Cuts to be made to town budget

Prescott estimates start on the high side; officials say that is to be expected

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The early numbers may not be encouraging, but town officials are setting their sights on the prospect of a modest property tax increase in 2003.

Prescott council is reviewing budget submissions from the various municipal departments and agencies that receive most or all of their funding from the town. Preliminary figures indicate there is $600,000 to $700,000 to be cut in order to bring Prescott's budget in line with what took place in 2002.

Treasurer Laurie Kirkby noted at a budget meeting Thursday the municipality starts each year's budget process "quite high" in terms of cost estimates. As the budget process proceeds, council makes changes that will eventually produce numbers more in line with budget figures from the previous year.

Higher costs are expected in such areas as water and sewer, welfare and overall staffing.

Councillor Jim French, chairman of the town's finance committee, noted most of the projected increases this year relate to water and sewer services. Changes being implemented by the province will see users pick up 100 per cent of the cost of providing those services.

Although it is expected water and sewer rates could increase dramatically once the new self-funding arrangement is in place, the town will have to include water and sewer expenditures as part of this year's municipal budget.

French said he would like to know which of those costs need to be incurred this year. Overall, the finance chairman said the town is looking at a residential tax increase of three per cent. However, French added he would like to see a much smaller increase.

Kirkby noted the town is likely to record a small surplus for the 2002 fiscal year. There is also a slight increase in assessment this year.

Although some councillors expressed concern at the first two budget meetings about proposed budget increases and the town's ability to cope with them, they were reminded of similar situations in previous years. This does not mean, though, that senior staff will not be directed to review their submissions and come up with additional cost-saving or revenue-generating measures.

"Each department head needs to realize the extent of the challenge," Mayor Robert Lawn said.

Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead noted compromises would be made sooner or later, and the budget numbers would become more realistic.

Presentations by the fire and police departments are expected tonight at the town's third budget meeting.

Even though some presentations have yet to be made, submissions from each department have been included in the working document being reviewed by council.

Property taxes accounted for more than $3.1 million in revenue for the town last year.

THIS WEEK

Big bike hits the road in Prescott Thursday

PRESCOTT ­ The Big Bike Ride for Stroke is set for this Thursday afternoon in Prescott.

The 30-seat bike will make three trips through the north end of town beginning at about 2 pm at South Grenville District High School. Riders from Kriska, Grenville Christian College and the rugby teams at the high school will be getting some exercise and raising money for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark branch of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario.

For more information on the event or the services offered by the foundation, call the Brockville office at 345-6183.

Prescott budget talks continue this week

PRESCOTT ­ The third and fourth town budget meetings will take place this week.

Council will meet tonight (Wednesday, May 7) at 6 pm at the health centre on King Street West. Presentations by the fire and police departments are on the agenda.

There will also be a budget meeting Thursday at 6 pm at the health centre. A finalized municipal budget for 2003 is not imminent.

The next regular meeting of Prescott council will take place Monday, May 26 at 7 pm.

Connell steps down as foundation president

KEMPTVILLE ­ Spencerville-area resident J.P. Connell has stepped down after two years as the first president of the Kemptville College Foundation (KCF).

During the foundation's third annual meeting in April, Connell was acknowledged for his work in getting the foundation off to a good start.

"J.P. Connell was instrumental in leading us through the initial stages of establishing the foundation," said incoming President Colin Carson of Kemptville.

Carson said the 2003 executive will be picking up the pace of fundraising activities.

Under Connell's direction, the foundation established and awarded its first set of entrance scholarships worth a total of $5,000, with $1,000 assigned to a student from each of the college's five major areas of study representing diploma and certificate programs.

Connell remains as a director on the executive.

For more information, contact the KCF office at 258-8336, or visit the Web site at www.kcf.ca.

Spring tea to be served at Friendship Hall

PRESCOTT ­ A spring tea will take place Wednesday, May 14 from 11 am to 2 pm at Friendship Hall, 454 Henry St. W.

The event will include a bake sale and raffle. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

The spring tea is being hosted by the Wellington Rebekahs #108.

Model railroaders on the right track

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - Trains were the topic of conversation Saturday and Sunday as people from across Ontario and the United States gathered to take part in the Leeds and Grenville Model Railroaders 11th annual train show at South Grenville District High School.

The show was considered a success with numerous vendors and activities to keep children and adults alike captivated with the trains and miniature scenery which was carefully prepared.

"It was a pretty good turnout," said t Jason Edge, president of the model railroaders. "We had a nice warm sunny day, so we weren't expecting huge crowds.

"We were full as far as vendors were concerned and even had to extend the show out into the halls to fit people in. We're probably going to have to look for a larger venue next year."

Edge felt the group really made some headway in its search for new members and getting the youth involved with the club.

"The people who have come have really enjoyed it," said Edge. "The kids zone was a big hit. We tried to put a focus on the kids and it's paying off. It's not many train shows where the kids can come and play with some of the trains instead of just looking at it.

"We're hoping the show will get some new people out and interested in the models, especially kids. We have a club right here in Prescott that not many people know about."

Edge indicated the show has been done in conjunction with the Seaway District (High School) Teen Railroaders who have put on some displays and ran the kids zone section and praised them on their enthusiasm and high energy.

"I first got involved after talking to Mr. Edge about trains, because he was my physics teacher," said Seaway District Model Railroader Joe Baker. "I always wanted to do this as a hobby, and he asked me to help him out with a model for a retirement gift for another teacher.

Baker indicated the whole idea of creating the model was what really got him hooked on the models.

"There is a lot of electronics and construction work which I like" said Baker. "Also, you get to learn a lot about the trains. It's just a nice hobby to be involved in."

Some people think of trains as a toy for children, but Leeds and Grenville Model Railroader John Robichaud believes it's an activity for all ages.

"It's just something I started to keep myself busy when I retired," said Robichaud, "but I'm amazed with the work and ingenuity some of these people have shown.

"I just really like my trains."

Set sail for Harbour Days

The 2003 edition of Harbour Days is promising to offer something for everyone.

The annual Victoria Day weekend festival set for May 17-19 will once again feature events for people of all ages.

Prescott will be the place to join in the fun and take in some shopping.

Organizer Mike Boyles says he is pleased with the number of events to be featured this year.

See the special section in today's Journal for a schedule of events. More details of Harbour Days 2003 will be published next week.

Railway trespassing worse than expected

Twelve people stopped as part of police crackdown

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The high number of trespassers caught on CN Rail property in Prescott last week is troubling, according to Police Chief Bryan Somerville.

Between Monday and Friday, 11 people had been stopped by police as part of a campaign to raise public awareness of the dangers associated with walking on or beside the rail lines. A twelfth case of trespassing was reported early this week.

Officers from the municipal police department and CN Rail stepped up patrols in the rail corridor as part of last week's crackdown.

Transport Canada assessed the railway corridor in Prescott last year after town council indicated its willingness to consider enacting a bylaw banning train whistles. In its report, the federal department indicated there are a number of locations in which trespassing is a problem.

Pedestrians are supposed to cross the rail lines at Boundary or Sophia streets or use the Edward Street overpass.

If trespassing remains a concern, the town may have to pay for fencing to be installed along part or all of the rail line in order for a whistle ban to be possible.

The chief told The Journal he was surprised by the number of people caught trespassing. In addition to newspaper coverage of the crackdown, police visited local schools and left resource materials at the high school.

Somerville said he will be reviewing the results of the campaign. He noted all of the 11 people caught were over the age of 16.

Town officers have been instructed to enforce the railway trespassing rules when they see violations, the chief said.

As part of the town's 2003 capital budget preparations, an estimate of $125,000 has been included for fencing both sides of the railway corridor between Boundary and Sophia streets. An estimated 8,500 feet of fencing would be required.

Council has yet to discuss the fencing issue as part of budget deliberations.

Efforts of caregivers marked during Palliative Care Week

BROCKVILLE ­ The importance of volunteer caregivers is the focus of National Hospice Palliative Care Week, taking place May 5-11.

"In palliative care, the patient and their family and loved ones are the centre of care," Cheryl Chapman, director of Hospice of Providence Palliative Care Service at St. Vincent de Paul Hospital in Brockville, stated in a press release.

"As providers of care, the patient's loved ones are a very important part of the team," she said. The caregivers need assistance from organizations to help manage such things as pain, and they also need to receive timely information to make decisions as well as emotional support, she added. "The organizations work together to minimize caregiver strain or burnout."

Hospice palliative care is the final and the most precious gift that can be offered to loved ones, the release stated, noting it is better to be informed and have the supports in place before crisis strikes.

Providence Continuing Care Centre - St. Vincent de Paul Hospital, has been providing care for 24 years to people living with a terminal illness in Brockville and surrounding area, including South Grenville.

For answers on where to turn, contact Hospice of Providence at 613-342-4461, ext. 2294.

Funding to strengthen local manufacturing sector

Ontario government invests $1.8 million in program

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

BROCKVILLE ­ A stronger local economy and new employment opportunities are expected to be the results of a cash infusion into area manufacturing operations.

An investment of $1.8 million on the part of the Ontario government in an alliance of rural-based manufacturing organizations in the province was announced April 28 in Brockville.

The project known as GETTING (Growing Employment and Training Through Innovative and Networked Groups) is designed to put rural Ontario on the global map through the formation of two new business clusters - one headquartered in Brockville, and one in Chatham-Kent in southwestern Ontario, which received similar funding.

The rural-based manufacturing industry is to benefit through more efficient use of information resources, sharing best practices and accessing new employee training programs.

The balance of the $3.6-million initiative is being provided by the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) and its member manufacturers, the City of Brockville and Chatham-Kent.

Among the Prescott industries that are paid consortium members are Bremm Metal Products Inc. and Sicpa North America Inc. Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn said at the announcement meeting "anything that brings education and training to the industry in small localities such as this is a big advantage, because we don't have access to the training sessions that are second nature in major cities."

Through the funding, "small and medium-sized manufacturers will be able to access vital management networks, skills training resources and develop employment opportunities that will build their competitive capabilities," said Al Diggins, president and general manager of the Owen Sound-based EMC.

Employment opportunities through internships will involve 100 skilled jobs in the Brockville area over the next 18 months to help industry train the next generation of skilled workers to meet production demands and ensure companies' long-term viability, Diggins explained.

"EMC is a nurturing organization focused on helping manufacturers to do what they need to do best," Diggins said, adding this fosters economic development throughout the region.

The group is recognized as Ontario's leading industry network representing more than 300 manufacturers in 30 communities across Ontario, Diggins said.

The funding announcement was made at Canarm, a manufacturer and marketer of fans, lighting equipment and ventilation systems, which helped establish the local EMC chapter last fall. The association will help strengthen the long-term position of manufacturing in Leeds-Grenville, said Steve Read, director of operations at Canarm.

"We're all trying to become world-class manufacturers and the whole objective is to bring together companies that don't necessarily compete against each other, but share the common goal of improving their positions in the markets they serve," Read said.

Sharing of best practices, knowledge and common challenges and solutions to those challenges are among the benefits.

Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman said the government is backing the program because it will enable Ontario to grow stronger economies while sustaining a high quality of life.

Rural issues addressed in throne speech

Ontario government listening to the people: Runciman

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE ­ The provincial government is listening to the people of Ontario, according to Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman.

In response to the Progressive Conservative government's throne speech presented last week, Runciman issued a news release in which he highlights a number of initiatives mentioned as part of the recent address to the Ontario legislature and the budget announced earlier this spring.

The speech outlines the government's agenda to guarantee job growth and income gain, according to the release.

"People told us they wanted jobs in their communities and more dollars in their pockets," the MPP stated.

The throne speech pledges to implement 17 tax cuts announced in the budget.

The government also plans to introduce legislation that, if passed, would allow senior citizens to retire when they choose.

The Tories are also pledging to protect family farms from disruption by union activity.

Nutrient management planning and helping to protect farmers from circumstances such as fluctuating markets and variable weather are among other measures identified by the government.

The PC MPP indicated $50 million in new rural and remote school funding will be allocated for the upcoming school year in an effort "...to strengthen schools in areas of declining enrolment."

Runciman, Ontario's minister of public safety and security, also noted doctors and nurses who agree to practise in underserviced areas such as Leeds and Grenville would be offered free tuition as part of an initiative included in the throne speech.

The government has also pledged to expand government office hours and provide more online services and kiosks.

"People said they wanted government to work better, and we have listened," Runciman stated in the release.

"Happy Hookers" 4-H Fishing Club tied up in knots

Submitted by Eric Connell

Hi. My name is Eric Connell and I am the press reporter for the 4-H Happy Hookers Fishing Club. We had our first meeting on Wednesday, April 23 at the Grenville Fish and Game Club beginning at 7 pm. Our meeting started with the 4-H Pledge, followed by the leaders' introductions and then the 25 members introduced themselves.

Our leaders for this 4-H club are Scott and Debbie Connell. We also have a couple more adult assistants: Doug and Terry Jensen, who will help and offer assistance throughout the club.

After the introductions, we played a fun animal game. Lots of papers were handed out to each member setting out the agenda for the meetings ahead. Together we looked over the paperwork and requirements of the 4-H club. Next we did an election for the following positions:

President ­ Melissa McLaughlin; Vice-President ­ Kyle Somerville; Secretary ­ John Robinson; Press Reporter ­ Eric Connell (that's me); Youth Leader ­ Tristan Jensen.

The new president called everyone's attention to the importance of a club name. Suggestions were discussed and then a vote was held with the winning name being The "Happy Hookers" 4-H Fishing Club.

Doug Jensen showed and discussed with the members the basic requirements of a tackle box. Then he handed out "The Fisherman's Ultimate Knot" guide which is a 12-inch plastic ruler that folds up to fit your pocket. This ruler also has pictures on it to explain how to make the 10 best knots every fisherman needs.

We spent some time practising a couple basic knots. Rob Willoughby gave directions to his home for the next meeting. Everyone will be fishing for catfish/bullheads along the Rideau River on Friday, May 16. Our president closed the meeting at 8:45 pm and everyone enjoyed refreshments.

We note the Grenville Fish and Game Club for allowing us the use of their building and for sponsoring this 4-H club. We also would like to note Outdoor Canada magazine for the donation of "The Fisherman's Ultimate Knot" guide ruler.

Happy fishing with the Happy Hookers on May 16!

4-H Sewing Club hosts fashion show

The 4-H Sewing Club has completed its Achievement Day Celebrations with a very successful Fashion Show and Afternoon Tea April 6 in Roebuck.

The group was assisted by the Roebuck Recreational Committee, United Church Women, Grace Dillabough, Sue Torrance and Lisa Smith, proprietor of House of Flowers in its efforts for the fashion show.

Members of the sewing club include Melissa Sears, Kyle Somerville, Kelsey Dillabough, Stephanie Connell, Alison Coville, Krista Somerville, Jeffery Connell, Samantha Sears, Eric Connell, Megan Dukelow, Krista Dillabough, Kathryn Connell, Kelsey Dunlop and Katherine Sears.

Hear the tales of the coopering trade at library

SPENCERVILLE ­ Ed Shuster will be turning back the clock to talk about the coopering trade Wednesday, May 14 from 1 to 3 pm at the Spencerville branch of the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal library.

Shuster has been interpreting the role of the cooper in mid-19th century life at Upper Canada Village. The Roebuck resident will talk about the tools used to make barrels and casks which for generations were used to transport cargo. The secrets of the trade and sample's of Shuster's work will be on display at the presentation, which is being made possible by the Friends of the Edwardsburgh Public Library. Admission is free.

Bremm evolves to meet marketplace changes

PRESCOTT ­ Bremm Metal Products Inc. of Prescott has announced the appointment of a new partner as company president.

David Fowler joins the company with 15 years of marketing, business and project management with Nitrochem and the Department of National Defence.

Matt Morris, who founded Bremm in Prescott in 1996, remains involved with the company as director and advisor.

Bremm will continue to evolve to meet the needs of the ever-changing marketplace, Fowler said. The manufacturing operation includes computerized metal cutting, punching and forming equipment, along with a fully-equipped welding department, powder coat paint facility, vacuum plastic thermoforming and product assembly area.

As part of the company changes, Don Green takes over as director of operations. Barb McKee continues to manage the office, and Plant Foreman Jim Kirkby leads the team of machine operators, welders, painters and assemblers in the production of precision metal products.

Bremm was established to manufacture specialized appliances and cabinets for the North American housing and accommodations market. Since then, it has also grown into a leading Original Equipment Manufacturer supplier of precision metal products.

The company also manufacturers Spaceaide Compact Kitchens, which are marketed through a distributor/retailer network across Canada and the U.S.A. The all-in-one appliances combine refrigerator, range, oven and sink for use in apartments, hotel/motels, seniors' accommodations, offices, and any location where kitchen space is limited. Bremm supplies Spaceaide for small, single unit projects, right up to multi-residential projects requiring more than 100 units.

Bremm's data cabinet and racking systems are marketed throughout Canada and the U.S.A. This equipment is used in commercial and industrial facilities for data equipment, transformers and power supplies for the service and protection of computer systems. The cabinets range from units the size of personal computer boxes, right up to the size of small cars.

Precision metal products include device boxes, component parts, rolled forms, tubular frames and fabricated structures and are sold to various industries in eastern and southern Ontario, western Quebec, New York and Ohio. These components are used in devices serving air traffic control, communications, instrumentation, military, security, point of purchase, seismology and radiology industries.

Fowler noted Bremm offers customers innovative product design and manufacturing strategies for all elements of product development ­ ranging from prototyping to finished goods production.

District school boards release results of recent Grade 10 literacy tests

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Officials at both English-language school boards in the area say there is still room for improvement after results of Grade 10 literacy tests were released.

At the Upper Canada District School Board (which operates South Grenville District High School), 65 per cent of Grade 10 students who wrote the test in October passed both the reading and writing sections. Seventy-eight per cent passed the writing section; 70 per cent passed the reading portion.

Superintendent of Education Catherine McVie indicated the results confirm the board must focus on assisting students with their reading and writing skills.

"We will continue to use the test results to improve teaching and learning, not to rank schools," she stated in a news release. "Ranking distracts from addressing the more critical issue of how to improve learning for all students."

When asked for test results for South Grenville DHS, the board supplied The Journal with figures from the literacy test conducted in Feb. 2002. At that time, 78 per cent of Grade 10 students who wrote the test passed both sections; 90 per cent passed in writing, and 80 per cent passed in reading. The board-wide pass rate for both parts was 73 per cent.

The public board also reported an 80-per-cent pass success rate for students who wrote the literacy test for the second time.

High school students are required to pass both sections of the literacy test before they can graduate.

Catholic board results improve

Seventy-five per cent of Grade 12 Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario students who wrote the test last October for the first time passed both sections. The success rate at St. Michael high school in Kemptville was 91 per cent, highest among the seven secondary schools operated by the Catholic board. The first-time pass rate at St. Mary high school in Brockville was 82 per cent, second-highest in the district board.

Ann Perron, the Catholic board's curriculum superintendent, indicated students continue to show steady progress when it comes to the Grade 10 literacy test. Data from individual schools and the board is to be analyzed.

"A key component of our professional development plan will continue to be literacy instruction with an emphasis on reading," Perron stated in a news release.

High school teachers approve new three-year agreement

PRESCOTT ­ The Upper Canada District School Board and its secondary teachers have ratified a new collective agreement.

Members of Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation Upper Canada District 26 approved the deal April 29; Upper Canada trustees voted in favour of it April 16.

The three-year agreement is retroactive to Sept. 2001. A salary increase for 2001-02 was already in place. Salary increases of three per cent in each of the following two years were agreed to as part of negotiations which concluded April 16.

An entry-level high school teacher will reportedly make about $36,000 per year at the end of the agreement. At the other end of the scale, a senior teacher can earn as much as about $75,000 per year

South Grenville District High School in Prescott is operated by the Upper Canada board.

Prior to reaching a tentative deal last month, teachers had been taking part in job action that included the withdrawal of certain administrative duties.

Tourism Prescott recognizes importance of maintaining Forwarders' Museum

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ A sub-committee of Tourism Prescott has been formed to deal with the Forwarders' Museum.

The town-owned facility at the corner of Water and Centre streets also serves as Prescott's tourist information centre.

There is no longer a museum board in place, and concerns have been expressed about the future of the building.

As part of a Tourism Prescott budget presentation made to town council Thursday night, Pat Dewar noted several people have been working to ensure the facility has a viable future.

"We're scrambling just to get it open this summer," Dewar said.

There are plans to open the museum for the 2003 season during the upcoming Victoria Day weekend. The museum could be open daily in July and August and end its season on the Labour Day weekend.

In addition to providing trained staff, Dewar said there is a possibility people dressed in period costumes would appear at the museum.

In response to concerns about the condition of the building, it was noted artifacts would be removed over the summer and placed in climate-controlled storage.

Dewar put forward what she described as a "bare bones budget" for 2003. As for the long-term viability of the museum, changes to Trillium funding eligibility will now enable the municipality to seek a grant for the facility.

"Everything should be done to save the building," Dewar said.

Tourism Prescott is a volunteer group that receives most of its funding from the town. Dewar said the group is not an events committee; Tourism Prescott is shifting its focus to make the town "tourism ready," according to Dewar.

Among the group's priorities are to work toward establishing a year-round visitor centre and create a paid co-ordinator's position to oversee tourism and related functions.

Ensuring the success of the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival and main street beautification have also been identified as priorities. Tourism Prescott is proposing a modest budget of about $22,000.

"You have a very dedicated group promoting your town," Dewar said.

Former Augusta roads supervisor sets sights on township council position

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

MAYNARD ­ Former Augusta roads superintendent Garry Ferguson has announced his bid for township councillor in the November municipal election.

Ferguson was employed in the roads department for more than 30 years; he had been loader operator, truck driver and lead hand, and was in charge of the department from 1987 to 2000, when he took early retirement.

The councillor candidate is particularly concerned about landfill site issues and road conditions, and feels his long-term experience as a township employee will benefit him at the council table. He would also like to concentrate on the township's County Road 2 industrial land in an effort to bring more revenue into Augusta.

Born and raised in the township, Ferguson and his wife Rebecca live on South Branch Road near North Augusta. The couple has three children and six grandchildren. Ferguson said he has tremendous support in his new challenge from family and friends, noting many residents had spoken to him about running in the election.

Ferguson said he's a firm believer in bylaws and resolutions and following guidelines, and plans to work hard to "straighten out" some issues. He is also strongly in favour of allowing people to express their views openly at council meetings, and providing residents with an answer to their concerns. "Even if it's a no answer, it's better than letting him sit out on a limb," he said.

Ferguson was also a member of the Canadian Army transport division from 1956 to 1963, stationed in Canada and Europe.

Library seeks municipal grant increase

PRESCOTT ­ The Prescott Public Library Board has made its annual funding pitch to town council.

With more than 3,000 active members, the Prescott library is bucking the downward circulation trend being experienced at other libraries.

Board Chairperson Christine Endicott told council at a budget meeting Thursday the library is "a very popular spot in town" for people of all ages, adding the community resource needs council's support to make the facility an even better place.

"It is a true community hub," she said. "We hope to build a strong, bright future for the library," Endicott added.

The library board is seeking a municipal grant of $65,544 for 2003. The town's 2002 budget included a library grant of $56,690.

Wages and benefits account for about 65 per cent of the library's budgeted expenses of $93,595 this year.

Included in the proposed 2003 budget is a listing of $15,000 for pay equity. The amount would likely be taking from municipal reserves.

In terms of revenue, the library received $4,500 from Prescott Blossoms for use of the library and its computers for 10 weekdays in January and February of this year. In return, the library board agreed to purchase two $500 trees for the Heritage River Trail area.

It was also noted the library would no longer be receiving federal funding for the Community Access Program (CAP) computers used by the public free of charge.

The board has budgeted $8,000 ­ the same amount as last year ­ for books, tapes and videos.

Endicott noted the library is undertaking an ambitious automation program with the help of the Friends of the Library group. The 2003 budget includes a capital listing of $10,200 for automation.

Calling the library one of the town's biggest assets, Councillor Seeley Pillar said council should support the library "100 per cent."

Food bank supporter captures prize as part of challenge

MAITLAND ­ Supporting the Prescott-based Food For All Food Bank has earned a local youth a small television as a prize.

Patrick Ryan was the winner of the Great Can Challenge Draw sponsored by the Maitland Educational and Recreation Association youth dance committee for students in grades 5-8.

Students who brought in donations to the food bank during April had their names entered in a draw. The challenge collected more than 100 cans.

Police seek arrest warrant after man claims to be sick and skips sentencing

PRESCOTT ­ Officers with the Prescott Police Service investigated 68 general incidents and three motor vehicle collisions during the week of April 28.

A 23-year-old Ottawa man will be charged with failing to appear in court and uttering a forged document. The man was to appear in court April 29 for sentencing on two fraud charges laid by Prescott police. He failed to appear, but through his lawyer notified the court he was ill. The man submitted a document to his lawyer stating the reasons he could not appear in court. Police investigated and learned the document was a forgery.

The lawyer acted in good faith and was unaware of the forgery, according to a police news release. Prescott police will be seeking a warrant for the Ottawa man's arrest. Sergeant Gary Sluytman is the investigating officer.

On April 30, town police received a report of a break-in at a vacant apartment at 230 Dibble St. W. Graffiti was written on the walls. An estimate of damage to the entrance door and walls was unavailable. Constable Rick Champagne is investigating.

A vehicle was pulled over on a routine traffic stop May 2. Open liquor was found inside the vehicle. A female occupant was intoxicated and was subsequently arrested for causing a disturbance by being drunk.

She was transported to the Prescott police station where she was given access to a phone to call a lawyer. The woman wilfully smashed the phone, according to a police news release. Marie Latrochelle of Sherbrooke, Quebec was charged with mischief.

Constable Moe Morrissette is the investigating officer.

Anyone with information on these or any other occurrences in town is asked to contact the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

The police station is located at the corner of Henry and Centre streets.

Board decides to cancel summer parks program

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

The MERC Board has decided not to offer the Summer Parks Program this year. Citing declining revenues and a lack of community interest in organizing the program, the board made the announcement in its May newsletter.

Maitland youth filled a barrel to overflowing for the Food For All Food Bank during the April Can Challenge. Youth were given a ballot on a draw for a mini television for every non-perishable food item they donated at the dance. Patrick Ryan was presented with the television by Bonnie Gommert from the food bank. The next youth dance will be held May 23. The MERC Hall is a drop-off point for the Food For All Food Bank. Bring a can for the barrel anytime you are attending an event at MERC Hall.

Clean-up is Saturday

The spring clean-up day has been rescheduled to May 10 from 8 am to noon. Volunteers are needed for many small jobs at the hall, including yard work and cleaning chores inside the hall. If you can help, call Ray at 348-3019 or Geoff at 348-1317.

The final revisions are being made to the Welcome to Maitland Brochure. The deadline for submissions is May 12.

Call Susan Clarke at 348-3088 if you would like information included.

One dream of an auction

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE ­ The tenth annual dream auction will take place this Saturday, May 10 from 10 am to 4 pm at the 1000 Islands Mall in Brockville. The event will be televised on Cogeco Cable 10.

Everything from getaway trips, computer software and groceries to signed NHL memorabilia, learning how to belly dance and becoming police chief for a day will be up for bid at the fundraiser. A silent auction will also take place at the mall May 10.

Girls Incorporated of Upper Canada, formerly Big Sisters Association of Leeds and Grenville, offers girls in the united counties area a chance to learn and practice skills and become women empowered to reach their full potential.

Auction items can be viewed and bid on by going to www.girlsinc-uppercanada.org.

For more information on the auction, call Girls Inc. at 345-3295. Dream auction bids will be accepted by phone at that number during the live event.

Wilson to perform

BROCKVILLE ­ Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame member Tom Wilson and Border Bluegrass will be appearing this Saturday, May 10 at 7:30 pm at First Baptist Church, Courthouse Square.

Tickets are available at the door; light refreshments will be served after the performance.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"You have a very dedicated group promoting your town."

Editor's Notebook

DON'T LET MUSEUM BECOME HISTORY: Two of Tourism Prescott's priorities this year are to work on establishing a year-round information or travel centre in the town as well as pumping new life into the Forwarders' Museum. The museum has been serving as an information centre as well as home to many artifacts that depict some of Prescott's rich history. Unfortunately, the deterioration of the building and the inability in recent years to obtain significant funding for repairs and renovations has made it difficult to maintain the facility as a prime tourist attraction. In the absence of a museum board, a sub-committee of tourism is trying to put together at least a bare-bones spring and summer season for the museum and information centre.

Although the province operates a travel information centre in Johnstown, the Prescott community needs its own facility in which local points of interest can be emphasized and the history of the Fort Town can be archived and featured for all to see. Now that the province has given Prescott a chance to apply for Trillium funding for the town-owned museum, council cannot afford to squander its opportunity to save and improve an invaluable community resource that makes use of one of the town's greatest assets: its past.

But money is not the only thing needed to save the museum. People who have taken an interest in the facility in the past, as well as those who have not, are needed in order to secure the long-term future of the building and its contents. By contacting Tourism Prescott or the municipal office, volunteers may help ensure the Forwarders' Museum does not become part of the history it was intended to depict.

THE COST OF SILENCE: Last week's crackdown on trespassing in the railway corridor in Prescott offers little comfort to supporters of a ban on train whistles. With 11 offenders being nabbed in four days, it would seem Transport Canada's claim there is a trespassing problem in Prescott is accurate. With that being the case, Prescott will be hard-pressed to push for a no-whistle bylaw unless it is willing to ante up the money needed to erect a fence along much or all of the railway corridor.

According to the town's preliminary 2003 capital budget, the cost of fencing has been estimated at $125,000. In a year in which Prescott council may be hard-pressed to come up with a modest tax hike without seriously considering existing programs, some property owners will balk at the notion of spending that much money (or even considerably less) to get rid of the noise.

If it comes down to a question of money, Prescott council will have to decide what price it is willing to pay for a little peace and quiet.

Tim Ruhnke

Unfortunately, sometimes crime does pay for the criminals

FORWARDING COMMENTS by Monica Whitney

As incidents of crime go, the crime inflicted on my family a couple weeks ago was probably minor. There are, unfortunately, a lot more horrible things going on in the world. But knowing that doesn't take away the anger and hurt, or make it any less significant.

My 12-year-old son's nearly-new bike was stolen from our back yard Easter night. Stupidly on our part, the bike wasn't locked up that one night; the lock went with the bike. The older bikes in the yard weren't touched - I guess criminals know a good thing when they see it.

My son earned almost half the cost of the bike last summer - $100 he saved working on his uncle's farm. A lot of breaking beaver dams, feeding turkeys and brush clearing went into that bike, as well as the money we had to come up with. Finally, near the end of summer, with all our pennies counted, we were able to buy his dream bike. The chances of replacing the bike anytime soon are fairly slim.

Secluded spots around town and along the shore were scoured the day after the theft, in case the bike was taken for a joy ride and then dumped. But I knew we would never see it again. That thought was confirmed when the police informed us four other bikes were taken in Prescott that same night.

It makes me so angry knowing strangers could walk onto our property and help themselves, leaving in their wake incredible sadness, heartbreak, financial ache, and a boy's feeling that all is lost and hopeless. To work so hard for something for so long, and then have it snatched away in a flash is sickening. Good side loses, and crime wins in this case.

It makes you want to give up trying. It was unbelievably cruel that someone could be so rotten to destroy a boy and inflict such hardship on an entire family. I'm angry to the core - the core that had a chunk gouged out of it by a senseless, uncaring act.

At least, the theft opened my eyes. Perhaps unfortunately, I won't be so trusting anymore, naively believing all is well and everyone is good and honest. I'll have a shield up now, but hopefully I'll still come in contact with the caring and honest folks I believe are the majority.

First radio set to roll off production line at RCA Victor plant

FROM THE ARCHIVES

May 4, 1933

* Wm. McFarlane has been engaged to collect and dispose of all garbage in Prescott at $75 per month. McFarlane is to provide a suitable vehicle for this purpose.

May 7, 1953

* The first commercial radio set to be manufactured in Prescott is expected to come off the production line in the vast new RCA Victor Company, Ltd. plant next week. The first class of girls, now completing their training course in the school set up in the DLD building, will move into the new plant and start the first model radio on its way down the line. The staff at the RCA plant now numbers about 60 people, with a number of technicians moving in from Montreal and several being taken on the payroll from Prescott and district.

May 1, 1963

* South Grenville District High School officially reached the status of a composite secondary school in ceremonies marking the opening of the vocational wing with Lieutenant-Governor Rt. Hon. Earl Rowe. Full technical, commercial and academic training is now available to 1,320 students.

May 4, 1983

* Helping students find summer jobs at the Canada Employment Centre will be Supervisor Lori Barkey and Placement Officer Lisa Beatty.

May 5, 1993

* Prescott Chamber of Commerce President John Morris announced a permanent committee will be established to oversee a campaign to lobby the provincial government into putting the reconstruction of Highway 416 back on the political agenda. He was the guest speaker at an information meeting in Kemptville designed to bring together groups that would benefit from the highway project.

* Bernie Currier and Ken Brant were honoured by fellow Prescott Rotarians as they were presented with Paul Harris Fellowships, the international service club's highest award. Both are former club presidents and each has chaired all of the club's major committees.

* MP Jim Jordan was acclaimed as the Liberal party's federal election candidate for Leeds and Grenville. Jordan has been the MP for the federal riding since 1988. He announced the government's plan to pay one-third the cost of reconstructing Highway 416 if the Liberals take power in the next election. The cost would equal the cost of two of the 50 naval helicopters the defence department just bought, Jordan noted in criticizing the Tory government.

Some might have us believe that soup company invented holiday

FORT TOWN DIARY by John A.H. Morris

The evolution process of the eastern Ontario property owner has fast-forwarded a century or so the past couple of years as the green thumb guys and gals start shedding their winter knickers earlier and earlier each spring in favour of shorts and spades as they start prowling through flower gardens and vegetable plots. The fact remains that no matter how many stores start selling flats of annuals and bedding plants, and rural green house operators start doing the same with their veggie seedlings, it is still only the second weekend in May and we are still experiencing below zero temperatures at night.

Although many might believe that the 24th of May holiday weekend was instituted by royalists to mark Queen Victoria's birthday, the holiday was really created early last century by the Campbell soup company to make sure its contract growers had an extra day in May to plant tomatoes that would survive spring frosts and provide plentiful yields of fresh, juicy tomatoes by mid-August.

Sorry for disillusioning the scores of loyal believers who thought the long May weekend was the Harbour Days creation of Mike Boyles.

There are still a few of us left who remember that the Victoria Day holiday was a time to spade and plant the vegetable garden and flower beds; to take off and wash (with Bon Ami and newsprint) the outside windows and store them in the basement; and to take down and clean the stove and furnace pipes.

How many remember covering the floors of rooms that stove or furnace pipes ran through with layers of newspapers needed to catch the spills of soot created no matter how carefully the pipes were carried to the outside and gently tapped clean?

The only safe time to plant flowers and veggies is the 24th of May, the date that has been recognized in eastern Ontario for over a century. One way to test this theory is to watch a robin pull a worm out of the earth. If the worm is carrying a little sign that says "heat before serving", you know it's too early to plant.

One of the spring rituals of 50 years ago that seems to have faded away in Prescott has been the annual spring marble games. The two most popular were "pots" and "pinks and spans".

The ideal time for playing pots was in the middle stages of spring when daytime slush was transformed into soft ice overnight, and which stayed fairly solid until after our noon hour games in the play yards of old Prescott Public School. The soft ice made it easy to hollow out a hole or pot, into which marbles or shooters were "spinked" into from various distances. First into the pot won all the marbles in the game. It was sort of a marbles skin game.

Tell-tale signs of a good pot player were wet knees and a chapped thumb or middle finger, depending on which digit was used for spinking.

Although we only lived four blocks from PPS, it sometimes took us 30 or 40 minutes to get home for dinner. At a time when our main meal of the day was at noon, late April and early May saw us eat an awful lot of cold mashed potatoes, onions in congealed white sauce, pork chops in little pods of hardened fat, and creamed corn covered with a thin scum that stuck to your fork or spoon.

No, Virginia, we couldn't pop it into the microwave or heat it up in the oven because it was cooked on a wood stove. Our plate could probably have been placed in the warming oven over the wood-fired Findlay kitchen range, but that wouldn't have been any more effective than the blast of hot tongue reserved for us by our mother.

Main reason we were late for dinner during this period of middle to late spring was because of the noon hour games played on the way home from school called "pinks and spans".

There were usually several one-on-one games in progress down West Street, which started midway down the high school property, once principal Gordon 'Goog' Holiday reached Burke's corner on James Street on his way home for dinner.

There were only two sets of rules to follow in these travelling noon hour games. Once the marbles were tossed forward five or six feet (two paces) the first to play could call ups or downs, and the second player would have to launch his marble standing up or kneeling down. Then, depending how close he was to his opponent's marble, he could call pinks or spans, which meant the other guy either had to hit or "pink" your marble, or he had to "span" the two marbles with his thumb and little finger in order to win the game.

Sometimes 15 or 20 marbles could change hands between James and Henry streets, at which time marble bags (compliments of Crown Royal) were tied up and a dash made for home either east or west on Henry Street or south to King Street.

SCHOOL SCENE

BOUNDARY STREET PUBLIC SCHOOL: On Thursday, May 8, the Grade 7 and 8s have been invited to a career day at St. Lawrence College in Brockville. On Friday, May 9, the hot lunch is KFC.

May 12-16, Grade 6 students will be involved in provincial testing.

CENTENNIAL '67/NORTH EDWARDSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOL: This week we welcome our new Kindergarten students, who will start school in September, for their visits.

Our playground leaders program continues to offer a variety of organized games at noon hour every Tuesday and Wednesday at Centennial '67. These leaders are working with Krista, our college student. They were treated to a pizza lunch on Monday as a way of saying thanks for their volunteering and enthusiasm for the program.

After-school softball practices have begun at Centennial '67.

On Tuesday, our Grade 7/8 students enjoyed a trip to Ottawa to see the film Holes. This was an enrichment to their study of the novel by the same name. On Wednesday, the French club travels to Ottawa to practice its French-language skills at the Museum of Civilization and at a restaurant.

Several Grade 7/8 students will participate in the Ottawa Regional Heritage Fair at Aberdeen Pavilion Friday, May 9.

As part of Education Week last week, our grades 3-6 students enjoyed an excellent presentation in music of native people, courtesy of the Fort Town Concert Association. Grades 3-8 students also enjoyed a rousing performance by the Armed Forces Brass Quintet.

On Saturday, our junior choir performed at "Upper Canada Reads" at KCAT.

Grades 3 and 6 students will participate this week in EQAO provincial assessments.

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL: A reminder to all that St. Joseph is a Catholic community. In a Catholic community we always show respect for one another and for the environment.

On Monday we had an assembly for our school dance-a-thon. The dance-a-thon will take place Friday, June 6. Students are encouraged to return their permission forms and pledges to the school as soon as possible.

There are lots of great prizes donated by local businesses, and we are grateful for their generosity.

Our track and field meet will take place Friday, May 16 at South Grenville District High School. We are still looking for volunteers to help with the event. Contact the school if you are able to help out.

Grade 6 testing begins Wednesday and continues until next Tuesday. Students have been well prepared by Ms. Morris and Ms. Goulet.

Our staff, students and guests were treated to a wonderful talent showcase last Friday. Congratulations to all who participated. We have so much talent at our school and it was certainly a pleasure to watch.

Congratulations to our students of the week: Cody Somers, Dustin Kester, Tyson Nugent, Kourtney McNally, Nick Purvis, Tricia Dixon, Maria Iligan, Mitchel Biccum and Devin St. Pierre.

SOUTH EDWARDSBURG PUBLIC SCHOOL: On Wednesday, April 30, the Front of Yonge Jump Team inspired our students with their excellent demonstration of skipping skills. The Kangaroos, coached by Mrs. Tedford, are dedicated to supporting the Jump Rope for Heart events sponsored by the Heart and Stroke Foundation. South Ed will be holding a Jump Rope for Heart event in May.

Grade 7 students Sara McIlveen and Janet Greenhorn attended a conference for young authors and young illustrators held May 1 at St. Paul's University in Ottawa.

Kirsha Martelle (Grade 4), Taylor McNeil and Morgan Weber (Grade 5) were selected to attend a young authors conference April 24 at Thousand Islands Secondary School.

Our Kindergarten students expressed their artistic talents in ceramics this Monday with Ceramics Plus of Prescott.

The entire school is participating in "Turn off the TV! Turn on the Activity," a Stay Fit - Stay Healthy program sponsored by the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit to promote healthy living.

The hot lunch today is pizza; next week, it will be hot dogs.

ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL: We are thankful for all of the wonderful activities that went on within St. Mark Catholic School and the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario during Catholic Education Week where we celebrated the theme "Rooted in Christ." We will search for a safe place to plant our seedling given to us by our director of education, Mr. Greg McNally, on behalf of our board to celebrate Catholic Education Week.

This week at St. Mark, we are celebrating "Turn Off TV Week" where students are encouraged to pursue other healthy activities and record them on their log sheet. Draw prizes will be awarded to both schools and individuals for their efforts in this area. The local health unit is our sponsor for this important activity.

We are also continuing our "Be a Smart Cookie... And Read" read-a-thon. For each book read, students will receive their name on a cookie and it will be placed outside of our library in the big cookie jar on the wall. Our librarian, Mrs. McMahon, has challenged all of us to fill the cookie jar!

On Thursday, May 8, we will participate in Jump Rope for Heart from 2:15-3:15 pm. The rain date is Friday, May 9.

On Friday, May 9 at the 9:15 am assembly, we will kick off a partnership with McDonald's restaurant - Prescott by awarding our students of Students of the Week a Happy Meal certificate.

These certificates are being donated by Debbie Vander Velde and Michele Gordon of McDonald's. We are pleased to establish this important community partnership with McDonald's and welcome them to our school community.

Hot lunch this week is pizza.

Township attitude toward fishers is shocking

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

The Editor;

I was disappointed and disheartened when I read the headline on the front page of the April 16 Prescott Journal "Fishers Must be Stopped." Why exactly must they be stopped? Because of one incident of a fisher confronting a boy? One incident does not represent the entire species. Was the boy hurt? The paper didn't say and I very highly doubt so. This small predator would have a hard time knowing what to do to a human. If indeed it did attack a human the one animal should be destroyed, certainly not the whole species. I'm very disappointed that the community holds such ignorant hate towards any animal it doesn't understand and so feels threatened by.

When I first saw evidence of the fishers returning to this area I was happy to see the predator/prey balance returning and then shocked to see others' hatred toward it. If anything I thought they would be happy it was feeding on porcupines in the area. People's reaction to it is turning out to be the same as it was towards the wolves and cougars for hundreds of years in the past. Have we not advanced since then?

To quote the article "the township has been expressing its concerns regarding the small wild animal, stressing it has become a nuisance and a threat to human safety." I couldn't help but laugh at the irrational statement. A nuisance I can see, but so is my neighbour playing his music loudly into the summer nights. Does that give me the right to eradicate him? I think not. Why do we feel the same about our wildlife neighbours? As to "a threat to human safety," I should hardly think so. How is an animal less than a foot tall a threat to humans? It is not known to harbour diseases or seriously harm humans. Sure they are bold, they will not back down as fast as other animals when approached, but this does not make them a "threat." What it does is make us uncomfortable. We don't like to be faced by something we cannot totally control. But that is no reason or excuse for us to blindly destroy them.

I'm truly disappointed and shamed by the township's view. I thought we had moved past the age where we blindly and selfishly eradicated species just to make ourselves feel comfortable. I feel we need to be good neighbours to the wildlife we share the area with, not to fear and hate it. I am glad the study with the University of Ottawa, Trappers Association and MNR is being undertaken. It is the first step to understanding the fishers in this area, and I hope it will be followed by others so we can dispel the fear and myths and help us learn to live with these animals.

Brenda Van Ryswyk
Oxford Station

Shepherd's pie and salad are on the menu

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

Next Friday, May 16, we plan to serve a shepherd's pie and salad lunch. Make your reservation by calling 925-5300.

If you can stay for the afternoon, the pepper game (bid euchre) or a board game of your choice would welcome new players.

The diabetes society will be holding a support group meeting here at Walker House Monday, May 12 at 6:30 pm. If you or a member of your family has diabetes, perhaps you could get some answers here.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Kitty Wormington; 2nd, Joyce Nesbitt; door prize, Mary Typhair. Fun bridge ­ 1st, Joan Salmon; Monday night dominos ­ low, Marion Lindsay. Tuesday night cribbage ­ high score, Mary Reynolds; 2nd, Lou Baldwin; 3rd, Bea Hemsley; door, Betty Magocs. Wednesday night bridge ­ 1st, Ruth Britnell; 2nd, Margaret Nesbitt; door, Richard Kingston. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Jean McCrady; 2nd, Marie Shahan; 3rd, Mary Reynolds; door prize, Jessie Shaver.

Former councillor enters election race

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - Charlie Burrell has joined the race for council in Ward One of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.

The Cardinal native joins Dick Willis in the race for the two Ward One council spots.

Burrell, the current president of the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Business Association has high hopes for the fall election given his experience.

"With roughly 20 years of experience in municipal politics, I believe I could represent the township well," said Burrell. "With the ward system as is, we only have two people from Cardinal at the council table and only one is a taxpayer in the village. We need a strong voice at council and some experience with an urban area."

The life-long Cardinal resident was a councillor in the village of Cardinal for many years and hopes to make use of his common sense monetary policies brought about from being a business owner.

"Garbage is a major concern of mine," said Burrell. "From attending a public meeting in Edwardsburgh when garbage was discussed not one thought was given to the business community. Any business in a small town needs all the help they can get and the cost of pickup has one store paying nearly $1,800. I would like to see it revert back to the way it was."

The Cardinal businessman doesn't see things the way they are as a fair representation of the former village.

"My personal opinion is to do away with the whole amalgamation and the current ward structure as it is now," said Burrell.

Burrell has been involved in the construction trade for the last 50 years including the last 35 in which he has been self-employed.

Burrell ran for election in 2000, finishing third behind councillors Dan McDonald and Peggy Taylor.

Burrell joins Willis, and Ward Two councillors Peter Martin and Bill Sloan as the only people to announce their intention to run for the position of councillor. Taylor has announced she is running for mayor.

Lease of Cardinal marina is put on hold

SPENCERVILLE - Township council has agreed to put off final reading and approval of a lease agreement with Bryan Molson for the Cardinal Marina.

Council had been waiting for the agreement to be faxed in time for Monday's regular council meeting in order to put it up for vote.

"It was to come from (township lawyer) Steven Ault," said CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald. "We're still waiting for it; we were supposed to get it Friday. It might be sitting on Mike's (Spencer) fax machine, because he's off on a course. I think he might have sent it there instead of directly to us."

Councillor Frank Noccey, who chairs the recreation committee, explained it is a standard agreement between the municipality and operator.

"The intent was to have the agreement here to see it so we could vote," said Noccey.

Council agreed to hold off on the final reading of the bylaw until they had a chance to look over the agreement first.

"We should see it first," said Councillor Marie Thomson. "Two weeks shouldn't make much of a difference."

Council explained its intent was not to hold up Molson and said the minutes would show it.

"We have no intention to slow Mr. Molson up," said Mayor Dave Dobbie. "If a resolution will help the situation, then we will do that."

Legion beer garden approved

SPENCERVILLE - Council voted Monday night to approve a beer garden at the Spencerville Legion for three weekends throughout the summer.

The Legion has been granted permission for a beer garden for Spencerville's Canada Day celebrations July 1, the Legion's annual pig roast August 9 and September 13 for the Spencerville Fair.

When asked about concerns stemming from a bylaw last summer which approved a beer garden for the Spencerville Agricultural Society and prohibited similar gardens on adjacent properties, Mayor Dave Dobbie indicated he wasn't concerned.

"If the agricultural society has a problem with it they can come and see us," said Dobbie. "I think what the Legion has in mind is a patio at the back of their building. They'll be serving alcohol inside anyway."

Dobbie felt a second beer garden wouldn't affect either group.

"It's far enough away from the other beer garden. I don't think it will hurt them," explained Dobbie. "I think there will still be enough people on the fair grounds who will stop in to have a cool one."

CARDINAL BRIEFS

Ratepayers to discuss de-amalgamation

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Ratepayers and Tenants Association will be holding a meeting Wednesday, May 14.

The meeting will begin at 7 pm at the Cardinal Legion. The topic of de-amalgamation will be discussed.

Convertibles wanted

CARDINAL - The Community Festival Board is looking for people with convertibles to volunteer their services for the annual Labour Day parade in Cardinal.

The annual event to be held Saturday, Aug. 30 is one of the highlights of the weekend that includes a soapbox derby, children's races, the Ride'n'Stride and carriage decorating competitions.

Those interested should attend the group's meeting May 21 at 7 pm at the Cardinal Village Hall or contact Nancy Toupin at 657-8800.

Group seeking healthy community sets meeting

CARDINAL - As a follow-up to the initial public meeting, residents are being asked to build on their input to help bring change to the community.

The meeting will take place Monday, May 12 at 7 pm at the Cardinal Village Hall with the yet-to-be-named group hoping to build off its previous meeting April 28.

On the agenda for the meeting includes naming the group and some projects that can be worked on in the early stages such as a brochure for the village outlining services and clubs available to residents and tourists.

Anyone interested in getting involved should attend the next meeting or contact Evelyn Mallett at 657-3260, Peggy Taylor at 657-1728 or Marj Kempffer at 657-1764.

Windmill walk planned

SPENCERVILLE - Council has approved a plan for a joint deal between the Port of Prescott and Parks Canada to create a walkway at the Battle of the Windmill.

Superintendent of Fort Wellington Pam Buell brought the proposal to the ports meeting April 29 requesting money to replace the planks at the crossing which were damaged by snow removal on the railway tracks. Township council gave it's approval at the meeting.

Mayor Dave Dobbie indicated the concern to be a perennial request.

"They've asked for $3,000 to be partnered with Parks Canada to put in a permanent walkway," said Dobbie. "The planks get lifted every year with snow removal which needs to be done by the ports."

Lions holding raffle

CARDINAL ­ Local Lions clubs are participating in a draw in support of the Winchester District Memorial Hospital.

Clubs from Cardinal, Edwardsburgh and other areas are working together on the fundraiser.

The top prize is a playhouse/garden shed with a value of more than $12,000.

The draw date is July 5 with tickets available by contacting members of the local Lions Club.

South Grenville athletes surprise at GCC track meet

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

MAITLAND - The South Grenville Giants had another good showing at the Grenville Christian College Upper School Classic track and field meet last Wednesday in Maitland.

The Giants had an outstanding showing led by the strong arms of the throwing team and in particular Shane Pettifer, who came away from the competition with thee top six finishes. Pettifer's top finishes included a first place throw of 35. 47 metres in the junior boys discus, a first place throw of 12.71 metres in the junior boys shot put and a throw of 37.34 metres good enough for sixth place in the junior boys javelin.

Pettifer was thrilled with his win in the discus competition after battling an early case of nerves, before cruising to two more top five finishes before the day was over.

"I only threw about 30 (metres) on the first throw," said Pettifer, "but I calmed down, changed my shoes, changed discus' and came back to throw 35 (metres) on my second throw. I thought I was still in first after the last few throws, but it was pretty close the next highest throws were about 34 or at least in the high 33s.

"I'm happy with my throws."

Giants track coach Mark Lewis echoed Pettifer's sentiment.

"We are so pleased with the whole team and are just thrilled with Shane's performances. He won the junior boys discus, shot put and came fifth in the javelin; he just had a huge day."

Lewis was impressed with how the small team came up with big results.

"In fact, our whole team had a big day with numerous athletes scoring PR's (personal records) and some real surprise performances from those new to the club."

Lewis was impressed with the showings of the Giants runners who really come up big for South Grenville.

"Kim Howitt did great finishing fifth in the long jump, and then came back and won the 400 (metres) and finished third in the 200 (metres). She hasn't run track since Grade 9 so it was a strong showing.

"Julie Putman was really a surprise finishing third in the senior girls 1500 (metres) and fifth in the 3,000 (metres) in her first year of ever competing in track."

The Giants coach was quick to credit the stability and constant performances of their throwers.

"Kory (Brontmire) finished second in the senior boys javelin and set a new PR by about four metres which is a pretty big deal and Katie Beatty finished second in the senior girls shot put to a girl from Perth who holds the interscholastic record and seems to break her own record every week; Katie is right behind her every week and we're really pleased with how she's doing."

The Giants fielded a team of 21 athletes from its regular squad of about 30 with its second straight strong performance.

Results for students from South Grenville area schools include:

Junior girls 80m hurdles

9. Christina Godwin, SGDHS, 16.70

Midget boys 100m

15. Nick Thornhill, SGDHS, 13.23

Junior boys 100m

20. Alvin Ng, GCC, 13.03

22. Jimmy Lock, GCC, 13.13

25. Dan Lim, GCC, 13.27

Senior boys 100m

12. Chris Clark, GCC, 12.75

Junior girls 200m

9. Shannon Thornhill, SGDHS, 31.81

11. Brittany Byrd, SGDHS, 32.39

Senior girls 200m

3. Kim Howitt, SGDHS, 29.38

Midget boys 200m

9. Nick Thornhill, SGDHS, 26.89

Junior boys 200m

12. Charles O'Brien, GCC, 26.47

Senior girls 400m

1. Kim Howitt, SGDHS, 66.56

Midget girls 1500m

17. Amanda Smith, SGDHS, 6:53.22

Senior girls 1500m

3. Julie Putnam, SGDHS, 5:44.52

Midget boys 1500m

16. Mark Farnsworth, GCC, 5:11.68

Junior boys 1500m

10. Jon Baldwin, SGDHS, 5:00.25

11. Sabby Frye, GCC, 5:07.11

Junior girls 3000m

8. Brittany Steinbach, GCC, 20.06.00

Senior girls 3000m

5. Julie Putnam, SGDHS, 12:45.00

Junior boys 3000m

5. Brett Lee, GCC, 10:23.20

Open boys 2000m Steeplechase

3. Greg Farnsworth, GCC, 6:59.90

Senior girls Long Jump

5. Kim Howitt, SGDHS, 4.31m

10. Sarah McNiece, GCC, 3.42m

Junior boys Long Jump

15. Phil Black, SGDHS, 4.95m

Senior boys Long Jump

8. Mike Chui, GCC, 5.11m

Midget girls High Jump

1. Maggie Hutton, SGDHS, 1.40m

Midget boys High Jump

2. Peter Chui, GCC, 1.62m

Junior boys High Jump

7. Andrew Barr, GCC, 1.60m

Midget boys Pole Vault

1. Mark Farnsworth, GCC, 2.40m

2. Kevan Puddicomb, GCC, 2.40m

Junior boys Pole Vault

1. Ho-Yin Tang, GCC, 3.10m

2. Blake Chauvin, GCC, 2.95m

9. Sabby Frye, GCC, 2.25m

Senior boys Pole Vault

5. Joseph Wong, GCC, 2.40m

5. Eric Phelan, GCC, 2.40m

Midget girls Shot Put

5. Erin Knapp, SGDHS, 6.76m

Junior girls Shot Put

10. Joanna Ko, GCC, 7.51m

Senior girls Shot Put

2. Katie Beatty, SGDHS, 9.42m

7. Heather Black, SGDHS,
6.69m

8. Nicole Journal, GCC, 6.65m

Midget boys Shot Put

9. Ryan Killick, SGDHS, 10.93m

Junior boys Shot Put

1. Shane Pettifer, SGDHS, 12.71m

15. Ryan McGuire, SGDHS, 9.88m

Senior boys Shot Put

4. Shawn Bradford, SGDHS, 12.06m

5. Kory Brontmire, SGDHS, 11.65m

8. Steve Laird, SGDHS, 9.55m

Midget girls Javelin

8. Erin Knapp, SGDHS, 16.70m

Senior girls Javelin

2. Oksana Shebatova, GCC, 24.50m

5. Heather Black, SGDHS, 20.55m

8. Katie Beatty, SGDHS, 16.13m

Midget boys Javelin

15. Kevan Puddicomb, GCC, 25.03m

17. Ryan Killick, SGDHS,
23.51m

23. Mark Farnsworth, GCC, 17.08m

Junior boys Javelin

6. Shane Pettifer, SGDHS,
37.34m

25. Ryan McGuire, SGDHS, 28.94m

29. Tony Kasproqicz, SGDHS, 28.71m

Senior boys Javelin

2. Kory Brontmire, SGDHS, 42.95m

7. Shawn Bradford, SGDHS, 34.28m

12. Steve Laird, SGDHS,
31.39m

Midget girls Discus

4. Erin Knapp, SGDHS, 17.61m

Junior girls Discus

19. Natasha James-Allard, SGDHS, 16.36m

Senior girls Discus

3. Katie Beatty, SGDHS,
20.20m

6. Heather Black, SGDHS, 18.35m

Midget boys Discus

11. Ryan Killick, SGDHS,
28.82m

Junior boys Discus

1. Shane Pettifer, SGDHS,
35.47m

13. Blake Chauvin, GCC, 25.75m

18. Tony Kasprowicz, SGDHS, 22.13m

19. Phil Black, SGDHS, 21.95m

20. Ryan McGuire, SGDHS, 21.75m

Senior boys Discus

2. Shawn Bradford, SGDHS, 33.45m

7. Steve Laird, SGDHS, 19.21m

Kriska Bulldogs win tourney

CASSELMAN - The 1993 Kriska AAA Bulldogs hockey team went undefeated through six games to take home the championship trophy in Casselman April 27.

The Bulldogs opened the three-day tournament with a with a dominating 5-0 win over the Outaouais Express.

Ryan Van Stralen, Cory Wilson, Russell Hinch, Ronnie Harrison and Ben Hutton each had singles in the win, while Kyle Adams (2), Van Stralen and Wilson each had helpers. Jarrett Pitt had the shutout.

In their second game, Kriska continued its strong performance scoring an 8-0 win over the Ottawa Capitals.

Van Stralen, Tanner Benton and Jarrett Williams led the Bulldogs with two goals apiece, while Hutton and Logan Giesbrecht each added singles. Van Stralen, Williams and Giesbrecht each had helpers while Pitt had his second shutout.

The Bulldogs kept up the pace with a 5-0 win over the Ottawa Voyageurs.

Van Stralen led the way for Kriska with a pair of goals, followed by Benton, Wilson and Giesbrecht. While Van Stralen also added a helper.

Pitt had his third straight shutout of the tournament.

In its final game of the round-robin the Bulldogs battled a tough Ottawa Valley Selects team having to settle for 1-1 draw in its toughest game of the tournament. Russell Hinch had Kriska's only goal.

In its semi-final match-up against the host Casselman Pirates, the Bulldogs fell behind 2-1 heading into the third period, before bouncing back for a 4-2 win. Williams led Kriska with a pair of goals, followed by Benton and Van Stralen.

In the final the Bulldogs battled the Ottawa Ambassadors in a very hard-fought game which saw Kriska score a 5-1 win for the tournament title. The Bulldogs led 2-1 heading into the third period, before unleashing its powerful scoring attack to finish off the Ambassadors.

Van Stralen had a pair of goals to lead the Bulldogs, followed by Giesbrecht, Hinch and Benton with singles. Hutton (2), Wilson (2), Van Stralen (2), Hinch and Giesbrecht each had helpers.

Pitt was named the tournament's MVP allowing only four goals in six games.

Other team members are Lucas Stitt, Clark Seymour, Lee Charlebois, Ronnie Harrison and Dylan Rodgers.

Giants rugby teams drop pair to St. Mary to open season

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants boys and girls rugby teams had problems as they opened their seasons against the St. Mary Crusaders Friday in Prescott.

The Giants boys rugby team nearly made up for a weak first half with a second half comeback which saw South Grenville fall 8-7 to the visiting Crusaders.

The boys team battled penalty troubles in the first half which allowed the Crusaders to take an 8-0 lead into the second half, before the Giants settled down and made a game of it.

"We scored twice in the second half, but one was called back," said coach Zach McGlynn. "We fell just short and then things got a bit rough at the end of the game with St. Mary and our boys doing a lot of pushing."

Joel Stone scored the Giants only try while Tyler Stephenson scored a two point conversion, while Chris Seary score was called back.

"(Jay) Bottan and (David) Thornhill had good runs and almost scored," said McGlynn. "It was a good exciting game that really went down to the wire.

Girls show heart in loss

In the girls match-up, South Grenville had a rough time with a more experienced Crusaders team which was able to take control of the game for a 22-0 win.

"The girls really showed a lot of heart and some great tackling in the game," said McGlynn. "St. Mary's had the experience and that was the major factor."

Both Giants teams will travel to Westport today to take on Rideau District High School.

South Grenville Giants soccer on a roll after pair of wins

KEMPTVILLE - The South Grenville Giants junior girls soccer team scored another pair of victories last week to continue its fast start to the season.

The Giants travelled to Kempville April 29 to take on the North Grenville Knights scoring a 2-1 win.

Kaitlin Marriner and Kayla Roode had the Giants goals in the game will Lindsay Biccum had a strong game in goal for South Grenville.

"We really played strong throughout the game," said Giants student coach, Ken Meinkle. "The defence did really well playing without its starting centre fullback."

South Grenville travelled to Kemptville May 1 and was able to hang on for a 2-1 win over St. Michael.

Sara Watt and Amanda Lavery scored the Giants goals, while Lindsay Biccum had another solid game in goal as South Grenville continued to roll.

"This was not the best game they played," Meinkle said.

Senior Giants bounce back

After a loss to the TISS Pirates last week, the senior girls soccer team bounced back with a win and tie.

On April 29, the Giants took on the Athens Warriors where they were able to outmatch their opponents for a 6-0 win.

Ashley Barker led South Grenville with a pair of goals, followed by Alison Coville, Sam Joudoin, Cristy Latham and Amanda Watt with singles. Ashley Weir had the shutout in goal.

"After the loss to TISS last week we realized we had to work on our finishing," said coach Scott Baird. "The results seem to show it worked."

On May 1, the Giants battled a strong St. Michael's team to a 1-1 draw.

Jessica Watt had the Giants lone goal in the game, while Ashley Weir was in net for the draw.

"They really played an outstanding game considering we were short on the bench," said Baird. "Defensively, we were awesome; this had to have been the strongest defensive game we've played this year."

Both Giants teams will host Gananoque Thursday starting at 2 pm.

Local runners have strong showing at California Run

BROCKVILLE - South Grenville runners made their presence known as they managed to take top spots in the 20th anniversary of the California Run Sunday in Brockville.

South Grenville District High School distance runner Julie Putnam, who is currently participating in her first season of track and field led the way with a first place finish in the 5-km event of the girls 16-19 year old category with a time of 21:25.

"This was the first 5-K I've ever run" said Putnam. "I was the third woman across the line. I was really happy to do so well.

"I was aiming at a time of about 23 minutes, but I was able to beat that.

Putnam credits her experiences at a recent high school track and field meet held at Grenville Christian College being a large motivator for her performance.

"That meet got me into the whole race atmosphere," said Putnam. "I knew what pace I wanted to run and just tried
to keep up with some of the men."

Putnam was excited to cross the line to finish the race and see a familiar face in South Grenville District High School teacher Rick Swift waiting for her after finishing second in the 5-km for men 50-59 in a time of 18:08.

"No, I wasn't able to beat him," said Putnam. "He had a time around 18 minutes. He did really well. As I came to the finish line there he was cheering me on."

South Grenville-area athlete Susan Knights also won the women's 20 and under 10-km race in a time of 45:29.

Seaway Interbranch dart league hands out end-of-year awards

IROQUOIS - The Seaway Interbranch Dart League celebrated the end of its season with an awards banquet April 26.

David Haynes and Glen Adams shared award for high finish of the season with 138 points, with Bob Gaudet the runner-up with 133 points.

Bill Hutt and Kevin Laming were each high scorers with both scoring 177 points, while Jerry Carr, Wayne Bellinger, David Haynes and Tim Gonczowski each had 174 points apiece to be runners-up.

Haynes also won the award for most games won with 74, followed by runner-up Tom Rae with 72.

The league also boasted six people who have become members of the 180 club including Tom Coville, Rick Sayeau, Ron Bradford, Haynes, Hutt and Rae (3).

Wayne Bellinger and Adams were awarded the Jim Vaughan Memorial Trophy as the league's most sportsmanlike players.

The league also awarded its team trophies for the season to Prescott #6 (Haynes, Rae, Ross King and Bill McCubbin) for a first place league finish, Iroquois #5 (G. Adams, R. Sayeau, Joel Adams, Bobby Sayeau, Jeremy Adams) as league runner-up, Iroquois #7 (Hutt, R. Bradford, G. Bradford and Duane Kirker) for third place league finish, Cardinal #2 (Jamie Murphy, Kenny Reid, Kevin Laming and Bill Walter) for a fourth place league finish and a special award for Prescott #3 (Steve Lear, Gord Grant, Gaudet and John Marchand) for finishing 7th in the league and 7th in the playoffs

The league also introduced its new executive for the next year: chairman, Duane Kirker; secretary/treasurer, Glen Adams; recording secretary, Tim Gonczowski, Cardinal representative, Wayne Bellinger; Iroquois representative, Gary Bradford and Prescott representative, David Haynes.

Team playoff awards were also given out to Iroquois #5 (G. Adams, R. Sayeau, J. Adams and B. Sayeau) for finishing first in the playoffs, Iroquois #7 (Hutt, Bernie Montroy, G. Bradford and Kirker) as playoff runners-up, Prescott #6 (Haynes, Rae, King and McCubbin) for third place in the playoffs and Cardinal #2 (Murphy, Reid, Laming and Walter) for fourth place in the playoffs.

South Grenville Jr. B Rangers searching for new coach

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers team has begun searching for a new coach for the 2003-04 season.

The search began after Doug Lawrence stepped down after the Rangers' most
successful seasons in three years, which saw the Rangers narrowly miss the playoffs in the last week of the season.

The team is asking coaching applications be in by Wednesday, May 14 and hopes next season the Rangers will be able to secure a playoff berth under a new coach.

Applicants should sent their resumes to the South Grenville Rangers c/o Dennis Van Luit, Box 1636, Prescott, ON.

South Grenville Giants athletes ready for busy week of action

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants are preparing for a busy week of action with five teams in action.

The track and field team will be participating in the annual Kinsmen-Hungerford Invitational Track Meet this weekend at Thousand Islands Secondary School in Brockville. Events are scheduled throughout the weekend.

The boys and girls rugby teams will travel to Westport today (May 7) to take on the Rideau Lions in regular season action.

The senior and junior girls soccer teams will host Gananoque Thursday, May 8 with the first game beginning at 2 pm.

SGMHA sets final return session for all hockey equipment

PRESCOTT- The South Grenville Minor Hockey Association will be holding a final date for the return of all equipment.

All SGMHA equipment and sweaters
must be returned to the Leo Boivin Community Centre in Prescott by May 10.

The community centre will be open Saturday from 9 am until noon to collect equipment.

Anyone with equipment not returned by Saturday will be charged a late fee.

The SGMHA needs to get all equipment and sweaters back as soon as possible in order to inventory it and prepare it for the 2003-04 hockey season.