VOL. 173, NO. 45~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ November 5, 2003

Disbandment can proceed

Court rules in favour of town bid to switch to OPP service, but appeal is a possibility

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The Town of Prescott can proceed with a plan to disband its municipal police department, a court has ruled.

However, the future of policing in the Fort Town remains up in the air.

In a decision released Monday, the divisional court of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto ruled in favour of the town's challenge of a 2001 decision made by the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services (OCCOPS). At that time, OCCOPS indicated it would not permit disbandment of the Prescott Police Service as part of a proposal that would see the Ontario Provincial Police perform law enforcement duties in town.

The town and its police services board asked for a judicial review of the OCCOPS position; a hearing took place June 13 in Toronto.

In its ruling, a three-judge panel indicated OCCOPS does not have the authority to direct the OPP to submit to binding arbitration. OCCOPS had stated it would reconsider the disbandment request if the provincial police agreed to binding arbitration with Prescott Police Constable Darren Davis, a former OPP officer who is the only uniform member of the municipal department the provincial police refused to hire as part of taking over service in Prescott.

Other conditions OCCOPS had placed on reconsidering its decision have been addressed. Therefore, the court ruled the town's application should be allowed. "The special expertise of the commission cannot be doubted," the judgment states. "The matter at issue in this appeal, however, is not one which requires or needs to rely on that expertise."

In addition to the town and the OPP, OCCOPS and the association representing Prescott officers took part in the judicial review.

OCCOPS spokesperson Margo Boyd told The Journal Tuesday morning the commission is still reviewing the ruling. The subject will be on the agenda at the next committee meeting scheduled for Nov. 10, according to Boyd.

It is believed an appeal can be filed within 30 days of the decision.

The court's ruling was announced at a town council meeting Monday night. Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn said there are still many unanswered questions with respect to the decision, the appeals process and where the town goes from here. The current council term ends in about one month. "It would appear... a decision cannot be implemented by this council," the mayor said.

Some members of council indicated the OPP should be asked if there are any changes to the cost of providing municipal policing in Prescott. Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead said variables other than costing should also be considered. The municipal department should be allowed to state its case if it chooses to do so, according to Beckstead.

The municipality pays just over $1 million per year for policing. Concerns about the cost of upgrading the municipal department to meet new police standards imposed by the province, and access to police-related resources, were among the main reasons cited for switching to the OPP.

Beckstead said she would like to know if those standards have changed. A new Liberal government is now in place in Ontario.

Although it was acknowledged the incoming council would have to address the ongoing uncertainty facing local police, no one spoke against disbanding the department. "We made a decision; the reasons are still valid," Councillor Terry McConnell said.

Several civilian positions, most of which involve emergency dispatch services based at the Prescott, fire and police hall, would likely be eliminated as part of a switch to OPP.

THIS WEEK

Catholic school board trustee to be elected

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Supporters of the English Catholic school board have two trustee candidates from which to choose in Grenville County.

Incumbent Tony Jozefowicz is being challenged by Brent Laton. The area represented by the local trustee includes Augusta, Prescott and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.

School board trustees are being elected to three-year terms as part of the Nov. 10 municipal election; voters cast ballots for trustee at the same time they vote for council positions.

Trustees representing South Grenville on the English public, French public and French Catholic district school boards have been acclaimed.

Commencement set for Saturday at SGDHS

PRESCOTT ­ South Grenville District High School will host its 2002/2003 commencement this Saturday, Nov. 8 at 2 pm at the school.

The annual event will feature award and diploma presentations involving OAC and Grade 12 students who graduated in June. The event is open to the public; refreshments will be served following the presentations.

The annual awards assembly will take place Monday at 12:05 pm.

Alzheimer telethon to be held Sunday

BROCKVILLE ­ The annual telethon in support of the Alzheimer Society of Leeds-Grenville will take place Sunday, Nov. 9 from noon to 5 pm.

The event will be based at 1000 Islands Mall in Brockville. The public is invited to attend.

Call 345-7392 to make a pledge.

Winter parking rules are now in effect

PRESCOTT ­ Winter does not officially arrive for nearly seven weeks, but Prescott's seasonal overnight parking restriction is now in effect.

As of Nov. 1, vehicles are not to be parked on public roadways in town from midnight to 7 am. The winter restriction ends in April.

Municipal election is Nov. 10

Prescott voters to elect mayor and six councillors

PRESCOTT ­ It is down to the wire for the 14 candidates vying for spots on Prescott council.

With the Nov. 10 municipal election only a few days away, many of the candidates continue to shore up support by going door to door and taking their message to the voters.

"I am not hearing a lot about issues," said Mayor Robert Lawn, the incumbent who is seeking a second term.

Lawn noted the high number of candidates (12 vying for six councillor positions) is being received positively by many voters with whom he has been speaking. "People see that as a healthy thing," he added.

Craig Worden, who is challenging Lawn for the mayor's job, said the response he is receiving has been quite favourable. People want jobs and to see the economy get going, he noted.

Worden, who served as town councillor during the previous term, said he is telling people how much council accomplished in its three years in office and how he would like to continue that work as mayor.

Lawn, who is putting forward his own record during the past three years, noted he has met Worden twice in recent days while going door to door. The two candidates have "a very positive relationship," according to Lawn.

Last-minute campaigning is also on the minds of the 12 people running for town councillor. The candidates are Jeremy Adams, Jo-Anne Beckstead, Kelly Benish, Graham Cudlipp, Garry Dewar, Suzanne Dodge, Jim French, Nancy Lane, Terry McConnell, Sue O'Hanlon, Bob Pelda and Chuck Street.

Beckstead, Dewar, French and McConnell are incumbents.

Where to go

Advance polls for all Prescott voters are being held today (Wednesday) and Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 am to 8 pm at the health centre at 555 King St. W.

On election day (Monday), the polls will be open from 10 am to 8 pm. Polling stations will be located at St. Mark's Parish Centre (for residents of the area east of West Street and south of the CN tracks), St. Joseph School (for voters who live north of the rail line) and the health centre (for those who reside south of the rail line and west of West Street).

Election results will be posted Monday night in Nick's Restaurant on Churchill Road.

Guiding their way along the right path

Local volunteers honoured by national organization

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

SPENCERVILLE ­ Molly Faessen and Ann Grant are two friends who now have something else in common.

The long-time participants in the Guiding movement have received honourary lifetime memberships in the Girl Guides of Canada. More than 150 family members and friends filled the United church hall in Spencerville Sunday afternoon to pay tribute to the honourees.

"They're devoted to the girls, totally," said Diane Jozefowicz, contact guider with 1st Spencerville Girl Guides.

Faessen, who has served 46 years in the movement, became a Guide leader with the 1st Johnstown Guides when she moved to the area in 1967. She joined the 1st Spencerville Brownies in 1974 and has served as Brown Owl since 1976.

"This became her love away from home," Jozefowicz said.

Faessen's involvement with the movement at the local and district level has included trips to India, Finland and Mexico.

"Guiding to me is a family," she told the audience. "I really appreciate each and every one of you (for coming)," she added.

Grant, who founded the 1st Spencerville Girl Guides in 1968, has spent 41 years with the organization. She served as district commissioner from 1974-1980, camp advisor at district and division levels and is currently the area product marketing advisor.

"My father thought it was a good idea to join Girl Guides," Grant said. She went on to state the greatest honour is to receive the recognition at the same time as her friend Faessen, who has been supportive since the two met in the late 1960s.

Letters of congratulation from the prime minister, governor general, premier, MP and MPP were read at the gathering. There were also presentations by some of the girls who belong to local Guide, Brownie and Sparks units.

Limerick District Commissioner Susan Clarke said there are no better ambassadors for the Guiding movement than Faessen and Grant. They have touched so many lives over the years and would be a credit to any organization, Clarke added.

Community service requirement draws mixed response at South Grenville DHS

By Jen Fraser, Journal Co-op Student

PRESCOTT - Students at South Grenville District High School are feeling pressure to volunteer.

This year is the first in which an entire graduating high school class must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community service or their secondary school diploma will be withheld. This policy was introduced in Sept. 1999 by the Ministry of Education. The purpose is "to encourage students to develop a greater sense of civic responsibility and belonging within the community," according to a school board information manual.

Due to the mandatory nature of this policy, many students have been comparing their 40-hour requirement to a court sentence.

"They chose their words very carefully: community 'involvement' instead of community 'service'," commented Scott Irving, a Grade 12 student at the school.

Criminals are sentenced to community service instead of a prison sentence. He also noted he isn't sure what this policy will accomplish. "Its not really possible to make someone care about their community."

There are also several very specific rules that limit the placements students can pursue. For example, students are not allowed to take part in any community service activities that involve the operation of vehicles or power tools, the handling of jewellery, works of art, antiques or other valuables or duties normally performed in the home. These stipulations reduce the number of volunteer opportunities available.

Even with all of this negative perception, there are some people who believe mandatory community service is a good idea.

"Volunteerism is a real boost for the community and students alike," commented South Grenville Principal Brenda Ramsay. She added: "It's a very positive connection, not a punishment."

Contrary to popular belief, it's not only the administration that is in favour of the policy. "I think it's a great idea because it gets kids out there doing things and developing skills they never would have had before," said Tara Murray, a fifth-year student.

"My community involvement made me way more outgoing because you have to meet new people and try new things to do the hours." She is now a member of a few clubs, including Giant Fusion.

The 40 hours must be completed by May of a student's final year. The Upper Canada District School Board recommends students begin work on this requirement early in their high school lives.

Christmas bazaar

PRESCOTT ­ St. John's Anglican Church will host its 2003 Christmas luncheon and bazaar Saturday, Nov. 15 from 11 am to 1 pm in the church hall on James Street West.

Crafts and baked goods will be on sale; there will also be a "touch and take" table.

Ducks Unlimited banquet tickets now on sale

ROEBUCK ­ The annual banquet of the Prescott-area chapter of Ducks Unlimited will take place Friday, Nov. 14 at the Roebuck Community Hall.

The event includes dinner and a silent auction.

For tickets or more information, call Paul Van Luit at 925-3312 or Jim Holmes at 925-4800. Tickets are on sale at all three banks in Prescott and at Knapp's Yamaha.

Town hall renovation project tops $900,000

Return to municipal building expected later this fall

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The first town council meeting in the renovated Dibble Street municipal building will likely take place in early December, according to CAO/Clerk Robert Haller.

The renovation project is going extremely well, Haller said at Monday night's council meeting. Most elements have been or are close to being completed, although there has been a delay with installing the new elevator.

Municipal offices have been housed temporarily in the former bank building at Edward Street and Churchill Road for more than two years. Those offices will soon be returning to the second floor of the renovated Dibble Street building constructed more than 70 years ago for use as a high school.

Haller indicated he is hoping the first council meeting to be held at the renovated town hall will take place Dec. 1, at which time the swearing-in of the incoming council would occur.

As for the cost of renovations, Haller said the project is close to matching the budgeted amount of about $840,000. However, he noted there have been a number of additions and problems that total in the range of $40,000. Among the additions are $3,000 for upgraded ceiling tiles and $1,000 for an additional security door; these measures were approved by council Monday night.

Filling in the old gymnasium floor and preparing the area for possible expansion by the public library cost an additional $40,000.

The town has earmarked funds from the sale of the former PUC to cover renovation costs. The PUC sale as part of the creation of Rideau St. Lawrence generated about $960,000 for the town.

Haller said he expects it will be a week or two after the first council meeting before the renovated building would be ready to host a public open house. Some members of council received an update on the project during a tour of the building Thursday.

Vote-by-mail process is delivering results

MAYNARD ­ With only a few days left in the election campaign, it is expected one of the main goals for instituting the vote-by-mail process in Augusta Township - to increase voter turn-out - will be achieved.

CAO/Clerk-Treasurer Sharon Wilkinson said as of Monday, 37 per cent of eligible voters had returned their vote-by-mail ballots for the Nov. 10 municipal election.

In the 2000 election in Augusta, 37 per cent of the qualified voters cast a ballot using the former system of personally going to one of the many polling booths scattered throughout the township. Wilkinson calculated that figure by averaging all ballots cast for reeve and deputy reeve. There are about 6,200 eligible voters in the township.

Voters were strongly encouraged to return their ballots by mail by this past Monday. Wilkinson said mail posted locally usually reaches the Maynard township office the next day, but "just to be on the safe side," she recommends voters bring in their vote-by-mail kit if it has not been mailed.

All ballots - with the signed voter declaration - will be accepted up to 8 pm Monday, Nov. 10, whether it has been mailed or dropped off at the office. Ballots returned without the declaration will not be counted.

A ballot return station will be set up at the township office today (Nov. 5) from 8:30 am to 8 pm; Thursday, Nov. 6 and Friday, Nov. 7 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm; and Monday, Nov. 10 (election day) from 8:30 am to 8 pm.

Voters can also vote using the traditional three-sided cardboard booth that will be set up at the office Monday between 10 am and 8 pm. People who use this method must still bring in the package.

Any eligible voter who has not yet received the vote-by-mail package can still vote up until Monday at 8 pm at the municipal office by bringing proper identification and swearing a declaration of eligibility.

The office can be reached at 925-4231.

Augusta council seats up for grabs

MAYNARD ­ Voters in Augusta Township have four reeve candidates from which to choose in the Nov. 10 municipal election.

Those making a grab for the top job in Augusta are incumbent George Vail, township political enthusiast Darlene Banning, former councillor John McCrea and former reeve Adrian VanSchie.

Competing for the deputy reeve position are incumbent Doug Barton, current Councillor Bill Buckler and long-time council hopeful Dwain Swerdfiger.

There are three councillor positions up for grabs. The candidates are Pauline Cyr, Gary Ferguson, John Fischl, Wayne Reid and Carol Stephenson.

Town agrees to add gravel

PRESCOTT ­ The town has added a layer of gravel to the contract to build a new road north of Highway 401.

Council agreed last week to have the contractor, Tackaberry Construction, place a minimum layer of gravel on top of the sand fill for the extension of the unnamed road west of Edward Street. Town Engineer Clyde Solomon recommended the moves, noting the contractor pointed out the gravel would protect the sand from rain and wind erosion.

The cost of applying one layer of gravel has been pegged at $11,000.

Existing plans call for the new road to be paved up to the entrance to the Riverside Pontiac Buick dealership to be built near Edward Street. The remainder of the new road will be cleared but not be open for public use right away.

Province-wide smoking policy supported

PRESCOTT ­ Town council is once again calling for a province-wide policy on the issue of smoking in public indoor places.

With a new Ontario government being formed, council agreed last week to support a resolution from the Town of LaSalle that urges the new Liberal regime "...to begin debate and eventual implementation of no smoking within all retail/business/entertainment establishments throughout the province."

Prescott council has not taken a position on the merits of a no-smoking bylaw; however, council is on record as supporting a policy that applies equally to all municipalities in Ontario. Under the current system, each municipality can set its own policy.

November is Diabetes Month

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ November is Diabetes Month, and Canadian Diabetes Association volunteers will be conducting a door-to-door fundraising canvass throughout much of the region.

The Diabetes Education Centre at St. Vincent de Paul Hospital in Brockville is offering a course to help prevent type 2 diabetes from happening to people at risk of developing the disorder. These people might have a family history of diabetes or have slightly higher than normal blood sugar levels.

The first class will be held Thursday, Nov. 13 from 7 to 9 pm in Room 407 at the hospital. For more information or to register, call 342-4461, ext. 2269.

Pranksters caught in the act with wagon on roof

SPENCERVILLE ­ A Halloween tradition has landed several people in trouble with the law.

Grenville County OPP officers interrupted an attempt early Friday morning to place a hay wagon on the roof of a building in Spencerville. Although placing a wagon on the roof of the old bank had been an annual occurrence for many years, similar pranks in recent years have caused considerable damage and led to criminal charges being laid, according to police.

As of Friday morning, officers had arrested seven people in connection with the incident. Police seized paintball guns, open alcohol and a quantity of a controlled substance believed to be marijuana from a vehicle being used as a spotter. A spray-painted banner stating "BOYS ARE BACK 2003" was also seized.

Trespassing notices were issued to five males ranging in age from 16 to 18. The possibility of criminal charges being laid is being considered; no names have been released.

The investigating officers are constables Will Kavanagh, Marty McConnell, Tina Meldrum and Russ Beaton and Sergeant Mike Francis.

High school to host one Giant of a craft show

PRESCOTT ­ The biggest craft show in the area promises to be a big deal.

The 26th annual Giant Arts and Crafts Show will take place Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9 am to 4 pm at South Grenville District High School.

More than 220 tables featuring vendors from across Ontario and Quebec and the United States will be on display at the event, which is presented by the alumni association at South Grenville. Everything from baby clothes and jewellery to furniture and fudge will be on sale at this, the largest event of its kind in the area.

There is a nominal admission fee. Proceeds from the show go to school activities. Entrances will be open at the north and south sides of the school. Four door prize ballot boxes will be placed around the school; great prizes will be drawn at each location.

Also at the show will be a canteen run by high school students; money raised will go to school and team activities. On-site babysitting service will be provided.

Free shuttle bus service between the high school and the clock tower in downtown Prescott will be provided.

For more information on the Giant show, contact Judi Baril at 925-3751.

Cribbage night in the cards

WALKER HOUSE NEWS, MARNIE LIPPIATT

We plan to have an information and "learn how" evening for cribbage Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 7 pm. Cribbage is a good game for two, three or four people. It requires a minimum of space and equipment. It travels well and the rules do not change. We plan to go over the basic rules, counting and some strategies. New players and members are welcome. We will also welcome back those who already enjoy the game. Come and enjoy an evening of crib.

We still have seats at our ham supper Saturday, Nov. 8 at 5:30. I promise the tea will be hot. Call 925-5300.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Ruth Britnell; 2nd, Andy Britnell; door, Jean Farlinger. Fun bridge ­ 1st, Joan Salmon. Wednesday night bridge ­ 1st, Janet White; 2nd, Eleanor Gilligan; door, Charlie Steiner. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Bea Hemsley; 2nd, Mary Reynolds; 3rd, Pat McPhee; door prize, Jean Annable.

Police bag bumper crop

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ A drug eradication program conducted in late summer by the Ontario Provincial Police netted nearly 1,500 marijuana plants, according to information released Friday.

Six OPP drug enforcement officers, 13 OPP uniform officers and six members of the RCMP took part in the blitz in portions of Eastern Ontario in mid-September. On Sept. 16, a grow area was located in a treed area behind a house on Crowder Road in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal. A military helicopter helped police identify the grow area.

More than 1,000 marijuana plants were seized at the property. Raymond Fortin, 41, of Yamaska, Quebec was arrested and charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and production of a controlled substance. His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 14.

In all, about 1,440 plants were seized in South Grenville, North Grenville and Leeds County.

Augusta council is dissolved

MAYNARD ­ The council of Augusta Township was officially dissolved Monday night.

The resolution dissolving the council of Reeve George Vail, Deputy Reeve Doug Barton and councillors Bill Buckler and Jane Fullarton was approved at the last council meeting of the current term.

The new council to be elected Monday will meet for the first time Monday, Dec. 8.

CAO/Clerk-Treasurer Sharon Wilkinson will swear in the elected officials who will take the declaration of appointed office. Wilkinson will then turn the meeting over to the new reeve.

In the event of a disaster, such as an ice storm, the CAO or the current reeve can still call an emergency meeting up until the end of November.

Christmas craft and gift show to be held in Drummond Building

SPENCERVILLE ­ A Christmas craft and gift show will take place Sunday, Nov. 16 from 10 am to 5 pm in the Drummond Building.

The show is being presented by the Spencerville Agricultural Society. For more information, call Carol at 658-3024.

SCHOOL SCENE

Algonquin Public School: Fourteen letters, nine positions and 28 students refers to R-E-S-P-O-N-S-I-B-I-L-I-T-Y, positions of responsibility and the grade 4/5 class. Responsibility is the character trait students have been focusing on in October. In reading assignments, in science classes, on the yard, at home ­ together, home and school have been reinforcing the importance of children taking responsibility for their actions and words.

Weekly assemblies in October focused on responsibility, the same way the September ones focused on friendship. At the end of the month, one class showcases its "Character Counts" work. Last month, the Grade 1 class sang "Count on Me."

This month, the grade 4/5 class prepared two-minute skits/presentations describing the "jobs" they have earned as a result of their letters of application. Jobs include bus monitors, milk monitors, hot lunch cashiers, pizza delivery people (responsible for delivering all hot lunches to the classes), PA announcers, attendance couriers, gym set-up/take-down crews and Grade 1 assistants. Impressive work!

Boundary Street Public School: Wellington House staff and residents invited our primary/junior choir to perform Friday, Oct. 31. This was an opportunity to sing for people in the community and share musical interests.

We will have an assembly Nov. 11 at 10:45 am to honour Remembrance Day. The junior/intermediate choir is scheduled to perform. Poems will be read and student art will be on display. Parents/guardians are welcome to join us.

Picture day is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 12. The Kindergarten 'B' group will have their photos taken Thursday, Nov. 13.

A school council meeting will be held Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 7 pm in the library.

Hot lunch this Friday is subs.

Central Public School: Last week's Halloween Spooktacular was a howling success.

Winners of the colouring contest were: Alex Milburn and Ben Dobson-Bower (JK/SK), Dallas Ray (grade 1/2), Arielle Blaedow (grade 2/3), Brenden Hurlbert (grade 4/5), Kayla Cross (grade 5/6), Paige Levere (grade 7/8).

Top costumes were worn by Joshua Beckstead, Ryan Graham, Brandie Hitsman, Patrick Froom, Shannon Steenwyk, Darcy Seaman-Holden, Max Daku, Ben Shire, Jodie Judd, Ben Pickard, Dillon Hutchinson and Ashley Leizert.

Miss Beaubiah's grade 7/8 class is preparing for Remembrance Day. On Thursday, Nov. 6, her students will be doing some Internet research in Canada's National Archives and the Book of Remembrance to find information on their own family members who served in the First World War. Students will be asking their family members this week to help them identify someone from this war in order to make this a most meaningful activity.

Keep the Canadian Tire money coming!

St. Joseph Catholic School: Congratulations to the following Good Samaritans at St. Joe's for the week of Oct. 27: Daniel Norton, Jessica Francica, Carly Joudoin, Kourtney McNally, Darlene West, Jenny Minish and Jessica McDougall.

Volleyball try-outs for both senior girls and boys continue! We definitely have some budding volleyball stars!

DuPont Canada is sponsoring a science poster contest. All St. Joseph students will be participating. The theme for the posters is "Science Helps Us!" We are looking forward to seeing some great poster ideas. Posters must be handed in to the classroom science teachers by Monday, Nov. 24. There will be cash prizes and a wonderful "science" book as a keepsake.

The Reading Club and the Chess and Checker Club are up and running. The St. Joe's Spirit Squad is currently in the planning stages as is the Christmas Choir!

The school council is presently engaged in Regal fundraising. Ask to see a catalogue.

We are eagerly awaiting the Scholastic Book Fair coming to St. Joe's at the end of November! What a great opportunity for Christmas shopping!

St. Mark Catholic School: Welcome to the month of November. Administration and staff continue their training sessions in early math this week at the CDSBEO in Kemptville. We also have a staff member participating in a Ministry of Education mathematics review Nov. 6 at the Limestone District School Board in Kingston.

Faith ambassadors for the CDSBEO will meet Friday, Nov. 7 in Kemptville.

The All Star Reading Strategy this week is "Unstuck Strategies: Sound it Out."

Hot lunch this week is hamburgers.

On Tuesday, Nov. 11, we will have a Remembrance Day paraliturgy at 11 am in our school gymnasium to honour the bravery of the men and women who served during wartime. We honour our commitment to peace and freedom by remembering the more than one million Canadian men and women who served in uniform ­ and more than 100,000 who paid the ultimate price: their lives.

Lest we forget.

South Edwardsburg Public School: There will be a school council meeting this Thursday, Nov. 6 from 6:30-8 pm. Babysitting will be provided.

Hot lunches are available each Wednesday with the help of our special volunteers. Hot lunch this week is pizza.

The next topic for discussion by student council is the 2003-2004 digital yearbook.

Local branch of Loyalists celebrates 35 years

By Fraser Carr and Don Clunas

On Saturday, Oct. 25, the Colonel Edward Jessup Branch of the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada held its 35th charter meeting at the Snowmobile Club on Charleville Road in Augusta Township, with 47 present.

We were graced by the presence of the Dominion President, Myrna Fox, from Toronto; a former Dominion President and former Gazette Editor, John Chard, who was instrumental in organizing our branch in 1968, especially with the help of Dr. Sterling Leroy Spicer, who lived near Maynard; a local charter member, Gerald Hough who spoke of his memories of Dr. Sterling Spicer who was his neighbour in 1969; members from other branches, Vera Babcock, from Bay of Quinte, President Philip Smart from Kingston Branch and Past-President, Sandra Shouldice from St. Lawrence Branch. We also had one of our own members, Margaret Coulter, come with her husband, Philip, from Oshawa and also Clair and Esther Seeley came from Renfrew.

The ladies of the snowmobile club treated us to a lovely roast beef dinner, including homemade pie.

Our branch President, Myrtle Johnston, related some of our recent activities: participated in the church service at the Presbyterian Church for Brock Days; our work to fix up the neglected Wiltse Cemetery near Athens, abandoned since 1900. Athens Township has cleared and gravelled the 8th line so we could drive to the site. A few members of our executive and others have spent many hours clearing the area of weeds, bushes, trees, fence and fence posts so that we can install a new fence in the near future. The plan is to make the cemetery a memorial place for some of the early settlers of that area.

A display of pictures was made by our president and our Cemetery Project Manager, Don Galna. We welcome volunteers to assist both financially and physically in this project. For progress on this project, check out the Branch's web site at uelac.org and click on Branches, go to Col. Edward Jessup Branch... click on web page.

Our dominion President, Myrna Fox, a Jessup Branch member and descendant of Samuel Street, a Loyalist who settled in Wolford Township, brought greetings from Dominion Council and presented us with a 35th anniversary certificate.

In 2014, we will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the association. As part of the celebration, we are committed to helping restore some of the cemeteries in the united counties, especially those where the original Loyalists are buried.

Our next event is a combined effort with the Leeds & Grenville Genealogy Society. Gavin Watt, a noted writer and speaker, will be talking about the Jessup Rangers who fought on the Loyalist side in the American Revolution. You are invited to attend on Monday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 pm. The meeting will be held at the Brockville Tabernacle, the old Shrine Hall, at 2811 Concession Road 2, just east of Brockville.

Our UE genealogy and historical work continues, remembering our motto, "Because they were loyal - we are Canadian."

Parade just around the corner

PRESCOTT ­ The Prescott Fire Department is celebrating a half century of Santa Claus parades in Prescott this year.

The 2003 edition of the annual night-time parade will take place Friday, Nov. 21.

Instead of a live show, this year's parade will include the lighting of a Christmas tree in clock tower square. See next week's paper for more details.

Halloween night quiet in Prescott: town police

PRESCOTT ­ Halloween night was quiet with no vandalism reported in town, according to the Prescott Police Service.

Eight calls were received between 6 pm and 2 am. Two officers were on duty on King Street; two more were on cruiser patrol, while another was on bicycle patrol.

In all, officers investigated 85 incidents and two motor vehicle collisions during the week of Oct. 27.

On Oct. 29, police received a report three male youths were spray-painting a vehicle on Henry Street. The youths, ages 12 and 13, were apprehended and release to their parents. The vehicle was not damaged. Through this investigation, the youths responsible for the mischief involving vehicles and the Dibble Street municipal building were identified. Constables Terry Foster and Moe Morrissette are continuing the investigation.

A 1998 Honda Civic bearing Ontario plates ANSJ 592 was reported stolen from the parking lot of O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer Oct. 29. The car belongs to an employee at the store. As of early this week, the vehicle had not been recovered. Constable Terry Foster is investigating.

Liquor and a Gameboy were taken from an Edward Street-area residence, town police were told Oct. 29. Constable Foster is the investigating officer.

The constable is also investigating the theft of a stereo from a James Street East residence that was reported Oct. 30. There was also a break and enter reported on Douglas Drive. Taken from that residence was a cell phone as well as a Play Station unit, walkie talkie and charger. The total value exceeds $500.

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.

Flu shot clinics set for Cardinal and Prescott

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ The next influenza immunization clinic open to the public in the Prescott area will be held at the Cardinal and District Community Centre Friday, Nov. 14 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm.

The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is presenting numerous free flu shot clinics throughout the region.

A flu shot clinic will also be held Wednesday, Nov. 26 from 1 to 7 pm at South Grenville District High School in Prescott.

Shots are also available from family physicians. Patients of doctors Bhatt, Kellam, Jaworski and Davies are encouraged to attend a flu shot clinic this Thursday, Nov. 6 from 4 to 6 pm at the King Street West office in Prescott. No appointments are necessary.

Fire destroys stolen car in township

EDWARDSBURGH ­ A car stolen from a County Road 21 residence was found burning on Skakum Road at Patterson Road Oct. 30 at about 7:45 pm. Augusta firefighters extinguished the fire but not before it had destroyed the 1991 Plymouth Acclaim. Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Kavanagh at the Grenville County OPP detachment in Prescott (925-4221).

Home entered during the day

AUGUSTA ­ A daytime break and enter occurred Oct. 31 at a home on Algonquin Road. Entry was gained through a rear window. Stolen from the residence were CDs, assorted jewellery and a camera. Total value is estimated at $5,000.

OPP Constable Runciman is investigating.

Paintball incidents reported

EDWARDSBURGH ­ Several incidents involving paintballs were reported to provincial police Nov. 2. A vehicle travelling on Highway 416 was struck as it passed under the Jochems Road overpass at about 12:30 am. The driver pulled over and spoke to Constable Runciman; the vehicle was not damaged.

Three houses on Goodin Road were paintballed that same night. Other than the mess caused by the paintballs, the buildings were not damaged. Criminal mischief charges are pending; Constable Blanchette is investigating.

Halloween night was fairly quiet

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Only a few incidents were reported Halloween night, according to Grenville County OPP. Officers responded to complaints about firecrackers being set off in Spencerville at about 10 pm, and a 17-year-old Spencerville-area male was charged with trespassing.

Charges laid after vehicles hit by eggs

CARDINAL ­ Six people were arrested when Grenville County OPP responded to a call of eggs being thrown at vehicles on James and Henry streets Thursday night.

Constable Jason Butcher conducted patrols, located two vehicles believed to be involved and arrested the six for mischief. Charged with trespassing are Tyler Jenkins, 21, of Brockville, Tiffanie Halladay, 18, of Cardinal, Leah Garnier, 18, of Edwardsburgh and a 17-year-old from Augusta. Facing charges of littering are Jesse Crawford, 20, and Joseph Armstrong, 20, both of Cardinal.

Three egged vehicles were thoroughly cleaned and a witch stolen from a Halloween display will be replaced, according to police.

Remembrance Day dinner and dance

PRESCOTT ­ Branch 97 of the Royal Canadian Legion will host a Remembrance Day dinner and dance this Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Legion Hall on Henry Street.

A social hour begins at 6 pm, followed by dinner at 7 pm and a dance from 9 pm to 1 am. Music will be provided by the "Revivals."

Provincial Chaplain, the Rev. Sid Horne, will be a special guest at the event.

Tickets are available at the Legion.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Guiding to me is a family."

Molly Faessen, on receiving an honourary life-time membership in the Girl Guides of Canada

Editor's Notebook

THE TIME TO VOTE IS NOW: The campaign has dragged on for more than five weeks, but is now or never when it comes to the municipal election.

Pick a reason, choose a candidate or candidates and get out and vote Monday, Nov. 10 or at an advance poll. See the ads in this newspaper for more details, or call your municipal office.

A reminder to Augusta residents: if you have yet to put your completed ballot in the mail, there is still a chance for you to vote.

Get it in the mail or take the ballot to the township office in Maynard Monday, and if you never got a ballot but you would like to vote, call or visit the municipal office as soon as possible.

Voters should also keep in mind they do not have to vote for the maximum number of councillor positions (six in Prescott, three in Augusta and two in wards one and two in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal). As much as we encourage the electorate to vote for the maximum number of candidates allowed, some voters might not be comfortable choosing someone with whom they are not familiar.

We might regret the choices we make, which is why we should do what we can now to elect those who we believe are the most qualified or will be able to work on our behalf. The bottom line is the candidates have had their chance to state their case and make their pitch; the rest is now up to us.

AND SPEAKING OF CAMPAIGN PROMISES: What a surprise. The new government in Ontario takes a look at the books shortly after the election and discovers its predecessor left Ontario's finances in worse shape than initially suspected. As a result, the new premier announces during his honeymoon the cap on electricity rates will have to be increased.

So, is the premier going back on an election promise or is he merely being pragmatic and realistic given what we have been told is the bloated deficit the province is running? Ultimately, Mr. McGunity and his colleagues will be judged on their overall record and not a deviation from the playbook so early in the game.

We note the fact Mr. Harris and the Progressive Conservatives were widely credited with keeping an election promise ­ getting rid of photo radar ­ at the start of their mandate. Eight years later, that was about the last thing on the minds of millions of Ontarians who decided enough was enough and opted for change or not to vote.

The Liberals will be in tough trying to balance campaign pledges with coffers that are hardly bursting at the seams. Enjoy the honeymoon while it lasts.

Tim Ruhnke

Leacy Freeman House gives six degrees of world history

CLUB HOUSE REMARKS by David Dickenson

After getting a tour of the Leacy Freeman House in Cardinal during a recent social function, I must say I was a little awestruck.

That house which holds not only a long history in the village but to the Freeman family, was something else to see.

It was like six degrees of world history as Mrs. Pamela Freeman Baker guided me and another couple lucky people on a tour of all the family heirlooms and pickups which adorn the walls and grace the shelves.

Each and every item in the home held a link to either a significant event in the family's history or one in the world.

A bunch of old metal fire truck toys her father played with when he was young adorned the toy chest, collectibles gathered from a family member who while in Hong Kong picked up the items at a market where caucasians were not generally welcomed, sat on the shelves.

Pictures of her family during the war during other periods of history were everywhere in the house. You could see really meant a lot to the family were predominantly displayed.

It looked something like one of the old historical three-storey cape houses you would see in movies and brochures of small towns along the east coast.

The one thing which fascinated me to no end was all the different woodwork and stone work in the old archways between rooms, each one was very unique and not exactly like the other. The wood took twists and turns and formed different patterns which intertwined though it looked like it shouldn't have; it truly was a marvel.

After commenting on how unusual it was, Mrs. Freeman Baker explained the work had been done by people who her family had sent to the historically famous Chicago World's Fair to learn the wood working craft from the best there was out there.

Her family's history was unlike any other of anyone else in South Grenville and it rivaled that of the Fulfords in Brockville.

It held the same sort of draw as the Fulford home and history of the area.

Along with the Cardinal Landmark Inn and Legion Park in the immediate area, it could be considered a prime location for history buffs.

Though the house is not open to the public since it is still lived in for most of the year, it's still a very interesting piece of history which has been lost and nearly forgotten about since the closure of the Cardinal Museum in the past couple years.

Even if not in an official museum format, pieces of history and tales of this house and family which hold significance to the village should be passed on with a display somewhere or special event to recognize it.

It was the best history lesson on the region I've had since my days back in OAC history.

Another freak in the vegetable family uprooted in 1933

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Nov. 2, 1933

* Another freak in the vegetable family was brought to The Journal office in the form of Siamese twin pie pumpkins. These came from the garden of George Baker, Domville, and grew from one stem. Each pumpkin is exactly 11 inches long and about 14 inches in circumference.

Nov. 5, 1953

* Roy Henderson, Ventnor and Spencerville, Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, has received the Queen's Silver Medal in commemoration of the coronation. Henderson has been a member of Edwardsburgh Township council for 10 years, and for the past six years has been deputy reeve. He owns and operates a farm near Ventnor, and is also a dealer in farm machinery with a showroom and workshop in Spencerville.

Nov. 7, 1973

*Thirteen-year-old John Barnard, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ted Barnard of Spencerville, was the winner of the high school crest design contest for Centennial '67 Public School in Spencerville. Doug Brunton, principal of Centennial '67, said Barnard's crest would be used on school stationery and uniforms.

Nov. 2, 1983

* The work of local artists is on display at Prescott Public Library throughout November, announced librarian Ann Steiner. The artists, who are all students of teacher Larry Sherman, are Mrs. J.G. Switzer, Mrs. S. Helmsley, Mrs. Hall Hutton, Mrs. Mary Scott and Sister Sarah Howell.

Nov. 3, 1993

* Only 27 per cent of the customers surveyed at Mr. Mugs, the coffee/donut shop at the corner of King and George Streets, are willing to support a smoking bylaw. The local spot caters to a large crowd who stop in for some conversation, a coffee or tea and a smoke.

However, owner Victor Desgens says he decided to participate in the survey to find out what his customers really want. Overall, Desgens discovered 65 per cent of people surveyed would be less frequent customers if the bylaw were in effect.

A hermit's world is as secure as his wife's next electronic purchase

FORT TOWN DIARY by John A.H. Morris

We decided this week that for the state of our noggin we have to get out more and revert to one of our former personalities, perhaps the one as a thirsty, social animal that has seen us through the last 50 years or so of our many splendoured life.

It's not that we have been deprived of sunshine and flowers and other blessings of nature, nor do we pine for the parry and thrust of rapier-like witticisms skewered daily at Tim Hortons or the Dead Cat Cafe by survivors of the town senate. It's because we hadn't realized how much we had come to enjoy the life of a hermit, housebound at the end of 35 feet of oxygen hose.

We were not aware of it, but after a year of limited social activity outside the comfortable confines of 44 Alta Vista, we had become very comfortable and satisfied with our limited activities within Graceland, our spacious granny flat - thank goodness for big grannies! Truth be known, life had become very mundane and satisfyingly routine, and change was looked upon as an annoyance by this Old Curmudgeon and our harem of little Yorkies, Miss Lucy and Miss Maggie.

For the past several months we have enjoyed our daily routine in our castle that included an over-sized bathroom, approachable with confidence both day and night; a large walk-in closet, mostly off-limits until ski season starts next month; a 700-square-foot bedroom, cum entertainment centre, cum work centre, all accessible through the auspices of one lengthy oxygen hose. To go visiting into the kitchen, dining or living rooms, all we had to do was switch our nose hose at the kitchen door and life extended another 35 feet.

Such trips, other than for meals, were starting to become a bit of an annoyance as we had to disrupt our hermit-like routine.

Not after last Saturday, however, when Mother Morris announced in her best teaching tone just as the sun was rising that it was time to get up, showered, dressed and fed because Graceland was going to undergo changes such as the world had never seen. "I've got four moving men coming and Cathy will be here in an hour to help me change things around in here."

"Change things around?" we asked rather meekly. "It's fine the way it is. Maggie and Lucy and I know this place like the backs of our paws. Why we can even go to the bathroom at night without turning the lights on. We don't need any changes."

"You'd better stop whining and start moving," the former guard at Saint Grenville reiterated, "because Wilf Peters' men will be here this morning with our new TV and we have to change the room around so they can set it up."

"Why not put it where the present set is, and what do we need a new TV set for anyway?"

"We've (that is the marital plural of the editorial "we") decided that with all the sports you watch that you should have a 53-inch HDTV and wrap-around sound, and that you should have it for the Vanier Cup, the Grey Cup, all the college cup games, as well as the Super Cup."

Her cups runneth over with football kindness, we thought, but how could we tell her that the U.S. colleges played bowl games and not cup games. We decided it best not to comment but to add that we would cheerfully support all athletic cup competitions if we had a giant HD screen.

We splattered through our shower, limped into our sweats and were ready for coffee, toast and furosemide with our usual side order of prednisone, before we realized the ancient TV signal we had been receiving was from the cable company in Brockville whose idea of HD reception is to transmit old comedy series about DVMs from the Yorkshire moors.

We were soon joined by Misses Lucy and Maggie at the kitchen table as the rumble of shifting furniture reached from our comfortable hermitage to the kitchen. Soon heavy, lumbersome pieces of oak furniture started moving slowly though our kitchen to the parlour area, guided by two ladies.

Startled, we asked if they needed a hand?

"No thanks" was the reply. "We have our moving men," which turned out to be flat, circular pads about one quarter of an inch thick and about six inches in diameter on which heavy furniture could be set and skidded easily across the floor by a team of ladies.

By the time Wilf's men arrived with a TV set that would put the size of the screen at the old Princess Theatre to shame, Graceland had been turned inside out and upside down, our desk had been shifted the length of the 40-foot room, our computer and printer moved to where our old TV in its personal oak cabinet once projected fuzzy sports and soaps, and our lazyboy chairs, once the plush possessions of John, Lucy and Maggie, shifted to fill the gap where our personal armoir once rested, and which we still haven't found.

Since then, we have had to count off new distances for our oxygen hoses to the bathroom facilities, our clothes chair, and our tooth cup; and the puppies have had to find new pathways and tunnels between and underneath beds, chairs, foot stools, couches and night tables.

We have all agreed, however, that we will never again become complacent and hermit-like in whatever briar patch we find ourselves.

"Can I have the remote now, please?"

Meditation and yoga classes begin

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

The next Seniors' Luncheon will be held at MERC Hall Wednesday, Nov. 12, beginning at noon. Transportation can be arranged if needed. Call Charyl Battams at VON Home Support at 342-3693 to confirm your attendance.

Gentle yoga classes are being offered at Maitland Public School Thursday mornings from 9 to 10 am. The classes taught by Carole Kleber are suitable for all fitness levels. Yoga provides an excellent cardiovascular workout and has proven beneficial for people suffering from arthritis or sciatica. Participants are advised to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that stretches with them. Layers are recommended such as a sweatshirt over a t-shirt and sweatpants over shorts. A yoga mat is ideal, but a thick folded blanket will also work for activity on the floor. For more information, contact Kleber at 345-7519.

Meditation classes are being offered at Maitland Public School Tuesday evenings from 6:45 to 8 pm. Call Dianne Brown at 348-3165 for more information.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Reversed council decisions cost town public library funding

The Editor;

At the Prescott all-candidates meeting on Oct. 20, Mr. McConnell was answering a question on how funding for the libraries renovation would be accomplished. He made a remark about a person who had said they would spend the next three years heading the libraries fund raising drive but was instead now running for re-election.

I believe that during the last three years there have been many reversals of decisions by members of the current council.

Two of these had far more impact on the library than the one mentioned above. When councillors McConnell and Dewar reversed their vote to renovate the Dibble Street building; they cost the town any chance it had of receiving the grant which had been applied for through the provincial government Superbuild program to renovate the library.

A stipulation in the grant application was that it applied only if the Dibble Street renovation went ahead. As we know, all too well, the town hall debacle went on for another two years, only to end up back where it started. Councilor McConnell also stated during a council meeting that he would resign if the municipal offices moved back into the Dibble Street building. He has obviously reversed that decision because he is still on council and also running for re-election.

To paraphrase a comment used by a radio commentator to end his show - now you know (some of) the rest of the story.

Gavin Robertson
Prescott

Incoming council must show leadership

The Editor;

Leadership and accountability are catch phrases in the media these days, bantered about on an almost daily routine. Yet at the all-candidates meeting for candidates in the Prescott municipal race, these issues were not touched on.

Yes, I know. Watered-down questions from the Chamber of Commerce were asked, to which prepared answers were read. All with about as much value as a TV commercial, without the option of a mute button. Yet leadership remains that taboo question dare not asked.

But I dare.

I would like to know, and then see demonstrated by those who are given the honour of being elected on Nov. 10, how they will show leadership within this community. I would especially like to know from our incumbent mayor how he will show leadership for our fair town if given the honour of being re-elected.

I can recall in the year end (2002) edition of our weekly printed scribe, an article with His Honour the Mayor, in which he stated that the town council have shown a lack of leadership. And I agree.

Yet unless I missed something growing up, I always thought the mayor was the leader of the town council and that the mayor was to show leadership and vision for the people of the town.

I hope that when the votes are counted and the die is cast, that the incoming council will show leadership for the future of this town, and not look to the examples of its past councils, distant or recent.

Phillip Blancher
Prescott

Council candidates on the hot seat

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - A fairly subdued crowd of more than 200 people showed up to put the screws to Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council candidates as the Cardinal Legion hosted a candidates meeting Oct. 28.

Each candidate was given five minutes for opening comments, with the forum then opened up to questions from the floor.

Mayoral candidate and current Ward One Councillor Peggy Taylor and the incumbent Mayor Dave Dobbie, took centre stage facing the brunt of the crowd's questions, while Ward One candidates Charlie Burrell, Hugh Cameron and Dick Willis and Ward Two candidate Sharan Mathieu and incumbent Ward Two councillors Peter Martin and Bill Sloan put forth their stances on a variety of subjects such as de-amalgamation and the ward structure.

Most of the nights questions were directed to Dobbie, who despite being put on the hot seat and dealing with a very pro-Taylor crowd answered all questions sent his way.

Dobbie received various pot shots from the public, including Cardinal resident Ed Riddell who asked the mayor if he was going to resign and referred to him as a "liar" on multiple occasions after questioning Dobbie on an attempt to get the Cardinal Community Centre Board to fall under the township recreation department despite a promise from amalgamation to leave it as a separate board.

Taylor also fielded a bevy of questions on topics such as de-amalgamation and her stance on the subject after township resident Pat Grant brought up a letter Taylor sent to Municipal Affairs and Housing after Dobbie had sent a letter on amalgamation without any knowledge of council.

Taylor read her letter, which she referred to as "fair game" and stated "It was not discussed by council, and I believe it could have worked if there was fair and equal representation at the council table. Reversing amalgamation would cost an incredible amount; if we were allowed a vote it would be wonderful, but I really don't know."

As Taylor spoke, Grant repeatedly referred to Taylor as a "liar" as she referred to the time period and Grants stance at council meetings regarding de-amalgamation and the composition of council, but was cut short by Taylor who continued to read the letter.

Dobbie added he is in favour of seeking a vote on de-amalgamation if the government allowed one and would watch closely to see what happens in Kawartha Lakes where the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has allowed a question on de-amalgamation to be put on the ballot.

"It was pretty rushed to meet the deadline," said Dobbie. "Ten people from the township made the decision. If they can do it for Kawartha Lakes, then why not Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, let them vote on it. I think the cost of de-amalgamation would be minimal."

Mathieu, who has been a major proponent in the previous de-amalgamation debate at council, was quick to let her voice be heard on the subject.

"I appreciate Pat's views and worked with her on de-amalgamation previously," said Mathieu. "We both agree we had no choice heading into it, but we should at least have a choice whether we should stay in it or get out. I'm in favour of a referendum and if people want out I will support it, and if they are we should put together a business plan where we can propose our own separation individually without the province's help."

The crowd pressured the candidates with questions on the ward structure and their thoughts on the composition of council with the majority of the public who spoke indicating the current structure is unbalanced.

Taylor indicated she has brought a proposal to council seeking two wards consisting of Cardinal and the former Township of Edwardsburgh, but was defeated, with Martin then bringing up the idea of no wards.

"I did speak in favour of eliminating wards, but it appeared no members of council felt the same way," said Martin. "We would instantly be a team, with everyone working for the entire township, where we don't recognize boundaries."

Willis added, "If Ward One were to have strong representation at the council table back in Spencerville, it would be a lot different. We need to look back at the past and see that's where we got into trouble last time."

Cameron pointed out he in fact made a presentation to council during the summer on behalf of the Cardinal Ratepayers and Tenants Association about changing the ward system.

"In order to make the system work a two ward or no ward system is the way to go," said Cameron. "We need to work as a team and get the facts and figures out there to the public."

Sloan believes council was doing well and there was no need for a change in the ward structure.

"It is the best way to have fair representation," said Sloan. "Each ward has at least two representatives on council and if there were no wards then it could be possible somewhere like Cardinal would have no representatives."

The topic of the reconstruction of Shanly Road was the next to be brought up, with numerous concerns about the puddles which gather in the intersections and would freeze in the winter.

Mayor Dobbie indicated only one lift of pavement was put on the road with another to come in the spring after the road had settled.

Burrell quickly answered the question. "If elected I will take a look at it to get it fixed and will do it myself if I have to."

OPP NEWS

Cement block strikes windshield

CARDINAL ­ A Prescott man sustained minor injuries when the van he was driving struck the wall of the CN overpass on County Road 22 Halloween night at about 9:30, according to Grenville County OPP.

At least two individuals threw a cement block from the overpass; the block landed on the windshield of Richard Coville's 1992 Chevrolet Lumina van, an OPP news release stated.

The culprits were not located. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Expensive boat stolen

CARDINAL ­ A boat and trailer valued at $35,000 were stolen from an Adelaide Road residence late Friday.

The 24-foot Sunsation boat is white with blue and purple striping and bears licence number 8E4294. The 1987 LDRT 22T trailer is white and bears licence number W53665.

The complainant believes the boat was stolen at about 7:30 pm. A silver SUV-type vehicle was seen heading north on Dishaw Street that evening with the boat and trailer in tow.

Anyone with information on this theft is asked to contact Constable Pergunas at Grenville County OPP (925-4221).

Police officers deal with eggs, noise

CARDINAL ­ OPP officers responded to a pair of incidents in the village Halloween night. A 15-year-old with eggs in his possession was given a warning by police on Walker Street at about 8:35 pm. The male disposed of the eggs and was transported home.

At about 9:05 pm, Constable Foley received a call about a group of people being noisy as it drove through the village. The vehicle was pulled over near Reid and Benson streets after it failed to stop at a stop sign twice. The 34-year-old driver was charged with two separate Highway Traffic Act offences.

Advance poll open today

SPENCERVILLE - Monday, Nov. 10 is election day in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, with ten polling stations open across the township.

The polls will be open from 10 am until 8 pm across the township.

In Ward One, there will be three polling stations including two polls at Benson Public School in Cardinal and one at the Pittston Works Garage on County Road 22.

Ward Two will have two polls at the South Edwardsburgh Community Centre in Johnstown and one at the Edwardsburgh Lions Den on County Road 44.

In Ward Three, there will be four polling stations including two at North Edwardsburgh Public School in Shanly and one at Centennial '67 Public School in Spencerville and the Loyal Orange Lodge on County Road 44 in Groveton.

For those who can't make it to the polls on Nov. 10, there is still an advance poll open today (Wednesday) from 10 am until 8 pm today at the municipal office in Cardinal.

For more information, see the ad in this week's paper.

Proxies can be certified today in Cardinal

SPENCERVILLE - An employee from Edwardsburgh/Cardinal will be at the advance poll at Cardinal municipal hall today (Wednesday) from noon until 5 pm to certify proxies.

CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald indicated the change of plans at Monday's regular council meeting in Spencerville.

He explained the addition of staff for proxy service will allow for township residents to have their proxies certified in Cardinal so many won't have to drive back to the township municipal office in Spencerville.

Proxies have to be certified before 5 pm Nov. 10.

McDonald also reported the first advance poll at the municipal hall in Spencerville had a good turnout, with 171 voters making use of the poll, an increase of 55 voters from the 2000 election.

Legion news

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Legion is preparing for a busy start to the month of November.

Today, Nov. 5, and Nov. 12 the Legion will host Ladies' Darts at 7 pm. The Legion will also play host to euchre at 7:30 pm on Thursday, Nov. 6.

Mixed darts will take centre stage Friday, Nov. 7 beginning at 7:30 pm.

Tickets are still available from the bar or executive members for the annual Armistice Banquet Saturday, Nov. 8. The banquet features a roast beef dinner and will run from 5 pm until 1 am.

The Cardinal Legion will hold its Remembrance Day ceremony at 11 am at the cenotaph, with lunch to follow from noon until 6 pm at the branch.

Cemetery board looking at options

SPENCERVILLE - It was reported in the Oct. 22 Administration Committee minutes that the Adams Cemetery was searching to find who has ownership of the cemetery in order to help make a decision on cemetery's future.

Cemetery board members Ed Donkersteeg and Graham Burchell spoke with the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal administration committee after discovering the cemetery would require liability insurance with a premium in excess of $1,000 a year.

With limited funds available to the board, they noted an option would be to transfer the cemetery to the municipality, who would then appoint the current volunteer board to continue to oversee the operations, similar to that of the North Channel Cemetery.

If the existing board were to abandon the cemetery, the municipality would become responsible for its upkeep.

Township CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald indicated Monday the cemetery is owned by the trustees.

Other options will continue to be explored by the administration committee.

Falcons spoil Tamworth Braves' undefeated record

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - The St. Lawrence Falcons Sr. A hockey team continued its strong play with a 10-5 win over previously undefeated Tamworth Braves Saturday night at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

"We really want to end that perfect record for them before they headed up to Belleville tomorrow," said Falcons President/GM Greg Simpson, before the game. "We've been playing well."

Following the game, Falcons forward Bryan Shepherd was happy with the outcome.

"We played good," said Shepherd. "We're really starting to click together. We're getting to know where everyone is on the ice and how they play and when that happens you're tough to beat. Beating Tamworth who was supposed to be a tough team was a big victory for us and gave us a lot of positives. We're really starting on a roll."

The Falcons took advantage of team speed, taking it to the much larger Braves from the opening whistle.

The Falcons scored a powerplay marker 30 seconds into the game after Tamworth received a bench minor. Jamie Dorey banged the puck at the net capitalizing on a rebound for the goal. Brent Jones and Jason Hawkins picking up helpers.

A few minutes later, Chris McCann kept the pressure on as he received a nice bounce from a slap shot to roof the puck in the open net, with Ian Miller and Dewight Merkley picked up helpers.

Tyler Dukelow forechecking in the corners of the offensive zone forced a give-away and was able to find Karl Herbison who scored to give the Falcons a 3-0 lead.

Falcons goaltender Paul Tomkins played strong in goal, cutting down rebounds and controlling play in his own end was whistled for a delay of game which allowed Tamworth to get on the board as they scored on a rush.

Things began to get chippy from there as Falcons Kevin Spero received a knee-on-knee hit, he suffered a charlie horse and missed the remainder of the first two periods, while Tamworth was forced onto the penalty kill.

St. Lawrence made them pay as it would continue to chip away at the Braves defence with Chris Ferguson going top shelf to regain a three goal lead. McCann and Froment had assists.

In the second period, the Falcons continued their strong play, extending the lead as McCann found the net with Froment picking up a helper.

A minute later, Dorey potted his second of the game, with Jones and Patrick Pelda picking up assists for a 6-1 lead.

Tamworth got a little momentum going as it was finally able to get another past Tomkins, but the visitors were stopped in their tracks as St. Lawrence wouldn't give them any breathing room.

Froment found some room to scored unassisted with less than two minutes left in the period.

In the third period, St. Lawrence would continue its offensive presence, scoring three goals in the first half of the period.

Dorey potted his third and fourth goals of the game, with assists going to Shepherd, Froment, Lloyd Marks and Jones.

Ferguson kept up pressure with his strong play to score his second of the game, with Miller picking up a helper.

Tamworth finally got some momentum rolling late in the third period to roll off three unanswered goals to finish off the game 10-5.

St. Lawrence now sits with a 4-2 record on the season, two points out of first place in the Eastern Ontario Senior A Hockey League.

The Falcons next home game won't be until Dec. 6, when they host the Deseronto Bulldogs at 8 pm at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

Rangers score win over Lions

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers sit two points out of first place after a win and loss on the weekend against Morrisburg and Kemptville.

The Rangers sit in third place in the Rideau division with 17 points, just behind Brockville in second with 18 points and Gananoque with 19 points.

On Saturday, the Rangers were able to rally late to score a 5-4 overtime win over the Morrisburg Lions at the Cardinal and District Community Centre.

The Rangers got out of the gates slow, as Morrisburg asserted themselves scoring on a breakaway in the first minute of the game.

Morrisburg continued the pressure, popping in a rebound past Rangers goaltender Greg Richardson to take a 2-0 lead early on.

Late in the first period, South Grenville battled back to get on the board with Justin Wiley scoring on a nice one-handed feed from Adam Toussant. Adam Lawrence also picked up an assist.

Brandon Kelley scored a hat trick to put the Rangers on top 4-3 in the third period. Jacob Wiley (2), Greg Ingerson (2), Peter Veltkamp and Wade Sessions picked up helpers.

Morrisburg tied things up late to send the game into overtime.

The Rangers put pressure on the Morrisburg keeper, with Jacob Wiley scoring to give South Grenville the win. Alex Rees and Veltkamp picked up assists.

On Sunday, the Rangers travelled to Kemptville where they were shut out 5-0 by the Kemptville 73's.

The Rangers' next two home games will be on Sundays instead of Saturdays. South Grenville will travel to Westport Saturday where they'll take on the Rideaus at 7:15 pm. The Rangers will then host the Akwesasne Wolves Sunday at 7 pm at the Cardinal and District Community Centre with initiation level kids playing between the first and second periods of the game. Parents of the players get a two-for-one discount at the door, and all minor hockey players get in free if accompanied by a
parent.

Giants senior girls basketball team ready for playoffs

BROCKVILLE - A loss to the TISS Pirates will force South Grenville onto the road in Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association senior girls basketball action.

The Giants finished tied for first place in the standings with North Grenville and TISS, but will have to settle for a third seed in the playoffs after a tie-breaker.

The Giants had an opportunity to clinch home court advantage throughout the tournament but lost to the TISS Pirates 63-46 Oct. 28 in Brockville.

"We got off to a slow start," explained coach Joe Latham. "We were nervous and got into some foul trouble early and weren't able to recover. We didn't play very well."

Alex Ward had a strong game to lead the Giants with 12 points, while Erin Heibein chipped in 10 points and Ashley Weir added nine.

On Oct. 29, the Giants travelled to Brockville where they rebounded from their loss the day before to score a 52-45 victory over the Crusaders.

"We knew we had to beat them," said Latham. "The girls knew that and they came out and played really well."

South Grenville's speedy point guard Sam Joudoin led the Giants with 14 points in the win, while Weir added 14.

On Nov. 1, the Giants returned to St. Mary to participate in a mini-tournament where they posted a 2-1 record.

The Giants opened the tournament with a 42-40 win over the host Crusaders.

Heibein led the Giants with 12 points.

In its next game, South Grenville - without the services of starter Alex Ward - fell 54-39 to LaSalle of Kingston.

Heibein led South Grenville with 10 points, while junior call-up Sarah Watt added eight.

The Giants rebounded to score a 54-49 win over Elmwood of Ottawa in their final game of the tournament, with a balanced scoring attack.

South Grenville will be on the road Nov. 11 to take on either North Grenville or TISS in the LGSSAA semi-final.

Coach Latham is optimistic about his team's chances for a LGSSAA title and berth in the Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association championship hosted by South Grenville Nov. 18-19.

"We have a good chance to make it to EOSSAA as either league champs or as a wild card berth," said Latham. "We're hoping for a good game in the semi-final."

Atom B Rangers #2 score big victories over local rivals

SPENCERVILLE - The South Grenville atom B house team #2 managed big wins over Athens, Brockville #3 and Brockville #1.

On Oct. 22, the Rangers played host to the Brockville #3 house league team and scored an 11-3 win over the Warriors in Spencerville.

Payton Marriner led the Rangers with a hat trick, while Broydon Stufko, Michael Lawless and Sydney Wehmeyer had two goals apiece and Ryan Maggio and Michael Morrell added singles.

Josh Bailey (2), Morrell (2), Gilbert Pankhurst (2), Nathan Hamilton (2), Lawless, Marriner, Wehmeyer and Rhys Larry added helpers.

On Oct. 15, the Rangers scored a 7-1 win over the Athens Aeros at the Spencerville arena.

Lawless led all scorers with a hat trick, while Morrell, Wehmeyer, Marriner and Bailey added singles for the Rangers.

Bailey (3), Wehmeyer (3), Lawless (2) and Nathan Hamilton were credited with assists.

On Nov. 1, the Rangers scored a 7-1 win over Brockville #1.

Bailey and Morrell led the Rangers with a pair of goals apiece, while Larry, Maggio and Marriner added singles.

Marriner (2), Bailey (2), Dylan Dorey, Lawless, Wehmeyer and Larry added assists.

Novice Ice Hounds score pair of wins in recent league play

CARDINAL - The South Grenville novice Lightning Boltz continued their strong play on the season scoring a 9-2 win over Ogdensburg.

Broydon Stufko led the Boltz with four goals, while Brett Van Stralen added a hat trick and Brett McFarland added a pair.

McFarland (3), Cole Burchell (2), Dylan Bell, Matt Courtney, Brandon Finlayson, Shenda Harrison, John Lawless, Cameron Murray, Adam Norton, Aaron Scott and Stufko chipped in with helpers.

Novice Boltz score 9-2 win over Ogdensburg

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville novice Ice Hounds managed a pair of wins and a loss in recent league play.

On Sunday, the Ice Hounds travelled to Brockville where they scored a 7-2 win over Brockville #1.

Matt Fox led the Hounds with six goals, while Luke Severson added a single in the win.

On Saturday, South Grenville travelled to Athens where they dropped a 3-2 decision after Athens scored with less than four minutes left in the game.

Fox and Jody Sullivan scored for the Ice Hounds.

On Oct. 26, the Ice Hounds hosted Smiths Falls at the Leo Boivin Community Centre and came up with a 9-2 victory.

Fox and Sullivan each scored four goals in the win, while Zach St. John netted a single.

Major atom Kings on a roll

SPENCERVILLE - The Rideau-St. Lawrence major atom Kings continued a hot streak as they rolled off five consecutive wins in recent league play.

The Kings looked good as they took advantage of strong team defence and performances from goaltenders Richard Joudoin and Drew Lawson who only allowed four goals in their last five games.

On Oct. 11, RSL played host to the Ottawa Valley Titans in the first half of a home-and-home series, recording a 4-1 victory. Logan Giesbrecht scored two goals to lead the Kings, while Tanner Benton and Jarrett Williams added singles. Russell Hinch, Kyle Adams, Ronnie Harrison, Ben Hutton and Giesbrecht added assists.

On Oct. 14, the Kings travelled to Carleton Place where they scored a 5-1 win.

Ryan Van Stralen scored a pair for the Kings, with Benton Hinch and associate player Dylan Rodgers also scoring. Rodgers (2), Benton, Slater Koekkoek, Lee Charlebois, Adams, Giesbrecht and Clark Seymour added helpers.

On Oct. 23, the Kings started another home-and-home series with the Eastern Ontario
Cobras scoring a 5-1 win in Embrum.

Brett Costello, Seymour, Charlebois, Hutton and Benton scored for the Kings, while Costello (2), Koekkoek, Hutton, Van Stralen and associate player Lucas Stitt chipped in with assists.

The Kings hosted Eastern Ontario Oct. 25 in Cardinal and came up with an identical 5-1 win.

Van Stralen scored two goals to lead all scorers, while Charlebois, Costello and Giesbrecht also scored.

Williams (3), Charlebois (2), Hinch (2), Benton, Hutton and Seymour were credited with assists.

On Oct. 26, RSL travelled
to Kingston where Joudoin recorded a shutout as the Kings defeated the Kingston Predators 6-0.

Charlebois scored twice for the Kings, while Benton, Costello, Hutton and Hinch added singles. Koekkoek, Hutton, Seymour and Williams added helpers.

The Kings will be travelling to Mississauga Saturday to
participate in the three-day Brendan Shanahan Classic Tournament.

Atom B Rangers reach semi-final

METCALFE - The South Grenville atom B Rangers had a strong showing at the North Dundas Mega Rep Tournament last weekend, making it to the semi-final.

The Rangers posted a 2-1-1 record at the tournament as they dropped a 2-1 decision in overtime to the Petawawa Patriots to end their weekend.

Trent Corney scored unassisted for South Grenville's lone marker.

The Rangers opened the tournament on a high note as they scored a 4-1 win over South Stormont.

Rik Champagne, Lucas Stitt, Patrick Froom and Alex Stephenson all scored for South Grenville, while Corney
and Quinton Selleck added helpers.

South Grenville continued its strong showing with a 5-0 victory over Akwesasne.

Hunter McCarroll led the Rangers with a pair of goals, while Robbie Deeks, Stitt and Stephenson added singles in the win.

Ian King, McCarroll, Deeks and Stitt each chipped in with assists.

In their third game of the tournament, the Rangers settled for a 2-2 draw with Metcalfe/Russell.

Champagne netted both Rangers markers, with Joey Sargeant (2) and Shane Riddell credited with assists.

The goaltending duo of Jarrett Pitt and Dustin Kester played strong all weekend.

LGSSAA volleyball final hosted by South Grenville today

PRESCOTT - South Grenville District High School will play host to the Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association playoffs today.

Junior semi-final match-ups will start at 10 am with the Giants taking on BCI in one game and North Grenville taking on TISS in the other.

The senior semi-final will start at 11:15 am with South Grenville taking on TISS and BCI taking on St. Mary.

The junior final is set to start at 12:45 pm, with the senior final to follow at 2:15 pm.

The Giants earned the right to host the event after both teams finished in first place.

Atom B Rangers continue bottle drive fundraiser this weekend

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville atom B Rangers will be continuing their bottle drive fundraiser this weekend.

The team is hoping to raise money for their trip to the Regional Silverstick Tournament Nov. 15 in Pembroke.

The team will be canvassing in Prescott and the surrounding area; any donations of bottles would be appreciated.

Last year's atom B Rangers team was crowned Regional Silverstick champion and participated in the International Silverstick Tournament in Sarnia.

Show your support for the Rangers in their attempt to repeat at Silverstick champions.

Regional girls basketball team holding tryouts in Prescott

PRESCOTT - The Brockville Blazers regional all-star basketball team will be holding a tryout session for midget-aged players tomorrow (Thursday) at South Grenville District High School.

The tryout will run from 7 pm until 9 pm with a minor fee to participate.

Players born in 1988 or later are eligible to play on the team.

The Blazers basketball program has been a highly effective program for developing girls basketball in the area and preparing players for college basketball.

For more information on the team or tryout session, contact Matt Speck at 345-0430.

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