Give it time, province says
MPP, minister's assistant indicate de-amalgamation speculation
is premature
By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer
TORONTO - Representatives of the provincial government have
expressed their concerns about a de-amalgamation request made
by Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Mayor Dave Dobbie.
In an interview Friday, Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman indicated
his desire for the two former municipalities to work out their
differences and make the merger work.
"I really don't know what to think," said Runciman.
"It's kind of early to give up on that marriage."
Runciman was quick to differentiate the letter requesting
de-amalgamation from Mayor Dave Dobbie with a similar request
from Kawartha Lakes.
"I'm having some difficulty with this since Front of
Yonge and Westport stayed on their own," said Runciman.
"Kawartha Lakes was a resolution to council, while this
is just a letter from the mayor."
"It's my recollection it was a locally-driven restructuring.
It's not like in other areas like Kawartha Lakes where a (provincial)
commissioner went in and imposed it."
Runciman was also quick to acknowledge the decision was ultimately
the minister's to make.
"The minister certainly needs to look at this, but it
strikes me that it's a little early and it may strike the (municipal
affairs) minister that way too."
For the township to go forward with a de-amalgamation referendum
in November, approval from the minster's office must be granted
and a bylaw passed by May 14 in order to get the question on
the ballot.
In a telephone interview with press secretary for the minister
of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Ben Hamilton agreed with Runciman's
assessment. "It's too soon to give up working on a making
the township a single municipality," said Hamilton. "The
new township has only been in place since January 2001, so it's
been less than two years."
Hamilton expressed an interest in helping the township work
through some of its challenges.
"The mayor has certainly identified some issues, and
we'd be happy to sit down and talk about the issues that need
to be tackled," said Hamilton. "We need to stop looking
to the past and start looking towards the future. The focus needs
to be on how to strengthen; with an eye on saving taxpayers'
dollars."
THIS WEEK
Offices will be closed for Good Friday
PRESCOTT The office of The Prescott Journal and
St. Lawrence Printing (SLP) will be closed Good Friday, April
18.
The deadline for display and classified advertising for the
April 23 edition of the paper is Thursday, April 17 at 5 pm.
Government offices, banks and most retail outlets will also
be closed Friday. Schools will also be closed Monday, but most
retailers will be open for business. The Journal/SLP office
will be open Monday, April 21.
Future of St. John's parish to be discussed
PRESCOTT The future of the Anglican parish in Prescott
will be discussed at a public meeting Monday, April 21 at 7:30
pm at St. John's Anglican Church on James Street.
An estimated $450,000 worth of work is required to correct
deterioration to the fabric of the building, according to a consultant's
structural evaluation report issued last year. Additional renovations
would be required to make the facility more "user-friendly,"
a parish news release states.
The congregation has been decreasing. Attendance at Sunday
services is now between 50 and 80 people; the chapel can accommodate
up to 600 people.
Talks involving representatives of the Augusta (including
Maitland) and Edwardsburg (including Cardinal) parishes have
been ongoing. Alternate models have been proposed and the time
has come for parishioners to discuss the direction in which the
parish might take, according to the release.
Town sends Canadian flag across the river
PRESCOTT The Town of Prescott will replace a tattered
Canadian flag flying at an Ogdensburg business.
Town CAO/Clerk Robert Haller told council members at a committee
meeting Monday night he had received an e-mail from someone at
the Ramada Inn River Resort. The e-mail noted the existing flag
was tattered; the town was asked where a new flag could be obtained.
Haller recommended a flag be purchased at a price of $20 from
Beach Home Hardware and given to the Ramada as a gift. Council
members approved the gesture.
Business women's group to meet at Wiser Hall
PRESCOTT The next meeting of the Prescott Business Women's
Network will take place Wednesday, April 23 at Wiser Hall on
King Street West.
Dessert and coffee will be served at the meeting, which will
run from 7 pm to 9 pm.
The guest speaker will be Astrid Strader, whose topic will
be Prescott Blossoms. For more information, call Jane at The
Gift Lane, 925-4991.
Augusta says fishers must be stopped
Council asks MNR to increase quota on nuisance animal
MAYNARD The Township of Augusta has formally requested
the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to open the quota on
fishers.
Council passed the resolution at its Monday night meeting
as a response to a 14-year-old township youth who reported he
was attacked by a fisher near Domville in March.
Since last fall, the township has been expressing its concerns
regarding the small wild animal, stressing it has become a nuisance
and a threat to human safety. In December, MNR officials made
a presentation to council and residents stating the number of
fishers in Eastern Ontario is decreasing, and the trapping quota
would not be increased.
According to the resolution, the township is requesting MNR
Minister Jerry Ouellette to open the quota "to gather more
information on those trapped which can then be plotted for a
minimum of two years to allow not only a more accurate population
count on fishers, but more accurate study of the animal in general."
The resolution is to be forwarded to Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob
Runciman and all municipalities in Eastern Ontario.
MNR, Ontario Fur Managers Federation and the University of
Ottawa have teamed up to study the population, movements, habitat
and mortality of fishers in Augusta, Edwardsburgh, Oxford and
South Gower, including the Kemptville area. Fifty fishers have
been trapped and fitted with radio collars.
Proud to serve in war on terrorism
ARABIAN GULF On board HMCS Iroquois somewhere
in the Arabian Sea, Prescott native Mark Hodge is proud to be
representing Canada and participating in the war on terrorism.
While he is not able to divulge his exact location, the 35-year-old
with the rank of master seaman is in charge of the HMCS Iroquois
hull shop. The position has diverse responsibilities, including
carrying out shipboard repairs and fabricating everything from
desks to machinery parts, as well as being in charge of firefighting
and damage control on board, Hodge wrote in an e-mail to The
Journal.
Iroquois staff are tasked with boarding unknown vessels, searching
for Al-Qaida and Taliban members, as well as any other terrorist
associates. Hodge is not personally involved in the searches
and said he feels relatively safe, but he knows "the danger
is real and the threat is real," he wrote in his letter.
"We see it every day."
However, "apparently word is out on the street that for
terrorist escapees, the Arabian Gulf is not the way to go, so
things are becoming a little less frantic here."
Hodge said he believes Canada is making a vital contribution
to the war on terrorism. "The Iroquois is the flag
ship and is command and control for a large coalition force operating
in this area so our contribution is significant," he wrote.
His experience on board the Iroquois is very different
compared to previous naval missions, Hodge explained. He has
been involved with NATO trips, which is usually a six-month deployment
with a NATO task force. About 10 different ships representing
various NATO countries are involved in a rapid response team
for the North Atlantic, and consist of training exercises.
He has also been part of standard solo trips to test equipment
or train personnel. But, "this is definitely the real thing."
Hodge describes the weather in the Arabian Sea as being hot with
no clouds and 100 per cent humidity. The temperature hovers around
38 degrees during the day, and then cools down to about 28 to
30 at night.
Hodge recently returned to the Iroquois after an 18-month
term ashore teaching ships construction, hull surveys and marine
coatings courses at the naval engineering school. Previous to
being at the school, he served on Iroquois from 1994 to
2001.
A graduate of Boundary Street Public School and South Grenville
District High School in Prescott, Hodge joined the Brockville
Rifles when he was 17, and at 22 joined the Canadian Navy as
a hull technician. His brother Geoff followed the same path,
and is currently a chief hull tech retiring from the navy. The
brothers are both based in Halifax.
Hodge tries to keep in touch with his family as much as possible,
including his mother Mabel, brother Graham and sister Cheryl
Tennant, who reside in Prescott. An avid hunter along with his
five brothers, the goal for Hodge is to return before deer hunting
season begins. "We should be tucked safely back in Halifax
Harbour by early September. That'll get me home in time for hunting
season; no way I could miss that.
"I definitely miss everyone back home and can't wait
to get back there after the trip."
Mrs. Hodge said she worries about her son, but feels very
proud of him as well. She tries to keep informed of events by
watching the news on TV "from first thing in the morning
to late at night. When I can't sleep at night I have it on.
"We all miss him," Mrs. Hodge added, noting she
can only correspond by e-mail, rather than by more personal phone
calls.
North Augusta dump closure is inevitable
Site must close by end of year, township official tells
council
By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer
MAYNARD The North Augusta landfill site must close by
the end of this year, the township's chief building official
reported to council Monday night.
Doug Beesley, who is also in charge of Augusta's dump sites,
said the North Augusta location will have reached its capacity
by the end of December.
Two recent hydrogeological test wells completed at the North
Augusta landfill by Water and Earth Science Associates of Carp
indicate closure is inevitable and confirmed Beesley's observations.
The results have been forwarded to the Ministry of Environment,
Beesley said.
A lack of recycling and the wrong types of materials being
dumped by residents are to blame for the landfill filling too
quickly. "There's not a lot of recycling going on out there,"
Beesley said. "The amount of material going in there that
shouldn't be going in there is horrendous. You're filling that
dump up at a record rate."
Beesley also believes private collectors are bringing in garbage
from non-residents, and passing it as township trash. However,
he noted the township does not have the staff to police what
is being dumped and recycled.
The township's Maynard site reached its capacity, and in Nov.
2001 was converted to a waste transfer station. Augusta will
no longer have its own landfill site with closure of North Augusta.
Beesley recommended council form a committee to look at various
waste management alternatives, including door-to-door pickup
or expanding the transfer station.
"Landfills and garbage are very rapidly becoming a very
pricey item," he said.
He noted the township's annual budget for waste disposal is
more than $300,000; it costs between $10,000 and $12,000 per
month to truck the household waste away from Maynard. Augusta
receives a credit of only about $250 for recycled aluminum cans.
While Beesley acknowledged there is very little money in recycling,
he said Augusta's efforts have likely extended the life of the
North Augusta site by about four years.
The Maynard site must still be capped according to Ministry
of Environment specifications. Beesley suggested the final contouring
and grading be completed at the North Augusta site at the same
time to save on equipment rental costs.
The work at Maynard is expected to begin in late spring or
early summer, and must be completed in phases over about four
years.
There was no response from council on the closure issue.
Youth Fair gives adolescents a look at their options
Public invited to first annual event held at high school
By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT - Adolescents in South Grenville got an opportunity
to see what is out there Friday at the first annual Youth Fair
at South Grenville District High School.
The fair which was co-hosted by South Grenville's SAVE Club
(Students Against Violence Everywhere) and the Community Mobilization
Project Connect Youth based at the high school as a chance to
let the area youth know which services are out there for them
to access.
"We have a variety of community agencies here that are
trying to help raise public awareness and reach out to the youth,"
said Connect Youth Project Co-ordinator Melissa Hodgkinson.
"We're all here trying to help break down problems and
the stigma associated with reaching out for help and getting
to know groups like the police in a positive way."
Hodgkinson hoped the fair would help bridge the gap with getting
help and show the youth where the next step would be after asking
for help.
"We've tried to have all aspects of society which would
affect youth," said Hodgkinson.
"We tried to provide an atmosphere for the entire public
so adults could feel free to come in and participate as well.
We tried to make sure wherever possible we had the people from
the different groups and satellite offices from around Leeds
and Grenville so the people they talk to today would be those
who they would deal with regularly at each office."
With a steady traffic of South Grenville and T.R. Leger staff
and students checking out the excitement, many vendors were enthused
at what the fair was bringing to the community.
"A lot of the kids didn't even know we had a youth centre
in town," said Prescott Youth Centre Co-ordinator Chuck
Street.
"There's a lot of booths here giving out good advise
and options for kids, but it's been nice for us since we're getting
a lot of feedback about what the kids want as well."
Prescott-based Food For All Food Bank was also on hand to
help raise its awareness and looking for volunteers.
"It's been great meeting a variety of teachers, students
and other vendors," said food bank Office Manager Bonnie
Gommert.
"It's been good networking for everyone on hand, and
it's something to really look forward to next year."
One of the other major draws of the fair was the Leeds and
Grenville Mental Health Awareness Task Force booth where students
were given a chance to see a mental health survey that was completed
two years ago by students in the region.
"It's been a really good tool for teachers, police, and
those who want to understand health care for the youth,"
said task force chair and former Prescott mayor Sandra Lawn.
Rhiannon Wolfram, a task force volunteer from St. Mary Catholic
High School in Brockville, added, "At our age it is the
best time to tackle problems and the survey helps us to see where
improvements need to be made."
South Grenville task force volunteer Katie Beatty explained,
"A lot of people recognized the youth friendly survey and
with this we've been able to show everyone the results."
Barrel races ready to roll in Spencerville Saturday
SPENCERVILLE - The Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Fire Department will
be holding its annual barrel races this Saturday, April 19 near
the Spencerville Mill.
The races will begin at 2:30 pm with eight tickets being drawn
and put into barrels which are released from the dam to race
down the South Nation River to the bridge.
The event has been an annual fundraiser for more than 40 years,
with cash prizes awarded and proceeds going to the general funds
of the township fire department.
Tickets can be purchased at the event.
For more information, contact Jim Purcell at 658-3123.
Council heads will be walking for charity as part of annual
volunteer bureau fundraiser
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE It will soon be time for municipal
leaders to hit the streets as part of a charity fundraiser.
The annual Mayors' Community Walk will take place Saturday,
April 26 in downtown Brockville. Heads of council from throughout
the united counties are invited to collect pledges and then walk
a two-kilometre route.
Augusta Reeve George Vail and Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn are
among the civic leaders whose participation in the event has
been confirmed.
Each participant will designate half of his or her pledges
to the charity of his or her choice; the other half will go to
the volunteer bureau. The event is not limited to elected officials;
other individuals or groups are invited to take part.
The bureau, a United Way agency, recruits and refers volunteers,
operates a driver program for out-of-town medical appointments
and offers income tax clinics for low-income families. There
are more than 10,000 volunteers in the united counties.
A reception with lunch and entertainment will take place near
the walk finish line at Hardy Park.
For more information, call the volunteer bureau at 342-7040.
Literacy class hosts reading, book-signing by local author
PRESCOTT A book reading by Oxford Station author Vicki
Cameron will be held next week in Prescott.
Cameron, whose Clue Mysteries: 15 Whodunits to Solve in
Minutes is based on the board game Clue, will be on hand
Tuesday, April 22 at 11 am at St. John's Anglican Church on James
Street. The event is being hosted by the Literacy Basic Skills
class of T.R. Leger School.
"Elevenses with Mrs. Peacock" will feature a murder
mystery as well as selected readings and a book-signing by Cameron.
Coffee and scones prepared by the adult literacy learners will
be served for a nominal fee/donation.
A portion of book sales at the event will help support the
literacy program in Prescott.
To reserve a seat or table or for more information, call Linda
Chapeskie at 925-0864.
Fluoridation meeting expected in early May, according to
clerk
PRESCOTT A public meeting to discuss the fluoridation
of town water will not be held until May 5 at the earliest, according
to Prescott CAO/Clerk Robert Haller.
Town council has agreed to conduct the meeting before deciding
whether to continue fluoridation or putting the issue to a vote
as part of the municipal election in November.
Haller indicated at a town committee-of-the-whole meeting
Monday night he has been having a hard time confirming guest
speakers for the public meeting. Speakers representing both sides
of the fluoridation debate are to attend the meeting.
If the public forum cannot be held Monday, May 5, the meeting
might take place later that week. Haller said other councils
in the region could be invited to the session.
Prescott voters opted for fluoridation of water as part of
the 1962 municipal election. An equipment problem that arose
several weeks ago at the Prescott water plant has given town
officials an opportunity to revisit the fluoridation issue. Although
many heath-care professionals continue to advocate the use of
fluoride as a dental health measure, there are those who argue
fluoridation is unnecessary and could result in health problems.
Provincial regulations require a referendum to be held if
a municipality that uses fluoridation seeks to discontinue the
practice. In order to comply with election procedures, Prescott
council would have to decide by mid-May whether to proceed with
a referendum in November.
The cost of replacing the automated equipment that adds fluoride
to the municipal water supply is about $15,000 plus an additional
$3,000 per year in maintenance costs. There are tentative plans
to include the expenditure as part of preliminary budget deliberations.
OCCOPS rejects Gananoque OPP proposal
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE Prescott is not the only community
in Leeds and Grenville that is having difficulty getting rid
of its municipal police service.
A proposal by the Town of Gananoque to disband the municipal
police service in favour of an Ontario Provincial Police contract
has recently been turned down by the Ontario Civilian Commission
on Police Services (OCCOPS). The OPP facility to have been used
by the OPP contract policing complement was deemed to be inadequate
for officers and civilians, according to the commission's report.
Gananoque council voted last week not to appeal the OCCOPS
decision.
In Dec. 2001, OCCOPS declined the town's request to disband
the Prescott Police Service in favour of an OPP municipal contract.
The OCCOPS panel noted it would be willing to reconsider its
position if certain conditions were met. One of those conditions
is related to the OPP's refusal to offer employment to a Prescott
constable and former OPP officer; the other constables were offered
employment with the provincial service.
The town will challenge the OCCOPS decision at a judicial
hearing to be held this June in Toronto.
Council has maintained the proposed change in policing is
based primarily on future policing costs and the need to be able
to meet new provincial standards as opposed to the level and
quality of service being provided by the existing police department.
Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn told The Journal Thursday
the town has spent about $13,140 on work relating to judicial
review preparations. A small additional cost is expected, Lawn
noted at a committee meeting Monday night.
Prescott council voted in Jan. 2001 to proceed with an OPP
municipal contract. The OCCOPS hearing to assess Prescott's proposal
was held in September of the same year.
The possibility of amalgamating municipal police departments
in Prescott, Gananoque and Brockville was studied but rejected
during the previous term of council.
Augusta Township begins the process to revise outdated official
plan
MAYNARD The public will have an opportunity for input
into the future of Augusta during preparation of the township's
new official plan.
Chief Building Official Doug Beesley, who is also responsible
for planning, said the document now in the works replaces the
outdated 1977 official plan.
An official plan is essential in every municipality, and among
other roles, charts a course for managing land use and resources
over the next 20 years, Beesley said. The plan also deals with
such issues as the role of hamlets as centres for new housing
and commercial development, protection of groundwater and prime
agricultural lands and stewardship of natural resources, such
as sand and gravel reserves, and avoiding development in flood
plains, unstable slopes and organic soils.
Standards for services, such as roads, waste disposal, fire
protection and parks, will also be addressed in the plan.
A major theme of the new plan will be the protection of the
natural environment, which means protecting wetlands and wildlife
habitat, cleaning up contaminated sites and applying up-to-date
standards for sewage disposal, Beesley said.
The plan also recognizes the importance of industrial land
uses to the health of the economic base by designating a major
industrial district in the south end of the township and by instituting
measures to avoid incompatible land uses.
In noting the township has a rich heritage, Beesley said the
plan will provide for the conservation of heritage buildings
and archeological resources. Digital-based mapping will be introduced
to illustrate how individual properties will be affected by the
policies of the plan.
Public consultation is a vital component to the planning program,
Beesley stressed. Residents and business owners are encouraged
to attend public meetings - expected to be scheduled for June
- and advise the municipality of any development plans they may
have.
For more information on how to participate in the planning
process, contact Beesley at 925-4231, or e-mail twpaug@recorder.ca.
Dog owners have to pay up or face appearance in court
MAYNARD Dog owners in Augusta Township who refuse to
purchase a $15 licence for their pets will have to answer to
a justice of the peace in Provincial Offences Court.
Chief Building Official Doug Beesley, who is also responsible
for bylaw enforcement, informed council at its Monday night meeting
the owners of approximately 100 dogs in the township have refused
to buy a 2003 tag. That number is up by about 20 from last year,
he said.
Council passed a resolution authorizing Beesley to take action
under the Provincial Offences Act to enforce the provisions of
the township's animal control bylaw.
Beesley noted following the meeting he would be sending a
letter to the dog owners offering a short period of time to pay
before issuing a summons to appear in court.
OPP officers take technology for a ride with new mobile work
stations
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
SPRING VALLEY Ontario Provincial Police officers in
Eastern Region will soon be able to do more work in their cruisers.
Eighty-five vehicles that patrol 400-series highways in the
region that includes South Grenville are being equipped with
new mobile work stations. Public Safety and Security Minister
Bob Runciman announced the upgrade Monday morning at the Leeds
County OPP detachment north of Brockville. Runciman, who also
serves as Leeds-Grenville MPP, said the work stations will give
officers "fast, accurate information they need" as
they carry out their duties in the field.
Each work station includes a mounted computer, printer and
card swiper and costs about $10,000. Officers will have access
to provincial and federal data bases without having to go through
a dispatcher at a communications centre.
Ted Vincent, manager of the information, management and technology
section of the OPP's information technologies bureau, noted the
work stations are similar to the equipment officers use at the
detachment. Runciman has two daughters who are OPP officers.
He said paperwork is a common complaint. With the new work stations
in place, certain administrative duties can now be done in the
police car instead of at the office.
"We'd rather see them out on the streets," the minister
said of provincial officers.
Having instant access to information about people, vehicles
and property is also seen as a plus in terms of the safety of
front-line officers.
Vincent said about one-third of marked OPP vehicles would
be receiving the new equipment. OPP officials were unable to
indicate how many cruisers used by the Grenville County detachment
based in Prescott would be equipped.
Work stations have already been deployed in the Greater Toronto
Area.
Most of the 300 units to be deployed in Ontario will be on
the road by August.
The OPP's Eastern Region extends from the Belleville area
in the west to the Quebec border.
Thief smashes window to get CD player
PRESCOTT Members of the Prescott Police Service investigated
69 general incidents and five motor vehicle collisions during
the week of April 7.
Three people believed to have been responsible for passing
small amounts of counterfeit money at two Edward Street businesses
have been arrested. Two men and a woman from the Ottawa area
were arrested by Smiths Falls police. At the time of their arrest,
the suspects were in possession of a significant amount of counterfeit
currency. The investigation continues and charges are pending.
Constable Moe Morrissette is the investigating officer.
A 22-year-old man reported April 9 he had been assaulted on
Douglas Drive. Police investigated the complaint; as a result,
Theresa Bannister, 41, of Prescott was arrested and charged with
assault. The victim sustained minor injuries, according to a
police news release. Constable Darren Davis is the investigating
officer.
On April 8, town police received a report that a CD player
was taken from a vehicle parked on Claxton Terrace. Entry was
gained by smashing a window; the approximate value of the CD
player is $300. Constable Morrissette is investigating.
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.
OPP NEWS
Vandalism occurs at place of worship
JOHNSTOWN Another incident involving property damage
has been reported.
Constable Duke responded to a call Friday morning at Kingdom
Hall on Mary Street. Eavestroughs had been partially ripped off,
lights had been smashed and the soffit area had been battered.
It is believed the damage occurred within the previous two days.
Police have linked this case to another vandalism incident earlier
in the month at South Edwardsburg Public School.
Anyone with information is asked to call the OPP detachment
in Prescott (925-4221) or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Speeder was on phone when stopping
AUGUSTA A 2003 Mini Cooper clocked at a rate of 182
kilometres per hour was stopped on Highway 401 by Constable Duke
Saturday at about 3:15 pm. The driver was reportedly talking
on a cell phone as he pulled to the side of the road at excessive
speed, according to a police news release. Francois Tremblay,
25, of Toronto, was arrested and then released unconditionally
on a charge of dangerous driving. He was also served a summons
to appear in Brockville court on a speeding charge.
Spring seat belt campaign under way
SOUTH GRENVILLE Grenville County OPP officers kicked
off the annual spring seat belt campaign by conducting RIDE checks
this past weekend. Fifty-three vehicles were checked; four warnings
were issued. It is an offence to not wear a seat belt properly
or not at all. Seat belts save lives if used correctly.
Large marijuana grow operation dismantled
EDWARDSBURGH Two people were arrested as part of a drug
bust that netted police more than 600 marijuana plants.
Members of the OPP Drug Enforcement Section and the Grenville
County detachment executed a search warrant Friday night at 4091
County Road 44 south of Spencerville. A large marijuana grow
operation was located inside the basement of the residence.
Two people were tending to the plants at the time. They were
arrested and taken to the Prescott detachment, where they were
released and charged.
Quang Hai Do, 37, of Ottawa faces charges of production of
marijuana and possession for the purpose of trafficking. He is
to appear May 30 in Brockville court. A 17-year-old male from
Ottawa was also charged with those two offences. An OPP media
release did not indicate when he is scheduled to appear in court.
The projected value of the plants if they mature is $605,000.
Growing equipment and a 1995 Grand Jeep Cherokee were also seized
by police. The total value of the seized items is close to $700,000.
Do not include grass fires in spring clean-up plans
AUGUSTA - Chief Lorne Dougherty of the Augusta Township Fire
Department warns against the use of grass fires as a spring clean-up
technique.
Already this spring, the department has responded to many
calls of frightened landowners whose grass fires have gone out
of control.
The fire department is urging citizens to compost remnant
leaves and grass from last fall, rather than creating grass fires.
Deputy Chief Lindsay Penney, who has worked with the provincial
forest fire service, notes in a news release that "A grass
fire is a wildfire, a growing, shifting blob of fire that roams
in accordance with the wind direction, wind strength and available
ground fuels."
The fire department used to give advice on how to manage grass
fires; now it just advises "don't do it."
The department recommends composting debris or moving it to
an approved disposal site. "Spread a light dusting of fertilizer
over your lawn; the new grass will soon come up green and fresh."
Limerick Forest input session set for April 30
ROEBUCK Public input on the future of the Limerick Forest
will be sought at an information session to be held later this
month.
The get-together will take place Wednesday, April 30 from
3 to 8 pm at the community hall. A similar meeting will be held
May 1 at the community centre in Merrickville.
A long-range plan for the management of the forest is being
developed. Local residents are invited to pay a visit any time
during the sessions, which are being held by the Limerick Forest
Advisory Committee and the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.
For more information, call Ed Reynolds or Rob Ross at the
counties office in Brockville (342-3840, ext. 329).
Augusta staff, council receive pay increases
MAYNARD Members of Augusta council have voted themselves
a pay increase on their honorariums retroactive to 2001.
In a resolution that passed Monday night 4-1, members agreed
to a bonus for 2001 for council, versus a percentage increase
similar to that of the employees under the collective agreement.
The bonus amounts to about $150 per year per council member.
For 2002 and 2003, council and those staff not under the collective
agreement receive a three per cent increase.
Councillor Kathleen Thur requested a recorded vote and was
the only member of council to vote against the resolution. Following
the meeting, she indicated she is not in full agreement with
the retroactive pay for council, but is in favour of the increases
for staff.
SCHOOL SCENE
CENTENNIAL '67/NORTH EDWARDSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOL On Monday,
NEPS students enjoyed music classes about stringed, wind and
percussion instruments presented by Cheryl Robertson and John
Hart.
Centennial '67 Student Council has organized a fundraising
campaign in support of playground improvements. Students are
taking orders for coffee/muffin dough, jams and fruit syrups.
Kindergarten registration will be held today (Wednesday, April
16) at NEPS. Our advisory council meeting has been rescheduled
to April 28.
The school yard improvement committee meets April 22 at Centennial
'67.
SOUTH EDWARDSBURG PUBLIC SCHOOL: Mark Oliver of Photo Visions
photographed members of our teams and clubs at SEPS this year.
Pictures of all 19 teams and clubs are on display in the school
hallway. Orders for reprints may be placed until April 17.
Our grade 7/8 class attended the opera Carmen by Bizet at
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Prescott. The Fort Town Concert
Association sponsored the event.
The hot lunch today is chicken nuggets; next week, it will
be hamburgers. Students do not attend school Good Friday and
Easter Monday. Enjoy the holiday!
ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL: Welcome to Holy Week. We began this
week on Palm Sunday, the Sunday of Passion. The Mass of Chrism
was celebrated Tuesday at the cathedral in Kingston. The following
celebrations will take place at St. Mark Catholic Church during
Holy Week: on Holy Thursday, we are all invited to share in the
Last Supper with our Lord at 7 pm. On Good Friday, we celebrate
the liturgy of the Lord's passion at 3 pm. On Holy Saturday,
the Easter Vigil is celebrated at 7 pm. Easter Sunday, we will
celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord with festive music and
the renewal of our Baptismal vows at 11 am mass.
The staff and students of St. Mark Catholic School wish everyone
a happy and holy Easter! A reminder to parents there will be
no school Good Friday or Easter Monday.
Our weekly assembly will be held Thursday at 1 pm. We will
have our Lenten mission draws at this assembly.
We will celebrate Earth Day Tuesday, April 22 with a variety
of activities including litterless lunch, school-yard clean-up
and composting activities.
The hot lunch this week is hamburgers (Wednesday for JK/SK
A and Thursday for JK/SK B to Grade 3.
New players welcome at evening games
WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT
We are pleased to welcome the new members who are joining
us for the evening games. Dominoes are going quite well. There
are some new names in the euchre prizes as well.
Mark your calendars for Wednesday night, April 30. Evening
bridge will be starting back up for the summer.
Just a reminder that the last payment for the trip to Magog
is now due. The final room list needs to be sent in for reservations.
Card game winners from last week: Monday bridge 1st,
Kitty Wormington; 2nd, Ruth Britnell; door prize, Mary Typhair.
Monday night dominoes low score, Dave Williams; 2nd, Joyce
Froom. Tuesday night cribbage high score, Eleanor Gilligan;
2nd, Bea Hemsley; 3rd, Jean McCrady. Thursday night euchre
1st, Pete Lowry; 2nd, Eddie Arcand; 3rd, Emerson Saunders; door
prize, Bea Hemsley.
For more information about the activity centre for senior
citizens, call 925-5300. Walker House is located on King Street
West near the Prescott Health Centre.
Cadets from Prescott area and Quebec bond during recent visit
to region
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
PRESCOTT Bridging the gap between two languages and
cultures was one of the goals of a recent visit by members of
a Quebec-based squadron of cadets.
Local Air Cadets welcomed their French counterparts from the
Gaspé region March 14 at Royal Canadian Legion Branch
97. About 30 visiting cadets and their leaders spent a long weekend
with members of the Prescott-based 661 Lt. W.F. Sharpe Squadron
of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
René Durette, commander of the Quebec squadron (part
of Fusiliers du St-Laurent) , said he hopes the cultural exchange
gives each group a better understanding of the other's language
and interests. The visit was part of a military youth program.
The cadets stayed at Connaught Ranges west of Ottawa. In addition
to touring Parliament Hill, the "Diefenbunker" and
the war and aviation museums, the cadets toured the Hershey plant
in Smiths Falls and took in an Ottawa Senators game at the Corel
Centre. Durette said this was the first time most of the squadron
members travelled to Eastern Ontario.
Doug Fraser, the commanding officer of the Prescott squadron,
acknowledged the language barrier posed challenges when the two
groups met. It was difficult to communicate in the beginning;
some members were able to speak the other language to some extent,
Fraser noted.
But things improved as the visit progressed, according to
the commander. "It's just the way kids act; they have a
different way of socializing," Fraser remarked. "They
were able to cut through the language barriers."
The NHL hockey game was "a big experience" for the
cadets, Fraser noted.
By the time the visit ended on the Sunday, cadets from both
groups were saying their goodbyes in both languages. The initial
apprehension had gone away; cadets from both groups were sitting
together and interacting well.
Fraser called the visit a big success. Some of the cadets
made arrangements to stay in touch with their provincial peers
by e-mail.
Maitland students can qualify for the MERC Bursary
MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton
Application forms for the MERC Bursary are available at local
high school student services offices. The MERC Bursary is for
students living in Maitland who are going on to post-secondary
education and who have completed at least 10 hours of volunteer
community service that directly benefits Maitland.
Mark May 3 on your calendar as the day to come and help out
at MERC Hall. It is time to clean up and spruce up MERC Hall
and grounds. If you can help, call Ray Avery at 348-3019.
Residents are reminded the deadline for submissions to the
Welcome to Maitland Brochure is April 25. Call Susan Clarke at
348-3088 if you have any additions.
The MERC Board is producing a 2004 calendar as a fundraiser.
The calendars will be sold on a pre-order basis. The board is
looking for students to volunteer to sell the calendars and earn
volunteer hours. If you would like to help, call Danielle at
348-1891.
Holy Week services in Augusta
AUGUSTA - As Holy Week commences, Augusta area churches are
preparing themselves for the Easter weekend.
Maynard United Church will be hosting services all this week
at 7 pm, a Sunrise Service at 6:30 am on Easter Sunday as well
as an 11:15 am service. St. James Anglican Church in Maitland
will host a service on Good Friday with Bishop George Bruce at
10 am. Easter service will be held at 8 am and 11 am. St. Peter's
Anglican Church in North Augusta will have one Easter service
at 9:30 am on Sunday morning.
St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church in North Augusta will have
it's service on Easter Sunday at 9 am. Be sure to check with
your church for more details and times of Holy Week services.
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