VOL. 173, NO. 49~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ December 3, 2003

New digs ready for new council

Meeting gives public first look at renovated Prescott municipal building

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The Monday night meeting of Prescott council marked a pair of beginnings.

It was the first meeting of the council elected Nov. 10, and the first time the public had a chance to see the newly-renovated Dibble Street municipal building.

Following the piping-in and swearing-in of Mayor Robert Lawn and councillors Jo-Anne Beckstead, Suzanne Dodge, Nancy Lane, Sue O'Hanlon and Chuck Street, the overflow crowd was allowed to see the new-look second floor that will once again house the town's administrative offices. There are still some finishing touches left to do, and the offices will not be relocated from their current home on Edward Street for a few weeks.

"It's not quite in working mode," said Lawn, "but we're very, very close."

However, many of the people who caught a glimpse of the interior renovations appeared to like what they saw.

"I love it," said Dodge, who noted people were excited to come and see the finished product.

Former councillor Ray Young also likes the job done on the second floor. "I'm glad we did this," he said. "It's much better for the staff up here. It's nice and bright and open."

The council chamber has returned to the north side of the second floor. The entrance to the floor includes brick walls and arches. New windows, office layouts and an elevator as well as a new roof and heating system are among the elements of the renovation project that began several months ago at a cost upwards of $1 million. Most of the interior work focused on the second floor. The first and third floors are mostly unfinished and are being kept available for future use by the town or possibly other tenants.

An official grand opening and open house will take place sometime in January.

In addition to the standing room-only crowd in the council room, there were 20 or more people standing in the hallway.

During his opening address, Lawn offered a special welcome to the children of councillors. "This is a major contribution parents are making on your behalf and all residents," the mayor said. "Give him or her a big hug for all of us."

Lawn also took a few minutes to note some of the history of Prescott. He also referred to the late Bruce Hutchison, the Prescott-born author and journalist who noted Canada developed as a nation thanks to towns like Prescott.

Councillor Bob Pelda is out of the country and could not attend the meeting. Council's second meeting of its three-year term will take place Monday, Dec. 15 at 7 pm.

THIS WEEK

Spirit of Giving sign-up period ends today

PRESCOTT ­ Today (Wednesday, Dec. 3) is the final day to register for Spirit of Giving Christmas baskets.

Registration will take place from 1 to 3 pm at the tennis club building in the western end of Centennial Park. To be eligible, applicants must register in person and have identification that can verify the home address.

Registration is open to residents of South Grenville.

The annual Spirit of Giving campaign is conducted by the Kinsmen Club of Prescott and a committee at South Grenville District High School. Donations used to purchase turkeys and other items in the Christmas baskets to be distributed this month are badly needed.

Used toner cartridges, phones help food bank

PRESCOTT ­ Donations of used cellular phones and ink jet and toner cartridges will help the environment and support the Food For All Food Bank.

The local food bank will receive $2 to $5 for each item, according to fundraising co-ordinator Bonnie Gommert. The donated items will be refurbished or recycled.

Used cartridges and cell phones can be dropped off at libraries in Prescott, Spencerville and Algonquin, Prescott town hall and the food bank on Henry Street in Prescott. For more information, call 925-2444.

Ham it up at Christmas

PRESCOTT ­ There is still time to order Christmas hams from the Rotary Club of Prescott.

Each toupie ham is seven to eight pounds and comes in a decorative Christmas package with a specialty mustard.

Orders should be placed by this Friday, Dec. 5. The hams will be delivered the week of Dec. 15. Proceeds support the Rotary club's community work in South Grenville and international service projects.

For more information or to place an order, call 925-5984.

Library presents special programs in December

PRESCOTT ­ Holiday songs, prizes, dance contests, tons of participation and theatrics will be part of the fun at a Christmas party with Shari and Jerry at the Prescott Public Library this Saturday, Dec. 6.

The special performance begins at 2:30 pm. Admission is free; donations of non-perishable food items are appreciated.

Also at the library next month, a bedtime stories event will take place Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7 pm.

Christmas Crafts with Sue will get under way at the library Saturday, Dec. 20 at 10:30 am.

For more information on these special holiday season events, call the library at 925-4340.

Invista becoming recognized name of DuPont Canada

Maitland operations sold to American company, but deal is not yet firm

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

MAITLAND ­ The DuPont Canada Maitland Site name will slowly fade as the company begins calling itself Invista.

The name use is part of a transitional process to better promote products as well as to develop public recognition of Invista, explained Human Resources Manager Bill Byker. Legally, however, the company is still DuPont Canada.

Restructuring within the global EI DuPont company was announced this past summer. The Maitland plant was one of the Canadian DuPont sites that were part of the ownership changes, and local staff members became employees of DuPont Textiles and Interiors.

The new separate entity is creating a new identity for itself through Invista Inc., a name developed for the implication the company is built on innovation and vision that still connects to the past while looking ahead to the future, Byker had earlier stated.

As the inventor of nylon, the company continues a legacy of scientific achievement. Building on the past while working with customers to become profitable and drive demand of the products through performance will be the key to the future, he said.

Meanwhile, in November, two subsidiaries of Kansas-based Koch Industries announced an agreement to purchase Invista for $4.4 billion from DuPont and Koch Industries. The deal is expected to close by the end of the first or second quarter next year, Byker said. The subsidiaries are KED Fiber Ltd. and KED Fiber LLC.

Koch is the second largest privately-held company in the world and owns a diverse group of companies that operate in more than 30 countries in industries such as petroleum, chemicals, natural gas, gas liquids, asphalt, resins and fibers, minerals and fertilizers.

Invista, a business unit of DuPont, is the largest integrated fiber and intermediates business in the world, according to a news release. Well-known brands and trademarks include Lycra, Stainmaster, Antron and Thermolite.

The local Invista site employs about 630 people in its various businesses, including nylon intermediates, lycra, engineering polymers and SUVA, a refrigerant.

The company owns 1,300 acres of land along County Road 2 west of Prescott; about 350 are in production use.

The site also employees up to about 300 project contractors at any one time.

The Maitland site celebrated its 50th anniversary in September of this year.

When the local site was developed in the 1950s, DuPont was known as Canada Industries Limited (CIL).

Inaugural Augusta meeting is Monday

MAYNARD ­ The inaugural meeting of Augusta Township council elected Nov. 10 will take place this Monday, Dec. 8 at the municipal office in Maynard.

The meeting will begin at 7:30 pm with council members taking the declaration of office according to regulations of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

CAO/Clerk-Treasurer Sharon Wilkinson will administer the oath if township solicitor John Simpson is unable to attend. Maitland lay minister David Downing will also bless the new council with an inter-faith prayer.

Included in the ceremony will be the presentation of the chain of office and gavel to the new reeve, John McCrea.

Other council members to take the declaration will be Deputy Reeve Doug Barton and councillors Pauline Cyr, Garry Ferguson and John Fischl.

Heritage-themed fine gift store opens

PRESCOTT ­ The latest in a series of downtown revitalization projects has been completed in Prescott.

Jessup House, named in recognition of Prescott founder Major Edward Jessup, opened at the former Gift Lane on King Street West in November.

Owned by Barb Durand, the store is outfitted with a historical colour scheme inside and out.

Specializing in fine gifts and home decor accents exclusive to Jessup House, the store features collectibles, one-of-a-kind items, specialty cards and gift boxes, candles, stained glass, pillows and African accents in attractive colonial-themed alcoves.

There will also be seasonal changes of merchandise.

Durand hopes the shop will draw more people to downtown Prescott, as well as keep shoppers at home, rather than travelling to larger communities.

Jessup House is staffed by Manager Pearl King and part-time employees Angie Dukelow and Linda Green.

Gas leak leads to evacuation

PRESCOTT - An excavator on Churchill Road accidently severed a Union Gas line last Wednesday, causing some confusion in the area.

According to Union Gas Utility Service Manager Scott Harris an excavator in the area accidently struck a line while working on Churchill Road.

Harris said the busted gas line resulted in only Kriska Transportation losing gas service for a short period.

Harris indicated the excavator hit the line leading to Kriska, and not one of the main gas lines. Union Gas crews began repairs and restoration to their service at 6:15 pm Thursday, with gas being restored to the building around 10 am Friday.

Kriska wasn't the only location in Prescott which was affected by the leak. A strong smell of gas in the south west section of the high school caused an evacuation for more than an hour.

Prescott firefighters and Union Gas employees responded to the call at the high school and also investigated a smell of gas near the Prescott municipal office, before heading over to the Kriska warehouses on Churchill Road where the line had been hit.

Another CERV team being planned in town

PRESCOTT ­ The Town of Prescott is seeking to form a second team of Community Emergency Response Volunteers (CERV).

A funding application for another group of volunteers has been submitted, according to Police Chief Bryan Somerville. The first team of nearly 20 volunteers in the provincial pilot program was formed several months ago.

An additional 10 applications from prospective CERV members have been received, the chief noted. The grassroots program administered by Emergency Management Ontario is designed to supplement service provided by emergency personnel in disaster and crisis situations.

Training for the first Prescott CERV team was paid for by the province, and it is believed a portion or all of the costs of forming another group would also be covered. If approved, the second group will be trained early next year. Training involves everything from crisis and risk management to first aid and light search and rescue operations.

Retired police officers, firefighters and paramedics are being encouraged to consider joining CERV; however, people with other backgrounds are also being accepted for the program.

Anyone interested in becoming part of the CERV program can contact Somerville at the police station.

Bar coaster campaign tells women to trust instincts

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Spreading the word about date-rape drugs is the goal of a campaign being launched this week.

Thousands of coasters are being distributed this week to bars throughout Leeds and Grenville. The campaign is being launched by Renee Rowley on behalf of the Assault Response and Care Centre.

Centre Co-ordinator Ev Dales acknowledged date-rape drugs are not necessarily a big problem in the united counties area. However, she noted five or six women had come forward the last couple of years and complained they had been victimized by drug-related assaults.

"We decided to do it here as a prevention measure," said Dales, who added the issue of date-rape drugs has become significant in other parts of Ontario.

Some women might be reluctant to report being victimized because the drugs slipped into their drinks without their knowledge make it difficult or impossible to remember the encounter, Dales noted.

The coasters indicate people should trust their instincts and plan ahead. Do not leave drinks unattended, do not accept drinks from strangers and be on the lookout for signs of drugging. The coasters include phone numbers for the centre.

Law enforcement agencies, including police in Prescott and Grenville County, support the campaign. Dales also said many bars have also shown their support, and she hopes others will do the same.

For more information on the coaster campaign, contact the Assault Response and Care Centre at 345-3881.

Early Years needs volunteers

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Volunteers are being sought for Ontario Early Years Centre locations in Prescott and several other communities in Leeds and Grenville.

The centres provide support for parents and caregivers of children up to the age of six.

People who enjoy spending time with young children or who have special talents or expertise of interest to families and caregivers with youngsters are encouraged to volunteer their time.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Knapp at 341-8689 or 1-866-433-8933. The Prescott centre is located on King Street West.

Santa to visit Spencerville

Santa Claus will be spending some time at the Spencerville Legion Sunday, Dec. 14. The jolly old fellow will be at the Legion from 1 to 4 pm. Everyone is welcome to pay Santa a visit.

CORRECTION

The "Soup for the Soul" article published last week included incorrect contact phone numbers. For more information on the community Christmas dinner set for Dec. 21 in Prescott, call Kaitlynn Dodge at 925-4665 or Mackenzie Eaton at 925-1383.

The Journal apologizes for the errors.

Local teen prepares for two-year missionary stint

By Jen Fraser, Journal Co-op Student

PRESCOTT - Sarah Comeau is a teenager with a mission. Literally.

Comeau, a recent graduate of South Grenville District High School, will be travelling to Switzerland in January for a two-year mission with Global Action Zurich, a branch of the international organization Operation Mobilization (OM).

A student affected by the double cohort, Comeau had many decisions to make in her fourth year of high school. She had to decide whether to graduate in four or five years and what she would do next.

"Around this time I learned about OM through my church, Thousand Island Baptist," Comeau commented in a recent interview.

OM is a non-denominational organization committed to church planting and spreading the word of God to the least evangelized peoples of the world. When Comeau heard about the program, she applied and attended an orientation in Port Colborne, Ontario, where OM Canada is located.

After applying, some mission options were given to Comeau including Ireland, South Africa and Switzerland. After praying about it, Comeau felt she was being led by God to Switzerland.

"When you think of missions, you think of Africa and other areas impoverished and struck by disease. Switzerland is full of cheese and chocolate and everything good," she noted.

With OM, she would be based in the red-light district of Zurich primarily populated by immigrants, drug addicts and prostitutes. In May of this year, Comeau was accepted to the Global Action Zurich team.

After her acceptance, a long process of support raising began. OM is an entirely volunteer organization, and members are not paid. In order for her to take part in the program, Comeau needs to raise a monthly support of $1,500 for living expenses plus airfare. In total, this mission will cost her about $37,000. Originally, she was to leave on August 31, but she had not raised enough support by that deadline, so her departure date was postponed to January 15, 2004.

To date, Comeau has raised more than $26,000 or $900/month. In order for her to leave in January for this mission, she must have her first two months of support, air fare and travel costs to Zurich paid by Nov. 21. These costs are already covered. She also must have a good idea from where the rest of the money will be coming. Global Action Zurich will then decide whether Comeau will leave in January as planned. She is thankful her primary costs are covered, and hopeful the rest will be taken care of.

"You do your part, and then you let God work, and He's been awesome," she said.

Once in Zurich, Comeau and the rest of the team will be sharing their faith through practical work, such as teaching English, drug clinics and friendship evangelism. Comeau will then focus on one ministry in which her gifts are best suited.

"Right now, I'm excited," Comeau remarked. "As the departure date gets closer, I'm going to get scared. I'm going away for two years, and I don't speak the language."

Zurich is in the German section of Switzerland, and the language of the OM team is German.

To join Comeau's support team through moral support, prayer or financial support, contact her at 925-2771 or by e-mail at sarah_bearah85@hotmail.com.

Kamenz to serve second term as agriculture VP

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

VENTNOR ­ Spencerville-area farmer Geri Kamenz has been re-elected to serve a second term as a vice-president with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).

"There's still a job for me to do," said Kamenz in referring to his role with the organization that represents the interests of the Ontario farming community.

Kamenz was re-elected at the OFA convention last week in Toronto. Bill Mailloux was also re-elected to his vice-president post.

Active in the organization for many years, Kamenz explained his level of personal commitment to the OFA is not yet fulfilled. Additionally, he plans to fulfill organizational objectives.

Among these goals is continuing work with environmental and ground water protection, nutrient management legislation, and Canada's participation with the Kyoto Accord.

Kamenz noted it was a "year of turmoil" that began with an appointment to the Nutrient Management Advisory Committee, and continues with the BSE (mad cow disease) crisis.

It has been an "ongoing challenge" to keep producers, politicians and consumers well-informed on the BSE issue, he said. While consumers needed to be aware the situation that arose from one identified case of the disease in Western Canada in May was not a food safety issue, the government needed to be informed of economic implications the situation is continuing to make on numerous industries.

Kamenz is uncertain if the OFA presidency is within his sights. The current president, Ron Bonnett, is "starting to hit his stride and doesn't need me nipping at his heels," said Kamenz, adding he is "very supportive" of Bonnett, who was returned by acclamation. However, Kamenz did note he may consider the top job "somewhere down the road."

Kamenz operates a 1,000-acre farm on Ventnor Road.

Big Brothers, Sisters host open house

BROCKVILLE ­ Find out more about Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville when the organization hosts a Christmas informational open house Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 6 to 7 pm at 42 George St. in Brockville.

Details of in-school mentoring, couples matches and other programs will be available. Cider and cookies will be served. For more information, call 345-0281.

Catholic board releases Grade 6 test results

PRESCOTT ­ The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario has released the results of Grade 6 testing conducted in May of this year.

Fifty-six per cent of students who wrote the test at St. Joseph Catholic School in Prescott achieved the provincial standard in reading. The board-wide rate was 54 per cent.

In writing, 41 per cent of Grade 6 students at St. Joseph who wrote the test met the standard. The Catholic board rate was 49 per cent.

The standard in mathematics was achieved by 49 per cent of St. Joseph students and 48 per cent of all board participants.

The English Catholic board results indicate improvement over the course of several years, but local numbers remain below provincial averages. Testing is conducted annually in Ontario by the Education Quality and Accountability Office.

School board officials have discouraged comparing results from different schools.

Individual school improvement plans, based in part on achievement goals developed as part of a review of test results from board administration, principals, teachers and school councils, are to be forwarded to the education ministry early in the new year.

As of late last week, individual school results had not been released by the Upper Canada District School Board.

Prescott police investigate assault complaints, break-ins and mischief

PRESCOTT ­ A 14-year-old girl was arrested and charged after someone complained she had been assaulted on her way home from school, according to the Prescott Police Service.

The complaint was received Nov. 26. A police news release did not identify the location of the incident. The girl was released from custody following a bail hearing and is to appear in court at a later date. Constable Terry Foster is the investigating officer.

Town officers investigated 90 general incidents and one motor vehicle collision during the week of Nov. 24.

On Nov. 29, police received a report of a 1995 Ford Windstar van being taken from a home on Railway Avenue. The van was observed on George Street and was stopped. A 15-year-old female was apprehended and dealt with by way of extra judicial measures under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Federal laws prohibit her name from being released. The investigating officer is Constable Mike Lapensee.

It was reported a Wood Street residence was broken into twice last week. In the first incident called in Nov. 25, a Play Station and two games were taken; their value is $200. On Nov. 29, it was reported the residence had been entered through a basement window. A Koss portable CD player valued at about $75 was taken. Constables Davis and Steinburg are investigating.

An observant resident of a Churchill Road apartment building reported to police Nov. 27 he had observed three males take a fire extinguisher from the building. The males, ages 16 and 17, were arrested and released into the custody of their parents. The youths were dealt with by way of extra judicial measures under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The investigating officers are constables Cindy Bisson and Richard Champagne. Town police also received a report that day of a vehicle being sprayed with an extinguisher on Churchill Road; the vehicle was not damaged.

On Nov. 25, a bank in town reported received a counterfeit $100 bill in one of its deposits. The serial number is BJL4528546. Similar bills have been found in other parts of Ontario, according to police. Constable Darren 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.

Local OPP officer suspended from active duty

SMITHS FALLS ­ An Ontario Provincial Police officer based at the Grenville County detachment has been suspended from duty, according to an OPP spokesperson.

The male officer whose name has not been released was suspended following an incident that occurred Thursday at the detachment office in Prescott, according to Sergeant Kristine Cholette of Eastern Region OPP in Smiths Falls.

There is an ongoing internal investigation involving Eastern Region headquarters and the professional standards branch based in Orillia, Cholette told The Journal Monday.

No further details have been released, although Cholette noted as of Monday morning no criminal charges had been laid.

Officers injured attempting to make arrest

GRENVILLE COUNTY ­ Three Grenville County OPP sustained minor injuries when they approached two men drinking outside a Kemptville pub early Friday morning.

One of the men became confrontational when police attempted to arrest him. Constable Trevor Cavanagh sustained a broken hand, while Sergeant Mike Francis and Constable Dwayne Dowdell sustained injuries to the head and leg respectively.

Paul Sammon, 26, of Napanee was charged with assaulting police and resisting arrest. Sammon received treatment at Kemptville hospital for pepper spray-related problems as well as minor injuries to his face and head.

OPP BRIEFS

Charges stem from drug warrant being executed

EDWARDSBURGH ­ A man and woman face trafficking charges after the OPP executed a search warrant Nov. 26 at about 5 pm at a Brouseville Road residence. Police seized a quantity of what they believe is marijuana as well as a firearm. Kevin Brown, 37, and Amy Casselman, 32, of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, are charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. Both are scheduled to appear in Brockville court later this month.

Car enters ditch, hits pole

SPENCERVILLE ­ A 17-year-old Prescott male has been charged with careless driving in connection with a single-vehicle crash that occurred Nov. 28 at about 8:30 pm on Bennett Street in Spencerville.

A 1988 Ford Mustang went out of control near the Goodin Road intersection, entered the ditch, struck a telephone pole and overturned. Two 17-year-old female passengers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Brockville General Hospital. OPP Constable Boutilier is the investigating officer.

Sexual assault case dates back 23 years

PRESCOTT ­ A 64-year-old Athens man faces sexual assault charges stemming from incidents dating back more than 20 years.

The alleged incidents involving a girl occurred between 1980 and 1989 in Augusta Township, according to an OPP news release. The victim is now 30 years old.

The suspect was arrested Nov. 20 in Athens. His name is not being released to protect the identity of the victim, police noted.

Breakfast, wings being served at Branch 604

SPENCERVILLE ­ Branch 604 of the Royal Canadian Legion will be serving breakfast Sunday, Dec. 7 from 8 am to noon.

An open house with live entertainment will take place from 1 to 5 pm.

The weekly wing night is set for this Friday, Dec. 5 from 5 to 10 pm. There will also be live entertainment.

Branch 604 is located on Bennett Street (County Road 44).

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"You do your part, and then you let God work, and He's been awesome."

Prescott teen Sarah Comeau, who is embarking on missiounary work in Europe

Editor's Notebook

HEADING DOWN A TWO-WAY STREET: One of the many needs addressed by some of the candidates vying for seats on local municipal councils this fall is to improve communications between the municipalities and residents.

In Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, Mayor Peggy Taylor and her colleagues must find a way to bring together the two former municipalities and deal with the continuing frustration many residents of Cardinal have with respect to amalgamation. We hope both communities will be fully represented at the council table, and the divisive tone that shook the new township and was again evident in voting results Nov. 10 will fade into the background.

As for Augusta, we anticipate those who grew dissatisfied with the previous council for whatever reason will give the new group a chance to develop its own approach to municipal issues and respond in the best interests of all residents. We also hope the strengths each council member brings to the table can be used effectively. The concept of improving lines of communications does not just apply to elected officials and voters. Councils must respect the advice and input of staff, and staff should accept the fact council makes the decisions.

As much as we expect councils to listen to the concerns of those who elected them, we must also accept the responsibility of allowing our elected officials a chance to respond to those concerns and offer the reasoning behind them. We will not agree with some of the decisions they make, but we elected them.

GETTING THE JOB DONE: There is no doubt one of the reasons Robert Lawn was elected three years ago was because he supported renovating the Dibble Street municipal building. Even though it took the long way to get there, the mayor and the recently-dissolved council delivered the goods.

The public got its first look Monday night at the new-look second floor where most of the municipality's business will be conducted. We appreciate the effort that is going into saving the former high school and giving staff and council a decent place to do their jobs.

We hope similar consideration will be given to another invaluable resource in this town: the public library. Staff and patrons also deserve a quality facility in which they can do their thing. The library is better off because of the renovations to the building, but there is still plenty of work that needs to be done to enable the library to keep up with what is in place in other towns in rural and urban areas. Not unlike economic development, political candidates support the concept but, in the end, actions speak louder than words.

Congratulations on renovating town hall! Here's hoping plans for the rest of the facility are not far behind.

Tim Ruhnke

Local curling team rocks at Ottawa bonspiel in 1963

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Dec. 2, 1943

* The tender of the Ontario Bride Co. of Toronto has been accepted by the road committee of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville for the erection of a steel and concrete bridge at Hyndman in Edwardsburgh Township. The bridge will be a 90-foot span with a 20-foot roadway. The tender price for the bridge was stated to be $6,818 with excavation, drilling and concrete to be extra.

Dec. 4, 1963

* To Don Irvine and his rink of Frank Lapensee, Bert Wells and Doug Laporte goes the honour of the first local rink to bring home a major prize from out of town bonspiels. The Prescott quartet of curlers entered the Henry Birks competition in Ottawa, which was opened for the first time to district rinks. The foursome defeated Arnprior, Almonte and Brownsburg, Quebec rinks to win the district draw, but lost to an Ottawa club rink in the final. Individual prizes for the Fort Towners were handsome gold wristwatches valued at $100 each.

Dec. 5, 1973

* Strong support across the four wards in Monday's municipal voting field of ten candidates gave Prescott its first feminine voice on town council in more than 30 years. Sandra Lawn polled 624 votes to edge out veteran councillor Verne Whiting for the top votes. Third and last seat went to newcomer John Emerton, who was well off the pace with 430 votes.

Dec. 7, 1983

* The Arthritis Society of Prescott reports a net collection in this area of $3,074.60 this year. That's up from last year's figure of $2,841. The branch has many volunteers and canvassers.

They are Eleanor Adams, Hannie Ruehle, Mrs. George Stilson and Gerald Carey. Howard Fortier handled the placement of collection bottles in the area businesses. Ken McLean was in charge of collections while Millie Bailey and Jessie Aikens collected at the seniors' homes.

Anonymous election flyer symbol of things to come in Augusta Twp?

FORT TOWN DIARY by John A.H. Morris

Our last hope of finding the anonymous election brochure author in Augusta Twp. seems to be fading fast as Canada Post refuses to name the culprit without an expensive legal battle. It is highly improbable that the guilty party will claim the mailing bill of about $300 on their election expense report to the township returning officer.

We sort of hope the anonymous brochure author remains a secret Augusta entity which will allow us to focus on what is likely to be an entertaining six months (at least) as rookie reeve John McCrea attempts to set an agenda for his council that includes three neophytes and one sophomore. CAO and township clerk Sharon Wilkinson has her work cut out trying to keep the reeve and council within the pages of the Municipal Act as she tries to keep from being "out-sourced" herself.

The first bridge for Reeve McCrea to cross next Monday night at his first official council meeting will be whether he has the authority to name committee chairs and committee members, or if this can be done by a committee of the whole, which of course means council will have to meet behind closed doors to debate these committee appointments.

*****

In the meantime we have another windmill with which to tilt until the brochure's origins are discovered, and this is the reason for the nickel bell recently erected in front of the fire hall as a co-operative project by the fire department, municipality of Prescott and Prescott Blossoms.

The engraving on the 235-lb. bell states "St. Lawrence International Peace Centennial, Canada-United States, Prescott, Ont. 1838 - July 1 - 1938. Presented by the International Nickel Co. of Canada Ltd."

There has been speculation that this is the ship's bell from "HMCS Miss Prescott". Wrong on all accounts. There was a HMCS Prescott, a Flower Class corvette launched in 1941, and a visitor to Prescott in June, 1944 on its way back to active duty in the Atlantic Ocean after final refitting at the Kingston ship yards.

First of all, the Prescott hadn't been built at the time of the 1938 presentation. Secondly, its bell was presented to the Prescott council several years ago and was mounted and placed on the mayor's desk in the council chambers. Mayor Sandra Lawn used to tap the bell with her gavel to bring council to order.

This bell is presently on display at the Prescott Legion Hall and is scheduled to be returned to the council chambers now that renovations have been completed at the town hall and the council chambers re-opened.

The Inco bell had been stored in the old town hall or in the adjoining fire hall, and was turned over to the fire department for safe keeping when the buildings were demolished in 1962.

The PFD added it to its small collection of Prescott memorabilia at the time and have had it stored at the new fire hall for the past 40 years.

It must be remembered, that Prescott had no place to store items of historical significance at that time, and that the Grenville County Historical Society was being revived at the same time but had no permanent premises.

There are two possibilities for the bell presentation. The centennial years it denoted (1838 - 1938) fit in with the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Windmill, fought in 1838, and the last time either Canada or the U.S. invaded each other's soil. Another lead we are following is a peace conference featuring Roosevelt, Churchill and Canadian PM Mackenzie Queen, who met about this time in Ogdensburg, NY.

And finally, about the reference in last week's Journal to "Miss Prescott". There was a Miss Prescott docked here in the late 1940s and early 50s. It was a speed boat owned by Bud Wiser and driven by Ted Keck which used the Caldwell Dock for pit stops during evening practice runs on the St. Lawrence in front of Prescott.

*****

The aforementioned Bud Wiser was a descendent of the family that owned the Wiser Distillery in Prescott. "Wiser's Deluxe" rye whiskey, developed in Prescott, has been getting some great TV exposure in the ads promoting - "Wiser's whiskey since 1857" - Sorry lads, you are a few years out on this one, but you're close enough to count. JP Wiser came to Prescott via Ogdensburg in 1857 to manage the Payne Distillery which had been purchased by James G. Averall of Ogdensburg.

JP Wiser, by 1862, had bought Averall and all other investors out, and following a fire that destroyed the entire distillery in 1864, rebuilt an expanded operation and renamed it Wiser's Distillery.

It was JP Wiser's demands for perfection and to be known as the distiller of Canada's premier, aged rye whiskey that he and his experienced blend master, Comfort Whitney, developed such Wiser favourites as "Wiser's Red Letter Rye", "Wiser's Canadian Whiskey", and "Wiser's Deluxe", one of the best rye whiskeys in the world today.

When Wisers closed their Prescott operations in the early 1920s, they were purchased by Corbys, which still produces the prize winning Wiser's Deluxe. Prescott could get some real good mileage out of the Wiser label if the LCBO and Corbys would combine to set up a special display on the Wiser distillery's Prescott origins in the local LCBO outlet.

SCHOOL SCENE

Boundary Street Public School: The Scholastic Book Fair was held Wednesday, Nov. 26 and Thursday, Nov. 27 in the library. The following students won gift certificates to spend at the book fair: Norman Aubin, Taylor Dunphy, Megan Birtch, Lyndsay MacDonald, Holly Chappell and Brittany Anderson.

The homework club continues in the library at lunch on Monday to Thursday. During the week, students are also participating in the Recorder Club, the choir and the games group. As well, students are playing volleyball.

The Grade 7 and 8 students are organizing Pizza Tuesdays. Orders must be placed (money and name) by the Friday prior with Mr. LeBlanc. Take your order to his room.

Photo retakes will be held Friday, Dec. 5.

The Spirit of Giving barrel is located just inside our front door. Donations of non-perishable food items will be greatly appreciated.

Centennial '67 and North Edwardsburgh Public Schools: There was a good turnout for student-parent-teacher interviews Thursday evening and Friday morning. If any parent was unable to attend interviews and wishes to meet with teachers, call to arrange an appointment.

Congratulations to the following Student of the Month award winners: Jarrett Pitt, Daniel Lasenba, Thomas Lee, Chris Zwarts, Lance Burgess, Phillip Wiseman, Adam Wotherspoon, Amanda Heusser, Andrew Killick, Hank Heykoop, Bryn Thompson and Nicole Gaw.

The senior girls and boys volleyball teams, under coach Mrs. Baelde, are showing steady improvement with every game they play. They have participated in two invitational tournaments so far and look forward to the final tournament to be held in Kemptville this week. Well done!

We are looking forward to our annual Grandparent Dinner Dec. 9. The grades 4, 5 and 6 students have invited their grandparents and other seniors in our community and will prepare a delicious meal for them. We appreciate the parent organizers and community sponsors of this event.

Central Public School: The Grade 5/6 class is currently busy working on projects about aboriginals in Canada and the Canadian government.

They recently completed positive and negative line designs using complimentary colours, as well as feather and bead designs as symbols of honour and peace. They have also just completed their student-led conferences. Central's grades 7 and 8 have been participating in an intramural volleyball program during November. Congratulations to the winning team: Josh Beckstead (c), Paige Levere, Wendel Thompson, Samantha Leslie, Teddy Aikens, Jessica McCarroll, Justin Vandemheen and Trevor Madden. Referees, score-keepers and teachers provided supervision. The senior girls volleyball team travelled to Kemptville on Saturday to play in a competitive tournament. Despite a good effort, they fell short in several games.

Maynard and Maitland Public Schools: At Maynard, during the last week of November, the Leadership Council organized a theme week. Students had a lot of fun on "Buy Your Butler Day," Stuffed Animal Day, Crazy Hat and Hair Day and Pajama Day.

During Butler Day, students bid on Leadership Council members, and in return received a full day's service from them. Our students donated $247.75 to the United Way. Three cheers to all who participated.

On Dec. 8 at 9:15 am, "Jaquot" will be performing a one-hour concert for students taking French from Kindergarten to Grade 6. His concert will be comprised of French educational songs that complement the curriculum for these grade levels. A group of dedicated parents has once again organized their annual Holiday Gift Shop for Kindergarten to Grade 6 Dec. 9 and Dec. 10.

St. Joseph Catholic School: Congratulations to the following Good Samaritans at St. Joe's for the week of Nov. 24: Brooke Sexton, Amir Hajarii and Matthew Whitley.

On Monday afternoon, we had our first Advent celebration. Our choir led our music ministry. Readers are: Christine Leonard, Nick Beattie, Jesse Poole, Larry Leroux, Mallory Gilson, Isabella Lampron, Skylar St. Croix, Rebecca Leonard, Victoria Boyd and Tristin Amell. Our second Advent celebration will be next Monday, Dec. 8 at 1:30 pm.

Many parents help with weekly Wednesday hot dogs. The proceeds from hot dog sales will go towards our Grade 7 Quebec City trip.

Plans are under way for our annual Christmas Dinner. Mrs. Julie Coligan has been counting her turkeys.

Students are already looking forward to the St. Joe's Christmas Dance to be held Friday, Dec. 12 from 7 to 9 pm. Angie Dukelow and Cindy McNally organize these wholesome Grade 4 to 8 dances.

St. Mark Catholic School: Welcome to the season of Advent, which means "coming." It is a time of glad expectation, the celebration of the coming into the world of God's greatest gift, His holy son Jesus Christ, our Lord.

On Monday, we celebrated the first week by blessing our Advent wreath and lighting the first purple candle called the "Prophecy" candle. The second week of Advent will be celebrated Monday, Dec. 8 at 9:15 am and we will light the second candle on the Advent wreath called the "Bethlehem" candle.During Advent, our students will be collecting food for the Kinsmen Spirit of Giving and gently-used toys for distribution in the South Grenville area.

We will have a playground committee meeting Thursday, Dec. 4 at 3:45 pm in the library.

Friday, Dec. 5 is "Read for 2004 Day" (One World Reading Together). Students will be encouraged to read for 2004 seconds or 33.4 minutes; this is a wonderful opportunity to get students excited about reading.

Bird houses new attraction at river trail

By Astrid Strader, Prescott Blossoms Controller, Horticulturist and Garden Designer

The Heritage River Trail work has been put to sleep for the winter. Next spring we will see continued work on the landscaping of the trail and the addition of the interpretive panels to the benches. The main trailhead sign will be put back as soon as a protective covering is ready for mounting.

Speaking of the trail, have any of you been wondering about the posts sticking out of the ground en route? I'm excited to inform you that they will bear invitations to bluebirds, wrens and robins, to set up house, come spring. These aren't just any old birdhouses, but specifically handcrafted out of native white cedar to the dimensions needed to attract these birds. Four bluebird houses, one robin nesting platform and two wren houses will go up. We also put a robin nesting box in front of the public library. Local field naturalists will be invited to monitor these boxes for activity. Special thanks go to Jack Henry of the Grenville Land Stewardship Council (GLSC) who met with me and Parks Canada Superintendent Pam Buell and staff to go over specifics for situating these houses. Jack explained, "The bird houses were built through Ontario Works, who help out on stewardship projects."

Accompanying Jack Henry was Chris Bellemore of the Trees for Peace program, who is one of Prescott Blossoms new partners and has been helping us with the tree and shrub plantings around town for this fall and coming spring. A lot of people don't know much about the work being carried out by the GLSC. To begin with, it is a program of the Ministry of Natural Resources, comprised of MNR co-ordinator Jack Henry and landowners in Grenville County that promote environmental stewardship through awareness and education activities. They also work in conjunction with the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA).

I thought I would give you a clear idea of how these groups interact. GLSC partners with CRCA through the Mac Johnson Nursery located in Tincap. There is also a public park with wonderful trails around a marsh and pond, which is home to a family of swans. "The Friends of Mac Johnson," a volunteer group, helps maintain the park and nursery along with the Leeds County Stewardship Council, the GLSC and not least, the CRCA.

Cataraqui Conservation Authority also manages watersheds in the area, enforces laws and regulations pertaining to the watersheds, and provides programs for landowners on the watersheds. For more information, call 345-1990.

Maitland resident awarded recognition for teaching

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

Maitland resident Pat Larry, who teaches Physical Education at Athens District High School, has been honoured with the Al-Ontario High School Leadership in School Sports Award.

The award is presented annually at the provincial championship of each high school sport. The award recognizes significant long-time contributions to athletic programs in schools. Larry says the best thing about the award is it is peer-driven; nominations come from fellow coaches.

Larry also notes the award brings recognition to the school. Athens has 290 students and has had strong showings in volleyball. Larry has coached volleyball, track and field, basketball, cross country and badminton during his 26 years as an educator and he has also been involved in community coaching with both the Brockville Blazers and the Brockville Blues.

Larry says that the award is an honour he appreciates, and there have been many recipients locally. TISS teacher and Domville resident Jack Weststrate won the award this year for cross-country. Larry also notes that to him, the award symbolizes that even in competition, there is friendship.

The next VON Maitland Seniors' Luncheon will be held Dec. 10 at noon at MERC Hall. Call VON Home Support at 342-3693 to confirm your attendance.

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

In January, we have plans to start several new groups. Some of these will be evening meetings as well as day groups. Some suggestions so far have been weekend bridge, "reading" clubs, evening Scrabble and horticulture exchanges. Perhaps we could reinstate the shuffleboard program. If you are interested in these or any other topics, please call with your ideas. A membership will give you a card into all the various activities here. Call 925-5300.

We will be singing and playing Christmas music and other favourites Sunday, Dec. 7 at 7 pm. If you have a musical instrument you could play and enhance our "kitchen" music, bring it along.

Board members are reminded of the meeting Monday, Dec. 8 at 10 am.

Changes to council procedure debated

SPENCERVILLE - Many changes could be coming to Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council as Mayor Peggy Taylor brought forward a bylaw Monday.

Taylor indicated the bylaw, which will govern the way council operates, would be much different than the existing bylaw.

The mayor cited numerous changes such as having committee-of-the-whole sessions on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 7:30 pm which would rotate between an undetermined location in Cardinal and the South Edwardsburgh Recreation Centre in Johnstown. Taylor said the sessions would include all council members and would be a chance for all the different departments of the township to know what the others are doing.

"It's a way to let the right hand know what the left is doing," said Taylor. "A lot of the committees and departments overlap, so it's natural."

She also added there will still be regular committee meetings in addition to the committee-of-the-whole.

The bylaw is consistent with Taylor's communication platform, which would see the existing period for media questions changed to a question period in which not only the media but the public on the floor could ask questions as long as they directly dealt with an issue on the agenda. Taylor also asked municipal staff to prepare extra council packages for the media present to look over so they could pose informed questions to council.

The bylaw also states that council would only have the first and second readings of a bylaw when introduced, with the final reading and vote to take place at the following meeting.

"It gives a chance for everyone to reflect on it and look it over," said Taylor. "The public would also have a chance to offer up feedback on the subject before it was passed."

The bylaw was put on hold for a week and will be brought back for more discussion and a vote at the Dec. 15 regular council meeting.

Township sets holiday hours

SPENCERVILLE - Township council approved the times for the closure of the municipal office over the holidays at Monday's regular council meeting.

The municipal office will close at noon Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, with the offices being closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and January 2.

Council also approved a staff appreciation gift for the holidays of a turkey for each of the 22 full-time staff, with a maximum value of $1,000 placed on the total purchase of the turkeys.

Mayor Peggy Taylor indicated the gift would be a token of appreciation during the holiday season.

"It's a gesture of good will and holiday spirit to the staff," said Taylor. "I think it's a nice gesture."

Ward Two Councillor Peter Martin added, "I think it's a fine idea; it's a good idea to let our staff know we appreciate them."

Township CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald estimated the total purchase would range between $500 and $800, depending on the size of the turkeys.

Taylor indicated the cost of the turkeys would be covered by the administration budget.

New township council considers next few years to be a challenge

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - The second council of the amalgamated township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal was sworn in Monday morning with co-operation the key sentiment being expressed by council members.

Peggy Taylor was sworn in as mayor; Charlie Burrell and Hugh Cameron were sworn in as councillors in Ward One, as were Peter Martin and Bill Sloan as councillors in Ward Two and Marie Thomson and Frank Noccey as councillors for Ward Three.

Sloan was also elected deputy mayor by members of council by a 4-2 margin over Martin.

In her first address to the public as mayor, Taylor preached communication and teamwork as keys to the three-year term.

"We will be facing a challenging three years," said Taylor. "We not only have to learn how to communicate with one another, but with the residents of the township and other levels of government. Each of us has strengths and we need to learn how to share them to help develop a collective decision-making process. I look forward to meeting the challenges."

Thomson added, "I just want to remind everyone that change takes time to work and like a blended family, if you work at it hard enough you can make it work."

Sloan indicated the council needs to work as a whole to put aside the ward boundaries when making decisions.

"It will be challenging," said Sloan, "but we just need to work together as one complete township. It will be difficult, but we'll keep working on it."

Noccey echoed the sentiment. "We need to work together, it's the only way we can make sure everyone gets a fair deal."

Martin indicated Taylor had already had a meeting with council to open the lines of communication and acknowledged staff.

"We have a highly-talented municipal staff," said Martin. "They will be part of our team which will be trying to make this work."

For Cameron and Burrell, who are new to the council table this term, each is excited about the next three years, but realizes there is a lot of hard work ahead.

"For us who are new here we'll have a catch up period," said Burrell. "There are a lot of things that people were not happy with in the past, and we will have to work together to overcome those obstacles."

Cameron added, "When I received my first package, I should just go and get the gun. But as I noticed some things looked good, some looked bad and I got excited about this again and I just hope we live up to your expectations."

The new council also opened the floor to the public to ask any questions; council's most significant issue was put to the mayor.

"I think taxes has to be the most pressing subject," explained Taylor. "We have to take a serious look at taxes for our residents and maybe find new approaches. The biggest hurdle of that will be communication."

Next stamp club meeting in new year

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Stamp Club will be putting off its next meeting until January.

The club has decided to take a hiatus in December (because of the move of the Cardinal Public Library) and will return to regular monthly meetings in January.

Sloan elected deputy mayor

SPENCERVILLE - Ward Two Councillor Bill Sloan was elected deputy mayor of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal by council at inaugural meeting of the new term Monday afternoon.

Three councillors who are returning to the table were nominated for the position. Ward Three Councillor Frank Noccey nominated Sloan, Ward One Councillor Hugh Cameron nominated Ward Three councillor Marie Thomson and Ward One Councillor Charlie Burrell nominated Ward Two Councillor Peter Martin for the post.

Both Sloan and Martin accepted the nomination, while Thomson declined.

Sloan won the nod from council by a 4-2 margin to serve as deputy mayor of the township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal for the year.

Legion News

The Cardinal Legion will be very active in December with a children's Christmas party and craft day.

The Legion will play host to the Christmas party and craft day Saturday, Dec. 13. People are asked to pre-register for the party by contacting Hazel Grant at 657-8933.

The Riverside Seniors will have a Christmas party at the Legion on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2 pm. The Legion will also play host to ladies darts tonight at 7 pm, euchre this Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 pm and mixed darts Friday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 pm.

Driver takes turn for the worse

CARDINAL ­ A 40-year-old Prescott woman faces an impaired driving charge after police stopped a blue Caravan that turned before getting to a RIDE check being conducted Nov. 29 at about 3:20 am.

The woman, who was not named in an OPP news release, was transported to the Prescott detachment for breathalyzer tests. She was issued a promise to appear in Brockville court Dec. 19. Sergeant Nancy Onlock is the investigating officer.

Giants Sr. basketball team marked men for upcoming LGSSAA season

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville senior boys basketball team is looking forward to a tough season which will see the Giants as marked men to the rest of the teams in the Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association.

Giants coach Mark Lewis, who is new to the team but comes with a long resumé of strong basketball teams at Seaway District High School in Iroquois, says it's hard to tell right now what's in store for the team, but knows it will be a tough season.

"We have four starters coming back from last year's LGSSAA champions, so I'd like to expect they would improve," said Lewis. "They should bring more leadership, but they're a championship team which all the other teams in the area will be gunning for."

Senior guard Ryan Delaney added, "There are a lot of
guys back. I think we only
lost about two or three guys,
but we still are getting into shape. We have a great coach, but it's a very different style and he is pushing us hard, which is great."

Lewis also indicated there are likely to be some growing pains with the adjustment to a new coach and different coaching styles.

"We have a lot of work to do," said Lewis. "I'm teaching a different style of defence and it's a huge adjustment. I know I won't be satisfied until we are playing the style of 'D' that can shut teams down."

The coach still has high hopes for the team, despite all the work still required to be done.

"We have to look at EOSSAA and OFSSAA as goals," said Lewis. "We have LGSSAA as a goal, but we have to look at the big picture and be prepared to get out there and play some great basketball.

"There are a lot of guys missing out there because of work and other commitments, so we haven't gelled at all yet," explained Lewis. "I do like the way our post players have been playing, and I like the way Jamie Clarke is playing. Anytime you get a guard like that back it's a big plus."

Delaney added, "We're a team; if we do well, it's because we worked hard as a unit. It really is too early to tell how strong we'll be."

Lewis is looking to his returning guards Clarke and Travis Irvine to come in and play a key leadership role to the team, but has let the kids figure it out for themselves.

"Jamie (Clarke) has really stepped up quite a bit, and
I'm hoping Travis Irvine will step up a lot as the season goes on."

South Grenville has played three exhibition games to start the season, scoring two wins and a loss.

The Giants were blown out by Nicholson of Belleville 74-38 last week before regrouping to score a pair of wins over BCI 45-44 and Seaway 68-28.

"We're starting to get the guys out running the defence and looking better all the time," said Lewis. "But we still have a lot of work to do."

The Giants will open their regular season on the road, travelling to Kemptville Dec. 9 to take on St. Michael.

Bantam B Rangers house team wins final in Arnprior

ARNPRIOR - The South Grenville Kriska bantam B Rangers house team travelled to Arnprior Nov. 22 and was crowned A champions.

The Rangers opened up the tournament with a 3-1 win over the Pembroke Rebels. Ronnie Burns, Chris Bryden and Travis Stephenson scored for the Rangers, while Mark Wynands (2) and Adam Patrick had assists.

In South Grenville's second game, the Rangers scored a 3-0 win over Renfrew, with James DeJeet picking up the shutout.

Burns scored a pair for the Rangers, while Stephenson added a single. Kyle Lavery and Ryan Armstrong chipped in with helpers.

In its third game, South Grenville scored a 7-0 win over Arnprior, with Kurtis Merkley picking up the shutout.

Stephenson and Burns had a pair of goals apiece to lead the Rangers, while Wynands, Bryden and Stitt added singles. Stephenson, Wynands, Bryden and Lavery added assists.

The Rangers kept up the momentum in the semi-final as they defeated the Petawawa Jr. Stags 7-1.

Wynands led the Rangers with a pair of goals, while Armstrong, Ryan Todd, Stitt, Burns and Adam Kelly picking up singles. Armstrong (2), Brooke Merkley, Stitt, Burns and Bryden chipped in with helpers.

In the final, South Grenville scored a 2-1 win over the Kemptville Panthers.

Burns and Jordan Daw scored for the Rangers while Kurtis Merkley picked up the win in net.

The Rangers' defensive corps of Patrick, Josh Newton, Kelly, Daw and Ashley Clarke had its strongest showing of the year.

On Oct. 20, the Rangers scored a 16-2 win over Massena in Cardinal. Stephenson and Burns each had a hat trick to lead the Rangers, while Todd (2), Armstrong (2), Clarke (2), Stitt, Lavery, Kelly and Wynands.

Jr. B Rangers defeat Tikis, drop overtime decision to Gan

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers managed three points last week, posting a 1-1 record, including an overtime loss.

The Rangers travelled to Brockville last Wednesday, pulling out a 9-7 win in a game full of mistakes and scoring opportunities.

On Saturday, South Grenville played host to Gananoque dropping an 8-7 decision to the Islanders. The Rangers got into some penalty troubles late in the game which let the Islanders get the win.

The Rangers are now sitting in fourth place in the division
with an 11-10-11 record for 24 points, just three points shy of division leaders Brockville and Westport.

South Grenville has been on a roll offensively as of late with four of the top ten scorers in the division. Jacob Wiley is leading the scoring race with 16 goals and 19 assists for 35 points in his first season in the league, while Brandon Kelley and Alex Rees are tied for seventh with 28 points and Justin Wiley sits in tenth with 25 points.

Rangers goaltender Ben Knapp currently sits in
fifth place in the division goaltenders rankings with a 3.93 goals-against average, while Greg Richardson sits in sixth with a 3.99 goals-against average.

South Grenville will continue its season tonight (Wednesday) by hosting the Char-Lan Rebels at 7:30 pm at the Cardinal and District Community Centre.

RSL minor peewee Kings drop final of Stoney Creek tourney

STONEY CREEK - The Rideau-St. Lawrence minor peewee Kings advanced to the final of the Stoney Creek tournament Nov. 16 before dropping a 6-3 decision in the final to the Kanata Blazers.

In the final, the Kings didn't have enough left in their tank as Kanata scored six goals to RSL's three for the win. Josh Pitt, Ryan Vincent and Jayson Harmer scored for the Kings, while Derek Froats, Cody Johnson and Dylan Casselman chipped in with helpers.

The Kings opened the tournament with a 4-3 win over the Mississauga Terriers in a shootout. After overtime settled nothing, the Kings' Johnson was pegged to go one-on-one against a Terriers player with Johnson coming out on top to give RSL the win.

Colin Halladay, Dylan Casselman and Josh Pitt scored the other Kings goals, while Jordan Moran (2), Harmer (2), Pitt and Johnson added assists.

The Kings kept their hopes alive as they managed to squeak out a 1-0 win over St. Catharines, with Dylan Casselman scoring the lone goal. Cameron Armstrong and Casey Crooke had assists.

In its first playoff match-up, the Kings were able to nudge out a 2-1 victory in a re-match with St. Catharines.

Shayne Morden and Vincent scored for the Kings, while Moran (2), Crooke and Pitt added helpers.

In the semi-final, the Kings scored a 4-1 win over Mississauga. Moran netted a pair of goals to lead the Kings, while Froats and Casselman added singles. Crooke, Froats, Vincent and Pitt chipped in with helpers.

In regular season action, the Kings travelled to Gloucester and came home with a 3-1 win over the Rangers. Moran, Johnson and Casselman scored for the Rangers, while Pitt, Moran, Harmer and Johnson chipped in with assists.

On Nov. 22, the Kings came up on the short end of the stick in an 8-3 loss to the Ottawa Sting. Froats scored a pair to lead the Kings, while Harmer added a single. Vincent (2), Colin Halladay, Johnson, Casselman and Pitt chipped in with helpers.

SG novice Boltz have strong month

CARDINAL - The South Grenville novice Lightning Boltz had a good month of November posting a 4-2 record in league play.

On Nov. 11, the Boltz played host to the Morrisburg Lions and scored a 12-1 win. Broydon Stufko had seven goals to lead the Boltz, while Brett Van Stralen added five in the win. Shenda Harrison chipped in with a helper.

On Nov. 15, South Grenville hosted the Kemptville dropping the game 13-5 to the Panthers. Stufko had a hat trick to lead the Boltz while John Lawless and Adam Norton netted singles. Brandon Finlayson had a helper.

On Nov. 16, the Boltz scored a 6-3 win over the Kemptville Panthers. Brett Van Stralen led the Rangers with a hat trick, while Stufko added a pair and Dylan Bell added a single.

On Nov. 19, South Grenville scored a 16-0 rout of the Morrisburg Lions. Stufko led the way with a seven goal performance, while Van Stralen (3), Bell (2), Lawless (2), Cameron Murray and Norton had the other Boltz goals. Brett McFarland (2), Murray (2), Stufko (2), Bell, Harrison, Norton, Van Stralen and Brandon Worden chipped in with helpers for South Grenville.

On Nov. 20, the Boltz scored a 6-1 win over North Dundas. Stufko scored four goals to
lead South Grenville, while Bell and Van Stralen netted singles. Matt Courtney, Harrison and Lawless were credited with helpers.

On Nov. 23, the Rangers dropped a 6-3 decision to North Dundas. Stufko scored a pair of goals to lead the Boltz, while Van Stralen netted a single.

Novice Ice Hounds defeat Smiths Falls #2

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville novice Ice Hounds travelled to Smiths Falls Nov. 30, scoring a 7-2 win over Smiths Falls #1.

Jody Sullivan led the Ice Hounds with four goals, while Matt Fox chipped in with a hat trick.

Jonathan Bernier (2), Brianna Harnum (2), Ryan Brown, Spencer Disheau, Riley Thomson and Mika Turansky had assists.

The Ice Hounds sport an 8-3 record on the season.

Peewee B Rangers eliminated in semi-final of host tournament

CARDINAL - The South Grenville peewee B Rangers lost a heartbreaking overtime
decision in the A semi-final to
be eliminated from its host
tournament Nov. 9 at the Cardinal and District Community Centre.

The Rangers battled South Dundas in semi-final play, with the scored tied 1-1 at the end of regulation. South Dundas would go up by a goal in the shootout and hold on to advance to the A final in which it would beat Alexandria 2-0 to win the tournament.

Jeff Moulton scored the lone Rangers' goal, with Mason Amell and Taylor Corney picking up helpers.

South Grenville opened the tournament with a 2-0 win over North Glengarry-Stormont, scoring both goals late in the third period to move on to the
semi-final. Reilly Grootjans
and Tyler Curry scored for
the Rangers, while Andrew Bernard, Jared McGeough, Mike Thomas and Grootjans picked up helpers.

Athens won the B final 3-0 over Loyalist.

Other teams participating in the tournament were Kingston Township, Gananoque and Alexandria.

On Nov. 21, the Rangers handed the Kingston City Cougars their first loss of the regular season with a 4-1 win.

Bernard scored a pair of goals to lead the Rangers, while Todd Kirkey and Grootjans chipped in singles. Corney, Moulton, Dylan Render and Amell chipped in with helpers. Goaltenders Mason Williams and Ashton Selleck had strong game in net for the Rangers.

On Nov. 23, South Grenville travelled to Gananoque and won 7-3. Bernard scored a pair of goals to lead the Rangers, while Corney, Moulton, Dylan Heisel, Grootjans and Curry added
singles.

On Nov. 28, the Rangers scored a 7-1 win over Gananoque in Spencerville. Defenceman Ryan Robinson scored a pair of goals to lead the Rangers, while Kirkey, Moulton, Thomas, Bernard and Grootjans added singles.

The Rangers are now tied for first place with Kingston City with a record of 11-1. South Grenville plays its home games Fridays at 7:30 pm in Spencerville.

Atom B Rangers on hot streak

SPENCERVILLE - The South Grenville atom B Rangers are on a hot streak after scoring a pair of wins and a tie in league action.

On Nov. 25, the Rangers had a 4-2 win over the Kingston City Cougars at the Spencerville arena. Rik Champagne, Hunter McCarroll, Alex Stephenson and Joey Sargeant found the net for South Grenville, while Stephenson, Ian King, Colman Colpitts, Patrick Froom, Robbie Deeks and Trent Corney added helpers.

On Nov. 29, South Grenville travelled to Amherstview scoring a 2-2 draw with Loyalist Township. Froom and Corney scored for the Rangers, while Corney, Froom and McCarroll.

On Nov. 30, the Rangers travelled to Gananoque scoring a 6-0 shutout over the Islanders. Froom, King, Sargeant, Champagne, Colpitts and Cody Adams and came home with for the Rangers, while Champagne (2), Sargeant (2), King, Stephenson and Colpitts chipped in with helpers.

The Rangers will be playing host to an atom B tournament Sunday starting at 8 am at
the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

Major PW Kings beat Sting

SPENCERVILLE - The Rideau-St. Lawrence major peewee Kings managed a win and loss
in recent AA Ottawa District Minor Hockey Association league play.

The Kings managed to score a 3-2 win over the Ottawa Sting Nov. 24 at the Spencerville arena.

Mike Skakum led the Kings with a pair of goals, while Jay Keller added a single. Brett Jackson (2), Torin Marcynuk, Tyson Wilson and Skakum chipped in with helpers.

Thomas Allan had a strong game in net, stopping 22 shots for the win.

On Nov. 27, the Kings dropped a 4-2 decision to the Ottawa Valley Titans in Spencerville. Jackson scored both Kings' goals, while Keller, Wilson and Skakum chipped in with helpers. Allan stopped 31 shots in the loss.

Peewee C Rangers win B final in Smiths Falls

SMITHS FALLS - The South Grenville peewee C Rangers house team #2 won the B championship Nov. 22 of the Smiths Falls peewee C House Tournament.

After dropping a 2-0 decision to Smiths Falls #2 to open the tournament, the Rangers rebounded to defeat the West Carleton Warriors 5-1 in the B side semi-final. Kyle McNamara led the Rangers with a pair of goals, while Cory Todd, Cory Robertson and Cody Patenaude added singles in the win.

In the B final, the Rangers played a strong came defeating Smiths Falls #1 4-1 for the B championship.

Patenaude led the Rangers with two goals, while Andrew Adams and Zack Bernier added singles. Zack Bright, Matthew Gilligan, Michael Rochon chipped in with helpers.

On Nov. 23, the Rangers travelled to Westport to collect a 4-2 regular season victory over the Rideaus. Robertson netted a pair of goals to lead South Grenville, while McNamara and Patenaude added singles. Zack Bernier (2), Danny Calhoun, Bright and Mitch Bernier added assists.

Falcons prepare to return to action Saturday in Prescott

PRESCOTT - The St. Lawrence Falcons Sr. A hockey team based in Prescott will be holding its next home game Saturday night.

The third-place Falcons will be looking to move up the Eastern Ontario Senior A Hockey League standings when they host the last-place Deseronto Bulldogs at 8 pm at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

The Falcons sit with a 4-3 record on the season with eight points, with three games in hand on the division-leading Tamworth Braves, sitting 7-2 on the season with 16 points.

The Falcons will also take the ice Dec. 13 and Dec. 27 for home games starting at 8 pm.

Curling club hosting Christmas Bonspiel from Dec. 9-13

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Curling Club will be hosting a Christmas Mixed Bonspiel from Dec. 9-13 in Prescott.

The bonspiel will be the club's last major event of the holiday season, with the next major event on their calendar being the Mixed Invitational Open set for Jan. 9-10.

The club is located at 439 Henry St. W,. with new members and visitors welcome to stop by and take in the action.

Come out to the club and take in the action as Prescott curlers will battle it out for bragging rights.

For more information on the club contact club President Alan Norton at 925-3267.

Let us know about upcoming events and achievements

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Journal would like to thank everyone for their submissions to the sports department.

Due to the large quantity of submissions, some items may not be published immediately.

Also, when submitting please include a name and contact number; without that information, some items may not be processed.

Deadline for submissions is Monday afternoon. Our offices are open Monday-Friday from 8 am until 5 pm to drop off submissions.

Submissions will also be accepted by fax at 925-3472 or e-mail at sports@prescottjournal.com.

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