Townships join sewage plant study
Augusta council agrees to participate in process
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
SOUTH GRENVILLE - All three municipalities are now committed
to an environmental assessment of Prescott's sewage treatment
facilities.
Augusta council voted at a special meeting held Friday afternoon
to participate in the study. Reeve George Vail said the township
will "...buy into enough space to accommodate 800 people."
A portion of the township extending east from Riverview Heights
to the Prescott town line and north to Highway 401 will be included
in the study area. Vail said council was interested in taking
part in the study, but a positive response from residents of
Riverview Heights was also a factor in the decision.
A petition organized by Graham Cudlipp listed about 60 people
in the neighbourhood who are interested in sewer service and
want the township to pursue the matter.
"We're preparing for the future of Augusta Township,"
Vail told The Journal Monday.
The township's share of the assessment process will be about
$8,000. The reeve said it is an investment in the community;
the entire township would benefit from additional housing and
industry that may accompany the arrival of a "drawing card"
like sewer service.
Vail also noted many of the residents of that area would also
like the township to consider adding municipal water service
to coincide with the other infrastructure. "Doing the trench
work is a big part of the cost," he noted.
Edwardsburgh/Cardinal is also taking part in the Prescott-led
study which was the subject of an informal open house held last
Wednesday at the community centre in Johnstown. Council members
from Prescott, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and Augusta were on hand,
as were representatives of Ainley Group, consulting engineers
and planners hired by the town to oversee the EA process.
The town's existing plant does not meet current environment
ministry standards for effluent discharges. The plant and several
sewage pump stations now in use do not have sufficient hydraulic
or process capacity to meet the town's future needs.
A new or refurbished facility would improve the quality of
effluent being discharged into the St. Lawrence River and have
sufficient capacity to allow for growth in the Prescott area.
The total capital cost of the recommended solution is $15,700,000.
About 80 per cent of the cost would involve upgrading and expanding
the existing facility; improvements to sewage pump stations would
account for $3.2 million.
The town has applied for federal and provincial infrastructure
funding that would cover about two-thirds of capital costs. Although
an announcement has yet to be made, municipal leaders are confident
funding will be approved.
The remaining one-third would be paid for by users of the
facility.
The other options not being recommended are to do nothing
about the situation or build a new facility on a new site. Although
a new plant would address all identified problems, it would cost
more and require a new effluent discharge pipe into the river;
a new outfall pipe would produce "major environmental effects,"
it is noted in the information package.
The EA process is expected to conclude later this year.
Farmers call on government to implement financial
safety net
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The federations of agriculture in Leeds
and Grenville counties joined with their colleagues across Ontario
Friday to urge the government to proceed with a plan to help
farmers.
The message was delivered in person to a number of Conservative
MPPs, including the Brockville office of Leeds-Grenville MPP
Bob Runciman.
The "Made in Ontario" safety net plan to provide
farmers financial stability in the event of weather-related crop
disasters or tumbling world commodity prices was developed by
the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) in conjunction with
commodity organizations and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food
and Rural Affairs. Farm groups are pushing government leaders
to follow through with their support for the plan by implementing
it.
"As Ontario farmers prepare to plant their crops for
2002, they have no assurance there will be adequate safety net
protection to help them survive another year of continued low
commodity prices," an OFA news release states.
Adrian Wynands, president of the Grenville Federation of Agriculture,
agrees there is a sense of urgency to deal with the situation.
"It won't be long before the farmers will be out in the
fields," he told The Journal.
Forty per cent of land in the united counties is used to produce
food, according to the local federations. Sixteen per cent of
the population is employed directly or indirectly by the agriculture
industry.
Ninety-nine per cent of farms in Leeds and Grenville are family-owned
and operated.
In addition to livestock, dairy and crops, farms also produce
products used in pharmaceuticals, garments, make-up and a wide
variety of other items.
OFA indicated some of its members were reluctant to take part
in the protests; however, that changed when farmers learned their
market revenue insurance payments would drop significantly without
the Made in Ontario plan in place.
Wynands said cash croppers and small dairy farms appear to
be hurting the most. There will be a few who will not have the
money to put seeds into the ground this spring unless the government
takes action.
Wynands said Runciman was responsive to farmers who visited
his Brockville office. "He said he understands our position...
I'm pretty sure he's on side," the federation president
said.
Wynands is hoping Runciman, who backed Premier Ernie Eves
during the recent leadership race, will help convince his cabinet
colleagues to proceed immediately with the Made in Ontario plan.
"I'll be satisfied when they agree," he remarked.
As a result of a provincial cabinet shuffle announced Monday,
Helen Johns is the new minister of agriculture and food. She
succeeds Ottawa-Orleans MPP Brian Coburn, who is the new associate
minister of municipal affairs and housing.
High school showcases innovative technology
PRESCOTT - South Grenville District High School has been awarded
the distinction of becoming a member of the SchoolNet Network
of Innovative Schools - an honour that will see all students,
staff and the community benefit from almost unlimited learning
opportunities using computer technology.
The Prescott high school and North Grenville District High
School in Kemptville are two of only four schools chosen in Ontario
to join the network this year.
The video conference technology - an Industry Canada program
- was formally announced yesterday during a live video link between
the North and South Grenville high schools.
"This is a significant national achievement for the Upper
Canada Board," said Director of Education Gino Giannandrea.
Board Chair Joan Hodge also noted she is proud of the schools'
achievement. "Through the assistance of Industry Canada
and local community partners, these schools will be using state-of-the-art
technology to provide distance learning and related training
opportunities..."
The unique project recognizes schools using information and
communications technology (ICT) in meaningful and imaginative
ways to improve learning. The network helps to ensure students,
educators and community members are prepared for the challenges
and opportunities of ICT for learning. The distinction provides
federal government grants of $10,000 a year for each school for
up to three years.
South Grenville Computer Technology teacher Kevin Gray said
the technology will enhance student learning opportunities and
create new possibilities, while having fun. Students will also
be able to plan and develop innovative technology-based projects
together, share guest speakers, take advantage of distance learning
and tutoring and teachers can be involved in training workshops.
As well, "the potential is huge to develop good, positive
relationships between schools."
Among the technology's applications is a sharing of knowledge,
resources and files. "Our kids are now getting a chance
to showcase their work to a wider audience," Gray said.
"This opens up a whole other world for us, where... we can
communicate real time by video with anybody who can pick up our
signal. We share our success stories, we share our problems and
resources with schools in B.C. and Quebec and other schools around
the country."
The students are also able to take the technology into their
other classes, Gray said, by using computer applications in English,
construction technology and math studies, for example.
The technology means students are provided with a safe environment
with which to explore the technology world, Gray said. "We
look at it as a positive challenge here."
Gray expects local students may have a leading edge and jump
over students who do not have the technology, and will prepare
them well for the future. "I think it pushes our kids forward.
The teachers are embracing it; the kids are moving way up the
ladder here, and the whole school is becoming very innovative
in the way we use computers and technology."
The federal funding is an acknowledgment South Grenville is
doing some great things, Gray commented. "We want to put
our kids ahead with technology and we're always willing to try
new and innovative things. We've gotten a big pat on the back
from the federal government. We think it's a real feather in
our cap."
"Through partnerships like this, schools are able to
further their efforts in technology development," said SGDHS
Principal Brenda Ramsay. "Industry Canada's $10,000 annual
grant, through matching funds, allows us to buy equipment and
further our technology efforts."
There are 85 schools across the country that belong to the
network of innovative schools. About 30 schools are granted the
distinction each year. The SchoolNet project represents more
than a $300,000 contribution by Industry Canada (since its inception
in 2000) to the eduction system.
Leeds-Grenville MP Joe Jordan noted the federal government
is committed to investing in information technology and preparing
"the generations of tomorrow for 21st-century jobs."
Video link connects students in Prescott and Kemptville
By Monica Whitney
Journal Staff Writer
THIS WEEK
Runciman is Ontario's new security chief
TORONTO - Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman has a new job as
a result of a provincial cabinet shuffle Monday.
Ontario's new premier, Ernie Eves, appointed Runciman minister
of public safety and security. The local MPP had been serving
as minister of economic development and trade.
The new portfolio is a combination of security, corrections
and solicitor general.
Jim Flaherty, runner-up to Eves in the recent Progressive
Conservative party leadership race, was appointed minister of
enterprise, opportunity and innovation a combination of
the former economic development and trade, and science and technology
portfolios.
Community clean-up set for waterfront area
PRESCOTT -A waterfront clean-up led by South Grenville District
High School will take place this Sunday, April 21.
Participants are being asked to meet at 9 am in the parking
lot near the municipal dock. Everyone in the community is invited
to attend. The clean-up is scheduled to end at noon.
For more information, contact Jane at The Gift Lane (925-4991).
April 22 is Earth Day.
Federal grant available for town rescue boat
PRESCOTT - The town's application for federal funding for
a marine rescue vessel has been approved.
A Joint Emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP) grant of $25,000
is available to the municipality; the town was notified of the
approval earlier this month by Emergency Measures Ontario.
The Prescott Fire Department asked council last summer to
apply for rescue boat funding; council was told the total cost
of the project was about $90,000. The firefighters would raise
a large portion of the money needed to cover the municipal share
of project funding.
Council voted Monday to refer the JEPP decision to town budget
deliberations now under way. The town has yet to make a final
decision to proceed with the project.
Buddy Holly tribute will benefit United Way
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - A benefit concert for the local United
Way chapter will take place later this month in Brockville.
"Buddy Holly Live" will rock the joint Saturday,
April 27 at 8 pm at Brockville Collegiate Institute on Pearl
Street East.
Tickets are available in Prescott at Doyle's on King Street
West, as well as in Brockville and Gananoque. Ticket holders
are eligible to win a pair of sapphire/diamond earrings; the
draw will take place during intermission.
For more information, call the United Way of Leeds and Grenville
office at 342-8889.
Spencerville Mill Foundation seeks to raise funds for preservation
work
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
SPENCERVILLE - The old stone mill on the banks of the South
Nation River in Spencerville will be guided for the next year
by a board of directors elected this month.
The Spencerville Mill Foundation board includes Chair Ted
Barnard and directors J.P. Connell, Tony Ferrey, Allan Gillis,
Lyle Henderson, Bill Hooper, Brad Hubbard, Geri Kamenz, Frank
Noccey, Brian Purcell, Bill Woodhead and honourary directors
Earl Connell, Eric Baker and Tim Hemsley.
It will be a busy year for the board to raise sufficient funds
to continue restoration work at the mill, explained Barnard,
whose family owned the mill from 1903 to 1974. It was later turned
over to the South Nation River Conservation Authority, and in
1999 the foundation was formed to become owner of the mill.
Among the work to be completed this year is roofing, stone
work on the foundation and the seed room, concrete flooring work
in the basement and window glazing and installation. Washrooms
and a wheelchair accessible ramp remain on the foundation's wish
list and will be completed if money is available, Barnard said.
"What we can afford to do will remain to be seen."
Continuing activities at the mill that help raise funds, interest
and awareness in the restoration project include art and quilting
shows and sales and a spring fishing derby. New ideas are a barbecue,
breakfasts, bake sale, "or whatever we can mange to come
up with to raise money," Barnard said.
The mill will be open for public tours and special group tours
from May 24 until Labour Day. Hours will be extended if the foundation,
a non-profit charitable organization, is able to hire a summer
student and is accepted for Ontario Works assistance.
Among the items on display in the mill museum is original
mill equipment, including belt lacers, pulleys, grinders, scales,
bagging machines and stencils, and carpentry, mechanic and household
tools and farming implements. There is a landscaped picnic area
on site. Barnard also hopes to have a blacksmith display set
up this year.
The Spencerville Mill is the last remaining mill structure
on the South Nation River. Last October, the foundation was awarded
the Grenville County Historical Society award of merit for its
efforts in preserving the historic landmark.
Work begins at site of new Canadian Tire
Large garden centre among features of bigger store
PRESCOTT - Work has begun on the site of the new Canadian
Tire store slated for Prescott Centre Drive near the Ontario
Provincial Police station.
The new store, which will replace the existing outlet on Churchill
Road at Edward Street, is expected to be open by this fall.
In addition to having more than 17,500 square feet of retail
space, the new store featuring Canadian Tire's new "Next
Generation" format will include a 10,000-square-foot garden
centre and five-bay auto service centre and on-site propane filling
station. There will also be specialty automotive, hardware, kitchenplace,
sporting goods and home improvement "stores-within-a-store."
"We're really excited about bringing our Next Generation
retail store format to Prescott," stated Dominique Pressault,
owner and operator of the Canadian Tire outlet in Prescott, in
a news release.
Construction of the new store is expected to create work for
about 100 tradespeople; many of those workers will be from the
Prescott area, according to Canadian Tire.
The new store will create about 30 new retail positions.
The Prescott project is part of Canadian Tire's national store
expansion program launched in 1994. More than 250 newly-designed
stores are already open; up to 350 other associate stores are
to be replaced.
The FAI commercial development on Prescott Centre Drive will
also feature a large grocery store belonging to the Loblaws family
of retailers.
PRESCOTT POLICE
Man injured when car hits front of store
PRESCOTT - A man sustained minor leg injuries when a car struck
the front of the Canadian Tire store last Thursday.
A 73-year-old woman from Iroquois entered the parking lot
and was attempting to park the 1997 Mazda she was driving when
her foot slipped off the brake and onto the gas pedal. The vehicle
left the parking area and crashed through the glass area near
the exit door. The 34-year-old Prescott man who was standing
in the vestibule at the time of the accident was hit on his right
leg by flying glass.
Damage to the vehicle was estimated at about $1,000; the building
and some items displayed inside the vestibule sustained substantial
damage, police noted in a news release. No charges were laid.
In all, town police investigated 57 general incidents and
five motor vehicle accidents between April 7 and April 14. As
part of the spring seat belt campaign, Prescott police checked
more than 300 vehicles for seat belt violations April 14. One
person was charged for not wearing a seat belt; five warnings
for minor traffic violations were issued.
The glass in the front door of a business on the north side
of King Street West between Centre and George streets was shattered
April 12 at about 2:45 am. Damage was estimated at $400.
Also on April 12, town police investigated an assault complaint
involving a 22-year-old man. A 32-year-old man was charged with
assault and is to appear in Brockville court. The victim was
not injured.
A swastika was painted on a garage at a George Street residence;
police investigated this case of wilful damage April 12.
One 12-hour licence suspension was issued April 11 as town
police checked 70 vehicles during a RIDE check at various locations.
Anyone with information on offences in town is asked to call
the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-8477.
Traffic lights will return to normal
PRESCOTT - Traffic signals at the intersection of King and
St. Lawrence streets will revert to normal operations May 18,
town council decided Monday.
Flashing yellow and red lights have been in place since last
fall. Regular green, yellow and red signals will return during
the Victoria Day weekend and stay until Labour Day. Some councillors
noted normal operations should coincide with those of the nearby
municipal pool; it was also noted flashing lights have proven
to be popular with many motorists.
Mayor Robert Lawn said council should think of the children
who use the intersection to get to and from the waterfront area.
"Not everyone drives," he remarked.
Council opted last year to activate flashing lights because
of complaints the regular signals unnecessarily interrupted traffic
flow on King Street.
Fort Wellington comes out on top in provincial attractions
competition
PRESCOTT - Fort Wellington has been named the top attraction
of national or international interest in Ontario as part of Attractions
Canada's 2002 awards.
The provincial and territorial award winners were announced
last Wednesday. Created in 1997, Attractions Canada is a national
information program; the organization is a partnership involving
the federal government, the media and the private sector. The
aim of the program is to encourage Canadians to become more interested
in attractions with cultural or education value. Those attractions
include parks, museums, historic sites and sporting events.
Fort Wellington National Historic Site is owned and operated
by Parks Canada. Elizabeth Pilon, chief of visitor activities
at the fort, said she and other staff at the site are delighted
it was chosen the Ontario winner.
"Our biggest asset is Fort Wellington is one of the best
preserved historic sites in Canada," Pilon added.
She also noted it was exciting for a smaller facility like
the fort to receive an award of this nature. This is the first
year Fort Wellington has submitted an application to the awards
program now in its fourth year.
Douglas Chow, project manager with Attractions Canada, told
The Journal the Ontario jury considered such things as
promotional policy, economic impact and community outreach as
it reviewed applications.
Other categories for which winners are chosen include natural
outdoor site, cultural event and leisure and amusement centre.
Provincial and territorial winners qualify for the national
competition. A national jury will select the winners to be announced
at an Attractions Canada gala May 30 in Edmonton. The five-member
jury is now in the process of reviewing the finalists, Chow said
last Wednesday.
The fort has been invited to send a representative to the
Edmonton gala, according to Pilon.
Additional information on the award winners is available on
the Attractions Canada Web site: www.attractionscanada.com.
INS resumes program for Canadian boaters
WASHINGTON - A program that allows boaters access into the
United States for recreational purposes has been resumed by the
American Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
The Canadian Border Boat Landing Program was suspended by
the INS after the terrorist attacks of last September. Due to
enhanced security measures along the Canada-U.S. border, both
the Canadian Border Boat Landing Permits (Form I-68) and the
Outlying Area Reporting Stations (OARS) programs have been modified
for the 2002 boating season.
Under the Form I-68 system, applicants for admission into
the U.S. by small pleasure boats are inspected and issued a single
boating permit for the entire boating season. This permit allows
them to enter the U.S. from Canada for recreational purposes
without the need to report to the INS for further inspection.
According to a news release from the INS, only the current
Form I-68 will be accepted this season - the form will not be
renewable by mail. Each applicant must appear in person for inspection,
interview and a name query against the Interagency Border Inspection
System (IBIS).
Boaters not in possession of a valid Form I-68 must either
report in person for inspection at a port-of-entry or utilize
one of the 33 OARS videophone stations each time they apply for
admission to the U.S.
Under the OARS program, videophones installed at public marinas
along the border provide an automated inspection service enabling
two-way visual and audio communication between the inspector
and the applicant for admission.
OARS videophones are located at the Edwin Dobisky Recreation
Building City Marina in Ogdensburg and the public town dock in
Morristown.
For more information on the northern border small boat inspections
program, visit the INS Web site at www.ins.gov or call a local
port-of-entry.
Expansion plan could mean 50 new jobs
PRESCOTT - A local company is considering a major expansion
of its operations.
Prescott Finishing has received approval from town council
to amend a site plan agreement and construct a 15,000-square-foot
addition for its Walker Street property.
Rene Natola, vice-president of finance, told The Journal
Monday the company is "proceeding very cautiously"
with its plan. The building has limited capacity for its fabric
dying and finishing operations.
"There's no room to grow," he said.
Natola said expansion would create a demand for more workers.
As many as 40 to 50 additional workers would be needed depending
on the machines that would be set up in the expanded facility,
he noted.
Natola acknowledged the textile industry is going through
tough times; the prospect of tariffs being removed from products
coming into Canada is leading to rationalization in the industry.
If the addition were to be built in Prescott, construction
would take about two months to complete. Natola said work could
begin in July if all goes according to plan.
Prescott council approved the site plan adjustment April 3.
Councillor Garry Dewar said it was "a good news piece of
legislation" that could bring additional employment and
tax revenue to the town.
Prescott Finishing has an existing workforce of about 80,
according to Natola.
Liberals to select local candidate
PRESCOTT - The Leeds Grenville Provincial Liberal Association
will meet this Sunday at South Grenville District High School
to select its candidate for the next provincial election.
The meeting begins at 1:30 pm. Voting is scheduled to begin
at 2:30 pm and close no earlier than 4 pm. The declared candidates
are Don Cameron, Stephen Mazurek and John Shepherd.
For more information, call (613) 923-5355, 342-8937, 258-3032
or 275-2665.
Highway 416 bridge repairs will result in
lane reductions
NORTH GRENVILLE - Lane reductions on Highway 416 northbound
will be in effect as repairs are made to two freeway bridges.
The Ontario government announced Friday repairs totalling
about $1.9 million would be made to the Rideau River bridge north
of Kemptville and the CPR overhead bridge north of County Road
44. Repairs will include installation of new concrete barrier
walls on both bridges.
Work begins this spring and is to be completed later this
fall. Northbound traffic will be reduced to one lane at both
bridges while construction is under way.
Roadside clean-up is this Saturday
MAYNARD - The Grenville Fish and Game Club Youth Association
will be conducting a roadside clean-up Saturday, April 20 along
county and township roads in the Maynard area.
Volunteers are to meet just before 8 am at the club on North
Campbell Road; the clean-up is scheduled to end at 4 pm. For
more information or to register, contact Chase Holmes at 925-3408.
Food bank forms board of directors
Prescott location considered for South Grenville facility
SPENCERVILLE - A South Grenville food bank is one step closer
to becoming a reality.
The Food For All board of directors was elected Thursday at
a public meeting held at township hall in Spencerville.
Heather MacKay-Kelso was elected board chairperson; Neil Dufour
is vice-chair.
Several other board members were also elected. All three municipalities
to be served by the food bank Augusta, Prescott and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal
are represented.
With a board of directors now in place, the organization is
applying for incorporation. The food bank will be its own entity
and will not be affiliated with any particular church or service
group. Obtaining charitable status is also in the works.
Until such status is granted, "Food For All" cannot
issue tax receipts to donors. The steering committee has been
negotiating with the owner of a building on Henry Street in Prescott;
as part of a proposed lease, the owner would obtain a tax receipt
in lieu of rental payments.
The committee asked Prescott council to consider signing a
lease and issuing a tax receipt which would be transferred to
the food bank once it is incorporated and a registered charity.
The request was discussed by council during a closed-door
session April 8. Steering committee member and Prescott Councillor
Garry Dewar told food bank organizers Thursday council members
had various reasons for turning down the request.
"It was shot down instantly," he said.
Although several members of the committee voiced concern's
about council's response and what they see as a lack of support,
they opted to pursue another arrangement for use of the property.
Dewar believes the property being considered is "ideal,"
and he is confident an arrangement with the owner can be made.
"I'm sure we can work out another deal," he said.
Town officials noted during a media question period at Monday's
council meeting there were some concerns about the location;
Councillor Jim French said the town did not want to act as a
third party in any lease arrangement.
"I don't see it as a lack of support," Mayor Robert
Lawn said of council's decision.
The steering committee will continue to work towards a planned
September opening for the food bank. The board of directors will
eventually take over and oversee day-to-day operations.
The Food For All steering committee and board of directors
will meet Friday, April 26 at 4 pm at St. Paul's United Church
in Prescott.
Fisheries and oceans department marks official
launches of district office
PRESCOTT - The Prescott Department of Fisheries and Oceans
(DFO) office held an open house Friday afternoon to mark its
official opening.
Although it has been in operation since August of 1999, the
office hosted the event to make partners, stakeholders, ministries
and municipalities aware of its services, its role and its impact
on Eastern Ontario fish habitats.
"It's the official launch of the district office,"
said Prescott District Manager Spencer Martin. "We've been
working here... for more than two years, but it was important
to us to get involved and to be known around the district."
The Prescott office, located in the Canadian Coast Guard Base
on King Street, is responsible for all of Eastern Ontario - its
boundaries extend from Belleville eastward to the Quebec border
and north along the Ottawa River to Holden Lake near Mattawa.
The DFO reviews projects in or near water to assess the potential
for damage to fish and fish habitat. Projects under review range
from docks and shoreline protection works proposed by individual
landowners to major highways and hydroelectric development.
The office's biologists provide guidance to developers and
the public on ways to avoid or minimize damage to fish habitat
and, when necessary, to develop suitable fish habitat compensation
measures.
"We are part of a regulatory program to manage and protect
fish habitat," Martin said. "We ensure people doing
work around water are assessed and in compliance with regulations,
to ensure no net loss of fish habitat."
Leeds-Grenville MP Joe Jordan and Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn
were among the dignitaries that attended the open house.
"It's a piece of federal infrastructure... and it's important
what they're doing," Jordan said. "The economic well-being
of this area is quite reliant on water."
The office employs 12 people, something Jordan felt was notable.
"It used to be seven people in Burlington running the
(fisheries and oceans) show," he said. "Over the past
two years, the federal government through the DFO has increased
the number of positions across Ontario from seven to 110."
The Canadian government took over enforcement of the Fisheries
Act from the Province of Ontario in 1999.
Police agencies begin annual seat belt enforcement
campaign in South Grenville
GRENVILLE COUNTY - Wearing a seat belt is not an option, according
to police.
Members of the Grenville County detachment of the Ontario
Provincial Police (OPP), the Prescott Police Service and other
law enforcement agencies in the province began a two-week seat
belt campaign Saturday. The annual spring campaign is a mix of
enforcement and education. Officers will be diligently checking
vehicles to ensure compliance with provincial regulations.
Studies show proper use of seat belts reduces injuries and
deaths in traffic accidents, according to police. "Some
drivers and passengers still don't seem to understand wearing
your seat belt can save your life in a collision," states
Inspector Bryan Pollard, manager of traffic and marine operations
for the OPP in Eastern Ontario.
Although public awareness campaigns and enforcement initiatives
have led to increased seat belt use, some drivers and passengers
continue to break the law by failing to buckle up.
OPP officers checked more than 700,000 vehicles during the
spring 2001 campaign, including more than 56,000 in eastern region.
More than 14,200 individuals in Ontario were charged for not
wearing their seat belts; an additional 295 charges stemmed from
children not being properly secured in approved child restraint
systems.
"It's simply unbelievable some people allow themselves
and their loved ones to be in vehicles on the highway without
taking such a simple safety measure," Pollard states.
"Don't buckle up because it's the law; do it to save
a life."
Alternative school offers training
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The T.R. Leger School of Adult, Alternative
and Continuing Education is offering a Laubach tutor training
session next month for people interested in volunteering to help
adults learn basic math, spelling, reading, grammar and other
related skills.
Volunteers meet one-on-one with a student for at least three
hours each week. The program can be rewarding for both student
and tutor. Volunteers are required to hand in a resume, have
an OPP check, a TB test and an interview as well as attend training.
For more information, call the school at 342-1127 and leave
a message for Marjorie.T.R. Leger is operated by the Upper Canada
District School Board.
March of Dimes walk set for May 4
BROCKVILLE - They'll be marching for adults with physical
disabilities early next month.
The ninth annual march presented by the Ontario March of Dimes
in conjunction with the Brockville Rifles and The Point 103.7
will take place Saturday, May 4 in Brockville. Participants in
the five-kilometre walk collect pledges for each km marched.
Proceeds from the march will be used for services and programs
for adults with physical disabilities. This year's goal is to
raise $5,000 from the march.
For more information, contact the local office of the March
of Dimes at 6 Glenwood Place, Unit 6 in Brockville (342-1935).
Pledge sheets are available at the office and at the Brockville
Armoury.
SCHOOL SCENE
BOUNDARY STREET PUBLIC SCHOOL - The photographer will be here
this Thursday, April 18 to take Grade 8 grad photos.
Hot lunch this Friday is KFC.
CENTENNIAL '67/NORTH EDWARDSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOL Junior
students at Centennial '67 will take part in Jump Rope for Heart
Thursday, April 18. (Rain date is Friday, April 19.)
Several junior students will attend the Young Authors' Conference
in Brockville Friday, April 19.
Primary students at North Edwardsburgh are taking orders for
cookie/muffin dough and jam to raise funds for the playground.
There will be a schoolyard improvement meeting Monday, April
22 at 7 pm at NEPS. Parents are very welcome to attend.
CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOL - Our junior teams will travel to Smiths
Falls Wednesday, April 17 to play exhibition basketball.
Central will host a junior basketball tournament Saturday,
April 20 at South Grenville District High School.
The hot lunch this week is hamburgers.
Our students will be looking for pledges for Jump Rope or
Hoops for Heart. Our event dates are May 1 and May 2.
ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL - Our MS Read-a-thon is well under
way, and we ask parents to support this literacy initiative which
also helps others. Last year we raised $1971.10 for multiple
sclerosis. The campaign will end April 25.
Another exciting initiative will take place this week when
Mary Shaw, author of Brady! Brady!, Does a presentation for our
grades 1 to 3 students.
Please be reminded the Religious Goods counter will be open
at masses this weekend to enable purchase of First Communion
and Confirmation items.
Star Strategy this week is "Five Finger Rule," and
next week we'll introduce "Read and Do."
Hot lunch this week is hamburgers; next week is pizza.
Please return the note which tells us you are aware of early
dismissal (11:45 am) April 26.
Rusty Milkers hold first meeting
By Tristan Jensen
On April 11, we held the first meeting of the year for the
Grenville 4-H Calf Club.
The meeting was held in the new Grenville Fish & Game
Club facilities on Campbell Road.
We elected to name our club the Rusty Milkers. Our club has
approximately 19 members, two adult leaders and one youth leader.
We mainly set up a schedule for the year and elected our officers.
We then made arrangements for the next meeting.
There will be more to follow as the year progresses, and don't
forget we always welcome new members for next year.
Free trees will be available at information
sessions
MAYNARD - Educational sessions to promote the proper planting
and care of trees will be held at various locations in Augusta
Township Saturday, May 11.
The township is organizing the "tree day" with grants
received from an ice storm restoration fund in co-operation with
the South Nation Conservation Authority.
Each session will begin at 10 am at the Roebuck ball park,
North Augusta ball park, Maitland hall and in Maynard, where
the site is still to be determined. At each location, 25 trees
will be given away.
Tree specialists at the sites will demonstrate soil prepartion,
fertilization, planting and follow-up care, said chair of the
recreation and ball committee and Councillor Kathleen Thur, who
helped organize the tree day.
The sessions conclude a three-year tree restoration program
in the township.
OPP BRIEFS
Deer involved in most motor vehicle accidents
SOUTH GRENVILLE - Seven of the nine motor vehicle collisions
investigated by Grenville County OPP officers between April 8
and April 14 involved deer. Minor injuries were sustained in
one of the vehicle/deer collisions, according to a weekly news
release.
The annual spring seat belt campaign began last weekend. OPP
officers in the area conducted three spot checks; no charges
were laid, but three warnings were issued.
Drug count added to drinking and driving charges
AUGUSTA - Grenville County OPP officers stopped three vehicles
on County Road 2 April 11 at about 3:40 am. Two of the drivers
were under the influence of alcohol and were arrested, according
to police. During a search of one of the drivers, a quantity
of a substance which appeared to be consistent with cocaine was
found. Joshua Gilson, 24, of Prescott was charged with possession
of a controlled substance and operating a motor vehicle while
exceeding the legal blood alcohol limit. Luke Goldsmith, 24,
of Augusta was also charged with operating a motor vehicle while
exceeding the legal blood alcohol limit. Constable Jason Butcher
is the investigating officer.
Town will put surplus items on the block next
month
PRESCOTT - Everything must go!
That will be the pitch next month when the Town of Prescott
holds a sale of its surplus assets.
Council agreed last week to proceed with the sale which has
been tentatively scheduled for May 25 at the Leo Boivin Community
Centre.
Tables, chairs and desks are among the surplus items to be
sold. There will also be materials from municipal public works
and recreation operations that are no longer required by the
town.
Amnesty Day to be held at landfill
MAYNARD - Amnesty Day at the Maynard landfill site will be
held Saturday, April 27 for Augusta Township residents only.
Each household can deposit up to two white goods (such as
a large appliance) and four tires into the landfill site free
of charge.
Smoking bylaw will
be subject of public consultation process
PRESCOTT - Town officials are considering options for a public
consultation process on the subject of a no-smoking bylaw.
Municipalities in Leeds and Grenville are being asked by the
district health unit to implement bylaws to ban smoking in indoor
public places including offices, recreation facilities, restaurants
and bars.
Mayor Robert Lawn said the Prescott and District Chamber of
Commerce may wish to assist with such a process; the chamber
of commerce in Brockville is partnering with the city as part
of its consultation process, Lawn noted.
There has been no indication as to when any public meetings
will be held, although it is believed the process will begin
later this spring.
Directors of the chamber discussed the proposed bylaw last
month. Although some directors voiced their opposition to such
a bylaw, the group decided not to take a formal position for
or against the bylaw.
Health unit officials made their pitch to Prescott and Augusta
councils earlier this month.
Town officials consider
modified renovation plan
PRESCOTT - Cuts can be made to plans to renovate the Dibble
Street municipal building, Eastern Engineering officials told
town council Monday.
The company that produced renovation options for the town
presented a review of those options Prescott council was considering
last summer before deciding not to award a contract.
The lowest of five bids received came in at $1.3 million;
a scaled-down version of the renovation plan would have cost
between $825,000 and $850,000.
When asked if further cuts could be made, Eastern Engineering
officials said it was possible. However, they suggested council
retender the project. Council would probably get a fairer price
than if it were to go back to the same contractor that submitted
the low bid, town officials were told.
The proposal would see heating and electrical replacement
as well as a new roof for the three-storey building. The library
would not receive major renovations as part of the scaled-down
renovation plan.
The consultants also noted the town should include a contingency
of at least 10 per cent. Town officials were asked to consider
setting a budget before making a decision on the Dibble Street
option.
Council agreed to discuss the renovation option as part of
ongoing budget deliberations. A budget meeting was held last
night; two more sessions are planned for next Monday and Wednesday
evening at the health centre.
Municipal offices were relocated to 920 Edward Street nearly
a year ago.
Breakfast meeting
PRESCOTT - The Seaway Men's Ecumenical Group will host its
next meeting this Saturday, April 20 at 8 am at St. Paul's United
Church. The all-you-can-eat breakfast will feature sausage, pancakes
and maple syrup. The guest speaker will be Reverend Michael Pollesel.
Tickets will be available at the door; all are welcome to
attend.
Businesses can participate in career fair
BROCKVILLE - Information about employment and career options
will be available at the YouthWorks Ultimate Career and Skilled
Trades Fair Wednesday, May 15 at the Brockville Memorial Centre.
Local businesses interested in displaying information about
their companies can contact organizers Elizabeth Francis or Wendy
Onstein at 345-0660, ext. 3259.
The second annual event is being organized by Human Resources
Development Canada, St. Lawrence College, the Lennox and Addington,
Frontenac, Leeds and Grenville Training Board and the Ministry
of Training, Colleges and Universities.
This year's fair will include representatives from the skilled
trades as well as local businesses, Onstein said.
While the fair is called YouthWorks, anyone in the community
is welcome and will benefit from the information to assist in
making employment decisions, she said.
The career and trades fair will be held from 9 am to 6 pm.
An Internet café will also be on site.
Galaxy of Stars shine for VON
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - The "Galaxy of Stars" will
be presented Saturday, May 11 at 7 pm at the Brockville Arts
Centre.
Scheduled to perform at the fundraiser are the Andrews Family
known for its unique playing of old-time fiddle, Celtic and bluegrass
music; Tom Wilson and His Western All-stars; the Rideau Mellowdears,
a male chorus; and Rival Currants, a teenage band that won last
year's Colonel Bill Watson Memorial Cup at the Brockville Legion's
talent show.
Tickets for this event can be purchased at the Brockville
Arts Centre box office. For more information, contact Penny White
at 342-4076.
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