Canadians grieve in aftermath of attacks
SOUTH GRENVILLE The task of getting on with life
in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States
continues.
St. Paul's United Church in Prescott hosted an ecumenical
service Tuesday morning in response to the attacks on the World
Trade Centre and the Pentagon. About 200 people and 10 members
of the clergy attended the service to note the loss of thousands
of lives in New York City, Washington and Pennsylvania.
Those who attended the service reflected on suffering, pain,
fear, peace and hope. Pastor Lorna McKendry of Waddington United
Methodist Church in Waddington, N.Y. told the gathering it is
time to cry and to feel the suffering that exists in God's world.
"So many of us would rather not feel the pain,"
she said.
But the service also offered a message of hope. Rev. Blair
Paterson of St. Paul's said peace can be found even as "the
world rages and crashes around us."
A book of condolences will be available to sign for the rest
of the week at the Prescott municipal building on Edward Street
at Churchill Road.
A small crowd gathered at the base of the clock tower in downtown
Prescott early Friday afternoon to offer three minutes of silence
as part of a national day of mourning. Town council marked the
beginning of its meeting Monday with a moment of silence.
In addition to the worldwide implications of last Tuesday's
attacks, border areas were also affected as security alerts went
into effect.
Teresa Lynch, a teacher at Central Public School in Prescott,
left work early last Tuesday to get home to Ogdensburg. She intended
to pack a bag, come back across the bridge and stay at her mother's
place. State troopers were at the border to assist customs agents
with vehicle searches and identification checks. Lynch said it
took about 20 to 25 minutes to get through that afternoon, and
she was told it was unlikely the border crossing would close.
Although it is taking longer for motorists to pass through
customs checks at the bridge, the waits pale in comparison to
what was happening at other border crossings. Some traffic was
rerouted from the Thousand Islands crossing last week; lineups
of five kilometres were being reported last Thursday.
The Journal received a call that day from a woman in
Toronto who said she had two "stranded Americans" with
her and wanted to know if bridges in this area were open.
Although there have been no reports of major problems at the
Johnstown crossing, police did make a pair of arrests Thursday
morning. A car with Ohio licence plates was stopped and searched;
a quantity of marijuana was located. Police and customs officers
called for the OPP canine unit, which then located two large
bundles of American currency concealed in the car. A 26-year-old
Ohio man and a 26-year-old Maniwaki, Quebec man were arrested
and charged with possession of a controlled substance.
Media coverage of the attacks illustrated the impact the attacks
had on Americans. Having lived across the river for several years,
Lynch said she understands what it feels like to be an American
at this time of crisis.
But she added the terrorist attacks seem to have hit Canadians
equally as hard. There was a really sombre feeling shortly after
the attacks, and people were starting to come around later in
the week.
A few of the Grade 3 and Grade 4 students she teaches were
scared, according to Lynch. Classes talked about what happened
and students were reassured nothing would happen to them, she
said.
The Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit has
issued a pamphlet called "When Something Big Happens."
The free pamphlet contains information that may help people deal
with their feelings during times of uncertainty. For more information,
call 1-800-660-5853 or visit www.healthunit.org.
Firefighters praise youngsters for their effort
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT Two Prescott children are been credited for
their quick actions in preventing a major fire Sunday morning.
Firefighters were called at about 9:20 am to a home at 498
James St. W. after six-year-old Charleigh McFarlane, who lives
across the street, noticed smoke billowing out of the upper floor
windows of the house.
Charleigh and her family were about to leave for mass at St.
Mark's Church at the time. She ran to tell her brother Jamie,
11, who alerted their mother, Jenny McFarlane. Mrs. McFarlane
then called the 9-1-1 emergency number.
While waiting for firefighters to arrive, Jamie ran across
the street and started banging on the front door and windows,
yelling for people to get out. Fortunately, the owners, Brian
and Linda Blad, their son Josh, and Judy Crowder, who rents a
separate apartment at the back of the dwelling, were not at home.
Fire Chief Bill Lawrence said the cause of the fire is undetermined
and is being investigated. Damage is estimated at $30,000, he
said. The fire was mainly contained to the second-floor apartment,
which sustained considerable damage, Lawrence said. There was
smoke, heat and water damage to other upper-level areas and to
the floor below in the main house. Crowder did not have content
insurance, he noted.
The chief said the quick actions of the McFarlane children
were remarkable. "It's impressive a girl of her age to be
intelligent enough to realize there were problems across the
road and go and tell (someone), he said. "I think it's great
and they should be commended for it.
"If it hadn't been for those kids, who knows how long
it would have been before somebody else noticed. It saved a lot
more damage. They sure are heroes," Lawrence said.
Mrs. McFarlane credited schools' Risk Watch programs for helping
her children know how to react in an emergency.
Lawrence also commented on the value of the program that teaches
children safety on various topics and about fire prevention.
"It teaches kids to be perceptive, and it's paying off,"
he said.
Local fire prevention officer Brent Norton said the damaged
house did contain smoke detectors, although the batteries had
been removed. It was discouraging to see, he said, and hoped
this incident would prompt others to check their alarms.
One pumper, an aerial ladder truck, rescue truck and 22 Prescott
firefighters responded to the blaze. Many of the firefighters
were dressed in their Sunday best as they had been preparing
to form a colour guard in honour of Rev. Gerry Ring's last service
at St. John's Anglican Church. Four firefighters remained on
watch for flare-ups at the fire scene throughout the afternoon.
Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn, who observed firefighters in action
Sunday morning, told council Monday he watched "...very
professional people at work."
Blood donor clinic in town Tuesday
PRESCOTT Residents of South Grenville will get their
chance next week to give the gift of life.
A blood donor clinic will take place Tuesday, Sept. 25 from
2 to 8 pm at South Grenville District High School.
The clinic is being hosted by the school in conjunction with
the Grenville Fish and Game Club and the Kinsmen Club.
All eligible donors, regardless of blood type, are welcome
to donate. Blood collected in one hour of a donor's time could
save as many as four lives.
The date of the Prescott clinic was chosen prior to last Tuesday's
terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington.
Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is asking donors to make appointments,
although it is not mandatory. The number to call is 1-800-264-0680.
For more information about donating blood, call 1-888-2-DONATE.
CBS is a national, non-profit organization that manages the
blood supply in all provinces and territories outside Quebec,
as well as the country's bone marrow donor registry.
THIS WEEK
Canada-U.S. flags in today's Journal
In co-operation with Windmill Web Inc. of Johnstown this week,
The Prescott Journal and its sister newspapers are carrying
full page reproductions of the Canadian and American flags and
are asking readers to display them in the windows of their homes
and businesses in a show of support for our American neighbours
as they struggle to cope with last week's terrorist attacks in
New York City.
A limited number of these flags are available at The Journal
office. They are being sold for $2 each with all of the proceeds
going to the disaster fund "Come Together America"
established this week in Ogdensburg, N.Y. Persons wishing to
make donations to the fund can make arrangements through Michelle
Dillabough at 315-393-3909.
Walk for dog guides this Sunday
SPENCERVILLE A fun, five-kilometre walk to support Dog
Guides of Canada is planned for this Sunday, Sept. 23 in Spencerville.
The walk is being organized by the Edwardsburgh Lions Club,
and begins at 10 am at the arena in Spencerville.
People and pooches of all ages are welcome to participate.
Now in its 17th year, the annual event has already raised close
to $3 million for Lions Foundation of Canada, which provides
dog guides to Canadians with visual, hearing, physical or medical
disabilities.
Lions clubs in 70 cities and towns across Canada are hosting
walks this year.
For more information on the walks, contact the foundation
at 1-800-768-3030 or local walk organizer Beverly Potvin at 258-4578.
Church anniversary turkey supper
JOHNSTOWN The 122nd anniversary of Johnstown United
Church will be celebrated with a turkey supper Thursday, Sept.
27.
The event gets underway at 5 pm at the South Edwardsburgh
Community Centre in Johnstown.
Children five and under are free.
A special anniversary worship service will be held at the
church Sunday, Sept. 30 at 10 am with the joint Johnstown/Cardinal
choir.
The 7 pm service will include a musical evening with Betty
and Cliff Barkley and Don Morrell providing the entertainment.
Council is asked
to deal with town hall
PRESCOTT The ongoing saga of the future of the municipal
building has re-emerged at the council table.
The subject came up again Monday night when Prescott resident
John McFarland, the husband of Councillor Nancy McFarland, made
a presentation at the beginning of a council meeting. By the
end of the meeting, most members of council had something to
say about town hall and where it should be located.
McFarland, who said he was expressing his own views, indicated
he has never been in favour of the option to renovate the Dibble
Street building. But he acknowledged a majority on council voted
to proceed with renovations, a decision that was later reversed.
"In its search for other options council has come up
with a list of buildings that are either inappropriate for this
use, unavailable, or would prove too costly," stated McFarland,
who suggested council should proceed with work at the municipal
building and library.
"I feel you are doing a disservice to the library by
doing nothing except using it as an excuse not to move ahead,"
McFarland stated.
He went on to suggest council hold a public meeting if members
are unsure of the public's wishes. Members of council made their
comments on the subject during a media question period at the
end of the meeting.
Mayor Robert Lawn said he would be in favour of having a public
meeting "any time, any place." The mayor maintains
town residents overwhelmingly support renovating the municipal
building. He went on to state the former bank building which
is the temporary home of municipal offices is inadequate in meeting
the needs of staff and is unsuitable for council meetings because
of space constraints and poor acoustics. "It is no symbol
of local government," said Lawn, who added council has "cheapened"
its role by conducting meetings in that environment.
Councillor Terry McConnell said the temporary site is much
better than the previous one. In noting he no longer supported
the idea of renovating the Dibble Street building, McConnell
said council should have more than two options from which to
choose. There are now several options on the table, including
the possibility of renting or leasing space in another location
in town. This option is to be discussed in more detail next Monday.
Councillor Seeley Pillar reiterated his belief a new building
downtown would be the way to go if the town could afford it.
Many people in town do not want to see tax money spent on the
71-year-old building on Dibble Street, according to Pillar.
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead also reiterated her support for
a new building downtown. She said she does not support looking
at more options again; doing so would only muddy the waters,
according to Beckstead.
As for Nancy McFarland, she said a public meeting may be beneficial.
The other options have yet to blossom and the town is getting
"absolutely nowhere," according to McFarland.
"It seems we're wasting a lot of time talking about it...
and doing studies," she said.
Councillor Jim French said he had declared a conflict of interest
because he owns a building on King Street included in the list
of possible locations for a new town hall.
The different views expressed at the meeting show this is
not an easy issue, Councillor Garry Dewar said. None of the options
being considered is emerging over the others, according to Dewar.
"I'll go along with anything that makes sense,"
he said. Dewar noted he has not ruled out renovating as an option.
Everyone makes a difference at event
Local Terry Fox Run raises $7,000 for cancer research
PRESCOTT An additional $7,088 will be pumped into cancer
research in Canada because of Prescott's Terry Fox Run held Sunday.
A total of 85 volunteers and participants worked, biked, ran
or walked to make the event a success, said organizer Sharon
Spychi.
The numbers of people involved and the amount of money raised
decreased from last year by 19 per cent, however. The 2000 run
raised $8,609 and 102 people either participated or volunteered.
Spychi said she suspects the decrease was due to the attack
on America last week.
"People were totally devastated," she said. "It
affected a lot of people."
The organizer is still pleased with the outcome of the 21st
annual run that pays tribute to the young man who lost his right
leg to cancer and who set out to run across Canada in 1980 to
raise awareness and money for cancer research. "It's wonderful.
It's a lot more (money) than we had on Saturday."
Spychi added its the individuals and businesses who make Terry's
dream come alive each year. "Without them this wouldn't
go on year after year."
Among the participants in Sunday's Terry Fox Run were members
of the Scott family, who have been involved for about 18 years.
Alan Scott said he recalls seeing the Marathon of Hope on television
and being very inspired by his goal. "Cancer can strike
anybody and this is something everybody can get involved with,"
he said.
Marilyn Rupert-Scott gave the credit to Spychi. "Thank
goodness for Sharon who puts it on every year. She's always excited
and smiling and well organized. She makes it easy for people
to participate."
David Conlin also makes the run an annual family affair, with
brothers, sisters, cousins and others all getting together to
participate. Conlin raised more than $1,000 for the event himself;
much of the money was contributed by his fellow employees at
Brockville Psychiatric Hospital.
"People are good about giving," Conlin said. "It's
hard for anybody to say they don't know somebody who has cancer."
As an added feature of this year's run, participants and volunteers
were eligible to win one of several Beanie Babies Spychi had
collected. They are named Issy in honour of run founder Isadore
Sharp's son Christopher, who died of cancer. Draw winners were
Kelly Butler, Robyne Blanchette, Trent Blanchette, Shari Fahrngruber,
Brock Murphy, Pauline Hitchen, Nancy Skakum, Christine Endicott,
Aaron Scott and Jessica Arcand.
Prescott police hearing
to be held Thursday
PRESCOTT The future of policing in Prescott will be
the subject of a public hearing Thursday afternoon.
The Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services (OCCOPS)
will hear presentations on a proposal which would see the Prescott
Police Service disbanded. Prescott council voted in early January
to seek a municipal policing contract with the OPP.
The OCCOPS hearing begins at 2 pm at the Odd Fellows Hall
at 454 Henry St. W.
The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether the proposed
change to service would produce an adequate level of service.
The commission will also determine whether workers whose positions
would be terminated under the proposed changes have been offered
severance packages.
Municipal policing offered by the OPP would be based at the
detachment office near Edward Street and Highway 401. Most of
the members of the existing police service are being offered
positions with the OPP. Civilian positions are not subject to
the same offer.
Three panel members usually attend hearings of this nature,
according to OCCOPS spokesperson Eleanor Patterson. Presentations
are expected from the town, the OPP, the police services board
and the association representing officers.
Members of the public will be given an opportunity at the
hearing to comment on the proposal.
Town officials maintain the OPP will provide service comparable
to or better than what is now available from the Prescott Police
Service. The annual cost of policing would be similar; just over
$1 million has been budgetted this year.
The commission's decision would generally be announced four
to six weeks after a hearing, Patterson indicated. The OCCOPS
decision is binding.
Reverend Gerry
Ring chose friendship with parishioners first
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT Gerry Ring, friend and father of members of
St. John's Anglican Church for the past 11 years, stepped down
from the pulpit for the last time Sunday.
But he and his wife Betty plan to continue to live in the
community they say has enfolded them and become home. The couple
- married for 42 years - will be living in a home on Boundary
Street so they can still be part of Prescott and the many activities
they have joined.
In honour of his retirement, parishioners staged a dinner
and dance Friday night that included gifts, speeches and a humourous
theatrical performance. Ring's last service Sunday morning began
with a Legion and Air Cadet colour guard and march.
While at St. John's, Ring was also chaplain to the Royal Canadian
Legion, the Royal Canadian Regiment Association, local police
and firefighters and the air cadet squadron, and voluntary chaplain
at Brockville General and St. Vincent de Paul hospitals. He was
instrumental in bringing an annual Jazz festival to the church
that staged jazz artists Richard Ring and Ranee Lee - his brother
and sister-in-law. Betty is an active member in local guiding
units and with the Grenville County Historical Society.
As a retired Anglican priest, Ring can fill in for other clergy
within the diocese that stretches from Cardinal to Trenton. Rev.
Canon Doug Burns will be the interim priest at St. John's until
the church's search committee is able find a replacement.
Ring said a vital part of his ministry at St. John's was always
keeping his door and his heart open to the people.
"When people are hurting, you can't say 'I'm busy, call
me back.' I always tried to respond immediately and Betty has
been supportive of that. It's someone to listen to their troubles
and I think that's the most important ministry available."
Ring's ability to be in touch with people and understand their
problems stemmed from his own sometimes bumpy road in life, he
said. In his youth in hometown Montreal, he served as a member
of the junior choir, acted as server, taught Sunday school and
belonged to the Anglican Young Peoples' Association.
"I felt called to the Anglican priesthood as a teenager,
but I didn't want it and I rebelled." Ring explained he
stopped going to church, did poorly in school and was eventually
asked to leave high school. He worked various office jobs and
became a professional musician, playing in night clubs and dance
halls.
He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1958, becoming an
aircraft technician with a rank of corporal. In 1972, Ring was
sent by the military for treatment of alcoholism. It was soon
after he completed treatment that Ring rejoined the church. During
his time at CFB Trenton, Ring "accepted the call" and
began theological studies at Montreal Diocesan Theological College
at McGill University. By 1981 he was ordained a deacon and in
1982 became an ordained minister.
Prior to moving to Prescott in Nov. 1990, Ring had been rector
at the parish of Frankford and Glen Miller north of Trenton.
Ring said he's glad he waited for ordination, "because
it gave me an insight into the life of the layity that most clergy
do not have. Being a recovering alcoholic, it's helped me not
to be judgmental of others or to allow myself to climb on a pedestal."
The priest said he prefers to be involved in the "nitty
gritty realities of life and try to bring a bit of God's love
and compassion to the people where they're at."
Being "just ordinary people" with the same problems
as other families has helped them along the road, Betty added.
Ring said he has always been open about his past because that
"has made me and Betty available to others who have suffered.
They feel comfortable discussing these things with Betty and
I. And she (Betty) has been a vital party of that ministry.
"Because they know about my life it opens the doors -
they know I'm human," Ring said. "That's what I like
about the people here in town. They have accepted me for who
I am and what I am and it's been fantastic. People feel free
with me to be themselves. They don't have to pretend."
But it has been the love and support of his wife and children
that has helped him in his chosen career, Ring said. The couple
raised five children: Heather, James (deceased), Catharine, Eric
and Andrea, and they have five grandchildren.
Couples workshop to be presented
SPENCERVILLE The United Church in Spencerville will
be presenting a special program for enhancing marriages Saturday,
Sept. 22 from 9 am to 5 pm.
The Couples Workshop is being offered primarily for engaged
or recently-married couples. Participants will learn simple and
practical ways to improve the quality of their relationship.
The session focuses on developing specific skills, such as
attentive listening. Couples practise ways to work through the
issues and conflicts normal in all relationships and learn to
express their feelings, wants and needs in a positive, effective
manner. Other topics include the importance of recognizing, sharing
and accepting personal feelings, and the need for acceptance
and forgiveness in a healthy marriage.
By sponsoring the workshop, the Spencerville church hopes
to offer something concrete and practical to the community, said
Doug Warren, student minister at the church.
"The skills needed to have and enjoy a marital relationship
over a lifetime do not always come naturally to people,"
Warren said.
"The current divorce rate attests to that."
The ecumenical program will be led by Howard and Anne Holloway,
an Anglican couple who live in Montreal. Both have recently retired.
Howard was a high school teacher in Laval and Rosemere for 31
years, and Anne worked as an administrative secretary at McGill
University. They have been married for 31 years and have two
adult daughters.
They learned of this workshop while attending a convention
of couples involved in Marriage Encounter, a volunteer organization
which puts on enrichment weekends worldwide. Howard and Anne
have been involved in Marriage Encounter for more than 15 years.
In 1999, they prepared their presentation of The Couples Workshop
under the supervision of its originators, Roger and Marty Gilbert,
one of several couples active in developing programs for the
Association for Marriage Enrichment in the U.S.
Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Contact
Doug Warren at dawarren@recorder.ca or call 925-1222.
For more information, call Rev. Ted and Jane Guthrie at 498-2942.
Turn trash into treasure at sale
PRESCOTT The annual Trash and Treasure Sale at St. John's
Anglican Church will take place Saturday, Sept. 22 from 9 am
to noon at the church hall on James Street.
This event replaces the trash and treasure sale usually held
in October.
The annual sale is sponsored by St. John's Anglican Church
Women.
Committee talk
resurfaces at town council
PRESCOTT Some unfinished business was taken care of
at Monday's meeting of town council.
Several members of council referred to comments made the previous
Monday at a committee-of-the-whole meeting. Those comments on
the structure of council and how well council is working as a
unit became the source of yet another debate at this week's meeting.
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead initiated the discussion Monday
by taking exception to comments she believed to be disrespectful
to staff, the mayor and other councillors. Staff work very hard
to answer council's questions, she noted. Beckstead, who also
chairs the town's finance and corporate services committee, said
the town should be considered a service provider and not a business.
Concerns expressed about the effectiveness of the committee
she chairs could have been raised in another venue, according
to Beckstead. She said the taxpayers of Prescott are owed an
apology based on the previous week's debate.
That debate began with Mayor Robert Lawn's proposed changes
to the committee system. Councillors Terry McConnell and Garry
Dewar expressed concerns about the effectiveness of council and
the manner in which issues were being handled.
McConnell said Monday he may not have expressed his concerns
and frustration as well as he could have under the circumstances.
The councillor went on to note he had since met with the mayor
to discuss his proposal.
Council had adopted a system of four standing committees when
it took office late last year. Each councillor with previous
council experience was selected to chair a committee.
No member of staff or council is at fault for the current
situation, Dewar said Monday. But he reiterated his concern there
is a problem to be addressed; some issues continue to drag on
and there is a need for more committee meetings, he added.
The mayor said his proposal would mean there would be two
committee-of-the-whole meetings each month involving all members
of council. Lawn also noted committees chaired by Dewar and McConnell
had not met since April. Dewar noted the planning committee has
had no outstanding issues; a meeting would be called if an issue
arose, he added.
The subject of town committees is expected to be on the agenda
Monday when council members take part in a committee-of-the-whole
meeting.
United Way reaches out to community
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE The United Way of Leeds and Grenville
kicked off its 2001 campaign last week with an ambitious fundraising
goal of $650,000 - an increase of 8.5 per cent over last year's
objective.
Agency Executive Director Judi Baril is confident the community
will support the challenge. Last year, $683,000 was raised with
a goal of $600,000. The 44th annual campaign runs until Dec.
7.
The campaign slogan "Big Community, Bigger Heart,"
reflects growing areas in the counties and the people who have
"poured out their hearts and their dollars to help us be
successful," Baril said.
The local United Way serves 26 community agencies that offer
more than 50 programs of assistance and support for individuals
in need. Baril explained a contribution to United Way helps impact
the lives of one in four people in Leeds and Grenville through
programs that tackle loneliness, poverty and abuse; protect and
help children and youth; help families and individuals in crisis;
build a strong community; and bring down barriers to independence.
"Your spirit lifts us to reach campaign success each
and every year," Baril said at the campaign kick-off. "Your
spirit touches the agencies we support and lets them know that
even though they sometimes feel they are alone, your spirit tells
them that they are not."
Baril noted the United Way is not just a fundraiser, but a
community builder. It acts as a community resource and supportive
network to member agencies and to the community as a whole, she
said.
This year's campaign has a new look and fresh approach to
fundraising to compensate for the loss or downsizing of area
businesses - the traditional strong supporters of United Way,
Baril said.
One such event includes Loonie Days, in which shoppers at
the four Canadian Tire stores in the counties (Prescott, Brockville,
Kemptville and Gananoque) on Oct. 25, 26 and 27 will be asked
to top up their purchase by $1, to be donated to the United Way.
These funds will be devoted to United Way's 17 agencies that
support children's programs. Those agencies require $350,000
to keep operating for another year.
There will also be a Big Kids Hockey Raffle, in which the
winner of a ticket will receive an authentic signed hockey jersey,
two tickets to a Senators game, dinner in Ottawa and other gifts.
Also new this year is a Diner's Delight Restaurant Raffle,
in which the winner will receive gift certificates for dinner
each month for a year at various area restaurants, and a raffle
for $1,000 in Christmas cash.
Other fundraising activities include an art gala, autumn boat
cruise, a golf tournament, arts and crafts show and sale and
a silent auction.
Local member agencies of the United Way are: 1000 Islands
Credit Counselling Service, Big Brothers and Big Sisters Association,
Brockville and Area YM/YWCA, Brockville and District Association
for Community Involvement, Brockville Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
Association, Canadian Mental Health Association, Canadian National
Institute for the Blind, Canadian Red Cross Society, Community
Policing Volunteer Services, Epilepsy Association, Family and
Children's Services, Family Counselling Services, Fun with Books,
Gananoque and District Association for Community Living, Gananoque
Youth Programs, Interval House, Kemptville and Area Youth Advocacy
Committee, Kemptville and District Home Support, Leeds and Grenville
Rehabilitation and Counselling Services, North Grenville Association
for Community Living, Prescott Youth for Life, St. John Ambulance,
VON, and the Volunteer Bureau.
For more information on the United Way and the local campaign
contact the George Street, Brockville office at 342-8889, or
e-mail unitedway@ripnet.com.
Soil at Augusta landfill not contaminated
MAYNARD Soil recently deposited at the Maynard landfill
site was not contaminated, Reeve George Vail reported at a Sept.
10 council meeting.
The reeve was responding to concerns expressed by Augusta
resident Duaine McKinley at an August meeting that about 100
truckloads of a granular material had been dumped at the site.
McKinley claimed the material was potentially hazardous and should
not have been authorized for deposit in Augusta.
Chief Building Official Greg Trizisky, who is also in charge
of landfill operations, confirmed in a letter to council a senior
environmental officer with the Ministry of the Environment had
certified the soil is clean. Trizisky also reported proper and
correct decisions were followed with the management of the soil.
The soil originated from a Hydro One substation off California
Avenue in Brockville, and had been certified clean and safe for
use as fill, Trizisky's report states. The gravel-like soil was
placed in an area behind the licensed site.
The landfill site requires large amounts of fill to achieve
the final grades on the slope at the back of the landfill required
to close the site and convert it to a transfer station.
Vail noted at the meeting the township saved an estimated
$5,000 by accepting the clean fill. "There were no contaminants
in this soil whatsoever," Vail said.
By accepting the soil, Trizisky said the township saved on
hauling fees from its own sand pit off Coville Road, "not
to mention the loss of material for use on our roads, and the
required reporting fees to the MNR.
"Indeed, similar decisions to this over the last year
have saved us approximately $20,000, and with the increased association
with our own public works department this number can be doubled,"
Trizisky stated.
Domestic violence court to be established
BROCKVILLE One of 31 domestic violence courts to be
established in Ontario will be located in Brockville, it was
announced Friday.
The new courts include a range of co-ordinated services such
as specialized police investigations, prosecution of repeat offenders
by specialized crown attorneys and support services for victims
through the victim/witness assistance program. The domestic violence
court program was created in 1996 and will soon have 55 sites
across the province.
"The new court will provide essential services to citizens
who suffer the pains of domestic violence," Leeds-Grenville
MPP Bob Runciman stated in a news release.
Cemetery vandalized
SHANLY Police continue to investigate vandalism that
took place last week at the Shanly Cemetery.
A total of twenty-eight tombstones were knocked over in the
graveyard near County Road 21. The top of one of the markers
was damaged.
The incident is believed to have occurred Wednesday night
or early Thursday morning, according to a member of the cemetery
board.
Constable Marty McConnell of Grenville County OPP is the investigating
officer; a member of the OPP identification unit is providing
assistance.
Anyone with information is asked to contact McConnell at the
detachment in Prescott (925-4221) or at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous
tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Arrests made at bingo
hall
JOHNSTOWN Two men have been charged in connection with
a break-in last Thursday at Bingo International.
Ontario Provincial Police officers from Grenville and Leeds
county detachments responded to an activated alarm just after
4 am. Upon their arrival, police observed two males leaving the
hall. A foot chase ensued and the two men were arrested, according
to an OPP news release.
Charged with break and enter and possession of break and enter
tools are Michael Lanoue, 27, of Cornwall, and Robert Lanoue,
28, of no fixed address.
A scenes of crime officer and members of the Lanark OPP identification
unit assisted with the investigation. Constable George Duke is
the investigating officer; he is being assisted by the OPP's
Rural Agricultural Crime Team.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact
the investigating officer at 925-4221 or 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous
tips can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
OPP NEWS
Fire destroys stolen trailer
AUGUSTA A 30-foot trailer taken from the driveway of
a Jellyby Road residence was destroyed by fire, Grenville County
OPP reported.
Police were called to the residence just before 3 pm Sept.
16. The remains of the vehicle, a Dutchman classic trailer valued
at more than $14,000, was located on Balleycanoe Road by Leeds
County OPP officers. A scenes-of-crime officer assisted with
the investigation.
Officers seize 78 marijuana plants
EDWARDSBURGH Seventy-eight mature marijuana plants were
found growing near Rooney Road. Grenville OPP officers received
information that led to the discovery Sept. 14. The plants were
seized and transported to the detachment where they were to be
destroyed. Crime Stoppers has a new program called "Operation
Pot Spot." Anyone with information on the cultivation of
"pot" is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Erratic driving leads to charges
EDWARDSBURGH Police received a report of erratic driving
on Highway 401 eastbound Sept. 9 at about 3:25 am. A vehicle
was located a few kilometres west of Prescott. Anthony John Taylor,
32, of Prescott, was arrested and charged with impaired driving
and exceeding the legal blood alcohol limit. Constable Elaine
Barr is the investigating officer.
Police lay charge of impaired driving
AUGUSTA Grenville County OPP officers were on routine
patrol Sept. 8 at about 11:48 pm when they stopped a pick-up
truck travelling in an erratic manner on Skakum Road, according
to an OPP news release. Alvin Jefferson Cheetham, 54, of Augusta
township, was charged with impaired driving and exceeding the
legal blood alcohol limit. The investigating officer is Sergeant
Nancy Onlock of the Kemptville detachment.
Driver sustains serious injuries in rollover
AUGUSTA Police, fire and emergency medical service personnel
responded to a single-vehicle accident just before 5 am Sept.
8. A car was eastbound on Highway 401 near the Blue Church Road
overpass when it struck the south shoulder, went out of control,
skidded across both lanes and entered the median where it rolled
numerous times and came to rest on its roof.
The driver, a 22-year-old Toronto man, was ejected from the
vehicle. He was taken to hospital in Brockville and later transferred
to Kingston with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. Speed
was a factor in the accident, according to police.
Constable Brad Wilhelm of Grenville County OPP is the investigating
officer, assisted by a technical traffic collision investigator
from Rideau Lakes OPP. Anyone with information about this accident
is asked to contact the investigating officer at 1-888-310-1122
or at the Prescott detachment (925-4221).
Marijuana found in vehicle
JOHNSTOWN OPP were called to the border crossing Sept.
7 to assist Canada Customs officers with a suspicious vehicle
stop. A quantity of marijuana was found in the vehicle. Ryan
Brassard, 22, of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal township, was arrested
and charged with possession of a controlled substance. Constable
Tyler Boutilier is the investigating officer.
Police investigate dispute at residence
MAITLAND OPP officers responded to a domestic dispute
Sept. 7 at a County Road 2 residence. A 51-year-old man was arrested
and charged with one count of assault and one count of uttering
death threats. A 51-year-old woman sustained minor injuries,
according to an OPP news release. Constable Elaine Barr is the
investigating officer.
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