VOL. 173, NO.22~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ May 28, 2003

Tourism needs to be a priority

Prescott council being asked to reconsider budget move

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Tourism should be considered the number one economic driver in the area, according to the chairman of a local volunteer group dedicated to the cause.

In a presentation to town council Monday night, Tourism Prescott Chairman Graham Cudlipp said municipal leaders are sending the wrong message by asking the group to "stomach" a one-per-cent decrease to its operating budget. The town approved operating funds of $17,675 in 2002; Tourism Prescott is proposing a budget of $20,520.

By asking council to reconsider its budget position, Cudlipp is hoping the town will acknowledge how important tourism is to the local economy. Prescott is a beautiful community with a rich history that has much to offer, he noted.

"Prescott is now known as the shore diving capital of Ontario," Cudlipp said.

In noting some local residents are not enthusiastic about visiting divers and consider them "a darn nuisance," Cudlipp said the economic benefits of having them come to Prescott are obvious "...but difficult to quantify."

The upcoming St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival also has the potential to put Prescott on the map, according to Cudlipp. Culture is another local attraction that should be emphasized, he added.

Among Tourism Prescott's objectives this year are the creation of a year-round information centre and a paid staff position. The concept of a paid position is not a new one, Cudlipp noted. He added volunteers are great, but they are also busy people. "Paid, trained staff can achieve so much more," he stated. The community needs to be more tourism ready and treat tourists more like guests, according to Cudlipp.

The possibility of using the Forwarders' Museum as a home for a year-round centre is being considered. Cudlipp said Tourism Prescott is not "taking over" the museum.

There was no immediate response from council following Cudlipp's presentation. A town budget meeting is tentatively scheduled for tonight at 6 pm at the health centre. A final budget proposal may be presented to council at its next meeting Monday night.

Tourism seems to be underfunded in comparison to some other municipalities in the region, it was noted by Cudlipp.

THIS WEEK

Highway 16 project will go ahead this year

JOHNSTOWN ­ Highway 16 will be rebuilt this summer, Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman has announced.

The MPP indicated Thursday he had been notified by Transportation Minister Frank Klees that tenders have been called. The 3.1-kilometre stretch of four-lane road between Highway 416 and County Road 2 provides access to the Prescott-Ogdensburg international bridge and is the first provincial highway motorists experience when crossing from the American side.

"Although the distance is short, this is an extremely important highway in Eastern Ontario," Runciman stated in a news release.

The surface of Highway 16 has been deteriorating for some time, the MPP noted. Plans to restore the roadway have been postponed a number of times even though tentative approval had been received. The MPP's office has been pushing for the project to proceed for about a year, according to Constituency Executive Assistant Don Swayne.

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council has been calling on the province to repair the highway. Mayor Dave Dobbie could not be reached for comment.

A project cost estimate was unavailable as of earlier this week.

Wiser Hall concert part of music festival

PRESCOTT ­ The Festival on the St. Lawrence is bringing world-class music to Prescott this weekend.

A concert by the Montreal Guitar Trio will take place Saturday, May 31 at Wiser Hall, 763 King St. W. The event, which includes an exhibition of fine art from the Wiser Hall collection and showcases local artists Evan LeClair and Marilyn White, runs from 1 to 4 pm.

Admission is free; refreshments will be served.

The festival, which began May 16, is a collaboration between St. Lawrence College and Human Resources Development Canada. Musicians from Canada and the United States are taking part in what may become an annual event in the seaway region. Other concerts this week will be held May 28 in Cornwall and May 30 and 31 in Brockville.

For more information on the festival, call (613) 544-5400.

OCWA deal approved

PRESCOTT ­ Town council has agreed to enter into a three-year contract with Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) to operate the Prescott water filtration plant.

The estimated operating cost is about $225,000 per year, plus a management fee of $41,500 per year. The deal is to take effect June1.

Minister says no to township de-amalgamation vote request

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - A Spencerville resident has received an official response nixing a proposed de-amalgamation vote for the Township of Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal.

Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing David Young sent a letter to Pat Grant regarding her desire for a de-amalgamation vote in the township.

The letter was dated May 23 and was received by Grant May 26. She provided a copy to The Journal Tuesday morning. It stated, "I appreciate receiving these views and have taken note of local concerns; however, I am not prepared to place a question on the ballot regarding restructuring in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal. As you may be aware, municipal councils do not have the authority to place a question on the ballot regarding restructuring.

"The amalgamation of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal was the result of a locally initiated process and was supported by both the Village of Cardinal and the Township of Edwardsburgh, in addition to Leeds and Grenville."

The letter also went on to emphasize the importance of a new municipality to have time to continue to develop in order to realize long-term financial, economic and operational benefits which amalgamation made possible. It was also suggested he would encourage continued efforts to seek a solution to her concerns through the democratic process of public discussion and debate.

Grant was unimpressed with the letter and its tone, and responded back to the minister's office.

"Obviously, your view of democracy and that of most Ontarians who got sucked into this "Gun to the head" decision, is very different," wrote Grant. "Not that I could expect any other response from this bunch of dictators."

She vowed to continue fighting for what she perceives to be the fair and just thing to do.

"As a card-carrying Conservative, I am disgusted and will work to change this government with everything I have," Grant wrote.

Siblings reunited after 60 years

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ A brother and sister who had been apart for 60 years are catching up on old times this week.

Peter Hampson and Olive Frieson say they have not stopped talking since he arrived in Ottawa on Victoria Day. Frieson, who lives just north of Prescott, and Hampson had not seen each other since 1943. At the time, Frieson was a war bride in the Manchester area of England. Her brother left home and travelled to Australia before settling in New Zealand in the mid-1950s.

The siblings have kept in touch over the years by way of letters and telephone calls, but their paths never crossed as adults. Frieson, 81, and Hampson, 80, did not expect they would ever see each other again.

Hampson had been taking care of his wife at home for 10 years prior to her death a year ago. The possibility of coming to Canada then arose, but having it become a reality would be difficult.

Although Hampson has been in poor health and is on a very restrictive diet, he decided to make the long journey to Canada. "Everybody was telling me to go," he said. The trip went better than he expected; he praised the airlines and the food served by Air Canada.

After 60 years of being apart, their reunion at the Ottawa airport was emotional. "I just gave him a big hug and kissed him on both cheeks," Frieson said.

Her brother is still moved by the prospect of seeing her after all these years. "It brings tears to my eyes thinking about it," Hampson said.

This is Hampson's first trip to Canada. In noting he saw the Rockies from the plane and there are "a lot of trees everywhere," Hampson said he is not that keen on sightseeing. The main purpose of the visit is to see his sister and her family. Frieson's daughter met Hampson in Vancouver during a stopover; a son and his family from Montreal visited the Prescott area last weekend.

She noted her brother saw her baby son in England 60 years ago.

On Thursday, Frieson took her brother to Walker House ­ the activity centre for seniors located in Prescott - where he took part in an exercise class with the ladies. The siblings plan to take in a weaving session at Walker House this week.

People continue to say they cannot believe the brother and sister are together for the first time in 60 years, they noted.

"I don't think we've talked ourselves out yet," Frieson said Monday, a week after her brother's arrival.

Many childhood memories have been recounted during the visit. "We used to have good times together," she said.

Although Hampson is scheduled to leave Sunday, another reunion is in the works. Frieson is planning to visit her brother in New Zealand next year.

"It's been quite nice," Hampson said of the visit with his sister.

No surprises as town hall project continues

PRESCOTT ­ The town hall renovation project is proceeding slowly but surely, according to construction manager Brad Snelling.

Much of the work at the Dibble Street municipal building is now completed or under way. Snelling told Prescott council Monday night there have been few surprises so far, adding "we're still holding the line on the budget."

Council set a budget of about $840,000. Although he could not give a precise completion date, Snelling estimated there is still a couple of months of work to do. The project should be completed by the fall.

Given the tight budget, Snelling said he is satisfied the project is in "a pretty good position" at this stage.

The roofing contractor is expected to start soon, weather permitting. Decisions will be made early next month with respect to finishing work such as painting.

It appears the town will proceed with filling in the old gymnasium floor. The former gym is part of a plan to expand the public library's stack areas.

To make way for municipal building renovations, the town's administration offices have been housed for nearly two years in rented space on Edward Street. Those offices are to return to the second floor of the Dibble Street facility, a former high school built more than 70 years ago.

T.R. Leger is making a difference

Continuing education school offers students second chance

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - A second chance at school has some T.R. Leger School of Adult Education and Continuing Education students bitten by the education bug.

The local campus located within South Grenville District High School is operated by the Upper Canada School Board and offers secondary school credit courses, computer courses, limited correspondence courses with mature equivalency credits still available. It offers students a chance to improve their schooling or simply a second chance at it.

"I found it a lot easier this time compared to when I was in school the first time," said graduating student Betty Middlemiss. I wanted to come back to finish my education; I'm more focused this time around."

Another graduating student, Michelle Brontmire, also sang the praises of the diversity of the school which allowed her to graduate.

"I was able to do the courses by correspondence," said Brontmire. It made it a lot easier for me, because I could open up my books after I had put my nine-year-old and two-year-old down to sleep for the night."

After their experiences, the two are looking at continuing their educations even further.

"I took a lot of business and math courses here, because that's what I liked, but I never expected it to click this much with me," said Brontmire. "I'm looking at continuing in business and maybe taking some internet courses at St. Lawrence College and try to acquire my accounting certificate."

Middlemiss added, "I really liked the anthropology/psychology/sociology course and am looking at maybe taking a college or university course in one of those fields."

Both students wanted to go back to be sure to set an example for their families.

"I didn't want to see my son use the fact I never graduated as an excuse for him to quit," said Brontmire.

"I did that to my mother, and I wasn't going to let him do that to me."

Middlemiss added, "I couldn't tell my grandkids to stay in school knowing I never graduated. I wanted to make them proud of their granny."

Middlemiss had been honoured as one of the two valedictorians for all T.R. Leger schools in the area at tomorrow's graduation ceremony at the Brockville Arts Centre; she finished with a 91.5 average. There will be 125 graduates from campuses in Prescott, Brockville, Kemptville and Gananoque.

"Both ladies took correspondence courses and are good examples of how the school's programs can help students give school another chance," explained T.R. Leger teacher Brenda Whiteford. "We try to have flexible times where the students can work at their own pace. Each education program is designed for the individual for their needs and interests."

Students and employers can benefit from Prescott resource centre

Employment office officially opens for the 2003 season

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Employers are being encouraged to make use of the services provided by the Prescott Human Resource Centre of Canada for Students.

The office, located on the second floor of the Federal Building on Centre Street, officially opened its doors for the 2003 season Thursday.

Robert Turnbull, a Prescott-area resident who is studying housing and real estate management at the University of Guelph, is this year's summer employment officer.

"I know the frustrations of finding that summer job," Turnbull said. "We're here to assist you in that search."

In addition to job postings, the centre offers students access to telephones, fax service and an online job bank.

Advice on how to prepare a resume and handle a job interview is also available.

Employers can post jobs whether they are for a day or two or the entire summer. The centre will also assist employers by recruiting qualified workers.

Leeds-Grenville MP Joe Jordan said he knows the value of the centre both as a former student who used its services and as an employer.

He added young people can get good advice on how to break the cycle of looking for that first job and being told by employers they are hiring students with work experience.

Also on hand at the official opening was Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn, who said some students never have a problem getting work.

Lawn, former principal of South Grenville District High School, added for many others finding a job is a difficult thing to do.

Having spent many years observing the employment centre, the mayor noted it plays a valuable role in the community.

"I know how important this program is to young people," he said.

Student and employer services are provided free of charge. Human Resource Centres of Canada for Students are part of the Youth Employment Strategy developed by the Government of Canada.

The centre is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4 pm. For more information, call 925-2508.

Sign up now for Survivor Challenge

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE ­ Spots are still available for the first annual Survivor Challenge being presented by the United Way of Leeds and Grenville.

Twenty-four contestants will vie for a grand prize of $1,000 in this event based loosely on the television series.

"There is one significant difference ­ contestants will not be required to eat any gross items," a United Way news release stated.

The competition is not about fitness; participants will have to outwit each other.

Contestants must be at least 19 and have raised at least $300 in pledges to compete.

For more information or to reserve a spot in the Survivor Challenge, call 342-8889 or e-mail unitedway@ripnet.com.

Student minister enjoying the experience

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - St. Paul's student minister Stephane Vermette is learning a lot from his church.

Vermette, who has just finished his first year of a four-year program at Queens Theological College in Kingston, enjoys applying what he has learned at school to his role at the United church in Prescott.

"It's sort of like a summer job for me," explained Vermette, "but a really, really good one. It's been good to put into practice what I have learned."

The timing couldn't have been better for Vermette who is looking forward to taking his experiences and what he has learned from his parishioners back to school in the fall.

"I work every week meeting with people, visiting the hospital," said Vermette. "It's a paid job, but it's something I really love and I'm getting a great experience."

Vermette who grew up on the south shore of Montreal near St-Hyacinthe, Quebec is happy to be in a community which is very similar to his hometown.

"I come from a very rural community and my father was in cows and milk," said Vermette. "Here it's not a very big community either and to me it's very much like home so I know how to relate. When I look at my parishioners I see a lot of my family's traits in them."

The minister considers his time at the church to be a success.

"So far so good," said Vermette. "The Prescott people are very welcoming. They never treat you like a stranger; always saying hello on the street and making sure to introduce themselves. It's the little things like that which have made the experience really nice."

The student minister has learned what he considers one of the biggest lessons in his short time at the church. "In school you aim for the grades and always want to say the perfect thing," said Vermette. "I was very nervous for my first day, but a lady came up to me and told me that they were too old to throw tomatoes and that human beings make mistakes so don't worry about the little things."

The student minister is here as temporary replacement for Reverend Blair Paterson, who moved to South Mountain to take over the ministerial duties for churches in South Dundas. Vermette is scheduled to be at the church until the end of the summer. His regular office hours are usually Tuesday and Thursdays.

Doors Open invites public to discover local heritage at many sites in area

Unique opportunity to visit points of interest Saturday

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ The history of the St. Lawrence region will be front and centre this Saturday.

The second annual Doors Open program will give the public a chance to learn more about many of the heritage buildings and sites in Prescott, Maitland and several communities in Leeds County.

There will be no admission fee to visit the participating sites Saturday. Most of the locations will be open from 10 am to 5 pm.

The local sites in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, Prescott and Augusta include:

* Battle of the Windmill

* Blue Church

* Blue Heron Inn

* Colonel's Inn

* Fort Wellington

* McAuley Motel

* St. John's Anglican Church

* St. Mark's Catholic Church

* Forwarders' Museum

* Crane House

* Homewood National Historical Site

The Doors Open program promotes heritage properties, some of which are not open to the public on a regular basis.

Look for the blue and white Doors Open banners posted at participating sites.

Although not technically part of Doors Open this year, a concert featuring the Montreal Guitar Trio will take place Saturday afternoon at the historic Wiser Hall on King Street West in Prescott.

In addition to the sites in Prescott and Maitland, there are about two dozen other sites in Leeds County that will be open to the public this Saturday. Many of the Leeds sites are in Brockville, but there are some in Athens, Delta, Frankville, and Lyn.

An official launch of the Brockville and Thousand Islands Doors Open program will take place tonight (Wednesday) at St. John's Anglican Church in Prescott. The hundreds of volunteers taking part in the initiative will be acknowledged. Information on the sites can also be obtained at the get-together which begins at 7:30 pm.

For more information on Brockville and the Thousand Islands Doors Open, visit www.doorsopenontario.on.ca or call Bonnie Burke at the Brockville Museum (342-4397).

Crime program funding granted

BROCKVILLE ­ The province is topping up the Front Line Police Program funding application for the Prescott Police Service, according to a news release issued earlier this month by Public Safety and Security Minister and Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman.

A grant of $8,100 will enable the town police to set up an audio/video interview room to record statements from victims of sexual assault or domestic abuse.

The release also noted the ministry's approval of additional funding to enable area police service boards to increase RIDE checks. Augusta will receive just under $3,160.

Vandalism reported at elementary school

PRESCOTT ­ Town police are investigating vandalism that occurred late last week at St. Joseph Catholic School.

The damage to the rear of the school was reported May 24. A chimney was torn from the roof, and other items in the vicinity were damaged. The school was not entered. Police found a large number of beer bottles behind the school. Damage is estimated at $2,500. Constable Cindy Bisson is the investigating officer.

Officers with the Prescott Police Service investigated 82 general incidents during the week of May 19. On May 20, town police received a report from a South Grenville District High School student who indicated her coat was stolen from her locker. The coat is described as a white and black Columbia with red and blue stripes, and is valued at $50. Constable Mike Lapensee is the investigating officer.

A 15-year-old female was apprehended a block away from a King Street store after town police received a report a shoplifter had left the building. The $49 item was recovered. The suspect was dealt with by way of extra judicial measures under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Damage to the Land Registry Office on Centre Street was reported May 22. Obscene language was painted on the registry sign and sidewalk in front of the building.

A theft from a pop machine on King Street West was reported May 26. The padlock had been cut off; it is estimated $80 to $130 and several bottles of pop were taken. Constable Shawn Steinburg is the investigating officer.

While on patrol May 25, Constable Bisson observed a vehicle being driven erratically on King Street. The vehicle was stopped. Michael Kelly, 24, of RR2 Prescott, was arrested and charged with impaired driving, exceeding the legal blood alcohol limit and breach of undertaking.

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.

Millard takes track title at Eastern regional meet

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

Geoff Millard continues his winning ways on the track and is now the number-one rated midget boys 800-metre runner in the province. Millard, who resides in Maitland and attends Thousand Islands Secondary School, accomplished this feat by winning the event at the Eastern Ontario track and field championships (EOSSAA) May 21.

Millard set a new record of 2:02.7 for the 800-metre event and also took first place in the 1,500-metre event. Teammates from Maitland, Matt Millard, Paul Deschiffert, Vicky Jones and Stacy Jones, will join Geoff in Ottawa May 29 at the qualifying meet for the provincials.

Students are reminded that application forms for the MERC Bursary are available at the student services office of your local high school. Maitland residents who have graduated high school and will be attending post-secondary school in the fall are eligible to apply. Students must have completed 10 hours of volunteer work in the Maitland community to be eligible.

The deadline for applications is June 15.

Check out Avalon Motel June 6 at St. John's Anglican Church

PRESCOTT ­ An Evening of Jazz will be presented Friday, June 6 at 7:30 pm at St. John's Anglican Church.

The musical event will feature Avalon Motel, a group that has appeared in North America and Asia and has performed at jazz festivals in Montreal, Ottawa and Brockville.

Light refreshments will follow the concert. Proceeds from the event will go to St. John's in Prescott and St. James church in Maitland.

Tickets can be purchased at The Blue Heron Inn on County Road 2 just west of Prescott, at the door or by calling 925-0562 or 926-0265.

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

Thursday night (May 29) will be the last night for the evening quilters for the summer. If you are planning to come, please call me at 925-5300 or Elsie.

Our learn to quilt classes begin next week (Thursday, June 5 at 1 pm). In the four-week course the participants, while completing a small project, will learn the basics for making any quilted project. This can be machine- or hand-pieced. Students will have access to the different cutting boards, machines and accessories so the costs will be minimal. Please call to register and to get your class requirements.

The "clean-up" lunch is still scheduled for Friday. Although several people have offered to help, the sign-up list is still rather short. We will need help to clean a few corners, plant a few flowers and share a light lunch. Let's work together to keep our house the best on the street.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Joyce Nesbitt; 2nd, Andy Britnell; door prize, Andy Britnell. Fun bridge ­ 1st, Jean Farlinger. Tuesday night cribbage ­ 1st, Jean McCrady; 2nd, Mary Reynolds; door, Myrtle Shahan. Wednesday night bridge ­ 1st, Ruth Britnell; 2nd, Margaret Nesbitt; door, Marion Fortier. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Eddie Arcand; 2nd, Alice Crowder; 3rd, Pat McPhee and Jessie Shaver; door, Mary Reynolds.

Money raised at Ride for Dad

PRESCOTT - Motorcycle enthusiast and Prescott resident Bob Garand recently raised more that $1,500 to fight prostate cancer.

Garand collected pledges for the annual Motorcycle Ride For Dad poker run which took the more than 500 bikes through Orleans, Ottawa, Calabogie and Perth Saturday afternoon.

The event which was led by Ottawa Valley singer Wayne Rostad raised more than $193,000 for the cause.

Dairy Creamers learn the ropes

By Krista Dillabough, Grenville 4-H Dairy Creamers Press Reporter

On Thursday, May 8 the Grenville 4-H Dairy Creamers met for their second regular meeting under the direction of our leaders, Mr. Scott Connell (my uncle) and Mr. Brian DeJong.

The meeting was called to order at 7:40 pm. The 4-H pledge, roll call and minutes from the previous meeting were completed. We had a discussion regarding some upcoming dates of importance including Merrickville Fair, Spencerville Fair and our Scrub Day. The events will be taking place in August and September of this year.

We were very fortunate to have a special guest present at our meeting that evening. Mrs. Cindy Roth, a veterinarian from the Prescott Animal Hospital, visited Locus Lane Farms (my uncle's family farm) where she examined and performed an ultrasound on a 42-day-old pregnancy. It was a very informative evening for all members of our 4-H calf club.

The next meeting is scheduled for June 12 when we will be discussing judging skills.

OPP BRIEFS

Man charged after being caught on stolen bike

CARDINAL ­ An 18-year-old Cardinal man was charged with theft under $5,000 after being stopped while riding a bicycle reported stolen a short time earlier.

OPP Constable Large responded to a theft call shortly after midnight May 24. A man had left the bike valued at $650 on the lawn of the residence he was visiting. When the man left the home, he noticed the bike was gone. The constable observed a man riding the missing bicycle about an hour later and arrested him. The name of the man was not identified in an OPP news release. He is scheduled to appear June 13 in Brockville court.

Driver with G2 licence ticketed after mishap

EDWARDSBURGH ­ OPP officers responded to a collision on Highway 416 May 24 at about 4 pm. A 1990 Honda had left the roadway. The driver, a 21-year-old Kingston man, was found to be in possession of alcohol. He was issued a 12-hour suspension for registering a "warn" on a roadside screening device. The driver was also issued a ticket for consuming alcohol and driving with a class G2 licence (for which the blood alcohol limit remains at zero). The man's name was not included in an OPP news release.

Passenger sustains serious injuries in car rollover

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Three collisions were investigated by Grenville County OPP during the Victoria Day weekend.

Police responded to the first collision during the early morning hours of May 17. Constable Foley found a 1989 GMC van in the ditch near 1904 Brouseville Road in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Township. It appeared the van had failed to manoeuvre a slight curve in the road; a nearby fence was damaged. The driver was not with the vehicle. It also appeared an attempt had been made to retrieve the van; a broken tow rope was found at the scene. Charges are pending.

OPP Constable Runciman responded to the second collision May 17 at about 2:45 am. A 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by Martin Lalonde, 22, of Cornwall was on Highway 401 near mile marker 710 in Augusta Township when "the driver had an apparent lack of concentration and then quickly realized he was too close to the vehicle directly in front of him," a police news release stated. The driver braked quickly; the car went out of control and rolled, coming to rest in the median. A passenger, Peter Quinn, 21, of Cornwall, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted from Brockville General Hospital to the Civic Campus of Ottawa Hospital. The driver was taken to Brockville General where he was treated and released. Charges are pending.

Another rollover occurred on the evening of May 19. A 1987 Chevrolet Nova driven by a 17-year-old female was on County Road 18 just north of County Road 21 in Augusta Township when the vehicle apparently struck the shoulder. The car then veered across the roadway, entered the west ditch and rolled over. The driver was transported to Brockville General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Constable Jeff McDade is the investigating officer.

GCFDC receives three-year funding from feds

PRESCOTT ­ The Government of Canada is making a longer-term investment in a local agency trying to give a boost to economic prospects in the area.

Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation (GCFDC) is receiving $750,000 over a three-year period.

This is the longest funding period the Prescott-based corporation has received from the federal government.

During a visit to Prescott Thursday, Leeds-Grenville MP Joe Jordan indicated GCFDC has an "impressive" track record and has shown leadership over the years.

The Liberal MP said the operational funding is not a grant but "a worthwhile investment."

In 2002, the corporation invested more than $1.3 million and helped create 154 jobs. In addition to promoting economic development in the Grenville County area, GCFDC provides business counselling services to local firms and delivers the Self-Employment Benefits Program in the Prescott-Brockville area.

The corporation is governed by a volunteer board consisting of county residents. GCFDC Chairman Stuart Leyenaar said he is happy about the three-year funding assurance. He noted business development opportunities are numerous, and many business start-ups have been successful in Grenville County due in large part to GCFDC and its services.

"The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Grenville County," he said.

GCFDC is one of 57 community futures development corporations in rural Ontario.

Funding for the initiative was provided for in the Feb. 2003 federal budget.

"Small and medium-sized businesses are the lifeblood of the economy, and it is important we have the resources and services in place to help them flourish," stated Andy Mitchell, secretary of state for rural development, in a news release.

Corporation to hold AGM

PRESCOTT ­ The annual general meeting of Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation (GCFDC) will take place Wednesday, June 25 at W.B. George Centre, Kemptville College.

Funded by Industry Canada, GCFDC is a non-profit community-based organization that promotes job creation by investing in sustainable economic development in Grenville County and surrounding area. The office is located in Prescott.

The corporation has an annual operating budget of about $450,000, with an investment fund portfolio to lend about $750,000 to the business community.

Main services and programs include community economic development assistance, Self-Employment Benefit Program delivery, business financing, Community Ventures Capital Fund, business counselling, business information library and community Internet access.

The annual meeting begins at 9 am in conference room 1. For more information or to confirm attendance, call 925-4275, or e-mail info@grenvillecfdc.com. Visit the Web site at www.grenvillecfdc.com.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"I don't think we've talked ourselves out yet."

Olive Frieson, commenting on her reunion with her brother Peter,
whom she had not seen in 60 years

Editor's Notebook

CAMPAIGN OVERLOAD: Even if the Progressive Conservatives decide not to make an election call today because of a re-emerging SARS crisis in the Toronto area or for whatever reason, it is obvious the campaign is well under way. As we noted earlier this year, there seems to be a marked increase in the number of good-news announcements being made by the provincial government. Many MPPs are out and about in their ridings more so than usual, and Leeds-Grenville is no exception. Political opponents are also making the rounds in advance of the expected election call, with newsrooms being inundated with a seemingly endless supply of news releases and statements to counter just about anything being said or done by the incumbents.

As this pre-campaign campaigning takes shape, Ontarians may well be wondering if enough time is being spent on serving the people instead of talking about how the people would be served under one political party or another. It is as if the province has been in election mode indefinitely, and things will only get worse if the Tories get cold feet again and opt for the fall.

The people of Ontario should not have to put up with a never-ending campaign that will do little or nothing to serve the best interests of the electorate.

Enough already. Call an election and let the voters have their say.

After all, we are already facing a municipal election in November. A new prime minister will be selected in the not-too-distant future, and the prospect of a federal election in the coming year cannot be overlooked.

The Eves government has another year in which to call the election, but here is hoping the Tories will put Ontarians out of their misery and just get on with it.

HARBOURING SUCCESS: As Mayor Robert Lawn noted at a town council meeting Monday night, the town is not big enough to accommodate all the people who would flock to Prescott if the energy and enthusiasm displayed at Harbour Days could be packaged and made available throughout the land. Where else can people of all ages ­ especially youngsters ­ go and enjoy family activities at no charge?

The businesses that get involved by donating food and prizes may want more visitors to Prescott for obvious reasons, but their contribution to the success of the Victoria Day festival is still of considerable value to the community as a whole and should not be overlooked.

To Mike Boyles and the folks who volunteered their time to make Harbour Days 2003 what it was, the Prescott area thanks you and is looking forward to a repeat performance next year.

Tim Ruhnke

Wearing a bike helmet is the cool and safe thing to do

FORWARDING COMMENTS by Monica Whitney

It doesn't seem so long ago (only about 30 or so years) I went crashing down narrow, rutted and impossibly steep trails on my gold banana seat bike. I had that super-charged and reckless excitement of a kid without a worry or care about another bleeding knee or gashed elbow.

And I did it without a helmet. I don't even think helmets were law then for motorcycle riders, and if seatbelts were installed in cars, they were for strangling a sibling who dared to look at you the wrong way in the back seat, and not for safety. I cringe now when I see a bad case of road rash on one of my children, and wonder how I have so far escaped emergency trips to the hospital.

Times change, though. As much as manual typewriters and black dial telephones used to get this newspaper out every week in my lifetime here, there is now a necessity for bicycle riders to wear helmets. It is the law for children and youths, and no matter how much we all hate helmet head, it is becoming an acceptable fashion. You can look pretty cool for not too great a price.

It is surprising the number of people who do not wear a helmet while riding. Helmets were made law for a reason; we can't ride around like speeding little demons anymore through the bush or on a busy road and expect to be 100 per cent safe all the time. Statistics have proven helmets save lives, just like seatbelts in cars.

It's the law for anyone under 18, and a darned good idea for those over. You'll be setting a great example if you do wear a helmet.

*****

It was a long, cold winter without my tri-weekly fix of sugary cinnamon buns, fruity muffins, fresh blueberries, earthy potatoes and onions, slender yellow beans, or whatever delicacy happened to be in season on market days.

The Prescott Farmers Market vendors have returned to their stations at the clock tower square this spring, their trucks and vans loaded with the natural goodness of their kitchens and farms.

Each fall, the vendors stuck it out as the icy rain and bitter winds turned to snow, and I knew they would soon be leaving their roosts. The several months without the market certainly stirs the enthusiasm for their spring arrival, and I hope many others enjoy the market as much as I do.

The market is an enhancement and an asset to Prescott's downtown and its absence would be loss to our town. It's one of the great things about Prescott.

Take advantage of the market offerings on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, and enjoy the best and the freshest this area has to offer.

*****

Here's a Happy Birthday message to my Mom, who turned 33 years older than me yesterday. I know you're reading this on the 'net, Mom, so take pleasure in the world sharing your joy. Have a great year.

Prescott plans celebration for coronation of Queen Elizabeth

FROM THE ARCHIVES

May 25, 1933

* The Bluenose, famous racing schooner on its way to Chicago World's Fair, was towed into Prescott harbour Saturday by the steamer Grenville in the charge of Capt. M. Barry, of Prescott. During her stay here, the queen of the North Atlantic fishing fleets, famed in song and story as international speed champion, was visited by hundreds of citizens of the town and surrounding district.

May 28, 1953

* Beginning June 12, retail stores affiliated with the Retail Merchants Association of Prescott will remain open until 9 pm Fridays, and close at 6 pm Saturdays. The feeling was that with banks remaining open, it would be a convenience to many shoppers. It was also stressed the summer weekly band concerts would be an attractive feature for Friday night shoppers.

* Advertisement: The Prescott Coronation Committee appeals to the citizens and businessmen of Prescott (especially those on the June 2 Coronation Day parade route) to decorate their homes and places of business in a manner befitting the honour of the occasion, the celebration of the coronation of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

May 29, 1963

* With the closing of the post office in the village, Ventnor residents will receive their mail by rural mail carried by the extension of Spencerville rural route no. 3.

May 30, 1973

* A name associated with the business section of King Street for more than 80 years will pass into history this Friday as Raney's Drugs closes with the retirement of the brothers, Franklin and Carroll Raney. The stock has been turned over to Ben Thomson. Their father originally opened the store Feb. 28, 1890, opposite The Journal building, and advertised "drugs, chemicals, spices, soap, perfumery and toilet articles."

May 26, 1993

* Residents of Royal Crescent are not pleased Prescott council wants to sell off their park for residential development. Council decided last week it would put more than $1 million worth of real estate up for sale to boost its reserve funds. Residents are urging council not to sacrifice any playgrounds.

Let's salute our Korean War veterans at special 50th anniversary service

FORT TOWN DIARY by John A.H. Morris

June 1950 marked the start of the Korean War, and July 2003 will mark the 50th anniversary of the armistice that was negotiated to end it, the last major war to see full scale Canadian army, air force, navy and full support involvement. A total of 26,791 Canadians served in Korea, of which 516 were killed in action and another 1558 wounded.

This was a full scale war for Canada and not just a United Nations police action as it was recognized by the Canadian government for 43 years before a Korean War Medal was struck and presented to the surviving veterans in 1993. Even then, our federal government failed to recognize the part the Canadian troops played in the Korean War by mailing their medals to most of these Vets instead of organizing special presentation ceremonies.

In Prescott today there are five surviving veterans of the 50-year-old Korean War. Two of them, Bob Nuttall and Ken Gray, were World War II veterans and members of the Royal Canadian Regiment. Capt. Nuttall was the youngest Canadian officer to serve in World War II, and was wounded in action in Holland. Other RCR veterans (the entire Canadian Armed Forces was made up of volunteers) were Reg McIlvenna, Howard Sayeau and Arnie Madden. Reg McIlvenna, now 77, was the first man in Canada to volunteer for service in Korea with the RCRs. This was in August 1950, the day after the Canadian government authorized the recruitment of volunteers for the Canadian Army Special Force, to be trained and equipped to carry out Canada's obligations under the United Nations Charter.

Within a year Canada had the fourth largest contingent in the UN force in South Korea, whose entire force, including the South Koreans, numbered 490,000 troops, and consisted of 272,000 South Koreans and a UN force of 266,000 made up mostly of Americans, along with British and Canadians.

North Korea, which started the war by invading South Korea, had an army estimated at 1,155,000 which included 858,0000 Chinese. The Chinese force, the majority of which were reported to be untrained personnel taken from Chinese prisons and mental institutions, were forced to storm UN positions, even though most of them were unarmed.

"It was a slaughter that none of us wanted to take part in, but had to in order to save our own lives. You'll find very few veterans from the infantry regiments who will even speak about this slaughter forced upon the Chinese by their communist commanders," one veteran told us.

By the time the Chinese had entered the war, the South Koreans and UN forces had forced the invading armies from the north back across the 38th parallel (the dividing line between North and South Korea drawn in 1945) and commanded most of the advantageous hilltops and mountains just inside the 38th parallel.

Because of superior air cover and artillery support, the UN troops were able to maintain these valuable observation positions. Their biggest challenge came, however, when China poured over 850,000 troops into the north to be used principally as cannon fodder.

A typical tactic of the Chinese in their attempts to dislodge the UN troops was to attack in three or four waves. "They would come at us, just wave after wave," one officer of a machine gun company told us. The first wave, he explained, consisted of scores, even hundreds, of troops armed with nothing but whistles, bugles, sticks and pots - anything to make a noise. Following in their footsteps, he recalled, would be another wave of Chinese armed with long poles either sharpened like spears or with knives lashed to the ends. They used these to prod the first wave forward and then to throw or charge at our men if they got through our hail of bullets.

"It wasn't until we faced the third or fourth wave, he said, "that we found ourselves shooting at troops who were actually armed. It sort of looked like they were trying to get us to waste all our ammo on these unarmed decoys before they committed their armed soldiers."

In his reflections of these type of attacks, sometimes culminating in hand-to-hand combat, Capt. Bob Nuttall said that when mowing down these attackers with Bren guns and Vickers machine guns it was not unusual to burn out the machine gun barrels in trying to repulse the waves of unarmed attackers.

Although Canadian politicians have failed to give proper recognition to our veterans of the Korean War, and have allowed our Armed Forces to deteriorate to the point that Canada's forces are now ranked 54th in the world, we think our local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion can make some kind of amends by recognizing our five remaining Korean Veterans at the opening of our new Cenotaph this summer.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Feds deserve some credit for Highway 416 work

The Editor;

With the provincial election approaching, Bob Runciman is being credited by some media outlets with the completion of Highway 416. It leaves me wondering if there are two 416 highways!

As one who worked toward the highway's completion for seven years in the federal House of Commons, I cannot let this go unchallenged.

Although highways are a provincial responsibility, I always felt that the federal government should help fund this project because it was a main highway from Canada's busy 401 into the nation's capital.

Subsequently, I met with the prime minister on three occasions (March 12, 1993; March 16, 1994 and May 10, 1994) to discuss the importance of this highway to Eastern Ontario.

On April 19, 1994, I introduced a private member's bill in the House of Commons which was followed by a debate on the topic. All of this resulted in a North Gower announcement Dec. 8, 1995 that the federal government would contribute $43,300,000 toward the highway's completion. The provincial government was finally put in a position where it had no choice but to get on with the project.

If any provincial legislator had input at Queen's Park into the wisdom of completing the project, it would have been Noble Villeneuve, in whose riding the southern part of the highway ran.

It is true that Mr. Runciman was the MPP (as a result of riding boundary changes) when the highway was completed and officially opened north of Johnstown Sept. 23, 1999. I might add there was no federal presence at the official opening of the highway because nobody from the federal government was invited. So much for good federal-provincial co-operation.

The construction of the highway and spin-off from its construction has had very positive results for all of Eastern Ontario. More importantly, there is no doubt that dozens of lives have been, and will continue to be, saved in the years to come.

Jim Jordan
Former MP, Leeds-Grenville

Visitors delighted by medieval fair during Harbour Days weekend

The Editor;

We would like to thank the Town of Prescott and everyone involved in the planning, organization and participation of Harbour Days 2003. You really excelled this year in this variety and quality of events you brought forward for the enjoyment of the whole community. There really was something for everybody.

We must extend special appreciation for the innovative medieval fair at St. John's Anglican Church. We were transported back to a magical time up on that ancient church hill, with the costumes, animals, games, a terrific bake sale and a myriad of other interesting activities. My nephews ­ Christian, and especially little Robert, were delighted to pet the lambs and bunnies.

Thank you for letting us experience their joy, and please make this unique medieval interlude an integral part of future Harbour Days.

S.E. Roberts
Toronto

SCHOOL SCENE

BOUNDARY STREET PUBLIC SCHOOL: On Thursday, May 29, there is a track and field event at South Grenville District High School. Good luck, team!

On Friday, May 30, the hot lunch is subs.

Grades 1-4 will go to the Brockville Arts Centre Monday afternoon to see "Charlotte's Web."

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL: St. Joseph school is a Catholic community. We are encouraged to respect ourselves, respect others and respect the environment.

Last week was a very busy one at St. Joe's. Officer Garry from the Prescott Police Service and Officer Mike from the Brockville police came to the school to make a presentation with Sep the police dog. Our students loved seeing Sep in action.

Our grades 4-6 classes also participated in Jump Rope for Heart this past Friday. The weather was very co-operative, and we note all jumpers and those who donated money to this worthwhile cause.

On Wednesday, our grade 7 and 8 classes will be going to Ottawa to attend a retreat. The buses will leave at 8:45 am and return in time for buses at 3:35.

Our school track and field team will be participating in a track and field meet Thursday, May 29 at South Grenville. We wish all participants the best of luck.

Also on Thursday, our school will be celebrating World Catholic Education Day. We will be having a short ceremony in our school gymnasium to celebrate this event first thing in the morning.

Congratulations to our students of the week: Daniel Walker, Rebecca Dillon, Carly Joudoin, Daniel King, Joshua Baker, Haley Bennett and Taylor Gibbons.

ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL: Our Grade 2 students celebrated a beautiful first Holy Communion mass Sunday, May 25 at 2 pm with Father John Appelman officiating. We appreciate all who have helped our students prepare for this very important sacrament.

Some of our students attended the art show at BCI Monday for having art placed on display at the local hospitals. We are proud of their efforts. Congratulations!

Please note on Thursday, June 5 at 9:30 am we will host the first time bus riders program at St. Mark Catholic School for all of our new Kindergarten students who will be joining us in the fall. Please call the school and confirm your son/daughter's attendance at this very important event.

Our All Star Reading Strategies this week are: Kindergarten ­ "Sound it out/Word power with rhyming parts/What's the letter?/What's the sound?" Grade 1 ­ Ways to respond ("Tell a story"); Grade 2 ­ Unstuck strategies ("Look carefully at each word"); Grade 3 ­ Ways to respond ("Tell a story").

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

SOUTH EDWARDSBURG PUBLIC SCHOOL: Congratulations to our grade 1/2 class. On May 22, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit visited the class to present the "Most Participation Award" for Turn Off the TV Week.

Our Jump Rope for Heart and Stroke was a skipping success with a grand finale last Friday afternoon with outdoor skipping fun and ice cream. We note Mrs. Greenhorn for her great organizational skills in this event.

On May 28-30, our grade 7/8 class will be teaming up with Mrs. Needham's Grade 10 computer class at SGDHS to build Web pages.

Three of our Grade 7 students ­ Aaron Greengrass, Janet Greenhorn and Sara McIlveen ­ will attend leadership camp June 4-6 at Camp Iawah.

Mrs. Moulton and Mr. Bell have organized two school baseball teams for our grades 5 to 8 students.

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

A school council meeting will be held this Thursday, May 29 at 6:30 pm in the library. Everyone is welcome.

Take care during safe kids week

SOUTH GRENVILLE - The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit has joined forces with Safe Kids Canada to get the community to bring in old or broken children's safety equipment for disposal next week.

June 2-8 is Safe Kids Week with walkers, cribs, safety gates, car seats, strollers, high chairs, change tables, playpens, bath seats, toys and bike/hockey helmets all being collected for disposal and can be dropped off at the Prescott Police Station on Centre Street.

Canadian homes are full of products designed to help parents raise their children safely. For children under nine years old, home is the most common place for injuries to occur. In children under the age of four years old, 75 per cent of injuries happen in the home; for children between five and nine, 40 per cent of injuries happen in the home

The health unit is also suggesting a few simple steps to help in the protection of your child, such as never leaving the child unattended, checking the safety products currently being used to be sure they are safe, following the instructions for all products used in the care of your child and disposing of all unsafe products so no one is tempted to use them.

Those seeking more information on the drive should contact the health unit at 345-5685 or 1-800-660-5853 or visit their web site at www.healthunit.org.

Parents seek to share ideas for children's education

LEEDS-GRENVILLE ­ Parents of children with special needs are forming a local chapter concerning special education and community involvement issues.

Integration Action for Inclusion in Education and Community is a newly-formed volunteer parent organization that meets regularly to assist parents in dealing with special education, explained organizer Heather Bourguignon.

All children can learn and develop in an inclusive environment with their peers, she added. Parents have the opportunity to learn about IPRCs (Individual Placement Review Committee), IEPs (Individual Education Plan), and access resources so they can be better prepared to understand what is going on at school or with their children.

"Parents need information and need to share concerns or ideas to better enhance their child's education," Bourguignon said.

The group consists of some parents who are SEAC (Special Education Advisory Committee) members for the school boards. The next meeting is Monday, June 2 at 7 pm at 29 King St. W., Brockville.

Call Bourguignon at 926-0721 or Suzanne Whitney at 657-1369 to confirm.

Barbecue to be hosted by Christian church at town amphitheatre

PRESCOTT ­ The public is being invited to the kick-off of a "Sold Out and Radical" Weekend.

The event will be held Saturday, June 14 at 3:30 pm at the waterfront amphitheatre. A free community barbecue will include music, face-painting and games, as well as special guest Daniel Bourque.

He will also be the guest speaker at the 10:30 am and 6:30 pm services at Seaway Christian Church, 349 Churchill Road.

For more information, contact Barry at 925-5840.

Benson Public School greening project looks for community involvement

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - Benson Public School will be holding a community gardening day this Friday, May 30.

The event is the first stage of the greening projects which are expected to continue through the next few years.

"This came about from the greening committee at the school which is made up of teachers and parents who wanted to help beautify the school," said Benson Principal Bill Loshaw. "They talked to Jack Henry of the Grenville Land Stewardship Council and Connie Mitchell of Future Releaf which were involved with creating community gardens at four other schools in the area."

The school is hoping for a large community involvement in the project, not only from students, teachers and parents, but the whole community.

"We want this to be a project that the community can take ownership of," said Loshaw. "It ties in to being a small community school and wanting the whole community to be involved. Jack and Connie told us the key to projects such as this is getting the community to see that they own this garden - it is for their enjoyment."

Benson students and members of the community will be working together with the Grenville Land Stewardship Council and Future Releaf to make the project possible.

Among the things planned for the first phase of greening is the creation of a flower garden at the front of the school and maintainance of the current play space.

The school is seeking donations of materials, plants and tools to use on the project and is already looking to future stages of the process including getting the garden and play space looked after during the summer.

Benson expects the greening project to avoid the pitfalls of previous work done at the school.

"It's a new beginning for the school and we want to not only add to what we have, but maintain what was done in the past," said Loshaw. "Greening has been done here in the past but there was no one to look after it during the summer."

The greening program is set to start at 9 am.

Anyone interested in taking part in the project should contact Donna Patrick at 657-3604 or Bill Loshaw at the school at 657-3095.

Council clarifies Cardinal Marina contract

COUNCIL NEWS

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - The council for Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Township indicated at its May 20 meeting it would alter the agreement with Bryan Molson for the Cardinal Marina.

Ward Three Councillor Frank Noccey, who chairs the recreation committee, brought the issue of Molson's contract to council after he perceived it to be different than what was intended by the committee.

"At the rec committee the intent was different," explained Noccey. "There was no mention of him paying taxes for the whole year. I know he signed the contract, but I believe it was under duress. It's going to cost him way more in taxes, and in winter there would be no income coming in. It's a concern."

Molson signed the contract last week and will be operating a bait and tackle shop at the Marina.

Mayor Dave Dobbie agreed with Noccey's assessment.

"I don't see why he would pay taxes on the property if it's only open for six months," said Dobbie. "He should only pay taxes for the time he is there since we still own the property."

CAO/Clerk Steven McDonald indicated Molson's contract was a month-to-month lease, so he would only pay for the time he's there.

"He never complained about it," said Noccey, "but it's not what we intended for him, and he's already made improvements inside."

Dobbie asked that Molson be billed for taxes on the property on a monthly basis instead of after a six-month period in order to help alieviate the burden.

Recreation cuts sought by township citizen

SPENCERVILLE - Township resident Pat Grant condemned the township's expenditures on recreation at the May 20 council meeting.

Grant indicated her displeasure with how much the recreation facilities have cost the taxpayers of the township and looked at other communities as examples.

"We are one township, but we have two pools, two arenas and two libraries," said Pat Grant, "

"Augusta has none of that and has DuPont to support them," said Grant. "But we just keep giving instead of cutting back.

"Bigger is not always better and if we stay one township then we are going to have to go the route of the Nortel's of the world and cut, cut, cut."

Grant was concerned with the burden the recreation facilities would have on the township in the future.

"If we continue to maintain the status quo and not reduce our costs then we are going to use up our reserves and where will that leave us," said Grant. "Recreation is costing us about half a million dollars a year. Frank (Noccey) already moved to Augusta and I would too if I could get the husband to."

Grant pointed out Smiths Falls has held the line on taxes for four straight years and hopes council would consider this when budgeting.

"It's pretty expensive to live in Smiths Falls," said Dobbie. "The taxes are high, so it's no wonder they can hold a line."

Dobbie was also quick to agree with Grant that the money spent on recreation was not going to go down in cost. "Those things do cost us each year and the costs aren't going to go down," said Dobbie.

Open quota on fishers, council says

SPENCERVILLE - Township council voted May 20 to endorse a resolution from the Township of Augusta to open the quotas on fishers.

Augusta passed the resolution April 15 in response to a 14 year old township resident who reported he had been attacked by a fisher near Domville in March.

The resolution recognized fishers as the number one nuisance animal in Eastern Ontario and revealed that a fisher in excess of 14 pounds had been trapped in the township.

"It looks like the quota was opened to hunt as many as possible," said Mayor Dave Dobbie. "It says it's to study the animal itself and get an accurate population count.

"The fishers were supposed to help keep porcupine numbers down," explained Ward Three Councillor Frank Noccey.

Dobbie added, "Well, I guess sometimes what the ministry intended worked too well."

Figure skating club looking for volunteers

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Figure Skating Club is still looking for volunteers to pitch in for the 2003-2004 season.

The club is hoping to get more volunteers to help out with its annual activities and has elected its new executive to take effect at the end of June.

Christina Kinos will be the new president/treasurer, Maxine Wood the new secretary/treasurer and Santa Gonzalez and Devi Deline will be fundraisers.

Although the club was able to avoid disbanding, it still has a lot of work ahead.

"There are about four of us who didn't want it to close and are working to keep the club operating next year," said Wood.

"We just divvied up the responsibilities and will start all the work needed to keep the club going for next year. We could use all the help and volunteers we can get."

The club is also looking at adding untapped markets for next year.

"We're looking at introducing adult skating lessons," said Wood. "We couldn't find anyone in the area which offered things like that in the area and thought it might be a nice thing to have. It would give some of us a chance to learn how to skate or brush up on our skills so we can go skating with our kids."

The club has a new e-mail address of cfc@ripnet.com, which it is hoping will bring in suggestions from the community of what they would like to see and get more parents and children back and involved with the club.

Crysler's Battlefield annual meeting set for June 1

MORRISBURG ­ The Friends of Crysler's Farm Battlefield will hold its annual general meeting at the Battlefield Memorial Building Sunday, June 1 at 2 pm.

The business portion of the meeting will be preceded by a showing of the audio-visual presentation on the battle, fought on the farm of John Crysler Nov. 11, 1813, in which an Anglo-Canadian army defeated an American force three times its size in one of the most pivotal engagements of the War of 1812.

Discussion in the business portion of the meeting will centre on this year's military re-enactment weekend, July 12 and 13, which will focus on Eastern Ontario's Loyalist heritage with re-enactors depicting the period of the American Revolution; upgrades to the Memorial's A/V presentation, and fund-raising.

New officers of the registered charitable organization will also be elected. The public is invited, and refreshments will be served.

For more information, call (613) 448-2321.

Resident wants de-amalgamation question addressed on township property tax bills

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - Township council received a presentation from Pat Grant about the possibility of including a survey on de-amalgamation with the annual tax bills.

Grant presented her plan to council May 20, which requested council to include a question on de-amalgamation on the tax bill which could be filled out and returned on a voluntary basis.

The Spencerville native isn't happy with how the amalgamation of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal transpired and wants things back to the way they used to be.

"A lot has gone on since the first time I brought this to council," said Grant. "I've been disappointed by Runciman's comments and the comments from council. I got the feeling from everyone on council except Mrs. Taylor that they thought it was a good idea to get out of this and then I read their comments in the media. I was backslided, I thought they were all in favour of people having a choice."

Grant is hoping a question tacked onto the tax bills will help her cause which she feels hasn't got the support it deserved and pointed out how other communities had been incorporated survey questions onto its tax bill.

"I see no reason why we can't do this," said Grant. "I've gotten tax bills from Renfrew County and there are opinion questions on their bills. When people pay their taxes they could hand in the response; it would be up to them if they want to participate."

When asked for a response to Grant's presentation, no members of council were willing to offer any comments. Council indicated it would get back to grant when a decision was made.

South Dundas group hosts evening at locks

IROQUOIS ­ An Evening at the Locks will be held Friday, June 13 at the historic Lockmaster's House on Iroquois Point.

The event, presented by the Diamonds Conservation Land Trust and South Dundas Business Referral Network, runs from 6 to 9 pm. Former Prescott mayor Sandra Lawn will be welcomed as a DIAMONDS patron. A presentation will be made by former Prescott CAO Andrew Brown. The evening will include musical entertainment, refreshments, a bar and door prizes.

DIAMONDS is a non-profit conservation group dedicated to the St. Lawrence shoreline area in South Dundas.

For tickets or more information, call Don Graham at 652-2023 or Jim Duck at 498-2001.

Lights out for council at meeting

SPENCERVILLE - Power in the municipal hall flickered on and off twice at the May 20 meeting of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council.

The lights went off momentarily throughout the night during a thunder storm, including once while the "Healthy Communities" was presenting to council.

"Well I guess that's the end of this since I can't read in the dark," commented "Healthy Communities" member Lynn Murray, after the second outage of the night.

Ward Two Councillor and member of the "Healthy Communities" committee, Peggy Taylor, continued with the humour of the situation.

"Geez, why don't you pay the hydro bills," remarked Taylor.

After the lights came back on Murray was able to continue her presentation.

Spencerville Optimists present annual volunteer appreciation event

SPENCERVILLE - The Spencerville Optimists Club will be holding a volunteer appreciation event tonight (Wednesday, May 28) at the Drummond Building.

Doors will open at 6 pm with a roast beef dinner to follow at 7 pm. After the dinner, there will be a performance by the South Grenville District High School Band.

Advanced tickets can be purchased by leaving a message at Purcell Insurance at 658-3265 or 658-2131.

CLARIFICATION

An article on the Healthy Communities group in Cardinal that appeared in last week's paper quoted Councillor Peggy Taylor as stating plans for the Cardinal municipal hall were "officially" on hold. In an e-mail received by The Journal, Taylor indicates she said the plans were "effectively" on hold.

Giants junior girls soccer team captures LGSSAA crown

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants junior girls soccer team won a 2-1 squeaker over the North Grenville Knights Thursday in Prescott to capture the Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association championship.

The strong Giants team took advantage of strong head winds in the first half to score both their goals. After a couple misses high and right, the Giants were able to adjust as Sara Watt was able to fool the North Grenville goaltender on a low bouncing shot.

North Grenville nearly tied the game up minutes later, but a strong defensive effort by the Giants clearing the ball off the line secured the lead.

Late in the first, Watt was able to shake off a Knights defender to put an easy shot past the North Grenville goaltender.

After switching ends at half, the Giants faced strong pressure from the Knights who were able to force South Grenville into making mistakes.

North Grenville took advantage of a free kick to beat a reaching Lindsay Biccum.

South Grenville tried to regain its two goal lead but a shot by a Kayla Roode which eluded the Knights goaltender bounced off another Giants forward to go out of bounds for a goal kick.

North Grenville had problems adjusting for the wind and missed two shots high, before having a goal called back during a scramble which saw the ball kicked loose after Biccum had scooped it up.

A hand ball in the crease resulted in a penalty kick against the Giants which saw a shot wide right seal the Knights fate and give South Grenville the hard fought 2-1 win.

"We played probably our best soccer of the year," said student coach Chelsea Knapp. "The girls played really, really hard for this win.

"Kayla Roode and Ronica Mazur were great for us; they played hard and were all over the field."

Other members of the team are Katelin Baker, Amy Barker, Melissa Beckstead, Samara Bell, Alicia Daub, Becky Graham, Maggie Hutton, Kristen Jessome, Stacy Kenney, Jennifer Kroot, Amanda Lavery, Kait Marriner, Jordan Symington and Jennifer Torrance.

South Grenville Giants repeat as LGSSAA rugby champs

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

BROCKVILLE - The South Grenville Giants boys rugby team has repeated as Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association champions after defeating St. Mary 12-8 in a muddy final Saturday at Calbrock Field in Brockville.

The Giants took control of the game early and made sure to put up points when they could in the muddy battle. South Grenville scored a pair of early trys from Tyler Stephenson and Chris Tutecky, while Stephenson also notched an extra point.

Things almost fell apart in the second half as the Giants lost momentum and started to wear down in the very physical performance.

South Grenville matched the Crusaders physicality which saw a slew of injuries including one St. Mary player having to leave the game with a shattered cheekbone after falling into a sprinting David Thornhill's knee.

"It really went downhill at the half," said Giants coach Zach McGlynn. "They're a very physical team and they really suckered us into gooning it up, but we were able to hold onto the lead and score the win."

South Grenville nearly lost control of the lead late in the game when a loose kick found its way into the Giants endzone.

"Travis Cranmer saved the game for us," said McGlynn. "He dove on the ball in the end zone and the rookers were able to help get it out of there, which allowed us to hold onto the lead."

South Grenville player Shawn Bradford added, "Considering the weather we played fairly well. There were a lot of penalties against us and after we got over being nervous we did pretty well. It was a great game."

With the win the Giants not only scored a measure of revenge on their only loss of the season against St. Mary, but advanced to today's Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association rugby tournament in Napanee.

South Grenville's players have a feeling they will be able to eclipse last year's memory of only winning one game at the tournament.

"If we go to EOSSAA and play like we're capable of playing then we should do well," said Seary. "Last year we won one game and we want to do better. We're a fast and strong team and expect a strong performance."

The Giants advanced to the final after a dominating 53-7 win over the Rideau District Lions last Wednesday in Prescott.

South Grenville got off to a fast start in the game as Thornhill ran in his first of three trys in the game. Ben Forsyth had his biggest game of the season for three trys running through the Rideau line at will including a 15 yard run where he dragged a pair of Rideau players across the line with him.

South Grenville had a 28-0 lead at the half, before getting caught in its own end early in the second half which resulted in a controversial call on a blocked kick in the Giants endzone by the Lions.

Coach McGlynn rallied his troops and kept Rideau on its toes using a mix of Thornhill's speed and Forsyth's raw power to score at will.

Dustin Drury and Joel Stone also scored a second half trys, while Ryan McGuire, Seary and Cranmer each had strong performances for long runs which led to trys.

Stephenson connected on six kicks for a total of 12 points.

Bulldogs fall in spring hockey tournament semi-final game

OTTAWA - The 1993 Kriska Bulldogs AAA hockey team continued its strong showing this season advancing to the semi-finals of the Ottawa Young Senators tournament last weekend.

The Bulldogs opened the tournament with a 2-0 win over the Ottawa Senators #1, with goals coming from Russell Hinch and Dylan Rodgers, while Clark Seymour picked up a pair of helpers. Logan Giesbrecht was named the game MVP.

In the second game the Bulldogs continued their hot play scoring a 10-4 win over the Ottawa Young Senators #2. Rodgers (2), Seymour (2), Lee Charlebois, Ryan Van Stralen, Lucas Stitt, Ben Hutton, Benton and Hinch had the goals
for Kriska, while Kyle
Adams had two assists. Ronnie Harrison was named MVP of the game.

The Bulldogs continued its winning streak with a 7-1 win over the Casselman Pirates. Rodgers (2), Charlebois (2), John Keane, Corey Wilson
and Hinch had the Bulldogs goals, while Wilson (2),
Van Stralen (2) and Jarrrett Williams (2) each had helpers. Kyle Adams was named MVP of the game.

Kriska defeated Team Quest USA 10-2 in its fourth game of the tournament. Van Stralen led the Bulldogs with a hat trick while Wilson, Hutton, Hinch, Adams, Seymour, Giesbrecht and Rodgers each had singles. Rodgers (4), Giesbrecht (3), Adams (2), Hinch, Wilson,
Van Stralen each had helpers. Hutton was named the game's MVP.

The Bulldogs tied the Rockets 1-1 to finish the preliminary round undefeated and advance to the semi-final. Hutton scored the Bulldogs lone goal, while goaltender Richard Joudoin was named the game MVP.

Kriska was eliminated from the tournament in the semi-final after a 4-2 defeat to the Ottawa Young Senators #2. Rodgers had both Bulldogs' goals while Keane was named the game MVP.

Other members of the regional team which takes in players who were born in 1993 are Jarrett Pitt and Jason Defevres.

Domville Aces remain undefeated with tie

DOMVILLE - The newly-reformed Domville Aces remained undefeated after a 7-7 tie with Lyn Thursday night in Domville.

The Aces used a late rally to come back to secure a tie in the North Leeds Men's Fastball League.

Keith Fowler came in to pitch the third and fourth innings after Domville had fallen behind 3-1 and held the hitters at bay, while Scott Murray and Matt Stephenson scored to close the gap to 4-3.

In the fifth Eric Perrin, Jeff June and Fowler each scored to keep the Aces in the game.

Mark Elliott shut down the Lyn batters in the sixth and seventh innings while Murray tripled and then scored on an overthrow to tie the game.

Elliott continued his dominance holding Lyn off the scoreboard to secure the tie.

Murray led the Aces with two hits and two runs, followed by Elliott with a triple, double and walk and Fowler, June, Stephenson and Tyler Beach each with one hit and one run.

Fowler allowed four runs on four hits and three strikeouts in three innings of work, while Elliott shut down Lyn allowing no hits or runs in the final four innings.

The Aces will look to continue their undefeated streak when they host Seeley's Bay tomorrow (Thursday) at 8:30 pm in Domville.

Game club holds spring pike derby

CARDINAL - The Grenville Fish and Game Club held its fourth annual Spring Pike Derby Saturday in Cardinal.

Weigh-ins were at the public dock by the Cardinal Legion with Angel Holmes of RR1 Prescott the big winner after catching a 10.26-lb. pike for the largest pike of the day. Paul Whitney of RR3, Prescott with a 6.3 lb. pike, Jay Carter of Ogdensburg with a 5.8 lb. Pike, Mark Robinson of Charleston Lake with a 7.4 lb. pike and Bob Jones of Prescott with a 5.9 lb. pike each won prizes for the largest pike in the other two-hour weigh-in periods. Whitney and Carter joined Stew Levere of Prescott, Bill Kenney of Cardinal and Rusty Jones of Kemptville winning hidden weight prizes in each two-hour period.

Shawn Blanchard of Mallorytown won the live release draw for a trip for two to fish on White Lake with a pro bass fisherman for the day.

Four junior and 68 adult people took part in the derby with 63 pike caught on the day with 56 being live released.

The clubs will be holding a carp archery derby June 21 with weigh-ins at the club headquarters on North Campbell Road.

Five SGDHS athletes advance to East Regional track meet

OTTAWA - The South Grenville Giants track and field team managed to qualify five athletes for tomorrow's East Regional Track and Field Meet at the Terry Fox Athletic Centre in Ottawa.

The Giants finished 23rd overall in the Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association track meet with 41.5 points and were the third ranked team from the Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association in the 57 school field behind the top-ranked TISS Pirates and 22nd ranked St. Mary Crusaders. Grenville Christian College finished 28th with 33.5 points.

South Grenville was able to score five top six finishes at the Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association championships last Wednesday in Ottawa to advance their athletes, one more than last year.

"We had a really good day," said coach Norrie Spence. "We had lots of good performances with some just missing qualifying for the regionals."

Shane Pettifer led the Giants with a pair of top five finishes to qualify for the East Regional in discus and shot put. Pettifer finished second in the junior boys discus with a throw of 39.48 falling less than a metre short of the lead, and fifth in the junior boys shot put with a throw of 12.20.

South Grenville also had strong performances from Julie Putman who scored a pair of fifth place finishes in the senior girls 1500m and 3000m races to advance and senior girls long jumpers Erin Heibein and Kim Howitt who finished fourth and fifth with jumps of 4.65m and 4.58m respectively. Howitt also qualified in the senior girls 400m after finishing fourth with a time of 1:03.56, while Katie Beatty qualified in the Senior girls Shot Put finishing sixth with a throw of 8.47 metres.

"Julie had another outstanding run, she's been great all year," said Spence. "We're hoping for good showings from our athletes and expect a few will advance to the Ontario's. Shane stands a good shot, and either of our jumpers Erin or Kim can make it."

Top finishes for South Grenville schools included:

Junior boys 100m

21. Alvin Ng, GCC, 12.70

Midget boys 200m

11. Nick Thornhill, SGDHS, 26.06

Junior boys 200m

21. Charles O'Brien, GCC,
26.09

Senior girls 400m

4. Kim Howitt, SGDHS, 1:03.56

Senior girls 800m

7. Kim Howitt, SGDHS, 2:35.15

Senior girls 1500m

5. Julie Putman, SGDHS, 5:22.80

Junior girls 3000m

12. Brittany Steinbach, GCC, 14:49.70

Senior girls 3000m

5. Julie Putman, SGDHS, 11:35.42

Junior girls 80m Hurdles

15. Kristina Godwin, SGDHS, 16.28

Open boys 2000m Steeplechase

15. Greg Farnsworth, GCC, 7:39.85

Senior girls Long Jump

4. Erin Heibein, SGDHS, 4.65m

5. Kim Howitt, SGDHS, 4.58m

Midget girls High Jump

8. Maggie Hutton, SGDHS, 1.40m

Midget boys High Jump

9. Peter Chui, GCC, 1.55m

Midget boys Pole Vault

3. Mark Farnsworth, GCC,
2.55m

5. Kevan Puddicomb, GCC, 2.55m

Junior boys Pole Vault

1. Ho Yin Tang, GCC, 3.35m

4. Blake Chauvin, GCC,
3.05m

Senior boys Pole Vault

4. Joseph Wong, GCC, 2.95m

5. Eric Phelan, GCC, 2.80m

Junior girls Javelin

22. Natasha James-Allard, SGDHS, 17.72m

Senior girls Javelin

8. Oksana Shebatova, GCC, 24.01m

Junior boys Javelin

19. Shane Pettifer, SGDHS, 32.82m

Senior boys Javelin

9. Kory Brontmire, SGDHS, 40.44m

19. Steve Laird, SGDHS,
31.68m

Senior girls Discus

18. Katie Beatty, SGDHS,
19.32m

Junior boys Discus

2. Shane Pettifer, SGDHS, 39.48m

Senior boys Discus

8. Shawn Bradford, SGDHS, 32.59m

15. Steve Laird, SGDHS,
22.48m

Midget girls Shot Put

17. Erin Knapp, SGDHS, 6.52m

Junior girls Shot Put

16. Joanna Ko, GCC, 7.30m

21. Natasha James-Allard, SGDHS, 6.34m

Senior girls Shot Put

6. Katie Beatty, SGDHS,
8.47m

Junior boys Shot Put

5. Shane Pettifer, SGDHS, 12.20m

Senior boys Shot Put

8. Kory Brontmire, SGDHS, 12.27m

Mud drags and ATV races set for Augusta Motorsport Park

NORTH AUGUSTA - Motorsports enthusiasts are getting prepared for some mud and mayhem as Wheels a Churnin is returning to Augusta Motorsport Park June 7 and 8.

The event will feature two days of racing including tractor pulls, 4x4 mud drags, ATV mud drags, off-road wheel to wheel races, ATV and garden tractor pulls and a tough truck competition.

There are limited spots in all events and monster truck rides available. Proceeds will go to charity.

For track information or to register, contact Onne Van Hook at 926-2628 or Gary Spero at 925-3374.

PDSA getting set to start regular season schedule next week

PRESCOTT - The Prescott and District Soccer Association will begin its regular season next week at South Grenville District High School. Currently, teams are participating in practices and friendly matches weekly.

The Under-6 division will play Saturdays starting at 9:30 am, the Under-8 division will play on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6 pm, the Under-10 division will play Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7 pm, the Under-12 division will play Wednesdays at 6 pm and the Under-16 division will play Wednesdays starting at either 6 pm or 7 pm. For more information, check the schedule at the high school.

Tennis club holding registration period Saturday morning

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Tennis Club will be holding a registration day Saturday.

The registration will run from 9:30 am until 2 pm at the courts, with those registering invited to bring their racquets for some social tennis and pizza at noon.

The club will be offering social programs Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 10 am until 11:30 am; midseason from 9 am until 10:30 am, Tuesday nights from 6:30 pm until 9 pm, Thursday nights from 7 pm until 9 pm for mixed doubles and Saturday mornings from 9:30 am until noon.

For more information on the registration contact Margo Christofolakos at 925-4627.

All content is copyright 2001 The Prescott Journal. No reproduction permitted without written permission.