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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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By Tim Ruhnke Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT Town council will take a closer look at renovating the existing municipal building.
The decision came after a lively but civil debate at a committee-of-the-whole meeting of Prescott council Monday night. The new council had been sworn in barely a week earlier, but members had a full and fairly frank discussion about an issue that created quite a stir at the end of the previous council's term.
Constructing a two-storey building at the intersection of King and Centre streets at an estimated cost of $1.5 million was the preferred option of the previous council. A feasibility study indicated the cost of renovating the Dibble St. facility now in use would be in the range of $1.1 million.
But Councillor Garry Dewar indicated Monday he does not believe the town had thoroughly examined the option to renovate. He proposed that Eastern Engineering, the consulting firm that conducted the feasibility study, be brought back for a brief but extensive review of the building and the option. Dewar suggested the firm consider the feasibility of a one-storey building on the existing site to house municipal offices and the library.
Mayor Robert Lawn acknowledged that the town hall issue was one of only two raised by residents when he went campaigning door-to-door this fall. All of those residents responded positively when he indicated renovating town hall must be given a second look, according to Lawn.
"It leaves me no choice but to push hard and look at renovating this building," he said.
In noting that the mayor received overwhelming support at the polls, Councillor Terry McConnell said it is logical to bring in someone to review the renovation option. If that does not prove to be successful, McConnell would favour leasing some other facility for an extended period of perhaps five years.
With the expenditures already in the works in areas such as infrastructure and sewage treatment, the councillor is concerned that council would spend more money without knowing for sure what the municipal landscape will look like in the years to come.
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead, the lone member of the previous council to serve with the new group, said she has not changed her position that building a new town hall on the parking lot site "...is the smartest use of municipal money." Beckstead added she does not believe the cost of building a new facility will be much different than renovating the existing one.
However, the councillor noted there are opposing views at the council table. In agreeing to proceed with further review of the renovating option, Beckstead indicated the concerns of the other council members must be addressed.
All seven members of council had something to say on the town hall issue Monday night. Councillor Seeley Pillar said the town does not need a new building worth $1.5 million. As much as he may like to see town hall downtown, Pillar does not favour spending the amount estimated to date. He reiterated the decision has to be one of dollars and cents.
Councillor Nancy McFarland noted that she had initially favoured the concept of renovating town hall. Now that she has read the materials and gone through the building, McFarland is now of the opinion that "...it does not make sense to renovate it." She cited her hospital workplaces in Ottawa that were renovated; refurbishment of those older facilities has not panned out, according to McFarland.
In pointing out that the previous council had spent $84,000 on architect fees and other costs associated with the proposed new town hall, Councillor Jim French said the question that remains unanswered is what this council will do about the town hall issue.
Dewar agreed that other options would have to be considered if building a one-storey facility at the Dibble St. site proved to be impractical. But council owes it to the people of Prescott to take a closer look at renovating the building, Dewar and others declared.
The results of the review are expected in the near future. Lawn said a decision cannot be put off indefinitely; he would like to see council in a new building at this time next year, or have plans in the works to deal with the problem.
BROCKVILLE A judicial recount has confirmed that Joe Jordan was re-elected in the riding of Leeds-Grenville.
The recount performed last Wednesday gave the incumbent Liberal MP a 55-vote victory over Canadian Alliance candidate Gord Brown.
Justice Douglas Cunningham ordered the recount at the conclusion of a hearing held Dec. 5 in Brockville court. Brown had filed on the previous day a formal request for a recount.
Jordan was credited with a 63-vote victory over Canadian Alliance candidate Gord Brown based on election results validated last Wednesday. Those results gave Jordan a total of 18,610 votes; Brown trailed with 18,547.
The unofficial totals in the vote counts reported hours after the polls closed on election night gave Jordan a margin of 72 votes.
The recount indicated Jordan received 18,594 votes compared to 18,539 for Brown. Progressive Conservative John Johnston placed third with 7,940 votes.
Martin Hanratty of the New Democrats was in fourth place with 990 votes, followed by Jerry Heath of the Green party with 816 and Jane Scharf of the Canadian Action party with 181.
Jordan told The Journal Thursday he is pleased the matter has now been settled once and for all. He noted the Liberals had scrutineers at all but seven polls Nov. 27, and their information did not suggest there would be a significant change in the vote totals.
"I was fairly confident there wasn't going to be a lot of movement in a recount," he said.
However, the MP admitted he found the election and its aftermath to be "quite a stressful time."
The Alliance candidate said in an interview last week that his team had documented 22 instances in which there may have been "voting issues" involving the counting process. Based on information provided by party scrutineers who observed the counting process in the riding, Brown contends there may have been situations in which polls were not counted properly or in which ballots may have gone missing.
Given the slim margin indicated in the official results and other information that has come to his attention, Brown was hopeful the judge would look favourably on the request.
Jordan said he understands that Brown had a responsibility to his campaign and himself to seek a recount. "I would have done the same thing," the MP said.
An automatic judicial recount would have been ordered if the difference in votes had been less than one tenth of one per cent of the vote total. The results of the recount confirmed the margin of victory was just outside the range required to trigger a judicial recount.
In terms of the way the vote in Leeds-Grenville was split, Jordan noted that he received almost as many votes as he did in the 1997 federal election. The combination of Alliance and Progressive Conservative votes this time around was only a few hundred more than the Reform and Conservative total in 1997.
"The mandate was similar," Jordan said.
As for the upcoming session of parliament, the Liberal MP said local economic development will be one of the key areas on which he will focus; securing additional money for infrastructure improvements in the riding will also be important, the MP indicated. Jordan also believes the environmental initiatives he began during the previous term will become more relevant in the coming years.
MAYNARD It doesn't matter where you live in Augusta Township; you can take your trash and recyclables to either the North Augusta or Maynard landfill sites.
Reeve George Vail said at a Dec. 4 meeting there had been some miscommunication regarding who could use the more northern site. He said he does not support the idea that residents who live north of the sixth concession should use the North Augusta site. "I don't care where you are from in this municipality; you should be allowed to go there.
"My taxes support both North Augusta and Maynard and so do everybody else's. I'm not going to draw a line."
A recent audit conducted at the North Augusta site revealed approximately 40 per cent of Augusta residents were using that location. Vail suggested that may have been "an off day" or people are confused about which site to use in view of council's decision to close Maynard.
"A lot of people are under the belief that if the (Maynard landfill) closes, you won't be able to go there anymore.
"Basically when it was set up it was hopeful that approximately 30 per cent of the population would use North Augusta and the other 70 would use Maynard, and that was a good mix," Vail said. The guideline was intended to get the most life out of both landfills, he said.
"It's not closing as far as the gate closing. People are under the impression they can't use (Maynard) at all. You'll still be able to get rid of your personal garbage and your recyclables. It'll just be in a different manner."
Vail said he expects the 70/30 level of use to return to normal once people are aware the Maynard site will continue to accept trash.
Councillor Doug Barton said it was unfortunate more people didn't attend the public meeting in the fall regarding the future of the Maynard site to clear up these issues.
"Everyone in the township is concerned about it, but not too many were concerned the day we held the public meeting," Barton said.
"They could have come and heard a lot of this stuff. There was a lot of effort... put into that meeting. A lot of people are more open to complain than to come and listen."
PRESCOTT The first major winter storm of the season has pounded South Grenville and much of the Great Lakes region.
An estimated 25 to 35 centimetres of snow accompanied by high winds made local driving conditions difficult late Monday night and Tuesday. Freezing rain and sleet also fell in some sections of the seaway valley before the temperature nosedived late Tuesday.
The Grenville detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police reported a number of minor accidents as of midday Tuesday; most of the mishaps involved vehicles sliding off the roadway.
Sgt. Ralph Martin attributed most of the accidents to motorists who were driving too fast for the road conditions.
A jack-knifed tractor trailer and car rollover on Highway 401 west of Prescott were reported early Tuesday afternoon.
School buses did not run Tuesday, although most schools in the area were open.
As the storm approached, a Prescott work crew also faced repairing a ruptured water line on Wood St. west of Edward St. at the south end of the overpass.
PRESCOTT Members of Prescott council have begun the task of prioritizing issues they believe will be the most significant to the town in the months and years ahead.
In addition to a full discussion of the municipal building issue, the new council talked about policing and the prospect of deciding whether to retain the Prescott Police Service or enter into a contract with the Ontario Provincial Police. Mayor Lawn recommended the two parties be given an opportunity to make separate presentations to council; once that has taken place, council could make a decision or seek additional information before making a decision.
Council began to discuss policing during the open portion of the committee-of-the-whole meeting, but continued talks behind closed doors following the meeting. Lawn said Tuesday that council appears to be have enough information with which a decision can be made.
Although he acknowledged a decision may come as early as next Monday, council does not feel there is an urgency to pick an option by the end of December. However, the matter is "not going to drag on forever," Lawn added.
Council took action Monday with respect to the charity casino issue. A working group will be formed; it will consist of the mayor, two councillors, the town's CAO and senior planner and representatives from the chamber of commerce, economic development and tourism.
Councillors Garry Dewar and Jim French volunteered to serve on the new group. Dewar reported to council that Bill Pakeman and Judi Baril would represent the chamber and economic development respectively. A tourism representative is being sought.
The casino working group is tentatively scheduled to meet next Tuesday.
Council members discussed the status of the municipal water system which had been managed by the public utilities commission but is not part of the mandate of the newly formed Rideau St. Lawrence Utilities. Councillors agreed that the town should eventually take control of the system, but may not be prepared to deal with billing and administrative matters at this time. Town officials hope to meet with utility representatives to see if a short-term agreement can be reached with respect to certain aspects of the water distribution system; contracting out other functions is also being considered. The municipality will remain responsible for the system.
The Town of Prescott is planning to apply to the environment ministry for funding of a secondary treatment plant to serve the town and a small portion of Edwardsburgh township. Council resolutions on the subject are expected to be voted on next week. The funding application must be submitted by the end of January.
The finance and corporate services committee will study an operational review of municipal operations.
SPENCERVILLE A recently passed interim bylaw controlling livestock operations may deter foreign investment in the Township of Edwardsburgh, according to the president of the Grenville Federation of Agriculture.
Adrian Wynands said that the bylaw, which council passed on Nov. 20, could affect farmers who would like to expand their facilities beyond the 300-livestock unit set.
The revamped bylaw prohibits the building of any new livestock facility or the expansion of any existing facilities that exceeds 300 livestock units, (A unit, for example, equals one cow.) This bylaw increased the number unit to 300 from 150, when it met with opposition from farmers in the spring.
Adrian Wynands said the bylaw will most likely not affect current farmer but with the bylaw in place for a year with the possibility of an extension it could impact foreign investment. Council can revoke the bylaw at any time.
Reeve Dave Dobbie said that council had been waiting for the province to provide some sort of guidance in terms of a Nutrient Management Plan, and had struck a committee to look into the issue. The province had said it would provide the municipalities with guidelines by mid-November. When it failed to do so, Dobbie said council decided to be proactive and pass an interim bylaw, noting the seven deaths in Walkerton and 2,000 people who fell ill due to the E-coli contamination this past spring.
Dobbie said council wanted to ensure a safe water supply for all residents in the municipality.
Wynands also requested that farmers be able to become more involved in issues affecting them. Dobbie said the new council of the amalgamated municipalities of Edwardsburgh and Cardinal, which will take office in the new year, still has to decide whether it will use the committee system or the committee-of-the-whole. A committee system may include non-council members to sit on the various committees.
By Jeff Lee Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT Bill Johnston of Prescott is hitting golf balls at Steve's Golf Academy, which recently opened on Edward Street, just north of Churchill Road.
Johnston, who calls himself a "seasoned" golfer, said it is important to exercise as one gets older.
Golf pro Steve Martineau, who is running the academy, agrees that getting some exercise is one of the benefits people can get from coming to an indoor driving range. Martineau says other benefits include getting instruction from a pro on problem areas in one's swing, adding that the instructional component of the membership, which includes video analysis, is good for both beginners or more advanced golfers in this respect.
"It's a great time for a beginner to start," said Martineau, who has been a golf pro with the Canadian Professional Golf Association for 12 years. "A beginner has three or four months to work on his swing, and the more experienced golfer can tweak parts of his swing."
Martineau said that all golfers - even pros - can work on different parts of their game.
"A person like myself, if I have one or two flaws in my game, I can focus on them over the winter months."
As well as being a time to make changes to one's game, Martineau said that hitting the indoor driving range is a good way to maintain a golfing-base, so once the outdoor season starts, the golfer is ready to hit the greens.
Martineau, who grew up in Prescott, is living, where he has been the golf pro at the Iroquois Golf Club in Iroquois for the past two years. He has also been a pro at the Manderley Golf Club in North Gower, Pine Valley Golf Course in Gloucester, the Upper Canada Golf Course in Morrisburg, and Grey Hawk in Cumberland.
The driving range where Martineau is set up was closed last year but had been run previously by Thom Miller of Prescott and Tim Cole of Ottawa.
Martineau said the response so far has been good. On Dec. 1, the first day it was open, Martineau said 15 people visited the academy.
"The interest so far has been great," Martineau said, "with people saying they are going to join."
He said he will be happy with 50 to 60 members. He said he expects to put in about 32 hours per week here, adding that he will make arrangements, depending upon demand, so there will always be a golf pro at the academy.
As well as two roped-off driving ranges, one measuring 18' x 32' and the other measuring 18' x 28, a 8' x 12' putting green has been built. A small lounge area has also been created, allowing golfers a place to relax between buckets. There is also a pro shop where Martineau is selling 2000 golf stock from his shop at the Iroquois club at reduced prices.
PRESCOTT The Spirit of Giving campaign is in the home stretch.
The 15th annual campaign led by students at South Grenville District High School officially ends Friday. Approximately 50 students at the school are active in the campaign to provide Christmas food baskets to less fortunate members of the community.
Campaign co-President Dan Beattie said things are going well, but non-perishable food items and donations are still needed.
"We don't care what you bring," he said. "If you bring something it makes us happy."
Cash donations will be used to purchase fresh food items to be added to the Christmas hampers which will be distributed by the Kinsmen Club of Prescott. Beattie also reported excellent results from food drives SGDHS students conducted in Prescott and other communities in the area, including Johnstown, Cardinal, Spencerville, Domville and Riverview Heights.
More than $200 was placed in collection jars Thursday and Friday at the high school. Other schools and businesses in the area are also reporting a good response at their collection barrels.
Beattie said it has been a group effort; everybody who has taken part deserves thanks, he added.
The high school will conduct a special assembly Dec. 22 to recognize the efforts of the many volunteers who took part in the campaign.
"Our whole school takes pride in this club," he said.
The 1999 campaign provided hampers to 235 families; $8,000 was collected last year.
KINGSTON The Ministry of Transportation's winter road information lines are once again providing motorists with updated highway conditions for all regions of Ontario.
The toll-free number to call in the KingstonOttawa region is 1-877-401-8777. Information about other regions can be obtained through the ministry's general inquiries system at 1-800-268-4686.
Road condition information is also available at the ministry's web site: www.mto.gov.on.ca.
The public is being advised not to use emergency response numbers such as 911 to obtain road condition information.
The ministry also reminds motorists to be prepared for sudden changes in weather and road conditions.
Posted speed limits are based on bare and dry road conditions; police advise motorists to slow down and give themselves extra time to arrive at their destination.
PRESCOTT The Prescott Police Service investigated a total off 55 general incidents and one motor vehicle accident between Dec. 915.
Town police checked 998 vehicles at several RIDE checks conducted at various locations in Prescott. One 12-hour suspension and one seat belt violation were issued. Five child car seats were inspected and found to be improperly installed; officers assisted in properly installing the seats.
Prescott police received a complaint from a man that somebody has defrauded him of $6,500. The investigation is continuing; no other details are available at this time.
On Dec. 8, town police investigated an assault on a female student at South Grenville District High School. A female youth was charged with assault and will appear in youth court in Brockville.
Police investigated an assault on an 18-year-old male Dec. 9. A 27-year-old man was arrested and charged with assault; he is to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice.
Anyone with information about these or any other offences is asked to contact the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Crime Stoppers and the Ontario Provincial Police are seeking the public's assistance in solving the theft of property from a residence in Augusta township.
A thief or thieves entered the garage of a residence on County Road 15 in Algonquin sometime during the overnight period on Nov. 2 and stole a yellow 1998 Cub Cadet riding tractor model 2135 (serial no. 000384577).
Call Crime Stoppers if you have any information about this theft or any other offence. Callers may be eligible for a cash reward. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to any caller identification service; callers do not have to identify themselves.
The number to call is 1-800-222-8477.
BROCKVILLE The United Way of Leeds and Grenville has raised the largest amount of money ever in its 43-year history.
Executive Director Judi Baril said the 12-week campaign closed Friday with its campaign objective of $600,000 having been reached.
"It's unbelievable," she said. "I'm really pleased. There are thousands of volunteers in every conceivable workplace in Leeds and Grenville who care about their communities and who want to ensure their families, friends and neighbours have these services and programs available."
The official announcement was made by Edwardsburgh Town Crier Lawrence Levere Tuesday afternoon on the front steps of Brockville City Hall.
The United Way funds 27 member agencies in the two counties, including Prescott Youth for Life, Big Brothers and Sisters, Brockville YM-YWCA, St. John Ambulance, VON Home Support, Interval House and the Canadian Red Cross.
MAYNARD A complaint to Augusta Township Council to improve the lighting at the intersection of county roads 18 and 28 will be referred to the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.
Frank LaClair asked council in a letter for a light at the turn to Maynard from Edward Street, north of Prescott. "I travel that road daily, and it is impossible to see that corner in the dark," he stated in the letter. "This is definitely a safety concern."
"It is dark, but then again there are lots of other roads back in the country that have no signs, no markings at all that are just as dark," said Reeve George Vail, noting the intersection had signage that lit up well at night. "If you're coming from Roebuck or you're coming from Prescott, it is quite dark, but there are a lot of other corners that are just as dark. If we lit every one of them up there would be a lot of expense.
"It is a concern, but it is a county" matter. Vail said he had suggested to LaClair that he take the matter to the counties.
"I told him I don't think he would be getting a light," but added that the county may consider repainting the lines on the road.
BROCKVILLE The Upper Canada District School Board has reached a tenative agreement with its high school teachers.
According to Joe McKeown, manager of Labour and Employee Services, the deal was reached just after 5:30 a.m Friday.
McKeown said in a statement that the neogiating team will take the package to the trustees as soon as a meeting can be arranged. He said no further details will be released until after the board has reviewed the document and both parties have ratified the contract.
High school teachers, who belong to the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, have been working without a contract since Aug. 31. Teachers have not been participating in extracurricular acitivies since the start of the school year.
ALGONQUIN PUBLIC SCHOOL On Wednesday, Dec. 13 New Dublin Public School's Newcomball team will be playing a newcomball match against our team at 12 p.m. On Dec. 20, a noonhour VON seniors' luncheon will be held at the school. The Grade 5 students will be helping with the luncheon. On Thursday, Dec. 21, the school's Christmas program is an open house, which runs from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.
BENSON PUBLIC SCHOOL On Thursday, Dec. 14 a school advisory council meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the science centre.
On Friday, Dec. 15 at 9 a.m. a Terrific Kids assembly will be held. In addition to the regular awards, four nominees will be drawn to join the student council for a Christmas lunch.
On Dec. 19 to 21, candy canes and raffle tickets for a Christmas stocking will be sold. On Thursday, Dec. 21, deck yourself out in your Christmas best, red and green, Christmas decorations and hats etcetera. A little Christmas reminder: the Spirit of Giving target this year is 200 non-perishable food items.
BOUNDARY STREET PUBLIC SCHOOL The students are busy practicing their Christmas carols and plays for our Christmas concert which will be held Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. On Friday, Dec. 15 the hot lunch is pizza. Also, Mrs. Sugarman's Grade 1/2 class will walk to Fort Wellington to make Christmas crafts at 1 p.m.
CENTENNIAL '67 - NORTH EDWARDSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS Students in Grades 4 to 6 hosted a grandparent dinner at the Drummond Building Dec. 12. The annual event is made possible by the generousity of many parents and our Parent Teacher Association.
On Thurday, some students will entertain at the senior's lunch at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.
Also on Thursday, our Think Bowl team will compete in an exciting morning of creative problem solving.
Student council encourages all Grade 4 to 8 students to support the food drive. The class with the most donations wins a pizza lunch.
CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOL Our Newcomball team won a tournament in Kemptville on Monday, Dec. 4.
Grade 6 to 8 students will go curling Friday, Dec. 15 at the Prescott rink. Hot lunch this week is hot dogs. Grade 8 students are participating in the Angel Tree program in conjunction with Family and Children's Services instead of exchanging gifts this year.
The primary concert will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. The senior boys volleyball team won the regional tournament in Chesterville and played in the championship tournament Monday.
MAITLAND PUBLIC SCHOOL Well, our Spirit of Giving campaign got off to a tremendous start! After only five days, the student teams at our school have collected 465 food items! That also means that within the first week of our drive, five out of the six classroom teams met and exceeded the goals set by them! Way to go!
Watch this column next week to learn what our total item count turns out to be and which team will be having the pizza party!
Do you like to play chess? Are you able to come into the school to teach Grade 4 students how to play? Mrs. Fenlong would like to expose her students to this game of strategy through the services of a volunteer/volunteers. If you have some time to spare, please contact the school at 348-3436.
Intramural Newcomball continues at noon hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Mark your calendar - our International Christmas concert will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Come out and enjoy the sounds of the season!
MAYNARD PUBLIC SCHOOL Grade 1 to 6 students will be having their Christmas shop on Wednesday, Dec. 13. The primary grades' Christmas celebration will be Friday, Dec. 15 at 9:15 a.m. in the school gym.
Grade 4 and 5 students are practicing the week of Dec. 11 for their Christmas performance on Tuesday, Dec. 19 and Wednesday, Dec. 20.
SOUTH EDWARDSBURG PUBLIC SCHOOL A Christmas Celebration will be held on Dec. 13 from 7 to 8 p.m. Earlier in the evening, from 6 to 7 p.m. there will be a tortiere tasting, a silent auction and a bake sale.
The learning lab hours are 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.
ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL A beautiful Advent Mass was held last Friday with students participating from Senior Kindergarten to Grade 3.
Our junior students were welcomed to their first School Mass. the Spirit of Giving barrel and box brimming. We are well on our way to accomplishing our goal of 500 items. All classes from Senior Kindergarten to Grade 3 have now enjoyed the wonderful Christmas past experience at Fort Wellington. Many thanks to Kim Robinson and her helpers as well as the volunteers who joined us! On Thursday, Dec. 14, there will be a school council meeting at 7 p.m. In lieu of Christmas gifts for teachers, perhaps consider a donation of a book to the school library or a donation to the St. Mark Breakfast Program. The school's Spirit of Giving campaign is 500 non-perishable food items.
The Maitland Education and Recreation Committee will be publishing its annual Maitland brochure in January. The brochure provides Maitland residents and especially newcomers to Maitland with valuable information about the village.
The brochure lists committees and contact people for the MERC Board. It provides the names and numbers of all local politicians including federal, provincial and municipal. MERC activities and programs, such as playgroup, soccer, swimming lessons and fitness classes are outlined, including times, dates and contact people.
Information about programs and services for seniors is also provided, as well as opportunities for joining groups and volunteering. The names, denominations and contacts for local churches are listed.
The brochure also provides a listing of all local businesses and industries from DuPont and Nitrochem to cake decorators. If you have a business or service or community information that you would like listed at no charge, call Susan Clarke at 348-3088. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 1.
The completed brochure will be available at the Maitland Store, MERC Hall, Welcome Wagon, and from MERC Board members.
The First Maitland Girl Guides are offering free babysitting on Dec. 16 from 9:30 to noon at the Maitland Community Reformed Church for children age 6 and under. This service is part of the girls' community service project and provides an opportunity for the girls to work toward their babysitting badge. If you plan to use this service call Susan Clarke at 348-3088 to assist the girls in planning the event.
Sarah Emma Sloan (Burchell) died at her home Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2000. She was 82.
Mrs. Sloan was born in Mainsville July 25, 1918, the daughter of Claudine (Reed) and George Burchell. She attended Mainsville Public School.
She married Robert Sloan July 20, 1940, and the couple lived in Pittston for 60 years.
She was a homemaker and a faithful member of the Pittston United Church. She was a life member of the Pittston U.C.W. and the Mainsville Women's Institute.
Mrs. Sloan loved to cook, especially donuts, pies and desserts. She enjoyed quilting and needlepoint. Each of her grandchildren received quilts with her excellent handiwork.
She was a gardener and enjoyed growing and sharing her vegetables and flowers. She enjoyed exhibiting at the Spencerville and South Mountain fairs, where her handiwork and gardening won many prizes.
Mrs. Sloan is survived by Bob, her husband of 60 years; her three sons, Donald (Wanda), William (Janice) and David (Sue); her grandchildren, Robert Sloan, Stacey (Denis) Porter, Jason Sloan, John Sloan, Kenneth Sloan, Kristina Sloan, Derrek Sloan and Ryan Sloan; her sister Gertrude and the late Desmond Claire, Lawrence and Dorothy Burchell, a sister-in-law, Wilda Sloan and several nieces and nephews.
Her two great grandchildren are Abigail Porter and Karissa Sloan.
Friends called at the Marsden McLaughlin Funeral Home Dec. 2, where the funeral was held at 1:30 p.m. Patricia Swann officiated.
Her six grandsons were pallbearers and their two grand-daughters were honourary pallbearers. Interment was at St. Paul's Cemetery in Cardinal.
Donations to Pittston United Church and the Cancer Society would be appreciated.
Bruce Wellington Huton, a resident of Wellington House, Prescott, died Nov. 27, 2000 at Brockville General Hospital. He was 83.
He was born July 13, 1917 in Edwardsburgh Township to George Huton and Eva Miller. He married Lila Huton (Irving) Dec. 13, 1947 at St. Paul's United Church, Prescott.
Mr. Huton is survived by his daughters, Sandra (Mrs. Colin Campbell) and Marguerite (Mrs. David Dutfield); grand-daughter Shannon Campbell; nieces and nephews Judy Huton, Richard Huton and Joanne Richards.
He was predeceased by his wife, Lila and a brother, Alex Huton.
Mr. Huton enjoyed fishing, pets and playing cards. He also enjoyed visits from family and friends while living at Wellington House.
He had been employed in the textile industry as a napper at Fabric Mfg. and a dyer at Orient Hosiery, and he worked on the Seaway construction project.
Mr. Huton joined the militia when he was a young man and as a member of the IV Princess Louise Dragoon Guards (PLUGs) took part in the honour guard that accompanied King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on the prewar visit to Ottawa.
At the beginning of the war he was sent overseas to England then to Italy in 1943.
In the springtime in Italy the armoured vehicles got bogged down in the snow and mud on the treacherous mountainside trails, so supplies had to be brought in by horses and mules. Sgt. Bruce Huton, nicknamed "Cuke" for his cool as a cucumber manner, was put in charge of 48 mules and 68 horses.
Visitation was held at the Chris Slater Funeral Home Nov. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m.
The funeral service was held in the chapel Nov. 29 at 11 a.m. Cremation was at Cataraqui Crematorium Nov. 29.
A committal service will be held at a later date at Adams Cemetery.
The honourary pall bearers were Howard Millar, Gord Baynham, Jim Gummer and Shannon Gillespie.
Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society and Heart and Stroke Foundation.
James Emmerson Robertson, 12 Wiltse Street East, Athens, died Nov. 27, 2000 at Brockville General Hospital. He was 53.
Mr. Robertson was born Oct. 31, 1947 in Brockville, the son of Leonard Robertson and Ida May Doyle.
He married Patricia Robertson (Reid) April 8, 1971 at St. Paul's Church, Prescott.
Mr. Robertson is survived by his wife, Patricia; a son Brandon; sisters Donna McDougal and Linda Redmond; brothers Barry Robertson, Tom and Joey Doyle, mother-in-law Opal (Mrs. Richard Brenno) and sister-in-law, Teri (Mrs. Stephen Robins).
He was predeceased by his father-in-law, Edward (Ted) Reid and his grandmother, Clara Leizert.
Mr. Robertson enjoyed woodworking, carpentry and gardening. He had been employed as a carpenter and cabinet maker at Home and Renovation.
Visitation was held Nov. 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m.. The funeral service was held in the Chapel of the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott, Nov. 30 at 11 a.m. Cremation took place at the Cataraqui Crematorium Nov. 30.
Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.
Joe Jordan commenting on the federal election and subsequent recount in Leeds-Grenville.
With all four Leeds and Grenville municipalities selected by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation as possible charitable casino locations voting in favour of such a facility, chances looked slim a month ago for third-ranked Prescott to win the jackpot. When the OLGC announced a casino for eastern Ontario earlier in the year, they ranked their choices as: 1) Front of Leeds and Lansdowne; 2) Gananoque; 3) Prescott; 4) Brockville.
This ranking was supposed to have come from a confidential business survey conducted by the accounting firm KPMG. The Lottery Commission reported that the strength of the referendum votes in the four municipalities would have no bearing on their final decision, which would be based entirely on a business study and plan. Three of the municipalities voted for the casino with very slim margins of approval. Prescott was alone in its overwhelming support, voting almost 3 to 1 in favour of having the proposed casino located in the Fort Town.
Some Prescott supporters were discouraged by the vote results, not the large margin of approval in Prescott, but the fact that the other three municipalities, all of whom rejected the casino in the 1998 referendums, approved it this time by the narrowest of margins and still remained in the running with as good or even better chance than Prescott.
We also felt this way until last week when we read the latest issue of the Canadian Gaming News, the official publication of the Canadian gaming industry which obviously has access to some inside information. In its comments on the eastern Ontario casino project the CGN states that although the OLGC has ranked its site preferences as Front of Leeds and Lansdowne as first choice, it predicts a second study will take place. "The second study," it says, "will look in more detail at the broader market, including northern New York State..."
The Gaming News also points out that the second report will examine each community's infrastructure and its ability to service the casino. "We think this places the front runner, Front of Leeds and Lansdowne Township, in immediate difficulty as we understand it may not be able to service the area thought to be the likely site for the casino were one to be located there," the newsletter concludes.
We understand the township is serviced 100 per cent by holding tanks and septic tanks and tile beds, and surmise that it will take a powerful bit of blasting to build a septic system in all that Thousand Island granite and limestone. This bit of news is like a light on the horizon for Prescott casino supporters.
John A.H. Morris
Managing Editor
It's hard to believe but everywhere you look you see evidence of it. Actually, there have been sprinklings of it since the Halloween decorations were being torn down; the holiday season is upon us.
Some may argue that a holiday season gearing up that early is too early, but before you know it, it will all be over. Already, there are just under two weeks left before the big night.
The Town of Prescott has certainly gotten into the spirit. It is virtually a winter wonderland, with the snow coming sooner rather than later and the gift boxes adorning the tops of parking meters, signifying free parking for the season of giving. And this year's parade had an estimated 10,000 people, with many of them huddling under warm blankets on the cold Friday night.
Strolling down King Street, one is treated to the music of the season, as speakers, hung with care from the top of lamp posts and nestled in wreaths, fill the air with sweet music.
This time of year people seem pleasantly busy, rushing here or there, fitting in shopping and holiday events on top of their already busy schedules. Santa too has taken time out of his busy schedule to visit his workshop in the municipal parking lot at King and Centre Street.
On Saturday, Santa said that he and his helper were busy as children sat on Santa's lap and whispered their Christmas wishes to him. He will continue to be busy at his workshop for the next little while.
The horse ride that was part of the downtown Christmas party seemed to be rolling along quite nicely on a sunny Saturday. A quick stop to take a peak, showed a nearly full ride ready to pull out of the parking lot just around noon.
The weather too, at least up until now, has seemed to have been cooperating for us in and around here. Snow has fallen but not in the amounts of nearby neighbours, and the real cold has been left to other parts too, only occasionally dropping by, in tolerable amounts like your favourite in-laws on the holidays.
On the parade front, it seems that the Grinch may have stolen some of Santa's spotlight. In the coverage of local parades, the Grinch, who has a new movie out just in time for the holiday season, starring Canadian-born Jim Carrey, keeps cropping up in photographs of the parade. But I'm sure Santa's heart is big enough to let the Grinch share in the spotlight of his big season.
Everywhere one goes, it seems people are getting into the season, from the lady with reindeer antlers sprouting from her head to the guy that had changed out of his usual gorilla suit and into a Santa suit, and stands on a street corner in Brockville. But before you know it, he'll be back in his gorilla suit.
It's strange how certain things will trigger a flood of memories. A few days ago we caught a segment on Christmas crafts on a TV program where a lady was making Christmas wreaths from natural materials.
This caused a flashback to the 1940s when we raised extra Christmas cash by venturing into the snow-covered sand hills in early December to cut and collect dozens of feet of "creeping cedar", a vine-like plant that sported cedar foliage. At that time there was a lady in our neighbourhood who also earned extra Christmas money by making and selling Christmas wreaths that people hung on their outside doors and porches.
We can't remember the lady's name, but we know that she was much poorer than our family in those days. We do remember, however, that she paid us a nickel a foot for the creeping cedar and that a good afternoon in the sand hills with our Boy Scout hunting knife and razor sharp hatchet could net us up to $2.00.
This was a princely sum back in 1947 when a printer at the Prescott Journal made 25 cents an hour and the 'bag factory' was paying 23 cents an hour.
* * *
In those days we knew the extensive sand hills area almost as well as Bob Gendron knew every beaver and muskrat hangout in South Grenville, so when teacher Dick Merkley (Mr. Merkley, Sir) asked if anyone in his class would volunteer to provide a Christmas tree that year, we volunteered and then coerced our pal Dick Clarke and his big St. Bernard, Ste. Rena of Elmwood, into joining us on a Saturday afternoon Christmas tree hunt in the hills.
The reason we wanted the dog was that the Clarkes had a shoulder harness for it that they used to attach to a sleigh or wagon and we felt Miss Rena could drag the tree home for us.
In the 1940s when you crossed the CNR tracks and passed Elliott Brothers' lumber barns, you were in the country and the foothills of the sand hills. Unfortunately, we had never taken close notice of the tree species in the swampy land leading to the hills, or in the hills themselves, and were unaware until we started a panic search that there was nothing but cedars in them thar hills, and not an evergreen to be seen. There were some attractive ornamentals around town, but with Const. Daley on the beat one wouldn't even think of it.
Like good Boy Scouts we felled a six-foot cedar, dragged it to the Clarke lumber yard, and planned to take it to Mr. Merkley's class at old PPS on Monday morning.
Dick's Dad, H.A. Clarke, Esq., examined our catch and with an exasperated British accent, proclaimed: "My goodness, young men, THAT will never pass as a Christmas tree and I won't allow you to take to school!"
Dick assured us his Dad would know a real Christmas tree because after all, he was a member of the Independent Order of Foresters!
* * *
Received a letter last week from Al Crossland, formerly of Riverview Heights, who took up residence at Rosedale Retirement Centre in Brockville following the death of his wife Dorey.
Al has been on the move again and has taken up residence at Fairwinds Lodge, 1218 Michigan Ave., Sarnia, On. N7S 3Y2, where he will be closer to his family. He writes to tell us that he has made personal contact with most of his friends and associates, but asks us to pass along his new address in case he missed someone.
Al and his wife and three sons moved to Prescott with CIL (later DuPont) in July 1952, where he was personnel manager. "For my wife and I Prescott and area was the place we stayed longest, all our lives, and when we returned from our travels we always had the feeling of how nice it was to be home," he wrote.
He was not only an excellent role model in our high school and college days, but when we moved back to Prescott in 1964 we bought the Crossland home at 222 James St. W., and he and his wife moved to Riverview Heights. A short time later we moved to the same neighbourhood, just down the street from Al and Dorey, and his interest in youth was transferred to our son Jeff, the Malovic brothers, Rob Minifie, Paul Ruston and Donald and Malcolm McAuley.
One of the passions he brought to Canada from his native England was soccer, and he was a ready coach and referee for his neighbourhood gang.
His wife used to have a good laugh when, even when Al was in his late 70s, the youngsters from the neighbourhood would rap on the door and when she answered would ask: "can Mr. Crossland come and play ball with us this afternoon?"
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Al, from all your friends in Prescott and area.
By Monica Whitney Journal Staff Writer
CARDINAL If you find yourself holding your breath as you travel through the subway on Shanly Road just north of Cardinal, here's why: the width of the roadway in the tunnel measures just 20 feet.
As a followup to a letter to the editor printed in last week's Prescott Journal, the paper contacted several people aware of the condition of the County Road 22 CNR underpass at the boundary of the Village of Cardinal and Edwardsburgh Township.
Larry Dishaw, who will vacate his seat as reeve of Cardinal at the end of December when the village amalgamates with Edwardsburgh, said he has received several letters of complaint about the subway. Discussions from recent Transition Board meetings (which oversees a smooth union between the two municipalities) were referred to the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Roads Department, he noted.
"It's not only an inconvenience, but a potential danger as well," Dishaw said. The subway is a "continual year-round problem", because of the moisture and water trickling down through the cracks in the concrete side walls, he said. The water freezes on the road in winter, creating black ice, and is also hazardous in warm temperatures.
Dishaw added the subway is also a hazard to drivers not familiar with the road, setting the scene for potential accidents.
Les Shepherd, the director of public works for the United Counties, said while figures may indicate a need for a change to the structure and road, financial constraints at all levels of government mean any reforms will not happen quickly.
A 1999 assessment of the level of service of the subway shows approximately 2,600 vehicles per day use the road. This on its own, however, would not be enough the warrant change, as this is "not excessive traffic by highway standards," Shepherd said.
As a comparison, 3,500 to 4,000 vehicles travel on County Road 26 north of Brockville each day, and up to 16,000 vehicles a day travel on former Highway 29 north of Brockville.
The roads department also needs to look at how many of these motorists are negatively affected by the state of the subway, Shepherd said. In other words, how many drivers need to brake or slow down as they approach the tunnel compared to the number who can "fly through" will also be studied.
The traffic assessments need to be completed in all seasons, he noted, so that seasonal fluctuations in road use can also be taken into account.
The counties also requires a specific count on the number of trucks that use the road. Normal truck traffic would be about 10 per cent of the total volume, Shepherd said.
The width of the road from concrete wall to concrete wall through the tunnel is 20 feet, and there are no shoulders. The roadway approaching the tunnel is 22 feet wide, with eight-foot shoulders on each side, Shepherd said. The normal lane width of pavement is 22 feet, he said.
The subway width is adequate for two small cars to pass through at the same time, he said, but it's "pretty skinny space for anybody in a truck. You're really closed in."
Shepherd added the width of a parallel parking space along a street is usually eight to 10 feet.
"If people are careful, it's all right," Shepherd said of the subway. "It's more of an inconvenience than a hazard. It's a pain for people - they don't like it." The subway is structurally sound, he said, and motorists will "just have to put up with it" for a while longer.
The subway structure was built in the early to mid-1920s, according to long-time Cardinal-area resident George Brown.
Unless the counties can "find a funding source that's readily available, we won't be proceeding soon" on the subway corrections, Shepherd said.
Transport Canada does not have money available, he said, and the counties is currently investigating if provincial funding is available from the Ministry of Transportation. "We may be able to make a case for it, but I'm not hopeful," Shepherd said. "We're talking about millions of dollars for something like that. I can't tell you where that kind of money would come from. That kind of money just isn't around."
The subway corrections could become a county project in partnership with the township and the province, with CNR kicking in about seven to 10 per cent of the cost, Shepherd suggested. "I'm sure it'll be done someday, but certainly not in 2001."
Edwardsburgh Township Reeve Dave Dobbie, who will take over the head seat of the new amalgamated township, agreed reconstruction of the subway would be a major undertaking that would "take quite a chunk of money."
There is a potential for danger on the roadway, he said, however this situation could be lessened with more courteous driving habits.
Dobbie, who lives on County Road 22, said he travels the stretch of road frequently, and is concerned about the number of trucks using the road to and from CASCO. "There's more opportunity for an accident to happen (there) than any other spot on County Road 22. Dobbie added he has not received any complaints about the subway structure.
In his letter to the editor, Jack Patrick stated the subway was a "sad site," where proper signage, lines and lights would help alleviate the problems until a new overpass that meets today's standards could be built.
"I have witnessed accidents and near accidents," Patrick stated. "Two lives have been lost there in recent years, one on a pitch black night."
PRESCOTT On Dec. 10, eight teams competed in the South Grenville Novice 'B' Rangers tournament at the Leo Boivin Community Centre in Prescott.
Eight teams comprised of boys and girls aged 8 and 9 vied for 'A' and 'B' side crowns as well as skills competition recognition. While winning is important Rangers coach Terry Kirkey said its not the only thing.
"It's competitive," Kirkey said. "But you still have to keep it fun for the kids."
The Rangers, for example, have players from all over South Grenville, including North Augusta, Johnstown, Cardinal, Prescott and Spencerville. With some players not even knowing each other before joining the team, Kirkey said, tournaments give them a chance to bond.
Every parent and even brothers and sisters pitched in to organize and run the tournament. That's 26 parents for the 13 players, according to Rangers' manager Jackie Kirkey, who said planning for the tournament started back in October when the team was formed.
The all-day tournament Sunday included cookies baked by parents, which were given to teams after games. Also a parent, who received a poem from another parent, stuck a laminated photocopy to the dressing room doors. Jane Wilson got a copy of the poem at a tournament in the U.S. which Karen McGeogh thought would provide a reminder to parents that the players on the ice are all someone's child "not all grown up yet."
The Rangers had a rough time on the ice, losing two close games. The Rangers fell 3-1 to the Brockville Warriors in the tournament's first game at 7:30 a.m. Brockville went on to win the 'A' side, beating a Kanata team 5-2. The Rangers lost its second game to the Kemptville Panthers 2-1. The Athens Aeros beat the Panthers 5-4 in the 'B' side final.
In the game against Brockville, Rangers' Danny Powers scored, assisted by Kelsy Dillabough and Todd Kirkey. In the game against Kemptville, Rangers' Torin Marcynuk scored unassisted.
This tournament is just one of more than a dozen listed by the South Grenville Minor Hockey Association this season.
Jackie Kirkey said money raised goes to offset costs for parents, adding it's also a way to reciprocate tournaments run by other parents.
For the Rangers, a rep team with a league record of 6-2-1, the time commitment is significant. Hockey can take up to three or four nights each week, which includes dry land training at the local high school.