, Jeannine Marion and pete Lowry; high score, Jean McCrady; 2nd, Myrtle Shahan; 3rd, Hilda Hutton. There was no Wednesday bridge last week. Thursday euchre 1st, Sam Covey; 2nd, Eddie Arcand; 3rd, Alice Crowder and Mary Reynolds; Jessie Shaver won the door prize.
KINGSTON The regional unemployment rate decreased in September, according to figures released by Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC).
Last month's jobless rate was 5.3 per cent, down from 5.7 per cent in August. These rates apply to the region extending from Leeds and Lanark counties to the Quebec border west of Montreal, excluding Ottawa. An HRDC media relations representative indicated the department could not provide a more localized jobless rate for smaller areas such as South Grenville.
Other regions of Eastern Ontario reported higher unemployment figures in September.
Sectors reporting increased employment levels last month were agriculture, construction, accommodation and food services. Decreases occurred in manufacturing and public administration, according to an HRDC news release.
The regional unemployment rate in September of last year was 6.5 per cent.
The Prescott HRDC office reported a slight decrease last month in the number of persons receiving regular or special Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. There were 884 claimants at the end of September compared to 902 at the end of August.
The HRDC office in Brockville reported a slight decrease in EI claimants for the same period.
AUGUSTA The Colonel Edward Jessup branch of the United Empire Loyalists (UEL) will hold its charter meeting this Saturday, Oct. 27 at Bethel United Church hall west of Maynard on the third concession.
UEL members strive to gather information about their ancestors, heritage and history. Anyone interested in local history is invited to attend.
The meeting begins at 11:30 am, and lunch will be served at noon. A certificate presentation to a UEL descendent will follow, and author John Morris is scheduled to speak on his new book, Morrises' History of Prescott, 1800-2000.
For ticket reservations or more information, contact Fraser Carr at 925-4390 (e-mail fraser.carr@ recorder.ca) or Myrtle Johnston at 924-2928. Reservations are required by Oct. 21.
JOHNSTOWN An automated teller machine was taken from Bingo International early Tuesday morning, according to Grenville County OPP.
Police responded to an alarm call at about 2:19 am. Upon their arrival police discovered the front doors of the bingo hall had been entered with force.
Officers from the Lanark identification unit and the rural agriculture break and enter squad are assisting local OPP officers with the investigation, according to an OPP news release.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable George Duke at the OPP detachment in Prescott (925-4221) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
SOUTH GRENVILLE With wildlife more active at this time of year, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) advises motorists to be extra cautious on the road.
"With the arrival of autumn, moose and deer are particularly active as they cover more ground in search of food and suitable mates," says Christie Curley of MNR's Kemptville District/Area Office.
"People should be especially careful driving at dawn or dusk when wildlife is most active," she added.
Since deer rarely travel alone, motorists who see one deer should be prepared for the sudden appearance of more.
Also, the normal caution deer and moose take before crossing roads is not present during this time, according to the natural resources ministry.
The MNR advises motorists not to swerve their vehicle in an attempt to avoid deer that suddenly appear in their path. Motorists are at less risk of serious injury if they hit the deer than if they lose control and hit another vehicle or an immobile object like a tree or hydro pole.
If drivers see deer along the side of the road, they are advised to slow down and then sound their horn in a series of short bursts.
If at night, they should blink their headlights to warn the deer and allow them the opportunity to get out of the way.
South Grenville Giants football coach Dave Corney, referring to last week's
impressive showing at home against BCI
It comes as no surprise that the decision by Ontario Premier Mike Harris to leave office has generated a lot of discussion. He has been able to draw more positive and negative feedback during his six-and-a-half years in power than just about any other political leader of his time. Much of this province bought into the Common Sense Revolution following an NDP government that had its hands full making the transition from opposition party to governing party. Harris and the Progressive Conservatives were successful in their campaign to deal with deficits and debt. The mood of the business community improved dramatically, as did the economy. Prosperity returned to Ontario, and much of the credit went to Mr. Harris and the direction he and his colleagues provided.
But there are also those who credit the premier with the dubious distinction of gutting government services and cutting the so-called social safety net. After all, it was Harris and the Conservatives who created the Health Services Restructuring Commission. The government decided to overhaul the elementary and secondary school systems. Even though many people agreed changes had to be made, the manner in which the government changed the way hospitals and schools operate tended to polarize the province. Unions and social activists condemned the government for its tough approach to reform the system. Mike Harris and some of his colleagues were portrayed as heartless and cruel, with no respect for anyone who chose to disagree with their way of thinking. When the premier announced his intentions last week, some of his opponents did not hide their elation and joy.
Mike Harris may go down in history as the man who led Ontario back to prosperity. Others may demonize him as a politician who gutted hospitals and schools and had contempt for those in society who need government support the most. Now that Mr. Harris has indicated he will be stepping down as premier and party leader, it will be interesting in the coming months to see if this decision has any effect on the way he governs this province. Even though the Conservatives are not doing so well in the polls these days, history has shown things can change fairly quickly. Mike Harris is still the premier of Ontario, and there is no doubt he will continue to draw bricks and bouquets during his farewell tour.
Supporters and opponents of Harris can agree things have been interesting during his time as premier. Like it or not, he has been able to shake the foundations of this province and get people to consider what they think the role of government should be. They may end up arguing, but at least they are talking.
Tim Ruhnke
Well, it's been just over three weeks on the job and I'm not sure what I had to get used to more - working full-time for a newspaper the very first time, or living here in Prescott.
At least in college I was prepared for the life of a journalist, trained to write stories, take pictures and use a Macintosh computer.
But moving into this quaint little town, that was something new.
Sure, I might have been born and raised in Lindsay, Ontario and the surrounding area, but the last three years of my life were spent in Oshawa, and it was a lifestyle I had become all too accustomed to.
I knew things were different here my first night, when I moved my stuff into my new place and then looked to fill the hunger gap. Hmm....10 o'clock Sunday night, maybe I'll get some Wendy's or McDonald's.
Oh yeah, Prescott doesn't have those. Well, I remembered seeing a Burger King when I came in off the 401, so I thought I'd head down there. Closed.
Then I figured I'd try the Subway across the street from where I live. "Sorry, we're closed." Frustrated, I asked if anything was open 10 o'clock on Sunday night, only half-jokingly. "Tim Hortons" was the reply.
My first dinner in Prescott, and my subsequent breakfast and lunch the following day, was a dozen doughnuts.
That was just the first of several differences I have only recently become somewhat accustomed to. I just figured out last week that mail isn't delivered to your door in this neck of the woods.
Now, it might sound like I'm not the most perceptive guy in the world. That may be true, but the concept of having to go pick up mail from the post office never crossed my mind.
One of my worst fears was realized when I saw that I no longer got the Toronto Maple Leaf games, even through satellite. I had to buy a dish myself and got the bills sent to my girlfriend's place in Oshawa so I could get the games.
There's one grocery store in this town. The biggest stores I've seen here are Canadian Tire and Giant Tiger. There aren't that many places to order pizza from in Prescott.
And I learned not to miss the Prescott exit when travelling west on the 401.
Yes, moving from the populously dense greater Toronto area to a small town on the St. Lawrence River certainly has been a drastic change. However, I think the shock has worn off and I'm getting settled in here.
And you know what? It's not too bad.
If there has ever been a sacred cow in Prescott, it has been our municipal police force, but its favoured place in the community was earned by members of our force, right from rookie to chief, who were always visible throughout the town, especially in the downtown business community.
In recent years members of the force have become less and less visible, foot patrols have ceased to exist and night patrols have become either non-existent or so sparsely staffed as to be practically ineffective.
This was true last Monday night (actually between 4 am and 6 am Tuesday) when burglars broke into four King Street businesses and made off with considerable amounts of cash. According to some of the store owners these were not smash and grab jobs, because the search for cash and valuables was so thorough the break-ins had to be carried out in a very unhurried manner.
The thieves must have cased our main street for some time to have known the movements and habits of the town police between 4 and 6 am, and to know that every business in Prescott that did not have an alarm system was vulnerable and a potential target.
In the close to 40 years that we have been at the helm of this newspaper, we can only remember three or four daylight robberies in the downtown sector. Two of these, in fact, were at the drugstore directly across the street from our office and we witnessed one of these, with our town police catching the robber within a few minutes of the offence.
During the same time there have been scores and scores of night-time break-ins.
What we have never been able to understand, however, is that although statistics tell us there are more law breakers at work during the night-time, how come night patrols are almost non-existent and we always have a full compliment of constables and officers on duty during the daylight hours.
The main problem with municipal police forces in small towns such as Prescott rests with the local police commission system whereby members of the commission are practically powerless to direct the day-to-day activities of the police service they are supposed to control.
And councillors, the persons who represent the municipal taxpayers who have come up with the million dollars-plus it costs to provide police services in Prescott every year, are in a minority on the commission and do not carry the weight in decision-making that their elected positions should dictate. Prescott's police commission consists of one appointee from council, the mayor, three provincial appointees, along with the town's administrator/clerk, who serves as secretary, but does not have a vote.
This lack of control by municipalities such as ours over the operation of our local police departments is the main reason that more and more small municipalities are opting for police contracts with the Ontario Provincial Police.
Prescott council has opted for the OPP service and negotiations for the takeover and the absorption of officers who qualify into the OPP force are presently underway.
After last week's rash of break-ins and thefts and the senseless acts of vandalism that have cost downtown businesses and taxpayers in general thousands of dollars over the past couple years, the sooner this takeover happens the better.
For the past several months Prescott has had a lame-duck police force as members await the decision as to whether the municipal force will be retained, if the town will opt for the OPP, and if they will be absorbed into the OPP force, and where they will be posted after the transition. These are pressures that have been added to jobs that are already pressure-filled.
The executive of the Prescott Downtown Business Improvement Association (BIA) held an emergency meeting at noon last Tuesday, following the four break-ins and burglaries earlier that day, and decided to send letters of concern about the town's policing situation to the chief of police, mayor and council, chair of the police commission and the Ontario Attorney General.
We hope these letters spur a speed-up in negotiations with the two police departments and the town so that those officers we have who have been doing a very credible and effective job over the years will not have to suffer discouraging public assumptions much longer.
EDWARDSBURGH/CARDINAL The effort to help the families of victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack has received a boost from three local groups.
Representatives from Project Maple Leaf, an initiative aimed at assisting spouses and children of firefighters, police officers and EMS personnel who died at the site of the World Trade Center, received a total of $1,936 in donations Monday in Cardinal. Nearly half of the total $936 represents the proceeds from sales of red, white and blue ribbons made by Faye and Carol Ann Murphy.
Donations of $500 were made by the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Firefighters Association and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 604 in Spencerville.
Art Pullan, co-ordinator of Project Maple Leaf for the National Fire and Life Safety Foundation, said all of the money raised will go directly to the Twin Towers Relief Fund set up by New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. The money is being donated to that fund because administration expenses are not being charged to it, Pullan noted.
Project Maple Leaf is accepting donations from all sources, although Pullan pointed out the project has been emphasizing smaller volunteer fire departments. He said he continues to be amazed by the breakfasts, car washes, boot drives and other events and activities firefighters and other groups continue to host as part of the fundraising effort.
Foundation President John Simpson said more than 50 groups from across Canada have made contributions to Project Maple Leaf. Simpson and Pullan indicated those groups and everyone else who is trying to do what they can are to be commended for their actions.
Dave Grant, a volunteer firefighter based at Station No. 2 in Cardinal, said he and his fellow firefighters still have a job to do, but they are working with heavy hearts given the events of Sept. 11. The impact of the tragedy may begin to fade over time, but Grant noted the importance of remembering the families of firefighters and others who lost their lives that day.
Donations can be sent to Project Maple Leaf, Box 187, Brockville, K6V 5V2. For more information, call Art Pullan at (613) 498-1363.
At the council meeting held October 15, 2001, the minutes of the previous meeting were approved. There were no deputations and no committee reports. Council approved the contract with the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals which requested an increase of $790 in this year's rate. Clerk Trivitt advised the only other option would be to operate a pound ourselves. This is not a viable option and the contract was approved.
We had one housekeeping item in that at the previous meeting there was an error in the resolution regarding the accounts. We passed a resolution to pick up that error. The Cardinal Figure Skating Club requested a Break Open Ticket Lottery (Nevada) and council approved the application for a box of tickets to be placed at the deli in the Cardinal Village Mall. As an aside on the topic of the Cardinal Figure Skating Club, it had its first evening of lessons this past Friday. If anyone is interested in obtaining more information on the costs and programs offered by the club, call Tania Tobin at 657-4835 or Sandra McNairn at 657-4510.
Council also agreed to extend the access Internet site agreement to March 31, 2002. This site is located at the municipal office in Cardinal. Remember that the office is now closed on Mondays.
Clerk Trivitt advised council a number of provincial duty free stores are appealing their assessments to the Review Board. This includes the duty free in Johnstown. Clerk Trivitt also advised that council has been billed $1,051.81 by the MOE with respect to the WWTP in Prescott. Mr. Trivitt will look into the details of this billing.
Councillor MacDonald advised that the premier has placed full-page advertisements regarding terrorism and how he is responding to it. The premier also advised that municipal governments will be asked to do things. The Recorder and Times reported that there will be a meeting in Brockville on the topic and Councillor MacDonald queried as to whether council was responding to the situation.
Mayor Dobbie advised there is an emergency systems co-ordinator at the counties level and that he is the person behind the meeting in Brockville. This person is under direction of the Joint Services Committee of the Counties. The commission is comprised of members of heads of municipal governments. Mayor Dobbie is certain this individual has things under control.
Clerk Trivitt also reported the snow removal contract has been held by a Mr. Bryant for the past three or four years and that his rates have not increased. He wondered if council wanted to renew with Mr. Bryant for this year or tender the job. It was concurred Mr. Bryant would be asked to continue this year.
Peggy Taylor is a councillor for Ward One and may be reached at peggytaylor@ripnet.com or 657-1728.
CARDINAL Branch 105 of the Royal Canadian Legion will host a Halloween dance this Saturday, Oct. 27 from 8 pm to midnight.
The live band Classic Thunder will provide the entertainment. There will be cash prizes for the best costumes.
CARDINAL The annual Royal Canadian Legion Branch 105 armistice church parade will take place this Sunday, Oct. 28. Parade members will fall in at the old Tammy's Restaurant on Shanly Road at 9:30 am, and then march to the Free Methodist Church for the 10 am service. A poppy blitz and light lunch will follow at the Legion branch. For more information, contact Eleanor or Tom Beatson at 657-4592.
CARDINAL Diners Club seniors' lunches are being held this fall at the Anglican Church in Cardinal Tuesday, Oct. 30 and Tuesday, Nov. 27. The lunches are held in Spencerville at the Presbyterian church hall every Thursday.
The lunches are sponsored by the VON home support program. The meal begins at noon; reservations are recommended. Admission can be paid at the door.
For more information, contact VON representative Susan Smith at 925-3731.
CARDINAL The next meeting of the postage stamp club will take place this evening (Wednesday, Oct. 24) at 7 pm at the public library in Cardinal. Youngsters and anyone else with an interest in collecting stamps are invited to attend.
The club's first get-together took place Sept. 19.
CARDINAL Tickets for the Cardinal Fish and Game Club's Big Buck Draw are now available.
Tickets can be purchased at Rona and Pro Hardware in Cardinal, Bayview Convenience in Johnstown and Mustard's Variety in Iroquois. Tickets are also available from members of the club's executive.
CARDINAL St. Paul's Anglican Church will host a craft show and sale Saturday, Nov. 3 from 10 am to 4 pm in the church hall. Sixteen local artisans and crafters are expected to show their work.
Lunch will be served from 11:30 am to 1 pm, and refreshments will be available all day.
There is free admission; donations will be accepted at the door.
Willi Koslowsky, 7 River View Cres., RR 3, Prescott, died Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2001 at Brockville General Hospital. He was 73.
He was born Jan. 25, 1928 in Germany to Johann Koslowsky and Bertha Galler. He married Helga Koslowsky (nee Czaja) Aug. 20, 1949 at Wuensdorf, Germany.
Mr. Koslowsky is survived by his wife Helga; daughter Petra Harris (friend Ron Barrington); grandsons Jason and Matthew Harris, all of Prescott; and sister Renate Kleinsorge of Germany. He was predeceased by his parents and brothers Helmut and Kurt.
Koslowsky came to Canada in 1953 and he worked at many odd jobs to prepare for the arrival of his wife Helga and daughter Petra in 1954.
He owned and operated Willi's Service Station (1959); later opened Western Tire (1960) on the same property (Edward Street, Prescott); and in 1964 he started the A.M.C. Rambler Dealership.
In 1969 he became the Chrysler dealer in the area; in 1973 he started the building that housed Koslowsky Motors Ltd. (Seaway Motors, River Road East, Prescott) and within a few years became the only full time Chrysler dealer in the area. Mr. Koslowsky had been the owner and president of Seaway Motors. His work was his hobby and he especially loved the people, who were always number one to him. His interests included cars and anything that had a motor.
Visitation was at the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2001 from 2 to 4 pm and from 7 to 9 pm. The funeral service was in the funeral home chapel Oct. 5 at 11 am, with Pastor Tim Kuhlmann officiating. A committal service will be held at Sandy Hill Cemetery at a later date. Cremation took place at Cataraqui Crematorium.
Memorial donations may be made to ALS.
Margaret Elizabeth McGrory, 275 Water St., Prescott, died Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2001 at Brockville General Hospital. She was 66.
She was born Sept. 15, 1935 at Ogdensburg, N.Y., the daughter of Francis E. Fitzgerald and Margaret Rivers.
She is survived by her daughters Debbie Zvigulis (Rod Carriveau) of Almonte and Judy (Mrs. Don Hubert) of Almonte; grandchildren Janis and Justin Zvigulis, and Daniel and Michael Hubert, all of Almonte; her sister Barbara Dishaw of Ogdensburg, N.Y.; sister-in-law Fumiko Fitzgerald of Ogdensburg N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her son Tim McGrory.
Visitation was at the Chris Slater Funeral Home Friday, Oct. 12, 2001 from 2 to 4 pm and from 7 to 9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Mark's Catholic Church, Prescott, Oct. 13, 2001 at 11 am, with Father R. Arsenault officiating. A committal service will take place at a later date at St. Mark's Cemetery. Cremation was at Cataraqui Crematorium.
The pall bearers were Rod Carriveau, Don, Daniel and Michael Hubert, and Janis and Justin Zvigulis.
Memorial donations may be made to Palliative Care and Canadian Cancer Society.
Josephine May Ethier, 733 Royal Cres., Prescott, died Thursday, Oct. 4, 2001 at Brockville General Hospital. She was 70.
She was born July 27, 1931 at Toronto, the daughter of Bert Miller and Beulah May Gray. She married Omer Ethier Aug. 20, 1976 at Victoria United Church, Maynard.
Mrs. Ethier is survived by her son Gary (wife Ann); grandchildren Bruce Cooper (wife Tonya), Julie and J. Ross Cooper; great grandchildren Rachael and Miranda Cooper and Brandon Jacques; and dear friend Jack McEwan.
She was predeceased by husbands Omer Ethier, Russel Zimmerling and James Cooper; and by her son James Cooper.
Her interests included the Royal Canadian Legion, gardening and sewing. She worked as a homemaker at own home.
Visitation was at the Chris Slater Funeral Home Friday, Oct. 5 from 7 to 9 pm. The funeral service was in the chapel of the funeral home Oct. 6 at 11 am with Rev. Gerry Ring officiating. The committal service was Oct. 6, 2001 at noon at Roselawn Memorial Gardens.
Pall bearers were Don Langtree, Jake Underhill, Ralph Martin, Al Babcock, Tom Wilson, John Martineau, who are all members of the Legion.
Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Canadian Cancer Society.
By Jon Kuiperij - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT - Two weeks of practice and preparation paid off for the South Grenville Giants junior football team Thursday afternoon as it hammered the BCI Red Rams 34-0.
Running back Allan Robertson was the offensive hero for the Giants, scoring three touchdowns and picking up tough yardage for first downs all game.
Defensively, it was a complete team effort for South Grenville.
The Giants forced four turnovers and BCI never threatened to score.
"The offensive line made some good holes and I just ran through them for first downs," Robertson said.
"Allan has a good feel for where the blockers are, and he reads the field really well," said Giants coach Dave Corney. "With our defence, I've never seen better athletes than what we have here. They fire in hard and they hit hard, and they shut down plays before they got started."
South Grenville came out flying, scoring on its first two posessions. A 40-yard bomb from quarterback Kurt Summers to Ryan Wynands set up Robertson's first score, a lateral from Summers. Summers then hit Jon McIntosh with a pass for the two-point conversion.
After a strong defensive effort and a poor punt by BCI, the Giants took over on the Red Rams' 25-yard line. Phil Deslauries ran for a one-yard touchdown and Jon Baldwin kicked the extra point to give South Grenville a 15-0 lead.
The defence then took over, forcing two turnovers in the first half. Jordan Drury intercepted a BCI pass while a quarterback sack led to a fumble recovery for the Giants.
South Grenville put the game away in the second half. Robertson made it 21-0 with a four-yard touchdown run and Wynands ran 65 yards on a reverse to put the Giants up 28-0 with three minutes left.
In the last minute, Robertson scored his third touchdown on an option pitch from Summers, running 39 yards for the score and the 34-0 final.
The Giants defence generated two more turnovers in the second half, as Chris Crook recovered a fumble and picked off a pass.
South Grenville had a bye the previous week so the team was able to prepare well for BCI and add several new plays on offence for the game.
"With two weeks off, we evaluated things and felt we needed new wrinkles to give us big plays," said Corney. "It's real tough to run the football up the middle in junior football with three downs. The last two weeks were almost solely spent on big yardage plays and we used them right away."
In the days leading up to the game, the team sold tickets which allowed students to get out of class for the afternoon and watch the game. Approximately 200 students showed up to support the Giants.
"The kids had been talking about this game for two weeks, and we really wanted to come out and show everyone what football's all about," Corney said. "We're trying to build a program for next year, to generate interest in both the school and the community, so it was big for us today."
Money raised from the ticket sales will go towards the football program. Corney said the team needs a lot of new equipment, especially if the school runs a senior team next year as well.
With the victory the Giants evened their record at 2-2 with two games remaining on the schedule. South Grenville looks to edge above the .500 mark for the first time this year when it hosts Smith Falls tomorrow at 2 pm.
BROCKVILLE The Upper Canada District School Board held its elementary cross-country championships last Thursday in Brockville to close out the cross-country season.
Maitland Public School had a strong showing collectively, finishing second in novice girls, third in novice boys and sixth overall.
Central Public School finished second in novice boys, Boundary Street Public School placed second in junior girls, St. Joseph Catholic School finished second in junior boys, Algonquin Public School placed fourth in novice girls, Centennial '67 Public School finished fourth in peewee boys and Maynard Public School placed sixth in senior boys.
Individually, Meaghan Graham of Algonquin led the way for local athletes with a first place finish in novice girls, while Jennifer Pettam of Maitland placed second in the same race.
Jamie McFarlane of St. Joseph recorded a second place finish in the junior boys race. Maynard's Matt Leeder took third in senior boys, while Rhys Larry of Maitland and Philip Biccum of Central finished fourth and fifth respectively in novice boys.
Alex Marriner of South Edwardsburg Public School placed fifth in senior girls and Henk Heykoop of Centennial '67 finished sixth in junior boys.
CARDINAL As the South Grenville Junior "B" Rangers found out, it's hard to win hockey games if you don't shut down the opposition's big guns.
The Rangers were burnt by three of the most prolific scorers in the Rideau-St. Lawrence Junior "B" Hockey League in losses to Westport and Athens on the weekend.
Saturday night, South Grenville looked to build on a three-game winning streak when it hosted the Wesport Rideaus in Cardinal. The Rangers raced out to an early 2-0 advantage on goals by Jason Denio and Dustin Swan, but the Rideaus replied with four unanswered to take a 4-2 second period lead. After Denio scored his second of three on the night to narrow the gap to one goal, Westport added another four in a row to put the game out of reach.
Rideau Division leading scorer Ryan Dekairelle notched two goals and an assist while Ryan Carty, fifth in league scoring, added two goals and two helpers to bury the Rangers.
Dave Gallant, Alex Lafontaine, Lucas Spencer, Tyler Shanks, Ted Livingston and Andrew Hare each drew assists for South Grenville. The game featured a brawl with 11:37 to go in the third period and 13 game misconducts were handed out in the game by referee Rob Hogg.
The following night in Athens, the Rangers dropped a 5-2 decision to the Aeros. Chris McCann of the Aeros, second in the Rideau Division scoring race, destroyed South Grenville almost single-handedly, recording a hat trick and adding assists on the other two Athens goals.
Denio continued his strong weekend for the Rangers, scoring once and adding an assist. Hare added the other South Grenville goal, while Livingston and Derek June picked up assists in the loss.
The Rangers only play one game this weekend, when they host Picton at the Cardinal and District Community Centre Saturday night at 7:15.
If two out of three ain't bad, three out of four should be pretty good.
However, winning three out of four games wasn't good enough for the Rideau St. Lawrence minor atom Kings at their home tournament on the weekend. Despite a 3-1 record in the round-robin portion of the Rideau St. Lawrence Minor Atom "AA" Tournament of Kings, the Kings were unable to advance to the finals, as Peterborough and Gloucester posted three wins and a tie each.
The Kings opened the tournament with a 5-0 blanking of Seaway Valley. Marc Roy, Scott Summers, James Keane, Brett Jackson and Michael Skakum scored for Rideau St. Lawrence while Kyle Pattemore, Brett Baker and Skakum added assists. Andrew McVean recorded the shutout in goal.
In their second game, the Kings dropped a 3-2 decision to Gloucester, the eventual tournament champions. Tyson Wilson and Skakum tallied for Rideau St. Lawrence while Nicholas McCaslin and Pattemore chipped in with helpers.
The Kings knocked off Humberview 4-0 in their third game of the tournament. Doug Utting, John Veltkamp, Roy and Wilson each scored once and McVean posted another shutout. Summers picked up two assists while Maxim St. Jacques, Jay Keller, Pattemore and Baker added one assist each.
In their final game, Rideau St. Lawrence downed Central Ontario 4-2. Keller scored on a penalty shot while Skakum, Roy and Baker added the other King markers. St. Jacques had two assists with Skakum adding one. Tommy Allan picked up the win in goal for the Kings.
The Rideau St. Lawrence minor peewee Kings had a tougher time in the Tournament of Kings, losing three of their four games and unable to reach the semi-finals.
In their opening game Thursday, the Kings came out flat and struggled offensively in a 2-0 loss to the Cumberland Barons.
Friday evening, Rideau St. Lawrence knocked off York-Simcoe, the eventual tournament champion, 4-1. Jason Crooke tallied twice for the Kings while Steve Craig Pettem and Matt Lajoie added singles.
Saturday morning, the Kings lost 5-3 to Ajax-Pickering. Matt Wing, Peter Roy and Sam Coyne scored for Rideau St. Lawrence.
In the team's final game Saturday night, the Kings dropped a 4-2 decision to Oshawa. Joel Haystead Smythe and Jason Crooke provided the offence for Rideau St. Lawrence.
BROCKVILLE Several South Grenville District High School athletes posted fine individual performances at the Leeds-Grenville Secondary Schools Athletic Association cross-country meet last Wednesday in Brockville.
Mandy Wallace of Cardinal won the junior girls 4 km run, posting a time of 15:15, 41 seconds better than her nearest competitor.
Susan Knights, also of Cardinal, placed second in the senior girls 5 km run, finishing in 21:46, only 15 seconds out of first. Prescott resident Heidi Rienstra finished third in the midget girls 3.5 km race with a time of 14:36, 38 seconds behind the leader.
Rideau - St. Lawrence Junior "B" Hockey League Standings
RIDEAU DIVISION GP W L T PTS
Brockville 10 8 2 0 16
Westport 9 5 4 0 11
Athens 9 3 5 1 9
Gananoque 9 3 5 1 7
South Grenville 9 3 6 0 6
* Teams losing in overtime receive one point
UPCOMING RANGER GAMES
Sat., Oct. 27 Picton at South Grenville, 7:15 pm
Fri., Nov. 2 South Grenville at Westport, 8:15 pm
Sat., Nov. 3 Napanee at South Grenville, 7:15 pm
Sun., Nov. 4 South Grenville at North Frontenac, 3:15 pm
PRESCOTT A fitness, weight loss and yoga program begins in town Nov. 4 at Grandma's House in Prescott.
Geny Heywood, a former director of a YMCA in Houston, Texas, will oversee the program which will run two sessions a day for two months.
For more information, call Geny Heywood at 925-0018.
PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants football team continues its season tomorrow with a home game against Smiths Falls at 2 pm.
The team travels to Arnprior Nov. 2 to finish the regular season. The playoffs begin the following week, and the league final will be played Nov. 16.
The Giants senior boys soccer team will host Athens for a 2:30 pm start tomorrow. The team will also be home Nov. 1 against St. Mary's at 2:30 pm.
The junior and senior girls basketball teams look to finish their seasons on strong notes as the playoffs approach.
South Grenville faces BCI tomorrow before returning home to play St. Mike's Oct. 30 at 4 pm.
The teams travel to St. Mary's to close out the schedule. Playoff quarterfinals begin Nov. 8.
PRESCOTT The Prescott Curling Club opened its regular season Monday; the season runs until April.
The next scheduled event on the curling calendar is the 2-2-2 Bonspiel, originally set for Nov. 16.
The 2-2-2 competition, which has run for four years, involves two men, two women and two games, with combined ages of the four players on a team equalling or exceeding 222.
However, event organizer Cliff Wiltshire is "90 per cent sure" the event will not take place because of personal reasons.
The club held its opening mixed bonspiel last week, featuring 72 players. The top team consisted of Larry Fancy (skip), Ambrose Arcand (vice), Jen Peterson (second) and Harry Grant (lead). Sharon Robertson won the skills competition.