Prescott Journal, March 10, 2004

VOL. 174, NO. 10~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ March 10, 2004

NEWS

Millar named citizen of year

Prescott barber says working with people on various community projects is enjoyable

PRESCOTT Bob Millar goes about his work quietly without seeking recognition.

With that in mind, the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce selected Millar as its volunteer of the year. The community achievement award was presented Monday night at the Chamber of Commerce banquet.

Since moving to Prescott in 1969, Millar has compiled a long list of projects in which he has volunteered.

As a member of the Prescott Jaycees in the 1970s, Millar worked on winter carnivals and Canada Day celebrations. He also served from 1976 to 1993 on the Loyalist Days committee, including a nine-year stint as co-chair. He was primarily responsible for queen pageants, fiddling contest, talent nights, fireworks and beer gardens.

As a member of the Fort Town Boosters from 1996 to 2002, Millar helped put together Light Up the Night and stage show, tree-lighting and fireworks.

For the past five years, Millar has been a tireless volunteer caretaker of the clock tower square who can usually be seen cleaning up the area early each morning.

During all this time, Millar built up and maintained his own small business, a barber shop on King Street West.

Award presenter Ken Durand said Millar is a model citizen who has made Prescott a better place in which to live.

Millar told the audience he found receiving the award to be overwhelming. He added it has been an honour to work with all the other volunteers over the years in a town that has so much talent and pulls together.

"I just can't get over how nice it is to work with them," said Millar, who added he cannot say how much he has enjoyed his time as a volunteer in Prescott.

Ray Young received the citizen of the year award last year.

THIS WEEK

Icebreaking operations hit the water this week

PRESCOTT Here is another sign spring is just around the corner.

Beginning this week, the CCGS Simcoe will conduct icebreaking operations on the upper portion of the St. Lawrence River's main channel from Prescott to the Bay of Quinte.

The Coast Guard is advising ice fishermen, snowmobilers and others who use the ice to steer clear of the icebreaker's track and to be on the lookout for hazardous and unstable river conditions as spring approaches.

The seaway will open its 2004 shipping season later this month.

For more information, call the ice operations office at 1-800-265-0237.

Get blood pressure checked at pharmacies

PRESCOTT Weekly blood pressure monitoring sessions will begin next week at all three pharmacies in Prescott.

The free sessions staffed by volunteers are part of a community hypertension program aimed at increasing awareness of health problems associated with high blood pressure as well as the value of regular blood pressure monitoring.

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

The 10-week pilot program ends May 21.

To volunteer or for more information, call Lisa Harkness at 341-7878.

Register now for trade show in Spencerville

SPENCERVILLE Vendors have until March 15 to register for the upcoming Spencerville Spring Trade Show.

The two-day event will take place Friday, April 2 and Saturday, April 3 at the Drummond Building.

The trade show is being hosted by the Spencerville Agricultural Society, which also hosts the annual Spencerville Fair and is trying to make use of the George Drummond Memorial Grounds throughout the year.

Those wishing to take part in the trade show are asked to call Janet Davidson at 258-7343, evenings and weekends only.

Ham and bean supper is on the menu today

MAYNARD Victoria United Church will host a ham and bean supper today (Wednesday, March 10).

Dinner will be served at 4:30 and 6 pm. The menu includes scalloped potatoes, corn, roll and homemade pie.

Advanced tickets are available from Ron at 925-1775.

Business of the Year award goes to Beach

Family-owned hardware store has King Street roots

PRESCOTT Customer service has played a key role in the success of a family business that has been part of the Prescott landscape for more than 45 years.

Beach Home Hardware has received the annual Business Achievement Award from the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented at the Chamber banquet Monday night at St. Mark's Parish Centre.

Murray Beach opened a hardware store on King Street in 1958. The store was an independent for many years, eventually becoming part of the Dominion Home Hardware group.

Murray's son Lewis helped out in the store when he was in high school. Lewis went off to college at Sir Sanford Fleming, married his wife Lynn in 1977 and returned to the business. He also graduated from the business administration course at St. Lawrence College.

Lewis Beach became manager in 1981. The store became a Home Hardware dealer in 1982.

Constantly reminded of space constraints at the King Street location, the Beaches purchased property in the north end of town in 1989. However, they held off on developing the property until 1995.

Award presenter Bill Pakeman noted the Beaches were overwhelmed with great support when 50 friends and customers helped make the move into the new 12,000-square-foot facility on Irvine Road.

The new store enabled the business to expand into gift items. There was also more room for lawn and garden supplies and power tools.

Pakeman noted the retail landscape is changing and there is never a dull moment. Beach Home Hardware has been successful throughout the years because of its excellent employees, he added.

In accepting the award and saying it is an honour to be chosen, Lewis Beach also noted all the square footage and advertising a business has or can do does not mean much without good customer service.

"If you don't have a great staff, you don't stand a chance," he said.

The Prescott Journal/St. Lawrence Printing and W.L. Peters received the business of the year awards in 2002 and 2003 respectively.

Meagen Gibson receives Connie Dickey award

PRESCOTT The winner of the 2003 Connie Dickey Youth of the Year Award says her experience as an Air Cadet has been a dream come true.

Meagen Gibson received her award Monday at the Chamber of Commerce banquet.

Gibson, 16, was introduced by Kaitlynn Dodge and Mackenzie Eaton, co-winners of the youth award two years ago.

The presenters described Gibson as being an energetic and motivated role model for young and old alike. She has risen from the lower ranks of 661 Lt. W.F. Sharpe Air Cadet Squadron to become warrant officer, the highest rank a cadet can achieve. Gibson also is the recipient of a Legion medal of excellence.

As a student at South Grenville District High School, Gibson has also excelled both academically and in extra-curricular activities. In addition to being a student senator representing South Grenville at the Upper Canada District School Board, Gibson is president of the local UNICEF group and is a member of the athletic association, Giant Fusion and Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving. She has also made it to the honour roll and worked at part-time jobs.

Gibson's volunteer duties include taking part in clean-ups at Fort Wellington and being a mentor for children in areas such as first aid and survival training.

In accepting the award, Gibson said she feels it is a great honour.

As for her five years with the Air Cadet squadron, Gibson said she was hooked right away. In addition to emphasizing the value of leadership, friendship and maturity, she said cadets has taught her to "never give up and strive for the best.

"I've learned more than I'd ever hoped," Gibson added.

During her acceptance speech, she noted her commanding officer, Doug Fraser, as well as high school principal Brenda Ramsay, guidance counsellor Norrie Spence and the Town of Prescott.

Gibson said she encourages all youths to participate. Popularity is not what everyone sees and remembers, she remarked.

Katie Beatty received the Connie Dickey award last year.

Conservatives in Leeds-Grenville acclaim Brown as their candidate

ATHENS Local Conservatives have made it official.

Gord Brown was acclaimed as the federal party's candidate in Leeds-Grenville at a riding association meeting held Saturday at Athens District High School.

Brown, who ran for the Alliance party in 2000 and came close to defeating incumbent Liberal MP Joe Jordan, will represent the new party that was formed late last year by the merger of the federal Alliance and Progressive Conservative parties.

"Never has it been more important to wipe clean the excess, the corruption, the sleaze, the incompetence and the just plain wrong priorities of the Liberal government in Ottawa," states the notes Brown used during his nomination meeting speech.

The Conservative candidate indicated there is a clear choice in the federal election which might be called this spring.

In addition to scrapping the federal long-gun registry and standing up for the traditional definition of marriage, Brown, a Gananoque businessman and former town councillor, emphasized the need for competitive tax rates and to support Canada's military and farmers.

The federal government should also do more to help Leeds-Grenville attract family doctors, according to the Conservative candidate.

Steve Armstrong, a worker and union leader at Invista (formerly DuPont Canada Maitland Site) is the federal New Democratic Party candidate in Leeds-Grenville. Armstrong was also the NDP candidate in last fall's Ontario election; he placed a distant third to incumbent Progressive Conservative MPP Bob Runciman.

Environment ministry says no testing needed

Augusta properties just west of Prescott do not constitute stand-alone distribution system

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT Additional testing of town water being received by several properties just to the west of Prescott is not required, according to the Ministry of the Environment (MOE).

The ministry's legal services branch has concluded seven properties in Augusta Township do not fit the definition of a stand-alone distribution system for which the additional tests would be required. The MOE advised the township of the revised position in a letter dated March 1.

The clarification follows an information meeting held in Prescott in December. At that meeting, MOE officials were advised each property has its own connection to town water lines. Ministry staff indicated they were under the mistaken impression there was some sort of common connecting loop; as a result, the matter was referred to the legal branch.

Shannon Hamilton-Browne of MOE's drinking water inspections program at the Kingston district office told The Journal Monday a compliance inspection was conducted in Prescott late January of last year. At that time, it was noted as many as 23 residences (including a trailer park) in Augusta Township just west of Prescott were hooked up to town water. Based on drinking water regulations and information on file at the ministry, it was determined Augusta should be considered a stand-alone distribution system in which additional regular testing of water supplied by Prescott would be required.

It was only in December that information regarding the nature of the connections on the affected properties was first presented, according to Hamilton-Browne.

Following the review by the legal services branch, the ministry determined there are seven individually-serviced properties that do not constitute a stand-alone system.

Property owners in the affected area were notified last spring they could be subject to the cost of additional water testing which might add up to $2,500 per year.

The Township of Augusta entered into an agreement with the Ontario Clean Water Agency (which operates Prescott's water system) to pay for the cost of the additional sampling on a temporary basis. MOE has advised the ministry that arrangement is no longer required.

However, in the March 1 letter, MOE strongly recommends a written agreement between the two municipalities that would identify the owner of the distribution pipes and who is responsible for them and the drinking water that flows through them.

Don Pender, who owns one of the affected properties, told The Journal Friday he is pleased with the ministry's decision. He said the town or township should have sought clarification prior to the information meeting in December. "This should have been resolved long before it was," he said.

Like some of the others, a small portion of Pender's property is in Prescott.

In acknowledging the aggravation property owners experienced after the first letter was received, Pender said the provincial government should reimburse the municipality for the additional testing, but he doubts that would ever happen.

Augusta CAO Sharon Wilkinson told township council Monday night she has yet to add up the bills for the additional testing. Wilkinson added plans are in the works to seek reimbursement from the environment ministry.

Culture, tourism mix very well

PRESCOTT The South Grenville area is well-positioned to ride the cultural tourism wave, according to Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn.

The mayor spoke of the value of heritage and the arts in terms of economic development during a speech at the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce awards banquet Monday night at St. Mark's Parish Centre.

Lawn, a former president of the Prescott-area Chamber, talked about a conference he attended. In citing several examples of how culture and tourism go hand in hand in other communities, the mayor noted the $3-billion industry is not a niche market. Tourism is not just outdoors and nature, he added.

In addition to the many heritage buildings that make Prescott an attraction to visitors, Lawn noted the town is also home to the arts.

The Fort Town Concert Association is in its 21st year, and the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival will present its second season this summer.

In noting a Shakespeare search on the Internet can produce more than 640,000 hits, Lawn remarked "Shakespeare passed away a long time ago, but he ain't dead yet."

The mayor also noted the new Festival on the St. Lawrence will return for a second year, with one concert to be held in Prescott at the end of May.

Lawn said Prescott has taken advantage of its heritage and artistic roots and must continue to do so as cultural tourism remains an increasingly important part of the economy.

The mayor said Prescott's secret weapon is its volunteers. Lawn cited hall of fame baseball player Ozzie Smith, who said character and giving back is the greatest trophy on his mantle.

Township being asked to provide loan that could help save community hall

MERC requests $10,000 from Augusta council

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

MAYNARD Augusta council is considering a proposal to provide financial support to keep Maitland Education Recreation Committee (MERC) afloat.

Representatives of the cash-strapped MERC requested a loan of $10,000 from council at its Monday night meeting. The money is necessary so it can take advantage of an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant of $25,000 that was received last fall for badly-needed kitchen renovations at the Maitland community hall.

The group must come up with the equivalent in cash and volunteer labour before about the end of April, or it must return the grant to Trillium, committee spokesman Geoff Noyes informed council. The renovations are considered necessary to make the hall attractive for bookings.

Before it agrees to the loan, council will be studying the group's financial statements that were made available to members at the meeting. Council also wants assurances the group has definite fundraising plans and volunteer support to carry them out to enable it to repay the township.

While Councillor John Fischl said he regrets not having been able to review the financial statements sooner which could have prevented MERC's current financial mess, Reeve John McCrea stressed the importance of helping recreation groups.

"It's generally been the policy of this township through the years to accommodate a working, active and enthusiastic group of volunteers," McCrea stated in response to a media question if council would support the loan request.

"If they are upfront about their need and upfront about doing things, my sense is the township has always been there for recreation groups," McCrea continued.

MERC representatives outlined its situation at a public meeting March 1. A gathering of more than 40 people heard how the group was plunged into debt by increasing demands on volunteers' time, surging costs and responsibilities, a loss of volunteer effort and decreasing revenue from bingos and hall rentals.

Noyes informed council Monday three people had since come forward to manage the hall and bookings, and 10 people volunteered to sell MERC memberships.

The group also has plans to sell Nevada tickets and secure corporate sponsorships to raise funds. However, Noyes noted additional volunteers are still needed.

MERC has been a focal point in the Maitland community for three decades and was built with volunteer spirit. In January, all non-profit generating activities were suspended in an effort to save money.

Besides running the community hall, the group has responsibility for operating the Maitland Ski Trails, Cedar Street Park, outdoor skating rinks, a baseball diamond and soccer, summer swim and parks programs.

Augusta meeting wrapped up early for a change

MAYNARD The regular agenda of Augusta council was plowed through with unusual speed Monday night.

Council adjourned the public portion of the meeting at about 9:45 pm before it headed into a closed session. The meeting began at 7:30 pm.

At its last meeting February 9, council extended its curfew past the 11 pm limit, and finally adjourned at close to midnight. Following that lengthy meeting, Reeve John McCrea discussed in a recent interview with The Journal the possibility of switching to two regular meetings per month.

During the past several years, council has seldom wrapped up a regular meeting before 10:30 pm.

Although no discussion took place Monday night regarding the switch, changes were made to the format to speed along the agenda items. At McCrea's suggestion, council agreed to forego reading staff and committee reports verbatim as submitted by managers and committee chairs.

Deputy Reeve Doug Barton suggested there should be no issue in abandoning the readings as long as council is able to peruse the reports before the meeting and the public has access to them.

"I'll get the hang of this yet," McCrea stated regarding meeting procedure.

Property owners taking aim at Ontario's assessment process

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT Trying to make sense of Ontario's property assessment system can be frustrating, according to many of the people who attended an information session in Prescott Thursday night.

Harold Bryan and Lyndon Johnston of the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) office in Brockville were on hand at town hall to outline the system and answer questions.

About 40 people attended the meeting, which was the latest in a series of get-togethers coming in response to widespread concerns about increased current values which are used for education and municipal taxation purposes.

MPAC is a non-profit company that used to be part of the provincial government. The corporation oversees the system that includes more than 4.3 million properties with a total assessment in excess of $1.3 trillion.

In Prescott, residential property assessment (based on current values in place as of June 30, 2003) went up 11.5 per cent compared to the previous value. Total commercial assessment increased by more than 24 per cent.

The current value assessed by MPAC is based on similar properties for which there have been sales involving willing buyers and sellers; sales from one family member to another are not counted. Sales from the previous three years can be used to determine the current value.

Property owners who are not satisfied with their assessed values have two options: submit a request for reconsideration to MPAC or file an appeal with the Assessment Review Board of Ontario.

The deadline to appeal a 2003 assessment is March 31. The fee to appeal is $50 for a residential property and $125 for a commercial, industrial or multi-residential property.

Requests for reconsideration, which are considered more informal, can be submitted until the end of the year.

Bryan said "relevant facts" are needed to back up an owner's claim the assessment is incorrect.

It was noted by the audience at the meeting the deadlines for those two options should be switched.

Bryan and Johnston noted MPAC has made efforts to improve its customer services. A toll-free centralized contact centre has extra staff during peak periods; any area-specific questions they cannot answer are referred to the appropriate local office.

There are also on-line services (www.mpac.ca), including a system that enables a property owner to review MPAC's information on his or her property.

In trying to address concerns about increased assessment and how the values are determined, Bryan noted it is the marketplace and not MPAC that sets current values. Although he said he understands many of the concerns voiced at the meeting, Bryan insisted the system is designed to be fair.

"There's no exact science," Bryan said.

When asked about his own home and its increased assessment, Bryan said "I'd like to think I can sell my house for the price I have on it."

Many audience members expressed their frustration with the system. They were not convinced significant increases to their assessment could be justified, and they questioned whether MPAC can fairly determine current value as it claims. Some owners noted their attempts to obtain information from the corporation were difficult and even unsuccessful.

It wasn't just homeowners who voiced their concerns about the system. Local businessman Wilf Peters noted assessment for downtown properties has always been too high and should have gone down given all the vacancies and "for rent" signs.

"You can't stay in business," Peters added.

A similar MPAC information meeting will take place Thursday, March 18 at 7 pm at township hall in Spencerville.

For more information about the assessment appeals process, visit www.arb.gov.on.ca or call 1-800-263-3237.

Prescott teens travel to Toronto to receive provincial award

Kaitlynn and Mackenzie join elite group of Ontario Junior Citizens of the Year

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

TORONTO Chalk up another honour for Prescott's Dynamic Duo.

Kaitlynn Dodge and Mackenzie Eaton received their 2003 Junior Citizen of the Year awards Friday at the Ontario Community Newspapers Association (OCNA) convention in Toronto.

Dodge and Eaton were among the 13 children and young adults from across the province who were recognized for their contributions to the community. The 17-year-old best friends and co-founders of the Soup for the Soul holiday season community dinner were nominated for the provincial awards by The Prescott Journal.

The Junior Citizens were whisked away from the convention at the Inn on the Park to Queen's Park, where they were given a tour and presented pins by a member of the Ontario legislature.

The guests of honour were returned to the hotel and prepared for a photo session with the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable James K. Bartleman. Unfortunately, he had bronchitis and could not attend the event. Sandy Cameron, one of the lieutenant governor's aides-de-camp, took his place at the ceremony.

Following the photo session, Dodge and Eaton and their families attended the dinner at which the Junior Citizens and winners of the 2003 Better Newspapers Competition were honoured.

The next morning, the Junior Citizens joined Premier Dalton McGuinty and OCNA delegates for breakfast. In addition to having their photos taken with the premier, each of the award winners received a watch from Tembec (an awards sponsor) and $200.

"It was a great experience," Dodge told The Journal Sunday. She added it was nice to meet the other Junior Citizens, several of whom were about the same age as Dodge and Eaton.

Eaton said it was inspiring to meet some of the younger Junior Citizens and those with disabilities. Their accomplishments are that much more significant given their ages or limitations, she added.

Dodge and Eaton were 15 when they organized the first Soup for the Soul dinner in 2001. They were co-recipients of the Connie Dickey Youth Award presented the following year by the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce.

Beth Morris represented The Journal as well as The Winchester Press and The Manotick Messenger at the awards dinner. The Press nominated Ryan Williams, one of the other 11 Junior Citizens honoured in Toronto.

The Messenger placed second in the best creative artwork category of the Better Newspapers Competition.

Party on ice

PRESCOTT Lace up those skates and have some fun at this year's family skate party.

The annual event will take place next Wednesday, March 17 from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Leo Boivin Community Centre in Prescott.

In addition to the skating, food (including hot dogs and hot chocolate) will be served upstairs.

Admission is free.

This community event is sponsored by The Prescott Journal, O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer and the Town of Prescott.

Children and bullying subject of talk this Thursday

PRESCOTT Children and bullying will be the focus of a special interactive presentation to be held this Thursday, March 11 at St. Joseph Catholic School on McAuley Road.

The information session will be conducted in the gym by Mitch Robinson, a community counsellor with the Leeds and Grenville Child and Youth Wellness Centre.

The session will take place from 7 to 8 pm.

Discussion topics will include characteristics of a victim, what to look for in a victim of bullying and how to react.

Characteristics of a bully will be discussed as well as where to seek help.

Local officer faces charge under Police Services Act

PRESCOTT An officer with the Grenville County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police has been charged with discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act.

Constable George Duke was charged in connection with an alleged incident that took place Nov. 27 at the OPP office in Prescott.

Sergeant Kristine Cholette of OPP Eastern region in Smiths Falls noted no criminal charges have been laid.

The case is scheduled to make its first appearance before an OPP adjudicator today at OPP headquarters in Orillia, according to Cholette. Duke remains suspended with pay.

Although police have released few details of the incident, Cholette said a firearm was involved.

Duke was arrested after the incident that day and released. An investigation based at Eastern headquarters was initiated.

Being found guilty of discreditable conduct could result in anything from a written reprimand to dismissal, Cholette told The Journal.

The penalty would be determined by the adjudicator, she added.

Road Tours finds sponsor for transportation plan

Local United Way on board for daily passenger service

PRESCOTT A plan to give local residents a new transportation option has received an important lifeline.

Road Tours owner Steven Turcotte told The Journal Friday he had found a sponsor that would assist with his effort to obtain a $98,000 grant through the Leeds and Grenville social services department.

Turcotte is proposing daily passenger service in the Cardinal-Brockville corridor. His Prescott-based company operates a 15-seat passenger van.

In addition to providing low-cost transportation to people who could not afford to travel to and from work in other local communities, anyone else could also purchase one-way or round-trip fares.

To be eligible for the grant, a not-for-profit organization must administer the transportation program.

Funding applications must be submitted by today. Turcotte, who has already met with representatives from social services and Ontario Works, is hopeful his proposal might succeed even if the grant request is denied.

"I guess we'll just have to wait and see," he said.

At the present time, Road Tours offers commuter service from Prescott-Brockville to Ottawa.

The company needs licence approval from the province to sell single-fare tickets on its existing route or in the Cardinal-Brockville corridor.

Local taxi service is available; however, existing bus service in the Prescott area is limited to Fridays and Sundays.

Lords Mills Road paving issue resurfaces at council

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

MAYNARD It will soon be budget time in Augusta Township, and residents of Lords Mills Road got their bid in early for paving before yet another year slips by without any action.

Resident Tony Fortier made a plea to council at its meeting Monday night, requesting the township finally finish a construction job it started almost four years ago. Some of the residents made an appearance at a township roads committee meeting last week.

The completion of the gravel portion of Lords Mills Road has long been a sore spot for its residents.

Twenty-nine residents live on the 3.2-kilometre stretch of road, which saw about $670,000 worth of construction work in 2000 to prepare the surface for paving.

Previous councils allocated time, energy and resources on the road, only to see the road deteriorate again before it was paved, Fortier told council. "We stand to lose the benefits" of ditching work if the gravel isn't stopped from moving off the road into the ditches, he said.

Residents hope paving will be given priority in budget discussions this year, Fortier said.

"Basically, what we've got is a road that is ready; we've got a window of opportunity there to stop the degradation on that road and preserve those ditches and water flow... by acting to surface that road," Fortier said.

Councillor John Fischl stated Fortier "made some very valid points" and his information was well-presented.

Reeve John McCrea said the issue would be reviewed during budget discussions.

The paving question was last presented to council in Feb. 2003 when another resident had requested completion of the road.

New family restaurant is famous for its pizza

PRESCOTT It is official: Harvester House Restaurant will open in Prescott at King and George streets later this month.

The family-style restaurant is owned by Andy Caicco, who owns two Harvester House restaurants in Kanata, and his sister-in-law Lori McIlveen (formerly Code) of Maynard, who has worked at Burger King in Prescott and Brockville for nearly two decades.

Caicco said the eatery is famous for its pizza; it won first place for the best pizza in Kanata in 2002 and second place in 2003. Other popular dishes at the restaurants are lasagna, chicken stir fry and liver and onions. Caicco also noted the restaurant is known for its half orders and half-pound burgers.

There is also a full breakfast menu, a selection of appetizers, pastas and a children's menu.

The 85-seat Harvester House in Prescott will feature a sports bar atmosphere.

The team expects to hire 10 full- and part-time employees.

Harvester House is a new enterprise; the owners did not purchase the former NanC's restaurant that had been operating in the building as was previously reported.

Pocket full of fun awaits at United Way event

BROCKVILLE Take a cue, jump into the pool and support the United Way of Leeds and Grenville.

The third annual Pricedex Corporate Eight-Ball Challenge presented by 104.9 JR-FM will take place the afternoon of Friday, March 26 at Broad Street Bar and Billiards and the Brass Rack.

Skilled players are welcome, but pool-shooting ability is not the focus. "I want to stress that this is a 'fun' event with the primary goal to raise money for a worthy charity," stated Pricedex CEO Terence O'Reilly.

In addition to draw and door prizes, there will be other activities such as darts.

Each team consists of five players. Space is limited to the first 28 teams; more than half the slots are booked.

The entry fee is tax deductible.

To register or for more information, contact Eileen Hollran at 341-9200, ext. 115 or at Eileen.hollran@pricedex.com.

Red Cross Month is sweet

BROCKVILLE The Brockville branch of the Canadian Red Cross is celebrating Red Cross Month with its second annual Festival of Desserts.

Sixteen restaurants are taking part in this year's event. Coupon books now on sale give bearers deals at the participating restaurants.

The highlight of the festival will be the gala to be held Sunday, March 28 from noon to 4 pm at the Brockville Memorial Centre. An afternoon of desserts and judging in three categories (school, corporate and restaurant challenges) will include a live auction and silent auction of desserts and other items.

Among the judges in the restaurant challenge (the winner receives the Sugar Bowl) are author Mary Cook and Chatelaine Food Editor Monda Rosenburg.

Admission is free for those who purchase festival coupon books, which are now on sale at the branch office on Charles Street in Brockville, the customer service counter at Wal-Mart in Brockville or from Red Cross members.

For more information, call the Red Cross at 342-3523.

Volunteers in 2003 campaign to attend luncheon today

BROCKVILLE United Way volunteers will be acknowledged for their support at an appreciation luncheon today (Wednesday, March 10) at C.J.'s in Brockville.

The luncheon, which runs from 11:45 am to 1 pm, will include the announcement of the 2003 Leeds and Grenville campaign's final total as well as new fundraising events being planned for 2004.

OPP NEWS

Leave emergency number for actual emergencies

GRENVILLE COUNTY Police are once again asking parents to teach their children not to make needless 9-1-1 calls.

Grenville County OPP responded to 11 false alarm and false 9-1-1 calls last week. Youngsters should learn the possible effects of calling 9-1-1 "just to see if it works," according to Community Services Officer, Constable Holly Howard.

"Emergency situations justify calling 9-1-1," she stated in a news release. "Testing your home phone doesn't."

In non-emergency situations, the public can call the detachment in Prescott at 925-4221.

RIDE checks are always in season

SOUTH GRENVILLE Members of the Grenville County OPP detachment conducted RIDE checks last week in Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.

Thirty-nine vehicles were checked early last Wednesday morning at county roads 2 and 22 in Cardinal. One roadside test was administered, and one Highway Traffic Act warning was given. A check at the same location two days later resulted in one Highway Traffic Act and one Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act charge.

A RIDE check early Saturday morning at County Road 2 and Merwin Lane produced one roadside test and two traffic act warnings.

High speeds get noticed by police

AUGUSTA Two vehicles clocked at speeds of 150 kilometres an hour or more were pulled over on Highway 401.

Constable Butcher stopped a vehicle at 164 km/h Thursday at about 6 pm. The 18-year-old driver from Quebec was issued a summons to appear in Brockville court. A 19-year-old Prescott man who was stopped by Constable Tara Johnston Sunday at about 4:30 am received a 12-hour licence suspension after registering a "warn" on a roadside screening device.

Six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan was not what local soldier expected

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

ROEBUCK - Local soldier Tom McCrea is back from a tour of duty in Afghanistan and wouldn't mind another one if it were offered to him.

McCrea, a sapper (engineering equivalent of private) with 24 Field Squadron 5 Troop, was located at Camp Julien in Kabul, Afghanistan during his six-month contract. During his tour, the Sapper indicated a lot of the work was fixing and building the camp the way it was wanted to be built.

"They had the structure up, but then they needed the rest set up," said McCrea.

"Then as it went on we did a lot of different things, like securing areas and clearing areas for children to play."

McCrea considered the tour to be an enjoyable time, but it was not exactly what he expected.

"We didn't interact with the local people as much as I thought we would," said McCrea. "Some of us got to, but we mostly just passed by them. It was really neat to see how easy-going the people were, always laughing and waving and happy to see you. It wasn't what I expected."

The challenges of the mission were something McCrea said he found little problems with.

"The weather was extremely hot, but when you got used to it; it wasn't bad," explained McCrea. "I really didn't miss an awful lot. I'm close with my family, but I have a picture of them and there's lots of computers to get on the internet and phones to get updates from them every other day. As long as they were all okay then I was happy."

McCrea has been busy visiting people and enjoying his time off before heading back to duty at CFB Petawawa.

"I've been back since Feb. 10 and I'm off until March 15 when I have to return to Petawawa and go back to 9-5 work," said McCrea. "It's been nice to be home and to see family. I got three weeks off during the tour, but I went to Australia so I didn't get a chance to see them until now."

Since returning, McCrea has gotten a chance to catch up with his family and friends.

"My family was relieved to see me home," explained McCrea. "With my friends they're usually a little more wowed and asking a lot of questions."

McCrea has another six months left on his contract with the military, but he expects to sign on again for another three years.

"There's been talk of Petawawa sending more soldiers over in six months, but it's supposed to be less than before," said McCrea.

"I don't expect I'll be going back over, but I would go if they wanted me to."

McCrea grew up in Roebuck and attended South Grenville District High School. McCrea is happy to get a chance to visit with his family; father, Augusta Reeve John McCrea, stepmother Norrie Spence and sisters Dianne and Jennifer McCrea. He is the son of the late Edna McCrea.

Career and skilled trades fair being held today

BROCKVILLE The popular skilled trades and career fair is being presented today, Wednesday, at 1000 Islands Mall.

The Career and Skilled Trades Event Learning Experience (CASTLE) replaces the youth-focused Ultimate Career and Skilled Trades Event held for the past three years at the Brockville Memorial Centre.

The fair is being directed to all age groups in the community and those who are either in transition, unemployed or underemployed.

This year's fair features hands-on exhibits by the skilled trades industry, including brick laying, stone masonry, diesel mechanics, welding, heavy equipment operation and hospitality.

Also scheduled to take part are personnel from the local emergency medical system, Canada Border Services Agency, Canada Forces Recruitment, Comcare, MDS Lads and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation will be on hand to provide information on entrepreneurship, and the Employment and Education Centre, CSE Consulting and Untied Counties of Leeds and Grenville will discuss paths to employment. CASTLE is hosted by St. Lawrence College, Brockville campus, and the Employment and Education Centre and is sponsored by Human Resources and Skills Development.

A similar event will take place in Kemptville Friday, April 30.

Summer Company provides tools for success

BROCKVILLE Students in Leeds and Grenville with an award-winning idea for starting a new business could be eligible to receive up to $3,000 to pursue the plan this summer.

Summer Company gives full-time students between the ages of 15 and 29 hands-on training, mentoring and funding to operate a summer business.

With hands-on business coaching and mentoring from the local business community, the students transform their business plans into reality and learn how to promote, advertise and operate their own small business.

Students with business plans and applications selected through a competitive process complete a business training course and receive up to $1,500 for venture start-up costs and up to $1,500 for the return to school in the fall.

The strategy aims to encourage young people to choose entrepreneurship as a career, and equip them with the tools they need to succeed.

The program is presented by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and administered locally by the 1000 Islands Entrepreneurship Centre located in Brockville.

To obtain more information on the 2004 Summer Company program, contact the entrepreneurship centre at 342-8772, extension 470.

Visit the Web site at www.youthjobs.gov.on.ca.

The deadline for applications is April 5.

Youth centre adds March Break hours

PRESCOTT The Prescott Youth Centre will open weekday afternoons during March Break.

The youth centre, located at 438 King St. W., will be open next Monday to Friday (March 15-19) from 1 to 4 pm.

This will be in addition to regular operating hours at the centre (Monday to Thursday from 6 to 9 pm, with Friday from 7 to 10 pm being teen night).

Enlist in March Break program at Fort Wellington

PRESCOTT There is still time to sign up for a fun and educational March Break program at Fort Wellington next week.

The blockhouse will be the setting for the new recruits as they become soldiers in the Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment Tuesday, March 16 from 1 to 3:30 pm.

The program for children between the ages of eight and 13 will enable the young recruits to learn how to prepare for battle, shine a soldier's boots and much more. The youngsters should be dressed warmly for indoor and outdoor activities.

Registration is limited; there is a sign-up fee. Snacks will be provided.

For more information or to register, call Sid Andrews at 925-4746 ext. 107 or 101.

March Break story time at town library

PRESCOTT Kids can get comfy for a special March Break evening program at the Prescott Public Library.

A bedtime story hour with a St. Patrick's Day theme will take place Thursday, March 18 at 7 pm. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas.

For more information, call the library at 925-4340. The library is located at the west end of the municipal building on Dibble Street West.

GCC to host graduation fashion show and fair

MAITLAND A graduation fashion show and fair will be held Sunday, March 28 at Grenville Christian College (GCC).

Everything from prom dresses and tuxedos to hair stylists will be showcased at the event, which runs from 2 to 5 pm in the dining room.

Event co-ordinator Alanda Maliskas said the show will offer one-stop shopping; girls can try on and purchase dresses, set up appointments and come up with ideas for graduation day.

One Toronto boutique is bringing about 250 out of 5,000 dresses to the event, Maliskas noted.

Refreshments will be served; there will also be door prizes.

For ticket information or more details on the show, contact Maliskas at 345-5523 ext. 365 or at almaliskas@grenvillecc.ca.

Purchases at the show require credit card payment.

CNIB offers service days once a month

BROCKVILLE The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) will now hold regular service days in Brockville on the third Monday of each month.

The next service day will take place Monday, March 15 from 10 am to 3 pm at Wall Street United Church. The public is invited to attend.

The CNIB is a national non-profit organization that assists blind and visually-impaired people.

For more information, call the district office in Kingston at (613) 542-4975 or visit www.cnib.ca.

EDITORIALS

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Coming home, you appreciate what you have."

Roger Shaver, returning to Cardinal after a six-month posting in Afghanistan

Editor's Notebook

THE SITUATION WAS ALL WET: The Ministry of the Environment has now confirmed seven property owners in Augusta Township and, to a lesser extent, officials in Augusta and Prescott, have needlessly gone through one year of hassles, uncertainty and frustration in connection with the belief town water that has been supplied to these properties for decades would be subject to additional testing because the area just outside of Prescott is its own distribution system.

The ministry has acknowledged in writing its understanding of the infrastructure in that neighbourhood was wrong. If the ministry had the right information on file from the municipalities in the first place, this mess could have been avoided. The township paid for additional daily water testing for the better part of one year. The property owners had initially been advised they would be on the hook for the testing at an estimated cost of about $2,500 per year. Even though the owners have not been billed by the township for the extra testing, the aggravation they have had to endure in this fiasco is a disgrace.

The fact it took the better part of a year to confirm the additional testing was unnecessary shows the system did not work in the best interests of the public. We understand how important it is to ensure the safety of water supplies.

What we find difficult to swallow is the sudden deluge of new regulations combining with inadequate knowledge of what is in the ground and the often challenging interaction between different levels of government to form a nightmare for a small group of local ratepayers.

It all may have worked out in the long run, but the run was far too long for those directly affected by this unfortunate situation.

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Kaitlynn Dodge and Mackenzie Eaton, Prescott's Dynamic Duo, have received the recognition they deserve by being named two of Ontario's Junior Citizens of the Year. The 17-year-olds created the Soup for the Soul community dinner from scratch and refined it into a major Christmas season event that brings together hundreds of people at a time that is not so festive for many residents of the Prescott area.

As the best friends prepare to head off to university later this year, it will be challenge to find another pair of young adults willing and able to provide the same dedication and commitment displayed by Kaitlynn and Mackenzie the past three years.

However, we are confident the torch can be passed to other teenagers who are prepared to put the stereotypes to rest and show civic pride is not something that is reserved for adults.

Congratulations to Kaitlynn and Mackenzie for their achievement and for showing the rest of us age does not matter when it comes to making the community a better place.

Tim Ruhnke

Spectacle of Wrestlemania worth the price of admission

CLUB HOUSE REMARKS by David Dickenson

With it being March it's definitely time to indulge in a guilty little pleasure which falls to many people across the world, though they might not want to admit it: wrestling.

With March comes Wrestlemania, the sport's biggest show of the year and best displays of comedy, action and violence all wrapped into one.

I have to admit I'm a bit of a sucker for wrestling; I always have been. When I was a kid the only time I could stay up late was when there was Saturday Night's Main Event and I would sit up with my father and watch 20,000 Hulka-maniacs running wild.

Also, I grew up watching it with my dad and learned to read with wrestling magazines, since I didn't care much what Dick and Jane or Mr. Muggs were doing unless Dick and Jane were a tag team bodyslamming Mr. Muggs.

Though I've kind of drifted away from watching wrestling every week, it's still fun to catch it on occasion and I always look forward to Wrestlemania each year, because you never know what's going to happen.

Over the years it's brought so many memorable experiences, including Hulk Hogan picking up and bodyslamming the 500-pound behemoth Andre the Giant, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper whipping Mr. T with his belt in a boxing match and Randy "Macho Man" Savage saying "Look at the (mock) Roman Coliseum, the people are hanging from the rafters. Actually, the Roman Coliseum doesn't have rafters, but they're hanging from the columns none the less."

Only one word can describe that...priceless.

Is it sophomoric? Yes. Is it really kind of dumb? Yes. But you have to enjoy the showmanship.

Vince McMahon really knows how to put on a show. He's done it all; creating the characters, announcing on the show, being a special referee to getting himself in the ring to wrestle in front of thousands of booing fans.

He was a smart enough man to know that his business had to change with the times and "saying your prayers and eating your vitamins" wouldn't cut it anymore, but "Smelling what the Rock is cooking" or "Austin 3:16" would.

It's just a soap opera oriented for guys that, love it or leave it seems to put a smile on everyones face thinking about it.

Just the thoughts of Wrestlemania can send chills down their spine; everyone knows at least one wrestler and has seen one Wrestlemania, whether they want to admit it or not and regardless it really is something special.

Come March 14, I know I'll be ready to get together with a bunch of people have a couple beers and take in the spectacle which is pro wrestling in its finest form.

Trial describes 1983 Halloween antics in Spencerville

FROM THE ARCHIVES

March 9, 1944

* Verne Whiting writes home to tell of a close call from a Nazi bomb which struck the building where he is engaged as member of the Canadian Postal Corps. Pte. A.H. Quinn, RCAMC, was among a number of invalided from overseas aboard the hospital ship Lady Nelson, and is convalescing in the army hospital at Ste. Anne de Bellevue at present.

March 11, 1954

* The following pupils of Miriam Woodland received word of passing their music exams with the Royal Conservatory of Toronto: Mary Louise Brown of Ventnor and Heather Kenney and Janice Whitehorne of Roebuck.

March 14, 1984

* Three area men, charged in connection with a fire set within a section of the Spencerville sewer system last Halloween, appeared in Prescott Provincial Court for a four-hour trial which featured detailed accounts of the antics in the village Oct. 31.

The scene described by witnesses included flames leaping 25 feet in the air, snowmobiles shoved down manholes, broken windows, roadblocks, grass fires deliberately set, eggs thrown at police, masses of people congregating at the centre of the village and beer drinking on the streets.

Jim Schnick, the owner of the stained glass and antique shop located in the old Royal Bank building at the main intersection, said he, his wife and their seven children spent Halloween night in the store in an effort to protect it from pranksters who have, by tradition, placed the remains of an old farm wagon on the roof of the building Halloween eve.

OPP Constable Leo Kaschube said it was difficult obtaining evidence, since few people were willing to provide information.

Changing Chamber's name would be losing 110 years of history

FORT TOWN DIARY by John A.H. Morris

A trial balloon was sent aloft at the February meeting of the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce. Reasoning behind this is that some of the Chamber directors feel the South Grenville name would have a stronger impact because of its wider municipal base, and that the name South Grenville would have more appeal for new members than its present name of Prescott and District.

For the record, we prefer that the organization remain as the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce, but that "Serving the Municipalities of South Grenville" could be added as part of its motto.

Reason for this is the organization's significant history, being chartered originally as the Prescott Board of Trade back in 1893, which was then changed to the Prescott Chamber of Commerce in 1931, and then to the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce in 1990. We cannot see throwing away 110 years of history on a whim and when there is no proven need to do so.

Prescott has been very negligent in preserving its history, especially over the past 100 years, and dropping the town's name from the local Chamber would be another example of this. Prescott has 200 years of significant history and is very much a microcosm of the growth and development of Canada. This is our heritage.

South Grenville, on the other hand, is a region with no municipal or governance ties of any kind and we would be hard pressed to travel outside the boundaries of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and find more than a handful of residents who would know the geographic location of South Grenville - you know sir, the county named after the famous war hero, General Southam B. Grenville...

We would advise keeping the name of Prescott and District and adding the motto "Serving the Municipalities of South Grenville". We say this because there seems to be no strong commitment from the councils of Prescott, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and Augusta to amalgamate as the Municipality of South Grenville. The initiative for a political union of the three municipalities has to take precedence over a combined tri-municipal chamber of commerce.

Until such time as there is a political willingness to join the three municipalities together as one, we think the Chamber should remain as the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce.

The argument that conversion to a regional chamber would be of more benefit to present members and an attraction to potential members in these municipalities is just a figment of some chamber directors' imagination. If there were benefits in a regional chamber why wouldn't present members already have dropped the confines of the singular municipality of Prescott, to the all-encompassing region of South Grenville?

We don't think we will ever see businesses with a stake in Prescott making any changes until there is a governance change, and even then Prescott will be predominant over South Grenville. It would have to be of great benefit for W.L. Peters Appliances Ltd. of Prescott to become W.L. Peters Appliances Ltd. of South Grenville. Likewise for Doyle's of Prescott; Young's of Prescott; the Prescott Journal; Fort Wellington; Prescott Jewellers; and on and on we go.

If our Chamber of Commerce was struggling because of declining membership, we'd say yes, we've got to try something drastic to save the venerable institution. But membership is on the upswing and is close to being at its highest peak ever. Being a Prescott-based organization has not deterred membership as the Chamber has members as far away as Gananoque, Smiths Falls and Ottawa and several other municipalities outside the Prescott district, because of the chamber's low-cost membership fees and small business group insurance plan.

Some have cited a reason for change as the change of the Kemptville Chamber of Commerce to North Grenville Chamber of Commerce. We can justify this because the municipalities of Kemptville, South Gower and Oxford-on-Rideau opted for amalgamation in the 2000 municipal election. Here the horse was placed before the cart with the governance commitment coming first.

As much as we would like to see a municipal amalgamation in South Grenville, we don't think the political will exists. And whereas there are some directors who want to see a South Grenville Chamber of Commerce, we think they should wait and test the political climate as the present councils ponder the future.

Right now, we say that if it isn't broken, don't try to fix it!

*****

Thanks to some anonymous phone calls and some that were somewhat less than anonymous, we have to readjust our counties council stipends for Mayor Peggy Taylor of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and Reeve John McCrea of Augusta, which we printed last week in The Diary.

We had the counties adding a minimum of about $14,000 in per diems to Reeve McCrea's Augusta council stipend of about $7,000, bringing his total municipal pay to at least $21,000 for the year. Mayor Taylor, we reported, received $10,000 from her own council and about $7,500 from the counties for an annual stipend of about $17,500. What is even better, is the fact Counties Council pays them both an additional stipend of $5,000 above and beyond their council and committee meetings.

This brings his remuneration to about $26,000 for the year for Reeve McCrea, and $22,500 for Mayor Taylor, and makes the Prescott municipal councillors' $4,000 per year stipend look even more miserly.

Efforts to save community centre pick up speed

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

As a result of the community meeting held at the MERC Hall last week, volunteers are working on a new business plan to save the hall. Moira Taylor, president of MERC, credits especially Danielle McCaffrey, Tina Atchison and Geoff Noyes with working on the plan to get MERC back on its feet.

Ideas already decided on and on the way to being implemented are Nevada tickets being sold at the Maitland Store to benefit MERC, plans for a membership drive in the spring and a community garage sale being held March 20. The board is hoping to find a second location to sell Nevada tickets.

The idea to canvass for membership fees for MERC is not new. The MERC building started as just washrooms and a canteen. Before the MERC hall addition was built in 1982, partly with a Wintario grant, MERC canvassed door to door to raise funds for MERC. Families were asked to contribute $15 to the organization.

A priority for the committee is being able to use the Trillium grant to renovate the kitchen. The board believes that the hall will be rented more if the kitchen facilities are improved. Geoff Noyes will approach council with a business plan and to ask for help.

In the past, MERC volunteers have looked after the expenses at the Cedar Street Park, and they will need Augusta council to assume the operation expenses for this park.

Residents are reminded of the garage sale on March 20. Call Dorothy at 926-2043 to book a space or have items picked up.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Stop this steamroller

The Editor;

On Friday, March 5, I read a story in a local paper proposing a freeze on the tax rate for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.

Ron Holman, the head of council for Rideau Lakes, submitted this proposal.

Ron spoke to the issue of increasing the levy to municipalities by the health unit board, only a week before. He stated the increase would take bread off the tables of those that could least afford it - those on fixed incomes - and that people cannot afford any increase in their taxes.

According to the article, he is now proposing a freeze on the tax rate which is equal to a 14-per-cent increase in revenue for the counties.

Perhaps we need to propose math 101 for our county representatives.

Assessment X tax rate = revenue. A 14-per-cent increase in assessment X a frozen tax rate = a 14-per-cent increase in revenue.

As well, using surplus funds to soften the tax rate during an election year, as was the case at the health unit, equals an increase equivalent to the surplus funds exhausted in the first year of a three-year term. Perhaps the electorate will forget this increase when they go to the polls in 2006, but I hope not.

Our united counties representatives questioned the accountability of provincial representatives on the health unit board. I can only ask now, where is the accountability to municipalities by county council representatives.

The only way for ratepayers to stop this steamroller is to contact their head of council, as they are your united counties councillors. I can only hope that Augusta Township councillors will support a resolution circulated to all lower tier governments in Leeds and Grenville putting a cap on spending at the county level.

Adrian Van Schie

Prescott squadron receives cold weather training

AIR CADET NEWS by Captain John Henry

Members of 661 Lt. W.F. Sharpe Squadron took part in cold weather survival training Feb. 20-22 at Connaught Ranges in Ottawa.

The cadets arrived Friday night and were quickly put to work preparing for the weekend. They were issued all the necessary clothing, equipment and orientation.

Saturday was packed with training and practical exercises in which the cadets were expected to put their newly-discovered knowledge and skills (snowshoeing and trekking, building shelters in the snow, utilizing equipment and cold weather first aid) to the test. The 13-hour day of intense training was capped by an obstacle course that night. The progress of the cadets pleased staff.

Captain Jackie Robinson, the cold weather instructor, indicated the training is typical of the cadet program. "Not only do we expect our cadets to learn new things and challenge themselves, but we also expect them to work as a team to accomplish goals in a wide range of settings."

The cadets were able to take advantage of the last day of Winterlude before heading home. Skating at Dow's Lake seemed to be a welcome change from the grueling day Saturday. It was a great weekend for all who attended.

In March, the squadron will focus on the annual exertion competition. Team members have been preparing for the multi-disciplined sports and cadet training competition since November. The weekend competition includes Canada fitness testing, basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, rifle range, ceremonial drill and general cadet knowledge testing.

"They are strong in every aspect," remarked assistant coach Trevor Lancey.

The local Air Cadet program is open to youth between the ages of 12 and 19. The local unit parades Tuesday nights (6 to 9 pm) at South Grenville District High School and also offers a range of extra-curricular activities. Youths and adults are encouraged to check out what the squadron has to offer. Volunteers are welcome.

For more information, call 349-0488 or visit the Web site at www.cadets.ca.

SCHOOL SCENE

Boundary Street Public School: Prescott Burger King and Prescott McDonald's provided meal certificates for our student recognition assemblies. Their support is greatly appreciated!

Our pancake breakfast was held last Tuesday. School council members, along with many volunteers, cooked and served pancakes, sausages and juice. O'Reilly's Independent grocery store donated the pancake mix and syrup; Many people helped make this activity a success.

Last Wednesday, the girls' senior basketball team travelled to North Dundas District High School in Chesterville to take part in the last regional tournament. The team improved throughout the day. Good effort girls!

This week during the lunch hour, grades 4, 5, and 6 will be taking part in our newcomball play-offs. Good luck to all teams.

Second term report cards went home on Monday.

Hot lunch this week is pizza.

St. Joseph Catholic School: Final senior girls and boys basketball tournaments will be today, Wednesday, March 10. Good luck to our teams!

On Thursday, March 11 at 7 pm, Mitch Robinson from the Child and Youth Wellness Centre will speak to parents and other concerned individuals on the subject of bullying. This information session will take place in the gym at St. Joe's. Why not plan on attending?

The special interactive presentation will discuss the characteristics of a victim, including what to look for in your child, and what to say and do if your child is a victim. As well, the session will look at characteristics of a bully, and what to say or do if a child has bullying tendencies.

Maynard and Maitland Public Schools: Our Talented Tuesdays have continued at Maitland under the leadership of Ms. Crosby and Ms. Grigoriev, with the help of their student assistants, Erica Meppelder, Tahneen Williamson and Melissa Jenkins. Our students at Maitland have been working through a number of music/art/drama activities which will culminate in a mini musical entitled "Seller of Dreams."

This past Tuesday evening, our second annual "Night of Stars" took place in the Maynard gym. The unique talents of several of our Maynard students were showcased. We are fortunate to also have a new sound system, which was purchased by the STOMP Troupe, and a "new to us" keyboard which was kindly donated by the parents of our school council. It should prove to be a wonderful evening of great entertainment. On Wednesday, all of our students will be able to see some of the highlights of our talent show in a school assembly. The arts are truly alive and well at Maynard and Maitland public schools!

Craft project bears consideration

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

The next fine needleworks meeting will be held Wednesday, March 24 at 7 pm. We have now started a small piece of work to learn the different stitches for the hardanger.

The kloster (satin stitch) blocks outline the designs for the cutwork. An outline blanket stitch can be used to finish the outer edge. Following the cutting, we will learn the proper way to wrap the inner bars of the design and add other lace effects. Call 925-5300 if you would like to come and join us.

Beginner bridge lessons will start soon on Wednesday mornings. Please call if you want more information.

The ladies of the craft group have chosen to work with the Alzheimer Society and knit comfort teddy bears. We will be making a basket of bears to be given as gifts at Christmas.

Card game winners: Monday bridge 1st, Findlay Hill; 2nd, Charlie Steiner; door, Bob Dunlop. Fun bridge Ruth Wenger. Wednesday night bridge high, Margaret Nesbitt; 2nd, Ruth Britnell. Thursday night euchre 1st, Alice Crowder; 2nd, Gladys Somerville; 3rd, Jean King, Jeanne Marion and Bernice Arcand.

CARDINAL NEWS

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Coming home, you appreciate what you have."

Roger Shaver, returning to Cardinal after a six-month posting in Afghanistan

Editor's Notebook

It all may have worked out in the long run, but the run was far too long for those directly affected by this unfortunate situation.

However, we are confident the torch can be passed to other teenagers who are prepared to put the stereotypes to rest and show civic pride is not something that is reserved for adults.

Congratulations to Kaitlynn and Mackenzie for their achievement and for showing the rest of us age does not matter when it comes to making the community a better place.

Tim Ruhnke

Spectacle of Wrestlemania worth the price of admission

CLUB HOUSE REMARKS by David Dickenson

With it being March it's definitely time to indulge in a guilty little pleasure which falls to many people across the world, though they might not want to admit it: wrestling.

With March comes Wrestlemania, the sport's biggest show of the year and best displays of comedy, action and violence all wrapped into one.

Only one word can describe that...priceless.

Is it sophomoric? Yes. Is it really kind of dumb? Yes. But you have to enjoy the showmanship.

It's just a soap opera oriented for guys that, love it or leave it seems to put a smile on everyones face thinking about it.

Come March 14, I know I'll be ready to get together with a bunch of people have a couple beers and take in the spectacle which is pro wrestling in its finest form.

Trial describes 1983 Halloween antics in Spencerville

FROM THE ARCHIVES

March 9, 1944

March 11, 1954

March 14, 1984

OPP Constable Leo Kaschube said it was difficult obtaining evidence, since few people were willing to provide information.

Changing Chamber's name would be losing 110 years of history

FORT TOWN DIARY by John A.H. Morris

For the record, we prefer that the organization remain as the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce, but that "Serving the Municipalities of South Grenville" could be added as part of its motto.

Until such time as there is a political willingness to join the three municipalities together as one, we think the Chamber should remain as the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce.

Right now, we say that if it isn't broken, don't try to fix it!

*****

Efforts to save community centre pick up speed

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

In the past, MERC volunteers have looked after the expenses at the Cedar Street Park, and they will need Augusta council to assume the operation expenses for this park.

Residents are reminded of the garage sale on March 20. Call Dorothy at 926-2043 to book a space or have items picked up.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Stop this steamroller

The Editor;

On Friday, March 5, I read a story in a local paper proposing a freeze on the tax rate for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.

Ron Holman, the head of council for Rideau Lakes, submitted this proposal.

According to the article, he is now proposing a freeze on the tax rate which is equal to a 14-per-cent increase in revenue for the counties.

Perhaps we need to propose math 101 for our county representatives.

Assessment X tax rate = revenue. A 14-per-cent increase in assessment X a frozen tax rate = a 14-per-cent increase in revenue.

Adrian Van Schie

Prescott squadron receives cold weather training

AIR CADET NEWS by Captain John Henry

Members of 661 Lt. W.F. Sharpe Squadron took part in cold weather survival training Feb. 20-22 at Connaught Ranges in Ottawa.

The cadets arrived Friday night and were quickly put to work preparing for the weekend. They were issued all the necessary clothing, equipment and orientation.

"They are strong in every aspect," remarked assistant coach Trevor Lancey.

For more information, call 349-0488 or visit the Web site at www.cadets.ca.

SCHOOL SCENE

Boundary Street Public School: Prescott Burger King and Prescott McDonald's provided meal certificates for our student recognition assemblies. Their support is greatly appreciated!

This week during the lunch hour, grades 4, 5, and 6 will be taking part in our newcomball play-offs. Good luck to all teams.

Second term report cards went home on Monday.

Hot lunch this week is pizza.

St. Joseph Catholic School: Final senior girls and boys basketball tournaments will be today, Wednesday, March 10. Good luck to our teams!

Craft project bears consideration

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

The next fine needleworks meeting will be held Wednesday, March 24 at 7 pm. We have now started a small piece of work to learn the different stitches for the hardanger.

Beginner bridge lessons will start soon on Wednesday mornings. Please call if you want more information.

The ladies of the craft group have chosen to work with the Alzheimer Society and knit comfort teddy bears. We will be making a basket of bears to be given as gifts at Christmas.

SPORTS

South Grenville falls short in EOSSAA semi-final

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants junior girls volleyball team had a good showing at the Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association (EOSSAA) championships Thursday in Prescott.

The team made it to the semi-finals, but lost to Casselman.

Giants coach Terry-Jane Hoy was happy with the season her team had, despite falling short at EOSSAA.

"This was the first EOSSAA I've ever been to where any of the six teams could have won it," said Hoy. "The girls have nothing to be ashamed of since they played really well and surpassed their expectations."

In pool play, the Giants got off to some poor starts to their games, but regained their composure to rally back and post a 1-1 record and advance to the semi-final.

In their opening match-up, the Giants faced off against the top seeded Ernestown Eagles and fell in two straight games 24-27 and 19-25. South Grenville trailed Ernestown early in the first game, but then rallied back to take a 22-16 lead, before once again faltering as Ernestown finished off South Grenville.

In their second match, the Giants faced off against a tough General Vanier team which gave Ernestown all they could handle in their first game.

The Giants fell behind 7-15 early, but rallied back to take the lead and finish off the Vikings 25-19. In the second game, South Grenville fell behind 2-7 and then rallied, but ran out of gas as General Vanier tied the match at one game apiece 25-15. In the tie-breaker, South Grenville managed to break the tough-serving team and get ahead as Amanda Lavery provided an energy boost in the front court with a pair of tips to put South Grenville out in front. Lyndsay Biccum served up an ace and then the Giants defence held strong as it forced the Vikings to make an error to take the match 15-13 and advance to the semi-final.

The Giants had their problems in the semi-final match with Casselman losing both games after getting beaten on a series of rallies.

South Grenville got off to a hot start with strong service from Stacy Kenney and front court play from Sara Watt, but once again fell into a rut and allowed Casselman back into the game. The Giants trailed 24-23, but Casselman was able to force an error to take the first game 25-23.

South Grenville and Casselman traded points in the second game, before the Giants took brief lead. The Dynamos strong service forced South Grenville errors as they finished off the Giants 25-18.

Ernestown defeated Casselman in the finals 25-19 and 27-26.

"We really should have won that game against Ernestown," explained Hoy. "We were up 22-17 and then just fell behind and lost and I think we could have beat Casselman as well, but I'm proud of them. They won LGSSAA which was great and they've come a long way since they were among the 68 girls who tried out for the team."

Atom B Rangers sweep playoff series

SPENCERVILLE - The South Grenville atom B Rangers managed to sweep the Kingston City Cougars in their first-to-four points series to advance to the Western Conference final of the Upper Canada Minor Hockey League.

In game one, the Rangers scored a 4-3 win over the Cougars March 1 in Spencerville. Colman Colpitts led the Rangers with a pair of goals, while Hunter McCarroll and Robbie Deeks added singles. Shane Riddell, Deeks, McCarroll, Alex Stephenson, Ian King and Cody Adams chipped in with helpers.

In game two, South Grenville pulled off a 7-1 win over the Cougars. Colpitts and Deeks each scored a pair of goals to lead the Rangers, while Trent Corney, King and Joey Sargeant also scored. Rik Champagne (3), Quinton Selleck, Stephenson, McCarroll, King and Riddell added assists.

The Rangers will now face off against the winner of the other Western Conference semi-final.

On March 7, the Rangers travelled to Smiths Falls to take part in the George Vigus Sr. Memorial Rotary Club Tournament and captured the A championship.

The Rangers opened the tournament with a 7-2 win over the Orleans Blues. Colpitts had a hat trick to lead all scorers, while King (2), McCarroll and Stephenson also scored. Adams, Colpitts, Selleck, Sargeant, Corney, Deeks and Riddell added assists.

In the semi-final, the Rangers scored a 3-0 shutout over the Renfrew Timberwolves. Lucas Stitt had a pair of goals to lead the way, while Corney added a single. Tim Kippax (2), Sargeant, Stitt and Colpitts chipped in with helpers.

In the final, the Rangers scored a 3-2 win over the Muskrat Voyageurs. Colpitts led the way with a pair of goals, while Champagne added a single. Stitt (2), Riddell and Corney added assists.

The Rangers got strong goaltending through the tournament from Jarrett Pitt and Dustin Kester.

Sr. A Falcons ready to make playoff push

PRESCOTT - The St. Lawrence Falcons are getting set to take on the Belleville McFarlands in an Eastern Ontario Sr. A Hockey League playoff match-up.

The Falcons managed a win over Belleville Saturday, before falling to Tamworth to finish the season with a 15-11-0-1 record to finish in third place.

On Saturday, the Falcons scored an 8-4 victory over the Belleville McFarlands in Prescott.

Karl Herbison scored a hat trick to lead the Falcons, while Chris Neilson (2), Wayne Garlough, Marshall Merkley and Chris Ferguson also scored. Tyler Dukelow (4), Ferguson (2), Charlie Fromont (2), Neilson (2), and Garlough added assists.

On Sunday, the Falcons dropped a 5-4 decision to the Tamworth Braves in Athens. The Braves scored four first-period goals, but the Falcons would battle back in the second and third periods to tie the score. With three minutes left in the game the Braves scored to pull out the win.

Chris McCann scored a pair of goals to lead the Falcons, while Charlie Fromont and Wayne Garlough added singles. Shawn Hall, Neilson, Jason Hawkins, Herbison, Merkley, Ferguson and Dukelow chipped in with helpers.

The Falcons will now take on the Belleville McFarlands in the best-of-seven league semi-final.

Falcons owner/manager Greg Simpson indicated he expects the playoff series to be the start of a strong rivalry.

"It could go either way; both these teams are so close," said Simpson. "Whoever has one really good period of hockey could end up winning it. It might come down to that. This should be a good exciting brand of hockey and probably the best series."

The Falcons will play the home games of their semi-final in Athens, since they were not able to get ice time in Prescott.

The Falcons will travel to Belleville this Friday, March 12 for game one with game two is set to be played in Athens on Sunday, March 14 at 7 pm, game three in Belleville March 16 and game four Thursday, March 18 at 8:30 pm in Athens. If necessary game five will be in Belleville Sunday, March 21, game six will be in Athens, Monday, March 22 and game seven will be on March 25 or March 27 in Belleville.

Falcons Forum: The Eastern Ontario Sr. A Hockey League has added teams in Whitby, Norwood, Kingston, Frankford and Smiths Falls for next year to make it a two-division, ten-team league.

Falcons coach Rick McNair was named the league's coach of the year, while defenceman Kevin Spero was named the most sportsmanlike player.

Prescott ice show set for this weekend

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Figure Skating Club (PFSC) is celebrating its 36th year as a skating club by hosting the annual ice show this weekend.

The show will feature two performances, at 7 pm Saturday, March 13 and 2 pm Sunday, March 14. Doors will open an hour prior to show times.

The theme for this year's show is "On the Dance Floor," with all of the performances featuring on different dances from different cultures and eras in history.

"We have a cabaret line by our senior line and country line dancing, riverdancing, Mexican hat dancing, ballet and disco," club President Cindy McGuin explained Monday. "We started practising on Friday and the kids seem to like it so far. We're highlighting different periods. The majority of the club will be taking part, so there will be more than 100 skaters right from the ankle-biters up."

This year, the PFC will have Canadian Pairs Champions Elizabeth Putnam and Sean Wirtz as their special guest skaters.

The Toronto-based skaters, who call the Toronto Cricket Skating & Curling Club home, finished third in the 2003 and 2004 Canadian Championships. The duo also secured a top-10 finish in their first international competition the Four Continents cup earlier this year.

The duo also boasts a fifth place finish in the 2003 Skate Canada event and a sixth place finish at the 2003 Skate America competition.

McGuin was happy to continue the club's tradition of bringing in top level Canadian skaters to act as guest performers at the show.

"We usually try to bring in the top-ranked Canadians," said McGuin, "but this will be the first time in a long time we have brought in pairs skaters. It will be a little unique and a bit of a change of pace."

Along with performing at the show, McGuin indicated Wirtz and Putnam will spend a little time working with the local skaters.

"On Sunday morning, they will have a session with our local skaters," explained McGuin. "For us, that's a really important part of the show."

Novice Ice Hounds nearing elimination

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville novice Ice Hounds advanced to the second round of the playoffs after a two-game sweep of Brockville.

On Feb. 23, the Ice Hounds scored a 2-1 win over Brockville in game one of the series in Prescott. Matt Fox scored both Ice Dogs goals.

In game two, South Grenville scored 3-1 over the Warriors Feb. 27 in Brockville to clinch the series. Jody Sullivan had a hat trick for the Rangers.

In the second round of the playoffs, the Ice Hounds trail the North Leeds Stars 3-1 in the first-to-four-points series.

On March 6, the Ice Hounds dropped a 5-1 decision to North Leeds in Prescott. Sullivan scored South Grenville's lone goal.

On March 7, the Ice Hounds battled back to secure a 2-2 draw and stay alive against the Stars in Westport. Mika Turansky and Spencer Disheau scored for South Grenville, while Disheau and Alex Boswall picked up helpers.

Game three of the series will be tonight (March 10) at 7 pm in Westport.

Tournament field nearly full

PRESCOTT - The tournament fields are starting to fill up for the South Grenville Minor Hockey Association's major and minor midget hockey tournaments March 19-21 in Cardinal and Prescott.

The Prescott tournament currently has 13 roster spots filled for the 16 team tournament
with five returning teams - last year's finalists the Central Ontario Wolves, the Don Mills Flyers, Kitchener Jr. Rangers, Cambridge Hawks and Atlanta Fire, joining the home town South Grenville Rangers.

The Rideau-St. Lawrence Kings will be joining the Rangers to add a second local team to the tournament.

The Calgary Rangers will be flying in to take part in the tournament, as will the Yorba Linda Blackhawks (just west of Anaheim, California), who are coached by local hockey product Spencer Birnie.

Other new teams include the North Bay Trappers, Clarington Toros, Mississauga Senators and London Jr. Knights.

This year there will be two games Thursday, March 18 with the Rideau St. Lawrence Kings set to take on the Yorba Linda Blackhawks and the London Jr. Knights taking on the Don Mills Flyers at 8 pm. The remainder of the tournament will run from Friday until Sunday.

Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 1:45 pm on Saturday, March 20 with an initiation C hockey game to follow.

As of last week, the minor midget tournament in Cardinal had 12 teams set for the tournament.

Last year's tournament champion Rideau-St. Lawrence Kings will be joining the South Grenville Rangers to ensure a high local content.

The Buffalo Saints are also returning from last year's field, while the Buffalo Oilers, Cumberland Barons, Rochester Americans, Kanata Blazers, Mississauga Reps, Chatham-Kent Cyclones, Monroe County Eagles AAA (of Rochester) and Monroe County Eagles AA and highly-ranked Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs wil join the quest for the minor midget tournament title.

One- and three-day passes for both tournaments will be available beginning Friday, March 19.

Minor midgets win opening round series

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville minor midget Rangers have advanced to the division finals in the Upper Canada Minor Hockey League playoffs after defeating the North Dundas Demons in three games.

In game one, the Rangers managed a 3-1 win over the Demons at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. Matt Deeks led the Rangers with a pair of goals, while Josh Joudoin added a single. Andrew Wilson and Wes Polite chipped in with helpers.

On March 6, the Rangers dropped a 3-1 decision to North Dundas in game two of the series in Chesterville. Mike Lawrence scored the Rangers' lone marker, while Sam Whitley and Polite picking up helpers.

On March 7, the Rangers clinched the series with a 5-3 win over the Demons in Prescott. Polite led the Rangers with a pair of goals, while Michael Leeder, Braden Dukelow and Joudoin had singles. Nathaniel Hayes, Cory Gray, Deeks, Wilson and Joudoin added assists.

The Rangers now await the winner of the Akwesasne vs. Alexandria series.

RSL atom Kings advance to semis

SPENCERVILLE - The Rideau-St. Lawrence major atom Kings managed to beat the Gloucester Rangers in three straight games to advance to the Ottawa District Minor Hockey League AA semi-final.

In game one, the Kings stopped a Gloucester rally to hang on to beat the Rangers 4-2 March 1 in Spencerville. Goaltender Drew Lawson had a strong game in goal for the Rangers. Ben Hutton led the Kings with a pair of goals, while Logan Giesbrecht and Slater Koekkoek added singles. Brett Costello, Russell Hinch and Koekkoek added assists.

In game 2, the Kings offence kicked things into high gear scoring six goals in a 6-2 win over the Rangers March 3 in Gloucester. Hutton scored four goals in the game, while Tanner Benton and Jarrett Williams added singles. Clark Seymour (2), Williams, Benton, Hinch, Ronnie Harrison and Kyle Adams chipped in with helpers. Kings goaltender Richard Joudoin and penalty killers Cory Wilson and Ryan Van Stralen had strong games.

The Kings capped off the series with a 5-0 win over the Rangers March 6 in Spencerville. Lawson scored the shutout in goal, while Hinch (2), Costello (2) and Benton scored for the Kings. Costello, Giesbrecht, Seymour and Koekkoek chipped in with helpers. Lee Charlebois had a strong game anchoring the Kings blueline.

The Kings are now waiting for the outcome of the remaining quarter-final games to find out who they will face in the semi-final.

More help needed at SGMHA major midget tournament

PRESCOTT - With the South Grenville Minor Hockey Association tournament set for March 18-21, more volunteers are needed.

People are still needed to work the door and contribute to the hospitality room.

Also, four families are still required to help billet the London Jr. Knights hockey team.

The major and minor midget tournaments are the SGMHA's single largest fundraiser, which helps keep registration costs down for all players in the organization.

Those interested in volunteering should contact Tom Elliott at 925-5519, while those wishing to billet should contact Sue Chillson at 925-1328 or Brenda Byrd at 925-4088.

MNR says ice fishing huts must be removed by March 15

KEMPTVILLE - The Ministry of Natural Resources is reminding anglers that they must remove ice fishing huts on all lakes and rivers in the Kemptville district by March 15.

The Kemptville District covers the counties of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, Prescott and Russell and the City of Ottawa including the Ottawa and St. Lawrence Rivers.

Those who do not remove their huts by March 15 could face charges under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.

For more information, contact Steve Aubry at the MNR's Kemptville office at (613) 258-8404.

Mixed blooperball league holding registration sessions

SPENCERVILLE - The Spencerville Mixed-Up Blooperball League will be holding two registration sessions for the 2004 season.

The first session will be held this Thursday, March 11 from 7 pm until 9 pm, while the second session will be held Thursday, March 18 from 7 pm until 9 pm. Both sessions will be at the Spencerville arena.

New players to the league are welcome to join the league and should attend one of the two registration sessions.

For more information, contact Bryan Cook at 658-5580 or Emily Miller at 658-5619.

The Prescott Journal is published weekly by St. Lawrence Printing Co. Ltd.,
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