THIS WEEK

Jobless rate increases slightly in December

KINGSTON ­ There was a slight increase last month in the regional unemployment rate, according to Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC).

The jobless rate for the region that includes South Grenville was 6.2 per cent in December. The rate in November was 6.1 per cent.

Although the number of jobs decreased, there were also fewer people in the labour market last month. Job losses in the goods-producing sector were countered by gains in the services sector.

The slight increase in the regional unemployment rate was overshadowed by a significant increase in the number of people collecting employment insurance (EI) benefits.

The Prescott HRDC office reported 906 active claimants at the end of December, an increase of 19.4 per cent from the November figure of 759.

On average, there was a 28-per-cent increase in active EI claimants in HRDC's Kingston-Pembroke management area.

HRDC notes the unemployment rate is not determined through assessment of EI claimant data.

The national jobless rate was 7.5 per cent in December.

Sign up now for annual Battle of the Cans

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Local companies are being invited to take part in this year's "Battle of the Cans."

The Food For All food bank, which serves residents of Prescott, Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, is challenging workers at plants to collect non-perishable food items for the food bank. The company that collects the most items will receive a plaque to display for the year.

The event will take place Jan. 30 and 31.

Plants that have already registered include DuPont, Ideal Building Fasteners and Kriska. To register or for more information about Battle of the Cans, contact Bonnie Pidgeon Gommert at 348-1409.

The South Grenville food bank is located on Henry Street in Prescott.

GCC presents Guys and Dolls this weekend

MAITLAND ­ The popular Guys and Dolls will hit the stage this Friday, Jan. 24 and Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Brockville Arts Centre.

Members of Grenville Christian College's student and staff population will be featured in this local presentation of the classic Broadway musical comedy set mostly in New York City.

Tickets for Guys and Dolls are available at the arts centre box office (342-7122). Both shows begin at 7:30 pm.

Oklahoma! was last year's GCC's musical.

Renovation plan rises above cap

Prescott council approves increase for Dibble Street municipal building project

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Town council has agreed to proceed with a revised town hall renovation plan that will cost more than what had been budgeted for last year.

Council voted Monday night in favour of a plan to carry out renovations to the Dibble Street municipal building. The estimated cost of the project is $834,606, plus an additional $9,000 for changes to exterior windows.

When council opted for the renovation plan last year, it set a cap of $800,000. Town CAO/Clerk Robert Haller said D.C. Snelling, the firm hired by the town to serve as construction manager, did its best to bring the project within the cap.

Haller told council Monday plans for the three-storey building will provide "professional work space" that will meet the needs of municipal staff. "We can keep the look of quality of the building."

As was the case in the past, the second floor will house administrative staff and council chambers. The ground floor will include public washrooms and a room (former site of the youth centre) that could be used for offices or some other purpose, although there are no plans at this time to use it.

The third floor, which used to be home to the local Air Cadet squadron, will remain empty. An elevator will be installed beside the existing staircase, which will be retained.

Haller told council Snelling has sub-contractors in line and would like to proceed. "A delay could put this project off quite awhile," he said.

The CAO noted renovations could be completed by June, with municipal staff returning to the building by July.

None of the six members of council in attendance at Monday's meeting voted against proceeding with the project. Councillor Garry Dewar said he did not doubt the cost would exceed $800,000. Although he indicated he did not like to see the price go above the cap, Dewar conceded he would not want the project to be stopped now with the cost so close to the target.

Councillor Terry McConnell agreed, noting he expected the cost would be closer to $900,000.

McConnell said it appears efforts were made to pare down the cost as much as possible.

Preliminary work on the building has already taken place. Asbestos has been removed, and other demolition work has been done.

However, council indicated Monday it wanted more information on the quotes obtained by Snelling. Dewar noted Snelling was to present the quotes to council for its approval, something that has yet to happen.

Brad Snelling is to meet with council in the near future to discuss details of the project and the quotes received from sub-contractors.

The additional costs approved by council Monday will mean the windows will be a cream colour and can be opened. Haller noted the changes will make the windows more in keeping with the existing facade of the building.

Although the revised plan does not include filling in the floor of the old gymnasium, Haller and council members indicated support for adding that task to the proposed renovations. It was noted the rotting floor is the source of odour and musty smell that is present throughout much of the building. Although a formal estimate was unavailable, Haller suggested the cost of filling in the gym floor would be in the range of $20,000-$25,000.

The Dibble Street municipal building remains home to the Prescott Public Library. By filling in the gym floor, the library could be expanded as part of a future project.

Winter festival draws record crowds

Cold snap arrives just in time for annual Spencerville event

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE ­ Near perfect winter weather and plenty of hard work on the part of volunteers combined to make last weekend's annual winter festival in Spencerville a huge success.

Jackie Barnard, chair of advertising for the Spencerville and District Winter Festival Committee, said many of the weekend events were well attended. Some activities, such as the Friday night teen dance, the four-on-four hockey tournament and the jamfest at the Legion drew larger crowds than last year, she said.

Overall, the fun family weekend that kicked off Friday evening with a skating party and bonfire at the mill drew record crowds. Barnard added she had received many favourable comments from people attending the various events.

Once again, Grenville County OPP and Prescott police officers put Edwardsburgh-Cardinal firefighters on ice in a good-natured hockey game Friday evening. The police won 7-5. Elmer the Safety Elephant and Sparky the Dog also entertained at the game, and festival mascot Spencer the goose dropped the puck.

Among Saturday's highlights were square dancing and swing dancing demonstrations, breakfast served by the 2nd Spencerville Scouts, an outback survivor challenge, rock climbing, old-fashioned sleight rides, lumberjack contest and children's games. The mid-distance dog sled race attracted 12 teams, and more than 200 attended a hip of beef dinner and dance Saturday evening.

Several area clothing stores donated outfits for the Sunday fashion show, and the Grenville Fish and Game Club helped kids enjoy an indoor fishing derby. Organizers estimate the snowmobile ice drags drew about 800 spectators, with 50 machines registered for the event on the South Nation River.

Sterling and Darlene Sloan, who attended the festival with their girls Emily and Heidi, said the event is fun for the entire family.

"It gets everybody outside for the day and you meet your neighbours, too," Sterling said while watching his girls participate in the children's races.

"It's a lot of fun just waltzing around and there's always stuff going on."

Darlene Sloan agreed, saying it was fun being outside, noting she appreciates how much volunteer work goes into making the festival a success.

Grow house bust nets $330,000 in drugs

PRESCOTT ­ Two Prescott men face several charges after police seized more than $330,000 worth of drugs and growing equipment Friday morning at a Howe Terrace residence.

A search warrant was executed by members of the Grenville County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police, OPP Drug Enforcement Section, Prescott Police Service and Brockville Police Service. Police seized more than 4,200 grams of processed marijuana, more than 30 grams of cannabis resin (hash oil), 34 mature plants and 463 immature plants. Indoor hydroponic growing equipment and paraphernalia with an estimated value of $3,500 was also seized at the scene.

Two men, ages 38 and 34, were arrested and charged with two counts of production of a controlled substance, two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of property obtained by crime. The names of the accused were not listed in an OPP news release issued Monday.

The men are scheduled to appear in court Feb. 21.

Detective Constable Jason Butcher of the Leeds and Grenville OPP Crime Unit is the investigating officer.

Industry Canada gives extra funding for Prescott-area business development

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT ­ The Prescott-based driver of economic development in Grenville County has received a half-million-dollar injection to continue its record levels of activity.

Leeds-Grenville MP Joe Jordan presented a cheque for $500,000 last Wednesday (Jan. 15) to board and staff of Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation (GCFDC), located at the Moran Hooker Trade Centre on Water Street.

The investment funds from Industry Canada allow the community-based, non-profit organization to continue an aggressive pace for providing business advice, counselling, information, training, support and capital for small business ventures that help maintain or create jobs.

In a cheque presentation speech that took a turn from the traditional, Jordan thanked the local organization for its positive work in creating employment in the area.

CFDCs are powerful instruments in community economic development, and their importance can not be overstated in areas such as Grenville County, Jordan stated.

"I'm here to thank you," the MP said.

"Thank God for CFDCs in rural Eastern Ontario. This model is an absolute gem and we need to nurture it."

Last year, the Grenville CFDC invested $845,000 and assisted in creating or maintaining 348 jobs, contributing to an enhanced business community, Jordan noted. The local group serves the townships of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, Augusta and North Grenville, and Prescott.

GCFDC is one of 57 community futures development corporations in Ontario funded by Industry Canada. In the last five years, the CFDCs invested more than $185 million, created or maintained 22,401 jobs and leveraged more than $290 million in investments from other sources.

"There is no downside in this program," Jordan said, adding the government gets "the best bang for it's buck" through CFDCs. The investment "pays us back time and time again" through interest payments, increased social well-being of the community and job creation.

"I would put your investment record up against any commercial bank in terms of default," the MP added. "This is a poster child of how the government needs to spend money."

CFDCs are "a shining light in terms of the federal role in turning this economy around," Jordan said. The strength of the organizations is they are community-driven, with a professional staff and volunteer board of directors whose members are representative of the community.

Board Chair Stuart Leyenaar said with the extra funding, the group will be able to continue to work closely with entrepreneurs and invest in local initiatives that lead to economic prosperity and diversity. He added GCFDC has an active investment committee that reviews applications each month. The money is recycled to new customers as payments are made on various loans.

"Last year, our lending activity was higher than in previous years," Leyenaar said. "And toward the end of the year our investment fund was pretty well depleted. This will help restock the pantry.

"Most of our clients do repay in a sound business-like manner, and that helps enhance our credibility as a lending agency."

New executive in place at Chamber of Commerce

Prescott-based business group boasts membership of 140

JOHNSTOWN ­ A local business group is hoping for bigger and better things in 2003.

The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce, which has returned to a strong financial position after almost running out of money two years ago, held its annual general meeting last Thursday at the Bridgeview Restaurant.

The new president of the Chamber of Commerce is Lewis Beach, manager of Beach Home Hardware in Prescott.

"I am looking forward to a great year," said Beach, who added he is open to suggestions and ideas.

The Chamber of Commerce has approximately 140 members. In addition to representing the local businesses, the chamber raises money for community projects through monthly bingos, a giant yard sale each August and other activities.

The new vice-president is Dominique Pressault, operator of the Canadian Tire outlet in Prescott. Traditionally, the person who serves as vice-president for one year becomes president the following year.

Debbie Lawless and Peter Topps return as secretary and treasurer respectively. Mike Boyles continues to serve as executive director of the chamber.

Chamber of Commerce directors for 2003 include Bill Pakeman, Robert Lawn, Ken Durand, Heather Lawless, Wilf Peters, Sharon Spychi, Tom Doyle, Garry Dewar, Keeley Mouré, Jim French, Klaas deVries, John Morris, Anne Sawyer, Ray Young, Mike Baril, Lisa Smith, Jack Commerford, Brent Laton and Tyler Cummings.

The chamber's annual awards banquet, which will once again include a silent auction and raffle, will take place Monday, March 10. Awards are presented each year to deserving businesses, volunteers and youth.

Chamber directors hold lunch meetings on the third Thursday of each month.

Weedless Wednesday is a good day to butt out

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Today is "Weedless Wednesday," and smokers are being encouraged to kick the habit for at least one day.

January 20-25 is National Non-Smoking Week. Surveys indicate most smokers would like to quit smoking but are afraid they will fail.

The Smokers' Helpline (1-877-513-5333) is a free, confidential service provided by the Canadian Cancer Society. Trained "quit specialists" help callers develop plans to kick the habit as well as refer them to support services available in the community. The specialists offer information on withdrawal symptoms, managing stress, dealing with cravings and other related subjects.

The quit specialists do not judge callers and know what quitting smoking is all about, according to a cancer society brochure.

The negative effects of cigarette smoking continue to mount. Nearly one-third of all cancer deaths in Canada are tobacco-related. Smoking kills an estimated 45,000 Canadians each year. One of every two long-term smokers will die from smoking, according to the society.

The dangers of second-hand smoke are also becoming more evident. Health Canada reports at least 3,500 non-smokers die each year as a result of second-hand smoke.

Norma Thompson, information outreach chair with the society's Lanark, Leeds and Grenville unit, emphasized the importance for smokers to at least consider butting out on Weedless Wednesday. "If a smoker makes it through one day, he or she may develop the confidence to consider quitting altogether," she stated.

For more information on non-smoking week and the Canadian Cancer Society, visit www.cancer.ca.

St. John's to host snowflake luncheon

PRESCOTT ­ A snowflake luncheon will be held this Friday, Jan. 24 from 11 am to 1 pm at the St. John's Anglican Church parish hall on James Street.

The luncheon includes a bake table. Tickets will be available at the door.

Bob Runciman will seek re-election as MPP for Leeds-Grenville

BROCKVILLE ­ Bob Runciman is hoping to make it seven wins a row.

The Leeds-Grenville MPP announced Friday he will seek re-election to the Ontario legislature. First elected in 1981, Runciman has held six provincial cabinet posts and is the current minister of public safety and security.

"I'm very proud of the accomplishments of our government over the past eight years and confident that Ernie Eves can lead our party to a third consecutive majority government," Runciman stated in a news release.

The MPP acknowledged Ontario residents had to make sacrifices during the early years of the Progressive Conservative government led by Premier Mike Harris "...while we worked to put the province's finances back in order." Runciman, 59, said he does not want to return to the "tax and spend policies" of the Liberal and New Democratic governments that preceded the Tories.

"We have recorded four consecutive balanced budgets and we are starting to make major increases to our investments in health care, education and the environment," the MPP stated. Tax cuts implemented by the Conservatives put money back into the pockets of taxpayers and spurred economic growth, according to Runciman.

Closer to home, the MPP indicated his main reason for seeking re-election is his ability to get things done on behalf of the riding. While noting there have been economic setbacks in the region during the past two to three years, Runciman stated he is probably in the best position of his career to provide assistance given his years of experience.

The MPP lists a number of capital projects in Leeds-Grenville that have been funded by the province during this term; the list includes the charity casino in Gananoque, work at the Brockville General Hospital and the creation of the St. Lawrence Corrections and Treatment Centre on the site of Brockville Psychiatric Hospital. Those investments represent more than $200 million, according to Runciman.

Also in the works is sewage plant reconstruction in Prescott. Provincial funding has reportedly been given as the $15-million-plus project awaits the green light for infrastructure funding from the federal government.

The MPP also noted he proposed tax incentive zones while he was minister of economic development and trade. Leeds-Grenville has applied to be a pilot zone. It was announced last week the province would provide $2.8 million in funding for a broadband initiative that would see high-speed Internet access become available to everyone in the united counties area.

Speculation has a provincial election being called this spring. An election must be called by June 2004.

Mayor is pleased small municipalities now have access to Trillium funding

PRESCOTT ­ Town officials say they are pleased the Ontario Trillium Foundation is changing some of its grant eligibility requirements.

The provincial foundation funded by proceeds from charity casinos has announced municipalities with a population of less than 20,000 are now eligible for Trillium grants, it was noted during a town council meeting Monday night. Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn said this is a very significant development.

The town has been unable in the past to seek Trillium funding for the public library and Forwarders' Museum because they are owned by the municipality. A library owned by a service club or not-for-profit organization has been eligible for Trillium funding.

"That bothered me," Lawn told council Monday night.

"This change corrects that," he added.

The mayor said he hopes Prescott's Friends of the Library group would have a Trillium funding application ready to go as soon as the eligibility change takes effect this spring. The municipality is proceeding with renovations to the Dibble Street municipal building; however, the project does not include major renovations to the interior of the library.

"I think we should chase the grants for the museum as well."

The Trillium Foundation distributes $100 million to organizations each year.

Need for more doctors is still critical

Physician recruitment drive seeks municipal funding

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

MAYNARD ­ The Leeds and Grenville Physician Recruitment Task Force continues to lobby for support from municipal governments for its program to attract doctors to the area.

The effective program has an excellent record, having attracted 12 new physicians to Leeds and South Grenville in the last two years, Dr. Adam Steacie told Augusta council in a presentation at its Jan. 13 meeting.

Augusta contributed $5,000 to the project last year; council did not indicate at the meeting if it would be willing to repeat the gesture.

This area requires an additional 14 physicians, and is one of 117 Ontario communities designated as underserviced by the Ministry of Health that are competing for too few available doctors, said Steacie, who noted he is a resident of Augusta Township. The annual budget required for recruitment programs is $180,000, and the actual cost of recruiting one physician can be as much as $50,000.

Despite the success of the program since Sept. 2000, nine doctors have been lost, mainly through retirements. This loss was anticipated, making the program even more essential, Steacie said.

Attracting physicians is critical to ensure access to quality health care for all residents of Leeds and South Grenville, Steacie said. As well, "to attract business to the area, we need to be able to provide medical support."

The need for physicians is so great, one new family physician who opened a practice in Brockville in October had taken on the maximum caseload of patients within six weeks, Steacie explained.

There is no level of government responsible for or an identified source of funds available for recruitment. Three years ago, Brockville General Hospital spearheaded a community effort to begin a recruitment program, and has promised $60,000 per year over five years. The task force has commitments for about $100,000 per year, Steacie added. "We're still needing to get funds; that's why we need Augusta."

For the long term, entry placements have been increased in medical schools that will graduate new doctors, and a new medical school will open in Thunder Bay in 2004, said Physician Recruiter Carlene MacDonald. It is estimated Canada is 600 doctors short of its needs every year. "They are graduating 600 less than what we need," she said.

Canada has for many years relied on international or foreign medical graduates to come to this country, MacDonald said. "We're seeing that supply dry up as well, because there's that much competition; they're needed everywhere. It takes quite a long time to graduate a physician."

The task force made a similar presentation to Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal council Monday night.

Type 2 diabetes program comes to Prescott

PRESCOTT ­ A diabetes education program is set to begin next month in Prescott.

Rideau Valley Diabetes Services (RVDS) is offering a free program designed for adults with Type 2 diabetes. The four weekly two-hour sessions will cover topics such as eating well with diabetes, self blood glucose monitoring and preventing complications.

The sessions are facilitated by a registered nurse, a registered dietitian and a registered chiropodist.

RVDS is a non-profit organization funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and sponsored by Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital.

Pre-registration is required.

To register or for more information about the diabetes program, call 1-877-321-4500.

PRESCOTT ­ Meetings of Prescott council take place each first and third Monday of the month at 7 pm at the health centre auditorium, 555 King St. W.

Committee-of-the-whole meetings, which usually involve all members of council and may include debate and decision-making on a number of issues, take place each second and fourth Monday, also at 7 pm at the health centre. Both sets of meetings are open to the public.

Former SGDHS students are part of Academy Award-winning team

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

TORONTO - Three former South Grenville District High School students won an Oscar earlier this month for their firm's 3D animation software.

General Manager for Maya Engineering, Kevin Turskie, senior software engineer Chris Gailey and senior software engineer Josh Cameron, all alumni of the high school, have made their mark in the movie industry as key parts to the Toronto firm Alias/Wavefront which won an Academy Award for Scientific and Technical Advancements in Filmmaking for its 3D animation software program, Maya.

"I lived in Riverview Heights for the duration of my high school days until I attended Waterloo university," Turskie told The Journal. "There's a few of us here with the Prescott link, like Chris (Gailey) and Josh (Cameron).

Gailey added, "It's kind of funny thinking back to our South Grenville days. Particularly with Kevin and I, since we were in the same class in '76. I remember my first computer class was at South Grenville; there was only one computer and it was shared between four or five different schools, but it was a big influence."

While at South Grenville, the three engineers had the same teacher, Pam Needham, who they credited as one of the first steps along their way to their software creation.

"I first got started on computers at South Grenville," said Cameron. "There were a few of us that were really interested in computers and Mrs. Needham was very accommodating, letting us explore and learn other computer things as long as we got our work done."

The Maya 3D animation software is purchased by large film companies such as Dreamworks, ILM, Disney and Pixar, where the software is used along with companies own simulation systems to create special effects.

"The software has been a pipeline used by the industry," says Turskie. "Maya is used by the incredibly talented and creative individuals and they've really made things come alive. It's been a tool used for more than 50 movies.

"On the DVD of The Perfect Storm, one of the features is to see how the filmmakers used Maya to help create the waves and spray onto the boat," said Turskie.

The company boasts its work being used in the making of movies such as The Matrix, Spider-Man, The Perfect Storm and Lord of the Rings: the Two Towers.

"It was such an honour for everyone here winning the Oscar," said Turskie. "An Oscar is the highest possible award in our field, and it's a privilege just to get to work with the large film shops. Since the Oscars have begun only about four Oscars have been given out for software. It's just an incredible achievement.

"Building Maya took hundreds of person years of engineering; it was just a massive contribution from everyone here."

Gailey added, "The application is so large and complex. It's a pretty impressive thing. It's gotten to such a point that, in some parts of the movie it's hard to tell what was CG and what is real."

Gailey's father David, who still resides in South Grenville, was happy to hear of the three engineers' success. "It's just amazing that three kids from the Prescott area have created this and are doing so well for themselves," David Gailey said.

High school career fair gives students a chance to consider their options

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - Giving the students a glimpse into possible futures is what South Grenville District High School was hoping to provide as it held its third annual career fair Thursday.

The fair featured booths and displays from numerous local companies and government agencies such as the Employment Education Centre and the 1000 Islands Entrepreneurship Centre, as well as displays from co-op students about the where they worked at for their co-op.

"All the kids at school will come down and see all the displays during their study period," explained one of the event organizers, teacher Carson Kilpatrick. "Some will have assignments based on it, such as my Grade 10 Careers class. We want to try to get the kids thinking about their future and possible careers they might be interested in."

Fellow organizer teacher Jill Montgomery added, "With the new condensed four year high school, the career fair and co-op experiences are important to help the students make a solid decision on what they would like to pursue."

Montgomery indicated she was happy with the days turnout and the increased popularity of career planning.

"We've been getting more students this year than in the past into the co-op program," says Montgomery.

"Since the minister has put an emphasis on career planning, we've implemented courses such as Carson's Grade 10 Careers class and Designing your Future which fuel the natural progression to the co-op program."

OAC student Derek June, who had a display from his co-op with the Prescott Police Services enjoyed the whole co-op experience.

"I had an interest in policing before, but now after co-op and getting to experience this I know it's what I want to do," says June. "It was great experience, got to go out on a lot of calls, it was really busy, but really fun. You would have maybe half an hour with nothing, then for two days straight you were really busy."

Come to the fair

BROCKVILLE ­ Local companies are being invited to take part in a career fair to be held this spring in Brockville.

The third annual Ultimate Career and Skilled Trades Event will take place May 8 at the Brockville Memorial Centre. Students and other people will have an opportunity to network with educators and employers as well as explore career options and experience skilled trades at work.

St. Lawrence College Job Training Services is co-ordinating the event.

Interested businesses and skilled trades are asked to contact Glenna Schaillee at the college (345-0660, ext. 3120).

Corney receives a promotion, South Grenville gets new V-P

Vice-principal will be missed, according to Brenda Ramsay

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - South Grenville District High School will be getting a new vice-principal after the Upper Canada School Board approved naming Dave Corney principal of Winchester Public School Jan. 15.

"It's a really big loss for us," said SGDHS Principal Brenda Ramsay.

"We'll all miss him, but we're very happy for him getting the promotion he was working towards. The kids are saying they're going to miss him," Ramsay added.

"He's fair with the kids and I think they recognize that. You don't usually hear the kids saying that they'll miss a vice-principal. He was part of the school for two-and-a-half years and we'll all have to get used to the change."

For Corney, he sees his promotion as both a happy and sad occasion.

"I'm looking forward to the new challenges with being a principal, as it is a goal in my life I wanted to achieve" said Corney. "At the same time it's sad to leave the staff, my friends, and the students here. Everyone within the community has been so great, but I still live within the community and will get to see a lot of people and stay in touch. This has been the best high school I've ever worked at, and everyone should be proud of the school."

Corney will become principal of the Kindergarten-Grade 6 Winchester Public School immediately, while still making trips to South Grenville to help prepare the new vice-principal.

With Corney's departure, South Grenville will welcome Joellen Bauder, who was vice-principal of General Vanier Intermediate School in Cornwall, according to Ramsay.

"She's from Maitland and had been commuting to General Vanier," said Ramsay.

"She already knows the South Grenville community which will help, and we're looking forward to getting her in here to get started for the beginning of the second semester at the latest," the principal added.

Police issue advisory after several snowmobiles and ATVs are stolen

AUGUSTA ­ Grenville County OPP officers are investigating a recent rash of thefts of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles.

On the morning of Jan. 17, Constable McDade investigated the theft of a green 1998 Polaris Indy from the Lords Mills Road area. The machine was later found undamaged in Limerick Forest; however, the trail permit had been removed.

A second snowmobile theft from Lords Mills Road was reported to police Jan. 18. The victim was walking along the snowmobile trail that evening when he located his machine, a 1998 Bombardier Formula. The machine had a punched ignition but no other damage, according to a police news release. Constable McConnell is the investigating officer.

A third snowmobile and ATV were reported stolen Jan. 19 on County Road 18 just south of Roebuck. The snowmobile is a yellow and black 1981 Skidoo Citation. The ATV, a green 1998 Yamaha Big Bear 350, was located hidden in some trees. Both machines had been driven south. Evidence indicates at least two people were involved in the theft. Constable Duke is the investigating officer.

A second ATV was stolen from McCrea Road; the overnight theft was reported Jan. 19. The red, two-wheel drive 1989 Yamaha Moto-4 was taken from a shed near a residence, dragged approximately 200 metres, started and then driven towards Skakum Road The tracks were followed as far as Glen Smail Road, where they merged with other tracks.

Police remind machine owners to store their vehicles in secure locations.

Write down the licence plate number or description of any suspicious vehicles in your area.

Anyone with information on these or other thefts in Augusta or Edwardsburgh/Cardinal is asked to call the OPP detachment in Prescott (925-4221) or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Charges laid in property damage cases

PRESCOTT ­ Two 16-year-old male youths have been charged with mischief in connection with incidents in late December in which property damage was reported, according to the Prescott Police Service.

A rock thrown at a patio door at a Prince Street residence caused more than $1,500 in damage, a Prescott police news release noted.

The male youth charged in that case was also charged in connection with $112 in damage done to a window at a Duke Street apartment building.

An estimated $368 in damage occurred at a Duke Street residence; there was oil on the siding as well as a ripped screen. A second male youth has been charged in that case.

The local youths are scheduled to appear in Brockville court Jan. 28.

In all, Prescott police officers investigated 59 general incidents and two motor vehicle collisions between Jan. 12 and Jan. 19.

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.

Spencerville library continues to receive support from its Friends in Edwardsburgh

SPENCERVILLE ­ The public library in Spencerville is looking better than ever thanks to the support of its friends.

A number of improvements and enhanced services have been added to the new facility as a result of ongoing fundraising efforts being made by the Friends of the Edwardsburgh Public Library.

In addition to a new office computer and two new computer chairs for patrons, there are new storage cabinets and shelving for books and videos. A work table for the office area is also being added.

"We are proud of our library," said Louise Burchell of the Friends group.

Other improvements in the works are grab bars in the bathroom. Volunteers will be decorating the bathroom with some paint and wallpaper border.

A wing chair will soon be in place in the front reading area.

Librarian Marva Sothmann said the contributions being made by the Friends group are "fabulous." The atmosphere that has been created "is what I like in a library," she added.

In terms of programs, a book club has been started. Participants choose their own reading material and comment on it at the following meeting.

A successful children's program offered in December will be followed up by another program Feb. 8; a March break program for youngsters is also in the works.

As part of the "Art in the Library" program, works by elementary school students and adults are matted and framed; the items are displayed on a rotating basis.

The library also puts out a regular newsletter in conjunction with the library. Patrons and members are informed of what is new at the library.

The next meeting of the Friends group will take place Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Spencerville .

The AGM and regular meeting will be held that evening. New members are welcome to attend.

Augusta Township protests increased fees to conservation authorities

MAYNARD ­ The increase in annual fees to area conservation agencies is being protested by Augusta Township council.

Letters to South Nation and Rideau Valley conservation authorities will be sent by the township expressing its displeasure with the fee hikes, council decided at its Jan. 13 meeting.

The South Nation authority is requesting an increase from $33,155 to $34,978, or 5.5 per cent extra, and Rideau Valley is asking for a 41-per-cent increase, from $3,567 per year to $5,034.

Only a small portion of the township drains into the Rideau Valley watershed and Augusta has little input in the authority, Reeve George Vail explained. The township has more geographical ties with the South Nation, he added.

"We should pass a resolution and state this is not acceptable," Vail said. However, he acknowledged it is not a case of choosing not to pay, and there are repercussions for non-payment.

Deputy Reeve Doug Barton also noted the township has no choice but to pay, although there are grants available to residents from the authorities that will help put some money back into Augusta.

Barton explained grant programs are available for such work as well upgrades and erosion control, and residents should take advantage of the programs. "It may be wise to be looking at those things, then at least the individual people are getting some money back from these conservation authorities," he said.

These benefits should be available at the current levy, Vail protested.

Many projects that at one time would have been under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Natural Resources are now been taken care of by conservation authorities, Barton said. "That seems to be where the province is putting its funding."

Among their services, conservation authorities are involved in the protection of ground and surface water, monitoring water quality and supply, promoting environmental awareness and completing sewage system inspections.

Writers' guild accepting humour contest entries

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

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 winning submissions 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.

Interim tax bills to be distributed

PRESCOTT ­ Property owners in Prescott can soon expect to receive their first tax bills.

Town council approved an interim tax levy for 2003 Monday night. The interim levy represents 50 per cent of last year's tax bill.

Payment of the interim levy is due by the end of February. The second tax bills will be distributed in the second half of the year.

Government offers reward in case of unsolved death

ROCKPORT ­ The Government of Ontario is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of a Rockport man last year.

The body of Brad Cromwell, 25, was found Sept. 14 on Old River Road, a gravel sideroad running parallel to the Thousand Islands Parkway.

Police believe Cromwell was struck by a vehicle in the early morning hours; he was pronounced dead at Brockville General Hospital.

The Ontario Provincial Police noted in a news release earlier this month the person responsible for Cromwell's death would likely have been familiar with the area or been travelling with someone who was.

Police believe people in the community have information that may be of assistance.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the OPP in Brockville at 345-1790 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Local Commissionaire receives Queen's medal

Leonard Carriere cited for being good role model

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - A local man has been awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal from the Kingston and Region Division of the Commissionaires.

Leonard Carriere of Cardinal was awarded one of three jubilee medals that the commissionaires were given to present.

Carriere received his medal Tuesday morning at the Coast Guard base in Prescott where Carriere works.

"Len was chosen from 650 people in the commissionaires," said Ted Nurse, CEO of the Kingston and Region Division of Commissionaires. "There were lots of talented people to choose from, but his leadership, his ability to co-operate, jump in and help out made him stand out. He's a good role model for the type of people we are looking for. Len is certainly deserving of the honour."

"I'm quite ecstatic," said Carriere. "It's very overwhelming. I never thought I would ever be considered; with all the people available, what were the odds?"

Carriere had spend numerous years in the military, and has been involved with security since the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. He has also been a Scout leader in the area, a former Legion executive member and veteran of many volunteer groups within South Grenville.

The Queen's Golden Jubilee was implemented in England and the Commonweath to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's 50 years on the throne. Those awarded medals were to have made a significant contribution to Canada, through service to their country or through volunteer efforts.

Carriere's wife Diana, daughter Jessica and son Bradley were in attendance to share the moment with him. "I'm proud of him," said Bradley. "I never thought he would have won something like this. He already has a lot of medals; I didn't think he'd get another."

"This is truly a once in a lifetime experience," said Mr. Carriere. "It's a memory that will last a lifetime."

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal will issue rebates to residents who are Walker House members

SPENCERVILLE - Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council approved a bylaw Monday in which senior citizens within the township will be re-imbursed for out-of-town fees at Walker House in Prescott.

"I had received a number of calls lately from residents wanting to know if we would re-imburse them the $25 out of town fee," said Dobbie. "Augusta does re-imburse their seniors, and since we have nothing similar within the township this would be something to do."

Walker House is an activity centre for senior citizens.

Councillor Peggy Taylor was wary of passing the bylaw as it would set a precedent.

"It could open the door for more requests of a similar nature," said Taylor. "I have kids that have to go out of town for gymnastics, and that could send a sign that they could get re-imbursed as well."

"Comparing those two examples aren't the same," said Dobbie. "I don't feel it will be a problem."

Councillor Frank Noccey added, "The seniors here have paid their dues; they deserve something special."

Cruise ship could include stop in Johnstown

JOHNSTOWN - A cruise ship is looking into the possibility of docking at the Port of Prescott in the Spring of 2003.

Port General Manager Bob Hennessy was approached with an inquiry about the cost of docking at the port according to the minutes from a Port of Prescott meeting which were approved by council Jan. 6.

"We first received inquiries about this last fall," said Operations Manager John Horan.

"We referred them to the town, since they usually dock in Prescott. But they made another inquiry which we had the (cruise ship) company get in touch with the municipal office. There is nothing definite about this."

"As far as I know, an inquiry was made to the general manager, but other than that I don't know," said Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Mayor Dave Dobbie.

Township council remains opposed to wetland plan

SPENCERVILLE - A letter from a resident concerned about a proposed Ducks Unlimited project was received by Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council Monday night.

A resident who had recently heard about a proposed plan which would see an area behind Angelo's Restaurant flooded and dammed to control waterflow to create a wetland wrote to council to express his concern.

"Council is not in favour of this," said Mayor Dave Dobbie. "We were not in favour of it three years ago when it was first presented and then about a year ago when it was brought up again, and we still aren't in favour today. We have no involvement other than the fact we have an unmaintained road allowance through there we don't want to be flooded."

A letter is to be sent to the resident to inform him of the decision as well as a copy to Ducks Unlimited.

Beautification to continue at waterfront arboretum

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

Prescott Blossoms (PB) is busy planning for phase three. To review, phase one was the construction of the millennium pathway and phase two was PB 2002, the construction of the gravel pathways and starting the Prescott Heritage River Trail Arboretum. So for phase three, there will be more planting at the arboretum, the completion of a native grass bed, the design and planting of a more formalized "parkette bed" at the far west end. Community beautification projects will also continue to be part of our scope. To aid in planning these community projects, a form is being developed to make it easier for PB to assist with projects. (Our main goal will still be training and development of youth for employment.)

On Friday, Jan. 24, from 1 to 3 pm, PB will host a celebration of achievements 2002 at O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer Community Room. Everyone is welcome to attend.

There's a growing movement "wild about gardening" and especially now is when I yearn the most to get back outside in the garden. Maybe you're like that too.

Thank goodness for seed catalogues, in particular, those that specialize in native plants. Choosing native plants, trees and shrubs means their chances of not only surviving our conditions, but also thriving in them (without pesticides/herbicides) are great.

Thriving also means attracting valuable wildlife, like the pollinators: hummingbirds, bees and butterflies - just as much a part of gardening as choosing the right plants. There is a great Web site to help you do just that. It's part of the Canadian Wildlife Federation - just open www.wildabboutgardening.org. Then click on "gardening gab," then "native plant suppliers list." Here you'll find local nurseries, catalogues and Web sites where you can discover more about our beautiful natives.

Speaking of which, Tanya Telgen, one of our PB team members, researched one of the many shrubs we planted down at the waterfront. Tanya writes that the grey dogwood, (Cornus racemosa), averages 3 m (9 feet) tall and because it suckers very quickly from its roots, it makes it difficult to tell it's width. The leaves are greyish-green and smooth to touch, turning a purplish-red in autumn. Winter shows off their gorgeous red branches.

The white flowers are in 4 cm (2-inch) clusters, blooming in late spring. It is said that from one bush, 100 birds can enjoy the tiny red fruits. This dogwood prefers sun or shade, moist well-drained soils of any quality - a keeper for the naturalized landscape.

Non-fiction entries accepted

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.

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 entry fees and where to send submissions, contact joyhm@ripnet.com or petrus.delepper@sympatico.ca.

Berry good fundraiser offered by Maitland Anglican church

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

St. James Anglican Church is holding its 11th annual fundraising berry sale. This year, the sale features wild Nova Scotia blueberries, cranberries and raspberries. The berries are individually frozen and can be used straight from the freezer in many baking recipes. Also included for sale are three cookbooks by Nova Scotian Fern Walker.

There is a cookbook for raspberries, for blueberries, and for cranberries. Revenue from the sale supports the Maitland parish. Orders for berries can be taken until Feb. 19 and delivery is Thursday, Feb. 27 at 5 pm. If you are interested in purchasing either a cookbook or berries, call Pat Allport at 348-3657.

The Augusta Public Library has been fortunate to receive two donations that enabled them to take advantage of the Scholastic Book Sale in December. The Grenville Retired Women Teachers donated $50 for the purchase of books and the Augusta Friends of the Library has donated $300 for the purchase of children's books at the Scholastic Book Sale and donated another $300 in children's books. The donation has allowed the library to purchase books for the Grade 3 to young adult area of the library. Additional copies of Harry Potter and Tuck Everlasting have been added to the collection as well as books by Carolyn Cooney and Nora McClintock. Books from the Heartland, Redwall and Lemony Snicket series have also been added.

The Augusta Friends of the Library are looking for new members who are interested in supporting the library, initiating new programs, planning events at the library and making new friends. Participation in Friends can take many forms and can be adapted to fit your schedule.

Meetings are held on the last Thursday of the month at 7 pm at the library. If you are interested, call Joanne Edwards at 926-2637.

SCHOOL SCENE

CENTENNIAL '67/NORTH EDWARDSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOL : Artist Deborah Dunleavy will be working with our junior classes for five days developing story musicals. Students will create mini-operettas by putting stories to music. It promises to be an exciting learning experience!

Tryouts for intermediate basketball are under way.

The Grade 8 Graduation Committee is selling sub lunches on Friday.

Welcome to Krista Gaw, CYW college student doing her placement at Centennial '67.

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL: Basketball practice for our senior teams continue this week. The girls will practise Thursday at 3:40 pm, and the boys will practise Wednesday at 3:40 pm. They are busy preparing themselves for next week's tournament.

Just a reminder we offer a hot lunch program on Tuesday and Thursday of each week. Next Tuesday, hamburgers will be served. Pizza is served every Thursday. Milk is also available each day (chocolate or white).

On Tuesday and Thursday after school, our school is pleased to offer a numeracy and literacy program for Grade 7s and 8s. It runs from 3:30 to 4:30 pm.

If you wish your child to receive extra assistance in this worthwhile after-school program, please contact your child's teacher as soon as possible. Space is still available.

On Friday, we are kicking off our MS Read-a-thon. At 11 am, grades 4-6 will attend an assembly to receive information about the program. All students are encouraged to read as many books as possible to raise money for this worthwhile cause.

The Chess and Checkers Club will also meet Friday at lunch.

Next Monday and Tuesday, our students will be working with professional artist Liba David. She is best known for her work using materials from the natural environment.

All students will have an opportunity to create alongside Liba. This is certainly something very exciting for our school, and we welcome Liba and look forward to seeing her creations.

Congratulations to our students of the week: Brandon Beckstead, Daniel Walker, Tony Douglas, Kristen Coligan, Allison Dedekker, Justin Dalrymple, Jacob Temple, Mitchel Biccum and Chris Hoogwerf.

ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL: Our Playground Revitalization Committee will meet this Thursday, Jan. 23 at 3:45 pm at the school.

Our school council meeting will also take place Thursday at 7 pm in the school library. We will be discussing the EQAO provincial, board and school results.

Our All Star Reading Strategies this week are: Kindergarten ­ Book Awareness Strategies ("Check out the book"); Grade 1 ­ Unstuck Strategies ("Work play with beginning and ending sounds"); Grade 2 ­ Book Awareness Strategies ("Super see-through"); Grade 3 ­ Unstuck Strategies ("Try it again").

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

Healthy eating series teaches how to stretch your dollar

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

The next of our healthy eating series Wednesday, Jan. 29 will cover cutting or stretching your shopping dollar while feeding one or two. You are welcome to come and join us, but please call in advance at 925-5300 so we can plan our lunch. The information session begins at 10 am.

Some members have renewed their interest in the snooker table. If you are interested, please call and leave your name.

Just a reminder about the pot luck annual meeting Jan. 27 at 5:30 pm. Board members are asked to have their reports ready. Plan to join us.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Andy Britnell; 2nd, Larry Devine; door prize, Ruth Britnell. Wednesday night bridge ­ 1st, Andy Britnell; 2nd, Findlay Hill; draw, Ruth Britnell. Thursday euchre ­ 1st, Pat McPhee; 2nd, Lorne Thompson; 3rd, Irene Thompson and Pete Lowry; door prize, Bea Hemsley.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"This has been the best high school I've ever worked at,
and everyone should be proud of the school."

Editor's Notebook

IT'S NOT OVER TILL IT'S OVER: It was only a matter of time before Bob Runciman announced his intention to seek re-election as MPP for Leeds-Grenville. After all, with what appears to be an increase in the number of "good news" announcements originating from the MPP's office and the provincial government in general, speculation there would be an election this spring had become rampant.

If the Progressive Conservatives believe they can get past the hydro debacle and the confrontational label that was applied to the Tories under former premier Mike Harris, they could very well seek a third consecutive mandate in May or June. However, there are a lot of people who are still paying a lot more for their electricity and who question why the system was changed at the expense of those who can least afford it. Rebates and rate caps may have offered some much-needed relief, but the Ernie Eves regime lost a lot of its initial goodwill as a result of energy deregulation and how it affected Ontarians.

Mr. Runciman is telling his constituents he is in the best position to represent them given his 22 years on the job. There is no doubt his experience is an asset other candidates will not be able to match. There is also no doubt the provincial government is spending considerable amounts of money on capital projects, most of which are located in Brockville.

However, Mr. Runciman will also have a lot of explaining to do when residents of South Grenville ask what the Conservatives have done for them lately. The imminent arrival of high-speed Internet access is important to the region, but the empty storefronts and the regular utility bills and limited prospects for many people in the area tell a much different and much more immediate story for a lot of people in our community.

Being re-elected several times is not something that could or should be brushed off; Bob Runciman has a proven track record that stands out above that of many of his colleagues at Queen's Park. However, six wins does not a seventh automatically make. Before the pundits sign off on the fate of Leeds-Grenville in the next provincial election, let's hear from the candidates, their leaders and the voters before declaring Runciman or any other candidate the winner.

STICKING TO ITS GUNS: As much as Prescott council has come under fire for its mishandling of the town hall saga, council deserves some credit for staying the course when it comes to pursuing an OPP contract. Council's decision to proceed with challenging a ruling that prevented the disbandment of the Prescott Police Service reinforced a decision council made at the beginning of its term in Jan. 2001. Even if many people continue to question the need to make the change, at least council cannot be accused in this case of flip-flopping and being indecisive.

Tim Ruhnke

Another column and yet another Nickel City crush

THE NEW GUY by Tim Ruhnke

This space has been used on a number of occasions to recount some of my more embarrassing and pathetic tales relating to high school and university crushes. The contents of the item that appears at the end of this week's column prompted me to once again harken back to the moonscape of the Nickel City.

Her name was Jennifer Logan. She hailed from a small town in southwestern Ontario and came from an armed forces background, but she was anything but a military brat. Jennifer was a tall, blond, blue-eyed nursing student who was also about as nice a person as you'll ever meet ­ the type of woman most sensible guys would long for if after they leave university, do a bit more growing up and realize a good thing (commitment-wise) when they see it.

We had several conversations during our four-year stint at Laurentian, but the closest I ever got to actually going out with her was bumping into her at the mall, eating together in the food court and taking the bus back to campus.

I recall she played a role in my first experience as a drunk. The guys got me loaded on my 19th birthday and hauled me off to the residence in which Jennifer lived. I also recall ending up in the TV lounge doing my best impersonation of one of those "she's the best" and "I love you guys" bawling sessions.

Jennifer was also there on my last day as a university student. I was actually proud to introduce her to my father, and I was also pleased I could see her one more time before she headed for what I was sure would be a promising career and family life.

Happy belated birthdays (Oct. 29), Jennifer; I hope you are happy and healthy and doing what you want to do with your life.

For the benefit of all you Voyageurs out there, the Ottawa chapter of Laurentian University alumni is hosting a couple of events at Winterlude next weekend. A skating party for LU alumni and their families will take place Saturday, Feb. 1 from 2 to 4 pm at Dows Lake. Meet at the Mexicali Rosa's lakefront near the pavilion at Queen Elizabeth Drive and Preston Street.

There will also be an alumni reception from 8 to 10 pm at Mexicali Rosa's. Anyone interested in attending the reception is asked to call the alumni office in Sudbury at 1-800-461-4030 by this Friday, Jan. 24.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

1963 Editorial praises supermarket for enhancing downtown

Jan. 22, 1953

* Prescott council approved an increase in the wage of three employees of the streets department from 80 cents to 90 cents per hour.

Jan. 23, 1963

* The fire siren will shortly be heard from its new perch on the PUC water tank on Wood Street. The alarm is being moved from the Dominion Lighthouse Depot because the signal was inaudible under certain weather conditions.

* Editorial: The opening today of the Dominion Stores Limited new supermarket... brings to a climax a plan that has taken a couple of years. Remember the controversy over getting rid of the old town hall, the market building the fire hall and memorial gardens and market square. Those are now memories, all rebuilt and replaced. In their place is this most modern store, in reality a new industry, employing at the outset, 27 people.

Alongside is a new parking lot, so needed in our downtown section.

Officers of Dominion are to be congratulated on providing a fine, modern building to King Street. Its random stone front blends with the old stone building of the business section, while its modern glass and lighting bring something totally new.

Jan. 19, 1983

* The Prescott Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award, the town's premier recognition of community service since 1959, was presented to John McAuley in recognition of 24 years of volunteer work with Cubs, Scouts, minor hockey and his church. Greg Modler is this year's winner of the Connie Dickey Youth Award. The 19-year-old Grade 13 student at SGDHS has excelled scholastically and athletically, and is involved with community volunteer activities.

Jan. 20, 1993

* This year's recipient of the Community Service Award winner is Anne Kindervater, a unique civic leader who tackles life head on and leads by example. The Corporate Citizen Award was presented to Jean and Kai Lee, owners of the Seaway Restaurant.

* Sandra Lawn is the newly-acclaimed federal Progressive Conservative candidate.

Celebrities are back again

By Maurice Tougas

Remember in the shocked, somber days after Sept. 11, 2001, when everyone believed that "things would never be the same again"?

North Americans were feeling more than a little sheepish. Oh, what fools we were to waste our precious paper (and brain cells) on the comings and goings of celebrities. With thousands of people dead and democracy under attack, it was suddenly deemed obscene to obsess about who was doing what to whom, who was dating who, who was splitting up, what did Celebrity X name her baby, and does she know who the father is, blah blah blah.

We'd never fall into that trap again, the commentators commented and the pundits pontificated. Sept. 11, 2001, marked the end of the frivolous, celebrity-obsessed era, and the beginning of a more sober, serious-minded time. Call it Post 9-11.

Let's see now, how long did that last? Five months, maybe six?

For a merciful few months, even leafing through trash like People magazine was done only on the sly. People readers had to come up with a lame excuse ("Umm, I'm just checking to see if they have any pictures of Osama bin Laden's wives, so I can recognize them."), just the way guys used to say they bought Playboy "for the articles".

Those were serious times.

The media were tentative about returning to entertainment gossip for a while. Even the celebrities laid low, trying not to draw attention to themselves, which they did by trying to not draw attention to themselves, thereby earning praise from the media. But slowly, the tide turned. The World Trade Center site was cleaned up, except for that nasty little hole. Afghanistan rolled over faster than France. Jay Leno started making jokes about Osama bin Laden. Cracks appeared in the wall of seriousness.

But it wasn't until that great old trooper, Liza Minnelli, threw her lavish, faded-celebrity-studded wedding to a well-preserved weirdo named David Gest, that celebrity journalism returned with a flourish. Suddenly, it was OK to gawk again.

Freed of the shackles of seriousness, the hoi polloi and the media are free again to wallow in the muck of the celebrity swamp. We are once again awash, drowning in "news" about movie, TV and music stars.

Yes, friends, celebrity coverage is back, bigger and more pointless than ever! Call it Post-Post 9-11. Don't believe it? Consider the following:

Winona Ryder shoplifting case: In the Post 9-11 months, this would have been back page stuff. In the Post-Post 9-11 era, this is screaming headline, media circus stuff. "Can Winona's Career Be Saved?" asked Entertainment Weekly. I've got a better question: "Can Anyone Name Two Winona Ryder Movies?"

Elizabeth Hurley: Media went nutzo speculating about who was the father of her baby. In Post 9-11 months, item would have been relegated to birth announcements. Post-post-9-11, media went nuts, asking "Who is father of Elizabeth Hurley's baby?" I've got a better question: "Who is Elizabeth Hurley?"

Jennifer Lopez: Actress and singer Lopez (or J.Lo, as those of us in the know call her), best known for her tremendous singing, acting, and caboose size, splits from her husband of a few months. This is considered front page stuff, mostly by male editors who will use any excuse to run a picture of J.Lo in that outfit she wore to the Grammys. Beats the hell out of another picture of bin Laden.

Paul McCartney wedding: Former Beatle Paul (formerly the "cute" one, now the "wrinkled" one) marries a model. Media helicopters were stacked up over the wedding site like jets at JFK.

Tom Cruise: With release of new film, Cruise appears on the cover of every magazine in the known universe. Consensus viewpoint -­ he's a really nice guy. Probably not gay.

The Osbournes: Reality show following old, addled rock star Ozzy Osbourne ­- the poster boy for the Don't Do Drugs movement ­- and his foul-mouthed family is a monster hit in the U.S.

And in a related item, the woman who made it possible for celebrities to do what they do best again ­- which is be celebrated ­- may return to TV. Miss Minnelli and her well preserved new husband are working on a reality show that will chronicle their celebrity marriage, and their celebrity friends.

Thank you, Winona, Liz, J.Lo, Tom, Liza, and especially the media, for making it acceptable to stop thinking again.

Maurice Tougas is a multiple-award winning columnist and journalist with more than 20 years experience. He has worked for the Edmonton Examiner, the Edmonton Journal, the Canadian Press and the Red Deer Advocate. He lives in Edmonton with his wife and three sons, aged 17, 15 and 11.

Beautification to continue at waterfront arboretum

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

Prescott Blossoms (PB) is busy planning for phase three. To review, phase one was the construction of the millennium pathway and phase two was PB 2002, the construction of the gravel pathways and starting the Prescott Heritage River Trail Arboretum. So for phase three, there will be more planting at the arboretum, the completion of a native grass bed, the design and planting of a more formalized "parkette bed" at the far west end. Community beautification projects will also continue to be part of our scope. To aid in planning these community projects, a form is being developed to make it easier for PB to assist with projects. (Our main goal will still be training and development of youth for employment.)

On Friday, Jan. 24, from 1 to 3 pm, PB will host a celebration of achievements 2002 at O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer Community Room. Everyone is welcome to attend.

There's a growing movement "wild about gardening" and especially now is when I yearn the most to get back outside in the garden. Maybe you're like that too.

Thank goodness for seed catalogues, in particular, those that specialize in native plants. Choosing native plants, trees and shrubs means their chances of not only surviving our conditions, but also thriving in them (without pesticides/herbicides) are great.

Thriving also means attracting valuable wildlife, like the pollinators: hummingbirds, bees and butterflies - just as much a part of gardening as choosing the right plants. There is a great Web site to help you do just that. It's part of the Canadian Wildlife Federation - just open www.wildabboutgardening.org. Then click on "gardening gab," then "native plant suppliers list." Here you'll find local nurseries, catalogues and Web sites where you can discover more about our beautiful natives.

Speaking of which, Tanya Telgen, one of our PB team members, researched one of the many shrubs we planted down at the waterfront. Tanya writes that the grey dogwood, (Cornus racemosa), averages 3 m (9 feet) tall and because it suckers very quickly from its roots, it makes it difficult to tell it's width. The leaves are greyish-green and smooth to touch, turning a purplish-red in autumn. Winter shows off their gorgeous red branches.

The white flowers are in 4 cm (2-inch) clusters, blooming in late spring. It is said that from one bush, 100 birds can enjoy the tiny red fruits. This dogwood prefers sun or shade, moist well-drained soils of any quality - a keeper for the naturalized landscape.

Many booming businesses in Cardinal in the 1950s

By Jack Patrick, Special to The Journal

For the younger generations, i.e. those born in the 1950s and later, you may be surprised by what Cardinal looked like 50 years ago.

Some of us will recall that the population was near 2,300 in '55. Groceries could be bought at 10 different stores and there were nine gas stations waiting to fill your tank, and if you didn't have a car, there were six taxis to serve you. Some other businesses included four restaurants, three clothing stores, three barbershops, two shoe repair shops, two butcher shops, two insurance offices, and many other businesses which totalled about 85, not including the six churches, two schools and four meeting halls.

The only way into the main street was by the swing bridge over the canal. On the east side of Bridge Street you would find: Jim McQuade and Sons Esso gas and general repairs garage, E.V. Dodge and Sons Animal Feed Warehouse and Sales and Dr. Mark M. Boss M.D. office.

On the west side of Bridge Street was: Ernest Bottan Shoemaker and Repairs, Bill Morris Barber Shop and Radio Repair Shop, Benny Steck's I.G.A. Grocery Store, Frank Dodge General Insurance and Appliance Sales, E.V. Dodge and Sons Heating Fuels and Texaco gas pumps.

On the north side of Dundas Street from the west you would find: Rose Mathieu Beauty Salon, Blake Kenney Taxi Service, Cardinal Library, Charles Gilder Jewellery Store, Dillon Hotel (W.A. Dillon, Proprietor), John Armstrong Butcher Shop, Alex English - Men's Ladies and Children's Wear, Toronto Dominion Bank, town police residence, United Church, Presbyterian Church, Bill Gamble's Skate Repairs and Blade Sharpening Shop.

On the south side of Dundas Street from the west was: Dodge's Coal Storage Sheds, Cardinal swimming pools, Royal Canadian Legion, Jackson Funeral Home, Fred Emmons Fine Furniture and Appliances, Benny Spellerman's Clothing Store, Orange Lodge Hall, Bell Telephone switchboard and office, Pentecostal Church, Eric Alberry Taxi Service, Cardinal Post Office, Carleton A. Ranson Hardware Store, Dave Baker Pharmacy, Fred Serviss Grocery Store, Roy Magee's Barber Shop, Tony Sisty Hunting and Fishing supplies, Bruce and Nona Melville Bake Shop, first-class baseball and softball diamonds complete with dug-outs, Cardinal News newspaper office (Earl Coons, Editor) and Len Jackson's Apiary.

Mary Lane's Beauty Salon was on Victoria Street. On Walter Street was the Cardinal Police station, the fire hall, the clerk's office and Brown's Dairy. On the west side of Lewis Street was: Idona's Glove and Hat Shop, Harold Turner Taxi, Lloyd Grant's Clothing Store, Edgar Adam's Barber Shop and G.W. VanCamp and Son Clover Farm Grocery Store.

On the east side of Lewis Street was: the Masons Hall, John Arthurs Grocery Store, the luxurious Savoy Theatre, Garnet and Nellie's candy store, Henry Poy Yee's Paradise Restaurant, Irving's/Muir's Fish and Chips and family restaurant, June Casaubon Cue Lunch and Pool Hall Restaurant, Jim McShane's Butcher Shop and Groceries, Steritt's Co-op grocery store, Cardinal town hall and Tunis and Rett VanCamp's grocery store.

Down Munroe Street you would find Mike Skakum's laundro-mat, Tim Buckley's grocery store and Winnie Scott's alterations and seamstress shop.

The north side of John Street was home to Carl Reilly's Cardinal Motor Sales (Chrysler/Plymouth dealership, sales and service with White Rose gas, three-bay garage and body and paint shop) George N. McLean auto, home and life insurance, Anglican Church and the Catholic Church.

On the south side of John Street was the jail and the tennis courts. The businesses on New Street were: John W. Burns shoe repairs, LCBO store, and H.V. Redden Appliance sales and office and coal storage barns.

James Street was home to Turner Brothers (Jim and Ken) Plumbing and Tinsmithing, Harry Wright upholstery shop, Canada Starch Company Limited, Cardinal Arena, Cardinal High School and Benson Public School.

On the north side of the canal was "Happy's Inn," also known as Tom Philmore's restaurant and gas pumps, Norval Prosser's bicycle repair shop, Tom and Molly Magee's grocery store, swing bridge operator's office building, Colonial Coach Lines depot, Well's Shell gas and auto repair shop, Harold Well's taxi service, Jack Dodge and Sons Construction Co., Casey Lemery' Cities Service Gas and Groceries, George Forrester and Son Building Supplies and Hardware, Ken Dewar Taxi Service, Canadian Corps Hall, Harry Daw Cartage and Delivery Service, Dwight Ogilvie Convenience Store, Bill Sherman Auto Repairs and Sunoco gas station, Wm Rombough's convenience store, Cardinal Race Horse Club (track, paddock and grandstand, Free Methodist Church, Fred Crowder taxi service, CNR rail station, (freight and passenger service), Harold Thompson Supertest gas station and tow truck service, Cardinal Canal Locks No. 27 and 28 and operator's house, Percy O'Hara's general store, Vic Woodland's Case Farm Machinery Sales and White Rose gas station.

Times were slower then, but there was always lots of activity. In the winter months, the junior hockey team, the Red Birds, played home games on Friday nights, and were league and play-off champions for most of the early '50s. On Saturday nights, the intermediate team, the Pats, would also draw good crowds. Frank Shortt and Doug Serviss kept the ice in good shape and Ike Lewis entertained the crowd between periods with his harmonica as he skated around the rink in his famous bib coveralls. Public skating was also a huge weekly event. The Savoy Theatre entertained residents and visitors six nights a week, and the Saturday matinee was usually a packed house.

In the summer months, the focal point on Saturday evenings was on Lewis Street in front of the town hall, where the Cardinal Citizens Band played under the direction of Louis Santarosa and later Jack Latimer entertained hundreds of residents and shoppers.

The swimming pools were always crowded and the east, centre and west end residents would also claim their separate swimming spots in the shipping canal at the lower, middle and upper bends.

The Cardinal shipping locks No. 27 and 28 was a favourite spot on Sundays, where many family picnics took place.

The baseball diamond at the east end of town was rarely empty. Cardinal teams always competed at all age groups in leagues that included larger places like Ottawa and Cornwall.

The softball diamond was also busy nearly every night with the six factory and town teams competing. Also in the summer there was horse racing on the north side, where you could place your bets.

The '50s also saw the last of our own high school football team, which dominated through the late '40s and early '50s.

As a testament to Cardinal's athletes, while recently attending a 67s hockey game with Grant McLaughlin, he met Ottawa Coach Brian Kilrea between periods. After inquiring where Grant lived, Kilrea's answer was: "Oh, yes, Cardinal - home of Jack Hoy." He went on to say: "Ottawa played many baseball games in Cardinal from peewee to senior, and if we wanted to advance in the playdowns, we always had to go through Cardinal."

Potential library move hot topic at council

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - The Cardinal Public Library's potential relocation was a hot topic of discussion at Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council Monday night.

More than 15 people were on hand to express their opinions on the library's possible move to the Cardinal municipal building.

Head Librarian Margaret Ann Gaylord, with the support of the Friends of the Library and the library board, expressed concern over the library's current state, including a lack of space.

"At our current site we have run out of room," said Gaylord. "It's gotten to a point where we are actually having to get rid of books which are still being read in order to bring in any new material. Over the past three years our patrons have grown by 375 people from all three wards, as well as the circulation doubling.

"Really, it would be ideal to move to the main level of the Cardinal municipal building, it would address the need for more floor space and allow for growth, provide quiet rooms for writing exams and accommodate students doing research, accommodate separate meeting areas for other community groups and clubs without interruption of other patrons, require limited expense with respect to modifications and electrical upgrades, supply adequate parking, as well as disabled and handicapped parking and should the need arise, accommodate extended community services," Gaylord said.

The township has declared the municipal building surplus.

Dr. Andrew Thomas, who has an office within Cardinal, claimed to be for the idea and also for another project that would work alongside the library in the municipal hall.

"There are two physicians in Cardinal and we are not using them properly," said Thomas. "About ten hours a week we spend doing jobs that a mental health nurse or public health nurse would be better equipped to deal with. With the facilities available there are many available services to attract, which could flourish together with the library."

Thomas' plan calls for 2-3 offices and a small amount of common space in the municipal building be used for the services to provide support to the whole township.

Marj Kempffer, who was in favour of Dr. Thomas' proposal, added "There was a lot of positive feedback from groups within the community a week ago. These are the kinds of things that can really grow and spread throughout the county to benefit the entire township."

Despite her support for Dr. Thomas' vision, Kempffer also expressed her reservations about the potential library move. "I'm really not so sure about it," said Kempffer. "I understand the needs, but there is a right home for the right case. Cardinal recently took a big hit (loss of the grocery store) and I don't want to see anymore of the downtown core disappear."

Council seemed interested in the feedback on the possible move but gave no indication as to when a decision would be made.

"We certainly won't be making a decision tonight," said Mayor Dave Dobbie. "We got a lot of good feedback to mull over."

Attempted break and enter at post office

CARDINAL ­ Ontario Provincial Police are investigating an attempted break and enter at the post office in Cardinal.

The cleaner reported the attempt to police Jan. 13. The postmaster had left at about 5:15 pm; the cleaner arrived at about 6 pm. The rear door was damaged, but no one entered the building and nothing was taken. A storage shed behind the building was damaged. There had also been an attempt to pry the buzzer off the back wall, according to police.

Evidence found at the scene indicates at least two suspects. Constable Will Kavanagh is the investigating officer. Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP in Prescott (925-4221) or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

National Grocers not looking at replacing Fresh-Mart

CARDINAL - National Grocers is not currently looking at opening a new store in Cardinal following the recent closure of Van Camp's Fresh-Mart.

National Grocers Vice President of Investor Relations, Geoff Wilson, indicated Thursday that nothing had been discussed about replacing the now-closed Fresh-Mart in Cardinal with another store from the National Grocers chain.

"That store had an independent owner who owned the store site and it was his unilateral decision to close the store," said Wilson. "The closure was his decision not ours. We haven't really got into discussion about the possibility of a store in Cardinal, especially with our presence in Prescott."

O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer is a member of the National Grocers chain.

Correction

A photo caption that appeared in the Jan. 15 edition should have identified the name of the ice fisherman as Tom Burns. The Journal apologizes for the error.

Club puts on quite a show at skating invitational

PRESCOTT - Local skaters fared well in the Prescott Invitational Free Skate last weekend, securing a number of podium finishes in the two-day event.

"Everything went very well on the weekend," said competition chair Cindy McGuin. "We had a very big turnout, with 321 skaters from 39 clubs, which made it a very busy and fun weekend. It certainly was a successful fundraiser for the club."

Arnprior won the Ray Throop Memorial Trophy, awarded to the club with the most points as they finished with 161 points. The next highest score was 77 points from Nepean.

"Arnprior certainly had a dominating performance," said McGuin. "They more than doubled every other team that competed."

Despite not finishing in the top five clubs, local skaters were able to have numerous strong performances.

Jennifer Pettem took home the Barry Lundvall Memorial Trophy as the local skater with the most points, beating out teammate Sierra McGuin for top honours.

"We had several local skaters with podium finishes (top four)," says McGuin. "We didn't have as strong of a team finish as in past years, but we still had a good performance from all of the girls."

Top four finishes from Prescott:

Amber Gilmour, second, pre-preliminary ladies Ft. 2; Sierra McGuin, fourth, preliminary compulsory moves Ft. 4, second, interpretive ladies A Ft. 2; Kelly Cole, third, preliminary similar pairs Ft. 1, third, Interpretive Ladies C Ft. 2; Kailee Travis, third, preliminary similar pairs Ft. 1; Jennifer Pettem, first, junior bronze compulsory moves Ft. 1, second, junior bronze similar pairs; Hallie McFarlane, second, junior bronze similar pairs; Cameron Verstegen, second, pre-preliminary men, third, preliminary mens compulsory moves; Ashley Beaudoin, second, senior bronze ladies B Ft., fourth, senior bronze similar pairs; Melanie Duguay, fourth, senior bronze similar pairs; Stephanie Knapp, third, senior silver ladies compulsory moves; Erin Durant, first, gold ladies compulsory moves and Nick Beattie, fourth, preliminary men's compulsory moves.

Top four finishes from Edwardsburgh:

Jennifer Seary, fourth, junior silver ladies

Top four finishes from other local skaters:

Nathan Last, Nepean, first, pre-novice men's long program; Elizabeth Hooper, Nepean, third, pre-novice ladies short program; Jaime Longtin, Nepean, first, gold ladies; Jessica Summers, Nepean, third, gold ladies and Jennifer Howitt, Queen's, second, open ladies short program.

Tough luck for Giants hoops teams at recent tournaments

PERTH - Both the South Grenville Giants senior and junior boys came away from the Jan. 11 basketball tournaments in Perth and Brockville respectively 1-2 records.

The senior boys basketball teams opened it's tournament with a tough 61-51 loss to Carleton Place.

The Giants started the game quickly, amassing a 12 point lead at half time before Carleton Place rallied in the second half for the win.

"Jamie Clarke had an amazing first quarter," said coach Norrie Spence.

"He was able to score most of his points in the one quarter to take control of the game. But we seemed to lose momentum in the second despite the improvements of Shane Pettifer and David DeDekker."

Clarke led the Giants in scoring with 19, followed by Mike Ayerst with nine, Dustin Drury with eight and Travis Irvine with six.

The Giants second game saw South Grenville lose a heartbreaker 60-57 to St. John's of Perth.

Ayerst led the way with 16 points, followed by Clarke with 13, Drury with ten, and Meppelder with six.

In their final game the Giants broke into the win column with a 68-58 win over the TISS Pirates.

The Giants trailed by ten at the half before Ayerst came on strong in the second half to lead South Grenville to victory.

"Mike Ayerst was just unbelievable in the game," said Spence. "He really came on and took control in the second."

Ayerst led all scorers with 25 points, followed by Drury with 11, Clarke with 10 and Irvine with nine.

Juniors suffer similar fate

The junior boys started their tournament with a 49-45 win over the host TISS Pirates.

"TISS left Ryan Wynands open at the top of the key and kept letting him take the shot," said co-coach Bob Hoy.

"Wynands' 16 (points) was the difference in the game, but I think next time we play them they'll cover better.

Wynands led the Giants in scoring, followed by Jon Baldwin and Brandon Duffy with eight apiece.

South Grenville's second game saw the Giants lose to Carleton Place 68-50, after being out rebounded by the quicker Carleton Place team.

Baldwin led the Giants with nine points.

South Grenville's final game of the tournament saw the Giants struggle with a strong press from Smiths Falls, which won the game 48-28.

Baldwin led the Giants with ten points.

Craig Irvine, Matt Alkerton, Chad Hyland and Scott Hall had strong defensive performances in the tournament.

Ranger Silver Stick hopes dashed in OT semi-final

SARNIA - The South Grenville atom B Rangers had a strong performance, reaching the semi-finals of the International Silver Stick Tournament held last weekend in Sarnia.

The Rangers faced off against the Lambeth Lancers in the semi-finals, where South Grenville lost 3-2 in a thrilling overtime match-up. Ryan Van Stralen opened the game's scoring to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead, with Conner Elliott and Clark Seymour getting assists. Lambeth was able to tie the game late in the second, before jumping out to a lead early in the third period. Scott Stephenson responded quickly for the Rangers to tie things at two with Seymour picking up the assist. Mason Williams made key saves late in the game to force an overtime period. Ben Hutton, Kurtis Lavery, Cory Wilson and Van Stralen all had good opportunities in overtime but were unable to capitalize. Lambeth was finally able to sneak one past Williams with 50 seconds left on the clock to eliminate the Rangers.

The Rangers opened the tournament round-robin against the host Sarnia Sting, with South Grenville taking a 1-0 win with shutout goaltending from Richard Joudoin and a strong team effort which saw the Rangers outshoot the Sting 20-11. Ryan Hanes scored the lone goal of the tournament on a rush up the right side late in the third period. Seymour and Stephenson picked up assists.

South Grenville played a strong second game, despite falling 6-4 to the Charleston Wolverines from South Carolina. Despite being outshot 32-21, Charleston was able to take advantage of their scoring chances for the win. Conner Elliott led the Rangers with a pair of goals while Hutton and Seymour added singles. Hanes (2), Seymour and Jacob Hayes added helpers. The line of Ian King, Elliott and Lavery played strong with inspired play to keep the goal differential close helping improve their chances to qualify for the playoffs round.

In their final round-robin game the Rangers took on the Fergus Highlanders, where South Grenville battled back to pull out a 2-2 tie.

The Highlanders took a commanding 2-0 lead into the third period before Dylan Render got the Rangers on the board, with Wilson picking up the assist. With less than two minutes left in the game Hutton picked up the loose puck in the neutral zone to score, tying the game at two and securing the Rangers place in the playoff round. Joudoin played a strong game in goal keeping the Rangers in it late, while Lucas Stitt and Hayes had strong defensive contributions.

"Things were pretty tight all the way through the tournament," said Van Stralen. "Things could have gone either way; the goal that beat us in the semi-final bounced off the referee right to a player on a break. It's just one of the breaks."

Hutton added, "It was just so much fun to go up there and play hockey with all my friends. We played well and had a good time."

Despite disappointment in not winning the tournament, the Rangers represented the region and South Grenville Minor Hockey Association well with strong team play, and sportsmanship, according to their coach, Allan Joudoin.

Upon their arrival in Sarnia the Rangers were surprised to learn that the tournament was non-body contact, but adapted well making the most of their experience. The players exchanged team pins before every game, tossing pucks in the stands after every game and presenting Charleston with bottles of Canadian maple syrup before the game started.

The Rangers players were also presented with special third jerseys before the tournament from Mark Seymour of Kriska as a keepsake for their achievement of qualifying for the tournament.

"It was a real honour getting the new jerseys and representing everyone proud," said goaltender Williams.

RSL atom Kings drop pair

SPENCERVILLE - The Rideau-St. Lawrence atom Kings had a tough time in their recent league play, dropping a pair of games to the Ottawa Sting and Gloucester Rangers.

On Jan. 16, the Kings hosted the Ottawa Sting at the Edwardsburgh Community Centre, where Ottawa was able to score a 4-0 win over the Kings. Both teams remained scoreless through the first two periods, until the Sting erupted for four goals and the win.

Lance Hodgson, Russell Hinch and Jayson Harmer had strong games along the boards, while Lee Charlebois and Cameron Armstrong had a strong game on defence. Tyler Gallinger had a solid game in goal for the Kings.

On Jan. 12, the Kings fell to the Gloucester Rangers 6-5 despite a strong third-period comeback.

The Rangers got on the board first, but Eric Morotti was able to tie things at one as he scored, with Michael McGahey picked up the assist.

The Rangers scored three unanswered goals, but Josh Pitt was able to get the Kings back in the game as he scored on a nice passing play from Ryan Vincent and Derek Froats.

Gloucester scored another two to take a 6-2 lead until the Rangers were able to score three more. Jordan Moran started the comeback with Ron Harrison and Cody Johnson picking up assists. The Kings continued the momentum with Morotti scoring on a break, with Curtis Van Allen picking up the assist. Jordan Moran was able to add another goal for the Kings before the period ended, but it proved too little too late as the Kings fell 6-5.

Novice Fire Dogs score win and tie in league play

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville novice Fire Dogs continued their strong season with a win and tie in recent league play.

On Jan. 12, the Fire Dogs travelled to Ogdensburg, where South Grenville was able to pull out a 3-1 win. Jarrett Pitt led the Fire Dogs with a pair of goals, while Trevor Moore added a single in the win. Jesse Boyd, Joey Sargeant, Derik Bourgeois and John Wood all added helpers.

On Jan. 11, South Grenville hosted North Dundas at the Leo Boivin Community Centre, where the Fire Dogs were forced to settle for a 1-1
draw. Danielle Joudoin scored South Grenville's only goal, with Sargeant picking up an assist.

RSL peewees ousted in thrilling OT final

KINGSTON - The Rideau-St. Lawrence minor peewee Kings advanced to the finals, before suffering a heartbreaking overtime defeat Jan. 10-12 in the Greater Kingston Predators AAA Tournament.

In the finals the Kings were able to bounce back from a 1-0 deficit to Ajax/Pickering tying the game at one, before two overtime periods would solve nothing forcing a sudden death shoot-out.

Ajax/Pickering would score the only shootout goal for the tournament win. Marc Roy scored the Kings lone goal, assisted by Tyson Wilson, while Kings goaltender Justin Seguin was chosen MVP of the game after making 26 saves.

The Kings opened the tournament with a 2-1 win over the Toronto Penguins, with Michael Skakum getting the MVP of the game.

Maxim St. Jacques and Skakum had the Kings' goals, while Wilson added a helper.

In their second game the Kings defeated Humberview 6-0, as Tommy Allan recorded the shutout and was named Kings game MVP.

Kyle Pattemore and Brett Jackson led the Kings with a pair of goals each, while Skakum and Roy added singles.

Wilson (3), Roy (2), Skakum (2), Pattemore, Jackson and Jay Keller all had assists.

The Kings beat the Caledon Hawks 4-3 in their third game, with Nick McCaslin named MVP.

Roy led the way with two goals, followed by Wilson and Scott Summers who each added a single. Roy and Wilson each got an assist.

In their semi-final match-up, the Kings defeated Gloucester 5-0 with Tommy Allan recording the shutout and Summers picked as game MVP.

Keller led the Kings with two goals, while McCaslin, Roy and Pattemore added singles. Skakum (2), Pattemore, McCaslin and Roy all had helpers.

Other members of the Kings are Brett Baker, Josh
Tanney, Craig Schooley and Doug Utting.

Bantam B Rangers undefeated in two

SPENCERVILLE - The South Grenville bantam B Rangers had a successful pair of games scoring a win and tie.

On Jan. 10, the Rangers hosted Gananoque at the Edwardsburgh Community Centre where South Grenville came up with a 5-2 win.

Dustin Curry scored twice for the Rangers, while Mark Paquette, Josh Joudoin and Mike Lawrence all had singles. Nathaniel Hayes, Josh Parsons, Matt Leeder and Curry all had assists.

On Jan. 5, the Rangers travelled to Amherstview where they battled the Loyalist Jets to a 4-4 draw. Sam Whitley scored two unassisted goals, while Josh Joudoin and Lawrence added singles. Leeder and Steven Joudoin were credited with assists.

Pair of losses in divisional play drop Jr. B Rangers to basement

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers had a tough pair of weekend losses to Westport and Athens.

With the losses South Grenville fell out of the final playoff spot in the Rideau Division with less than ten games left in the regular season, just one point behind the Athens Aeros with one game in hand.

On Jan. 18, the Rangers hosted the Westport Rideaus; Westport was able to capitalize on a late rally for a 5-4 win.

South Grenville was able to get off to a quick start with two early goals by Dustin Swan and Liam Tyrell to take a 2-0 lead. Ryan Lawless, Kevin Walsh and Jarrod Whelan picked up the helpers.

Westport answered back to end the first period down by one, but South Grenville kept the pressure on for another pair of unanswered goals to take a 4-1 lead. Walsh and Peter Veltkamp scored the Rangers' goals, while Swan had a pair of assists with Lawless and Walsh also adding helpers.

Westport was able to answer back with another goal in the second, before erupting for three third-period goals to take the lead and put the Rangers on ice.

On Jan. 19, the Rangers lost a crucial match-up as they travelled to Athens, losing to the Aeros 7-4.

The game summary was not available at press time.

The Rangers look to get back into the mix of the playoff race when they host the Gananoque Islanders Saturday at 7:15 pm at the Cardinal and District Community Centre, before travelling to Brockville to face the Tikis in a Sunday matinee starting at 2 pm.

Seven South Grenville Rangers named to Jr. B all-star teams

KEMPTVILLE - Seven members of the South Grenville Jr. B Rangers were recognized for their efforts by being chosen to represent the Rideau Division for the 2003 Rideau-St. Lawrence Jr. B Hockey League All-Star Game festivities Feb. 1 in Kemptville.

Rangers defenceman Tyler Libby was the sole Ranger named to the Rideau Division All-Star vets team, while the team's leading scorer, forward Dave MacKinnon, was appointed an alternate for the team.

The Rangers had a stronger presence on the Rideau Division Prospects team with three players named to the team and two more selected as alternates.

Defenceman Chris Curley, forward Ben Bowden and goaltender Spencer Utman were named to the prospect game, with goaltender Devin Payne and defenceman Jason Van Lanan getting the nod as alternates.

Pair of wins move South Grenville peewees into third

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville peewee C Rangers scored a pair of wins in three recent league games to move into third place in the peewee C west division.

On Jan. 14, the Rangers played host to Kingston Township, where South Grenville was able to pull out a 3-1 win in a rough match-up. Mark Charlebois, Orry Thorpe and Jacob Temple had the Rangers goals, while Reilly Grootjans, Ryan Joudoin, Joel Smylie and Temple added assists.

On Jan. 12, South Grenville suffered a tough 4-3 loss in Kingston Township despite a late rally. Kingston Township broke out for four first period goals for a commanding lead until Tyler Curry, Thorpe and Joudoin scored to narrow the lead to one goal. Hank Heykoop, Thorpe, Curry and Temple picked up assists.

On Jan. 11, South Grenville travelled to Kemptville, where the Rangers were able to come away with a 2-1 victory. Charlebois and Thorpe scored the Rangers' goals, while Curry and Jared McGeough chipped in with helpers.