Prime minister visits Spencerville area
Jean Chrétien announces major agriculture plan
at Ventnor Road farm
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
VENTNOR - A multi-billion dollar plan to boost the Canadian
agriculture industry and make the sector a world leader was unveiled
Thursday morning at a Ventnor Road farm near Spencerville.
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and Agriculture Minister
Lyle Vanclief visited the 850-acre farm of Geri and Heather Kamenz
to make the announcement the Government of Canada would inject
$5.2 billion in new investments into agriculture over the next
six years.
With expected participation from the provinces, the total
package is worth $8.18 billion for food safety and quality, environmentally
responsible production and innovation.
The announcement was an "important step forward in implementing
our government's 21st century agenda," Chrétien said
at the Kamenz farm. "The new agriculture policy framework
for Canada is bold, it is forward looking, it combines a substantially
new long-term investment by the government of Canada..."
This is a strategic framework that "will enable our farmers
to take the steps necessary to make the maple leaf a global trademark
of excellence in agriculture and agri-food in the 21st century,"
Chrétien said.
The long-term vision and plan will also mean an investment
of $1.2 billion in short-term assistance to help farmers deal
with challenges such as drought, and to help them bridge a more
effective risk management program in the future. The new investment
is in addition to existing income support.
The government's "agenda is about maximizing opportunity
for all Canadians; about investing in their hopes and in their
dreams," Chretien said.
The president of the Grenville Federation of Agriculture (GFA),
Adrian Wynands, said farmers have been working a long time to
obtain a multi-year commitment from the government. The plan
will put stability into the market for financially distressed
farmers in this area, he said.
The new policy will be particularly beneficial for local cash-croppers
who have been hard-hit by mother nature in recent years, said
Wynands, a North Augusta-area farmer.
He noted the Ontario government's farmer distress line registered
the highest number of suicide calls ever this year. Farmers have
been borrowing against the equity in their farms just to pay
the previous year's debts and to plant this year's crops, creating
tremendous stress, Wynands said. It means farmers "don't
have to beg for help to save the farm. They can keep going for
another year."
Farmers won't get rich with this new cost-of-production safety
net, Wynands said. They will be basically "working for free,
but they won't lose the farm."
The GFA represents about 600 farmers.
Agriculture is a $130-billion industry in Canada. Vanclief
noted the comprehensive plan will help strengthen the long-term
profitability of the industry and insure consumers around the
world recognize Canada has the best agri-food products in the
world.
This is the first time in history Canada has had this type
of long-term agricultural policy, Vanclief said. This plan will
help to better meet consumer demands throughout the world, and
make Canada the world leader in areas of food safety, quality,
environmentally responsible production and innovation, the minister
said.
Local family has less than 24 hours to prepare
for the arrival of PM
VENTNOR - It's not every day the Prime Minister of Canada
comes to have a casual chat in your livingroom.
But the Kamenz family seemed to handle the situation as if
Jean Chrétien were a neighbourhood farmer who just wanted
to talk about the weather and how the corn was doing.
The 850-acre mixed farming operation on Ventnor Road near
Spencerville owned by Geri and Heather Kamenz was chosen by the
Government of Canada to announce the new $5.2-billion federal
agriculture policy intended to put more security into the hands
of farmers.
"This is a sincere privilege that will only come along
once a lifetime," Geri said. "We're very grateful you
chose our small community to deliver the good news."
Geri and Heather, along with their children Erika, 13, and
Zoe, 11, greeted the prime minister and Agriculture Minister
Lyle Vanclief into their 1850's farm home Thursday morning.
"I'm not walking with my feet quite on the ground,"
Geri said just moments after Chrétien departed the farm
with his aides in a fleet of black government cars. "Who
wouldn't find this mayhem exciting," he added, glancing
at how his yard and fields had been taken over for vehicle parking,
media buses, multiple camera crews, national press reporters,
security officers, stages, seating, complex speaker systems,
wires and continually-ringing cell phones.
Sporting a bright red OFA (Ontario Federation of Agriculture)
cap, Chrétien also climbed aboard a tractor, surveyed
the fields and made note of the teamwork of various parties -
including Leeds-Grenville MP Joe Jordan - to bring together the
agricultural policy.
Jordan explained he suggested the Kamenz farm location to
announce the policy and lobbied for its selection, although he
said he did not take part in the final decision.
Jordan said farms had been scouted for about two weeks prior
to the visit, and farms were then physically visited one week
prior. Being the House of Commons is still sitting, the farm
had to be within close proximity to Ottawa, Jordan said.
Security was the top priority in site selection, and the RCMP
had to approve the farm even before any politicians became involved,
the MP explained. "As Geri said, all his neighbours yesterday
thought he was being busted for marijuana growing," Jordan
quipped.
Geri Kamenz said the RCMP surveyed the farm and addressed
security concerns the afternoon before he hosted the prime minister's
visit. The media was informed the evening before the announcement.
The Kamenz farm, known as Buckstop Farms, includes a small
cow-calf and feed-lot farm and a specialized intensive hog operation.
The core of the farm remains its grains and oilseed acreage.
The family farms corn, soybeans, small grains and hay. Most of
the corn is grown for the processing market, and the soybeans
are grown under contracts for seed production and export contracts.
The remaining soybeans are grown for the domestic crushing market
for products such as margarine and soybean oil.
As well, Heather works full time as a nurse and Geri is involved
in a number of agriculture associations, including the OFA, Canadian
Federation of Agriculture and Canadian Agri-food Research Council.
Augusta Township roads superintendent resigns
MAYNARD - Augusta Township is now without its two top administrators.
Reeve George Vail confirmed Tuesday roads superintendent Keith
Couture had handed in his resignation; his last day was Friday.
Couture had been employed by the township since Nov. 2000.
His resignation follows closely on the heels of CAO Nigel
White, who resigned from his position last month to take a job
with the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. White has not
yet been replaced, although the township has received applications
and started interviews.
Couture has taken the roads superintendent position with the
City of Peterborough. Vail said Couture had indicated to him
the reasons for leaving the township were financial, the desire
for greater challenge on the job, and wanting to free himself
of the negativity that has dogged the township for more than
a year.
Under Couture's guidance, Vail said, the roads department
is "top notch" and second to none. "It's the best
public works department we've ever had, and we don't have to
take a back seat to anybody. Council is sorry to see him go."
Couture's departure is the latest in a string of resignations
in the last year. Besides White, chief building official Greg
Trizisky left in January, and deputy reeve Morris Stark resigned
last fall.
The roads position is being posted internally this week, Vail
said. If there are no successful applicants, it will be posted
publicly.
Churchill Road project to begin this summer
PRESCOTT - The much-needed reconstruction of a portion of
Churchill Road will likely begin in a matter of weeks, according
to town officials.
Council gave the green light to proceed with the project at
a closed-door session that followed a regular meeting June 17.
Mayor Robert Lawn called reporters the next morning to inform
them of council's decision.
The subject was raised again Monday during a committee-of-the-whole
meeting. The mayor noted making the decision during the closed
session was an error; the decision needed to be finalized at
an open meeting.
Cornwall Gravel will be the main contractor on the project.
The company submitted the low bid last year and agreed earlier
this year to do the job at that price. The total of just under
$600,000 will see reconstruction of the roadbed between Edward
and Boundary streets as well as storm sewers, catch basins and
some sidewalk improvements.
Cornwall Gravel is also the contractor hired by the town to
build Prescott Centre Drive, the road connecting Edward Street
and the commercial development east of the Ontario Provincial
Police station. Although town officials were unable on Monday
to offer a precise timeframe for the Churchill project, they
did note work would be underway this summer.
"We're prepared to move ahead," Councillor Garry
Dewar said.
Councillor Terry McConnell estimated construction would begin
within the next month to month and a half.
As part of the Churchill Road job, there are also plans to
make improvements to the Boundary Street railway crossing and
infrastructure under a portion of James Street. Work will include
upgrades to the street approaches on both sides of the rail lines.
THIS WEEK
Offices will be closed to mark Canada Day
PRESCOTT - The office of The Prescott Journal and St.
Lawrence Printing will be closed Monday, July 1 to observe Canada
Day.
The deadline for display and classified advertising in the
July 3 edition of The Journal is Friday, June 28 at noon.
The office will reopen Tuesday, July 2 at 8 am.
Banks, government offices and many retailers in the Prescott
area will also be closed next Monday.
Police make second drug bust in two weeks
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The second major drug bust in South Grenville
in less than two weeks netted marijuana and hashish with an estimated
street value of $58,000.
Members of the Leeds and Grenville crime unit of the Ontario
Provincial Police executed a search warrant last Thursday at
a residence on Buckwheat Road near Groveton in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal
Township. Marijuana seized at the scene had an approximate street
value of $50,000; hashish valued at $8,000 was also seized by
police.
Morris Bukacz, 42, of Edwardsburgh-Cardinal Township, was
charged with possession of a controleed substance for the purpose
of trafficking. He is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 2.
Marijuana, two prohibited weapons and stolen property valued
at about $10,000 was also seized by police last Thursday at a
residence near Lyn.
These two busts follow one on June 11 on County Road 26 in
Augusta Township that netted approximately 1,500 marijuana plants
with an estimated street value of at least $400,000.
Detective Constable George Duke of the Grenville County OPP
detachment is the lead investigator.
Groups can learn more about funding sources
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE Community groups that want information
on provincial government funding opportunities and programs are
invited to attend a community forum this Friday, June 28 at the
Brockville Public Library.
Representatives from provincial ministries and the Ontario
Trillium Foundation will be on hand from 9 am until noon. A new
seniors program called "Encore" will also be represented.
The forum is being held to help guide non-profit organizations
and charities through the maze of ministries and locate the type
of support they are seeking.
Admission is free, but registration is limited to 35. The
community forum is being hosted by the United Way of Leeds and
Grenville.
To register, call 342-8889.
Early Years Centre ensures young children get the best start
in life
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT - A community resource to provide parents and caregivers
with support, encouragement and information opened in Prescott
last Wednesday.
The Ontario Early Years Centre, located at 360 King St. W.,
is part of the Ontario government's initiative to improve the
foundation for lifelong health, well being and learning for children
up to age six.
The Prescott centre - set up as a bright, sunny and comfortable
play area - is a satellite office to the main location at Commonwealth
School in Brockville. Similar Early Years Centres also opened
last week in Kemptville and Westport.
Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn, who took part in the official
opening of the centre, said he was proud to have such a valuable
resource located in the town. A veteran of the education field,
Lawn said he realized early in his career the importance of the
first six years of a child's life and how the strength of those
years are a key factor in future growth and success.
The local information and referral centre provides children
with stimulation and socialization to better prepare them for
kindergarten, explained centre team leader Gillian Edmondson.
While children are involved in a relaxing atmosphere with colourful
books, toys, arts and crafts, puzzles or drama, adults can speak
with a resource consultant for information, guidance or reassurance.
The one-stop location can also provide parents and caregivers
information about other programs and services available in the
community. Specific concerns on such topics as pregnancy, infant
development, nutrition, preschool speech and language or activities
to encourage development can be addressed at the centre.
A computer with Internet access and children's games is available,
as are early literacy activities and parenting workshops.
"We're trying to make a place where parents can get an
answer," Edmondson said. "Sometimes, they just need
to hear they're doing a good job." That validation can help
boost a parent's self esteem and confidence, which in turn can
positively reflect on the child's self esteem, she added.
The centre does not target a specific population, Edmondson
said. "We want to see a real mix of families," she
said. "Any parent needs some support sometimes." Often,
it is the "corporate moms," or parents in double income
situations who need the most support, she said.
The centre is operated by the community and social services
department of Leeds and Grenville. Its other outreach programs
in this area include the playgroup at St. Paul's United Church
in Prescott and St. John's United Church in Cardinal, and the
playgroup and toy library in Maitland and Spencerville.
The Early Years Centre in Prescott is open Wednesdays from
1 to 4 pm and Fridays from 9 to noon. It is expected Saturday
and evening hours will be added in September, depending on demand.
The Ontario Early Years Centres are designed to be accessible
to all families with young children regardless of where they
live in the province. More than 100 centres will be open throughout
the province by spring 2003. Government studies have indicated
the first six years of a child's life have the most important
influence of any time in the life cycle on brain development
and subsequent learning, behaviour and health.
GCC draw winner considers his options
Worker at DuPont Maitland can pick house or $100,000
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
MAITLAND - It is always good to have choices, something Doug
Nugent knows all too well.
The controller at the DuPont Canada site in Maitland is the
grand prize winner in Grenville Christian College's 2002 Super
Lotta Grand Draw. Nugent gets to choose his prize: a house in
Gananoque valued at $230,000, or $100,000 cash plus one of five
vehicles including a Mercedes and a Jaguar convertible.
"I kept saying I don't believe it," Nugent noted
Friday when he recalled being informed of his big win. "It
took a while to sink in."
Nugent, 47, lives in Morrisburg with his wife Kathy and their
two children: Karla, 17, and Kent, 14.
This is the first time in recent years the grand prize winner
lived in the area, according to GCC Director of Business and
Operations, Bill Bayles.
Nugent's winning ticket (#220) was one of more than 10,500
tickets sold this year. The draw is the school's main fundraiser;
proceeds are used to provide scholarships for more than 50 students.
Nugent said late last week he would be giving a lot of thought
to his prize options. He expected to view the dream home early
this week. If he goes for the cash and vehicle, Nugent would
likely choose the Chevrolet Trail Blazer.
Teresa Jansman, manager of the grand draw, said there is no
real time limit in place for Nugent to make his decision.
About the biggest prize Nugent had won prior to last week
had been a watch and blanket in the 2001 GCC draw. He had more
or less put this year's draw out of his mind until he got the
good news call Thursday. In contrast, Jansman noted the school
received calls from hopeful ticket holders inquiring about the
outcome of the draw hours before the winning tickets had been
chosen.
John MacDonald (ticket #4400) of Selkirk, Ont. won the second
prize of $10,000. Third place and $5,000 went to Kelly Anne Rouleau
(ticket #9896) of Kingston.
The names of the approximately 2,500 prize winners will be
posted on the school's Web site (www.grenvillecc.ca). Those who
purchased a ticket will receive a list of winners and a thank-you
letter.
Even with the big win under his belt, Nugent said he will
definitely buy a ticket in next year's draw.
Celebrate Canada Day at Fort Wellington
PRESCOTT - Canada Day will have a historic look this Monday
at Fort Wellington.
A number of special activities marking this country's birthday
will be presented at the fort; admission will be free July 1.
Visitors to the fort may bring a small token representing
what Canada means to them; those items will be placed into a
time capsule to be opened on Canada's 150th birthday.
A flag-raising ceremony at noon will be followed by the serving
of Canada Day birthday cake. The winner of the waterfront "name
the trail" contest will be announced Monday at the fort;
he or she will then plant the first tree in the historic arboretum.
Rifle demonstrations and the firing of the six-pound cannon
will also mark Canada's birthday. Fort staff dressed in period
costume will demonstrate other activities such as period cooking.
Live music will be provided throughout the afternoon.
Children will be able to participate in crafts and period
games when they are enlisted into the British and learn military
drill used in mock battles. A children's mock battle will take
place at about 2:30 pm.
For more information, call Fort Wellington National Historic
Site at 925-2896.
Prescott area showcased to ministry investor group
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
SOUTH GRENVILLE - Local economic development officials are
working hard to attract business and industry to this area and
make it a priority.
Officials from Prescott, Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal
hosted a visit last Tuesday for representatives from the investment
branch of the Ministry of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation
(MEOI).
The Eastern Ontario Familiarization Tour was intended to provide
the ministry with information so it can convince investors "Ontario
is place where they should be," explained Greg Wootton,
director of the investment branch for MEOI.
This is the first time South Grenville has participated in
the tour, although the ministry tours the province yearly on
a rotation basis. MEOI is interested in making contact with local
economic development officials to better provide its clients
with site location services and give direction as to where opportunities
exist in the province. These opportunities could involve vacant
industrial building, available land and infrastructure.
"Sitting in Toronto, you don't get a good understanding
of what the rest of Ontario has to offer," Wootton said.
"Learning the (local) situation helps us so we can better
represent our clients."
Knowing the details about smaller centres like South Grenville
enables ministry officials to respond in a timely fashion to
inquires and speak first-hand, Wootton added. "It adds credibility
to ourselves and provides better service to investors."
The South Grenville portion of the familiarization tour was
part of a larger three-day tour from Cornwall to Kingston.
Among the sites visited or discussed in the local tour were
the former Cardinal municipal office, Sithe Energies, Casco,
Pirelli Cables, Port of Prescott, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, Prescott
and Augusta industrial lands, Bremm Metal Products, Trillium,
Kriska, the new Prescott shopping complex site, the former Blazing
Saddles building, DuPont, Ultramar and Nitrochem.
Judi Baril, chair of the Prescott and Area Economic Development
Committee and a host for the tour, said the ministry representatives
"were genuinely interested in the facilities" and in
the area. The tour was well-organized and seamless, Baril said,
adding she is optimistic some long-term benefits would result.
As a host for the Prescott section of the tour, Baril said
she was able to point out other sites of interest, such as Fort
Wellington, the harbour, Coast Guard and the Hathaway and Portolano
factory outlets.
Baril noted the officials also asked many questions about
the town and its lifestyle services, such as nursing homes and
high school.
Heather Lawless, executive director of Grenville Community
Futures Development Corporation (GCFDC), said the tour was a
"wonderful opportunity to showcase the community and its
assets."
It was also a chance to network and develop a working relationship
with the ministry, so it would be more inclined to keep the area
in mind when making referrals, she added. A presentation was
made on the competitive advantages of doing business in Grenville,
and a community and business profile was covered.
Others involved in the organization or hosting of the tour
were Peter Martin, councillor for Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, Bill
Buckler, councillor for Augusta, Mike O'Keefe, business development
officer for GCFDC, Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn and Prescott CAO
Andrew Brown.
Chamber members asked for input on smoking bylaw
PRESCOTT - The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce will
seek input from its members on the subject of municipal smoking
bylaws.
The chamber's board of directors voted last Thursday to conduct
a forum on the issue July 18 at their next lunch meeting.
In a letter written this spring, Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn
asked the chamber if it would be interested in hosting a public
forum in conjunction with the municipality. Prescott, Augusta,
Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and other municipalities in Leeds, Grenville
and Lanark counties are being asked by the district health unit
to enact no-smoking bylaws.
Lawn, a former president of the Chamber, said "there
must be an opportunity to address the public." In noting
some members of the Chamber would be directly affected by such
a bylaw, the mayor added it was a matter of courtesy for council
to ask the Chamber to participate in any public consultation
process.
The board voted this spring to remain neutral on the issue;
it was stated at the time the chamber would support businesses
on both sides of the debate. Chamber President Pat Dewar said
last Thursday directors were not being asked by the mayor to
take sides on the smoking bylaw issue. Dewar added chambers in
other communities have played an active role in the debate by
hosting meetings or polling their members.
Although the possibility of hosting a public forum was discussed,
the Prescott Chamber board opted to seek responses from the membership.
Health unit officials will be asked to attend the July 18
meeting tentatively set for the Legion Hall. It was noted at
the board meeting Bingo International has expressed its concerns
to Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council about a no-smoking bylaw.
Prescott Councillor Garry Dewar, a Chamber director, said
he had heard from people at the Legion.
Relay for Life raises big bucks
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - More than $275,000 was raised for the
Canadian Cancer Society at the third annual Lanark, Leeds and
Grenville Relay for Life held Friday night and Saturday morning
at the Lombardy Fairgrounds.
More than 1,200 people, some of whom are from South Grenville,
took part in the 12-hour overnight non-competitive relay.
The 2001 Relay for Life raised $233,500.
Newell's 96-year presence in Prescott area comes to an end
JOHNSTOWN - Another final chapter is being written in the
century-old story of what used to be one of Prescott's biggest
employers.
The marketing office of Newell Window Finishings closed earlier
this month, a move which directly affects about nine positions.
The office on Pirelli Drive near Johnstown was established five
years ago after it moved from the Newell plant in Prescott.
The plant, which had been in operation since 1906, was shut
down in March 2000. More than 100 people worked at the plant
when Illinois-based Newell-Rubbermaid announced in the fall of
1999 it would be closing the plant and transferring jobs to other
facilities outside Canada.
Rose St. John, one of two workers overseeing the closure of
the marketing office, was one of a handful of plant workers who
moved over to the office on Pirelli Drive.
"We knew it was coming," she said.
"For me, the big blow was the plant closure."
Levelor Kirsch Window Fashions, a division of Newell-Rubbermaid,
stated in a June 5 release, "This closure is not a reflection
of their commitment or performance, but rather a part of an ongoing
initiative to build a vibrant marketing organization in Ontario
that will meet the needs of our Canadian customers."
Some of the marketing office staff were offered positions
at the Toronto office, according to St. John. However, none opted
to make the move. The Johnstown office had been made up of long-time
Newell employees, St. John noted.
"It's been a great company and a great job," she
remarked. "I'll miss it."
The 6,000-square-foot office is likely to be cleared out by
the end of August, St. John said.
Web site launch on breakfast menu
PRESCOTT - The new Prescott Web site will be launched at a
community breakfast meeting to be held Wednesday, July 10 at
7:30 am at the Legion Hall on Henry Street.
The site (www.Prescott.ca) is a consolidation of existing
Web sites that is being undertaken and funded by the municipality.
A presentation on e-commerce is also in the works for the
committee breakfast meeting which will be open to the public.
See next week's Journal for more details.
Merits of reviewing official plan discussed
by council
PRESCOTT - Town council has yet to decide whether to proceed
with a review of Prescott's official plan.
The plan, in conjunction with the town's zoning bylaw, sets
out land use guidelines and general planning principles for the
entire municipality. Members of council discussed the subject
at a committee-of-the-whole meeting Monday night.
Mayor Robert Lawn reiterated his support for the initiative.
In noting the last review took place in 1991 and should have
been reviewed again five years ago based on provincial guidelines,
Lawn said much has changed since the early 1990s.
The town stands to lose ground to other communities in the
region that have already made revisions to their official plans,
he added.
"I can't think of a better time to use this planning
method," the mayor said. "This just makes really good
business sense."
However, other members of council did not appear to share
the mayor's enthusiasm. Councillor Garry Dewar said he had just
received the voluminous document that afternoon and wanted to
review it before deciding to proceed with a review.
"It's not that we're stopping any development,"
he said in reference to the existing plan.
Dewar suggested the mayor and any councillors could put forward
amendments instead of hiring a consultant to oversee the review
process.
"I know how hard it was to save $40,000 in the budget,"
Dewar said.
In a four-page report to council, Town CAO/Clerk Andrew Brown
noted the costs would be in the range of $30,000 to $40,000.
Council, which has already approved the town's 2002 budget,
could pay for an official plan review by using money in reserves
and spreading the process over two years, according to Brown.
Councillors have been asked to read the official plan. The
subject is expected to be on the agenda at the July 15 meeting
of council.
Open house notes new features added to Spencerville
library
SPENCERVILLE - An open house will be held early next month
at the Spencerville branch of the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Public
Library to celebrate recent improvements to the facility.
The Friends of the Edwardsburgh Public Library will host the
open house Thursday, July 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm to show appreciation
to those who contributed to the group's upgrade campaign are
invited to check out the new vestibule and access ramp with automatic
door openers. Andrew Killick will pipe the patrons into the library
at 7 pm; Shannon Dobbie will lead the patrons up the ramp.
Light refreshments will be served outside, weather permitting.
Loaded trailer stolen from lot at restaurant
north of Johnstown
EDWARDSBURGH - Police are investigating the theft of a loaded
flatbed trailer from the parking lot of Angelo's Restaurant.
A transport driver reported parking the trailer June 21 at
10 am and returning at about 12:20 am June 24. The Trans trailer
is black with an aluminum header at the front. The load of aluminum
sheets was covered by black and red tarps with "Alain Paul"
written on them. The load, destined for Florida, has an estimated
value of $50,000; the trailer is valued at $18,000.
There were no suspects as of Monday, according to an OPP news
release.
Constable N. Jarrett is the investigating officer. Anyone
with information is asked to contact the detachment in Prescott
at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
VON to host open house today in North Augusta
NORTH AUGUSTA - A VON open house will take place today (Wednesday,
June 26) from 1 to 4 pm at North Augusta Community Hall.
The event will give local residents an opportunity to learn
about VON services and speak to a representative of the Canadian
Hearing Society. The open house is being held in conjunction
with North Augusta United Church.
For more information, call 342-3693.
Procter and Gamble workers take part in Day of Caring projects
throughout area
PRESCOTT - As part of a the Leeds and Grenville United Way,
Procter and Gamble Day of Caring Monday, many public facilities
and parks in the Prescott area got a face-lift.
About 360 staff from Procter and Gamble Inc. in Brockville
performed numerous activities in the Leeds and Grenville area
such as painting signs, rooms and hallways, school stage and
gym walls, cleaning windows, building shelves, installing fences
and doing outdoor activities such as spreading top soil and levelling
grounds.
"It's nice to get out and participate in something that
is going to help the community," explained Procter and Gamble
employee Rick Sztuka.
"We usually work in the boiler room at P&G, so it's
kind of nice to get a change of pace doing something different
like the outdoor work being done in the community."
Within Prescott and surrounding areas, the Day of Caring included
the clean up of Kelly's Bay as well as the constructiion a new
roof on an existing shelter, the painting the Band Shell at the
marina and the cleaning of windows at the VON office.
Teams of workers also painted the gym and stage walls at Benson
Public School and the bleachers at Johnstown Park.
The Procter and Gamble teams tackled 57 projects that day
throughout Leeds and Grenville counties as part of this special
United Way Day of Caring initiative.
Sisters serve baked goods and light meals
with a twist in downtown Prescott
PRESCOTT - Two siblings who run the Twisted Sisters Kitchen
say the name of their business is more of a description of the
menu than of themselves.
Deborah Rayner and Lisa Spicer opened the new eatery and bakery
something missing from Prescott for many years on
King Street West June 1.
The business is a family affair; a third sister, Beverley
Charron, helps out in the kitchen.
"We kind of compliment each other, even if we want to
slap each other," Rayner said.
Twisted Sisters offers a wide range of fresh breads and baked
goods. The eatery also serves light meals and daily specials
in its dining area; take-out is also available.
The seating area is non-smoking.
The sisters point out they do not use preservatives in the
food they make. "I'm tired of going to a restaurant and
eating greasy food," Rayner said. "We're going to try
and stay away from all that... I want something better than what
I can make at home."
Twisted Sisters is open Tuesday to Thursday from 9 am to 5:30
pm, Friday from 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and
Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
Breakfast featuring egg dishes with fruit on the side is served
Wednesday through Sunday.
In addition to home cooking and baked goods, the business
also carries some bulk items, chili sauce, organic catnip and
crafts. Catering services are also available.
The sisters noted they appreciate the support they have received
during the start-up phase of their business venture. "We
want people to see we're different," Spicer said.
For more information, call 925-0711.
Heritage Day Camp makes history fun for the
kids
PRESCOTT - The Heritage Day Camp for children age seven to
13 will be offered again this summer at Fort Wellington National
Historic Site.
Participants dressed in period costumes enlist to travel back
in time to 1846 when the Fort was occupied by the Royal Canadian
Rifle Regiment and their families. Two sessions will be offered:
July 22 to July 26, and July 29 to Aug. 2. The camps run Monday
to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
For more information or the register, contact Elizabeth LeBlanc
or Leslie MacPherson between 10 am and 5 pm at 925-2896.
Odd Jobs Squad could be just the solution
PRESCOTT - The youth employment strategy continued to branch
out to the community Thursday at the Prescott Golf Club.
Summer Job Coach Chris Hum, Brockville Summer Employment Officer
Jen Williams and Prescott Summer Employment Officer Amelia Mayer
had a booth promoting the Odd Jobs Squad Program to the course
patrons.
"We're trying to help out older folks whose kids have
moved out and need a hand with odd household jobs that they find
tough," explained Williams.
Hum added, "Now that high school is out there's going
to be more kids out looking for jobs and this could be a temporary
fix. It would give the kids a job for a few hours to a few days
and put some money in their pockets."
The kids involved in the odd job program could get work babysitting,
doing indoor housework, yard work, moving needs, office work,
painting or assisting persons with special needs.
"In total we probably have about 50 kids to refer to
people," noted Hum. "But we are growing fast, as jobs
are getting harder to get at this time for students we get more
and more."
"If people even have jobs they've been putting off, or
really just don't want to do, there are all the people in our
program willing to help."
For more information contact the Youth Employment Strategy
at 925-2508, 498-3090 or 498-2111.
Union Cemetery service to be held
SPENCERVILLE The annual service for Union Cemetery in
Spencerville will be held this Sunday, June 30 at 2:30 pm at
the cemetery. The guest speaker will be Reverend Donald Wachenschwanz.
In the event of rain, the service will take place at Spencerville
United Church.
Rusty Milkers judge cattle, hay and shoes
By Tristan Jensen
On the night of Thursday, June 3, the Rusty Milkers met at
the Ferguson Family Farm near Easton's Corners. The Ferguson
farm is all Jersey cattle that produce organic milk.
At the farm, the senior members (three years into 4-H and
up) judged hay and cattle, then they gave Scott Connell (leader)
their pick of first through to fourth of the two categories and
the reasons that they chose them.
The junior members (one and two years into 4-H) did the same
thing, except they judged shoes instead of cattle, giving their
pick and reasons to Brian DeJong (leader).
Then Mr. Ferguson gave us a tour of his farm and told us some
quick facts about it. To finish off the night, we made arrangements
to have our next meeting at the Robinson Family Farm Thursday,
July 11. We then got to have refreshments before going home.
High-speed access sooner rather than later: PM
Prime minister announces program to provide Internet to
all rural communities
VENTNOR - The federal government plans to step on the gas
to provide high-speed Internet access to rural Canada.
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien made the surprise announcement
last Thursday morning while in Ventnor to unveil a $5.2-billion
policy intended to give stability to Canada's financially distressed
farmers.
"I am pleased to announce that we are accelerating our
plan to improve broadband Internet access for rural communities,"
the prime minister said.
"We will begin work this year rather than waiting until
2004. Details will be announced in the coming weeks."
The plan to deliver broadband to every community in Canada
by 2004 had originally been delayed last fall in the federal
budget to allow Ottawa to manage increased security spending
and the slower economy.
Improving Internet communications in rural Canada is good
news for a national task force that recommended all Canadians
should have equitable and affordable access to broadband services.
Vic Allen, the CEO of Upper Canada Networks in Kemptville
and an Edwardsburgh/Cardinal resident, was an Industry Canada
appointee on the National Broadband Task Force.
The 29-member group from across the country presented its
findings and recommendations to former minister Brian Tobin last
June.
Allen had noted the recommendations are ambitious and comprehensive
and carry a price tag of about $4.5 million - but this was cheap
compared to the negative impact and consequences of not being
wired.
He added the initiative is crucial to Canada maintaining its
competitiveness in economic development, health care and education.
Police apprehend suspect in attempted break-ins
PRESCOTT - A suspect has been charged in connection with incidents
reported to town police early Sunday morning.
Three separate calls to police were received between 12:45
and 2 am; attempted break-ins or trespassing was reported at
residences on James and Edward streets, according to a police
news release. Two Prescott officers began to search for a male
suspect; two officers from the Grenville OPP detachment assisted.
A man was arrested at 2:34 am and later charged with break and
enter, attempted break and enter, trespassing at night and breach
of an undertaking. Derek Gray of Renouf Avenue in Ottawa was
held in custody for a bail hearing.
Prescott police received calls at 8:10 and 9:35 Sunday morning
from residents of George and Henry streets who reported attempted
break-ins. Police suspect those two incidents are related. The
investigation is ongoing; charges are pending.
A man who pleaded guilty to several break-ins that occurred
in April 2000 at businesses on King Street has been sentenced.
Antonio Ronald Riles will serve a six-month concurrent sentence
on the break and enters in addition to the four years he will
serve for robbery. The sentence was handed down June 21 in Brockville
court.
In all, town officers investigated 71 general incidents and
two motor vehicle accidents between June 16 and June 23. Police
attended a George Street residence June 22 and arrested and charged
Kathleen Murphy, 21, of Cardinal with assault involving a female
youth.
On June 14, town police received a report of a domestic dispute.
Police investigated and on June 19 arrested and charged Larry
Kreiger, 41, of Smiths Falls with sexual assault, unlawfully
being in a dwelling and criminal harassment. The accused was
held in custody for a bail hearing.
The left rear window of a vehicle travelling on Park Street
near Edward Street was shattered June 20. Two youngsters were
in the back of the vehicle; no one was injured. Two males were
questioned by town police; a BB gun was seized from one of the
males. The investigation continues.
While on foot patrol at the harbour June 22 at about 3:30
am, an officer observed three male youths behind Prescott Place.
One of the youths jumped onto the hood of a vehicle and was arrested
for wilful damage. It was later learned there was no damage to
the vehicle. The male was released unconditionally; charges are
pending.
On June 19, officers investigated the theft of lawn ornaments
from a North Square residence. Two days later, police investigated
the theft of two yellow/green crosswalk signs from beside Edward
Street at Burger King.
Anyone with information on these or any other occurrences
in town is asked to contact the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252
or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Revisit the history of Prescott at Forwarders'
Museum
PRESCOTT - The Forwarders' Museum is now open daily until
Labour Day.
The museum, which also serves as Prescott's tourist information
centre, is located at the corner of Centre and Water streets.
Forwarders' is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday
from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from noon until 4 pm.
Admission is free; donations would be appreciated.
Edwardsburgh Lions Club hosts strawberry social
this Thursday
EDWARDSBURGH - A strawberry social will be held this Thursday,
June 27 at the Lions Den on County Road 44 south of Spencerville.
Dinner will be served from 5 to 8 pm.
Tickets are available from members of the Edwardsburgh Lions
Club.
For more information, call (613) 258-4578.
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