Council lists town hall options
Renovate existing facility, build new one among six suggestions
to be considered
PRESCOTT They're making a list and checking it twice.
Members of town council have identified six options to be
considered as part an ongoing process to determine the future
of the Dibble Street municipal building.
A motion approved by council Monday night calls for the town
to look at several options. They include renovating the existing
building and constructing a new town hall at a location to be
determined. The town is also to look at relocating town hall
and the library; the locations listed in the motion include the
True Value hardware store on King St. W., the office building
at the southeast corner of George and Henry streets, and the
post office building on Centre Street.
Another option to be considered is to keep the municipal offices
at their temporary location in the former bank building at the
corner of Edward Street and Churchill Road.
Councillor Terry McConnell told council he had spoken to the
owners of the Edward Street building. They are willing to entertain
the possibility of a longer-term stay as well as renovating or
enlarging the building, the councillor said.
McConnell suggested council consider the hardware store as
a possible location for town hall and the library, as well as
the office building at George and Henry as a site for the library.
The councillor said he was told the latter facility would be
available this winter.
The hardware store is owned by Councillor Jim French, who
declared an interest after the store was noted as an option.
The federal building which houses the post office has been
declared surplus by the government. However, there has been no
public indication the government would be willing to part with
the property at anything lower than market value.
Council voted in February to proceed with the option to renovate
the Dibble Street building. The town put the project out to tender,
but the bids received were much higher than what had been estimated
earlier in the year. No contract was awarded, and the project
was put on hold pending a review of options.
McConnell said he made a mistake in February by voting in
favour of renovating town hall. In noting council should not
have made the decision at that time, McConnell indicated no one
is going to rush him into making a decision this time around.
The councillor went on to suggest council has to become more
conciliatory when it comes to discussing the subject of town
hall. He warned council will still be debating the issue next
year if members are not willing to reach a compromise.
Although council did not award a renovation contract after
putting the project out to tender this spring, the option to
renovate is still on the table. Councillor Seeley Pillar said
at the meeting he is still in favour of a new town hall downtown
if the municipality can afford it.
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead, a member of the previous council
that sought to have a new town hall constructed on the site of
the municipal parking lot at King and Centre streets, reiterated
her concerns about the ongoing process and a further review of
options. But her attempt to have a timeframe added to the motion
did not receive the support of other council members.
"If there were a simple answer we'd be doing it,"
Councillor Garry Dewar said.
Even though McConnell has expressed his frustration with the
way the town hall debate has been going, he insists more work
has to be done to find a solution with which he and taxpayers
can be comfortable.
"We'll do what we have to do to get by," he said.
Town staff were directed to gather information about the options
referred to in the motion. Council members were also asked to
forward any information they have about the properties in question.
"We'll do what we have to do to get
by."
Terry McConnell
Condition of library is discussed
PRESCOTT Members of town council agree something
has to be done about the public library, but they have yet to
agree on how to proceed.
Council decided Monday to conduct further discussions on a
report written by Town Engineer Clyde Solomon. He had been asked
to submit a report on what would have to be done to ensure the
library could remain open this winter.
Municipal offices located on the second floor of the Dibble
Street building were relocated earlier this year as part of a
plan to renovate the building. Council has since decided not
to proceed with renovations and has yet to hear whether the town
will receive government funding to renovate the library, which
remains in the west end of the building.
Solomon indicates in his report the town needs to address
several items, including the removal of a buried oil tank, insulating
a water line and installing a small hot water tank, and constructing
a furnace room. He also noted a need to secure the vacant portion
of the municipal building, as well as cut and drain existing
water lines to that portion of the building.
The anticipated cost of improvements required to keep the
library open for the winter is in the range of $10,000, Solomon
notes in his report. "This is providing we do not have asbestos
removal or any contaminated materials with the oil tank removal,"
the report states.
In addressing concerns expressed by Councillor Garry Dewar,
Solomon indicated the town would have a big problem if an occupational
health and safety inspector were to visit the municipal building.
He added the town would be considered guilty until proven
innocent if deficiencies were cited by an inspector. The town
has been aware of the problems for some time, it was noted at
the meeting.
"I'm here to try and protect you," Solomon said.
Dewar, who questionned some of Solomon's recommendations,
noted any measures taken now would be temporary. "Something's
going to happen at some point" once council makes a decision
on the future of the municipal building and the library, according
to Dewar.
Councillor Terry McConnell said the town has two to three
months before it has to take action to deal with the library
and the arrival of winter. There is still time to review options
and find a compromise on the municipal building issue, he noted.
"We don't have to rush down there and winterize it tonight,"
McConnell said.
Council agreed to discuss the status of the library at an
Aug. 27 committee-of-the-whole meeting.
Library board members who attended Monday's council meeting
did not seem impressed by the nature of the discussion or the
status of the public facility. Board member Evelyn Dales, a former
town councillor, said she is concerned about how the ongoing
debate is affecting library users and the people who work there.
"It's not adequate. Recognize that and do something about
it," Dales said.
"We may end up losing the patrons we've got... That would
be such a shame," she added.
Library Board Chairperson John Houston said the board is willing
to work with the town to deal with the problems facing the library.
However, Houston added he has his doubts as to whether council
is going to make a decision.
Mayor Robert Lawn indicated at the meeting the town will do
"whatever needs to be done" to try to ensure the library
will remain open and operate in a safe manner this winter.
Churchill Road project goes out to tender
PRESCOTT Motorists who must endure the ups and downs
of Churchill Road are one step closer to getting relief.
Town council voted Monday to put the reconstruction project
to tender. The tender will proceed by invitation only.
The municipality is planning to rebuild Churchill from Edward
Street to Boundary Street. However, bidders will also be asked
to submit prices for the western portion of that section of road
in the event council decides the town cannot afford to complete
the entire project in one year.
The estimated cost of reconstructing the road and providing
better drainage along the route is upwards of $700,000.
In another road-related move, council approved a bylaw to
enter into an agreement which will see construction of an access
road to the proposed FAI development near the Ontario Provincial
Police station. The successful bidder, Cornwall Gravel, is expected
to have the base of the road completed by the end of August.
The company's bid totalled more than $353,000.
Councillor Garry Dewar said the developer would like to begin
work on the property in September. The first lift of pavement
on the access road should be in place by freeze-up later this
fall, Dewar noted.
The proposed commercial development includes a 40,000-square-foot
grocery store, large retailer and other businesses. The name
of the new road will be Prescott Centre Drive.
Traffic lights are to be installed at the new intersection
on Edward Street just south of the overpass.
THIS WEEK
DuPont site reaches safety milestones
MAITLAND The DuPont Canada facility has reached a pair
of milestones in workplace safety.
As of earlier this week, site contractors had worked one million
hours without a recordable injury. Contractors at the Maitland
site had also worked in excess of five years on central engineering
project work without a recordable injury.
Mark Brokloff, site contractor safety co-ordinator, said the
company is proud of the accomplishments. He congratulated site
contractors for their contributions and "...their dedication
to returning to their families the same way they came to work
in the morning."
The achievements were noted yesterday at a special on-site
gathering.
Shadows of the Fort ends this Thursday
PRESCOTT "Shadows of the Fort" will mark the
end of its successful summer season with two performances this
Thursday, Aug. 16 at 7:30 and 9:15 pm.
The show brings to life the people and events that helped
shape the history of Fort Wellington and the Prescott area. Young
performers dressed in period costumes re-enact scenes from the
past as audience members are given a tour of the fort.
Reservations are recommended. For more information, call 925-2896.
Get into the swing of things at concert
PRESCOTT Ruby Tuesday Swing Blues will perform this
Sunday, Aug. 19 at the Kinsmen outdoor theatre on the waterfront.
The concert starts at 6:30 pm. Admission is free; donations
will be accepted.
This will be the second last concert of the 2001 summer series
at the amphitheatre.
Gary and Mickey Code will perform Sunday, Aug. 26 at 6:30
pm.
Museum will serve tea this Saturday
PRESCOTT The Forwarders' Museum will host a tea party
Saturday, Aug. 18 from noon until 4 pm.
Tea, iced tea, coffee and lemonade will be served. A variety
of baked goods will also be served. Indoor and outdoor tables
will be available, weather permitting. The outdoor tables will
be placed behind the museum.
The event will take place rain or shine.
The Forwarders' Museum is located at the corner of Water and
Centre streets in downtown Prescott.
For more information or for reservations, call the museum
at 925-5788. There is an admission fee for the tea party.
The museum will also be open for tours. Admission is free;
however, donations are accepted.
Homewood open
house set for Sunday
MAITLAND The public will get a chance this weekend to
take a closer look at one of South Grenville's best-kept secrets.
Homewood Museum will host an open house Sunday from 2 to 4
pm. The national historic site is located on County Road 2 just
east of Maitland.
The building in which the museum is located was constructed
at the turn of the 19th century, making it one of the oldest
houses in Ontario. The house was built by Dr. Solomon Jones,
a Loyalist and the area's first physician. Homewood remained
in the family for seven generations and became known early in
the 20th century as a producer of award-winning apples.
In 1974, DuPont Canada donated the house and 11 acres of land
to the Ontario Heritage Foundation (OHF), which presently operates
the facility. The Grenville County Historical Society managed
the site in the 1980s and 1990s. The museum opened in 1982.
Stephanie Hussey, OHF liaison officer at Homewood, described
the property as "an absolutely charming site." Rooms
in the museum have been restored to represent a different time
in the life of the founding family and the house, she noted.
"They tell the story of each generation," Hussey said.
"It is a really interesting progression."
An old barn, apple shed and piggery can also be found on the
property.
Homewood received a boost earlier this year when Spencerville-area
resident Earl Connell donated a number of founding family heirlooms
which were acquired at auction. Those items will be among the
artifacts on display this weekend. Connell will be a guest at
the open house. OHF Executive Director Marjorie Mercer is also
scheduled to attend the open house; an official welcoming ceremony
will take place at 2:15 pm.
Costumed summer students will conduct tours of the facility;
the public will also be permitted to wander through the site.
Two young fiddlers, Katie Bevan-Baker and Brittany Pinder, will
perform at the event. Refreshments will be served; admission
is free.
The museum is not open to casual public visits this summer,
although group tours arranged in advance are being conducted.
Six bus groups consisting of Canadians and Americans have toured
the property so far this summer. "They all adored the house,"
said Hussey, who added they seemed impressed by the fact one
family lived in the same house for so many generations.
UCNet makes pitch to township council
By Jeff Lee - Journal Staff Writer
SPENCERVILLE Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council has given
the nod to have antennas and a receiver placed on the grain elevators
in Johnstown by a non-profit company facilitating the construction
of a high-speed, broadband network through the area.
Vic Allen, chief executive officer and vice-chair of Kemptville-based
Upper Canada Networks, asked council if it could attach three
antennas and a receiver to aid in building a wireless Internet
loop that would service Leeds and Grenville.
"The grain elevator is an ideal point to locate a couple
of small antennas and receiver," Allen said.
With all the studies completed, including an environmental
impact, UCNet asked for council's "blessing" at its
Aug. 7 meeting.
Mayor Dave Dobbie said he thinks council will resolve to accept
UCNet's proposal.
"I think we would welcome it," he said.
But first, Dobbie said, UNCet should contact the Port of Prescott
manager and "work with him" to ensure the documentation
is in order. The municipality needs to get permission from Transport
Canada if any changes are to be made to the elevator or the property.
Dobbie said council will ask for the changes to the elevators
with the installion of UCNet's equipment once the necessary arrangements
have been first met. Dobbie noted the municipality has asked
Transport Canada in the past to make changes, and its application
was successful.
The antennas would be a link in UCNet's proposed county loop
of communities throughout the area, including Prescott and Cardinal.
Allen said from Prescott to Cardinal, its a straight shot,
with the Port of Prescott antennas serving as a jump-off point
for the wireless network in several directions, including across
the St. Lawrence River to an Ogdensburg business park located
in the American city. Allen said the grain elevator link would
also serve to connect Spencerville to Kemptville.
Allen touted the benefits of a wireless loop, and the affordable
Internet access it could make available to businesses, schools
and hospitals within the loop. Allen said the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal
industrial park and CASCO in Cardinal are two examples of areas
which could benefit from a high-speed, high-capacity network.
The loop would also allow Internet service providers to join
the loop.
Regional unemployment rate lower in July
KINGSTON The regional unemployment rate decreased in
July, but the number of people collecting Employment Insurance
(EI) benefits in the Prescott area increased slightly last month.
Figures released Monday by Human Resources Development Canada
(HRDC) indicated there were 870 active claims reported by the
Prescott HRDC office as of the end of July. There were 857 claims
at the end of June.
The Brockville HRDC office also reported a marginal increase
in EI claims last month. Gananoque was the only centre in the
Kingston-Pembroke management area to report a big decrease in
EI claims.
The jobless rate for the region that includes Leeds and Grenville,
Lanark and Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry was five per cent in
July, down from 5.7 per cent in June. The unemployment rate in
July 2000 was 7.8 per cent.
The region continued to experience a normal summer upswing
in employment last month, an HRDC news release stated. The labour
market outside Ottawa is outperforming the one in the metropolitan
centre, according to the release.
The regional jobless rate is also lower than the provincial
and national rates.
The HRDC release did not include jobless rates for smaller
areas such as Prescott or Brockville.
Chamber to host tournament
PRESCOTT The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce
annual golf tournament will be held Wednesday, Sept. 12, at the
Prescott Golf Club.
There will be a shotgun/scramble start at 12:30 pm and the
18-hole event will be followed by a dinner and awards presentation
at 6 pm.
Special prizes this year will include $10,000 cash for a hole-in-one
sponsored by Irving H. Miller Ltd. and Halifax Insurance, and
a second ace will net $2500 worth of golf equipment from Sheridan
Investments. There will also be two closest to the hole prizes.
Chamber CEO Mike Boyles advises there will be a prize for everyone
participating in the event.
Cost of the tournament will be $35 for club members and $60
for non-members. Reservations can be made by contacting Allan
Norton at 925-4244 and cart rentals can be reserved by contacting
Thom Miller at 925-5006. The tournament is open to the public,
but priority will be given to Chamber members.
Co-operative
playgroup offers new format
SPENCERVILLE The Edwardsburgh Co-operative Playgroup
is holding registration today, Wednesday, Aug. 15 from 1 to 4
pm.
This year, the programs offered include a drop-in Parent Participatory
Play each Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30 am, beginning Sept. 5.
The ECE session will be offered on Friday mornings beginning
Sept. 7 at 9 am, and will involve a program developed by an early
childhood education teacher.
Sign-up for the Friday session and programs take place at
the Masonic Hall in Spencerville.
A non-profit charitable organization, the playgroup has been
operating since 1983. Executive committee chair Peggy Taylor
said since it is a co-operative, parents take an active role
in the organization and operation of the playgroup, and fees
are kept low due to the parent involvement.
More recently, the playgroup has faced decreased enrollment
in its ECE program, Taylor said. She explained the decrease is
attributed to a number of factors, including changes in the school
system which has, over the last decade, incorporated younger
children through the Junior Kindergarten program.
"The current executive believes that now is the time
to change the format of the playgroup to service the needs of
children by offering a parent participatory program which allows
parents or other caregivers to drop in for playtime which is
somewhat structured," Taylor noted.
There will be a scheduled snack time for children, and parents
are encouraged to pack a snack. There will be story time, arts
and crafts and other activities. There is a small fee per child
per morning.
The ECE program is scheduled to operate Friday mornings and
will be increased to two or more days per week if there is demand,
Taylor said. There is a fee for each one-month session.
The executive for this year includes Chair Peggy Taylor; Secretary
Jennifer LeBlanc; Treasurer Darlene Sloan; and Registrar Martine
Roberts. The position of vice-chair is vacant.
For further information on the programs contact Peggy Taylor
at 657-1728 or Darlene Sloan at 658-2155.
Community garage sale set for Poker Run weekend
PRESCOTT People who enjoy going to garage and yard sales
will want to mark Saturday, Aug. 25 on their calendars.
The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce will present
a community garage sale by the clock tower at the corner of King
and Centre streets. The event will coincide with the 1000 Islands
Poker Run which will make a stopover that day in Prescott as
part of the race on the St. Lawrence River.
Keeley Mouré, a chamber of commerce director and an
organizer of the sale, explained local businesses will be donating
the items which will be up for grabs at the community event.
"We're looking for anything in good condition,"
she said.
The event will run from 8 am to 3 pm. The Prescott Farmers
Market will be open next door as it normally would be on a Saturday.
Admission to both "markets" is free.
Proceeds from the sale will be used by the chamber of commerce
for community events.
Items can be dropped off at the Royal Bank in Prescott Friday,
Aug. 24 from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Sale organizers ask anyone donating
larger items to take them to the market between 7 and 8 am the
day of the event.
Any donated items left unsold will be donated to charity,
Mouré noted.
For more information, call Mouré at 345-3905.
See next week's Journal for Poker Run information.
Youth justice committee set
LEEDS-GRENVILLE The Brockville area is one of 12 communities
in Ontario being added to the Youth Justice Committee program.
The program involves committees of community members who work
with non-violent young offenders, their parents, and victims
if they wish to participate. The groups determine appropriate
ways in which the offender can make amends for their actions.
"Youth Justice Committees hold first-time young offenders
accountable for their actions and teach them about respect and
responsibility," Leeds-Grenville MPP stated in an Aug. 8
news release.
It is hoped intervention will have a positive effect and help
put young offenders "...back on the right track," according
to Runciman.
The province is tripling the size of its program from six
to 18 locations. The program requires each participating young
offender to make an apology.
Spencerville
fair queen heads for CNE competition
By Jeff Lee - Journal Staff Writer
SPENCERVILLE The 2000/2001 Spencerville Fair queen is
heading to the Big Smoke this weekend to compete in a province-wide
competition to crown the Ambassador of the Fairs at the Canadian
National Exhibition (CNE).
Spencerville's Fair Queen Natalie Bruce will be among 83 winners
of agricultural events from across Ontario competing to be the
best representative of the industry and the CNE at various agricultural
functions throughout the province. Bruce will be leaving Thursday,
Aug 16, for the three-day event. Bruce is the last time only
a queen can be chosen at the Spencerville Fair. This year it
now includes both men and women participants.
Bruce, 19, said competing at the CNE against winners from
across the province will be a "little nerve racking."
The various ambassadors will, however, be able to relax a
bit as they will be touring the CNE grounds as representatives
of their own fairs.
The on-stage component of competition will be held at the
CNE Band Stand on the exhibition ground. A panel of judges will
test the contestants knowledge of current events, the CNE and
agricultural, agricultural concerns, poise and personality. Bruce
said is honing her knowledge, for example, by reading about the
history of the CNE.
Each semi-finalist will give a 1.5-minute speech on agricultural.
agricultural societies or an aspect of the own fair or exhibition.
Bruce said she will be preparing a speech for the semi-final
round just in case she is selected.
The marks for the speeches given will be included in the contestants'
previous scores. From the seven semi-finalists, three finalists
will be chosen who will have to answer an impromptu question.
The score will be added to the previous scores to determine the
winner.
Bruce, whose parents are David and Arlene, said she has enjoyed
her reign as the Spencerville Fair Queen for 2000/2001. Bruce
attended about four events in Leeds and Grenville.
"So far, I have really enjoyed it," Bruce said.
"It's been a learning experience as well."
Bruce said she liked meeting the different people at the various
events and fairs she's attended.
The CNE will not be the first time Bruce meets the other ambassadors
from across the province. In February, Bruce attended a conference
in Toronto to learn how to be an ambassador.
The winner of the CNE competition will serve as the official
ambassador of the CNE, participating in various activities at
the event as well as performing duties at other fairs, such as
judging, opening ceremony functions, guest appearances, presentations
and speaking engagements.
Still time to register for fair pageants
SPENCERVILLE The deadline is fast approaching for contestants
to sign up for the Spencerville Fair Ambassador and Little Miss
and Little Sir pageants.
For the first time, both male and female competitors will
be vying for the title of Spencerville Fair Ambassador. This
is a change from previous pageants in which a queen was chosen
to represent the annual fair.
The competition is open to young people in Grenville County
between the ages of 17 and 23. Contestants will be interviewed
by a panel of three judges before going on stage to introduce
themselves and then answer an impromptu question. Competitors
will be judged on their interview, community involvement, question
response, poise and personality.
Contestants do not need to live on a farm and do not need
to know a lot about agriculture. The successful contestant will
be eager and willing to learn about his or her community and
share their enthusiasm for the fair with others.
The winner will represent the Spencerville Agricultural Society
during the fair, attend the annual dinner and assist at other
board functions. The new ambassador will attend the Ontario Agricultural
Society convention in February and compete in the Ambassador
of the Fairs competition at the Canadian National Exhibition
next August.
Ambassador entries will be accepted until Friday, Aug. 24
for the Sept. 7 competition. Contact Paula Carmichael at 658-5258
to register.
The second annual Little Miss and Little Sir pageant will
also be held the evening of Sept. 7 for children ages five to
nine. Contestants will participate in an interview and a public
introduction. Three girl and three boy finalists will be required
to answer an impromptu question on stage. Deadline for registrations
is Saturday, Aug. 25. Contact Paula Carmichael.
Natalie Bruce will reign as fair queen until the new ambassador
is chosen at the 146th annual fair. The pageants are being held
in conjunction with the Shania Twin Tribute Show.
Go camping with Youth for Life
On Thursday, July 26 and Friday, July 27, Prescott Youth for
Life went camping at Grenville Park. There were games such as
a Jello-eating contest, bobbing for apples, three-legged races
and a few water balloon activities. The kids roasted hot dogs
and made smores at the campfire.
Youth for Life is planning another trip to Grenville Park
Aug. 16-17. Anyone interested in having their child participate
in this fun-filled excursion should contact Youth for Life at
925-2004. A small fee will cover admission, food and drinks.
Student gains
new insight into United Nations
By Jeff Lee- Journal Staff Writer
SOUTH GRENVILLE A trip to the United Nations in New
York City helped a local student see beyond her biases of the
organization she thought to be inefficient and near sighted.
Spencerville resident Anisa Aubin said before travelling on
the United Nations (UN) Pilgrimage for Youth not only did she
have the impression the UN was inefficient in getting the money
raised to those who needed it most, but also it was near sighted
about the plight of people around the world.
While the trip opened up her eyes, allowing a better understanding
of the challenges UN faces globally, she noted the organization,
like many others, can still improve upon its efforts.
Aubin spent 10 years in Kenya, Africa, and said she witnessed
some of the challenges the UN faces but felt its efforts, such
as the UNICEF boxes children carry around during Halloween, to
be unrealistic in what such activities could accomplish. Aubin,
who will be attending South Grenville District High School in
Grade 12, noted while the Western media tends to focus on crisis
after crisis in Africa, which may distort daily living conditions,
some people do faces challenges in their daily lives.
Which is why, Aubin said, when a person canvasses for the
UNICEF. children's program, she couldn't help but wonder what
impact the spare change will have, for example, on the 10 million
children in need of help.
Aubin also said her skepticism of the UN was derived from
a statistics which stated for every $1 raised, only 16 cents
makes it way to a child in need.
But once she was able to visit the UN, her criticism of the
organization softened. For example, she said, the UN is aware
of the scope of the problems worldwide, noting certain realities
exist which direct some of the money raised from getting to those
who need it most. One of the displays at the UN illustrated this
reality. (The display stated that $780 billion is budgeted for
military spending alone.)
Her trip began July 6 when she boarded the bus in Ottawa,
filled with students from the southern United States. The bus
she was on met up with two other buses full of other winners
from their local Odd Fellow and Rebekah branches. Each year,
hundreds of 16- to 17- year-old students worldwide compete to
win a chance take a 12-day pilgrimage to the UN. Aubin, who did
her speech on the UN's effort to eradicate polo globally by 2005,
noted there is a clock in the foyer of one of the UN buildings,
counting down the minutes to the deadline.
In addition to touring the UN, students spent time listening
to four lectures on different issues. They then competed in a
three- to five-minute speak-off on the topics covered during
the lectures. The winner received a $1,000 scholarship.
Fifty students' names were also randomly drawn to sit in on
a special council meeting. Aubin's name wasn't drawn, so she
and the other students toured the New York Stock Exchange.
A highlight of the trip was the chance meeting of United States
President George Bush, who happened to be visiting the UN on
the second day the students were there.
The trip mixed tours of the UN with other famous New York
sites, including the Empire State Building, Ellis Island and
Fifth Avenue.
Aubin noted she bought a lot of souvenirs for friends and
family in the exclusive shopping district.
The students also visited Washington D.C. and Gettysburg.
While in Ottawa, students visited the Parliament Building.
The trip not only gave her a better insight of how the UN
operates on a daily basis, but she also made new friends.
Aubin plans to share her experience with local various organizations.
Annual Harvest Days festival offers plenty
to see and do
AUGUSTA The sixth annual Harvest Days will bring old
farming techniques back to life this weekend.
The event will take place Saturday and Sunday at the Campbell
farm on County Road 18 just north of McCully Road and the South
Nation River bridge about 11 km north of Prescott.
Harvest Days is presented by Antique Wheels in Motion, a non-profit
organization founded in 1996 by antique equipment collectors
in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark counties. The annual event enables
club members to demonstrate how crops were grown and harvested
by past generations of farmers.
The two-day event is more than just looking at old equipment
and cars, according to organizers. Plowing school will be in
session Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. Anyone with a tractor and
plow can take part and learn proper plowing techniques.
A craft show will be held Saturday morning and afternoon.
An old-fashioned farmers' breakfast will be served Sunday
from 8 to 10 am. The band Elise and Company will perform in the
afternoon. There will be an on-site canteen.
Admission to Harvest Days is free for children 12 and under.
Antique Wheels in Motion has teamed up with the World Food
Bank, an organization that distributes donated grain to people
in need throughout the world.
For more information about Harvest Days, call Garry Throop
at 658-5391 or Dale Countryman at 925-4866.
POLICE NEWS
Town police service investigates accidents
The Prescott Police Service investigated 121 general incidents
between Aug. 1-12. Four motor vehicle accidents were investigated
during this period.
A serious three-vehicle accident occurred Aug. 10 at about
4:30 pm. A van driven by John Chowns of Ottawa was stopped northbound
on Edward Street and was waiting to turn onto the Highway 401
eastbound on-ramp when it was struck from behind by a vehicle
driven by Sheila Burridge of RR3 Prescott. The van entered the
oncoming lane and struck a vehicle driven by Luc Pigeon of Prescott.
Off-duty paramedic Tammy Pankhurst was the first on the scene
to administer first aid, according to a Prescott police news
release. The jaws of life were required to extract Pigeon from
his vehicle. Four people sustained non-life-threatening injuries
and were taken to hospital. Prescott police continue to investigate
the accident.
On Aug. 8, town police received a complaint about a young
person having a handgun. As a result of the investigation, a
male youth was searched; he was found to be in possession of
a BB gun. The young offender was arrested and charged with possession
of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, and breach of probation.
Town police made an arrest August 11 in connection with three
incidents which occurred the previous day. Cigarettes were stolen
from Mac's Milk on Edward Street. The entrance door at Ideal
Fasteners on Edward Street had been kicked in; the damage estimate
was $300. Flowers in a large planter in front of the Bank of
Montreal were destroyed. A man was charged with mischief, theft
and breach of probation; he is to appear in court Aug. 31.
Town police are also investigating a case of vandalism at
the fountain at Sandra S. Lawn Harbour. Large cement blocks were
pried from the top of the fountain and thrown into the fountain.
Several golf clubs were stolen from the parking lot of the
Prescott Golf Club Aug. 10. The estimated loss is $500.
Anyone with information about these or other offences is asked
to contact the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or Crime Stoppers
at 1-800-222-8477.
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