VOL. 174, NO. 6~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ February 11, 2004

OPP provides updated costing of town service

$1,340,000 is the new price of more expensive option

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Town officials have received an update on what it would cost to have the Ontario Provincial Police provide service in Prescott.

Staff Sergeant Brent Hill, Grenville County OPP detachment commander, and representatives from the OPP contract policing bureau presented a revised proposal to Prescott's community and protective services committee Monday night.

The OPP proposal for Prescott was first presented in Oct. 2000. Council voted in Jan. 2001 to proceed with an OPP municipal contract and disbandment of the Prescott Police Service.

In the prolonged process that followed, a court ruled last year the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services shall grant disbandment. A decision on whether an appeal of that ruling will be heard is expected soon.

Late last year, Prescott council asked for updated costings of switching to OPP and retaining the municipal department. Prescott Police Chief Bryan Somerville is scheduled to appear before the committee Feb. 23.

As was the case with its initial proposal, the OPP has put forward two options in connection with creating a separate patrol area for the Town of Prescott. Both options include the full-time equivalent of 10 constables and a portion of sergeant, inspector, clerical support and caretaker positions shared with the Grenville County detachment based on Edward Street just south of Highway 401. The first option, which includes a community sergeant who would be dedicated to the Prescott patrol area, costs $1,340,844 per year based on the 2004 salary schedule. Salaries and benefits represent the vast majority of policing costs.

The second option, which does not include the additional sergeant's position, costs $1,223,973.

In the 2000 proposal, the cost of the first option had been pegged at $1,146,000 per year; the pricetag on option two was $1,045,000.

Council opted in May 2001 to pursue the less expensive option. Staff Sergeant Hill said Monday North Grenville opted for the community sergeant in its first OPP contract in 1998. North Grenville renewed its contract last year and retained that additional position, which Hill noted has worked well for the municipality.

Hill outlined the many services and resources the town would receive if it were to choose the OPP. The two-hour presentation, which was open to the public, was attended by about 25 people.

Hill and the other OPP representatives addressed written questions submitted in advance by council members.

Councillor Chuck Street, who is on record as stating he is not convinced switching to the OPP is the right course for the town to take, said he was impressed with the OPP presentation.

However, Street noted the prices have increased "considerably" since 2000. The councillor acknowledged town police and civilian staff have received pay hikes during the same period. "Obviously, our prices have gone up too," he added.

Street believes the cost of going to OPP and keeping the town police department in place might be similar as they were when the previous council addressed the issue. In noting the existing service is adequate, Street said he would be in favour of staying with the municipal police service if switching to the OPP would not result in significant cost savings to the municipality.

In noting there would be eight uniformed officers in platoons to serve the Prescott patrol zone, Hill indicated there might be situations in which on-duty officers are dispatched to neighbouring communities to respond to serious situations. However, other OPP officers in the area would be dispatched to cover the Prescott area if that should happen.

"Your town is not going to go without policing," Hill stated.

The OPP has agreed to offer employment to all but one member of the Prescott department. On the civilian side, only one person would be offered employment. Most of the existing civilian positions are dispatch-related; the OPP will be handling that service through its new provincial communications centre in Smiths Falls which is expected to go into service this spring.

As for council's deliberations, it appears the community will be given an opportunity to have input. Councillor and committee chair Sue O'Hanlon announced Monday there would be a public meeting sometime after both policing presentations are made. Details have yet to be finalized.

As for the appearance of the OPP in Prescott, the uniforms would be the same as those worn by other OPP officers throughout the province. There was no indication the name Prescott would appear on any of the three police vehicles that would be assigned to Prescott.

In response to questions from Councillor Bob Pelda about recognizing the town's heritage through a special badge or some other visible item, Hill noted the word Prescott could accompany the existing identification markings worn by officers.

THIS WEEK

Assessment concerns subject of public forum

PRESCOTT ­ A public forum to address concerns about property assessment will take place in Prescott early next month.

The meeting for residents of the Prescott and Augusta areas will be held Thursday, March 4 at 7 pm in council chambers at town hall, 360 Dibble St. W. Representatives from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation will attend the public forum, which had been requested by Prescott council.

Town Treasurer/Deputy CAO Laurie Kirkby noted at a finance committee meeting Monday night Edwardsburgh/Cardinal would be having its own public meeting to deal with concerns about the assessment process.

Many properties in the area have been reassessed at much higher values and face the prospect of significantly higher tax bills.

Attempt to enter locked vehicle is unsuccessful

PRESCOTT ­ Officers with the Prescott Police Service investigated 76 incidents and one motor vehicle collision during the week of Feb. 1.

On Saturday, Feb. 7, police received a report of damage to a vehicle parked behind 825 Claxton Tr. An investigation revealed someone had attempted to punch out the passenger side door lock to get into the vehicle. Entry was not gained; the vehicle sustained minimal damage. The investigating officer is Constable Mike Lapensee.

Anyone with information on this or any other occurrence in town is asked to contact the Prescott Police Service at 925-4265 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. The police and fire station is located at the corner of Centre and Henry streets just north of the post office.

Tickets for Chamber banquet are available

PRESCOTT ­ The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce will host its annual awards banquet Monday, March 8 at St. Mark's Parish Centre on Edward Street.

The event includes a silent auction beginning at 5 pm, social hour at 6 pm and dinner at 7 pm, followed by the presentation of awards for top business, volunteer and youth of 2003.

The guest speaker will be J.J. Clarke of CJOH-TV. Tickets will be available at the three banks in Prescott or by calling Mike Boyles at 925-4324.

Roast beef and Valentines

PRESCOTT ­ A roast beef dinner will be held Valentine's Day (this Saturday, Feb. 14) at Friendship Hall, 454 Henry St. W.

Dinner will be served at 5 and 6:30 pm. Tickets should be obtained in advance. Call 925-4784, 925-4957 or 925-4268.

Proceeds go to the local U.N. pilgrimage committee of the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs.

Get into the winter spirit at the Fort Town Frost Festival

PRESCOTT ­ Prescott's celebration of winter is almost here.

The Fort Town Frost Festival kicks off three days of fun this Friday. There are many outdoor and indoor activities for people of all ages, according to organizer Mike Boyles.

Free public skating will be offered Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 and Sunday from 2 to 3 pm at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

Free horse-drawn wagon rides are being offered again on Frost Fest Saturday. Rides leaving from the clock tower will run from noon to 2 pm.

The Prescott Legion will be hopping Saturday night at the annual Valentine dance featuring Sue Munroe and Key Country. Tickets are available at the door.

Prescott will be going to the dogs Sunday afternoon for one of the most popular Frost Fest attractions. Unlike some carnivals and festivals that had to scrap dog sled runs earlier this winter because of a lack of snow, conditions should be good for this year's Fort Town event.

The Prescott Golf Club will host the event which starts at 1 pm and will continue until about 3 pm. The public can check out the dog teams and watch the racers; free rides will be offered if time permits.

Boyles noted the high windchill did not keep many people from attending the event last year. The club house is expected to be open Sunday afternoon.

This year's Frost Fest will once again include a snowman-building contest for the kids. The top three entries will win prizes. Judging will take place Sunday. To enter, call 925-4324 and leave a name and address.

Other events associated with this year's Frost Fest include the annual Randy Kroone Memorial Mixed Sno-Pitch Saturday morning and afternoon at the Kriska (RCA) ball fields at the corner of Sophia Street and Churchill Road West, a Valentine tea and bake sale Saturday at St. Paul's Church Hall and a Little Rocks Bonspiel Sunday at the Prescott Curling Club.

Boyles noted an outdoor rink is being set up at Kelly's Bay; however, it is not an official Frost fest venue. The possibility of an outdoor rink being set up on the Daniels' Hotel property will be investigated for next year; Boyles said putting the rink on that vacant King Street lot is "a great idea."

Everyone is also encouraged to take their sleds and toboggans to Fort Wellington and enjoy some downhill fun throughout the weekend.

See the special Frost Fest page inside this week's Journal for more details.

The festival is sponsored by the town and several businesses and organizations.

Curling ambassador rocks Prescott club

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT ­ One of the most popular and recognizable figures in the curling world - Guy Hemmings of Quebec - was a special attraction at the Prescott Curling Club's annual Men's Invitational Bonspiel on the weekend.

The 41-year-old ambassador of the sport with the Canadian Curling Association (CCA) brought his own team to play with 17 other teams at the local bonspiel.

The fact the curling champion chose Prescott to brush up on his skills just about swept the club away, explained Greg Smith, who organized the bonspiel and Hemmings' appearance along with Dave Cassell and Tom McLelland.

When the club still had two spots to fill in the bonspiel, organizers posted the openings on the Ontario Curling Association and Ottawa Valley Curling Association Web sites. At the same time, Hemmings was looking for a bonspiel close to home in which his team could practice before competing in the provincial championships in eastern Quebec this week.

Hemmings' confirmation came in at the last minute - just as The Journal was going to press last week.

There was a lot of local excitement and even disbelief when the Hemmings team confirmed its entry in the Prescott bonspiel, Smith said. "To have a four-time provincial Quebec champion adds a lot of flavour," he said, adding the curling personality will hopefully make the bonspiel more memorable for those who played this year, while making the spots easier to fill in future years. To have someone playing in the bonspiel at this competitive level is a natural draw for the club, he said.

"He has been an exciting figure for curling all together," Smith said. "He's very serious (about the game) but he can get out there and laugh and joke around. He's been a real bearer of the curling banner."

Hemmings has also been a finalist at two Canadian briers.

With playing three games in the bonspiel from Friday evening to Saturday evening, Hemmings had little time to see Prescott (he arrived at night in a snow storm), but he did find what he says is typical of the sport: curling attracts good, friendly people who enjoy having fun. "A bunch of nice people play our sport," he said.

It's that social aspect and "the beauty of the sport" that has kept Hemmings playing for 18 years while continually striving to perfect his skills.

When he comes to an old curling club with plenty of character like the one in Prescott that so typifies small-town clubs, Hemmings said many of the players are not aiming for the brier, but they play for the love of the game, for the friendships and to have a good time.

"They greet us really well and it's good to be here," he said.

Another attraction of curling for Hemmings, he said, is he can always strive to become better and play against the best in the world, no matter how long he's been in the game.

"There's not a switch or light that comes up that says 'okay, for now on you're just going to decline'," he explained. "In this sport, you just keep trying and trying. In curling - that's the beauty - you still get better the more you play, the more experience you get."

As part of his job with the CCA to heighten awareness of the sport and recruit new players, Hemmings has travelled to more than 150 communities across the country in three years. He heads up the Rockin' the House Curling Tour in which he conducts curling clinics, shares his passion for the sport and helps clubs grow the sport at the community level.

"We're confident about our product; it's a good game," he said. Curling is growing wildly in popularity, and more people can be drawn from watching it on TV to discover the game in person, Hemmings added.

"It's a fun game. It's a game that's accessible to everybody - that's the beauty about it. To play just for fun, anybody can play - with your friend, with your family, your neighbours - there's not too many sports you can do that with. That's the great part about it."

Hemmings and his team won all three games in the bonspiel and placed third overall based on the point system.

Work piles up for Prescott public works crew as winter sets in

Keeping streets, sidewalks clear can be a thankless job

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT ­ When the snow piles up and the driving gets tough, Prescott's public works crew plows into action.

The team of six members plus Public Works Foreman Hans Van Helden has been getting its share of overtime hours with recent storms that have dumped up to 25 cm of snow overnight.

They know it's all part of the job to work long, hard hours throughout the night, but it can be a thankless job to ensure roads and sidewalks are clear by early morning so residents can begin their days, Van Helden explained.

Last Tuesday's storm hit Prescott with a wallop: it was the largest amount of snow to fall in such a short period of time this winter. The snow began thick and heavy at about 2 pm in the afternoon and didn't let up until well into the night.

Prescott's snow removal crew hit the approximately 30 kilometres of streets at about midnight, and the sidewalk plow went into action at 3 am. Dead-end streets, circles and public parking lots were also ready by early morning.

One public works employee banked 17 hours of work in one day during last week's storm, went home for just over two hours and was back in again for a regular shift, Van Helden said.

When the snow got too wet, heavy and thick for the regular sidewalk plow, the snowblower is used - but it takes three times as long to do the job. Approximately six of Prescott's 60 kilometres of sidewalks are plowed.

It's the main sidewalks that get special treatment - King, Edward, Churchill, Centre, George, St. Lawrence and Sophia - but it's always a battle. "It becomes a real problem to try and keep them open," Van Helden explained Friday afternoon from his office at the public works department at the north end of Sophia Street.

With another storm brewing that day, Van Helden stays in close contact with the police for dispatching and the weather network on the Internet. He had already been at work for 15 hours, and was looking at putting in couple more hours before going home for a break.

From last week's storm, one man racked up 13 hours overtime, and another banked 17 hours. "It's tiring because it's not a regular schedule," Van Helden said. But, the crew knows "it's a must. When the call comes in the winter time we have to go."

All six crew members had a minimum of 25 hours each in overtime in a two-week pay period that ended Jan. 31.

Between storms last week, the crew cleared high snow banks from King, Centre and George streets, continued to clear sidewalks, and did maintenance on equipment. Thawing frozen water services - especially during the January freeze when temperatures dipped to -40°C - also keeps the men busy.

The employees all have various talents besides being able to operate heavy equipment - such as welding, auto body and mechanics - which keeps costs to the town down. "We try to do as much in house as we can," the foreman explained.

There are times in which the municipality must supplement its own resources with private operators.

"People think we just drive around and do nothing," Van Helden said. "But when you're on the other side of the fence, the days are long."

Van Helden said he keeps a detailed daily journal of all department activities and weather conditions.

"One of the biggest jobs in winter is keeping the town out of trouble," he explained, noting Prescott has never lost a lawsuit filed by people who have slipped or fallen on sidewalks.

And complaints are many: they range from driveways that are plugged from plowing and streets that have become too narrow from the amount of snow, to snow that has been plowed too far into yards. Very seldom is there any thanks, he said.

"People expect to get out at any time no matter what the conditions."

Enter Frost Fest snowman contest and you could win

PRESCOTT ­ The Fort Town Frost Festival snowman contest is ready to roll.

Youngsters are being encouraged to build snowmen in their yards and have their creations judged.

To enter, call 925-4324 and leave your name and address. Judging will take place Sunday, Feb. 15. Prizes will be awarded for the top three entries.

Prescott sewage plant remains top priority, according to Jordan

Federal budget will provide details of principles noted in throne speech, MP says

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

OTTAWA ­ Last week's throne speech contained little in the way of surprises, according to Leeds-Grenville Liberal MP Joe Jordan.

The first throne speech delivered during the tenure of Prime Minister Paul Martin included pledges to provide 100-per-cent GST rebates to municipalities as well as improve health care and early education.

Jordan told The Journal last Wednesday the Feb. 2 speech and the prime minister's response to it place emphasis on things Canadians think are important.

One item of particular interest to Jordan is the creation of Canada Corps, a new initiative aimed at providing a chance for young Canadian adults to work and learn in developing nations affected by war, disease or poverty.

The MP, who said this initiative is not receiving much attention, is "an incredible step" for Canada and international development.

As expected, opposition parties criticized the contents of the speech and claimed it was nothing more than a pre-election ploy that was light on details of how the pledges will be implemented. Jordan said the upcoming budget, expected in early March, will spell out how the government plans to implement the "broad strokes" referred to in the speech.

"That's where the rubber hits the road," the MP said.

High expectations followed Martin's rise to the top as prime minister and Liberal leader, according to Jordan.

"You can't be all things to all people," Jordan said.

Prescott's bid to refurbish its sewage treatment plant near Johnstown remains a top priority, according to Jordan. He referred to it as "the number one infrastructure program in Leeds and Grenville."

Infrastructure funding for the $15-million project was a sore spot last year. The provincial government gave its approval for Ontario's one-third share of project costs. The federal government did not approve its one-third share; Jordan maintains the province submitted the Prescott project too late and after federal funding had been committed.

The new infrastructure program outlined by the federal government last year offers more flexibility than its predecessor, according to Jordan.

Looking to the right

As for the newly-formed Conservative party and its leadership race, Jordan said he did not want to speculate other than noting he would be surprised if Stephen Harper does not become the leader in March.

Closer to home, Jordan said his pre-election campaign is under way. There have been campaign meetings during the past two months, he noted. The Liberals' strategy locally is to identify support for the party and get supporters out to vote.

"It's head down and full speed ahead," the MP said in reference to the new session of parliament and election preparations.

A federal election is expected to be called this spring.

Jordan noted he expects to be in another tough fight in Leeds-Grenville. He defeated Alliance candidate Gord Brown by 55 votes in the 2000 election; Brown is seeking the local Conservative nomination.

Low-income suppers to be held at Prescott church

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The congregation at Seaway Christian Church is hoping to fill a void in the community.

The first in a series of monthly "Master's Hands" suppers will take place Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 5 pm at the place of worship on Churchill Road.

Pastor Barry Edmondson told The Journal the idea arose as part of a recent discussion he had at a Prescott Youth Centre board meeting. Although there is a food bank in Prescott, meals for low-income families are not held on a regular basis.

"I brought it back to the congregation; they just ran with it," Edmondson said.

The dinner on the 25th, which Edmondson referred to as a trial run, will consist of macaroni and cheese, tossed salad, bread or bun, dessert and beverage.

The timing of the supper (the fourth Wednesday of the month) is intentional, according to the pastor. He was advised having the dinner near the end of the month would better serve the needs of low-income families. "We want to help where we can," he said.

In preparation for the community dinners, some changes are being made to the church's kitchen area. Edmondson noted a new sink and freezer have been added. People have been offering their time and financial support to make the modifications that will enable the church to accommodate the new activities, according to the pastor.

The pastor said the Seaway congregation of about 45 is receiving some help from members of the Harvest church in town. Additional donations of cash and food are welcome. "We want to give a substantial meal," Edmondson said.

Edmondson indicated the program might be expanded if there is a need to do so. "We'll go weekly if we have to," he said.

"I get the feeling there are a lot of working poor around."

Edmondson said organizers will not hide the fact the dinner is being held in a church hall. Diners will be invited but not forced to take part in other church functions, such as the Bible and kids' clubs normally held Wednesday nights.

The church is trying to meet the spiritual and physical needs of Prescott-area residents, according to Edmondson.

For more information, call the church at 925-5840.

The only existing low-income community dinner in the area is Soup for the Soul, an annual Christmas season event organized by Prescott teens Kaitlynn Dodge and Mackenzie Eaton.

The VON organizes Diners' Club lunches for seniors in several South Grenville communities.

Police seek public's help to find missing couple

PRESCOTT ­ Town police are seeking the public's assistance in locating a couple that has not been seen since Saturday.

In response to a reported break and enter Monday at a Russell Street residence, police found the apartment had been vandalized and the occupants ­ Wayne Puddy and his partner Christine Armstrong, both 30 ­ were missing.

The couple is believed to have ties to Kemptville and the South Mountain areas, according to Police Chief Bryan Somerville. Armstrong, an employee of Kemptville and District Hospital, has not reported to work since Thursday. Neither has had contact with family members for several weeks. The couple might be travelling in a red 1993 Nissan van bearing Ontario plates ASRB 329.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"I like a lot of rest, but at my age you can't exect me to be out skipping rope."

Former Cardinal resident Bessie Lamson, who celebrated her 105th birthday Feb. 8

Editor's Notebook

JUST THE FACTS: Now that the Ontario Provincial Police have given civic leaders in Prescott a revised view of what would be involved in switching to OPP service in town, it is up to council to take a thorough look at this option as well as the one to retain the Prescott Police Service.

The town remains on the record as being in favour of disbanding the municipal police department and replacing it with an OPP contract, but some new councillors are not convinced making the switch would be in the best interests of the community.

At a recent meeting. Prescott's senior councillor (Jo-Anne Beckstead) stated all newspaper articles are biased. She added council should deal with just the facts and not rely on published accounts of how switching to OPP has affected other communities. Although it is clear the previous council did not have all the facts at its disposal when it opted in 2001 to proceed with the disbandment process (and does not have all of them now), we concur with the suggestion a decision this important should be based on real information and not personal grudges, idle speculation and unproven beliefs ­ all of which have, to some extent, played a role in the review of policing in Prescott.

We also concur with the suggestion people who live in those "switch" communities should be asked for their opinions good, bad or otherwise. Some council members have done that, and we encourage others to do the same.

As much as we would all like to see an end to this needlessly drawn-out process, the decision to move forward with an OPP contract or drop the matter and stick with municipal police should be based on research, which includes hearing from communities that have gone through the change. If it takes this council some additional time to do its homework, it's a price that would be worth the wait.

GST REFUND ONLY THE BEGINNING: The federal government's decision to give municipalities a pass when it comes to paying the Goods and Services Tax comes as welcome news to communities big and small, including South Grenville.

Municipalities had already received partial rebates from the feds, but an extra $100,000 in Prescott's coffers each year will come in handy.

Although lower-income Canadians receive GST rebates on a quarterly basis, most people and all companies see little or no relief from a tax the Liberals pledged a decade ago they would scrap when they formed the government.

As the next federal election looms, perhaps Mr. Martin (and the other leaders, for that matter) could speak to the future of the GST and whether they have the guts to go through with its elimination or convince us why Canadians should embrace it as a necessary evil.

Tim Ruhnke

Getting a warm and fizzy feeling about this week's material

THE NEW GUY by Tim Ruhnke

The folks who take their shovels or snowblowers and clear the neighbour's walk or driveway or the sidewalk in front of the house or business and seek nothing in return deserve a bit of recognition. Some people, for medical reasons, find it difficult to carry out what can be a very challenging and physically demanding activity. The neighbourly gesture that quietly continues each winter is another example of how volunteerism is a selfless and not selfish act.

Even though Prescott's public works department usually provides adequate snow removal service, the plow operators can only be in so many places at one time. So when it takes a few hours for a sidewalk to be cleared (and it does happen) or to create openings in snowbanks, it is nice to come across those stretches that have already been dealt with thanks to the consideration shown by the person who lives or works in the vicinity.

Toques off to those volunteers, and here's hoping they aren't put to work much more this winter!

***

Most pop machines will never be mistaken for works of art, and they do tend to stick out like a sore thumb in upscale neighbourhoods or those which try to emphasize some form of old-style architecture.

Aesthetics has been cited by town officials as one reason to remove the only two pop machines in the downtown area. Since both units are located on municipal property, council has every right to decide what is an appropriate and inappropriate use of town land.

However, if Prescott council intends on addressing aesthetic issues involving the main street area, it might want to turn its attention to other concerns.

The Daniels' lot looks much better than it used to, but the ghastly condition of that wall just to the east must surely be something the property standards committee can address. Water Street just east of Centre is an absolute mess that serves as a poor representation of Prescott to visitors who attend summer concerts and the Shakespeare festival.

And is anything ever going to be done about all those parking meter poles that are serving absolutely no purpose (aesthetically or otherwise) these days?

I know it has become fashionable to bash soft drink companies and the products they sell. There are legitimate concerns about the cola culture and all those sugar-infested beverages marketed to youngsters and their parents. In the case of King Street, a pop machine that does not work and is an obstacle for snow removal crews should be (and has been) removed. Other than that, though, the town should focus on the many bigger issues with which it must deal.

Toxoid clinic unable to meet demand for serum in 1944

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Feb. 10, 1944

* The attendance at the toxoid clinic for school children was overwhelming, with the serum being exhausted before all the children could be inoculated.

Serum was given to 125 children for whooping cough, diphtheria and scarlet fever, and as many more could have been treated had not the clinic run out of serum.

Medical Health Officer Dr. C.F. McPherson was in charge and he was assisted by Mrs. Caldwell, Mrs. White, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Kincaid, Mrs. Mayville, Mrs. Quinn, Miss Moray and Mrs. Halliday.

Feb. 11, 1954

* Prescott's post office re-opened in completely renovated offices at the old stand on King Street East, and public and staff have voiced praise for the new arrangements and facilities.

The National Employment Service, which had been located in the DLD building during the eight months required to renovate, moved back into its offices on the second floor of the post office.

Feb. 12, 1964

* J.A. Morris, publisher of The Prescott Journal, was named president of the Ontario Weekly Newspapers Association for 1964-65. He also accepted a second-place award in the largest population class (towns over 3,500) in the newspaper competition, and The Cardinal News was awarded first place for making the greatest improvement during the year.

Feb. 13, 1974

* Eldon J. Francis, a retired Prescott businessman who has been active in community affairs for more than 30 years, and especially in the past 15 years since he sold out his interest in a chain of IGA Foodliners, was presented the Prescott Chamber of Commerce community service award for 1974. In making the presentation, Chamber President John Morris cited Mr. Francis' valuable contribution to both the building campaign and the actual operation of the community centre.

Feb. 9, 1994

* Retired Prescott industrialist, Boy Scout leader and Chamber of Commerce community service award winner, Thomas Garfield (Garf) Kincaid, of New Wexford, died Feb. 3 following a brief illness. He was 85.

Ottawa Citizen's new look defies traditions of good typography

FORT TOWN DIARY by John A.H. Morris

We were brought up in an era when Ottawa and the valley had two daily newspapers - The Journal and the Citizen - but we cannot recall there ever being a copy of the Liberal-supporting Citizen in our home. Our family supported and fought for King, Country, Tory MP A.C. Casselman, and the Ottawa Journal.

Unfortunately, when the Liberal government under Pierre Trudeau, back in the 1970s, decided to limit ownership of our media exclusively to Canadian individuals or corporations, the century-old rivalry between two or more daily newspapers in most of our major Canadian cities ceased to exist.

Instead it created a cozy atmosphere which reduced daily newspaper ownership to three major family groups: Southam, Thomson and Sifton. It didn't take long for these czars of the Canadian publishing industry to realize there was much more profit to be had in one-paper cities and so the nation-wide switch began which made Ottawa, Montreal, Winnipeg and eventually Vancouver, one paper cities.

This meant the demise of the Ottawa Journal and its folksie, down-home, Tory influenced take on the news, leaving the Ottawa Citizen to thrive and prosper in this federal fueled, booming market.

We didn't like the move, but satisfied ourselves that the Citizen could be acceptable because it was once a Prescott newspaper. Yup, that's right. The Citizen originated in Prescott.

In 1847 Robert Bell started a newspaper in Prescott called The Packet, but because of poor support and strong competition from the newly-established Prescott Telegraph, established by S.B. Merrill of Kingston shortly after Bell started The Packet, he decided to pack up his hand fed press and type cases and move The Packet to Ottawa (Bytown) where it eventually became the Ottawa Citizen.

We were reminded of The Packet's origins last week when the Ottawa Citizen unveiled its 'new look' and the re-institution of the old Packet motto of "Fair Play and Daylight' on its editorial page. In Citizen editor-in-chief Scott Anderson's pre-amble to the typographical changes in the Citizen, he reports The Packet moved to Ottawa in 1845. All of our historical research has it moving to Ottawa in 1847. We can verify our dates, we wonder if Mr. Anderson can do likewise.

But moving ahead to yesterday is exactly what the Citizen did with its 'new look', whereby it made its newspaper more difficult to read rather than make it more reader friendly.

We would wager that regular readers of the Citizen, since February 2, have found their newspaper less attractive and less interesting to read, but that they blame this on the daily budget of national, international and the tiny portion of city and district news that has been appearing the past 10 days.

Really, it is none of the above.

Their redesign people made graphic and typographical changes more for the sake of changes than for the convenience of their readers.

The best example of this is the reversion to capital letters, especially on columns and opinion pieces, instead of using upper and lower case letters, as has been the practice in Canadian and American newspapers for half a century, at least.

Some major dailies, the New York Times in particular, and some of the major British dailies, never did accept the use of upper and lower case letters in their headlines. Their arguments were always that they were "reader' newspapers and format be damned. People would read them even if words were printed upside-down. Because their news and opinions are so respected, they deserve this arrogant attitude.

This makes one wonder where the Ottawa Citizen would ever get the idea that it is a 'readers' newspaper. It is indeed a very provincial newspaper, not really well enough respected to be serving the capital city of Canada.

The articles that will suffer most from lack of readership in the new look Citizen are those written by the paper's mediocre stable of columnists because they are headlined in capital letters.

In typographical jargon these are 'caps' and 'lower case'. Readership studies in North America going back as far as the early 1900s, have shown us that capital letters are very difficult to read and because of this the message they are meant to convey to the reader is less than 75 per cent effective as words printed in lower case.

This means that people are reading the headlines on the columns in the new look Citizen, but that in the majority of cases their meaning doesn't register with the reader, who will then move on to another story or column where there is better word recognition.

The reason capital letters are so difficult to read is because readers today, whether five years old or 105, read and absorb the meaning of our language through word recognition.

Reading efficiency has evolved over several hundred years to the point where readers only look at the middle of a letter and ignore the ascenders and descenders.

This means readers take a line of type, unconsciously block out all the appendages, and still retain full word recognition.

This cannot be done with capital letters, which means the reader has to practically spell out each letter until there is word recognition, and then has to deal mentally with inadequate word spacing such as has been created by the Citizen's arrogant attitude of "if we write it, people will read it".

What should be remembered is that in today's society people have less time than ever to read a newspaper.

Therefore, the task should be made easier instead of more difficult. Amen.

SCHOOL SCENE

Boundary Street Public School: Grade 6 students are participating in the école de neige program this week. They will be in Quebec for three days enjoying outdoor sports while practising their French.

Student council members have been working hard to organize the winter carnival activities to be held Feb. 18. Outside activities will include an obstacle course and games. Grade 4-8 students will be put into teams. Spirit Week will be held in March.

Dr. Michelle Borba will be in Kemptville on the evening of Thursday, March 4. She will present information on moral intelligence. Parents and community members are welcome to attend. Please call the school to register.

We are now pre-registering students for Junior and Senior Kindergarten in September. If your child was born on or before Dec. 31, 2000, please call the school at 925-2803 and provide us with some basic information. A formal registration day will be held in the spring.

Hot lunch this Friday is KFC.

Centennial '67 and North Edwardsburgh Public Schools: Our students had lots of fun playing in the snow last week. We are all pleased the temperatures are a bit milder, but we remind students to dress appropriately for winter.

We also ask all students' belongings be labelled so we can return found items to their owners.

We appreciate all of the parents who attended and eagerly participated in our school council meeting Tuesday, Feb. 3. Congratulations to the newly-elected executive: Elaine Whiteman fills the position of chair, assisted by Joanne Moulton as vice-chair. Karla Dibdin took on the role of secretary, and Kathy Colwell continues as treasurer. Council members are looking into the playground equipment issue at North Edwardsburgh, among other items. The next school council meeting is Tuesday, March 2 at 7 pm at North Edwardsburgh. All parents are welcome.

Congratulations to our monthly student recognition award recipients. It is a pleasure to celebrate the many accomplishments of our JK to Grade 8 students.

Central Public School: The primary division has enjoyed two skating excursions this school year. We eagerly look forward to two more - Feb. 20 and March 12. The students really enjoy themselves on the ice while developing their skills. Many parents have volunteered to help tie skates. See you on the ice! Happy skating!

A message from parent council: Hot lunch for the remainder of February will be as follows: Feb. 11 - burgers; Feb. 18 - pogos; Feb. 25: hot dogs.

St. Joseph Catholic School: This is Teacher Appreciation Week. Take time to talk to a teacher, walk with a teacher and thank a teacher.

Congratulations to our Good Samaritan for the week of Feb. 2: Brent Timmins.

Please plan on attending the St. Joe's Spaghetti Supper Thursday, Feb. 12 at St. Mark's Parish Centre. Sittings will be at 5 and 6 pm. Tickets are available at the school or at the door. See you there!

Our junior students are participating in the MS Read-a-thon. Monies raised will go for research and services for those with multiple sclerosis. Students are reading, reading, reading. If you are asked to sponsor a reader, please be generous!

Our senior boys and girls basketball teams continue to hone their skills. They are eagerly anticipating the St. Mary's tournament today, Wednesday, Feb. 11.

St. Mark Catholic School: This week is Kindergarten Registration Week at St. Mark. If your son/daughter isn't currently enrolled in Kindergarten, please contact the school to make an appointment.

Winter Carnival Week promises to be a great week for students and staff as we participate in a variety of fun activities.

Our St. Mark Catholic School council is sponsoring a bingo Valentine's Day at 8:30 pm at Bingo International in Johnstown.

On Sunday, Feb. 15, our Grade 2 first reconciliation and first holy communion students will participate in an enrolment mass at St. Mark's Catholic Church at 11 am.

Parents are reminded Friday, Feb. 20 is an early dismissal day for students; buses will depart at 11:55 am and noon. Please ensure you received and signed the early dismissal note sent home this week.

Our All Star Reading Strategy this week is "Book Awareness: Super See Through."

Hot lunch this week: chicken chunks.

Soup and salad lunch follows board meeting

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

Our next fine needlework group meets Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 7 pm. We will have examples of hardinger and the materials to try a sample project. The fabric we will be using will not be as fine a thread count as an heirloom fabric, but we will be able to reproduce the different stitches.

Our next Scrabble game will be held the first Wednesday in March.

Board members are reminded of the meeting on Monday, Feb. 16 at 10:30 am. We will be having one of our regular soup and sandwich lunches at 11:30 am. Bridge will be in the afternoon as usual. Any member is welcome to come for the lunch. Please call 925-5300 and have your name added to the list so we can prepare.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Ruth Britnell; 2nd, Valerie Schulz; door, Doris Mossman. Fun bridge ­ Glen Morris. Wednesday night bridge ­ high, Richard Kingston; 2nd, Charlie Steiner. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Alice Crowder and Lou Baldwin; 2nd, Jean McCrady; 3rd, Mary Reynolds; door, Hilda Hutton.

Local squadron visits Quebec

By Captain John Henry

PRESCOTT ­ Members of 661 Lt. W.F. Sharpe Squadron took part in an inter-provincial exchange trip to Laterierre, Quebec recently. More than 30 Air Cadets participated in the four-day trip, which included an introduction to the culture and lifestyle of the region.

The weekend was packed for all who attended. Cadets watched a junior hockey game and visited an outdoor zoo. Most activities were centered around the Lac Thumb ski resort and Saguenay River; each cadet had a chance to ski and snowboard as well as learn to ice fish and build igloos. The most beneficial part of the trip was the interaction with host cadets and staff. Although exposure to a different language and way of life might have been awkward at first, all the cadets seemed to make new friends and have a tremendous experience they will not soon forget.

The exchange marked the end of an experience that began last winter when the squadron hosted a Quebec unit. That trip included a tour of local industry before heading to the National Capital Region to visit museums and take in an Ottawa Senators game. The 661 squadron is looking forward to taking part in another exchange in the near future.

Local youths are always welcome to stop in and see what 661 squadron has to offer. Adults who might be interested in helping unit staff or sponsoring the cadets are also encouraged to pay a visit.

For more information on the local squadron, call 349-0488. The address of the national cadet Web site is www.cadets.ca.

Magic show to be held at parish

PRESCOTT ­ A show featuring illusions and plenty of audience participation for people of all ages is coming to Prescott.

Moments of Magic will be presented Friday, Feb. 20 at 7 pm at St. Mark's Parish Centre.

"Whether we're producing live doves, escaping from steel shackles or slicing Nikki into three pieces, the focus is always on fun and quality entertainment," a Moments of Magic promotional brochure states.

The appearance in Prescott is sponsored by the parent council at St. Mark Catholic School.

For more information or to get tickets, contact Cheryl Bernier at 925-5019 or Maureen Crawford at 925-5101.

Happy 105th Birthday, Bessie!

She's quite the little sweetheart

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

BURLINGTON - Another trip to watch her favourite hockey team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, is how Cardinal native, Bessie Lamson will spend her 105th birthday.

Lamson told The Journal Thursday she's doing well and was looking forward to her birthday.

"I'm getting older every year, I can't believe I'm going to be 105," explained Lamson. "I'm doing pretty good. I like a lot of rest, but at my age you can't expect me to be out skipping rope."

Lamson, who was born just north of Cardinal on Feb. 8, 1899, is currently living in Burlington with her nephew Bill Miller and his wife Maureen, who are more than happy to have her.

"She's doing wonderfully; she gets tired easy these days, but she's doing good," explained Maureen Miller. "She's quite the little sweetheart."

Lamson also spends some time with her niece Nancy Karkoulas of Sunderland during the winter months and tries to make it back to Cardinal whenever she can to visit the home where she was born.

"I haven't been back for about a year," said Lamson. "It's a long ride down there and I'm happy here. I have my room and all my special things. Everyone up here is so good to me."

Karkoulas said the 105-year-old constantly amazes her.

"She's just so sharp," said Karkoulas. "I can't get over it. We took her to my great-niece and she was carrying the baby and saying how you should hold her to get her to burp. Then around Christmas she saw her again and she remembered her name and kept saying how much McKayla had grown. She was so cute."

For the last six years, Lamson has attended a Leafs home game as a guest of Toronto Maple Leafs President Ken Dryden on or near her birthday. This year, she will be continuing the tradition when she attends this Saturday's Leafs home game against the Buffalo Sabres. The Leafs plan on presenting her with a new jersey with the number 105 on it.

"I was already talking to Ken's (Dryden) girl and I'm going to go (to the game)," said Lamson. "I'm going to wear my jersey all the players signed for me when I was 100."

Lamson used to sell hot dogs in Maple Leaf Gardens in the 1930s and got a chance to watch all the games. With her long history as a Leafs fan, Lamson has become somewhat of an institution with the Maple Leafs organization-even being involved in the opening of the Air Canada Centre back in 1999, presenting Dryden with the first hot dog from the concessions.

Funding crunch puts VON clinics on hold

CARDINAL - The VON Clinics held at the St. Lawrence Medical Centre have been put on hold until further funding is available.

The monthly clinics, which have run since June 2003, have been put on hiatus until the VON can get a nurse practitioner for the clinic since all are being converted to nurse practitioner clinics.

VON President Ruth Kitson indicated Thursday the clinics weren't being cancelled, but were just being put on hold.

"The nursing money has run out and we don't have enough funding to get a nurse practitioner for Cardinal," explained Kitson. "It's very disappointing, but we can't continue without one."

"I spoke to Dr. Thomas and we had discussed bringing the nurse practitioner from the Brockville clinic to all the clinics," said Kitson. "Dr. Thomas and I had concerns it would be a little too taxing for them, spreading everyone too thin."

The VON and Thomas have requested funding for a nurse practitioner for the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic in Cardinal. Although the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is committed to expanding nurse practitioner services across the province, there is no immediate word as when new funding will be released.

"I really want to stress that the clinics are just on hold," said Kitson. "It is critical that we have them. They have been very worthwhile and have worked very well in relation to preventative care."

Kitson explained the clinics provided a variety of services including testing and education.

"We did cholesterol testing, glucose testing and blood pressure testing," said Kitson. "We also provided some teaching on whatever challenges people were trying to overcome, be it smoking, obesity or diabetic. It was the type of clinic where a single person could take an hour to deal with, because we were trying to educated them.

Kitson indicated the VON plans to write to those who have regularly been attending the clinics to let them know of its status.

CARDINAL'S PAST

Feb. 10, 1944

* Mr. A.S. Fraser, manager of the Canada Starch plant here, left on Sunday for Kansas City and Chicago, Illinois, on business.

* The monthly meeting of the Sunshine Class of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church was held at the home of Miss Nellie McQuade. A social hour was spent and dainty refreshments were served by the hostess.

Feb. 13, 1974

* Queen Jennifer Maginnis and King Danny McLaughlin were chosen to sit in the royal court with Princess Robin Ball and Prince David Patrick during Benson Public School's winter carnival. Cardinal Fire Chief William Gamble was presented a cheque for almost $290 from the school's penny drive for muscular dystrophy.

Feb. 15, 1984

* Several more young women have signed up to compete for the Cardinal Winterfest queen crown. They are Heidi Linnen, Tracey McDonald, Tammy Johnston and Liz Pidgeon.

* Marty Hoy, 10, and Tara Baker, 9, were the winners of a recent poster contest sponsored by the Cardinal Volunteer Fire Department. Runners-up were Wayne Minish and Darren Lampson.

Feb. 2, 1994

* With the news Cardinal is eligible for a grant of almost $800,000 under the federal governments's infrastructure renewal plan, Reeve Larry Dishaw and council are prioritizing projects to take on in the village. Projects under consideration include improvements to water and sewer lines, clean up of the Galop Canal, work on the village's marina and improvements to McLaughlin Park.

The funds could also be used for Cardinal's landfill site or sewage treatment plant and to help construct the three megawatt substation for the village's hydro system.

Library Friends to hold AGM

SPENCERVILLE ­ The annual general meeting of the Friends of the Edwardsburgh Public Library will take place Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 7 pm in the council chamber at the township hall in Spencerville.

A new executive will be nominated. Newcomers are welcome to join the Friends group and participate in literacy and social programs.

Stamp club meets today

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Stamp Club will hold a meeting at 7 pm tonight (Wednesday, Feb. 11) at the new site of the Cardinal Public Library at the former Cardinal municipal building.

Next Fort Town concert features award-winning pianist

PRESCOTT ­ The Fort Town Concert Association will present its third offering of the 2003-2004 season later this month.

A concert by pianist Ian Parker will take place Thursday, Feb. 26 at 8 pm at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.

The award-winning Canadian musician who comes from a family of pianists is a Juilliard graduate who has made solo appearances with many Canadian orchestras and has played at recitals in Europe and Israel. Parker's repertoire includes pieces by Mozart, Chopin, Brahms and Ravel.

The Desjardins concert series is presented in conjunction with Jeunesses Musicales of Canada, an organization that helps bring professional musicians to communities such as Prescott.

For tickets or more information, call 925-5050.

The Feb. 26 event is sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Caldwell.

The Prescott-based concert association, which was founded more than 20 years ago, also provides opportunities for students to experience the performing arts. Most performers visit a local school on the afternoon of the concert.

Bureau offers tax return help

BROCKVILLE ­ The Volunteer Bureau of Leeds and Grenville is preparing to offer its annual income tax return assistance service.

Volunteers trained by Canada Revenue Agency personnel help senior citizens, low-income families, shut-ins, the unemployed and disabled persons file their returns. Electronic tax returns will be done by volunteers this year for the first time.

The bureau is now accepting appointments. For tax assistance or to become a volunteer, contact the bureau at its office on George Street in Brockville or by calling 342-7040.

The volunteer bureau, a United Way agency, in a non-profit organization that recruits volunteers for other groups. The tax assistance service is made possible by the support of the Ross W. McNeil Foundation.

College concert supports CHEO

MAITLAND ­ A concert set for later this month at Grenville Christian College (GCC) will benefit the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario.

"Cold Hands to Warm Tiny Hearts" will take place Sunday, Feb. 22 at 2:30 pm in GCC's Chapel of the Good Shepherd. The event will include performances by the 60-piece Brockville Concert Band, the band's woodwind and brass ensemble (Riverwinds) and the GCC chamber orchestra.

Proceeds from the concert will go to the CHEO foundation.

Refreshments and snacks will be served after the show. Tickets will be available at the door.

The concert is one of a number of fundraisers GCC hosts during the year to support CHEO.

Arts camp offered at GCC

Information session on summer program set for this Saturday

MAITLAND ­ Plans for a performing arts camp at Grenville Christian College (GCC) this summer will be launched this weekend.

An information session will take place Saturday, Feb. 14 from 2 to 4 pm at the GCC auditorium.

The program known as "Camp @ GCC" is open to youngsters between the ages of six and 16. Junior (six to 10) and senior (11 to 16) classes will be offered. Registration is limited to 30 students and will be conducted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Camp counsellors from the former St. Lawrence Stage Company have been hired for the five-week, full-day program. In addition to finding out more about the performing arts, participants will be able to swim, play tennis and take part in traditional camp activities. "The outdoor facilities at GCC are a real asset and lend themselves well to a variety of outdoor activities," stated Cindy Barr, GCC drama teacher and camp co-ordinator.

The camp will include crafts and puppet-making and a cabaret-style show midway through the summer and will culminate with an outdoor theatre production. "We are confident this camp will be like no other, and we encourage people to come and find out more on Feb. 14," Barr added.

Past stage company camp counsellors will be on hand at the information session which will include games, prizes, snacks and refreshments.

Falcons get wings clipped in 8-4 loss to Tamworth

By David Dickenson., Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - The St. Lawrence Falcons Sr. A hockey team dropped an 8-4 decision to the league-leading Tamworth Braves Saturday at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

The Falcons battled hard, but managed to come out on the short end of the stick in a heated affair which saw Adrian Haird of the Falcons leave the game with a knee injury after taking a low bodycheck, Falcons scoring leader Chris McCann receiving a four game match penalty for a late hit on a Tamworth player and Ian Miller receiving a two-game suspension for his third fight of the year.

"It was a really chippy game," said Falcons President Greg Simpson. "We'd close the score, then they would pull away and then things got really bad in the final few minutes. Wayne Garlough really was a strong force for us physically, but got a game misconduct late for checking to the head. They're a really rough team."

The Braves took a 3-0 lead into the second period, before Falcons captain Jason Hawkins got St. Lawrence on the board. Charlie Fromont and Kevin Spero picked up assists.

Karl Herbison would narrow the lead to one goal a couple minutes later, with Hawkins and Tyler Dukelow chipping in with helpers.

The Falcons flurry awoke the Braves, as they responded for three unanswered goals to take a 6-2 lead into the final minutes of the period, before Haird would score, with McCann and Andrew Dickson adding assists.

Hawkins would score his second of the game early in the third period, with Spero and Dukelow picking up helpers.

The Braves would take control late using their size and physical play to score a pair of third period goals to take the 8-4 win.

The Falcons will have a shortened bench for their next game with Chris Ferguson serving his fourth game of an eight-game suspension, McCann serving the first of his four game suspension, Miller serving the first of his two game suspension and Haird questionable with a knee injury.

The Falcons take on the Deseronto Bulldogs this Saturday at 8 pm at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. On Sunday, the Falcons will then travel to Tamworth in a re-match with the Braves.

Falcons Forum

The Falcons have filed a protest with the league, alleging Tamworth used an ineligible player in Saturday's game. If the league rules in favour of the Falcons the team would be credited with a win and two points. A decision is expected within the next week.

Midget hockey tournaments beginning to take shape

SOUTH GRENVILLE - Things are starting to come together for the South Grenville Minor Hockey Association's major and minor midget hockey tournaments.

According to SGMHA major midget tournament organizer Tom Elliott, the field is starting to shape up with 14 teams confirmed and another six teams pending.

"It seems to be coming along fine, but teams are a little wary about the trip this time of the month with their playoffs starting," explained Elliott. "We always have a couple teams drop out, but seem to get a surplus of teams in the last couple of weeks. I'm not really worried."

The Atlanta Fire, who participated in last year's tournament, will be back to take part as well as a major midget team from Calgary and the Yorba Linda Blackhawks, from California, who are coached by former Brockville Brave and local hockey product Spencer Birnie.

The Rideau-St. Lawrence Kings major midget team is expected to participate in the Prescott tournament, but they have not confirmed their place.

For the minor midget tournament in Cardinal, finding teams is a little more of a problem with March Break and the OHL Cup, which draw's the province's top teams, scheduled the same weekend.

"The big problem is with the tournament scheduled over the end of March Break," said Cardinal tournament convener Carolyn Mason. "It can be a little frustrating trying to get teams. We have a lot of the teams in the Ottawa area who have applied, but they're all in the same league and we're hoping to get some teams from other leagues as well."

Mason indicated last year's tournament champions, the Rideau-St. Lawrence Kings, will be back to join the Rangers as the second local entry. The Amherst Knights have also signed on to participate in the Cardinal tournament.

The tournaments are still in need of sponsors and volunteers.

"We really need a person to look after the doors and manage the ticket sellers," said Elliott. "Also, we need some kids to help run the penalty boxes. Everything else seems to be clicking along."

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Tom Elliott at 925-5519.

SG #1 wins B championship at Spencerville tournament

SPENCERVILLE - All three South Grenville teams had a strong showing as the South Grenville Minor Hockey Association hosted its atom house tournament Saturday in Spencerville.

South Grenville #1 opened up the tournament with a 2-1 shootout loss to the North Dundas Demons. A.J. Larocque scored South Grenville #1's lone goal.

South Grenville #3 managed a 5-3 win over the Morrisburg Lions in its tournament opener. Austin Murphy led the Rangers with a four-goal performance, while Amara Heisel added a single. Kyle Shackles, Murphy and Zach Miller added assists.

South Grenville #2 opened up the tournament with a 7-0 loss to Cornwall, who was playing down a division in the tournament.

South Grenville #1 rebounded from its opening round loss for a 4-2 win over the Morrisburg Lions to qualify for the B championship game. Ryan Grimes, Mike Daley, Jody Sullivan and Paul DeJong scored for the Rangers, while Garret Richards, Grimes, Laroque, Luke Severson and Sullivan added assists.

South Grenville #2 managed a 3-1 win over the Nepean Raiders in its second game to move onto the B finals. Thomas McNamara scored a pair of goals to lead the Rangers, while Dylan Dobbie added a single. Kavan O'Brien, Collin Hoyland and Cole Deschamps chipped in with helpers.

South Grenville #3 managed a 3-2 semi-final win over the North Dundas Demons to advance to the A final. Murphy scored all three Rangers goals, while Daniel Walker picked up a helper.

In the A championship, South Grenville #3 dropped a 5-1 decision to Cornwall. MacKenzie Reid scored the Rangers' lone goal, while Murphy picked up a helper. Laura McKinestry played a strong game in goal.

In the B final, South Grenville #1 scored a 9-1 victory over South Grenville #2. Kyle Berry had a hat trick to lead South Grenville #1, while Laroque added a pair and Phillip Biccum, Severson, Daley and Sullivan added singles. DeJong, Sullivan, Dawn Wright, Grimes, Billy Myers, Emily Colwell, Daley and goaltender Brandon Peeler chipped in with helpers.

Hoyland scored South Grenville #2's lone goal.

South Grenville #1 on a roll

In regular season action, South Grenville #1 managed four consecutive wins in January.

On Jan. 31, South Grenville #1 scored a 6-0 win over the Athens Aeros at the Cardinal and District Community Centre. Grimes scored a pair of goals to lead the Rangers, while Wrights, Biccum, Berry and Daley added singles. Berry and Daley added assists, while Peeler scored the shutout victory.

On Jan. 11, the South Grenville #1 scored a 6-0 win over South Grenville #2 at the Cardinal and District Community Centre. Peeler scored the shutout in goal, while Berry added a hat trick. Grimes, Laroque and Biccum added singles. Biccum, Laroque, Berry, Daley and Colwell added assists.

On Jan. 4, the South Grenville #1 travelled to Kemptville and scored a 9-1 win over Kemptville #2. Grimes led all scorers with a hat trick, while Berry and Stephen Poaps each had a pair. Wright and Laroque added singles. Wright (4), Biccum (2), Berry (2), Grimes, Colwell and Nathan Biccum chipped in with helpers.

On Jan. 3, South Grenville #1 scored a 5-1 win over Kemptville #2 at the Cardinal and District Community Centre. Berry scored a pair of goals to lead the Rangers, while Sullivan, Severson and Matt Fox added singles. Severson, Biccum and Sullivan added assists.

Jr. B Rangers hoping for third place in Rideau Division

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers continued their strong play down the stretch with a 5-2 win over the Athens Aeros.

The Rangers other game scheduled Friday night in Westport was re-scheduled for Tuesday (last night).

Five Rangers sit in the top 25 in Rideau Division scoring, including Alex Rees in eighth place with 13 goals and 40 assists for 53 points, Brandon Kelley tied for ninth place with 23 goals and 26 assists for 49 points, Justin Wiley in 12th place with 18 goals and 27 assists for 45 points, Adam Tousant with 16 goals and 20 assists for 36 points and Peter Veltkamp tied for 23rd place with 14 goals and 17 assists for 31 points.

With the win, the Rangers sit in fourth spot in the Rideau Division with a record of 20-18-2-1 for 43 points, just four points back of the third-place Westport Rideaus with 47 points.

South Grenville has a chance to move into third place in the standings if it is able to win its final three games against Westport, Brockville and Gananoque, and Westport loses its final three games against South Grenville, Brockville and Athens.

The Rangers will be holding a meet and greet dinner at the Cardinal Legion Saturday, with a social hour from 4 pm until 5 pm and a spaghetti dinner to follow at 6 pm, before the Rangers game against the Brockville Tikis begins at 7:15 pm at the Cardinal and District Community Centre.

The Rangers will then travel to Gananoque Sunday to take on the Islanders at 7:45 pm.

South Grenville has clinched a playoff berth and will now either battle Brockville or Gananoque in the first round of the Rideau Division playoffs set to begin Feb. 20.

Bantam B Rangers score three victories in league play

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville bantam B Rangers house team had a strong showing in league play with a trio of victories.

On Jan. 5, the Rangers hosted Brockville #2 at the Leo Boivin Community Centre and skated away with a 6-4 win. Jordan Daw, Ryan Armstrong, Ronnie Burns, Adam Patrick, Kyle Lavery and Chris Bryden scored for South Grenville, while Zach Stitt (3), Burns, Armstrong, Ryan Todd, Travis Stephenson,
Adam Kelly and goaltender Kurtis Merkley chipped in with helpers.

On Jan. 6, the Rangers travelled to Akwesasne and scored a 5-3 win over the Wolves. Burns led the way with a four goal performance for South Grenville, while Mark Wynands netted a single. Stephenson (3), Kelly, Armstrong and Stitt added assists.

On Jan. 9, South Grenville scored a 6-2 win over the Brockville Warriors #2 at the Brockville Youth Arena. Stitt and Burns and Armstrong each scored a pair of goals, while Stephenson chipped in with four assists. James DeJeet had a strong showing in goal picking up the win.

With the wins, South Grenville improved to 12-3-2 on the season-good enough for second place behind the Kemptville Panthers.

SG atom B house Rangers #2 capture Vankleek Hill tourney

VANKLEEK HILL - The South Grenville atom B house Rangers #2 continued their undefeated season by capturing the Vankleek Hill atom tournament Feb. 1.

The Rangers opened the tournament with a 13-0 win over the Nepean Ice Devils.

Mike Morell scored a hat trick to lead the Rangers, while Zack Fleming, associate player Brett Van Stralen and Mike Lawless each added a pair. Payton Marriner, Gil Pankhurst, Josh Bailey
and associate player Broydon Stufko added singles. Rhys Larry (4), Lawless (4), Nathan Hamilton (2), Marriner (2), Pankhurst (2), Ryan Maggio, Bailey, Morrel and Stufko chipped in with helpers.

In the tournament semi-final, the Rangers managed a 2-0 shutout victory over Sandy Hill. Morrel and Maggio scored for South Grenville, while Larry and Pankhurst added assists.

In the final, South Grenville scored a 2-1 win over the Clarence Creek Beavers.

Larry scored with 17 seconds left in the game to give the Rangers the win, while Pankhurst scored the other South Grenville marker. Van Stralen, Marriner and Bailey added assists for the Rangers.

On Jan. 28, the Rangers managed a 4-3 regular season win over Thousand Islands.

Van Stralen led the Rangers with a pair of goals, while Stufko and Marriner added singles. Marriner, Bailey, Lawless and Sydney Wehmeyer chipped in with helpers in the victory.

On Jan. 30, South Grenville scored a 2-0 regular season victory over Brockville #2. Marriner and Dylan Dorey scored for the Rangers, while Morrel, Bailey and Larry added assists.

SGMHA holding registration sessions at Leo Boivin arena

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Minor Hockey Association (SGMHA) will be starting its 2004/05 registration period at the end of February.

The SGMHA has set two registration sessions with the first from 6 pm until 9 pm on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at the upstairs of the Leo Boivin Community Centre. The second session will run from 9 am until noon Saturday, Mar. 6 at the Prescott arena.

SGMHA Secretary/Public Relations Carolyn Mason indicated having everyone wishing to play hockey next year register during the sign-up periods is very important.

"Everyone who is currently playing in South Grenville has to sign up during a registration session, or they will face a $100 late fee," said Mason. "There's also a chance they might have to be put on a waiting list to play next year if they don't register. They don't even need to pay right away they can give us a post-dated cheque."

Mason explained the registration is important to have finished so teams can be set in place over the summer for the Ottawa District Minor Hockey Association scheduling.

The SGMHA currently has an estimated 400 players, with plans to add a juvenile team for players who are 17 and 18 years old and have completed their major midget years.

Mason explained that if the juvenile team gets off the ground it will provide those who don't make the Jr. B Ranagers with a place to play.

SGDHS to host annual girls volleyball tournament Saturday

PRESCOTT - South Grenville District High School will be hosting its annual senior girls weekend volleyball tournament Saturday in Prescott.

Ten teams are expected to be competing in the tournament, including South Grenville.

Games are expected to start at 9 am and run throughout the day.

South Grenville's junior girls weekend volleyball tournament will be held Saturday, Feb. 21 in Prescott.

Come out and support the Giants as they use the tournament to prepare for the LGSSAA playoffs Wednesday, Feb. 25, with the location still to be determined.

SGMHA to host bantam C hockey tournament Saturday

SPENCERVILLE - The South Grenville Minor Hockey Association (SGMHA) has a busy tournament schedule for their final month of play.

On Saturday, the bantam C house league will host a tournament at the Spencerville arena. Games are slated to begin at 9 am and run throughout the day.

On Feb. 22, the SGMHA novice house league teams will host a tournament at the Spencerville arena. Games are slated to begin at 8 am and run throughout the day.

On Mar. 14, the SGMHA's initiation C and D league will hold a fun day at the Cardinal arena, beginning at 8 am.

Prescott Curling Club hosting Little Rocks Bonspiel Sunday

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Curling Club will be hosting the Little Rocks Bonspiel Sunday in Prescott.

The bonspiel is a 12-team draw which will see teams from across Eastern Ontario coming to compete.

The event is for kids between the ages of 6 and 12 years old.

The bonspiel is a way to help them gain curling experience and a knowledge of the game.

Opening ceremonies for the event are slated to start at 9 am with the draw running from 10 am until 3 pm, with a short break for lunch.

Senior boys hoops team starting to heat up as LGSSAA playoffs approach

BELLEVILLE - The South Grenville Giants senior boys basketball team has turned the corner to the season with a strong showing against some of Eastern Ontario's top teams at the Nicholson tournament Jan. 31 in Belleville.

The Giants won the tournament's C championship game with wins over Moira and St. Teresa of Belleville and a loss to Regiopolis-Notre Dame of Kingston before winning the C championship by default after South Carleton left the tournament before the game without notifying anyone.

"We played pretty well," said Giants coach Mark Lewis. "I was really pleased with the way we played; we seemed to be going brain dead less and less."

The Giants managed a 56-49 win over Moira to start the tournament. Jamie Clarke led South Grenville with 14, while Travis Irvine added 11, Curtis Bucking added seven and Mike Ayerst added five.

Against St. Teresa, the Giants managed a 53-49 win after Bucking let loose for 17 points. Ayerst chipped in 12 points, followed by Clarke with nine and Jon Baldwin with six.

The Giants dropped a 57-51 loss to Regiopolis-Notre Dame, which is one of the strongest teams in Eastern Ontario this season. Bucking scored 12 points to lead the Giants, while Clarke and Irvine had 10 apiece and Ayerst chipped in nine.

South Grenville also participated in an exhibition game against Ivy Ridge Saturday in Ogdensburg. The Giants came out shooting, led by the Clarke's hot hand which saw him score 29 points in South Grenville's 72-50 win. Andrew DeDekker added 11, followed by Ayerst with 10, Irvine with nine and Bucking with seven.

Lewis is happy to see his team finding its legs down the stretch as the Giants will play three final games before the Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association playoffs start Feb. 19.

"We're 16-11 overall on the season, so we've played a lot of games this season," said Lewis. "We've got to come in and take care of business. It would be nice to move into second place for the playoffs, but the guys have got to step up their play; they've looked a little more hungry as of late, but the playoffs are a whole new season."

The Giants battled BCI at home Tuesday, and will travel to Kemptville Thursday, Feb. 12 to take on the winless North Grenville Knights. South Grenville will then close its regular season when it travels to Elgin Tuesday, Feb. 17 to take on the Rideau Lions.

Ottawa, Brockville teams win PCC invitational bonspiel

PRESCOTT ­ Eighteen teams from southeastern Ontario and Quebec competed for the championship Putman Trophy in the Men's Invitational Bonspiel Friday and Saturday at the Prescott Curling Club.

Guy Hemmings, four-time Quebec provincial champion with his team of Pierre Charette, Martin Ferland and Dale Ness, participated in the event. Hemmings won all three games and placed third overall based on the point system.

Another Quebec champion, Peter Gawel (1988), helped heighten the level of competition for the championship.

Three championship teams emerged: Darryl Sobering of the RCN Curling Club in Ottawa won 'A' section and overall championship, Doug Irvine of Brockville won the 'B' section and Art Miskew of the Rideau Curling Club in Ottawa captured the 'C' section.

The bonspiel was a huge success due to the efforts of the volunteers from the club and the generous sponsors who contributed prizes, noted event co-organizer Greg Smith.

Eight-ender scored by Sr. rink at PCC

PRESCOTT - One of the rarest events in curling happened Thursday morning in senior competition.

The rink of skip Ken Gillespie, vice Pat Rowe, second Earl Fourney and lead Klaas Bolt managed to score an eight ender, which saw all eight of the team's rocks in the house at the completion of the end.

This is the first eight-ender of the season at the Prescott Curling Club and the second in two years by a local rink.

Protection of perch stock is needed: Runciman

BROCKVILLE - Leeds-Grenville Progressive Conservative MPP Bob Runciman has asked the minister of natural resources to help protect the perch stock in the Prescott Region.

Runciman asked Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay to act on a petition presented last fall to protect the perch stock.

"This is a very serious problem and I have asked Minister Ramsay to review the petition I have submitted and to take action," Runciman stated in a news release.

The petition was introduced in the legislature by Runciman last September demanding government action on the over-fishing of perch. At the time, no action was taken due to the upcoming election.

In a letter to Ramsay, Runciman noted perch stocks in the Cornwall-Lancaster region of the St. Lawrence River have dropped dramatically, and Cornwall fishermen have since been travelling to the Prescott, Johnstown Bay area to catch perch by the bucket full for retail purposes.

"They are showing no restraint; they are removing everything they catch," said Runciman.

The petition was organized by area fishermen who proposed a 50 perch per day limit or a six-week closure of the season from April 1 to May 10. Also proposed is that fish caught by children be applied to their parents' licence limit.

Runciman is urging Ramsay to review the situation and take action before the local perch stock is decimated.

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