VOL. 174, NO. 9~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ March 3, 2004

Travel plans outlined

Proposal calls for daily service in Prescott area

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ A local businessman is hoping to fasttrack a plan that would see daily passenger service return to the County Road 2 corridor in the Prescott area.

Road Tours owner Steve Turcotte presented his proposal to town council Monday night.

Road Tours is hoping to make use of a $98,000 transportation grant being made available by the social services department of the united counties (which includes Prescott, Brockville and Gananoque). The company is proposing daily service (including weekends) between Cardinal, Brockville and points in between. Local bus service is limited to Fridays and Sundays, and the only local passenger rail stop is in Brockville.

Taxi service is available throughout the area.

Turcotte said there are people on social assistance who live in the Prescott area who could get work in nearby communities but have no affordable way to get to and from the job.

He noted the system is already paying the cost of providing social assistance; with the help of the transportation grant, more people would be employed and their income and self-esteem would increase.

"We're spending this money now," Turcotte said. "It can be better used."

Other members of the public could also purchase fares. Proposed fares include $11 return ($35/week) between Brockville and Prescott and $5 return ($20/week) between Prescott and Cardinal.

Turcotte believes he would have no trouble getting the proper temporary licensing for local service using his company's 15-seat passenger van.

However, the grant must be administered by a non-profit organization. Turcotte told council he is still seeking that non-profit partner. Time is running out, though; the grant will no longer be available as of next week.

Turcotte noted he was planning to seek a licence to offer daily fares to and from Ottawa. However, if the proposal for the Cardinal-Brockville corridor is accepted, he would drop his existing Brockville-Prescott-Ottawa commuter run for the time being. Turcotte said the weekly commuter service is just breaking even. "I have to go where business is best," he said.

The company owner said he had talked to councillors Nancy Lane and Chuck Street about the proposal. Turcotte acknowledged things have been happening very quickly, but he believes the local run is viable.

Councillor Bob Pelda said there is a definite need for a Prescott-Ottawa run. Turcotte said he would like to offer both services, but finances are forcing him to consider one option at this time.

Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn said Turcotte's proposal is very interesting, adding he hopes the town can help him find a non-profit agency with which Road Tours can partner.

When asked about the one van he operates at this time, Turcotte said he has made arrangements with a Brockville firm that would enable him to provide alternate transportation if his coach has mechanical problems.

THIS WEEK

Assessment forum to be held Thursday

PRESCOTT ­ A public forum to address concerns about property assessment will take place this Thursday, March 4 at 7 pm at Prescott town hall, 360 Dibble St. W.

Representatives from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation will be on hand to answer questions of a general nature.

Tomorrow night's meeting is aimed at property owners in Prescott and Augusta. A public meeting to address concerns in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal is set for Thursday, March 18 in Spencerville.

Tickets for Chamber banquet still available

PRESCOTT ­ There is still time to get tickets for the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce awards banquet.

The dinner, which includes a silent auction and guest speaker J.J. Clarke of CJOH-TV, will take place Monday, March 8 at St. Mark's Parish Centre; a social hour and the silent auction kick off at 6 pm, followed at 7 pm by dinner and then the presentation of awards recognizing local business, volunteer and youth of the year.

Tickets are available until this Thursday, March 4. They can be purchased at any of the three banks in Prescott or from Mike Boyles (925-4324).

Youth centre offers Friday teen nights

PRESCOTT ­ The Prescott Youth Centre has made a few changes to its hours of operation.

The centre, which is located at 438 King St. W., will continue to be open Monday to Thursday from 6 to 9 pm for youngsters age eight and older. Friday from 7 to 10 pm is now Teen Night for ages 13 and up.

The centre will also host Movie Time Saturday from noon to 4 pm for youth of all ages.

During the upcoming March Break (March 15-19), the youth centre will be open weekdays from 1 to 4 pm.

For more information, call 925-2004 or 925-5533.

Workshops for families dealing with disorders

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ A free 12-week course on brain disorders will begin in Brockville in April.

The Canadian Mental Health Association is once again presenting a program for family members of those who are dealing with schizophrenia, depression, bipolar, obsessive-compulsive and other disorders. Trained family members will teach the course, which will be held one night per week.

Class size is limited to 20; registration is required.

For more information, call 345-0950 ext. 105.

MERC needs money and volunteers

Future of Maitland group discussed at meeting

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

MAITLAND ­ The message is clear: more people need to pick up the ball and run with it, or the many sports and community programs and the Maitland recreation hall itself will not survive for much longer.

But besides desperately needing volunteers with fresh ideas that will earn a profit for the centre, a lot of money is needed right now.

Forty-four people gathered at the Maitland Education and Recreation Association (MERC) hall Monday night to hear plans for the future of the community organization from volunteer directors. The two-and-a-half hour meeting was called by MERC; four of five Augusta Township council members invited to attend were present.

MERC, a focal point of the Maitland community for three decades, suspended non-profit generating activities in January until it can find a way to dig itself out of a financial rut.

The organization is currently $5,000 in debt. Wayne Brohman, who maintains the Maitland ski trails on a volunteer basis and who was thrown into the treasurer role just one month ago, said for the year 2002-03, the organization realized revenue of $61,184, but ended up $18,000 in debt.

Over the past couple years, utility costs have tripled, while annual insurance fees have jumped from $700 to $5,224. MERC is also responsible for utilities, maintenance, snow plowing and grass cutting costs at the centre and at Cedar Street Park. Its activities include operating the ski trails, two outdoor skating rinks and a baseball diamond, soccer, a summer swim and parks program, dances and sponsorship of an annual $3,500 student bursary.

Revenue from its main source of income - bingo - dropped from an average of $24,000 annually to $9,000 in 2003. The opening of the charity casino near Gananoque in 2002 is being blamed for the drop; bingo has been suspended until more volunteers come forward to help.

Hall rentals make up another large chunk of income. But directors believe being able to make the hall attractive for future rentals is largely dependent on badly-needed renovations to the kitchen.

After several years of work, directors finally secured an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant of $25,000 late last year to carry out the improvements. MERC has not yet cashed that cheque pending a decision on the future of the organization. However, the group must come up with matching funds in cash and labour within about the next month, or it must return the grant. It requires about another $12,000.

The time crunch has directors nervous, and Trillium officials are feeling uneasy about the future of the organization. Allowing the Trillium grant to slip through their fingers would be a major blow to the community centre that built past successes on a legacy of volunteer strength, said director Geoff Noyes.

"It would be a shame to see that money go without being used," Noyes said. "I do not want to lose that cheque."

While there was no clear decision at the Monday gathering, directors may present a business plan and request a loan from the Township of Augusta at its next council meeting, set for this Monday, March 8.

Deputy Reeve Doug Barton stressed the importance of coming to council prepared with facts, including the exact amount of money required and a time frame.

Although Noyes expressed his disappointment at the lack of younger families and low turnout at the meeting, a handful of concerned local residents indicated their willingness to begin an immediate membership campaign to raise much-needed funds right away.

Memberships could carry the added bonus of discounts on programs or hall rentals, one member of the audience suggested.

The group is severely short of volunteers. At one time, the organization thrived and was able to offer large festivals and carnivals to the community.

In recent years, interest has waned, and several long-time volunteers have either left or are planning to leave soon. President Moira Taylor has been on the board for 12 years and is looking to pass over the reins. "I don't know where the support is; people have to actually do something and run with it," Taylor said.

Director Tina Atchison has no plans to give up on the community she loves, even though she is tired of the workload. She stressed "It's up to everybody to save MERC."

"I'll go down with the ship before I quit," Boyes said.

One member of the audience suggested young families are already overloaded with work, children and service club commitments.

While saving the hall is considered the primary goal, volunteers are in short supply for director positions, coaching soccer, co-ordinating recreation programs, delivering the community newsletter and chaperoning dances.

Noyes said he sees plenty of parents standing on the sidelines at soccer games and just dropping their kids off at dances. "It's okay to stand in the middle sometimes, too," he said, referring to parents needing to take a more active role.

A manager to market and promote the hall was also suggested by the directors and audience members as being a positive step towards survival.

Prescott Meals on Wheels now being delivered by VON

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT ­ The local hot lunch Meals on Wheels program has entered a new era, building on the traditions of almost 28 years of service.

On March 1, the program, handled by Prescott volunteers since its inception in 1976, was handed over to the Leeds and Grenville branch of the VON.

Contacting the VON to co-ordinate the noon meal program was not an easy decision to make, but one that was necessary, explained Ursula Noe, who was the group's first chairperson and who has remained active with Meals on Wheels through the years.

Each Monday to Friday, volunteers picked up hot meals from St. Lawrence Lodge in Brockville at a cost of $3 per meal, and delivered them to clients in Prescott. There are currently 10 clients in town; at times the number approached 30. Each client paid $3.25 for a meal, which didn't leave much left over to pay for administration costs and to keep the program operating. Volunteer drivers provided their own vehicles and gas.

Over the past couple years, annual program insurance costs rose from $102 to $468, and mandatory membership in the Ontario Community Support Association increased from $150 to $180.

Earning only about $400 per year made the fees unmanageable for the group to continue operating independently.

Joan Fortier, who has been with Meals on Wheels for 27 years, said a $3,000-bequest from former Prescott mayor and program client Lee McKnight when he died in 1991 enabled the group to survive as long as it did. Fortier plans to continue as a volunteer with VON.

Noe is sad to be handing over the reins, but noted many of the current 41 volunteers have already committed to carrying on with the VON. "They were the perfect volunteers," she said.

"You get used to those people (clients) and they get used to you - just like family," Noe said. She is happy clients will not notice any change in service or quality. Everything will stay the same, "except the hat is different."

Carmel Glynn, who was also on the first executive, is using the change-over as an opportunity to retire from her volunteer work. "There are some fabulous people who are cream-of-the-crop volunteers," who worked with the program, she said.

Referring to the other volunteers as heros, Glynn said she is pleased the program will continue with a professional organization in charge. "Things change, more than likely for the better," she said. "We had a lot of fun doing it."

Many of the volunteers in the program turned out for an appreciation tea last Thursday hosted by VON representatives at the Prescott Health Centre.

Susan Smith, VON community support co-ordinator, said the organization recognizes the time, energy and love the local people put into Meals on Wheels. The volunteers had "amazing accomplishments" and the VON is looking forward to a new era that builds on the past, she said.

"We should be shaking in our boots," commented VON Executive Director Ruth Kitson in referring to the VON's ability to match the local group's excellent service and standards. Having many of the volunteers continue on is a bonus to the VON, she said.

However, the volunteers will no longer have to worry about accountability and liability for the program, Kitson said.

The VON currently serves 22,000 Meals on Wheels clients yearly in North Leeds, Athens, Brockville and other areas of South Grenville.

PRESCOTT COUNCIL NEWS

Blinds are a sight for sore eyes

PRESCOTT ­ Council voted Monday to approve spending $2,300 plus GST on blinds for administrative office windows at the Dibble Street municipal building.

The successful bidder, The Colour Pallette, submitted the lowest of the three bids received.

Councillor Sue O'Hanlon said staff who have been working without the benefit of blinds have had to contend with the blinding glare of the sun on their computer screens. This has caused some staff to go home with headaches every day, O'Hanlon told council.

Although there was a lengthy discussion about which type to buy, council agreed the purchase and installation should proceed as soon as possible.

Town one of parties named in lawsuit

PRESCOTT ­ The town has been named as a defendant in a civil suit involving Cornwall Gravel and FAI development.

Members of Prescott council discussed the action filed by Cornwall Gravel when they met in-camera after town committee meetings last Monday night.

According to town CAO/Clerk Robert Haller, the dispute involves responsibility for portions of the billing associated with site work done in the Prescott Centre Drive area where Canadian Tire and O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer opened in the fall of 2002. Negotiations are continuing, Haller said Monday.

Council reps chosen for CUPE talks

PRESCOTT ­ Council has chosen its representatives for upcoming discussions with Prescott's unionized public works and recreation workers.

Mayor Robert Lawn and Councillor Nancy Lane will take part in the negotiations with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents nine or ten workers. Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead will serve as an alternate.

The union has worked without a new contract since the end of December.

Town CAO/Clerk Robert Haller said Monday he had not heard of any major issues involving the union.

Town supports liquor licence application

PRESCOTT ­ Town council voted Monday to support a liquor licence application from the Harvester House Family Restaurant.

The new restaurant is opening later this month in the former NanC's and New Service Restaurant location on King Street West at George Street.

Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead said it is really exciting something is going in at that location.

NanC's Restaurant closed several weeks ago after about three years of operation. Prior to that, New Service had been a fixture in downtown Prescott for more than 60 years.

Take the Home Safety Challenge

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Reducing the risk of injury in the home is the purpose of a campaign being launched by the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.

More children die from physical injuries than from childhood disease. Many such deaths and injuries result from hazards in their own home or those of friends or relatives.

The aim of the Home Safety Challenge is to increase awareness of the problem, create safer environments and prevent injuries.

The health unit is suggesting residents of the tri-county area take the following steps in March to take part in the Home Safety Challenge:

* Take the checklist (call 345-5685 ext. 5559 or visit www.healthunit.org for details)

* Using the checklist, look for hazards in the home and then make recommended changes

* Fill out the contest entry form for a chance to win a prize

* Drop off the completed form at a health unit office or early years centre (ballots can also be mailed e-mailed or faxed).

"Keeping a close watch over your children is the most important thing you can do to keep your children safe," stated Public Health Nurse Carol Quinlan, who added the next step is to improve safety in the home.

Spring music festival returns to Prescott

PRESCOTT ­ One of this year's Festival on the St. Lawrence concerts will take place in Prescott.

The Queen's University Ensemble will appear Sunday, May 30 at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.

The annual music festival, which covers the St. Lawrence corridor from Cornwall to Kingston and on the American side of the river, was launched last spring. The inaugural festival included an outdoor concert by the Montreal Guitar Trio at Wiser Hall (formerly Whitehall) in Prescott.

This year's festival also coincides with Doors Open, a local heritage program to be held May 29 in the Prescott and Brockville areas.

World Day of Prayer service to be conducted at St. Mark's

PRESCOTT ­ A World Day of Prayer service will take place this Friday, March 5 at 2 pm at St. Mark's Catholic Church.

Women in Canada and the United States originated this annual ecumenical day of prayer in the 1920s. This year's theme is "In Faith, Women Shape the Future."

The 2004 service was written by women in Panama, a country in Central America that has a unique culture and heritage and a great disparity between rich and poor.

The Prescott service is being hosted by St. Mark's Catholic Women's League under the leadership of President Julie Coligan.

Other churches taking part in the service are Seaway Christian, St. Andrew's Presbyterian, St. John's Anglican and St. Paul's United.

The 2 pm service will be followed by fellowship and refreshments at the parish centre. For more information, call Coligan at 925-4448.

World Day of Prayer services will also be held this Friday afternoon in Cardinal and Spencerville.

Wood Street parking ban is considered

PRESCOTT ­ The town is seeking public input on a proposal to ban parking on the north side of Wood Street East between Edward and Florence streets.

A bylaw to amend Prescott's parking regulations was given first and second reading by council Monday night.

Third and final reading of the bylaw could take place at the Monday, March 15 council meeting.

If approved, the parking ban would be in effect weekdays from 7 am to 6 pm. The proposal is seen as a possible solution to some of the problems caused by large trucks turning onto Wood Street.

However, one resident voiced his concerns about the proposal Monday night. Other residents who wish to comment are being encouraged to put their input in writing for council's consideration.

The town's transportation and environmental services committee meets next Tuesday night (March 9) at town hall on Dibble Street West.

Special Lenten services to be held weekly at St. Paul's United Church

PRESCOTT ­ St. Paul's United Church is conducting weekly services during Lent.

The special Lenten services are being held Wednesdays from noon to 12:30 pm until April 7. The services are followed by lunch in the church auditorium.

A free-will offering will be accepted.

St. Paul's is located at the corner of George and Dibble streets.

CORRECTION

An article in last week's paper stated the cheaper of the two proposed options by the Ontario Provincial Police to provide service to Prescott is about $1.34 million per year.

This option is, in fact, the more expensive of the two. The cheaper option, which does not include the position of community sergeant, comes with an estimated price tag of about $1.22 million per year.

Dinner organizers not discouraged by turnout

Seaway Christian Church hosts first community supper

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Organizers of a community dinner say they are not discouraged by the turnout at the first in what is being planned as a series of monthly meals for the less fortunate in the Prescott area.

There were almost as many volunteers than diners at the first "Master's Hands" free suppers held last Wednesday evening at Seaway Christian Church. About 15 people attended the dinner that was held in the downstairs hall of the Pentecostal place of worship on Churchill Road.

Pastor Barry Edmondson said he was expecting more people to attend the dinner. However, he added he was told the slow start should not come as much of a surprise.

"It takes awhile for things to get going," said Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn, who attended the dinner. "Word of mouth is the best way" to publicize such an event, he added.

The pastor said fear and pride might also have contributed to the low turnout.

The meal consisted of three kinds of macaroni and cheese as well as salad, garlic bread, dessert and beverages.

Edmondson acknowledged the choice of macaroni and cheese might have discouraged some people who have to eat food like that on a regular basis. In noting the aim is to provide a substantial meal, the pastor said macaroni would probably not be on the menu at the next supper. Organizers are accepting donations of food and money.

One woman who attended the dinner with her two daughters said she thinks it is great the church would do something like that for people in the community.

Edmondson remains convinced there is enough of a need to warrant regular community suppers in the Prescott area. Although the plan is to continue with monthly events, the frequency might be increased to meet demand.

"We're pleased with our first one," the pastor said. "We are going to keep on going."

The congregation and others who helped put together the supper deserve credit for their generosity and thinking of others, according to Lawn.

"They shouldn't be discouraged. I think it's a very generous thing they are doing," Lawn added.

The next community supper will take place Wednesday, March 24 at 5 pm.

Police arrest two suspects as part of grow house bust

CRYSTAL ROCK ­ Marijuana with a potential street value of more than half a million dollars was seized at a local residence early last week.

Ontario Provincial Police officers from Kemptville and members of the OPP's drug enforcement section executed a search warrant at a bungalow at 3060 County Rd. 44 near Crystal Rock. Police found the home had been converted to a commercial-scale indoor growing operation.

Officers seized 541 marijuana plants in various stages of growth. Police estimated the street value at the time of seizure was $346,000; if allowed to mature, the plants could be worth $541,000.

Two men were arrested at the scene without incident. Cheang Chang, 22, of Nepean and Thanh Duong, 35, of Brampton face charges of marijuana production and possession for the purpose of trafficking as well as theft of electricity.

There was no evidence anyone lived at the residence on a permanent basis.

In addition to the plants and growing equipment, police also seized a 1995 van, a snowblower and a lawn mower. They are scheduled to appear in court early next month.

Chamber is asked to give $4,000 to Shakespeare

RIVERVIEW HEIGHTS ­ The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce is being asked to contribute $4,000 to the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival.

The Chamber of Commerce donated $2,000 to the festival in its inaugural season in 2003.

The festival, staged at the waterfront amphitheatre, recorded a modest surplus last year. About one-third of out-of-town audience members surveyed indicated it was their first visit to town.

"I believe this is extremely beneficial to Prescott," said Ken Durand, festival board chairman and a member of the Chamber's board of directors at a recent board meeting.

In a survey being conducted by Chamber President Keeley Mouré, a majority of respondents indicate the Shakespeare festival is a priority in terms of the Chamber's community projects fund.

A formal funding request from the Shakespeare festival will be submitted to the Chamber.

The Town of Prescott has already given a grant of $6,000 to this year's festival.

United Way is making plans

BROCKVILLE ­ The annual general meeting of United Way of Leeds and Grenville will take place Tuesday, March 23 at 8 pm at Brockville Fire Station #2 on Laurier Boulevard.

The agenda includes the final report for the 2003 campaign, plans for the 2004 campaign and distribution of applications for member agency funding in 2005.

All 2003 receipted donors are considered voting members at the AGM and are welcome to attend.

The local campaign surpassed its goal of $750,000 last year.

Derby a time for fun and fishing

JOHNSTOWN ­ The Grenville Fish and Game Club lured more than 350 ticket holders to its annual ice fishing pike derby Saturday, making it the largest winter derby in the seven years the club has presented the event.

Co-organizer of the derby, Mac Peterson, noted more than $3,000 worth of tickets were sold, enabling the club to offer additional prize money. Last year's derby attracted 287 people. It was estimated 339 adults and 45 youths participated in Saturday's derby.

"Beautiful conditions" with above-zero temperatures, sunshine and thick ice contributed to the perfect day at Elevator Bay in Johnstown, he added. The ice was more than 24 inches thick near shore, thinning to about eight to nine inches farther out.

The number of fishing huts on the bay tripled to about 65 in the week leading up to the derby, Peterson reported.

Sandra Finucan of North Augusta was the winner of a fishing hut in an early-bird ticket draw.

Despite the ideal fishing conditions, many anglers reported little action on the lines. For many, however, the day also meant a time to have fun and socialize.

At the "North Augusta Inn" fishing hut - a comfortable 14X14-foot room complete with heat, tables and chairs, a group of about 20 people from the North Augusta area passed the time with card games and preparing and eating plenty of food. The day's menu for the clan included venison burgers, chicken wings, ham, bacon and eggs and deep-fried turkey.

The results

Forty pike weighing a total of 193 lbs. were caught.

Reg Reid of Prescott caught the largest pike of the day with a 7.7-pounder, followed by Trevor Martin of Prescott, 7.68 lbs.; Ed Gaudet of Prescott, 7.3 lbs.; Tony Haystead of Prescott, 6.6 lbs. and Rick Fisher of Domville, 5.88 lbs. catching the largest pike in each two hour period.

Prizes were also awarded for the second and third largest pike in each two-hour period.

Clifford Towsley of Iroquois, 6.56 lbs.; Bob Jones of Johnstown, 6.3 lbs.; Travis Summerfield, 5.66 lbs.; Cory King of Prescott, 5.6 lbs. and Tony Hunt of Rockport, 4.36 lbs. had the second largest pike in each two-hour period.

Angel Holmes of Prescott, 6.34 lbs.; Kevin McKewen of Iroquois, 5.92 lbs.; Ken Jones Sr. of Prescott, 4.58 lbs.; Betty Hamilton of Cardinal, 4.32 lbs. And Tyler Tyo of Morrisburg, 3.52 lbs. caught the third largest pike in each two-hour period.

Steve Fritz of Brockville, Randy Locke of Kemptville, Jim Halladay of Prescott and Roy Tyo of Gananoque won the hidden weight prizes.

The children's perch derby was won by Ben Steinbach with a 0.8 lbs. catch, followed by Alicia Steinbach with a 0.59 lbs. catch.

Dan Hunt of Mallorytown was the winner of the live release draw and will go fishing with a local pro bass fisherman for an afternoon in the summer.

Youth dance to raise money for Boundary class trip

PRESCOTT ­ A dance for local students in grades 5 to 8 will take place this Friday, March 5 from 7 to 10 pm at South Grenville District High School.

The chaperoned dance is a fundraiser for a class trip for grades 7 and 8 at Boundary Street Public School. There will be prizes and an appearance by a YES-FM DJ. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Another fake bill surfaces at local bank: town police

PRESCOTT ­ Officers with the Prescott Police Service investigated 65 incidents and two motor vehicle collisions during the week of Feb. 23.

On Feb. 24, police received a report that straps used to hold loads on a flat-bed trailer had been cut and others were stolen from a unit parked at Bremm Metal Products. There was also an attempt to pry open the bay door at the loading dock. It is believed the two incidents are related. Constable Richard Champagne is investigating.

A counterfeit $20 bill was received by one of the banks in town. The serial number is BEW0680617. Constable Mike Lapensee is investigating.

On Feb. 26, police received a complaint about a female driver in an intoxicated condition at an Edward Street service station. Police responded and arrested a 43-year-old woman who was charged with failing to provide a breath sample. The name of the woman was not included in a news release issued Tuesday morning. The investigating officer is Constable Jon Pergunas.

Anyone with information on these or any other occurrences in Prescott is asked to contact the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

The police and fire station is located at the corner of Centre and Henry streets.

J.J. Clarke coming to Prescott

Popular broadcaster and CJOH-TV personality J.J. Clarke will be guest speaker at the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce awards banquet next Monday, March 8 at St. Mark's Parish Centre. Tickets for the dinner and silent auction are available until this Thursday at all three banks in Prescott and from Mike Boyles at 925-4324.

Ronald McDonald pays a visit to Algonquin school

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

ALGONQUIN - Students at Algonquin Public School got a special treat last Wednesday as the Ronald McDonald Interactive School Show paid a visit to give a presentation on self-esteem.

Ronald McDonald himself greeted the group of enthusiastic public school students and immediately got right to the message of promoting high self-esteem.

McDonald and his McD stage and lighting team used a variety of methods to get the message across, including making a music video complete with light show involving the students and teachers.

Three students were asked to come up and dance for everyone to help make the video, and three students were brought up and asked what they wanted to be when they grow up. Answers included such as an artist, a truck driver and an NHL hockey player.

The clown quickly made sure to tell the kids that anything is possible if they had a "can-do attitude" and to take a "so-what attitude" if they are being teased.

Algonquin Public School Principal Patricia Mayer was happy with the message brought to the students.

"The kids really responded well to this," said Mayer. "On the McD team's bus it reads special events and the key word is special, since they made every kid at the presentation feel special. They know if they believe in themselves, their dreams can come true."

Mayer indicated the presentation fit in nicely with the "Character Counts" program at the school, which focuses on a specific positive character trait each month which will help the kids in life.

Coffee breaks pay off for local Alzheimer society

LEEDS-GRENVILLE ­ The Alzheimer Society reports its Coffee Break events last September raised more money than the previous year at both the local and national levels.

The Leeds-Grenville society raised more than $9,500 in 2003, an increase of 10 per cent. "Our community continues to respond very positively to support local programs and services," stated Elizabeth Jadoo, executive director of the local alzheimer branch.

Just over $1 million was collected at the 9,000 Coffee Break venues across Canada (up nine per cent from 2002).

Alzheimer disease is a progressive, degenerative brain disease that affects mostly older adults. No cure has been found.

Peregrine falcon spotted in Prescott yard

PRESCOTT ­ Ken Perry witnessed a rare sight outside his Prescott home recently.

The Montgomery Road resident watched a Peregrine falcon kill and eat a starling the morning of Sunday, Feb. 8.

In noting how fast the falcon swooped down and attacked the bird, Perry indicated the predator then spent about 15 minutes removing the feathers before eating its prey.

Perry, who has several bird feeders on his property, said he had never seen a Peregrine in the neighbourhood and has not seen one since the incident. He took several photos of the falcon from inside his house.

"I was scared to let my cats out," Perry told The Journal.

Peregrine falcons have been successfully reintroduced to Central Canada ­ including Ottawa and the Charleston Lake area northwest of Brockville ­ after the species was almost wiped out due to use of the pesticide DDT.

Infantry company seeks recruits

BROCKVILLE ­ The Brockville Infantry Company is seeking new recruits to bolster its ranks.

The group of re-enactors who portray Upper Canada soldiers from the 1860s is hoping to attract additional infantrymen (gun-carrying members). The company supplies full uniform as well as drill, black powder shooting and rifle safety training. Infantrymen supply their own boots, gun licence and rifle.

The 27 activities the company attended in 2003 included re-enactments, encampments, parades, drills and meetings. Among the events the infantry is preparing for in 2004 is Upper Canada Village's opening in May and Canalfest in Merrickville in July as well as venues in Alexandria Bay in August and Fort Henry in September.

For more information on the Brockville Infantry Company, contact Chairman Ted Abbott at 342-6520 or ta.abbott@sympatico.ca or Company Clerk Denis Savage at 345-4042 or translator@ripnet.com.

GRENVILLE COUNTY OPP NEWS

Car strikes truck and flees the scene

MAITLAND ­ Police continue to seek the public's assistance in the investigation of a hit-and-run collision that occurred last Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of county roads 2 and 15.

A tractor-trailer had stopped on County Road 15 and was struck by a light grey older-model Buick or Oldsmobile turning from County Road 2. The car struck the front bumper of the rig and then reversed and left the scene. The driver of the car is described as a 30-year-old man with dark hair and a moustache. The car is likely to have front-end damage.

Anyone with information on the collision is asked to contact Constable Blanchette at Grenville County OPP (925-4221) or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

SAVE Team checks snowmobiles

GRENVILLE COUNTY ­ The OPP Snowmobile, All-terrain and Vessel Enforcement Team checked about 42 snowmobiles in the Spencerville, Augusta and Kemptville areas Friday and Saturday evening. Officers issued 11 provincial offence notices for a number of infractions, including improper registration numbers and suspended driving. One driver was issued a roadside alcohol screening request.

Steer clear of emergency vehicles

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Motorists are being reminded to steer clear of emergency vehicles parked at the side of roadways.

Recent changes to the Highway Traffic Act require drivers to, whenever possible, move to an adjacent lane when approaching vehicles (police, fire, ambulance, transportation ministry) from the rear and when they have their emergency lights activated.

Grenville County OPP officers conducting radar patrol on Highway 416 this past weekend noted most drivers did not move into a "safe lane" when encountering an emergency vehicle with lights activated. Thirty-one of 40 vehicles did not pull into the passing lane.

One provincial offence notice was issued to a man whose vehicle police say came very close to striking an officer who was returning to his vehicle.

A first offence could result in a minimum fine of $400, but police note officers have been killed at traffic stops. An officer was seriously injured in the Grenville detachment area when his cruiser was struck at a traffic stop.

"Help us to be around when your life may need saving," states a news release issued by Community Services Officer, Constable Holly Howard.

Most incidents in east portion of coverage area

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Officers with the Grenville County OPP detachment responded to 98 incidents (72 in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and 26 in Augusta) during the week of Feb. 23.

Five of the eight collisions investigated last week involved deer. Injuries were not reported in any of the local collisions, according to a police news release.

Stop dogs from chasing deer: ministry

KEMPTVILLE ­ Dog owners are being reminded by the Ministry of Natural Resources to do what they can to prevent their animals from chasing deer.

The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act makes it illegal to allow a dog to run at large in an area inhabited by deer, moose, elk, caribou or bears during closed seasons. Conservation officers are authorized to destroy dogs that are found chasing deer, and their owners may also be charged.

"It's very difficult for deer to run in deep snow, and being chased by a dog can cause stress, exhaustion and even death," Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay stated in a news release.

Anyone who observes incidents involving dogs chasing deer is asked to contact the ministry's district office in Kemptville at (613) 258-8204.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"There are some fabulous people who are cream-of-the-crop volunteers."

Retiring Meals on Wheels volunteer Carmel Glynn, commenting on the group's dedicated workers

Editor's Notebook

In a giving mood

We all make mistakes, and we are supposed to learn from them ­ especially when they involve tax money. As much as we hope something positive will come out of the federal sponsorship scandal and the apparent waste of what could be hundreds of millions of dollars, many Canadians will see this as yet another example of either a system that is corrupt or senior bureaucrats and elected officials who either did wrong or should have known about those who were abusing the system for their own benefit.

As municipal councils begin their budget deliberations, we have already seen an example of the need to be vigilant when dealing with the limited supply of property tax revenue. In the case of the Town of Prescott, a grant of $6,000 was mistakenly paid to the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival. The Shakespeare company had requested the grant as well as a letter of credit in the amount of $12,000. Council approved the letter of credit and referred the grant request to upcoming budget deliberations. However, due to what town officials identified as being confusion and a misunderstanding, a payment of $6,000 was issued. When the finance committee learned of the situation last week, some concerns were expressed but the report in which the payment was noted was approved.

In essence, council's acceptance of the committee's report Monday also meant council had given its approval to the grant. The funding request would most likely have been granted had it gone through the budget process as council had directed, but council never got the chance to consider it in the context of all the other requests from outside groups and the town's own departments.

There is no doubt council was reluctant to ask the Shakespeare company to return the payment. The last thing most council members and senior staff would want to do is create the perception the town is not 100 per cent behind the festival. However, council should not feel it has to mistakenly part with taxpayers' money to avoid something that looks bad. Some ratepayers might not believe giving the money without actually approving it looks so good, either.

The $6,000 represents only about one-tenth of one per cent of Prescott's budget. In the grand scheme of things, this is not a big deal. However, the town should take steps to avoid similar "misunderstandings" that lead to money being spent before council is ready or willing to give its approval.

As much as the community should support the Shakespeare festival and its tourism potential, it should receive the same consideration as other worthwhile causes and groups asking for a portion of what little taxpayers' money council has to spend after it pays for essential services.

Tim Ruhnke

Fat to trim from health budget, old man says

THE NEW GUY by Tim Ruhnke

As if I didn't need yet another reminder I am now living in the middle ages. During a recent walk in the north end of town (the yet-to-be-reconditioned portion of Churchill Road), a few mischievous young girls were yukking it up as girls of that age tend to do. One of them says to the others something along the lines of "No, that old man is coming."

Surprising someone of my advanced age could hear that said five or six metres away.

At the time, my first response to this blow to the gut was either "You little..." or "I oughta..." I would have hurled my cane at them if I hadn't forgotten it at home. I would have hurled insults their way if I hadn't forgotten my teeth at home. But then I tried putting the remark in context. To a nine-year-old, someone in the 35-to-44 demographic must seem to be really old. When I was at that tender age, I did not consider my parents or people their age to be youthful. I guess there is some merit to the adage about everything being relative; still, this old man would not have been overly upset if one of that whippersnapper's friends had decided to give her a face wash in the snow ­ all in good fun, of course.

***

As you may know, many municipalities in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark counties are asking the board of health to reconsider the health unit's proposed budget that would result in a double-digit hike in the levy being charged to municipalities and, ultimately, local property owners. Here is one suggestion as to how the health unit might be able to save a few pennies.

The Journal received a courier envelope last Wednesday. Inside was a Nutrition Month 2004 information package sent by the health unit. The package contained a media release, two fact sheets and four articles (hard copies and a floppy).

The next day, the main news release that was included in the information package was faxed to our office.

Using regular mail, e-mail or a fax machine instead of Canada Post's Purolator service to get most or all the contents of the folder from Brockville to Prescott (and possibly other routes if the same package we received was sent to other media outlets) might not be a big money-saver, but it just goes to show the board of health there are areas in which cuts can be made without affecting important front-line services.

Queen, Prince Philip to visit Prescott as part of royal tour

FROM THE ARCHIVES

March 2, 1944

* Because of a decline in the production of creamery butter amounting to about 5.4 million pounds during the winter, it has been found necessary to effect a temporary reduction in the butter ration. A reduction is also being made in the butter quotas of hotels, restaurants and other public eating places.

March 4, 1954

* The chapel in St. John's Anglican Church has been reopened following extensive renovations. On Ash Wednesday, a large congregation knelt before the oak altar rail installed in memory of the late Rev. H.R. Pettem, who served the parish from 1932 until his death in 1943.

The chapel was donated in 1930 by the late Eliza Merrington "To the Glory of God" and in memory of her family.

March 6, 1974

* Cathy Couture was named the Edwardsburgh Township Snowball Queen to reign over the 1974 winter carnival.

* Rotary Club members Gordon Spafford and Verne Bryden are investigating the possibility of putting the old town hall's clock and 1,700-pound bell back to use. Judged a cadillac of its breed, the clock was erected in 1926 in memory of L.H. Daniels, and has the same works and was built by the same firm which manufactured the Peace Tower clock, and the escapement is the same as that which controls the clock on Big Ben in London, England. The eight-foot clock faces and works have been in storage since the town hall was demolished in 1962.

March 7, 1984

* It's official: After nearly a year of keeping their fingers crossed, members of Prescott's 1984 committee were officially informed Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and His Royal Highness Prince Philip will visit Prescott July 17. A joint federal-provincial announcement was made informing the committee the royal couple will visit Prescott as part of a two-week visit to Canada. An ecstatic committee chairman, Marian Preston, said the visit will top off the town's anniversary celebrations.

* Ontario Lieutenant-Governor John Black Aird opened Prescott's 150th anniversary celebrations that attracted 500 people to the high school.

March 2, 1994

* Prescott's railway station is among 44 others across the country to be recently designated under the Heritage Railway Stations Protection Act. The stone station was built in 1855 by the Grand Truck Railway, and was previously marked with a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque.

Municipal council duties not in line with meager remunerations

FORT TOWN DIARY by John A.H. Morris

We wonder what inspires them? It certainly cannot be the remuneration.

We are talking about the men and women who serve on our municipal councils in the three municipalities of South Grenville.

Probably the busiest but lowest paid are the mayor and councillors in Prescott. They have formal meetings four Monday nights a month with two of them being regular council meetings, and two of them 'committee of the whole' meetings. Added to this are the many hours of committee meetings along with the regular encumbrances of ordinary council duties such as... "I'll look into the weeds on the waterfront at Fort Wellington as soon as possible, Mrs. Noseworthy"...

Mayor Robert Lawn receives $8,800 a year as mayor of Prescott, and possibly another $4,000 for serving on the police commission and Counties Council Joint Services Board. He represents Prescott gratuitously on several boards and committees throughout Eastern Ontario, and has regular daily office hours at the town hall. We have the fulltime services of our mayor for less then what a fulltime burger flipper would receive. And the big bucks are not going to our six elected councillors. Their annual stipend is a meager $4,000 each, with little or no additional dollars coming from outside committee or board appointments. Next time you want to yell at, or openly criticize a councillor in Prescott, think about what they are being paid. In Prescott municipal government is a bargain for its taxpayers.

The municipality of Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal is a few steps up the remuneration ladder with the mayor being paid $10,000 a year and the deputy mayor $8,000. The three councillors receive $7,000 each. They have a schedule similar to Prescott's in that they meet four nights a month. Regular council meetings are held the first and third Mondays of the month and the other two Wednesdays are taken up with 'committee of the whole' sessions. Regular council responsibilities are above and beyond these meetings and there are no extra stipends.

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal is represented on Counties Council by mayor Peggy Taylor. She receives a $110 per diem for monthly meetings of Counties Council and the like sum for the committees she sits on. Counties Council meetings are the third Thursday of each month which adds about $1,320 per year to her income, with the four committees she sits on earning her about another $5,300 which brings her annual salary to about $17,500, certainly not an overpayment for the fulltime work this position now requires.

As far as Augusta Township is concerned, the deputy reeve and councillors are near the bottom end of the scale, but are still ahead of Prescott. The deputy reeve is paid $6,116 with no extras from Counties Council or other committees, and councillors are paid $5,436 with no extras for committees. With a bare-bones administration staff, Augusta councillors carry the largest portion of council duties of the municipalities, in light of the way reeve John McCrea has insisted on governing. Mr. McCrea's annual salary as reeve of Augusta is only $6,796, the lowest of the chief magistrates in these three municipalities. His Counties Council work, however, puts him in first place overall. As reeve of Augusta he gets $110 per meeting of Counties Council which usually consists of one morning per month. This amounts to $1,320 per year. He is also the grand champion Counties Council committee joiner, serving on no less than seven committees, also at $110 per meeting. Usually each committee meets a minimum of once a month, which adds another $11,140 to his salary. This brings his total earnings to $19,256. Added to this is his representation for Augusta Twp. on the South Nation River Conservation Authority which nets him another $70 per month and adds $840 to his municipal remuneration, bringing it to a minimum of $20,096.

This isn't a big piece of change, but when you apply it to the responsibility Reeve McCrea takes in governing Augusta Township it pales in light of the work load carried by Mayor Lawn of Prescott or Mayor Taylor of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.

Reeve McCrea does not believe in council committees meeting in private and then presenting their reports in brief at the lone monthly council meeting. He insists committees hold their meetings at the regular monthly council meetings so that everything is transparent. With this in mind, and with council meeting only once a month, meetings are stretching into four and five hour marathons of mostly minutia. This is bringing strong protests from other councillors who would rather have private committee meetings and two regular council meetings each month. Some of them even favour the system adopted by Prescott and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal where there are two regular council meetings and two committee of the whole meetings each month, enough they figure to guide the township's affairs efficiently.

What we do not understand is Reeve McCrea's conflicting committee commitments when it comes to Township versus counties council. Although he is a member ex-officio of all township committees, he has asked only that he be a formal part of the Economic Development Committee, and has already missed one of the EDC's two meetings. He expects the other committees to meet as part of regular council meetings.

On the other hand, he is gung-ho to serve on as many Counties Council committees as possible! We think this has something to do with the fact that about two-thirds of his estimated annual stipend originates with Counties Council and its committee meetings. It would be nice if he would share the secrets of the Counties Council meetings with his own council and hence the electors who voted him into office.

SCHOOL SCENE

Boundary Street Public School ­ This is Spirit Week at Boundary. Members of our student council have designated an activity for each day.

Our recognition assembly was held Friday afternoon. The following students received certificates: Vickie Hunt, Marlene White, Cassie Chajkowski, Xavier Peralta, Taylor Dunphy, Taylor Fournier, Renee Cleroux, Mark Levesque, Tia O'Neil-Bannister, David Armstrong, Mason Wyatt, Alex Stokes, Daniel LaPorte, Kylee Sherman, Scott Towe, Shane Scharfe, Kyle Shackles, Josh Pitt, Yvonne Jin and Dana Stephenson.

Feb. 27 was curling day for the Grade 7 and 8 students at Boundary Street. Students, along with eight parents and teacher Mr. LeBlanc, played fun yet competitive games in the afternoon. The students and parents had an incredible time. All of this would not have been possible without the help of Candy Alexander, Gail Barton and all the other parents who volunteered and helped.

Report cards go home Monday, March 8.

Hot lunch this week is subs.

Centennial and North Edwardsburgh Public Schools: The warm weather has allowed students to use various equipment from the "Sports Store" this week. The store is managed by Grade 7 students at recess. Any student can sign out equipment to play with at recess as long as they return it in good condition at the end of recess.

Our "Student PLC Teams" are enjoying various weekly team building challenges. They enjoyed a high-energy game of rubber chicken launch and this week they will enjoy another surprise. Each month, a team is rewarded for having the most team building points. The teams are made up of junior and intermediate students. Each team has one or two Grade 8 team leaders. The intermediate students are trying to earn their teams extra bonus points by performing a secret "act of kindness." Keep up the excellent work!

On Tuesday, March 9, the second semester report cards will be going home. We would like to ask parents to discuss them with their children. The report card's third page (Next Steps) needs to be completed by the student, and a parental signature is required at the bottom of the page. Please return this page before March Break. If you would like to speak to your child's teacher, please contact the teacher to arrange a time to meet.

Central Public School: Good luck, Tigers! Our senior basketball teams are travelling to compete in the regional championships today!

A message from student council: Looking to make change? We're collecting pennies during the month of March to raise money for new library books. We hope this campaign will be a successful one! The class that builds the greatest 'pot of gold' will win a small prize at the March Student of the Month Assembly.

St. Joseph Catholic School: Talent abounds at St. Joe's. Here are our talent show participants: Bravo Kory Chamberland, John Hayman, Fiona Cleary, Cameron Verstegan, Kelleagh Moore, Kevin Glover, Torin Marcynuk, Jeffrey Moulton, Paul Edge and Christine Leonard who performed in the musical portion of our show. Well done Holly Jones, Charleigh McFarlane, Anelie Norton, Jessica Gillis, Mallory Gilson, Sarah Roode, Tess Cowan, Ashley Anderson, Ashley St. Pierre, Mellissa West, Tracey Buote, Mercedes Visser, Tricia Dixon, Taylor Kavanaugh, Chelsea Burkert, Brenda Puncher, Hope Dalton, Caitlin Flagg and Holly Crozier in the dance category. A superb job was also done by our singers: Tamara Amell, Amir Hajarii, Thomas Polite, Bobby Kimmerly, Braeden Smith, Aimee Boyd, Brooke Sexton, Samantha Halfpenny, Jenny Minish and Sierra McGuin. Unfortunately, Breeann Hoogwerf was unable to attend the talent show last Friday afternoon.

Our public speaking contest will take place next Tuesday, March 9. Our judges are Sandra Kingston, Anne Barabash, Margaret Beattie, Christina Edge and Wayne Smith.

St. Mark Catholic School: Welcome to March. As we continue on our Lenten journey, we are reminded very quickly of the fact we have 40 days to recognize we are all sinners and truly ask God to forgive us as he works continuously with us on our journey.

This week, on Friday, March 5, we have our Terry Fox Skate-a-thon and our students are asked to bring in a toonie for Terry.

Report cards will go home March 10 for JK/SK A classes and Thursday, March 11 for JK/SK B-Grade 3 classes.

Parents are reminded March Break is March 15-19. The first school day back from the break is Monday, March 22. Our All Star Reading Strategy this week is "Ways to Respond: Read and Think."

Hot lunch this week is hamburgers.

Audience captivated by pianist

FORT TOWN CONCERT REVIEW By COLIN BOAG

Ian Parker, internationally-acclaimed pianist and winner of the prestigious 2001 CBC National Competition for young performers, captivated a near-capacity audience in St. Andrew's church in Prescott Thursday evening.

The opening work was Clementi's Sonata in F sharp minor written in 1790. Parker, as he did before each work that he played, talked a little about each composition and the emotions that each one aroused in him. The majority of the audience appreciated the easy going self-effacing manner in which he did this, although no doubt some of the more seriously minded listeners may have found it distracting. He likened this work to an aperitif and so it proved to be. His clean, crisp delivery in the opening movement, the andante, followed by an expressive slow movement and with some very nimble finger work in the final, presto movement were simply a precursor for the delights that followed.

After two short mazurkas by Chopin, the No. 4 in A minor, and the No. 1 in B major, Parker launched into a remarkably complex work by a contemporary Canadian composer, Alexina Louie. Louie, born in Toronto in 1949 of Chinese parents, composes music which blends Western and Chinese melodies, and this piece, Memories in an Ancient Garden, was no exception. This music defies being written on typical music sheets simply because as well as utilizing every key on the keyboard it is also played directly on the strings of the piano producing haunting sonorifics behind the keyboard melodies. An audience not known for its love of 20th century music enthusiastically received Parker's energetic rendition of this work.

The major, and closing, work of the recital was Franz Liszt's Sonata in B minor. Liszt, in his time (1811-1886), was somewhat like the contemporary Louie in that some of his compositions were technically so difficult as to be unplayable by his contemporaries. Parker had no such difficulties with this sonata and received a well-earned standing ovation.

As enjoyable as this recital was, perhaps the most impressive part of Parker's visit to Prescott was a workshop that he gave to the senior students at Maynard Public School earlier in the day. In front of an audience with their lives ahead of them and on an old piano with its best days long behind it, he proved to be a talented teacher as well as an exciting pianist. Interspersed with playing excerpts from Mozart, Brahms and Chopin, he engaged the students in a discussion around some of the finer points of classical music. Judging by the answers he elicited from the students to questions he put to them and the depth of some of the questions that the students put to him, he was clearly striking the right chords in the minds of his young listeners.

The school appearances are made possible by the generosity of local individuals and businesses and the evening recital benefited from a donation in memory of a local woman who gave so much of herself to the young and the arts in this area, Joan Gandier.

The next and final regular concert in the 2003/4 season presented by the Fort Town Concert Association will be the opera Hansel and Gretel on April 1.

Time for men to have a say in activity line-up

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

On Wednesday, March 24 at 9:30 am, we plan a full men's breakfast followed by a short discussion. We hope to initiate some male-oriented activities but need some suggestions. Come and make your wishes known.

Beginner bridge lessons are planned for Wednesday mornings starting in March. Call 925-5300 to register. These classes will be for those who have never played before.

The quilters have been busy again. The queen size cranberry and off white patchwork quilt is almost ready to come off the frame. It is for sale and can be seen any time during regular hours.

The weaving class that starts Tuesday, March 9 has room for one more person. Don't forget the Scrabble challenge tonight at 7.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Ruth Britnell; 2nd, Nancy Coligan; door, Betty Morris. Fun bridge ­ Vivienne Cudlipp. Wednesday night bridge ­ high, Jim Campbell; 2nd, Janet White. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Bernice Arcand; 2nd, Hilda Hutton; 3rd, Pat McPhee; door, Jean Annable.

MERC needs you to support community garage sale

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

The Maitland Education and Recreation Board is having an indoor community garage sale and bake sale at MERC Hall Saturday, March 20 from 9 am to 4 pm to raise funds for MERC.

This is an opportunity for residents to help MERC in a variety of ways. If you have unwanted household items you would like to sell, reserve a table and sell your merchandise. If you have items you would like to donate or would like to book space, call Dorothy at 926-2043.

MERC will arrange pickup of your items at a convenient time. If you would like to bake items for the sale, bring them to the hall March 20. Most of all MERC needs you to come out and support the sale on the 20th.

There will be a youth dance Friday, March 5 from 7 to 10 pm at MERC Hall. Students are reminded to bring an item for the Food For All drop box at the hall.

Firefighters request personnel truck

Council will review $25,000 cost during budget discussions

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - The Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal Firefighters' Association (ECFA) made a presentation to council at the Feb. 25 committee-of-the-whole meeting in Cardinal.

Firefighter Kirk Jones spoke on behalf of the ECFA and outlined the need for a personnel pick-up truck at Fire Station #1 in Spencerville to help cope with the increased number of calls handled over the past several years.

The estimated cost of a used truck and modifications such as lights and paint was set at $25,000 with the ECFA raising funds and support also likely coming from the Edwardsburgh Lions Club.

The ECFA explained its intent was not for the municipality to purchase a replacement vehicle when it becomes needed, but to assume upkeep of the new personnel vehicle.

Jones pointed out mileage expenses are not currently paid to volunteer firefighters and reiterated the total costs would not exceed $25,000.

At Monday's council meeting, Mayor Peggy Taylor explained the truck would come up again during budget discussions later this year.

"It's something that will be talked about," said Taylor. "But the feeling that we had to look at the cost of all the trucks we are currently paying for. It's great and wonderful that the association is raising money to make things run better, but when you have a capital item the cost will fall to the taxpayers for its future replacement."

Council also indicated it would discuss other possible options at budget time and prioritize what was necessary.

"It (mileage) is something to bring up during discussion," said Taylor.

"We ask the fire department to come forward with a budget for us with a list of their needs and then some extras they want. We do our best to get them the wants, but it can be hit or miss."

COUNCIL NEWS

Biker gangs not welcome in township

SPENCERVILLE - Township council approved first and second reading of a fortification bylaw Monday which was recommended by the OPP as a way to help keep biker gangs out of the municipality.

Council voted to approve a similar bylaw already passed by North Grenville, but were still unsure of some of the possible problems which could result.

Mayor Peggy Taylor was concerned with the affect it might have on the township's building inspector.

"Are we putting a township official in the position of deciding whether someone is building something with criminal intent," questioned Taylor. "I just don't want to put our inspector in a bad spot, I just want to make sure he's comfortable with it."

Ward Two Councillor Peter Martin indicated that, according to the OPP's presentation earlier this year, the police could be called in to stop construction or check it out themselves if the inspector felt it was necessary.

Ward Three Councillor Frank Noccey added, "If there is an obvious flaw which comes from this then it can still be corrected, but it's better to overkill it than not at all."

Taylor indicated the report from the inspector's investigation could be sent to the OPP for their opinion in cases where questions about fortification on a property arises.

Councillor Bill Sloan indicated he is in favour of the proposal.

"A building official can still accept or deny it after inspection," said Sloan. "We can call in the police if necessary and it still allows people to have a regular security system on their driveways."

Final reading of the bylaw is expected at the next regular council meeting set for Monday, March 15.

Council endorses resolution for water meter funding

SPENCERVILLE - Township council has voted to support a resolution by the Town of North Perth to request federal funding for water metering.

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council agreed Monday to support the resolution which calls for the federal government to pay one-third and the provincial government to pay another one-third of the cost of installing water meters in smaller municipalities.

Ward Three Councillor Frank Noccey indicated he believes council should endorse the deal; other councillors agreed.

"I'm for anything that increases municipal funding," said Ward Three Councillor Marie Thomson. "It can't be bad."

Deputy Mayor Bill Sloan added, "We're going to have to put them in down the road anyway, so this would make sense."

Library in line for high-speed

SPENCERVILLE - Township council agreed in principle Monday to allow Digital Networks Inc. to attach some of its equipment to the municipal building in Spencerville to bring high speed to the Spencerville Public Library.

Council voted Monday to permit the company to install equipment on the roof of the municipal building to allow buildings which are not in the line of sight to the current tower to hook up to the system.

With the equipment on the municipal hall, the library can take advantage of funding which will allow them to be re-imbursed for the costs of hooking up to high speed Internet service to replace the current dial-up system.

"There are some of the other buildings that have a line of sight with our building, but not to the tower," Township CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald explained to council Monday. "It would be a similar agreement to what Digital has with the ports."

Mayor Peggy Taylor indicated the deal will be worked out between McDonald and Digital Networks.

LEGION NEWS

Come celebrate St. Pat's Day

The Legion will be full of activity in March with a variety of activities and services.

On Thursday, March 4, there will be euchre at the branch beginning at 7:30 pm and there will be mixed darts Friday, March 5 at 7:30 pm.

On Saturday, March 6, there will be public euchre at 1:30 pm.

The Legion will be the site for the VON Footcare Clinic Wednesday, March 10 at 2 pm, with ladies darts also to take place at 7 pm the same day.

On Sunday, March 14, there will be a St. Patrick's Day Music Jam running from 1 pm until 9 pm. Admission is free.

Clean water bill could be a problem, mayor says

SPENCERVILLE - Township Mayor Peggy Taylor indicated she expects a tough time in the future after attending a recent Clean Water Seminar at a recent conference in Toronto.

Taylor indicated Prime Minister Paul Martin showed up and opened the conference with a speech indicating attention to rural areas is needed.

"It was good to hear him say a lot of things that came out from the (Feb. 13 Leeds-Grenville roundtable discussion on rural development with Martin) Brockville meeting," said Taylor.

"It's nice to know we are being listened to."

Taylor went on to describe some of the possible problems the municipality would face in the future with the province's clean water bill.

"According to the seminar, the government is not our friend," explained Taylor. "It's going to be a process that is problematic to everyone.

"It looks like it's going to cost us a lot of money and tie our hands."

Taylor explained as time goes on municipalities are going to be made more accountable for the costs of clean water.

Mock emergency plan exercise goes into operation next Tuesday

SPENCERVILLE ­ A mock disaster exercise to test Edwardsburgh/Cardinal's emergency disaster plan will be conducted next Tuesday, March 9.

Operation Millstream will begin at 10 am at Fire Station No. 1 on County Road 44.

A scenario will be used so all members of the Emergency Operation Centre and selected other agencies will be able to participate, according to a township news release issued yesterday.

Each agency involved will have an opportunity to comment on the exercise following the operation. The township's emergency plan was updated in May 2002.

Prescott #6 leads Seaway dart league

CARDINAL - The team of Prescott #6 sits alone in top spot of the Seaway Men's Interbranch Dart League standings at the end of February with 208 points.

Following Prescott #6 in the standings are Iroquois #5 with 193 points, Prescott #1 with 173 points, Iroquois #7 with 140 points, Cardinal #4 with 123 points and Prescott #3 with 63 points.

Tom Rae had the most games won in the month with 19, followed by David Haynes with 18, Rick Sayeau with 13, Duane Kirker, Jeremy Adams and Glen Adams with 12, Bob Juby with 10 and Tim Gonczowski and Tom Coville with nine.

Jeremy Adams had the high finish of the month with 121-96, while Kirker scored 115, Bill Hutt scored 108, David Haynes scored 106, Tom Rae scored 104x2, Barry Esson scored 100 and Rick Sayeau and Glen Adams each scored 98.

High scores of the month were: Coville, 180-140x3; Rae and Gonczowski, 180-140; Glen Adams, 180; Ross King, 159; Bill McCubbin, 156; Rick Sayeau and Haynes, 140x2 and Hutt, Jeremy Adams, Bobby Sayeau, Kirker, John Marchand, Gerry Carr, Juby and Trevor Easter, 140.

Lowering blood pressure is aim of new program

Prescott pharmacies taking part in weekly sessions

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The Fort Town is participating in a pilot project designed to promote the need for regular blood pressure monitoring.

Beginning March 15 and ending May 21, weekly sessions will be held at three pharmacies in Prescott and seven in Brockville.

The community hypertension awareness program is aimed at promoting the need for regular monitoring (especially for older adults) and noting the health problems associated with high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors.

An estimated 22 per cent of adults in Canada are affected by high blood pressure, which can be associated with cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney disease.

The local sessions will take place Tuesdays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at Grenville Pharmacy and Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at Seaway Valley IDA and the pharmacy at O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer.

Public health nurses are training volunteers (known as peer health educators) who will measure blood pressure at the sessions with the help of a portable automated device. They will also fill out results forms that include blood pressure readings and cardiovascular assessment profiles.

The patient will be given a copy of the results and, with his or her permission, a copy will be sent to the family doctor and regular pharmacist. Some doctors will invite their patients to attend the blood pressure sessions.

For people who do not have a family physician, Program Co-ordinator Lisa Harkness noted results can also be sent to a nurse practitioner who works with the VON.

The peer health educators will learn about different health topics and help people learn more about the importance of lowering one's blood pressure through proper diet, exercise and other methods.

The program is funded in part by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care as part of Ontario's stroke strategy. Program participants include the Kidney Foundation of Canada, McMaster University, the Élisabeth Bruyère Research Institute (a University of Ottawa and SCO Health Service Partnership) and the Team for Individualizing Pharmacotherapy in Primary Care for Seniors.

For more information, contact Harkness at 341-7878 or at bloodpressureclinic@ripnet.com.

Christians to gather for Day of Prayer

World Day of Prayer services will be held this Friday, March 5 in Cardinal and Edwardsburgh.

First organized by women in Canada and the United States in the 1920s, World Day of Prayer is celebrated on the first Friday in March.

The 2004 service was written by women in Panama, a country in which there is much disparity between rich and poor. Extreme poverty can be found in isolated areas and indigenous communities in the Central American nation.

The theme of this year's service is "In Faith, Women Shape the Future." Those who attend will pray together and take action in solidarity with the people of Panama.

In Cardinal, worshippers can attend a 2 pm service at St. Paul's Anglican Church on John Street.

Participating churches include St. John's United, St. Andrew's and St. James' Presbyterian, Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic and Philadelphia Pentecostal.

Shanly United Church will host the Spencerville-area service beginning at 1:30 pm. The other local congregations involved are St. Laurence O'Toole Roman Catholic, St. Andrew's Presbyterian, Spencerville United and Roebuck United.

In Canada, the World Day of Prayer is co-ordinated by the Women's Inter-Church Council of Canada.

Vacation Bible school has western theme

EDWARDSBURGH ­ A March Break Bible school will be offered at Shanliwood Baptist Church on County Road 21 east of Spencerville.

The SonCreek vacation Bible school will take place Monday, March 15, Wednesday, March 17 and Friday, March 19 from 10 am to noon. SonCreek is a western gold-mining town set in the 1800s. Children from three years to Grade 6 will create western crafts, play active games, sing lively songs and discover golden nuggets of truth for growing as God's children.

For more information or to register, call 658-3138 or 658-5258.

Council looking at joint MPAC open house

SPENCERVILLE - Township CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald is looking into scheduling an open house meeting for residents to speak with the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC).

Council already has a public meeting with MPAC scheduled for Thursday, March 18 at 7 pm at the municipal hall in Spencerville. At that meeting, MPAC will be making a 20-to 30-minute presentation before the floor is opened for residents to ask general questions about assessments.

Ward Three Councillor Frank Noccey spoke to a representative of MPAC while at the Good Roads Seminar in Toronto recently and was assured MPAC would be willing to host an open house meeting for residents to discuss their individual assessment problems.

Council agreed to move forward with a possible second meeting and would look into a combined meeting with Prescott and Augusta.

Assault reported at Cardinal bar

CARDINAL ­ A 56-year-old woman was arrested following an incident late Saturday night at the Boar's Nest.

Two women were involved in a verbal altercation that led to a physical strike, according to Grenville County OPP. The 32-year-old victim contacted police after the altercation. No names were released; no injuries requiring medical attention were sustained. Constable Hazelton is the investigating officer.

Nutrition Month means choices

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Healthy eating for children is the focus of this year's Nutrition Month.

"Eat Well, Play Well" is the theme of the national campaign in which the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is taking part.

Evidence shows school-age children struggle with issues relating to healthy eating and active living, according to a health unit release. Visits to fast food restaurants, increased consumption of soft drinks and not enough physical activity result in youngsters not getting the appropriate levels of nutrition or exercise.

Schools play an important role in the development process. Making healthy eating choices available to youngsters in the lunchroom and in the foods parents give their children to take to school is a step in the right direction.

A fact sheet from the Dietitians of Canada and distributed by the health unit indicates children are more likely to eat a lunch in which they have had a say. Youngsters can also be taught to include at least one choice from each of the food groups listed in Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating.

A "cool" lunch guide is available at www.dietitians.ca/eatwell.

Giants dominate in LGSSAA girls volleyball action

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - Three out of four isn't bad for the South Grenville Giants volleyball teams on the season.

After Wednesday's Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association girls volleyball championships in Prescott, the South Grenville Giants added the junior girls title to the
equation, before the senior girls lost in a three-set heartbreaker in the finals to an emotionally-charged North Grenville Knights squad.

The junior girls team picked up where it left off in the regular season with a dominating semi-final performance to defeat the North Grenville Knights 25-7, 25-15 to advance to the final against BCI. The Giants used the strong front court play of Sara Watt and Amanda Lavery, as well as strong service from Stacy Kenney and Thea Versteegen en route to the win.

In the final, the Giants faced a tougher time with the Red Rams, but still managed to win handily 25-17, 25-20. Once again South Grenville was strong at the net as Lavery and Kristen Jessome provided a front court presence and Jennifer Seary provided a momentum booster late in the game to close out the game for the Giants.

Coach Terry-Jane Hoy was thrilled with her team's win.

"Against North Grenville, we looked like a senior team," said Hoy. "That was the best game they played all year. Everyone just did their job."

Hoy explained the girls really responded well under pressure.

"All year our weakness has been team defence and we did alright out there," said Hoy. "We showed a lot of poise after the miscues and we're really pleased with the girls."

Watt added, "We played better than we thought we would have. We just tried to keep focus and talked to one another. We're a very close team so this is great."

Giants setter Stacy Kenney was thrilled with the win.

"This was really well deserved," said Kenney. "We weren't too sure how we'd do at the beginning of the year, but we worked hard and practised a lot and did really well. This is just a great bunch of girls."

Seniors lose heartbreaker

South Grenville's senior girls team fell just shy of the title after dropping a three-set marathon game in the final to the North Grenville Knights.

South Grenville fell behind early and dropped the first game 25-16, but rallied back to take the second game 25-21, before falling 11-15 in the tie-breaker.

Erin Heibein and Shannon Campbell played strong in the front court, while strong service and back court play from Amanda and Jessica Watt led the comeback charge.

"I don't think either team played to the best of their ability," said Giants coach Ann Drummond. "We really have to give a lot of credit to North Grenville and their first AA championship in senior volleyball. We finished first in the league and I'm proud of the girls, but I do feel bad for our fifth-year seniors (Heibein, Amanda Watt, Jessica Watt and Lori Hall) who didn't get a championship."

The Giants defeated BCI 27-17 and 25-13 in the semi-final.

Drummond was disappointed with falling short of bringing all four volleyball crowns to South Grenville; both the senior and junior boys teams won LGSSAA championships earlier in the school year.

"We just left everything out there on the floor and will keep our heads up since we gave it a good shot," said Drummond. "We didn't hold up our end of the bargain, but three out of four isn't bad."

The junior girls team will now participate in the Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association championships this Thursday, March 4 in Prescott. Games will begin at the high school at 10 am, with the semi-final games set to start at approximately 1:30 pm and the final at about 3 pm.

Jr. B Rangers eliminated from playoffs by Brockville

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers season has come to an end after being swept out of the playoff in a hard-fought series with the Brockville Tikis.

The Rangers, who made the playoffs for the first time in three seasons had a strong series against Brockville, but were unable to capitalize on their chances.

In game 4, Brockville scored first, but the Rangers bounced back to take a 2-1 lead with goals from Alex Rees and Braden Miller. Brandon Kelley, Stefan Gravellle, Brian Marks and Aaron Fox picked up helpers.

Brockville tied it up late in the first, but Adam Tousant gave South Grenville the lead again as he scored, with Rees and Peter Veltkamp picking up assists.

Brockville took control of the game in the third with three powerplay goals including two five-on-threes, to pull ahead and secure the series win.

The Rangers were down 3-0 in the series to the Tikis last Tuesday and weren't able to bounce back to stay alive in the series.

"It was a good series," said Rangers coach Rod Simmons. "We had a lot of opportunities, but we had one bad game and then got a couple bad bounces and couldn't recover. We led in every game, but we just couldn't hang onto it."

Despite the quick exit in the playoffs Simmons was quick to credit his team on a good season.

"We took a small step in the right direction," said Simmons. "The guys really had a good year and hated to see it end, especially for our overagers."

The Rangers were happy with the support they received throughout the season and hope to build on that next year.

Rangers General Manager Dennis Van Luit added, "Our goal was to make the playoffs and build on the community-based team and we did that. We had a good atmosphere in the dressing room and a group of good young players and coaching staff."

Simmons looked at the large playoff crowds at the end of the season as a chance to build for the future.

"We have a great group of young people and we had good crowds in the playoffs," said Simmons. "It was great to see something that really gives the team some signs of hope."

South Grenville basketball teams dropped in semi-finals

BROCKVILLE - The South Grenville Giants senior boys basketball team fell short of another Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association championship as it lost 58-47 in last Tuesday's semi-final game with St. Mary.

"We didn't play well enough to win and that was the key," said coach Mark Lewis. "We shot 50 per cent from the field which isn't bad. We only got to the free throw line five times and then we turned over the ball more than 24 times which hurts a lot in a close game."

The Giants jumped out to an early lead, but St. Mary hit a three at the buzzer to tie the game up at the end of the first quarter.

South Grenville fell behind, but then battled back to get up by one, before calling a time out and switching to a zone defence.

"Their big kid stepped up and hit a three from a couple feet behind the line," said Lewis. "Curtis (Bucking) was right there covering him, but it was a good shot and it kind of deflated us."

Lewis was happy with his team's perseverance throughout the season.

"I'm proud of them," said Lewis. "They overcame a ton of transition and adapted to a whole new style of doing things. If a couple baskets in the paint would have fell it could have been a whole different ball game."

Lewis is looking forward to next season where he thinks the standings will be very tight.

Despite losing starters Jamie Clarke, Mike Ayerst and Travis Irvine and reserve Shane Pettifer, Lewis expects a strong nucleus to return to next year's team. Curtis Bucking, Andrew DeDekker, Jon Baldwin, Matt Alkerton, Mike Armstrong, Brandon Duffy, Ryan Delaney and Eric Hendriks are all expected to return, but they'll have their work cut out for them.

"We'll be losing some key guys and St. Mary, BCI and TISS return a lot of their guys," said Lewis. "North Grenville also will graduate a lot of juniors from their LGSSAA championship team, so it will be tough. If we get a few more kids out there who are keen on basketball and want to work at it, we could have a really good thing."

Juniors fall in semi-final

The junior boys basketball team dropped its semi-final match-up 48-35 to the BCI Red Rams.

"We were down 16-4 at the half," said junior co-coach Jason Crotty. "We just didn't play well."

Crotty was happy with the team's play on the season with more than half of the roster Grade 9 students.

"The kids really improved from game one to their semi-final game," said Crotty. "They're a good group of kids and it was nice to see the improvement. Hopefully, they'll carry it on to next year."

Senior A Falcons fall to McFarlands

BELLEVILLE - The St. Lawrence Falcons Sr. A hockey team dropped an 8-4 decision to the Belleville McFarlands to fall to 14-10-1 on the season.

The Falcons got off to a good start taking a 2-0 first period lead into the second period. Wayne Garlough scored unassisted to open up scoring, while St. Lawrence captain Jason Hawkins scored the Falcons second goal on a powerplay. Kevin Spero picked up a helper on Hawkins' goal.

Fatigue struck the Falcons in the second period after sporting a shortened bench as Belleville tied the score with a pair of second period markers to take a 2-2 draw into the third period.

In the third the wheels came off for the Falcons as the McFarlands scored six third period markers, with the Falcons only replying twice.

Chris Neilson and Tyler Dukelow scored for the Falcons, while Charlie Fromont (2), Garlough and Pat Pelda chipped in with helpers.

The Falcons sit in third place in the standings with 29 points, 10 points behind the first-place Tamworth Braves and nine points behind the second-place Belleville McFarlands.

The Falcons will close out their regular season with a pair of home games this weekend. On Saturday, St. Lawrence will play host to the Belleville McFarlands at 8 pm at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. On Sunday, the Falcons will play the Tamworth Braves at 7 pm at the Athens arena.

Falcons Forum: Former South Grenville Jr. B Rangers forward Tyler Libby, who is attending school in Belleville, suited up for the McFarlands in their win over the Falcons. Libby had a pair of assists.

Novice Lightning Boltz ousted in playoffs by North Dundas

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville novice Lightning Boltz were eliminated 4-2 in points in their first-round playoff match-up with the North Dundas Devils.

On Feb. 24, the Lightning Boltz managed a 4-4 tie with the North Dundas Devils in Prescott. Brett Van Stralen scored all four South Grenville goals, while Shenda Harrison and John Lawless each had two assists apiece.

On Feb. 27, South Grenville tied the Devils 3-3 in Winchester. Van Stralen, Adam Norton and Broydon Stufko scored for the Lightning Boltz, while Dylan Bell and Stufko chipped in with helpers.

On Feb. 29, the Lightning Boltz were eliminated from the playoffs as they dropped a 5-4 decision to the Devils in Prescott. Lawless, Norton, Stufko and Van Stralen scored for South Grenville, while Lawless (2), Van Stralen (2), Bell, Stufko and Cameron Murray added assists.

Major midget Rangers sweep first-round playoff series

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville major midget Rangers were victorious sweeping their first round, four point playoff series against North Glengarry-Stormont.

On Feb. 24, the Rangers took a two-point lead over North Glengarry-Stormont with a 3-2 win at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. Rob Fullarton opened up scoring for the Rangers in the first, before David Wallace would give South Grenville a 2-0 lead. Allan Robertson would score in the third, while North Glengarry-Stormont would answer back with a pair.

On Feb. 25, the Rangers travelled to Maxville and dominated North Glengarry-Stormont for an 8-3 win and a series victory. Nick Maggio and Derek Lavery led the Rangers with a pair of goals apiece, while Eric Selleck, Ryan Davy, Jon Baldwin and Matt Hayes added singles.

The Rangers will now play the winner between Morrisburg and Char-Lan.

On Feb. 16, the Rangers scored a 5-3 regular season win over the Kemptville Panthers in Prescott. Nick Maggio led South Grenville with a pair of goals, while Eric Selleck, Mike Armstrong and Allan Robertson added singles.

On Feb. 9, South Grenville managed to stop a late two-goal flurry in the third period to hang on for a 6-5 win over the North Dundas Devils at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. David Wallace, Kurtis Summers, Jon Baldwin, Ryan Davy, Maggio and Armstrong scored for the Rangers.

The Rangers dropped a hard-fought 3-2 decision to the Morrisburg Lions Feb. 17, to finish the regular season in second place. Morrisburg got off to a two-goal lead, before South Grenville's Matt Hayes would respond late in the second period to narrow the lead to one goal. Maggio tied the score at two midway through the third period, but the Lions scored late in the period to seal the Rangers fate.

Minor midgets win series

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville minor midget Rangers were victorious over the Cornwall Royals in their first-round first to four points series.

The Rangers opened the series with a 2-2 draw Feb. 23 in Cornwall.

On Feb. 25, South Grenville scored a 3-2 win over the Cornwall Royals at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

On Feb. 29, South Grenville finished off the Royals with a 5-4 win in Prescott.

Corie Toye and Kevin Beach backstopped the Rangers to the series victory. Matt Deeks led South Grenville with five goals in the series, while Mike Lawrence and Sam Whitley scored a pair each and Wes Polite added a single. Mike Leeder (2), Justin Rust (2), Polite (2), Lawrence (2), Andrew Wilson, Nathaniel Hayes and Deeks chipped in with helpers.

The Rangers now advance to the second round of the playoffs and will take on the North Dundas Demons.

Bantam B Rangers victorious at Westmeath tournament

CARDINAL - The South Grenville bantam B Rangers house team finished its regular season on a high note with a tournament win and a 4-0-1 record in the final five regular season games.

On Feb. 7, the Rangers travelled to Westmeath and came away with their fifth tournament championship of the season. South Grenville opened up the tournament with a 3-1 win over the Beachburg Bulls. Ronnie Burns scored two goals to lead the Rangers, while Ryan Todd added a single. Travis Stephenson (2), Burns, Chris Bryden and Zach Stitt added assists.

In their second game, the Rangers scored a 4-0 win over the Nepean Ice Hawks. Kurtis Merkley picked up the shutout in goal. Jordan Daw led the Rangers with a pair of goals, while Stitt and Todd added singles. Kyle Lavery (2) and Mark Wynands chipped in with helpers.

In the final, the Rangers scored a 4-1 win over the Kanata Blazers, with James DeJeet picking up the win in goal. Lavery, Stephenson, Stitt and Todd scored for South Grenville, while Wynands (2), Bryden (2) and Burns added assists.

In regular season action Feb. 1, the Rangers scored a 4-2 win over 1,000 Islands at the Cardinal and District Community Centre. Stephenson scored a pair of goals to lead the Rangers, while Lavery and Todd added singles. Josh Newton (2), Stephenson, Todd, Wynands and Stitt added assists.

On Feb. 2, South Grenville managed a 6-1 win over the North Leeds Stars in Cardinal. Lavery scored four goals to lead the Rangers, while Stitt and Ashley Clarke had singles. Stitt (3), Wynands (3), Lavery, Bryden, Daw and Newton chipped in with helpers.

On Feb. 3, the Rangers travelled to Brockville and came away with a 5-1 win over Brockville Carefree Pools. Stephenson, Newton, Ryan Armstrong, Lavery and Stitt scored for South Grenville, while Burns, Adam Kelly, Armstrong, Daw, Stitt, Adam Patrick and Lavery added assists.

On Feb. 9, South Grenville scored a 6-3 win over the Smiths Falls Bears in Cardinal. Kurtis Merkley picked up the win in goal to remain undefeated in league play. Burns and Lavery scored a pair of goals apiece for the Rangers, while Todd and Armstrong added singles. Stitt (2), Daw, Stephenson, Brooke Merkley, Todd, Armstrong and Wynands added assists.

On Feb. 13, the Rangers travelled to Cornwall and settled for a 3-3 draw with the Akwesasne Wolves. Stephenson scored a pair of goals to lead South Grenville, while Bryden added a single. Stitt chipped in with a helper.

SGDHS hosting EOSSAA junior girls volleyball championships

PRESCOTT - South Grenville District High School will play host to the Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association junior girls volleyball championships this Thursday, March 4 in Prescott.

The draw will feature a six-team field, with the host Giants expected to pick up a top three seed. Joining the Giants in the tournament will be Casselman, Bishop Smith of Pembroke, Ernestown, Carleton Place and Cornwall.

Pool games will be played at 10 am, 11 am and noon, with the semi-finals to begin at approximately 1:30 pm and the final to follow at 3 pm.

Billets still needed for SG major midget hockey tournament

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Minor Hockey Association is still searching for billets for the major midget hockey tournament March 19-21.

With teams coming in from all over North America there is an increased need for billets this year. Billets will stay at local homes throughout the weekend as they take part in the tournament.

Currently, billets are being sought for the Calgary Rangers who will be flying in to participate in the tournament.

Anyone interested in billeting for either tournament should contact Brenda Byrd at 925-4088 or Sue Chillson at 925-1328.

SGMHA hockey registration set for Saturday in Prescott

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Minor Hockey Association will be holding its final 2004-05 registration session this Saturday, March 6.

The session will take place upstairs at the Leo Boivin Community Centre and run from 9 am until noon.

There is no increase in registration costs this year and cheques can be postdated up to Aug. 14, 2004.

A separate cheque is required if registering for conditioning camps and goalie camps.

Any player currently registered in the SGMHA who doesn't register by March 6 will be charged a $100 late fee.

All content is copyright 2004 The Prescott Journal. No reproduction permitted without written permission.