VOL. 173, NO.33~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ August 13, 2003

Lawn to seek second term

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The mayor of Prescott says he needs to be involved.

Without any fanfare or fuss, Robert Lawn told Prescott council Monday night he would be seeking another term as mayor.

"I feel I can help the community further," Lawn told reporters after he announced his intentions. "No one else has come forward."

The mayor, who had indicated earlier in the term he was not planning to seek re-election, said the decision was a recent one and was difficult. However, Lawn believes there are a number of unresolved issues he would like to deal with during the next council term that begins in December.

Topping the list are the future of policing in Prescott and the need for a new sewage treatment facility. Lawn noted council opted at the beginning of its term of office to seek a municipal contract with the Ontario Provincial Police. Two-and-a-half years later, the town has yet to receive approval to disband the Prescott Police Service and is awaiting the outcome of a judicial review of the matter.

Lawn said no one on council anticipated such a long wait.

As for a new waste water plant, the mayor said progress has been slow. However, he is optimistic the federal government will come through with its one-third share of construction funding to help replace the aging sewage facility.

The mayor said he is on top of these and other issues affecting the town, and he would like to see them through. "I am very optimistic about the future of my community," said Lawn, who added it will be important for the town to ensure there is a revised official plan and sufficient residential building lots available to compete with other municipalities for new jobs and residents.

Lawn, a retired educator and former principal of South Grenville District High School, was president of the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce when he opted to run for mayor in 2000. He went on to defeat Councillor Craig Worden and Kelly Benish-Lennox.

Although the current term has been difficult for council, Lawn said he is prepared to deal with any challenges that may arise.

"I need to be involved," he said. "My health is up to it for sure."

The municipal election will take place Nov. 10.

THIS WEEK

Police seeking answers in purse-snatching case

PRESCOTT ­ A recent purse-snatching is not being taken lightly, according to Police Chief Bryan Somerville.

On July 27, a young man stole two purses from the walkers of two elderly women entering a Water Street apartment building.

Although he noted the women were not injured and the assailant did not make any threats during the daytime incident, Somerville told Prescott council Monday night such crimes should not be tolerated.

As of earlier this week, no charges have been laid in connection with the theft. The chief asked anyone with information, no matter how small, to contact the Prescott Police Service (925-4252).

Spencerville Mill hosts quilt show this weekend

SPENCERVILLE ­ The Cream of the Crop Quilt Show will take place this Saturday, Aug. 16 and Sunday, Aug. 17 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Spencerville Mill.

The show will feature a wide variety of hand- and machine-stitched quilts made by Edwardsburgh quilters. Items ranging from crib quilts to wall hangings will be on display.

Hands-on demonstration for beginners will be held from 10:30 am to noon both days. Advanced demonstrations will take place from 1:30 to 3 pm.

There is an admission fee this Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday concert series at home in country

PRESCOTT ­ The sounds of Tom Wilson's Country and Western will be in the air Sunday, Aug. 17 at 6:30 pm at the waterfront amphitheatre.

Admission to the Sunday concerts is free. Donations will be accepted at the amphitheatre.

In case of rain, the concert will take place at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

The Sunday evening concert series ends its 2003 season Aug. 31.

Final tax bills are out

PRESCOTT ­ The Town of Prescott began issuing final property tax bills for 2003 earlier this week.

The due date is Sept. 5.

Concerns about youth centre discussed at council meeting

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

King Street not the ideal spot for facility, town officials told

PRESCOTT ­ The possibility of relocating the Prescott Youth Centre away from King Street is being considered.

Several people from the King Street West neighbourhood in which the centre is now located were on hand at Prescott council Monday night to express their concerns about the noise and what they say are numerous incidents caused by some of the youngsters who visit the facility.

The youth centre, which receives most of its funding from the United Way of Leeds and Grenville, used to be housed in the Dibble Street municipal building. In late 2000, the centre moved to a second floor location on King Street at Centre Street before relocating to its present site at 438 King West less than two years ago.

Laurie Moynes, owner of Creative Hands and Minds located just east of the centre, said the facility's presence next door is affecting her business. Some customers are afraid to park their cars near the store or deal with some of the youngsters who hang out by the centre, she told council. In noting she has lost one staff member because of the centre, Moynes said the situation is out of hand.

"All the kids over there are not bad," Moynes said. "I just don't think main street is the place for a youth centre."

Moynes suggested the youth centre be relocated to an area away from King Street as well as residences and businesses. She said a north-end location at which a used portable classroom could be placed would be more suitable; members of the youth centre could help raise money for the new location as has been done with the skateboard park, it was noted.

Councillor Terry McConnell said that is a great idea, adding it would give the youngsters something they could be proud of and appreciate.

Youth centre Co-ordinator Chuck Street agreed a free-standing building is in order. Street, who said he believes the neighbours' concerns are legitimate, added he tries to teach young people about responsibility and to have respect for others. "The kids aren't getting that message from council," said Street, who reiterated his belief the town has not done enough to maintain what used to be a highly-regarded youth program.

The problems facing the youth centre are not new, according to long-time board of management chair Laurie Kirkby. There needs to be more of a response from parents and the community, she added.

Kirkby said she sympathizes with the neighbours, but she also encouraged them and others, including local service clubs, to volunteer their time at the centre or become board members.

Residents call on town to deal with speeding

Petition seeks three-way stop at corner of Churchill and Mackenzie roads

PRESCOTT ­ Town council is being urged to establish a three-way stop at the intersection of Churchill and Mackenzie roads.

A petition signed by about 60 people ­ most of whom live in the north-end neighbourhood near the intersection ­ was presented to Prescott council Monday night by Churchill residents Mike Laking and Robin Hart.

Citing increased traffic volume and speeds often well in excess of the 50-kilometre-per-hour limit, Laking indicated the situation got worse after Churchill was reconstructed last year.

There are no stop signs or traffic signals on the long, straight section of Churchill between Edward and Boundary streets. The residents want something to slow down traffic.

"I'm just very concerned about the children," said Hart, a mother of two who noted Churchill is like a "racetrack."

Motorists heading south on Mackenzie must stop before turning at Churchill.

Some residents fear the problem will only get worse when Mackenzie is eventually extended to the new commercial area just south of Highway 401.

Laking also noted there are no speed limit or children playing signs on that stretch of Churchill.

Laking said he has noticed an increase in the number of children who live in the neighbourhood. Recent improvements to the park situated between Mackenzie and Massie Drive help draw more youngsters to the area adjacent to Churchill Road, something Laking expects will only become more common in the future.

Councillor Terry McConnell said those signs should be erected as soon as possible. As for the stop sign request, McConnell and other council members indicated they would like to see Town Engineer Clyde Solomon and Police Chief Bryan Somerville assess the situation and report back to council.

Somerville told The Journal Monday he would not be opposed to having more stop signs in the area. The chief added he was unsure whether the people who live in the neighbourhood would support such action, but the petition shows the support exists.

Mayor Robert Lawn told Laking and Hart council would take their concerns into consideration and get back to them "...before too long."

Farm history on display at annual Harvest Days

Demonstrations on tap this weekend south of Roebuck

ROEBUCK - A walk into the history of local farming will be what visitors will find when attending the eighth annual Harvest Day Demonstrations this Saturday Aug. 16 and Sunday, Aug. 17 in Roebuck.

Vice-President of Antique Wheels in Motion, Al Slater, expects the same kind of crowd as last year, which saw more than 500 people take in the demonstrations.

"We're just going to do what we've been doing for the last seven years," explained Slater. "We'll be demonstrating corn and grain binding and showing how all this was done 50 years ago. We want to make it an educational experience."

Slater says the organization will be sticking with the same formula of previous years.

"We were going to have extra things, but we didn't have the people to do it," said Slater. "We're down in numbers and a lot of our regulars are getting older. We're hoping to get some fresh blood involved in this."

The event will run both days from 10 am until 4 pm and will feature many things to keep everyone interested.

Demonstrations of tractors, reapers, grinders, binders, plows, small engines, threshing, horse powered equipment and antique farm equipment will be displayed, with a craft show and plowing school also running both days to provide something for the entire family.

Music by Elise and Company will take centre stage on Sunday, as will the Old Time Farmers Breakfast which will open the day.

In keeping with annual tradition, the group will be making a donation to the World Food Grain Bank in order to help feed the hungry world-wide.

"This year we will be donating soy beans," said Slater. "We have 10 acres to give."

The event is hosted by Antique Wheels in Motion, a non-profit club which promotes early wheels of Eastern Ontario agriculture through shows and displays in the area.

The site for the event is on County Road 18, 11 kilometres north of Prescott.

For more information on the event, contact Dale Countryman at 925-4866.

Town firefighters clean up diesel spill at gas station

PRESCOTT ­ The Ministry of Environment is still investigating a diesel spill that occurred early Friday morning at the MacEwen station on Edward Street.

Town firefighters responded sometime after 5 am. A passing truck driver witnessed the spill and called in the incident, according to Prescott Fire Chief Bill Lawrence.

The driver of the truck, believed to be at the pumps when the spill took place, left the scene.

Prescott Fire Chief Bill Lawrence estimated between 50 and 100 gallons of diesel were spilled. Much of the fuel ended up in a nearby storm sewer catch basin. Several firefighters neutralized and disposed of the diesel left in the vicinity of the pumps and in the gutter leading to the catch basin.

No one was working at the gas station at the time of the incident. The driver was using a card lock system, according to Lawrence.

The incident might have been caught on tape, the chief added.

The spill was reported to the provincial environment ministry. A ministry spokesman told The Journal Monday an abatement officer is working on the case. It was determined the spill did not have a significant effect on the area, he added.

As of earlier this week, the case had not been passed on to the ministry's investigations branch.

Spencerville Fair Parade adds bands, Canada Day theme for this year's event

SPENCERVILLE - The Spencerville Fair will have a new look for its annual parade.

This year's theme will be Canada Day where participants and spectators are invited to join in the fun Saturday, Sept. 13 by wearing red and white and bringing flags to wave.

Leanne Cater from Y105-FM has been announced as the parade marshal, while the Spencerville Legion Pipe Band and colour party will keep with tradition as the lead band in the parade with the Spirit of '69 Marching Band from Arnprior, the Dr. Jazz Quintet, Kemptville Legion Pipe Band and Cornwall Nativity Guard Marching Band also taking part.

The fair parade is one of the few judged parades in Eastern Ontario, with prizes awarded in categories for business floats, commercial vehicles, community groups, families, individuals and children.

Also this year in addition to classic and antique vehicles, dirt bikes and ATVs are invited to take part.

The Mel Bruce Memorial Class is new this year for a Family Floats category, while the Erin Lawless Memorial Trophy will be given to the winner of the Child in Costume with Pet category. Last year, the Spencerville Agricultural Society awarded nearly $500 in prize money to the parade participants.

This year's parade route was extended after last year's parade had more than 115 entries, making it longer than the route itself. The parade will now begin in the north end of the Spencerville Fair Grounds, off Goodin Road, instead of the regular starting point of Centennial '67 Public School.

The route will otherwise remain the same, but will be running in the opposite direction.

In order to streamline the registration and line-up process, organizers are asking parade participants to pre-register before September 1.

Those wishing to participate should contact Mary Tessier at (613) 989-1098 or e-mail mary@spencervillefair.ca.

Acceptable bacteria levels at beach

PRESCOTT ­ Kelly's Beach continues to come up clean in water testing conducted by the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.

Samples taken last week indicate acceptable levels of bacteria. Unlike last summer, Kelly's Beach has yet to be closed because of poor test results.

The weekly testing concludes at the end of August.

United counties, OPSEU local reach tentative agreement and avert strike

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - A work stoppage has been averted after a tentative agreement involving social service workers and the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville was reached.

The tentative deal was struck following a marathon mediation session last Wednesday and Thursday.

Wendy Chow, president of Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) Local 494, indicated the agreement had been reached at a meeting with their employer at the Royal Brock Hotel in Brockville.

Chow said a ratification vote on the deal was to be voted on yesterday, with the union recommending the deal be accepted by the membership.

"I believe it will be accepted," said Chow Monday afternoon, "but there's always potential it will be voted down. We are in a legal strike position as of today, but it doesn't look like that will need to happen."

Approximately 83 unionized community and social services employees - 10 of whom are based in Prescott - were in position to strike Monday if the tentative agreement had not been reached.

Negotiations have been taking place for approximately three months; conciliation talks started June 20 between the counties and its unionized social services, community housing and children's services employees.

Chow was not able to go into specifics about the deal.

Jobless rate decreases slightly

KINGSTON ­ The regional unemployment rate decreased slightly last month, according to figures released by Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC).

The jobless rate for the region of Eastern Ontario that includes South Grenville was 6.8 per cent in July, down from seven per cent in June. The regional unemployment rate at this time last year was 7.7 per cent.

An HRDC news release issued Friday notes there were increases last month in the number of people in the labour market and working. Construction and manufacturing reported employment gains in July, as did the information, culture and recreation sectors. Trade, accommodation and food services reported decreases.

As for Employment Insurance (EI) claims, the Prescott HRDC office saw a gain of two claimants in July. There were 835 regular and special EI claimants at the end of month compared to 833 at the end of June. The Kingston-Pembroke management area experienced a one-per-cent decrease in EI claims last month.

HRDC notes unemployment rates are not determined through assessment of EI claimant data.

Reeve opposes GCC having to pay for part of proposed left turn lane

MAITLAND - Augusta Reeve George Vail does not believe Grenville Christian College should have to pay part of the cost of constructing a left turn lane into the school.

Vail explained the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville budgeted an estimated $25,000 to build a left turn lane on County Road 2 which would make turning into the school much safer.

"It was brought up at public works and put through by the majority that GCC should pay half," Vail said Monday. "I didn't vote in favour of that.

"I could see paying half if it was a new business just coming in," said Vail. "But due to the fact it's an old established road and GCC has been there for a long time and it's just an upgrade to make things safer, they shouldn't have to pay it. It was already budgeted for the whole amount by the counties, so they should pay it."

Vail isn't sure how the matter is going to proceed, but indicated he would be talking to the school's headmaster in the next week to let him know what is going on and what the county is considering.

"I don't know how they want to proceed," said Vail. "I don't know if the college has the money for something like this, and it might not get done."

Vail indicated that with the projects involving GCC, he has already gotten one of his wishes with approval of a 150-metre extension of the 70 km/hour zone on County Road 2 west from Maitland. "That'll help for sure," said Vail, "but over the years there has been more individual traffic there as opposed to when everyone used to stay there. There are more buses and parents picking up and dropping off kids going in and out of there. It's a busy highway and it's a matter of safety. I just think it's the right thing to do."

No quorum

MAITLAND - Augusta Township's council meeting Monday was postponed Monday because there was no quorum.

Reeve George Vail and Deputy Reeve Doug Barton were on hand for the meeting, as was township CAO Sharon Wilkinson, while councillors Bill Buckler, Kathleen Thur and Jane Fullarton were unable to attend.

According to Wilkinson, a bylaw states the councillors who attend the meeting and the CAO are required to stay for at least half an hour, but no business can be discussed.

Vail indicated the meeting would be postponed, with Aug. 25 being set as the tentative date to make it up. "I say tentative because there are three councillors that are missing and they won't be back until next week," said Vail.

Wilkinson indicated the meeting would be advertised in the paper, since it would be a special meeting of council.

Local soldier ready for duty in Kabul

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

ROEBUCK - Another of South Grenville's own is off to Asia as part of the Canadian military's mission in Afghanistan.

Tom McCrea, who grew up near Roebuck and is a graduate of South Grenville District High School, began his day-long journey to Kabul, Afghanistan yesterday, where he will be stationed with the Two Combat Engineer Regiment.

The sapper (engineering equivalent of a private) has been in the military for a little over a year and a half and is ready for his upcoming adventure, having trained for work in construction, mining, de-mining, explosives and boobie trapping with his regiment.

"I'm not sure what to expect," said McCrea. "It will be an experience; that's why people join the military. Everyone wants to go overseas and have that adventure."

McCrea, who is on a six-month contracted stay in Kabul, figures to be working up to six or seven days a week on the mission.

"I'm not sure what I'll miss since I'm not there yet," said McCrea, Monday before he left, "but I'm guessing I'll miss some of the spare time, but I still think I'll get plenty of that as well."

McCrea doesn't have any real concerns with his stay in a country which was in the midst of a war not long ago.

"I'm prepared as much as I can be," explained McCrea.

"You can only prepare so much, and the Canadian military prepares you for all kinds of different situations. Pretty much anything you encounter we've been trained and know how to deal with it."

McCrea still has family in the area: his father John McCrea, stepmother Norrie Spence and sisters Dianne and Jennifer McCrea. He is the son of the late Edna McCrea.

Curling club receives grant of $50,000 from Ontario Trillium Foundation

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The Ontario Trillium Foundation has awarded the Prescott Curling Club $50,000 to replace aging ice-making equipment.

A list of recent provincial grant recipients in the St. Lawrence, Rideau and Quinte regions was released last Wednesday. Curling club President Allan Norton said the board is very excited about the funding decision.

"This is a big step for us," he said.

Norton said the main components of the ice-making equipment to be replaced are at least 30 years old. The prospect of replacing the equipment on its own would have been "a big strain" on the club's resources, he added.

The new mechanical equipment will provide more energy-efficient operations and put the club on "very solid footing" for the next 25 years, according to Norton.

In noting the club has been "renewing itself" the past three to four years, Norton said there have already been improvements made to the clubhouse.

Repairing the roof above the clubhouse is also part of the ongoing project.

The curling club is not the only local recipient of a Trillium grant this summer. Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman was in Prescott in late June to announce two other Trillium grants: $25,000 for the new skateboard park and $15,000 for the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival.

The Progressive Conservative MPP is scheduled to visit the curling club and take part in a cheque presentation Aug. 22.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation receives $100 million annually from charity casino operations in Ontario. Funding applications from non-profit organizations are assessed by a grant review team.

Counterfeit cash continues to be a problem

PRESCOTT ­ At least two more counterfeit $20 bills have surfaced in Prescott.

The Bank of Montreal received one of the bogus bills Aug. 5. The serial number is AAT6659665. One day later, the Mac's store on King Street received a counterfeit bill with serial number EID4870482. Constable Darren Davis is the investigating officer.

In other town police-related news from early last week, a 22-year-old man was charged with assault and mischief following an incident that occurred Aug. 4 on Douglas Drive. A 22-year-old man told police he had been assaulted while riding his bike. The man who confronted the victim pushed him several times; he did not want to fight and opted to walk away leaving his bicycle behind, according to the police news release. The accused reportedly picked up the bike and threw it to the ground, causing damage estimated at $75. Jason Brown, 22 of Prescott is to appear in court at a later date. The investigating officer is Constable Moe Morrissette.

On Aug. 5, a caretaker at South Grenville District High School reported five signs had been taken from the exterior walls of the school. The signs noted such things as Fire Lane, Boiler Room, Receiving and Resource Centre. Constable Davis is investigating.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. The Prescott police station is located at the corner of Centre and Henry streets.

Post-mortem done

AUGUSTA ­ A heart attack was the cause of death of a man who was pulled from the St. Lawrence River west of Prescott Saturday, a post-mortem has revealed.

Joseph Gallagher, 55, was swimming in the river near his Blakey's Point Road cottage shortly after noon when he yelled for help. A neighbour located him about 200 feet from shore, according to Grenville County OPP. Gallagher was taken ashore; EMS personnel administered CPR and transported the man to Brockville General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Augusta and Prescott firefighters also responded to the apparent drowning call.

Blood test prompts charges

PRESCOTT ­ One of the drivers involved in a two-vehicle crash that injured three people has been charged with impaired driving.

Scott Cameron, 47, of Spencerville faces one count of impaired driving and two counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm in connection with the June 6 collision that occurred on County Road 22 (Shanly Road) just north of Highway 401 in the Township of Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal.

According to Grenville County OPP, Cameron was the driver of a Dodge Dakota pick-up truck that crossed the centre line and struck a Honda Odyssey driven by Suzie Jin, 37, of Prescott. Jin and her eight-year-old child, Kyle Szeto, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Brockville General Hospital (BGH). Cameron was also injured and taken to BGH; he was then transferred to Kingston General Hospital.

Nicole Szeto, 12, was also a passenger in the Odyssey at the time of the crash.

The investigating officer, Constable McDade, executed a Criminal Code search warrant and seized a sample of Cameron's blood for analysis. The alcohol level in Cameron's blood warranted the charges, an OPP news release stated.

Cameron was arrested July 31 and released; his next scheduled court appearance is Aug. 15.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"I'm just very concerned about the children."

Prescott resident Robin Hart, referring to the problem of speeding on Churchill Road

Editor's Notebook

PLAYING THE GAME: The prospect of a provincial election usually means an increase in "good news" announcements by the governing party as well as the number of local photo opps and appearances by members of the Ontario legislature and some of their rivals. Another sign of an impending vote is the marked increase in news releases and alarms being sounded by special interest groups and agencies that rely to some extent on provincial funding.

A recent case in point involves a social service organization that issued a release entitled "For Vulnerable Children, 'the Road Ahead' is Perilous." Referring specifically to the Progressive Conservative election platform, Child and Youth Wellness Centre of Leeds and Grenville (which has an office in Prescott) states "...election promises are not enough to keep children with serious mental health problems off the streets, out of hospital emergency rooms and out of jail."

The organization goes on to note seven years or more without adequate funding increases have combined with a significant increase in requests for family mental health services to create a demand the wellness centre cannot meet. This organization claims excellent services have been put in jeopardy by years of funding erosion; cuts have already been made, and more are surely on the way if the government does not take action.

The wellness centre scenario is not uncommon. We have heard the same concern being expressed about any number of services funded solely or primarily by tax dollars. These organizations have every right to come forward at or before election time, state their positions and press the political parties and their candidates to respond. Even if the timing of expressions of concern seem to be opportunistic or mercenary in nature, the fact is each and every group out there has a cause in which it believes and must do what it can when it can to accomplish its goals. Playing up a real or perceived deficiency at election time is fair game; after all, many politicians make things appear better or worse than they actually are just to convince us to vote for them.

TWO DOWN, ONE TO GO: Just when some of us were wondering who would finally come forward and say he or she is definitely running for mayor of Prescott, Mayor Robert Lawn announces he will be seeking a second term. Although he had maintained this would be his one and only term at the helm, Mr. Lawn changed his mind as he is entitled to do.

With Augusta Reeve George Vail having already announced he will be seeking re-election, we now await the official word from Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Mayor Dave Dobbie. He and all the other prospective candidates do not have much time to ponder their political futures ­ nominations for the November municipal election close in less than six weeks from now.

Tim Ruhnke

Dental assistants always full of smiles no matter what

CLUB HOUSE REMARKS by David Dickenson

Nothing is more nerve-wracking in the world than the impending visit to the dentist.

You get a phone call a week before to let you know about it, and this kind woman from the office lets you know you've got one week left on your doomsday clock to the dentist world.

You get nervous and just as you're ready to bolt and run for the hills one day before, you get another of these calls almost guilting you into not chickening out.

But the experience is not all bad.

I honestly believe dental assistants have to be the nicest people in the world. From the moment you walk in the door with no pain, to the minute you leave with either no pain or with some excruciating pain, they are constantly smiling, joking and making small talk with you.

I don't know if they're advertising their pearly whites, smiling because they like to see people scared of the dentist or what, but they always seem to be in good spirits.

Almost every trip you have to make the comment "Did someone leave the laughing gas on?" as there is a flurry of giggles, stories being told and the staff just having a great old time.

No matter what happens, smile, smile, smile, joke, joke, joke, it's just this fascinating wonder that's great to recognize. No matter what goes on they're happy-go-lucky, "Hey, how are you Mrs. Dental Hygienist?" to which she could still reply with a smile, "My husband shot the dog, then left me and the kids need braces!"

Always a smile; it's just incredible.

They are the last line of defence before the dentist comes in with the tools of doom and starts mucking around in your mouth.

Maybe they feel a responsibility to leave you with something nice to say before the dentist jabs a needle in your gums and breaks out a power drill on one of your molars.

Whatever the case they just stay happy, even though there are many things that would cause a mellow feel to the office and its staff.

The office is painted like psych wards, which are usually bright colours; they have access to laughing gas, they know you are likely going to suffer though something painful when the dentist comes in but maybe, just maybe, they're naturally happy-go-lucky people.

Either way, I still find it soothing to deal with a happy person before Doc Smiley gives you a needle which freezes your face and makes you drool all over yourself.

I have to admit I've always had good dentists and now my regular one is my former newspaper boy, the pimply-faced teenager who would fork over the paper and whose voice would change when he spoke. It's kind of an odd feeling, but I just try and remind him my parents were big tippers.

Military pageant honours Prescott's Major James Walsh

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Aug. 19, 1943

* The farmers market at Prescott continued Saturday with 10 vendors having produce for sale. Corn was most in demand, and selling at 40 cents per dozen. Apples sold quickly at 50 cents for a six-quart basket. Egg prices remained stable at 45 cents a dozen, and poultry at 40 cents per pound.

Aug. 20, 1953

* The eighth type of set is now coming off the production lines at the Prescott RCA electronics plant. The Brandon is a 21-inch set that features the exclusive Magic Monitor.

Aug. 21, 1963

* Anne Coligan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.L.G. Coligan of Prescott, was the outstanding girl rider in the horse show at St. Alban's athletic field in Brockville. She won 11 ribbons in various events and the trophy for achieving the highest score.

Aug. 15, 1973

* More than 10,000 people attended Fort Wellington Saturday to take in the annual historic military pageant and special salute to the RCMP on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.

The event included the 58-piece RCMP Concert Band, and a precision drill of the Fort Henry Guard, Parliament Hill Guard and Fraser Highlanders.

The four-hour spectacle marked the unveiling and dedication of the plaque in honour of Major James Walsh, a Prescott native son and an early hero of the RCMP. The ceremony was organized by the Grenville county Historical Society and society President J.A. Morris. Other platform guests included Mayor Pat Kingston, MP Walter Baker and the RCMP official party.

* Augusta Township Council has gone on record endorsing the two-lane reconstruction of Highway 2 from Prescott to Brockville. In a letter to the Ministry of Transportation, council stated its preference for the reconstruction with the Maitland bypass, but requested a complete interchange be built at Blue Church Road and Highway 401.

Aug. 17, 1983

* Prescott's new water filtration plant looms larger on the horizon with council approval Monday of the PUC's proposal to charge a $534 residential hook-up fee to fund its portion of the estimated $2.6-million bill.

* A feasibility study into the restoration and future use of the vacant stone mill building in Spencerville has recommended it be renovated to contain up to 24 retail outlets.

U.S. making Canadians pay a stiff price for lack of support in Iraq

FORT TOWN DIARY by John A.H. Morris

Entries in this week's diary will be sort of a potpourri; not one of the true french variety that requires a big paddle for stirring, but rather a collection of unconnected comments wise and otherwise.

*****

While Liberal supporters and the disenchanted from the Tory and Alliance ranks await the anointment of (Prime Minister-to-be) Paul Martin in November, we think a healthy dose of caution should be forthcoming. Mr. Martin will certainly win a 2004 federal election, but mostly because the two main opposition parties are very week rather than the fact that he will provide Canadians with the type of dignified leadership that Jean Chretien lacks.

Martin has been elusive regarding his leadership platform, a tactic made easy by the defection of all other major candidates except Sheila Copps, who is being forced to move too far to the left for Liberal comfort by Martin's silence which lends the perception he is going to provide Canadians a welcome right wing choice within the confines of the Liberal party.

We don't see Martin's reluctance to take a stand on almost all important issues facing the next government as a weakness, but rather the actions of man who is a policy wonk and wants all issues studied to the last colon and semi colon before taking government action. We think he will lead the Liberals to a sound victory next year, but that he might be swallowed up in Liberal arrogance very much like Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent was when he sought re-election after succeeding Mackenzie King in a similar anointment in 1948.

*****

There is no doubt that Prime Minister Chretien's refusal to back the U.S. and U.K. in the invasion of Iraq has come back to haunt Canadians in many ways. There were over-zealous warnings to U.S. citizens not to travel to Canada, Toronto in particular, because of the SARS scare. The Canadian beef industry is in desperate straits because of the U.S. embargo on Canadian beef after one solitary cow was diagnosed as having mad cow disease. Our softwood lumber industry has almost been wiped out because of an unfair and possibly illegal U.S. import tax. Add to these sanctions a couple hundred other embargoes or annoyances designed to irritate Canadians and we have an unprecedented attitude of U.S. annoyance about their "socialistic, homosexual" neighbours to the north.

If we want to get even for this treatment, we might have to be patient, maybe for a long, long time. In fact we might have to wait until the U.S. runs out of military volunteers and has to start conscription again, like they did during the Vietnam war. Only this time we'll put an embargo on all U.S. draft dodgers and not allow them into Canada.

In fact we wouldn't mind if Immigration Canada refused to allow advertising sales persons from Ogdensburg into Canada to call on potential customers in Prescott and Brockville. Tell the border guards on the U.S. side of the bridge that you're going over to the 'Burg to sell advertising and they'll just turn you around and send you back to Canada with a nasal "oh, no ya arnt".

*****

Ah, the irony of it all.

Jean Chretien snubbed the U.S. over the invasion of Iraq and tried to hang his beret alongside the European leaders whose favour he has been trying to curry in support of an international diplomatic posting. It is widely rumoured that the job he has been seeking is that of secretary-general of NATO.

The rumour mill shifted last week to give his long-time lieutenant John Manley the inside edge as the first North American to serve in this capacity. For Chretien to get the job, he would need the support of President Bush who is apt to say that he places mad politicians in the same category as mad cows. Chretien's post-PM options are dwindling. You don't suppose he would appoint himself to the Senate, do you?

*****

Prescott has been hopping with activities this summer with most of them being inspired and run by our many community volunteers. We can boast our first-ever successful Shakespeare festival; a continuance of Sunday night music concerts at the Kinsmen Amphitheatre; the resumption of the highly successful "Shadows of the Fort" performances; the organization of a River and Rail historical display at the Forwarders' Museum; the VON's successful boat ride and barbecue party last week for our seniors; the sprucing up of King Street properties and buildings.

Fort Towners can be proud of what they have done this summer on a very limited budget and with very few tax dollars. We would like to see our merchants, who are called upon to support so many community activities, get a great deal more patronage from local residents, however.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Take an interest in special education

The Editor;

I am urging all parents who have children with special needs and who have an interest in special education to attend an important meeting Sunday, Aug. 17.

Is your child ready for school? Do you know your child's rights to an all-inclusive education?

All children have the right to learn together. Research shows children do better academically and socially in integrated settings. Inclusive education will help develop relationships and prepare for life in the mainstream.

Come and discuss strategies for improving your child's experience at school. We will provide information, resources, share stories and help you understand any concerns you might have. After all, you are your child's advocate! We want you to have a successful school year for your child.

Location is at the Brockville Fire Hall on Laurier Boulevard from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. For more details, call Suzanne at Integration Action for Inclusion in Education and Community (657-1369).

Suzanne Whitney
RR3 Prescott

VON offers wonderful service to seniors

The Editor;

What a wonderful service the VON is doing in our community.

On Friday, Aug. 8, the public was treated to a lovely boat ride in the fish and game club boat courtesy of the VON. Many seniors took advantage of this outing for a half hour on a beautiful calm day. Some camera buffs were on board and everyone had a great opportunity to view landmarks from the water side.

Upon our return to the marina, our diminutive three dollar ticket also entitled us to a lunch of hot dogs, potato chips and soft drinks. These were enjoyed while sitting in the shade of the bandstand at the amphitheatre.

This is just one of many services the VON offers to seniors.

Bravo, VON!

Let us support it generously!

Louise Mayes
Prescott

Sunday concert was a high note

The Editor;

Anyone who missed the Sunday night free concert with Carm Aubé and his band was unlucky!

We fortunate ones heard the best of old time favourites, jazz and Dixieland. The six musicians were cheered enthusiastically by a good audience, but the icing on the cake was the surprise arrival of two musicians from New York City. The jam session that followed was fantastic!

Luckily, Carm and his band are coming back next year!

Myrne Hart
Prescott

We can learn from nature's example

By Astrid Strader,, Project Controller, Horticulturist and Garden Designer

There's a tie between two people who guessed the name of the wild flower depicted in our Prescott Blossoms logo. Amy Whitehorne from Prescott and Bradley Markell, new to Prescott from Iroquois, guessed the flower to be the milkweed. They each win a wonderful shade perennial called butterbur (Petasites japonica). Each spring, it sends up golden-green shoots with vanilla scented button-like flowers in clusters. Then, before you know it, the dark green leaves appear, growing to three feet across, in the shape of an elephant ear ­ very exotic for around a pond or in a dark corner.

Our logo, specifically, is the showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa), which differs from the silky and green milkweed. Its flower colour is more a soft rose to purple than the other two types (which are paler). As well, the leaves have a heart-shaped base.

This perennial attracts monarch butterflies. In fact, it's the sole food source for monarch caterpillars. You'd think that makes them easy prey to other creatures but nature is so intelligent. This plant is poisonous to all but the monarch and so, birds leave the monarch caterpillars alone. It likes full sun, the grey foliage is a restful colour in a busy landscape and best of all, to me, is the heavenly scent that fills the air from the flowers.

If we follow nature's example, we can learn a lot. Not cutting too much down in the fall, leaving the stems and seed pods on your plants all winter, will provide much needed food and nesting material for birds in the spring, like Baltimore orioles which will use the milkweed's silky seed for nest building.

One of our team members, Lori Harper, will be training with Prescott Tourism staff and volunteers. The goal is to set up a database from surveys taken, of visitors to the area, to assist with planning and development of a more permanent position of tourism co-ordinator.

We really have to acknowledge Jane McGuire from Prescott's Public Library, who gives space, computer and Internet access along with other valuable resources for all of our projects, including this one. "Often tourists from cruise ships come to the library, so we see ourselves as serving much more than just our residents," explains McGuire.

If your friends and neighbours tell you how lovely your front yard or planter box is, then, why not enter the Prescott Community in Bloom competition? Deadline to enter is August 19. Winners of best front yard, business frontage and containers will be announced August 27. Call the municipal office at 925-2812 or email ras@ripnet.com.

Do not bail on Spencerville Fair decorating contest

SPENCERVILLE ­ The Spencerville Fair's round bale decorating contest is still seeking entries.

The categories in the 2003 competition are round bale, porch and lane. Each original display to promote the fair shall include the name of the fair and this year's dates.

The 2002 rules and regulations are applicable.

Prizes will be awarded to the top entries.

Lighting is optional. It is recommended entries be made weather-proof.

For more information or to register for the round bale decorating contest, contact Paula Carmichael at 658-5258.

The 148th edition of the Spencerville Fair runs from Sept. 11-14.

Ministry in song coming to town

PRESCOTT ­ Lighthouse - Ministry in Song will perform at the waterfront amphitheatre Saturday, Aug. 30

Roger and Shirley Pavy are versatile in many different styles of music young and old alike are sure to enjoy.

Lighthouse will also perform twice at Seaway Christian Church Sunday, Aug. 31.

Admission is free; however, a free-will offering will be taken at all presentations.

For performance times or more information, contact Barry Edmondson at 925-5840. Seaway Christian Church is located on Churchill Road.

Make a little music during old-fashioned sing-song

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

On Sunday, Aug. 17 at 7 pm, we are meeting to make a little music. Several people were interested in having an old-fashioned sing-song. Please call if you would like to join us. We would also like to know some of your favorite songs so we can have music and words available. Call 925-5300.

Our next lunch is Friday, Aug. 29 at noon. We plan to have homemade pizza. Please reserve your place.

We are planning the activities for the fall. If you would like to see something new in our program, now is the time to put the idea forward to reserve a time slot. As well, many of our members have talents and interests. If you would be willing to share them with others, please let me know.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Andy Britnell; 2nd, Margaret Nesbitt; door prize, Findlay Hill. Fun bridge ­ 1st, Ruth Wenger. Wednesday night bridge ­ 1st, Andy Britnell; 2nd, Jim Campbell; door, Janet White. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Eddie Arcand; 2nd, Jean McCrady; 3rd, Bea Hemsley; door, Hugh Evely.

Plans for large hog farm in township fall through

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

EDWARDSBURGH - Plans for the construction of a sow barn and quarantine barn for a hog operation at Taylor Made Farms on Chambers Road have fallen through.

The Taylors (Fred and Peggy) obtained a permit in July which would allow for them to build a 7,600-square-foot sow barn and a 3,696-square-foot quarantine barn.

The two barns would have allowed the farm to keep 2,500 sows and 48 boars for the production of wieners.

According to the owner of Taylor Made Farms, Fred Taylor, the plans to start building the operation in the spring of 2004 fell through with their partners in the deal.

"The lead individuals don't build unless there is a contract with the packer," said Taylor. "Unfortunately the hog industry is on a multi-year downturn and we couldn't get a packer contract there."

Taylor indicated their farm would have employed between 8-10 people in the community.

Township building inspector Terry Peacock indicated their plans had gone through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and met with approval.

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food agricultural engineer, Stephen Clarke explained the process of the approval.

"They have to provide a nutrient management plan, detail the layout of the farm showing adequate separation distances between neighbours and buildings. They also have to have at least 240 days of cold storage, which I believe the Taylors had over a year's worth."

Clarke continued to explain the requirements to get approval from the ministry are in place to help guard against future problems.

"The whole plan is to minimize the chances of groundwater and surface water contamination," explained Clarke. "It's also a recommended practice to inform the neighbours, but it is not required."

The building permit was issued as per a survey of the property, a nutrient management plan and a general review by Johnson Engineering.

Ward Two Councillor and planning committee chair Peter Martin indicated he had heard of the project, but just in general details. Martin added he was unaware of any concerns being expressed by neighbours or other members of the community about issues such as groundwater contamination.

"There haven't been any complaints that I'm aware of," said Martin.

Taylor explained there really were not any major hurdles that had to be overcome in the planning of the hog operation.

"There's not really much to tell," explained Taylor. "I know there's controversy in other parts of the province, but we're lucky to be in an area that's pretty agricultural-based. I can't say we ran into any political roadblocks along the way, but we also followed all the rules. It's somewhat disappointing, but it's also reality."

Sea Sharks swim to first place

PRESCOTT - The Cardinal Sea Sharks had a strong showing as they swam to a first place finish at the Piranhas swim meet Saturday in Prescott.

More than 35 swimmers from Cardinal took part in the meet for coach Lindsay Kitchen, winning three overall medals, including Katelind Biccum as the top girl six years old and under, Carrie Calhoun as the top 11 and 12 year old girl and Kristen Jessome as the top 13 and 14 year old girl.

Other notable Sea Shark finishes include:

Girls six and under

Melanie Riddell, fourth, freestyle and breast stroke

Katelind Biccum, first, butterfly and breast stroke; second, freestyle

Boys six and under

Bradley Doesnard, second, butterfly; fourth, freestyle and breast stroke

Jake Buchanan, fifth, butterfly; seventh, breast stroke; eighth, freestyle

Ryan Leggo, first, freestyle, butterfly and breast stroke

Jonas Grant, third, breast stroke

Kyle Peeler, third, butterfly; sixth, freestyle and breast stroke

Girls seven and eight

Taylor Bonvie, third, freestyle and butterfly; fourth, breast stroke

Boys seven and eight

Gunner Gill, fourth, backcrawl; fifth, breast stroke; seventh, freestyle

Austin Wickware, eighth, backcrawl

Jesse Buchanan, third, freestyle; fifth, backcrawl

Girls nine and ten

MacKenzie Gill, second, breast stroke; fourth, individual medley

Erin Douesnard, sixth, individual medley

Dawn Wright, fifth, backcrawl

Audrey DeJong, second, butterfly; sixth, freestyle and backcrawl

Boys nine and ten

Shane Riddell, first, butterfly; second, backcrawl; third, individual medley

Billy Myers, third, backcrawl

Devon Bonvie, fourth, individual medley; sixth, freestyle

Brandon Peeler, fourth, backcrawl

Girls 11 and 12

Carrie Calhoun, first, individual medley, freestyle and butterfly

Holly Alexander, second, butterfly and individual medley; fourth, freestyle

Chelsea Edwards, first, breast stroke; second, freestyle

Jennifer Schrader, fourth, breast stroke

Brittany Myers, fifth, butterfly and backcrawl

Brittany Leggo, fourth, butterfly; sixth, breast stroke

Charlene Smith, fourth, breast stroke; sixth, freestyle

Boys 11 and 12

Danny Calhoun, second, butterfly; fourth, breast stroke; fifth, freestyle

Girls 13 and 14

Krista Schrader, fourth, individual medley

Amanda Smith, first, backcrawl; second, breast stroke; fourth, freestyle

Amanda Riddell, sixth, individual medley

Kristen Jessome, first, individual medley and butterfly; second, freestyle

Girls 15 and over

Whitney Kitchen, second, freestyle and breast stroke

Relay

Girls seven and eight (Taylor Bonvie, Katelind Biccum, Melanie Riddell), fifth, freestyle and medley

Boys seven and eight (Jake Buchanan, Bradley Douesnard, Kyle Peeler, Austin Wickware), sixth, freestyle and medley

Boys seven and eight (Jesse Buchanan, Ryan Leggo, Gunner Gill), first, medley; second, freestyle

Girls nine and ten (Erin Douesnard, MacKenzie Gill, Audrey DeJong, Dawn Wright), third, freestyle and medley

Boys nine and ten (Michael Edwards, Billy Myers, Brandon Peeler), second, medley; fourth, freestyle

Boys nine and ten (Shane Riddell, Devon Bonvie, Nathan Biccum), first, medley; second, freestyle

Girls 11 and 12 (Carrie Calhoun, Holly Alexander, Chelsea Edwards), first, freestyle and medley

Girls 11 and 12 (Jennifer Schrader, Brittany Myers, Brittany Leggo), second, freestyle and medley

Girls 13 and 14 (Charlene Smith, Amanda Smith, Amanda Riddell), second, freestyle; third, medley

Girls 15 and over (Whitney Kitchen, Kristen Jessome, Krista Schrader), first, freestyle; second, medley

Committee wants protocols set

COUNCIL NEWS

SPENCERVILLE - The administration committee's minutes from its July 23 meeting shows it is seeking to set a series of uniform protocols for all committees and council to follow.

"This is just an outline for how each of the committees looks at the protocol," said administration committee chair and Ward One Councillor Peggy Taylor. "It's just a formula for all the committees to look at the protocol and see how it's supposed to work."

Members of the administration committee have looked at drafting mandates for all committees, financial requirements for committees that maintain their own bank account and the responsibility of the chair to review and revise minutes prior to council approval.

Other issues the committee is looking at include how the adoption of committee minutes is dealt with in cases in which not all recommendations are adopted, the overlapping of the procedural bylaw with committee protocols and staff attendance at committee meetings.

Many suggestions were discussed including the possibility of recording of minutes and that committee minutes should include greater detail of reasons for and against recommendations so that those not on the committee can fully understand both sides of an issue and recording meetings with the recording to form the record of the meeting.

At the committee meeting township CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald noted for the record he took offence to correspondence from Sharan Mathieu and Evelyn Mallett received July 16 regarding omissions and oversights in the minutes of the June 25 administration committee meeting.

The committee protocols will be revised and circulated to
the administration committee
for review prior to being circulated to council and other committees.

Township cuts engineering deal

CARDINAL - The township will not have to pay anything in engineering costs for the renovations required to move the Cardinal Public Library into the former Cardinal municipal office.

At the July 23 meeting of the Cardinal Library Relocation Ad Hoc Committee, Ward Two Councillor Peter Martin of Peter E. Martin Engineering Ltd. has been retained by the township to provide engineering services related to the renovations for the future site for the library.

"We will be having Peter Martin do the engineering work for about $2,500 to $3,000," explained Mayor Dave Dobbie. "When the municipality gives him a cheque for his work, Mr. Martin will then donate the money back to the municipality for a tax receipt."

The councillor's services were retained following a review of the committee drawings of the existing floor plan of the municipal office and a concept drawing of the proposed library prepared by Martin.

Martin declared an interest on the subject at last Monday's regular council meeting, at which the retention of his services was brought to council.

At the July 23 meeting, renovations to accommodate the general office area, children's area, location of computers, reference area and bookshelves were discussed, which should result in a much larger, more user-friendly library.

Dobbie indicated the project is moving ahead as the drawings and specifications would be ready for tender by the end of August, and tenders to be awarded Sept. 15.

Calling all cars for Spencerville Fair demolition derby

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - Local gear heads should be getting their cars ready for some mud and mayhem with the Spencerville Fair Demolition Derby about a month away.

The derby is set for the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 14 and figures to once again be one of the fair's most popular events.

Last year's derby packed the grandstands and featured more than 40 cars looking to take home bragging rights.

Spencerville Fair Board President Sheila Bush is looking forward to the event since it's constantly been a big draw for the fair.

"It's done really well," said Bush. "It's been increasing every year and we're hoping to get at least the same number of contestants as last year."

Spencerville Fair Board Treasurer Rod Norton added, "It's been a good event for Sunday. We usually get about 40 cars in it, and it's great for the family and drivers; everyone really seems to enjoy it."

Bush indicated there is one addition to this year's event.

"This year there will be a truck entry," explained Bush. "This is going to be new this year, and we hope everyone will enjoy it."

Any North American hard-top sedan or wagon made in 1980 or after is eligible to compete, with convertibles, jeeps, limos, checker cabs and imperials not being permitted entry.

This year's derby will have a four-cylinder class in which cars from all years and imports can compete.

Trucks wanting to enter must be either half-ton or three quarters-ton trucks, with 4x4s or one ton trucks not permitted entry.

"We just want to remind everyone about this so they can get their cars ready," said Norton. "We're hoping for another good show."

In order to take part in the competition, drivers must have their cars inspected and attend all drivers meetings on the day of the competition.

Entry forms and rule sheets can be obtained by contacting Sheila Bush at 657-3593, Jeff Roddick at 658-2778 or Rod Norton at 925-5233.

OPP NEWS

Some drivers must show more patience

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Motorists are being advised to keep their cool in construction zones.

Grenville County OPP are issuing the warning in response to complaints from workers at road project sites in the region. Constable Holly Howard notes one area of concern is Charleville Road near the 4th Concession north of Maynard, where Augusta crews have been installing new culverts.

Howard points out the people who hold the "slow/stop" signs at construction sites are just doing their job and should be respected. Failing to follow their instructions could result in a fine or, depending on the complaint, a criminal charge of dangerous driving.

Motorists are not to drive through or around a stopped lane in a construction zone. Drivers are being asked to consider leaving earlier or taking an alternate route whenever possible.

Wearing a bicycle helmet pays off

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Parents could pay the price if their children are caught without a bicycle helmet, according to Grenville County OPP.

Community Services Officer, Constable Holly Howard, says warnings have been repeatedly issued to the same groups of youngsters in certain urban areas patrolled by the OPP. The constable notes it is the responsibility of parents to ensure their children under the age of 18 wear helmets when riding bicycles.

Howard points out many youngsters consistently wear their helmets, something police have noticed. In some cases, they have been rewarded by receiving free ice cream treats from Dairy Queen.

In thanking children who do wear their helmets and follow the rules of the road, the constable reminds others future warnings may be issued in the form of tickets written to their parents.

The fine for anyone under 18 not wearing a bicycle helmet is $65 plus a surcharge of $15.

"Helmets are like seat belts," says Howard. "They save lives, and they are the law."

CARDINAL'S PAST

Homes and yards buried in debris by thunderstorm

Aug. 7, 1963

* Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Bottan were honoured by relatives and friends at a surprise party held at the home of their daughter Anna and her husband Gary Linnen on the occasion of their 25th wedding anniversary. A dainty lunch was served by the hostesses, Mrs. Lloyd Morris, Mrs. Armand Bottan and Mrs. Gary Linnen.

Aug. 8, 1973

* About 400 members of Local 483 United Food Processors of the Retail and Department Store Union employed at Canada Starch in Cardinal walked off the job and set up picket lines at midnight last Wednesday, closing the town's only industry for the second time in four years. In the 1969 strike, the plant was closed for two months.

There were reports of vandalism against company property the first two nights of the strike and on at least two occasions the OPP have been called in to escort staff members across the picket lines.

The company is seeking a two-year contract and has offered an average increase of 64 cents per hour in wages over 24 months with improvements in pensions, shift bonus and paid-up life insurance for personnel retiring after Aug. 1, 1973.

Union Local President Ron Patrick said issues in dispute include increased wages, shift bonus, tool allowance, recognized holidays and an improved prescription drug plan.

Aug. 10, 1983

* Homes and yards were buried in debris following the violent thunderstorm that hit Cardinal Monday afternoon. Parts of the village were without power for several hours. The area north of Highway 2 in the east end of the village suffered the most damage. Huge trees were uprooted and fell across hydro lines. Tornado-force winds, rain, hail and pitch black skies combined to leave the path of destruction.

Ken Seymour golf tournament tees off Aug. 22

PRESCOTT ­ There is still time to take part in the Ken Seymour Endowment Fund Classic golf tournament.

The tournament, the final event in a year-long series of fundraisers for the Kemptville District Hospital fund named in memory of the founder of Kriska Transportation, will take place Friday, Aug. 22 at the Smiths Falls Golf and Country Club.

A few spots are still available. Walk-on golfers will be accommodated, space permitting. For an extra donation, golfers can add an NHL player or golf professional to their foursome.

Anyone interested in playing or sponsoring is asked to contact Kathleen Cole at Kriska (925-5903, ext. 2269) by this Friday, Aug. 15.

The endowment fund has already surpassed its goal of raising $100,000 for the hospital foundation.

Chamber of Commerce to host big sale

PRESCOTT ­ The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce will be holding its third annual community garage sale Saturday, Aug. 23 at clock tower square.

Many of the items available at the sale are from discontinued stock donated by local businesses. Although the Chamber has already received a significant amount of material for the sale, additional items can be taken to the clock tower prior to the start of the sale at 8 am.

A few more Chamber members are needed to pitch in on sale day. For more information, call Keeley Moure at 345-3905.

Proceeds from the sale go to a Chamber of Commerce fund that supports community events.

Piranhas finish third as they host regional swim meet

PRESCOTT - The Piranhas swam to a third place finish as Prescott hosted its annual swim meet Saturday at the municipal pool.

Prescott managed a third place finish, after four Piranhas won medals as the top swimmers in their age groups.

Jackie Mills was named the top nine and ten year old girl, Kevin Cummings was named the top nine and ten year old boy, Jacob Hayes the top 11 and 12 year old boy and Amanda Blue the top girl 15 and older.

Other notable Piranhas results include:

Girls six and under

Emily Crozier, second, backcrawl; third, freestyle and breast stroke

Girls seven and eight

Mallory Gilson, fourth, freestyle and backcrawl

Boys seven and eight

Brett Van Stralen, fifth, butterfly

Holden James, eighth, butterfly

Connor James, third, breast stroke; fifth, freestyle; seventh, butterfly

Matt Fox, first, butterfly and backcrawl; second, individual medley

Adam Norton, fifth, individual medley; sixth, breast stroke; eighth, freestyle

Greg Bradley, third, backcrawl; sixth, butterfly; seventh, breast stroke

Girls nine and ten

Jackie Mills, first, individual medley, freestyle and butterfly

Shannon Steenwyk, sixth, breast stroke

Boys nine and ten

Kevin Cummings, first, individual medley and backcrawl; second, freestyle

Kris Bradley, sixth, backcrawl

Dan Mills, second, butterfly; fourth, breast stroke

Alex Breedon, fifth, backcrawl

Braeden Smith, sixth, breast stroke

Girls 11 and 12

Sarah Steenwyk, second, backcrawl and breast stroke; sixth, individual medley

Charlotte Rothgeb, fifth, individual medley and freestyle

Hope Dalton, third, breast stroke

Boys 11 and 12

Jacob Hayes, first, butterfly; second, individual medley and freestyle

Girls 13 and 14

Amy Mills, fifth, individual medley and breast stroke; sixth, backcrawl

Kim Murdoch, third, individual medley; fifth, butterfly

Michelle Mills, third, backcrawl

Boys 13 and 14

Nathaniel Hayes, first, breast stroke; second, freestyle; third, individual medley

Girls 15 and over

Amanda Blue, first, individual medley, freestyle and breast stroke

Relay

Girls eight and under (Mallory Gilson, Emily Crozier, Leigha Gilson), fourth, freestyle and medley

Boys eight and under (Adam Norton, Greg Bradley, Matt Fox, Brett Van Stralen), third, freestyle and medley

Boys eight and under (Connor James, Holden James, Jacob James), fourth, freestyle and medley

Girls nine and ten (Sarah Norton, Shannon Steenwyk, Michaela Mills, Jackie Mills), fourth, medley; fifth, freestyle

Boys nine and ten (Dan Mills, Alex Breedon, Kris Bradley, Braeden Smith), third, freestyle and medley

Girls 11 and 12 (Nicole Gilson, Sarah Steenwyk, Holly Crozier, Hope Dalton, Charlotte Rothgeg), fourth, freestyle and medley

Boys 13 and 14 (Nathaniel Hayes, Jacob Hayes, Kevin Cummings), first, freestyle and medley

Girls 15 and over (Amanda Blue, Kim Murdoch, Amy Mills, Michelle Mills), first, medley; second, freestyle

Johnstown takes fourth at meet

PRESCOTT - The Johnstown Bear Paws swim team managed a fourth place finish at the Piranhas swim meet Saturday in Prescott.

Johnstown managed to win three overall medals as Payton Marriner won the boys seven and eight year old age group, Alex Marriner won the girls 13 and 14 year old age group and Eric Hendricks won the boys 15 and over age group.

Other notable Johnstown finishes include:

Boys six and under

Liam Rooney, second, backcrawl; third, freestyle; fifth, breast stroke

Girls seven and eight

Kristina Bain, third, individual medley; seventh, butterfly and breast stroke

Boys seven and eight

Colin Reynolds, second, freestyle; third, individual medley; sixth, backcrawl

Payton Marriner, first, freestyle, breast stroke and individual medley

Girls nine and ten

Pam Kenney, first, backcrawl; fourth, freestyle

Boys nine and ten

Jacob Scott, second, breast stroke; fourth, freestyle

Boys 11 and 12

Jacob Piette, third, backcrawl

Cameron Versteegen, second, breast stroke; fifth, individual medley

Girls 13 and 14

Brittany Morier, second, butterfly; fifth, freestyle

Shauna Walker, sixth, breast stroke

Alex Marriner, first, freestyle and breast stroke; second, backcrawl

Boys 15 and over

Eric Hendricks, first, freestyle, backcrawl and breast stroke

Relays

Boys eight and under, first, freestyle; second, medley

Girls nine and ten, sixth, freestyle and
medley

Boys 11 and 12, second, freestyle and medley

Girls 13 and 14, first, freestyle and
medley

Prescott Pirates sweep way into minor baseball finals

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Pirates are set to battle for the Upper Canada Minor Boys Baseball Division title this week after they completed a sweep of Morrisburg in the semi-finals July 29.

The Pirates squad which finished with an undefeated 16-0-1 record on the season, finished second in the league with 33 points to Mountain, which played five more games on the season and finished with 34 points.

Prescott took on Morrisburg in the best-of-three semi-final playoff series, coming away with a pair of 13-5 wins for a berth in the final.

On July 25, the Pirates took a 1-0 series lead as Prescott defeated Morrisburg with pitchers Lee Charlebois and Lucas Stitt combining for seven strikeouts. The duo allowed only four hits in their four-inning stint on the mound.

Aggressive base running allowed Prescott to get on the board quickly as Stitt and Ben Hutton led the team with a pair of hits, while Pat Froom, Mason Williams, Jarrett Pitt, Richard Joudoin, Cory Wilson, Ryan Van Stralen and Ric Champagne each had hits.

Tim Kappax continued his strong play at third base, while Williams, a catcher, managed a highlight reel play, picking a runner off third.

On July 29, Prescott completed its sweep of Morrisburg. The strong arm of Clark Seymour got the Pirates off to a good start as he struck out nine batters in three innings of work.

Relievers Froom and Wilson combined for four strikeouts to complete the game as Pirates pitchers only allowed a total of two hits.

Williams and Seymour led Prescott at the plate with a pair of hits each, while Stitt, Charlebois, Froom, Joudoin, Wilson, Champagne and Charlebois each had hits.

Shortstop Matt Leonard managed to end a late Morrisburg rally to end the game.

The Pirates now move on to compete against Winchester Red in the league championship series, which opened in Prescott last night. Winchester Red finished the regular season fourth in
the standings with a record of 11-8-0.

Challenge cup title in Boston for four local hockey players

MARLBORO - Four skaters from the South Grenville area got a chance to play some American competition as they joined up with the Bonnie Castle Kings junior midget hockey team to capture the Boston Challenge Cup in Marlboro, Massachusetts Aug. 2 and Aug. 3.

Goaltender Kevin Beach, defenceman Ryan Sullivan, forward Ryan Landon, forward Jeams Hurley and defenceman Patrick O'Neil, who are all from South Grenville and regularly play within the region, took part in the highly successful showing.

The Kings opened the tournament with a 6-2 win over the New Jersey American Eagles, before notching its other preliminary round victory over Team Massachusetts 5-2.

The Kings battled the American Eagles again in Sunday's final in a very heated contest.

The Kings drew first blood as Brandon Kelley scored to give Bonnie Castle a 1-0 lead, before allowing the team from New Jersey to storm back to take a 4-1 lead over the Kings heading into the third period.

Kings players fought back tooth and nail to manage to put up a flurry of goals on the board from David McGlade, Kelley and Justin Galvin to pull within one goal with a minute left in regulation. McGlade was able to tie the game at five as he scored with 13 seconds left.

Building on their momentum, Galvin was able to make his way to the net to score the game winner two minutes into the overtime period.

Trio of aces at PGC in last two weeks

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Golf Club has seen a trio of holes-in-one the past two weeks.

The first of three aces was recorded July 28 by Bob MacVicar, while using an eight iron on the 148-yard, 4th hole.

MacVicar's hole-in-one was witnessed by Bob Mayes.

On Aug. 2, Mike Hall notched a hole-in-one on the 162-yard, hole 9, while using his seven iron. Hall's ace was witnessed by Glenn Legace and Mike Fermoyle.

On Aug. 4, Jack Edmunds managed to drain his shot on the club's 128-yard 19th hole (old #7), while using a four iron. Edmunds claims to have made the shot by blading the shot, causing a severe hook around the old water cooler, before hitting a rake at the back of the bunker which caused the ball to backspin into the hole. Edmunds ace was witnessed by Cal Polite, Steve Daoust and John Grier.

Colpitts nets four in victory

PRESCOTT - Most Prescott and District Soccer Association games proceeded this past week despite the poor weather..

One of the most notable performances of the week saw Coleman Colpitts score four goals to lead Mac's Convenience Stores to a 14-0 win over TD Canada Trust in the Prescott and District Soccer Association's Under-10 action.

Nick Heykoop and Jamie Sturgeon each added a hat trick for Mac's while Dylan Dorey added a pair and Sam Cleary and Dawn Wright each added singles.

Under-16

DWJ Plumbing & Sons 3

Nick Maggio (2), Kyle Edmondson

Grenville Towing 3

Evan Lavallee (3)

Hartley Sports 5

Chad Hyland (3), Nicholas Wert, Jacob Piette

Kriska Holdings Ltd. 5

Matthew Deeks (4), Kristian Knapp

Grenville Packaging

Southport

Cancelled due to rain

Canadian Tire

Watermark Printing

Cancelled due to rain

Under-12

Seaway Valley Pharmacy

Beach Home Hardware

Cancelled due to rain

Kriska Holdings Ltd.

B.W. Freer Electrical

Cancelled due to rain

Shriners

Giant Tiger

Cancelled due to rain

Grenville Castings

Hansen's Kavity Kickers

Cancelled due to rain

Under-10

Seaway Physiotherapy 4

Dillon Stoddard (3), Spencer Lee

Splash Well Drilling 1

Ryan Van Stralen

Mac's Convenience Stores 14

Coleman Colpitts (4), Nick Heykoop (3), Jamie Sturgeon (3), Dylan Dorey (2), Sam Cleary, Dawn Wright

TD Canada Trust 0

No goal scorers

Colour Pallette 1

Phillip Biccum

Grenville Pharmacy 0

No goal scorers

Splash Well Drilling 6

Ryan Van Stralen (6)

Royal Bank 4

Austin Murphy (4)

Colour Pallette 1

Phillip Biccum

Prescott Kinsmen 0

No goal scorers

Playit Star 5

Damien Van hyning (2), Alex Stephenson (2), Jake Ranger

Danani Flooring 0

No goal scorers

Mac's Convenience Stores 5

Coleman Colpitts (2), Jamie Sturgeon (2), Nick Heykoop

Kiwanis 2

Ryan Maggio (2)

Prescott Kinsmen 3

Drew Johnston (3)

Royal Bank 2

Austin Murphy (2)

Grenville Pharmacy 3

Tyson Bertrend (3)

Kiwanis 2

Chris Hendriks, Ryan Maggio

Playit Star 6

Michael Lawless (3), Brendan O'Hanlon (2), Alex Stephenson

Seaway Physiotherapy 0

No goal scorers

Under-8

Prophet's Trophies 2

Nicholas Ladoucer, Cristian Zahn

Windmill Web Inc. 2

Patrick Purcell, Matthew Scott

Playit Star 2

Curtis Ross, Aaron Scott

Compendium Group Inc. 1

Broydon Stufko

M.T.J.B. 8

Alex Boswall (3), Dillan Ault (2), Devontay McNeil (2), Brianna Malcolmnson

Prophet's Trophies 1

Nicholas Ladoucer

Playit Star 8

Curtis Ross (3), Emma Selleck (2), Aaron Scott (2), Alex Modler

Tropical Pools 1

Dakota Thauvette

Windmill Web Inc. 5

Matt Fox (3), Matthew Scott, Patrick
Purcell

Hometown Heating 0

No goal scorers

Prescott IDA 7

John Lawless (6), William Barkley

Hometown Heating 2

Matthew Pettem (2)

Tropical Pools 4

Dakota Thuvette (4)

S.L. Printing Devils 4

Paul Dejong (4)

Prescott IDA 5

Zack Sukunda (3), John Lawless (2)

S.L. Printing Devils 0

No goal scorers

Under-6

Chevron Construction 2

Star Security 0

Win by default

Prescott Chiros 7

Mason Wyatt (4), Zach Shankar (2), Cody Dietschweiler

Beck's Construction 0

No goal scorers

Grenville Fish and Game 2

Payton Selleck (2)

Tichborne Auto Supply 2

Jacob James, Hayley Carr

Beck's Construction 3

Liam Bush, Jonathon Ferguson, Logan Shannon

Tichborne Auto Supply 1

Jordie Bernier

Prescott Chiros 7

Zach Shankar (5), Mason Wyatt, Jacob Amell

Chevron Construction 0

No goal scorers

Star Security 0

Playit Star 0

Double default

Riddell wins third race

BROCKVILLE - Cardinal's Jason Riddell continued his strong showing in the Sportsman main class as he scored his third win of the season Friday at Brockville Speedway.

After one early race caution, it was green flag for the remainder of the 20-lap race, with Riddell leading all the way to pick up his third win of the season.

Spencerville to host Labour Day slo-pitch tournament

SPENCERVILLE - Get your glove and bat ready for a Labour Day Weekend Slo-Pitch Tournament Aug. 27 to Aug. 30.

The weekend tournament will take place on the Spencerville Fair Grounds as a fundraiser to build lights for the back diamond in Spencerville.

The tournament is set up for mixed teams to compete, with each team required to have a minimum of six men and four women.

The deadline for entry is Aug. 24; registration is open to the first 16 teams.

For more information or to register, contact Chris McIntyre at 658-2052.

Playoffs start for Under-6 and Under-8 teams this week

PRESCOTT - Playoffs started yesterday in the Prescott and District Soccer Association's Under-8 division, while the Under-6 division is set to begin this weekend.

Under-8 league games will run tomorrow night starting at 6 pm, while Under-6 playoff games will start Saturday beginning at 9 am.

The Prescott Chiros were crowned the Under-6 division regular season champions with an undefeated 14-0-2 record, while Prescott IDA were the Under-8 division regular season champions after finishing with a 14-3 record.

Other division playoff series are expected to begin in the next week.

South Grenville Jr. B Rangers to hold tryouts next week

SPENCERVILLE - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers will be holding tryouts starting Aug. 19 at the Edwardsburgh Community Centre in Spencerville.

The team will run three tryout sessions: Aug. 19 from 9 pm until 10:30 pm, Aug. 21 from 9 pm until 10:30 pm and Aug. 24. from 7 pm until 9 pm.

Players attending the camp are guaranteed five hours of ice time and will be given the chance to gauge their talents against other players looking for a spot on th club.

For more information contact Team Manager Dennis Van Liut in the evenings at 925-3012.

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