THIS WEEK

OPP RIDE checks produce similar results

SMITHS FALLS ­ The totals for impaired driving charges and licence suspensions resulting for the 2002/03 festive RIDE program are comparable to those of the previous holiday season, according to the Eastern Region headquarters of the Ontario Provincial Police.

More than 83,700 vehicles were checked during the five-week campaign that ended last week. Eighty charges of impaired driving or exceeding the legal blood alcohol limit were laid. There were also 198 12-hour licence suspensions and 76 administrative driver's licence suspensions issued by OPP officers in the region that includes South Grenville.

During the five-week period, the Eastern Region OPP investigated 234 collisions that left 11 people dead and 303 people injured.

Virus prompts hospital to close to visitors

KEMPTVILLE ­ Kemptville District Hospital is once again closed to visitors and volunteers until further notice, the hospital announced Monday.

Several new cases of gastroenteritis involving patients and staff have been reported, according to CEO Lynne Budgell.

The public is being asked to stay away from the hospital except in cases of true emergencies. Clients with appointments at specialized clinics will still be admitted unless they receive notification to the contrary. Clinic patients are being advised to leave immediately after their appointments and to avoid entering the main hospital building.

For more information, call Director of Patient Services Lynne Hall at (613) 258-6133, ext. 181.

The hospital was closed to visitors for two weeks in December because of a highly-contagious flu-like virus.

Local writers invited to enter humour contest

SPENCERVILLE ­ The ninth annual "Joker is Wild" humour writing competition is open.

The Valley Writers' Guild will award three cash prizes and three honourable mentions in prose and verse. Prose entries (fiction or non-fiction) are to be double-spaced and up to 1,000 words in length. Verse entries (rhyming or free verse) are to be single-spaced and up to 40 lines in length. Entries must be in English and unpublished.

Entrants must live within a 100-km radius of Ottawa. Two copies of each entry (one with author identification) as well as an entry fee are required. All winners will be published in The Grist Mill, Vol. 12.

The deadline for submissions is March 7. For more information, contact joyhm@ripnet.com or petrus.delepper@sympatico.ca.

Council will make policing decision this month

Prescott may opt to scrap plan to disband municipal police in favour of OPP

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Town council will soon decide whether to pursue the option of disbanding the Prescott Police Service in favour of an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) contract, according to Mayor Robert Lawn.

It has been two years since council opted in Jan. 2001 for an OPP contract which would result in the loss of the municipal police department and several civilian positions, mostly in Prescott police and fire dispatch. In Dec. 2001, the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services (OCCOPS) declined to approve disbandment of the municipal department. The OPP announced in Jan. 2002 it would seek a judicial review of the OCCOPS decision.

In response to a Journal question asked at the conclusion of a Prescott council meeting Monday night, Mayor Lawn said "council will make a decision this month."

The mayor indicated there could be a judicial hearing this spring to resolve the OCCOPS matter. However, a date for such a hearing was not announced at Monday's council meeting.

The OPP has indicated it would hire Prescott officers and one civilian worker from the municipal department. However, the OPP also indicated it would not be prepared to offer employment to Prescott Police Constable Darren Davis; this was cited as one of the reasons the OCCOPS panel was not prepared at the time to rule in favour of the town's proposed policing arrangement. OCCOPS indicated it would be prepared to reconsider its position if certain conditions were met; the OPP opted to take the matter to court.

The proposal called for an OPP complement similar to that of the municipal police service. The Prescott OPP officers would be based at the Grenville County detachment just south of Highway 401 and not at the existing Prescott police offices at the corner of Centre and Henry streets.

Potential cost savings and access to OPP services not readily available to small municipal departments were cited by council members as reasons for supporting the OPP proposal. It costs just over $1 million per year to operate the municipal department.

The Ontario Provincial Police served the Town of Prescott prior to the creation of the municipal police force in the late 1950s.

Service of remembrance marks closing of South Augusta church

St. George's Anglican served community for 114 years

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

AUGUSTA ­ The 114-year history of St. George's Anglican Church in South Augusta near Bethel came to end Sunday, Dec. 29, when the final service was celebrated by the congregation.

Descendants of the original families who built the stone church in 1888, along with Bishop of Ontario Rev. George Bruce and parish priest Father Claude Delorme, gathered for the service.

While the final day of gathering at the small rural church was a time of pain with a feeling of a sense of loss, Father Delorme noted it was also a time of thanksgiving and remembering, and an appropriate tribute to the 114 years of church life in that community. It was also a time of asking for guidance in the future, a celebration of thanksgiving for the blessings of God, and a witnessing of those who served in the church in past generations, he added.

The final service captured the vision and determination of the families who erected the church as a place of community gathering, Father Delorme said.

Historic records of the church report 700 people turned out for the laying of the cornerstone Aug. 22, 1888. Father Delorme said the fact 75 people gathered for the final service is indicative of the loss of the church in people's lives today, and is a factor in the closing of the building. An aging, declining membership, and the building's physical limitations, such as a lack of a hall and washroom facilities and its location close to the highway, were also key factors in the decision to close, he said.

"The closing really marked a changing era where we do things differently," Father Delorme said.

There was a time when churches had a powerful impact on the life of a community, in which it became a focal point for social gatherings and meetings, Father Delorme explained. If churches are to survive, the buildings must become parish centres open seven days per week. In addition to addressing spiritual and Christian education, they must become part of the social network and respond to a variety of needs in the community, he said.

"There is a growing need for churches to be there for those who have the greatest needs," Father Delorme said. "It's a rebirth to what the early church was all about. We need to go back to that kind of experience."

St. George's is owned by the Anglican Diocese of Ontario, and Father Delorme expects the church will now be offered for sale. If this fails, there is a possibility it may be demolished, he said.

Father Delorme, who is also in charge of St. James Anglican Church in Maitland and St. Peter's in North Augusta, said the Anglican churches of South Grenville have now started gathering for regular meetings to address common concerns and consider possibilities for future direction. The other churches involved are St. John's in Prescott, headed by Rev. Michael Pollesel, and St. Paul's in Cardinal and St. James in Crystal Rock, headed by Rev. Doug Hayman.

All the Anglican parishes are struggling to discern how they are going to be a church in the future, Father Delorme said. The talking and sharing of the people as they wrestle with issues will help determine the viability of each and what the future might hold.

History

Mrs. Thomas Sheppard donated the land on the 3rd Concession on which St. George's was built. During the laying of the cornerstone, a time capsule was placed in a tin box and deposited in the cavity. Over the next 10 months, many people devoted their talents and labours to make their dreams and prayers a reality. St. George's was dedicated June 11, 1889, with Rev. W. Lewin of Prescott presiding. The church was built at a cost of $2,400.

Twenty-three rectors, beginning with Rev. Geo. Anderson, have served the church during its history. Father Claude Delorme has served since 1988. Many changes were made over the years, including the addition of electric heat, a speaker system and new lighting. At a meeting Oct. 29, 2002, it was voted the church would close.

Town officials consider sidewalk for west side of Edward Street north

PRESCOTT ­ Preliminary cost estimates for sidewalk and crosswalk options on Edward Street have been referred to the town's transportation and environmental services committee.

Prescott council agreed Monday to refer the report prepared by Town Engineer Clyde Solomon. Concerns about changes the Ministry of Transportation made to Edward Street near the Prescott Centre Drive intersection and South Grenville District High School prompted town officials to consider options for the main north-south route in Prescott.

A sidewalk runs along the east side of Edward from King Street to Prescott Centre Drive. However, there is no sidewalk on the west side of the street north of Churchill Road.

In his report, Solomon estimates the cost of building a sidewalk between Churchill and Irvine Drive would be $20,000. A new sidewalk from Victor Road to the Highway 401 eastbound intersection would cost an additional $12,000. Relocations associated with building a new sidewalk beside Edward would cost an estimated $15,000 for the two sections.

Solomon also notes in his report the estimated cost of a proper crosswalk with overhead signs and lights would be $20,000.

There are no plans at this time to build a sidewalk on the west side of Edward between Irvine and Victor.

In all, two new sections of sidewalk plus upgrades or changes to existing crosswalks, including the one near St. Mark Catholic School, would cost $92,000 based on preliminary estimates. Solomon indicates there would be a price decrease of at least 10 per cent if work were to be carried out in all three areas at the same time.

Rotary donation builds home for Mexican family

PRESCOTT ­ Members of the Prescott Rotary Club have made it possible for a young family in Mexico to live in an actual home, and not a shack made from scrap cardboard and cloth.

As part of a Rotary International service project, the Prescott club contributed $750 U.S. - enough to build a basic 12-foot by 16-foot wooden home for a family in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico.

Rotary member Monique Lavigne and her husband André Patenaude helped to build the home in December.

Club President Dr. Lance McIntosh said Prescott Rotary tries to take part in at least a couple of significant projects each year. Assisting to built the home was a good opportunity to help people in need, McIntosh said.

Lavigne and Patenaude winter in Texas each year, and had become aware of Canyon Lake Builders, a volunteer organization that helps families in need. The RV residents of Canyon Lake Resort in Mission, Texas, have been fundraising and building homes for people since 1993. The builders are retirees from many different states and provinces who come to enjoy a warm winter in south Texas.

Many families in Nuevo Progreso lease a small piece of property from the Mexican government within the town, but most often there is no running water, no electricity and the roads are sometimes impassible, Lavigne explained.

The families often live together, or in shacks put together out of pieces of tin, board, cardboard or cloth salvaged from other shacks. "They have little furniture, so we make them a bench and give them some food, clothes and quilts," Lavigne said.

The Canyon Lake Builders learned to work as a team, and are able to build a basic house with roll roofing in less than three hours, she said. Each winter, an average of 20 houses are built. The Rotary house was the 160th house built by the Canyon Lake Builders, but the first house sponsored by a Canadian group.

Members of the family who received the house are Reyna Matinez Gonzalez, Abelino Del Angel and their 11-year-old son Diego de Jesus. Abelino is employed, said Lavigne, who did some of the hammering on the house and also distributed clothes and blankets to other families in the neighbourhood. This was the first house built in the "colomia" of La Posta, about four miles south of the international bridge.

The houses are built on cement pads, built by the Mexicans, but paid for by the builders through donations and fundraising activities. The cost of materials and expenses averages $750 U.S.

When the Rotary house was complete, some Canadian flags were found and everyone was waving madly for the final pictures. The home was a worthwhile cause made possible through the Prescott club's generosity, she said. A Prescott Rotary plaque, printed in Spanish, was placed on the house.

Rotary President McIntosh said he has been impressed with the building organization, and particularly liked the hands-on aspect of the project. The club has received photos and reports of the group's work through Lavigne, and knows the recipients appreciate the homes and maintain them well.

Provincial government calls for an end to gun registry

BROCKVILLE ­ Bob Runciman and the Ontario government are stepping up their effort to bring down the federal gun registry.

Last month, the MPP and public safety and security minister began to circulate a petition calling on the federal government to scrap the registry for long guns.

An advertisement from Runciman encouraging local residents to sign the petition appears in this week's edition of The Journal.

The Ontario government has now called on Ottawa to get rid of the registry. Other provinces are being encouraged by the provincial Tories to take similar action.

Opponents of the registry have stepped up their fight with the federal government since Auditor-General Sheila Fraser reported a month ago the total cost of implementing the program could cost $1 billion. When the registry concept was introduced by the Liberal government several years ago, the estimated cost of setting up the program was $2 million.

Runciman has described the federal registry as a tragic waste of taxpayers' money. He believes the registry does not address legitimate problems involving firearms and crime, and the MPP is calling on Ottawa to redirect its resources to other measures that will address those problems.

Leeds-Grenville MP Joe Jordan said in a recent interview he would wait for the results of an audit of registry-related expenses before taking a position on the registry's fate. However, Jordan said the auditor-general's report was an eye-opener.

The MP noted the issues raised in that report involve money and not the principle behind establishing a gun registry. Jordan conceded the issue is an important one in mainly rural ridings such as Leeds-Grenville.

Copies of Runciman's petition are available at the MPP's constituency offices in Brockville and Kemptville. Additional copies are also being circulated throughout the united counties area.

OPP NEWS

Slow down when road conditions are bad

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Motorists are being reminded to slow down and adjust their stopping distances when road and weather conditions warrant.

Ontario Provincial Police officers investigated 30 motor vehicle collisions (17 in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, 13 in Augusta) last week. Minor injuries were reported in four of those collisions. A chain-reaction collision that occurred Saturday at 10 am on Highway 401 westbound near the Maitland exit involved five vehicles; two people sustained minor injuries.

Most of those collisions could have been avoided, according to police.

Motorists are being advised to practise safe driving methods during the winter and throughout the year.

Festive RIDE leads to one impaired driving charge

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ The 2002 Festive RIDE program concluded Jan. 2.

Grenville County OPP officers checked 608 vehicles during the five-week period. One person was charged with impaired driving; 17 12-hour licence suspensions were issued after drivers registered a "warn" on the roadside device.

Officers also issued one 90-day administrative driver's licence suspension and laid 18 other charges, including two Controlled Drug and Substance Act charges and seven Liquor Licence Act charges.

Officers investigated 104 motor vehicle collisions during the five-week period. There was one fatality; injuries were reported in 13 of the collisions. The remaining 90 involved damage to a vehicle or private property.

Local detachment welcomes public's assistance

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Anyone with information on occurrences in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal or Augusta townships is asked to contact the Grenville County OPP detachment in Prescott (925-4221) or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. In the event of a life-threatening situation, dial 9-1-1.

COUNCIL NEWS

New insurance plan saves township $70,000

SPENCERVILLE - Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council has approved a new insurance policy which will save the township about $70,000.

Council voted unanimously Monday to approve a policy for 2003 from Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc. which will cost the township $214,756 compared to its previous broker Muni-Pro whose 2003 estimate totalled $368,814. Council had been covered by a policy from Muni-Pro since 1999.

"The only thing that isn't covered in the new policy that was previously, is the volunteer firefighters," says CAO/Clerk Steven McDonald.

"The firefighters will only cost another $7,000, which brings the total just under $22,000, but that's still $70,000 under what the other policy was."

Reported mix-up has council checking paperwork

SPENCERVILLE - Township council will be checking up on its own housekeeping after a complaint from an area resident following an alleged 9-1-1 call mix-up.

"I got a call from a resident, who told me that 9-1-1 had trouble finding a house on Reid Street (in Cardinal)," said Councillor Peggy Taylor. "She had called in a heart attack and 9-1-1 had trouble locating where the street was."

Council decided to look into the matter after hearing the concern.

"Let's check to make sure all the paperwork was sent in for the streets (with new names) in Cardinal," said Mayor Dave Dobbie. "We want to make sure it's not us, before we go to the counties. Cardinal has Dishaw Street, Reid Street and Hoy Street, which we should check on before doing anything."

Railway crossing concerns discussed

SPENCERVILLE - Discussion between the Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal public works manager and Canadian National Railway is ongoing after a resident expressed concern about the Frederick Street railway crossing near Johnstown.

"The woman who expressed interest has small children and feels it is a concern," said Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Mayor Dave Dobbie at Monday's council meeting. "It's the only crossing in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal that isn't gated, but it's up to CN if they choose to do anything about it. Our public works manager is talking with them about what they want to do."

Business association meetings resume this month

CARDINAL - The Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Business Association will be resuming its monthly meetings in January after taking a break for the busy holiday shopping season.

The association will be meeting tonight (Wednesday, Jan. 8) at 7 pm the Cardinal Village Hall.

Thomson to continue as deputy mayor

SPENCERVILLE - Deputy Mayor Marie Thomson will continue in that role for Edwardsburgh/Cardinal after being acclaimed at Monday's council meeting.

No other councillors present expressed any interest in applying for the position.

What's in store for township in new year

WARD 1 UPDATE by Peggy Taylor

It has been a busy 2002 and I'm sure that 2003 is going to be equally active. I wish you all the best during the coming year and hope that it brings you more pleasure and less pain than 2002.

All years are filled with ups and downs, and we can only hope for more of the former. Happy New Year!

Two-Thousand-And-Two

One day, from a farmer, I received a call.

He feared he would have to take a fall.

The Department of Fisheries had come to his land,

And told him that charges against him were planned.

I contacted Fisheries and the OFA.

It was indeed a very busy day.

Along with Land Stewardship and the help of the farm,

They developed a solution and the ending was warm.

The lesson we learned: if you work around water,

Call the authorities before you go farther.

Council started a job in the summer you know.

It should have been done in awhile or so.

It took five months to get water and sewer,

To two small, little streets and now it looks... newer?

Oh, Council passed to the Ministry, an Official Plan

It called for full services in Spencerville... Man!

When asked to review, before sending it on

This was the tune of our leadership song:

'We do not need to review the OP draft.'

So on to the Ministry, it quickly was passed.

It was not our intention. We never did plan this!

Water in Spencerville! How could we have missed it?

Now we just have to wait, and soon we will see;

If a change back to partial, is okay with the Ministry.

This is but part of the past, and the lessons we've learned.

Two-thousand-and-three is the end of this term.

Peggy Taylor is a councillor for Ward One and may be reached at peggytaylor @ripnet.com.

Junior Stamp Club meets tonight in Cardinal

CARDINAL - The Junior Stamp Club will be holding its monthly meeting tonight (Wednesday, Jan. 8).

The meeting will start at 7 pm at the Cardinal Public Library.

ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL: Happy New Year to all of our students, staff and families. We hope everyone had a happy, safe and holy Christmas season. We wish peace, prosperity and all the best for 2003 for everyone.

We acknowledge all who contributed to our Spirit of Giving and Advent projects. We were able to collect 654 food items, surpassing the total collected last year by 129. It is very meaningful for our children to learn to help others.

Our All Star Reading Strategies this week are: Grade 1 ­ Unstuck Strategies ("Sliders"); Grade 2 ­ Unstuck Strategies ("Word play with beginning and ending sounds"); Grade 3: Ways to Respond ("Read and think").

The hot lunch this week is pizza (Wednesday for JK/SK A and Thursday for JK/SK B to Grade 3).

Man resisted arrest: police

PRESCOTT ­ Officers with the Prescott Police Service investigated 56 general incidents and two motor vehicle collisions between Dec. 29 and Jan. 6.

During this period, RIDE checks were conducted at various locations in town. A total of 522 vehicles were checked. Nine warnings for minor Highway Traffic Act and Liquor Control Act violations were issued.

On Dec. 30 at about 1:18 am, a Prescott officer observed a man on King Street who was believed to be intoxicated. The 54-year-old Prescott man was also bleeding from the left side of his face. He was approached by the officer and arrested for public intoxication. The man struggled with the officer and was also charged with resisting arrest. He will appear in court at a later date. Constable Moe Morrissette is the investigating officer.

On Dec. 29, town police received a report from a 32-year-old man on George Street who indicated he had been threatened by another man known to police. The matter remains under investigation; Constable Mike Ostrander is the investigating officer.

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.

Friendship Hall to be site of roast beef dinner Jan. 18

PRESCOTT ­ A roast beef dinner will take place Saturday, Jan. 18 at Friendship Hall, 454 Henry St. W.

Dinner will be served at 4:30 and 6 pm; take-out orders will be accepted.

For tickets, call 925-4784, 925-4957 or 925-4268. There is no guarantee tickets will be available at the door. Proceeds go to Friendship Hall Association.

Writers' guild accepts entries for non-fiction competition

MERRICKVILLE ­ The Valley Writers' Guild is now accepting entries for the Larry Turner Award 2003 for non-fiction.

The grand prize is $500 and an engraved plaque; secondary prizes are $200, $100 and three honourable mentions.

Submissions can be literary or personal essays, articles, memoirs, travel pieces or other non-fiction writing double-spaced, of up to 2,500 words and in English.

The judge is non-fiction writer Judith P. Robertson of the University of Ottawa.

The winning entries will be published in The Grist Mill, Vol. 12.

The postal deadline for submissions is Feb. 7; winners will be announced by the end of April.

All entries must be unpublished and not accepted for publication.

For more information on competition entry fees and where to send submissions, contact joyhm@ripnet.com or petrus.delepper@sympatico.ca.

CNIB cash calendars available

PRESCOTT ­ The 2003 Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) Cash Calendar is now on sale at two locations in Prescott.

Copies of the calendar, which features nature prints by four Canadian artists, are available at Sugold Jewellery and RBC Royal Bank.

Proceeds from calendar sales will stay in the region to support the many services offered by the Kingston district of the CNIB.

In addition to raising money for the non-profit organization, the cash calendar offers 1,200 chances to win cash throughout the year.

Spencerville winter festival has house decorating contest

SPENCERVILLE ­ The Spencerville and District Winter Festival is hosting a house decorating contest.

The decorating must have a winter festival theme and stay up until the festival which runs from Jan. 17-19.

Prizes will be awarded.

For more information on rules or to register, call Jackie Barnard at 658-5679.

Spencerville winter festival will offer three days of family fun next weekend

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - The Spencerville and District Winter Festival is looking to offer family fun for everyone from January 17-19.

The festival kicks off on Friday evening with an old-fashioned bonfire and skating party at the Spencerville Mill. As well as outdoor activities there will be indoor activities with entertainment at the Legion and the OPP vs. the fire department hockey game at the Edwardsburgh Community Centre.

"The Legion entertainment will feature all local entertainment that go around to all the Legions to perform," says festival committee member Jackie Barnard. "There will be fiddles, violins and much more; last year it had a pretty good crowd."

The hockey game will be followed by a Teen Dance at the Drummond Building with music by K & J Sounds.

Saturday starts out with a Boy Scout Fundraiser pancake breakfast at the Drummond Building, with the Studio C Dancers putting on a demonstration of their skills.

Registration for the Mid-Distance-Dog Sled race will also be at the Drummond Building in the morning, with the race to follow on the track.

Odyssey Adventures will be on hand at the Drummond Building throughout the day to provide a rock climbing experience.

"Odyssey is new to the festival this year," said Barnard. "It was a popular event at the fair and should be a good draw. If the weather is nice we're looking at holding it outside; otherwise, it will be inside the Drummond Building."

Late-morning Shake-a-Paw Dog training will be at the Drummond Building arena.

The outdoor rink at the ball diamond will play host to one of the day's biggest draws the annual four-on-four hockey tournament which runs throughout the day.

The afternoon will also focus on the kids with Kids fun games at the grandstand, and the taffy pull and Survivor-Winter Outback at the Drummond Building.

This year will also mark the return of the Lumberjack Contest in front of the grandstand. Members of the Edwardsburgh Figure Skating Club will show off their skills at the arena.

The night ends on a high note with the dinner and dance at the Drummond Building running throughout the evening, with all the night's events available to those with tickets. The supper will feature a hip of beef buffet dinner, with an Elvis show by Mike Morrissette, before DJ BLT takes over the rest of the night.

Sunday looks to be full of fun as the Sunday Brunch featuring the Shrine Clowns at the Drummond Building and the atom level hockey tournament throughout the day at the arena start off the busy day.

Kids will have plenty of activities including the indoor fishing games by the Grenville Fish & Game Club at the Drummond Building, the mutt races near the grandstand, kids tug-o-war in front of the grandstand, snowshoe and 2"x4" races near the grandstand and dogsled rides around the fairgrounds.

The fashion show will return for its second year at the Drummond Building with organizers expecting an even bigger crowd than last year.

The day's big event the annual Ice Drags begin in the late morning at the mill.

"Everything is coming along nicely," says Barnard. "It's looking like a lot of fun for everyone. The only thing we could use is more volunteers to come lend a hand."

For more information or to volunteer contact 658-5679 or 658-5714.

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

See what is new

Best wishes from Walker House to all the community for the new year. All the programs are up and running again. Memberships are due. Come and check the calendar and see what's new.

We're going to Magog again. Mark your calendar for May 25, 26 and 27, 2003. Call 925-5300 to reserve your spot. Members will have first choice.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Andy Britnell; 2nd, Isabel Locke; door prize, Mary Singleton. Wednesday night bridge ­ 1st, Jim Campbell; 2nd, Bea Hemsley; draw, Jim Campbell. Thursday night euchre ­ Dec. 19: 1st, Pete Lowry; 2nd, Louie Boscy and Hugh Evely; 3rd, Harold Hamilton; door prize, Alice Crowder; Jan. 2: 1st, Alice Crowder; 2nd, Bea Hemsley; Jean McCrady; door prize, Louie Boscy.

New year promises excitement for trail

By Astrid Strader, Prescott Blossoms Project Supervisor, Horticulturist and Garden Designer

Well, we're nearing the end of Prescott Blossoms, and I thought it would be a good time to review what has been planted. One hundred and four trees and shrubs have been planted to date at the Heritage River Trail Arboretum. Not all of these have been sold or "adopted," as I like to think of it. Donors are needed to adopt these trees at the $500, $300 or $100 level, and you can go into the municipal office to see which trees and where they are exactly located (or call 925-2812).

Chart #1 lists all that has been planted to date, while Chart #2 lists those remaining to be planted. These 80 more trees will go in sometime in spring 2003, when Prescott Blossoms hopes to return under a new partnership with the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival. Not only will youth continue to work on beautifying projects around town, but will assist in staging the festival plays which will run from June 26 - July 24 at the Sandra Lawn Harbour Amphitheatre. It's absolutely limitless what creative team building can accomplish - and why not, with so such talent all around us.

Although it's all under a blanket of snow, people have been remarking that the increased pathways should really help to promote the park, exercise and fresh air. There's also much anticipation of the new park benches, which will be placed strategically along the trails. Indeed, this promises to be a very exciting year ahead for Prescott.

Volunteers needed for various projects in Maitland

MAITLAND NEWS byJane Fullarton

The next seniors' luncheon sponsored by VON Community Support Program will be held today (Wednesday, Jan. 8) from noon to 1:30 pm at the Maitland Hall. The menu features homemade soup, sandwiches and dessert for the price of a ticket. There will be entertainment after lunch. Transportation is available.

The Maitland Public School Parent Council has successfully completed its goal of raising $7,000 for a play structure. The fundraising activities have included cheese and cookie dough sales, cupcake sales, raffles and draws. Cynthia Turtan of Maitland Parent Council says this was a huge undertaking for a small school which relies on the same people to support their fund raising projects and it has been accomplished in one year.

The parent council is not resting; it has already set another goal of enhancing the school grounds by creating a green space with a shady area and gardens. The parent council is looking for volunteers with gardening expertise to help in the planning of this area. The parent council also gives ongoing support to the school library. It donated $500 for the purchase of books in December.

The parent council is currently working with the CNIB on a fundraiser in which they will share the proceeds. Orders are being taken for potted crocus bulbs, with four to six bulbs per pot. The orders must be in by Jan. 30 for delivery by Valentine's Day. If you can help with the green space planning or would like to order crocuses, call Cynthia Turton at 348-1760.

The MERC Board is looking for volunteers to work at its charity bingo at Brockville Bingo Country. The MERC Board operates a bingo twice a month and relies on this revenue to run community programs. Volunteering to help at bingo requires approximately three-and-a-half hours of your time per occasion and students may use the hours toward their school requirement.

These hours may also be used to qualify Maitland students for a MERC Bursary. You must be 16 years of age to work as a bingo volunteer. If you can help, call Tina at 348-1894, or e-mail her at pierre_tina@ripnet.com. MERC has other volunteer opportunities for teens as well. Call Ray Avery at 348-3019 for more information.

Hearing society offers discount on batteries

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ The Canadian Hearing Society (CHS) is offering a 15-per-cent discount on Celect and Rayovac proline premium zinc hearing aid batteries.

The discount will be in effect until Jan. 31. Mail order is available for people who are home-bound.

For more information, contact the Brockville-area CHS office at 498-3933.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"The divide that has occurred in the township is really too bad."

Editor's Notebook

THERE IS NO 'I' IN 'TEAM': As the Town of Prescott begins 2003 with a new chief administrative officer and hope for the new year, it remains to be seen whether council as a unit will share in this hope or continue to mope along without much in the way of enthusiasm or optimism.

Mayor Lawn is correct when he acknowledges town council has not been working as a team and is unlikely to do so for the remainder of its term. It would be unfair to single out one individual; there has been plenty of "button-pushing" from a number of council members.

The mayor is also correct in noting he is only one of seven votes on council; unfortunately, he must accept some of the responsibility for the divisive nature of the group. Leadership should be coming from each seat at the council table; each member is there to represent the best interests of the municipality. Most observers would agree there have been many times in which that has not been the case.

If the remaining 11 months of council's term of office will be spent bickering and trying to irritate someone on the other side of the table, the members should consider their own place at the table and letting someone else at least try to get along and get things done on behalf of the community. The residents of Prescott deserve more than what they have been getting from this team, a fact with which most or all of council would agree.

CRIME STOPPERS PAYS: In a perfect world, there would be no need for a program like Crime Stoppers. (There would be no crime.) In a world in which most people do the right thing and are willing to do whatever it takes to assist police with their work, there would be no need for a program like Crime Stoppers.

In our world that sometimes makes it difficult for the average person to step up to the plate and report a crime or give police information without fear of reprisal or having to go through the court system without being sure justice will be served, there is a great need for a program like Crime Stoppers.

The fact remains crimes are being prevented or solved because of people who want to do the right thing but are not able or willing to put their names to it. Even though reward money serves as the carrot on the stick, the fact is not all the reward money offered to eligible callers is accepted. Some people, it seems, are more concerned about safety and security in their neighbourhoods than extra cash in their pockets.

Maybe there is hope for us after all.

Tim Ruhnke

Over-eager resolution sharers are not my thing

CLUB HOUSE REMARKS by David Dickenson

It's the New Year and now for weeks everyone will be running around wishing everyone else a happy new year.

I'll admit it's not one of my favourite times of the year, and I can honestly say I've never had a good New Year's Eve, for instance, this year I was sick with a stomach bug. It's one of those things that's never meant to be. Charlie Brown never gets to kick the football, Wile E. Coyote never gets that damn Road Runner and I never have a great new years eve, I've come to grips with it.

What really tends to bother me about the season now is the resolutions, they are never followed and people love to shoot their mouths off about them.

I'm going to quit smoking, I'm going to get more exercise, I'm going to stop drinking.....blah, blah, blah, they go on and on.

As soon as the countdown starts, the ball drops, and the ever youthful Dick Clark says Happy New Year, people start running around making resolutions and asking everyone else what theirs are.

I'm really not into this at all; the resolutions that are spouted out by the masses each and every year are simply just words no more no less, just something new to say and a life story to give to go along with it.

If those overly eager "resolution-sharers" were really serious about what they say then they would just go out and do them instead of telling everyone their resolutions.

No word of a lie, not even a day into the new year a virtual stranger, up and starts off a conversation telling me her new year's resolution to lose some weight.

That's fine and good; I don't do resolutions, but hey I'm happy for her, that is until I see small chunks of a giant slab of chocolate cake spewing out of the sides of her mouth towards me as she's uttering the words "lose weight."

It took me back a moment, I just didn't know what to say. I just uttered a pleasant "good for you" and got the heck out of there.

If she really wanted someone to believe her resolution, she could have at least swallowed what was left of the massive slab of chocolate cake before uttering the resolution.

Used car salesmen across the world must be licking their lips in excitement of all the people are believing their own personal fairy tales. They know with actions like that they've got a live one that's going to buy a lemon and think it's the greatest.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Prescott produces first colour television receiver in Canada

Jan. 5, 1933

* The committee in charge of Prescott's Community Chest Fund Drive respectfully solicit the hearty support of every citizen. The appeal is addressed to the young men and women who are fortunate in having employment and may be able to subscribe at least $1 per month to the fund, to bachelors, who are also fortunate in having employment, to parents, whose children already have comfortable homes, and to merchants, because every dollar collected for this fund will be expended in this town and will be supplemented by $2 from the government.

At present there are 300 citizens of this town receiving relief and approximately one-half of them are children who must not be allowed to suffer cold and hunger.

At the beginning of this new year, let us all join together in making it a happier one for those of our citizens who under the prevailing conditions are suffering privation. We feel confident the people of Prescott will not fail to respond in this new emergency.

Jan. 9, 1963

* The first Canadian-made colour television receivers are now rolling off a new assembly line at the RCA Victor plant in Prescott. Initial production involves two models, the Bridgeport and Ainsworth Mark VIII sets, with the plant geared to produce other styles as colour telecasting and consumer demands expand throughout the country. The projection marks the inauguration of a new multi-million dollar industry for Canada, and opens a new and extensive area of employment for Canadians in the electronics industry. RCA pioneered in the research and development of colour television in the United States, and RCA Victor is the first to produce colour receivers in Canada.

One of the documents made available to us when we were researching our recent book on the history of Prescott was the Prescott Fire Department's "Register of Losses Caused by Fire", listing every call made by the Prescott Volunteer Fire Department between 1917 and 1950. We went through the register once again last weekend hoping to find the date the first Daniels Hotel burned down. The venerable Prescott landmark was burned to the ground December 20, 1942, but before we offer up the details, we'd like to describe some of the entries in the register.

The first major fire listed was at the Grenville Brewery, August 14, 1918, which was owned at the time by W.C. McCarthy who listed his address as Room 10, Castle Building, Ottawa. The brewery itself had been closed by prohibition by this time, but the family maintained and operated the 200-acre farm on the premises. Destroyed and damaged in the fire was the main barn, the horse barn, cooper shop and a dwelling house.

Insured value of the buildings was $13,000, with losses listed at $11,000. Building contents insured by Mr. McCarthy totalled $2000, the amount of the claim.

An interesting note in the fire register is that Leonard Place had hay harvested from the McCarthy farm stored in the barn and valued at $575, as did Theodore Barton of Domville, who had his hay insured for $1000. Both men had removed the hay from the McCarthy fields on a share basis with the owner.

The $1575 hay crop loss was on top of the $2000 content loss claimed by Mr. McCarthy. It was well noted in the fire register that the fire was fought by the Prescott Fire Department, even though it was located in Augusta Twp.

When the Daniels Hotel burned December 20, 1942, it was owned by James P. Doyle who was a long-time councillor and mayor of Prescott, a major landowner, and the owner of a men's clothing store. The hotel building was insured for $50,000 with a claim of $20,000 made. Total cost of the $11,500 in contents was claimed.

Joseph Doyle, James P's nephew, who owns and operates Doyle's Men's and Ladies' Fashions on King St. with his son Tom, recalled that temperatures dropped to about 40 degrees below zero that night, freezing fire hoses, hydrants and water mains, making it almost impossible for the local fire department to fight the blaze.

Just 10 days later on December 30, the home and contents on St. Lawrence St. owned by Harpin "Beau" Beaumont, were extensively damaged by fire.

Prior to the fire at the Daniels Hotel, which was rebuilt within the year by Mr. Doyle, the town's largest fire had been the destruction of the Life Savers Ltd. factory on Centre Street, on December 30, 1929. Damage, which was covered by insurance, was $15,000 on the main building and $35,000 on the contents. A nearby building owned by E.J. Noble, owner of the Life Saver Ltd. operation, suffered $500 damage. Mr. Noble did not rebuild in Prescott, but instead moved his factory to Gouverneur, N.Y., where it thrived and the Life Saver candy with the hole in the middle became a household name in North America. The E.J. Noble Hospital in Gouverneur is named after this former Prescott businessman who became a multi-millionaire.

(Some historical accounts have the Life Saver company located in the present Hooker-Moran building, but it is likely it was located near the waterfront, west of Centre St., in warehouse buildings formerly owned by the Buckley family).

The person hit hardest by King Street fires in the first half of the 20th century was undoubtedly the late James P. Doyle. As well as the Daniels Hotel, his dry goods store and his adjoining building, located across the street from the Daniels and operated as a grocery store by John McCarney, were destroyed by fire February 3, 1931. Loss to the building was estimated at $38,000 and to the contents, $20,000.

National fire insurance companies had a great deal of influence on municipal premium rates up to the 1950s and established their rates on the efficiency of both fire departments and their equipment. Councils were pressed by both residential and commercial property owners to organize and finance efficient fire departments.

To test the efficiency of the fire crews, agents from these large fire insurance companies would visit a town, unannounced, and turn in a fire alarm in order to see how quickly the local volunteers would get to the fire hall (located from 1874 until 1962 in the Market Building beside the old Town Hall). A good response time meant a better premium rate and the false alarms were tolerated.

The insurance company false alarms were not the only ones the fire department had to cope with, however. On two occasions between 1917 and 1952 the fire register reports false alarms. One was August 20, 1927 when it was noted in the register by the fire department's recording secretary: "False alarm. Over enthusiasm in connection with baseball club winning cup". There was a second, similar entry October 10, 1932: "Alarm sent in by over-zealous celebrant of Red Indian Baseball Team winning cup".

Prescott's volunteer fire department dates back to 1834, boasting 169 years of continuous service this year. Best wishes to Chief Bill Lawrence and his men, and may you always keep your hoses dry!

FORT TOWN DIARY by John A.H. Morris

King Street blazes headline Prescott Fire Department's 169-year history

One of the documents made available to us when we were researching our recent book on the history of Prescott was the Prescott Fire Department's "Register of Losses Caused by Fire", listing every call made by the Prescott Volunteer Fire Department between 1917 and 1950. We went through the register once again last weekend hoping to find the date the first Daniels Hotel burned down. The venerable Prescott landmark was burned to the ground December 20, 1942, but before we offer up the details, we'd like to describe some of the entries in the register.
The first major fire listed was at the Grenville Brewery, August 14, 1918, which was owned at the time by W.C. McCarthy who listed his address as Room 10, Castle Building, Ottawa. The brewery itself had been closed by prohibition by this time, but the family maintained and operated the 200-acre farm on the premises. Destroyed and damaged in the fire was the main barn, the horse barn, cooper shop and a dwelling house.
Insured value of the buildings was $13,000, with losses listed at $11,000. Building contents insured by Mr. McCarthy totalled $2000, the amount of the claim.
An interesting note in the fire register is that Leonard Place had hay harvested from the McCarthy farm stored in the barn and valued at $575, as did Theodore Barton of Domville, who had his hay insured for $1000. Both men had removed the hay from the McCarthy fields on a share basis with the owner.
The $1575 hay crop loss was on top of the $2000 content loss claimed by Mr. McCarthy. It was well noted in the fire register that the fire was fought by the Prescott Fire Department, even though it was located in Augusta Twp.
*****
When the Daniels Hotel burned December 20, 1942, it was owned by James P. Doyle who was a long-time councillor and mayor of Prescott, a major landowner, and the owner of a men's clothing store. The hotel building was insured for $50,000 with a claim of $20,000 made. Total cost of the $11,500 in contents was claimed.
Joseph Doyle, James P's nephew, who owns and operates Doyle's Men's and Ladies' Fashions on King St. with his son Tom, recalled that temperatures dropped to about 40 degrees below zero that night, freezing fire hoses, hydrants and water mains, making it almost impossible for the local fire department to fight the blaze.
Just 10 days later on December 30, the home and contents on St. Lawrence St. owned by Harpin "Beau" Beaumont, were extensively damaged by fire.
****
Prior to the fire at the Daniels Hotel, which was rebuilt within the year by Mr. Doyle, the town's largest fire had been the destruction of the Life Savers Ltd. factory on Centre Street, on December 30, 1929. Damage, which was covered by insurance, was $15,000 on the main building and $35,000 on the contents. A nearby building owned by E.J. Noble, owner of the Life Saver Ltd. operation, suffered $500 damage. Mr. Noble did not rebuild in Prescott, but instead moved his factory to Gouverneur, N.Y., where it thrived and the Life Saver candy with the hole in the middle became a household name in North America. The E.J. Noble Hospital in Gouverneur is named after this former Prescott businessman who became a multi-millionaire.
(Some historical accounts have the Life Saver company located in the present Hooker-Moran building, but it is likely it was located near the waterfront, west of Centre St., in warehouse buildings formerly owned by the Buckley family).
*****
The person hit hardest by King Street fires in the first half of the 20th century was undoubtedly the late James P. Doyle. As well as the Daniels Hotel, his dry goods store and his adjoining building, located across the street from the Daniels and operated as a grocery store by John McCarney, were destroyed by fire February 3, 1931. Loss to the building was estimated at $38,000 and to the contents, $20,000.
*****
National fire insurance companies had a great deal of influence on municipal premium rates up to the 1950s and established their rates on the efficiency of both fire departments and their equipment. Councils were pressed by both residential and commercial property owners to organize and finance efficient fire departments.
To test the efficiency of the fire crews, agents from these large fire insurance companies would visit a town, unannounced, and turn in a fire alarm in order to see how quickly the local volunteers would get to the fire hall (located from 1874 until 1962 in the Market Building beside the old Town Hall). A good response time meant a better premium rate and the false alarms were tolerated.
*****
The insurance company false alarms were not the only ones the fire department had to cope with, however. On two occasions between 1917 and 1952 the fire register reports false alarms. One was August 20, 1927 when it was noted in the register by the fire department's recording secretary: "False alarm. Over enthusiasm in connection with baseball club winning cup". There was a second, similar entry October 10, 1932: "Alarm sent in by over-zealous celebrant of Red Indian Baseball Team winning cup".
*****
Prescott's volunteer fire department dates back to 1834, boasting 169 years of continuous service this year. Best wishes to Chief Bill Lawrence and his men, and may you always keep your hoses dry!

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Cardinal Lions report successful year

The Editor;

On behalf of the 20 members of the Cardinal Lions Club, I would like to extend best wishes and a thank you to everyone that has and I hope continues to support our cause. Our motto is "we serve."

In 2002 under the able leadership of Lions President Merv Smith (01/02) and Lion Dean Montroy (02/03), our club enjoyed an excellent year.

Major events such as Cornwall Convention, Bike-a-thon (Winchester hospital project), yard sale, canoe race, motorcycle poker run, community festival dance and Light Up the Night parade made for an interesting year.

We would like to thank all those that provided support to our success, Particularly, the Cardinal Lions Children's Theatre Group organizers, Myrna Prosser (craft sale organizer), UFP union local 483 executive, Cardinal and District Resource Centre board, Bingo International management, staff, sponsor association and patrons.

With financial income support, our club was able to help many in need and we provided monetary funding totalling more than $15,000 to 25 regional, area, local and family groups in 2002.

In 2003, the Cardinal Lions Club will transfer to Zone 30 South to work with clubs in Edwardsburgh, Prescott and Leeds County. We will continue our volunteer efforts and welcome your ongoing support.

Larry Dishaw
Bulletin Editor
Cardinal Lions Club

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal mayor expects more great things in 2003

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - With a very busy year in the can, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal can expect to see the fruits of last year's labours as they enter the new year.

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Mayor Dave Dobbie said he was happy with the township's accomplishments in the past year, and expects with the upcoming year to reap the rewards of last year's initiatives in 2003.

"We really accomplished quite a bit as a township," Dobbie stated in an interview. "We began work on numerous projects, some of which will be completed in the upcoming year."

Dobbie considers the addition of garbage pick-ups throughout the township to be one of council's biggest accomplishments.

"It was one of the really big projects for us last year," explained Dobbie. "I think it was a great move for the township and the residents really seem to like it. It will especially help out the older residents who can just take it to the end of their drive instead of having to haul it to the dump."

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal spent a lot of the year arranging infrastructure money and projects throughout the community.

"We received two-thirds of the money from the provincial and federal government as part of our OSTAR bid to update the Cardinal Water Treatment facility," said Dobbie. "It will end up costing a little over one million dollars overall and with further approval things could start this year."

The township also continued to help improve the township and recreation facilities in Cardinal by placing a new roof on the fire hall and public works building and arranging funding for boards and plexi-glass at the Cardinal and District Community Centre.

"Superbuild was also very generous with the grant for some new boards and plexi-glass for the arena in Cardinal," said Dobbie. "That project should be done this year and likely by the end of February."

Council also welcomed key additions to the township's staff in 2002.

"We added some new staff to join us in the past year," said Dobbie. "It's always nice to have the new, shiny, fresh faces around. We've been extremely fortunate to get Steven McDonald, who knows the area and is working out quite well as CAO/clerk; you can just give him an issue and let him run with it. Bob Hennessy has also proven to be a very good choice as the new ports manager; he gets along well with everyone, has a good knowledge of the job, and is able to help diversify the ports and make us money."

Council also worked together with local interests for the mutual benefit of its residents.

"We worked very closely with the Royal Bank (in Spencerville) in the past year with offering them a spot next to municipal hall and now sewer and water hook-ups while they work on their old site. The community really needs the Royal Bank and without it, many of residents would be inconvenienced, especially the seniors."

Mayor Dobbie expects the new year to be a very busy one but very productive as well.

"The township should expect more road work, roads to be paved," said Dobbie. "Another water and sewer project on Shanly Road north from (County Road) 2 will be worked on. This time it will be with the counties, and will start earlier than last year's efforts. Last year it was a learning curve, which was too much for our own experience to handle with so many lines running through."

The township should also expect new signs to help point out some of the beauty of the area.

"We've purchased new township signage which are very bright an noticeable and add a lot to the township," said Dobbie. "We want to have them up in all the villages and hamlets in the summer or fall so you see them as you enter and leave."

The Mayor expects a good year, with a lot of hard work which he hopes won't be overshadowed by thoughts of a divided township.

"The divide that has occurred in the township is really too bad," said Dobbie. "It seems to just be a handful of people who keep it in the forefront; it seems to be trend in a lot of amalgamated communities. It's too bad they don't look at things in a more positive light. This is one township and will continue to be one township; nothing will change."

When asked on whether he was considering a second term as mayor of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, Dobbie declined to comment.

SPORTS NEWS

Junior B Rangers fall in standings after Christmas slide

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Junior B Rangers fell upon hard times during a recent two-week skid which saw the Rangers manage just three points in five games.

The Rangers suffered a tough 10-2 road loss to the Brockville Tikis Dec. 27, before scoring a 5-3 win over the Kemptville 73s Dec. 28, losing to the Gananoque Islanders 6-1 on Dec. 29 and losing to Morrisburg 5-1 on Jan. 3, before extracting a little revenge by tying the Tikis 5-5 Jan. 4 in Cardinal.

On Dec. 27, South Grenville travelled to Brockville where the Rangers suffered a 10-2 loss to the Tikis in the Tikis Family Night match-up.

In a hard-fought first period the Tikis goaltender played strong holding off a flurry of South Grenville scoring opportunities, before Brockville scored two for a 2-0 lead despite the Rangers solid play.

In the second period, the Rangers fell apart allowing seven goals in the period and being outplayed in both ends of the ice. South Grenville finally got on the board midway through the second as Adam Lawrence, assisted by Derek June and Ben Bowden to end the Tikis shut-out effort.

Brockville added another marker in the third to make things 10-1, but Ryan Lawless, assisted by Josh Kirkby and Tyler Libby added another in the last five minutes of the blowout.

On Jan. 3, the Rangers travelled to Morrisburg where they fell behind early and were never able to recover. The Lions scored the first period's only marker, with South Grenville answering back midway through the second period as Peter Veltkamp, assisted by Dustin Swan and Chris Curley, tallied the Rangers' only marker to tie things at one.

Morrisburg answered back less than a minute later and kept the pressure on with three more goals in the game, including two on the powerplay to take the 6-1 win.

South Grenville was fired up to take on the Tikis as they looked to rebound from the 10-2 loss suffered to Brockville a week earlier.

The Rangers got things started in the first as Tyler Libby found the net for a 1-0 lead, as Trevor Smith picked up an assist. The Tikis kept things close answering back less than a minute later and then a few minutes later to take control of the game.

The Rangers kept their composure as Liam Tyrell tied things at two late the period, with Shawn Coville picking up the helper.

Brockville came out flying in the second to pot a pair of goals early on, but South Grenville continued with its resilience as Coville scored with Jason VanLanen and Smith picking up assists to keep the Rangers in the game.

South Grenville pulled within one as Veltkamp scored, with assists going to Libby and Derek June.

Devin Payne held things close for the Rangers shutting out the Tikis in the final frame to allow Smith to play hero tying the score at five with less than five minutes left in the game. Coville and Curley picked up the assists.

Two overtime periods resolved nothing as the Rangers settled for the single point.

With the skid, the Rangers have slipped into the basement of the Rideau Division with 34 points, just two points behind Athens at 36 and three behind Westport with 37. South Grenville has two games in hand on Athens and one on both Westport and Gananoque heading into the stretch drive for a playoff spot.

Stats for the Rangers' games Dec. 28 against the Kemptville 73s and Dec. 29 against the Gananoque Islanders were unavailable as of press time.

The Rangers look to break out of their recent skid and move up in the standings as they travel to Akwesasne tomorrow (Thursday, Jan. 9) to play the Wolves starting at 8 pm. South Grenville continues play this Saturday, Jan. 11 when it hosts the St. Lawrence Division-leading Alexandria Glens at 7:15 pm at the Cardinal and District Community Centre, before travelling to Winchester Sunday for a 2:15 matinee match-up against the Hawks.

Seaway Interbranch men's darts league lead narrows

IROQUOIS - Heading into the new year, Prescott #6 and Iroquois #5 are in a dead heat for the league lead in the Seaway Interbranch Men's Dart League.

Prescott #6 holds a two-point lead over Iroquois #5 with 98 and 96 points apiece; Iroquois #7 sits in third place with 86 points, while Cardinal #4 with 77 points, Prescott #1 with 69 points, Cardinal #2 with 67 points and Prescott #3 with 46 points round out the rest of the league.

David Haynes leads the league in games won with 40; Tom Rae, 31; Kevin Laming, 28; Rick Sayeau, 28; Jerry Carr, 27; Glen Adams, 25; Wayne Bellinger, 24; Duane Kirker, 23; Bob Juby, 23 and Bill Hutt, 20 round out the rest of the top ten.

Haynes also holds top spot for high finishes with 138, with Bob Gaudet, 133; Bellinger, 120-106; Laming, 116-110; and Tom Rae, 115 in hot pursuit.

The league has four players in the 180 club as Tom Coville, Rick Bradford, Hutt and Sayeau achieved the three-dart maximum in November.

Hutt also holds top spot for highscorers with 177-140x4-135-134-131-123-121x4. Bellinger sits second with 174-140x6-132-125x2-123, with Bobby Sayeau, 174-140-125x2-120; Juby, 160-140x4-132-125x2-121; Barry Esson, 160-125; J.P. Pidgeon, 160; Carr, 158-140x9-127-125x5-124-121x2-120; Gary Bradford, 156-140-125-120; Haynes, 140x14-138-125-123-121x2 and Adams 140x6-137-135-127-125x4-123-121 rounding out the top ten.

Fire Dogs and Lightning Bolts charge through holiday season

BROCKVILLE - South Grenville house league teams fared well winning four novice hockey tournaments in Brockville, Osgoode, Almonte and North Leeds.

At the Brockville tournament on Dec. 23, the South Grenville Fire Dogs took home the tournament's A championship over its chief rival the South Grenville Lightning Bolts 2-1. Joey Sargeant had both goals for the Fire Dogs in the finals, with Kyle Berry getting an assist. Shane Riddell scored for the Lightning Bolts, with Broydon Stufko picking up the assist. Jarrett Pitt was the game's MVP with a strong game in goal.

The Fire Dogs made it to the finals after wins over Brockville City A1 Radiators 5-4 in overtime and the Brockville Warriors 5-1. Sargeant led the way with six goals, while Jesse Boyd, Spencer Lee, Derik Bourgeois and Devin Johnston netted singles. Spencer Lee had two assists, and Matthew Boyd, Jesse Boyd, Sargeant and Bourgeois each had a helper.

The Lightning Bolts made it to the finals with a 9-1 win over the Richmond Royals and a 4-3 win over Watertown. Tyson Bertrend led the way with six goals, while Cody Adams (2), Brett Van Stralen (2), Nathan Hamilton, Stufko and Riddell had the other Lightning Bolt goals. Riddell had two assists, and Billy Myers, Adam Norton, Adams, Bertrend and Hamilton also had helpers.

On Dec. 27, the Fire Dogs continued their winning streak by capturing the Osgoode Rideau tournament with wins over the Osgoode Coyotes, North Dundas Demons and Osgoode Rideau Ducks.

Sargeant had 12 goals in the tournament, while Pitt (5), Johnston (2), Cody Knapp, Jesse Boyd, Matthew Boyd and Emily Colwell scored the other Fire Dogs goals. Sargeant (3), Pitt (3), Lee (2), Matthew Boyd, Jesse Boyd, John Wood and Johnston all had helpers.

On Dec. 28, the Lightning Bolts took home the A Championships of the Almonte/Pakenham Thunder Novice B Tournament with wins over the Cumberland Tigers, Smiths Falls Bears and West Carleton #2.

Riddell led the way for the Lightning Bolts with nine goals, while Stufko (7), Adams (2), Bertrend, Hamilton and Van Stralen added other markers.

Adams (5), Riddell (4), Stufko (3), Van Stralen (2), Hamilton and Bertrend all had helpers.

On Jan. 5, the Fire Dogs competed in the North Leeds Novice Tournament winning the A championship with shutout wins over Gananoque and Nepean before beating hosts North Leeds 5-4 in the A final.

Sargeant led the way for the Fire Dogs with ten goals in the tournament, while Pitt (8), Jesse Boyd (6), Lee (4), Knapp and Bourgeois had the other Fire Dog goals. Johnston (7), Matthew Boyd (5), Sargeant (5), Knapp (4), Pitt (4), Lee (4), Bourgeois (3), Jesse Boyd (2), Kyle Berry and Danielle Joudoin all had helpers.

In other league action, the Fire Dogs fell to the North Dundas Demons 4-3 Dec. 28. Sargeant led the way with two goals, while Johnston added a single in the loss. Sargeant, Pitt, Colwell and Bourgeois all had helpers.

On Dec. 29, the Fire Dogs beat the Perth Blue Wings 2-0 on goals from Sargeant and Bourgeois. Jesse Boyd and Berry had helpers in the win.

On Jan. 4, the Fire Dogs got a hat trick from Sargeant to beat Brockville 4-2. Knapp had the other Fire Dog goal, while Lee, Colwell and Bourgeois had the helpers.

Bantam Kings fall short in tourney

TORONTO - The Rideau-St. Lawrence minor bantam AA Kings had a strong showing narrowly missing the playoffs despite winning its first
two games in the Toronto Marlies AAA International Hockey Tournament Dec.
26-30.

The Kings opened the tournament with a strong 5-0 win over the Brampton Battalion. Graham Peters had the shutout in goal, while Noah VanMoorsel, Bobby Little, Brian Molloy and Mike Froom with two accounted for the Kings goals. Mike Empey (2), Molloy (2) and Ty Keicks picked up assists.

The Kings' second game saw RSL hang on for a 2-1 win over the Don Mills Flyers in a rough, hard-hitting game.

The Flyers opened up an early one goal lead to take control, but the Kings strong goaltending of Clarke Saunders kept the game in reach as Joel Haystead-Smyth scored in the second to even things at one, with Tyler Drew and Kyle Atkins picking up assists.

Play continued back and forth until the Kings' Atkins sent Mike Froom on a breakaway with less than two minutes left in the game where he scored to take a 2-1 lead and the win.

The Kings were in tough against eventual tournament finalists, the California Wave, as the Wave outskated RSL for a 4-0 win.

With the loss, the Kings faced must win circumstances against the Chicago Mission in order to advance to the playoff round.

Both teams battled back and forth until key Kings errors would allow the Mission to score three quick goals to take a 5-1 lead into the third period. The Kings scored two quick goals in the third to narrow the lead to 5-3, but the Mission were able to hang on for the win despite a late flurry by the Kings. Jason Crooke, Drew and Froom had the Kings goals, while Peter Roy (2) and Zack Van Allen picked up helpers.

RSL minor peewees drop pair of games

SPENCERVILLE - The Rideau-St. Lawrence minor peewee Kings had a busy Christmas break where they dropped two of three league games.

On Dec. 21, the Kings battled the division-leading Ottawa Valley Titans to a hard-fought 7-3 loss. Michael Skakum scored two goals for the Kings, while Maxim St. Jacques added a single. Scott Summers had two assists with Marc Roy, Nick McCaslin and Brett Jackson each with a helper.

On Dec. 22, the Kings travelled to Gloucester where they fell 5-2 to the Rangers. St. Jacques and Summers had the Kings' goals, while Craig Schooley and Skakum had assists.

On Dec. 23, the Kings travelled to Cumberland where they were able to get into the win column with a 6-0 shutout win. Roy led the way for the Kings with two goals and an assist, while Skakum had a goal and two assists and St. Jacques, Kyle Pattemore and Tyson Wilson all netted singles. Brett Baker had three assists while Schooley, Wilson and Jackson each had an assist.

The Kings also participated in the Bell Canada Cup Tournament in Ottawa January 2-4.

RSL peewee Kings have strong showing

SPENCERVILLE - The Rideau-St. Lawrence minor peewee Kings had a strong showing Jan. 2 in the 4th annual Bell Canada Cup Hockey Tournament in Ottawa.

The club posted a 2-0-1 record in the round-robin to capture its division before being ousted in the AA quarterfinal.

The Kings' first game Marc Roy and Michael Skakum led the way with a goal apiece to defeat the Rochester Michigan Rattlers 2-0. Justin Seguin recorded the shut-out in nets.

In their second game the Kings tied 1-1 a strong North York Knights team. Maxim St. Jacques scored the Kings lone goal, and Tom Allan had a strong game in goal in a strong effort.

The Kings beat the Richmond Hill Stars 4-0 in its final game of the round-robin, to clinch their division.

Brett Baker had two goals for the Kings, while Scott Summers and Skakum each chipped in singles in the win.

Seguin got the shut-out in goal for his second of the tournament.

In its quarter-final game the Kings were in tough against Sault Ste. Marie, as they lost the game to the eventual tournament champions 2-0.

Atom Kings take two of three games

SPENCERVILLE - The Rideau-St. Lawrence atom Kings had a successful three games over the Christmas break.

On Dec. 19, the Kings travelled to Embrun where they suffered a 6-1 loss to the Eastern Ontario Flyers. The Kings got off to a good start when Eric Morotti fed Josh Pitt for the Kings lone and a 1-0 lead, before the Flyers stormed back for six unanswered markers.

On Dec. 22, the Kings had a strong game as they beat the Kanata Blazers 5-3. Cody Johnson scored in the first to tie things at one, with Derek Froats and Ryan Vincent picking up the assists.

In the second, Jordan Moran was able to score, with assists from Froats and Johnson to tie things back up.

The Kings took their first lead of the game as Lance Hodgson banged in a rebound with Eric Morotti and Josh Pitt credited with helpers.

In the third, Jason Harmer scored, with assists from Hodgson and Pitt to extend the lead to two goals. Morotti added insurance with an empty net goal assisted by Michael McGahey and goaltender Tyler Gallinger.

On Dec. 23, the Kings got revenge over Eastern Ontario as they held off the Flyers for a 3-2 win. The Kings erased a two goal deficit in the third as Froats
netted his third goal of the
game with seconds left for the
3-2 win.

Johnson had three assists, while Moran picked up two on Froats hat trick. Michael Lalande had a strong game in goal for the Kings, while Ron Harrison, Russell Hinch and Curtis Van Allen had strong two-way goals. Cameron Armstrong and Lee Charlebois were solid on defence in the wins.

Peewee C Rangers score pair of wins

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville peewee C Rangers finished 2002 with two wins.

On Dec. 15, the Rangers travelled to Ogdensburg where they came away with a 7-0 win. Kenny Polite had a strong game in goal for the shutout while Jacob Temple (2), Fletcher Wehmeyer (2), Joel Smylie (2) and Orry Thorpe scored the Ranger goals.

On Dec. 21, the Rangers travelled to Kemptville where they hung on to beat the Panthers 2-0. Mike Allan had a number of key saves to earn the shutout. Hank Heykoop and Reilly Grootjans had the Ranger goals