VOL. 174, NO. 17~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ April 28, 2004

Disbandment shall proceed

Prescott council votes 4-3 in favour of OPP municipal contract

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ There will soon be closure to what has been a frustrating and emotional process for the Prescott community.

In what is sure to go down as a historic decision, town council voted 4-3 to proceed with plans to enter into a municipal contract with the Ontario Provincial Police, a move that will mean the disbandment of the Prescott Police Service and an expected net loss of seven full- and part-time jobs ­ one uniformed officer and civilian dispatchers.

Mayor Robert Lawn and councillors Jo-Anne Beckstead, Suzanne Dodge and Bob Pelda voted in favour of a motion to accept a court-amended decision approving disbandment and for the mayor and town CAO to enter into negotiations with the OPP. Councillors Nancy Lane, Sue O'Hanlon and Chuck Street voted against the motion.

The previous council voted in Jan. 2001 to make the switch to OPP, but the new council decided to obtain revised information on both policing options.

The overflow crowd in the council chamber listened intently Monday night as each of the seven members of council stated his or her position on the matter. Councillors spoke in alphabetical order, followed by Mayor Robert Lawn. Prior to the recorded vote that followed Lawn's address, it was clear the motion had the support of four council members, enough to ensure its approval.

The mayor said his position on the policing issue is out of character for him given his strong feelings about the history of Prescott. Lawn noted he holds Police Chief Bryan Somerville in the highest regard; other council members also spoke highly of the chief and the job he and the department have been doing during a time of uncertainty.

However, the mayor also pointed out he was elected to do what he feels is in the best interests of the community. Lawn voted in 2001 in favour of seeking an OPP contract and has maintained that position.

"A town this small really can't afford the luxury of a stand-alone police department," said Lawn, who added having to make the decision to disband the police service was not being done "...with any ease or any pleasure."

Noting the fact Prescott is getting smaller and does not have a significant tax base, Lawn referred to making the switch to OPP as a way to strengthen local police service. Citing Prescott's location next to the United States, the increasing risk of terrorism and the drug trade and its effect on children, the mayor said Prescott has to be prepared to face a growing number of challenges.

"Our police must keep pace with the world in which we live," he said.

The mayor acknowledged many of the people at the meeting would go away disappointed by council's decision. "I won't apologize for that," he remarked.

After starting the debate by noting some of the background leading up to the historic vote, Beckstead said switching to the OPP would produce cost savings at a time when it is increasingly difficult for small communities to maintain municipal police departments. In noting all the other communities in Eastern Ontario that have made the switch, the councillor indicated the OPP option is the better one for Prescott and she would not be in support of the move if she did not believe that.

Dodge, who lives across from the police station, noted the decision was a difficult one and led to several nights of little sleep. She said the town has been served well by the police department, but it is a different world and a fiscally responsible decision is needed.

"We are simply too small a town to compete," Dodge said.

The councillor went on to state concerns about drug use and how the problem is not under control. The OPP have the resources and training that could address the problem and "...finally make this town safe."

Dodge noted the loss of employment caused by disbandment is a concern. However, she is confident the displaced capable staff will find new jobs and are going to be receiving $5,000 training allowances.

Lane countered by saying she feels quite safe living in Prescott. Town officers have access to the same training as the OPP. The town would not have much in the way of influence at Grenville County OPP, and the OPP station will be leaving Prescott no matter how council votes.

Prescott cannot afford the cost of disbandment, according to Lane.

Economic development is more than just bricks and mortar, according to Lane; it is also people and family and jobs. She said she is incensed by any action that puts so many people out of jobs at a time when the area is being hit hard by layoffs in the private sector.

Lane said council should defeat the motion, give the police department the rest of the term and put the issue on the ballot at election time.

O'Hanlon said she "agonized" over what she called the biggest decision she has ever had to make. In noting Prescott already has a good police force, O'Hanlon said whichever way the vote goes council will move forward and do what is best for Prescott.

As for Street, he said there are weaknesses in the OPP proposal. The fact the OPP would not result in significant cost savings was not the determining factor in Street's decision to support retaining the municipal police service.

He said eliminating competition by disbanding the service would take a lot of control out of council's hands. Both services are fine and should be left to continue as they are, according to Street.

In acknowledging how the vote would go, Street said he now wants to ensure the town gets the best deal possible. He also expressed an interest in serving on the town's negotiating team.

Some members of the audience applauded after the speeches by councillors who voted against the motion. The mayor also received some applause after he spoke.

Most of the crowd left after the policing vote; some were quite upset with the outcome and made strong remarks on their way out of the building.

In noting council members have differences of opinion on the policing issue, the mayor said "as of tomorrow, we have to work together."

THIS WEEK

Youth Fair is today at high school

PRESCOTT - The second annual Youth Fair will be held today (Wednesday, April 28) at South Grenville District High School.

The fair, which is hosted by Connect Youth, Prescott Interact club and the high school, will run from 8 am until 8 pm.

Representatives from all community organizations including mental health, substance abuse, financial assistance, employment supports, sexual well being, teen parenting and spiritual supports.

The fair will also feature a guest speaker. A psychiatrist from the Royal Ottawa Hospital and consulting psychiatrist for the Child and Youth Wellness Centre will make a presentation on "Youth at Risk" at 7 pm.

The fair will be closed from 3 to 5 pm for a dinner break.

Community dinner served this evening

PRESCOTT ­ The next Master's Hand community supper will take place today (Wednesday, April 28) at Seaway Christian Church on Churchill Road.

The free dinner for the less fortunate will be served from 5 pm to about 6:15 pm. All are welcome to attend.

This is the third in a series of monthly suppers hosted by the Seaway congregation.

South Grenville art show set for weekend

MAITLAND ­ The South Grenville Guild of Fine Art's annual show and sale opens this Friday, April 30 at MERC Hall in Maitland.

The show runs Friday from 7 to 9 pm and again on Saturday (May 1) from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm.

Twenty-four members of the local guild will have their paintings, sculptures and other works of art on display and available for purchase. Admission is free; refreshments will be served.

Grow house busted

EDWARDSBURGH ­ A marijuana grow house was busted by the Ontario Provincial Police Thursday.

Officers with the Grenville County detachment and drug enforcement section executed a drug warrant at a residence on County Road 44 between Glen Smail and Spencerville.

About 625 plants in various stages of growth were seized as was growing equipment. If all the plants had matured, they would have a total estimated street value of more than $600,000.

A 44-year-old Ottawa woman was arrested and charged with production of marijuana, possession for the purpose of trafficking and theft of hydro. Her name had not been released as of press time. The accused was released on a promise to appear and is scheduled to be in Brockville court May 21.

Public input delivered to Augusta council on waste disposal changes

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

CHARLEVILLE ­ Augusta council will have new problems on its hands if it proceeds with a proposed bylaw to regulate waste management in the township.

The prediction came from some residents who attended a public meeting Monday at the Grenville Snowmobile Club on Charleville Road to discuss the township's waste disposal system.

Council had previously given first reading to a bylaw that would see residents pay a fee of $1.25 for each bag of garbage dumped, beyond 52 free bags per year. The bylaw includes several other measures that restrict access of non-township residents to the North Augusta landfill and Maynard transfer station, as well as regulations for use.

The Grenville Snowmobile Club was chosen as the location for the meeting because a large crowd was expected. And while Councillor John Fischl, chair of the waste management committee, expected some anger over the proposed changes, a relatively small crowd of 37 mostly calm people attended.

Council now plans to take the input and suggestions back to the waste management committee for further fine-tuning of the bylaw.

The changes to the waste disposal system are also intended to prolong the life of the North Augusta site, as well as gear residents for eventual curbside pick-up, Fischl explained.

Township resident David Reaney suggested there will be more roadside dumping of such items as refrigerators and tires if the regulations are approved.

He also pointed out if the township is trying to prevent non-residents from using the sites, a token sticker sold for a low cost that would just cover printing expenses should be enough to prove residency.

Reaney further argued the current dump hours don't adequately serve working people, and there should be a goods exchange area. Elwood Reaney commented charging for each bag discriminates against those with large families.

With the proposed user-pay system, Hartley Kinnear wondered where his tax dollars are now going. "I have to question, as a taxpayer, what we're getting for our money," Kinnear said.

The County Road 2 resident also said he resented council going into the bag business, and that clear bags are "one step away from gift wrapping."

Reeve John McCrea hopes the system would encourage recycling and make people think before tossing something in the garbage. "It's human nature; if you don't have to pay, you just throw away," the reeve said.

However, Lords Mills Road resident Gill Cyr said existing recycling programs are a sham, and Augusta should be storing recycling items until a better market is available.

Resident Bob Woolham applauded council's actions, noting it was more than reasonable. "You are very definitely on the right track."

André Simald noted the use of clear garbage would be an invasion of privacy. He has no plans "to expose my lifestyle" to others, Simald said. "My garbage is nobody's business."

Mel Shannon, president of the Grenville Snowmobile Association, questioned how non-profit organizations and clubs such as his that host large dinner functions and produce a lot of garbage would be treated under a revised system.

To illustrate his point roadside dumping is already a problem, Shannon presented to council a photo album with about 100 photos of trash in bushes and in ditches taken in a one-hour time frame last Sunday while driving on township roads.

Maynard subdivision resident John Lavery and Robin Yandeau of Domville both suggested the changes would cause more people to turn to backyard burning.

High-risk individual moves to Prescott

Public advisory issued by town's police chief

PRESCOTT ­ A convicted child molester has moved to town after being released from a federal penitentiary.

Prescott Police Chief Bryan Somerville issued a media release Friday to notify the public Barry Peter Bradford had become a resident of the downtown area as of that date. This is the first time the municipal department has taken such action.

Bradford, 39, was released earlier this month after completing a two-year sentence for sexual assault.

The chief told The Journal Bradford has 12 convictions, seven of which are for sexual assault. All the victims were boys between the ages of three and 10.

One of those assaults occurred in Prescott in 1986. Bradford used to live in the area and still has family in Prescott and South Dundas, according to Somerville.

The chief indicated he issued the advisory in the interests of community safety and under the authority of Ontario's Police Services Act. A similar advisory involving Bradford was issued in Niagara Region earlier this month when he moved to that area. Somerville said he learned last week that Bradford was planning to move to Prescott.

Bradford is described as being white, 5'9" and about 155 lbs. with brown hair and "distinctive" blue eyes. The chief released a photo of the individual.

A court order bans Bradford for life from going to parks, playgrounds, schoolyards, community centres or any other places at which children under the age of 14 are likely to gather. The order also prohibits Bradford from obtaining or seeking employment or volunteer placements which include being a position of trust or authority involving anyone under the age of 14.

When asked about treatment Bradford had received in connection with the sexual assault convictions, Somerville said "my understanding is he has received no treatment whatsoever.

Town police will be monitoring Bradford's activities regularly, according to the chief. Bradford is to report to the police station on a daily basis. Door checks will be done at the residence, Somerville noted.

The chief said police met with probation and parole officials to discuss and have input on a list of locations at which Bradford could live. The King Street location that was chosen is the safest for the community and the individual, according to Somerville. The chief declined to provide the man's street address.

At the beginning of this week, at least one elementary school in town distributed the media release, including Bradford's picture and personal safety tips. Other schools were considering similar actions.

Local survey shows seat belt use is low

PRESCOTT ­ The findings of a recent survey on seat belt use in town are troubling, according to Police Chief Bryan Somerville.

The survey, which was conducted prior to a seat belt enforcement crackdown that started April 16, indicates about 70 per cent of motorists checked were wearing seat belts. Checks were made near the high school and at the corner of Centre and King streets; the seat belt use rate was found to be lower at the downtown location. The Prescott results are below the provincial average.

"I see that as being a problem," said the chief.

Using a seat belt is the most effective way to reduce the chance of death or injury in a motor vehicle collision, according to the Ministry of Transportation. Not wearing a seat belt could also result in a fine of $90 plus a surcharge of $20 as well as two demerit points which remain on a driver's record for two years.

A second survey is to be conducted now that the enforcement blitz has ended. Somerville said he would like to see if the recent crackdown made an impact.

Officers with the Grenville County OPP detachment are also taking part in the province-wide seat belt blitz.

Rail safety blitz expected in late May

PRESCOTT - A blitz on railway safety will be coming to the Prescott area.

According to Canadian National Railways Police Service Constable Sam Masanotti, he just recently completed a two-week blitz in Brockville and was to get in touch with the police and schools to run a blitz in the Prescott area at the end of May.

"We will be doing the usual stuff," said Masanotti. "We would be ticketing at crossings and going into the schools to talk to the students to let them know trespassing is illegal and to heed the warnings of bells and whistles."

Prescott Police Chief Bryan Somerville also indicated town police would have stepped-up enforcement during the blitz.

Interval House launches fundraising drive to help cover cost of relocation project

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE ­ Community support is being sought for plans to relocate the region's shelter for abused women and their children.

Interval House launched a $175,000 fundraising campaign ­ "Building for Safety's Sake" ­ last Wednesday.

The non-profit organization was founded in 1983 to provide shelter, protection and support to residents of the Leeds-Grenville area, including South Grenville. In addition to operating a 10-bed residential shelter on Church Street in Brockville, Interval House provides a 24-hour crisis line, counselling, community outreach program and transitional support program. The organization serves as an educational resource on violence-related and social change issues as well as recruits and trains volunteers.

The former Brockville Glass property on Cowan Avenue in Brockville will serve as the new home of Interval House. The existing building will be renovated; a two-storey addition is to be constructed. The larger and more efficient facility will include state-of-the-art security features and a fully-enclosed play area for children.

The fundraising drive includes a corporate campaign in May and a public appeal, art auction and Canadian Tire money drive in June.

The Ministry of Community and Social Services will fund the lion's share of the $1.5-million project.

The new facility is expected to be completed by mid-October.

For more information on Interval House, call 342-4724.

Interval House is a United Way member agency.

North-end car lot gets green light from Prescott council

PRESCOTT ­ Town council has approved a bylaw allowing an automobile sales business to operate on a temporary basis in front of the former valu-mart store.

Council gave the bylaw third and final reading Monday night. The move gives Herb Willer Auto Sales at least one year at the Edward Street location.

The property is zoned general commercial; the designation does not include automobile sales as a permitted use. Passage of the bylaw permits the business to operate there for one year; council could also choose to renew the arrangement for an additional two years.

A site plan agreement between the property owner and the town is to be finalized.

The town did not receive any input opposing the proposed use of the Edward Street property, municipal officials have noted.

The town is expected to conduct an official plan review during the current three-year term; the review would include considering whether auto sales should be permitted in general commercial areas.

The auto sales business used to be housed on King Street East at Russell Street.

Willer has plans for a condominium development at that east-end site.

South Grenville working together on business retention and expansion

Two new positions created in initiative led by economic development committee

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SOUTH GRENVILLE - Prescott, Augusta and Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal are working together on a Business Retention and Expansion Program.

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Councillor Peter Martin, who has been active in the continuation of the program, explained the matter started from discussions at the South Grenville Economic Development Committee (which consists of the economic development committees for Prescott, Augusta and Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal) over the past year and a half.

Martin indicated the proposal for the program was put forward months ago through the Human Resources Development Canada funding, and has been done across the U.S. and Canada through a series of volunteers interviewing existing businesses about what their needs and wants are to better serve their business.

"It's been done successfully in Brockville and North Grenville," said Martin.

"We just are finding what they need to stay in business and expand. Also we will find out if their are ways that the needs of our businesses can be met by others in the community."

South Grenville Economic Development Committee member Heather Lawless added, "It's designed to encourage growth. It's been used across North America to promote this cause and the majority of jobs that come out of this will come from existing businesses. Our hope for the outcome is that this will assist in improving competitiveness of small businesses."

Lawless also explained that two key benefits of the program will be: strengthening communication between the community and businesses and making the businesses aware of support systems currently in place.

Martin indicated this is an opportunity for businesses to have their say and help improve what they already have.

Martin explained the program will see two new HRDC-funded jobs in the area: a project co-ordinator to run the overall project and to ensure it is designed, planned, organized and carried through and a survey and data co-ordinator to assist in the project and help input information obtained from the surveys.

"The plan is for this two-person staff to be housed in the three municipal offices," said Martin. "They will split their time, spending a third of the 28 weeks in each of the offices and will use the facilities of the offices."

The Edwardsburgh/Cardinal councillor explained the program will not only include the two hired people (funded primarily through Employment Insurance), but volunteers from the economic development committee will also be involved conducting the surveys of local businesses.

According to Martin, the volunteers will call businesses for pre-arranged times and do the hour-long surveys in pairs, which will include recognizable individuals throughout the community.

Martin sees the project as a benefit to the area, but isn't really sure of what it will bring.

"Brockville came out with Vision 20/20 with theirs and North Grenville came up with a quite well organized economic development program," said Martin.

"I'm not sure of what will come out of this, but we will continue in co-operation between the three municipalities."

The project will begin as soon as the two jobs are filled. The deadline for applications (to be submitted to Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal Township) is April 30.

Holiday retail hours to be more flexible under bylaw being proposed in Prescott

PRESCOTT ­ The municipality is considering a new bylaw that would give businesses more flexibility with respect to operating on Sundays and holidays.

The existing bylaw designates Prescott as a tourism area, which permits certain exemptions for eligible businesses. However, there are still some restrictions that are not as flexible as newer provincial standards in terms of opening hours and on which statutory holidays a business can be open.

For example, stores are permitted to be open Sundays from noon to 5 pm. The provincial maximum is from 9 am to 5 pm.

Police Chief Bryan Somerville brought the subject and the issue of enforcement to council's attention after the Good Friday and Easter long weekend last year; at least one business was believed to be in contravention of the retail holiday hours act, but no tickets were written. Council did not follow up the matter last year.

The issue was raised again after the recent holiday weekend. No offence notices were issued, but police did note which stores were open and when.

A proposed bylaw was introduced at Monday night's council meeting. A vote on the proposal will be held after the business community and the public have a chance to review and provide input on the bylaw.

Some council members have expressed a willingness to give retailers more flexibility when it comes to setting hours of operation.

Town police investigate theft at rectory and two break-ins at the same garage

PRESCOTT ­Town police are investigating a theft at St. Mark's Catholic Church on the afternoon of April 19.

A man seeking assistance visited the rectory. Later that afternoon, the door to the rectory was found to have been forced open. A 20-inch colour television set, VCR, portable radio and a small security box containing personal papers and documents had been taken.

The man is described as being tall and thin and in his 30s. He is believed to be a transient travelling in a dark blue Ford pick-up truck with Quebec plates.

Constable Mike Ostrander is the investigating officer.

Two break-ins at the same Jessup Street garage were reported last week. The first was reported April 22; missing were a Pelican kayak valued at $450 and four sets of snow shoes valued at $70. The second occurrence was reported three days later; the stolen items include a Fisher stereo and two speakers, three sets of golf clubs, a motorcycle helmet and 16-piece Mastercraft router bits set. These items have a total value of about $1,000. Constables Shawn Steinburg and Moe Morrissette are investigating.

On April 22, a Susan Street resident reported someone had scratched the passenger side of his vehicle from front to rear during the night. The damage estimate is $400. The investigating officer is Constable Steinburg.

The theft of a Triumph purple mountain bike from a Dibble Street West driveway was reported April 23. Constable Terry Foster is investigating.

Also that day, a Dibble Street resident complained eggs were thrown at his vehicle, causing minor damage to the paint job. The investigator is Constable Morrissette.

Town police received a report April 22 from a Railway Avenue resident who indicated she had been assaulted. A 15-year-old female was arrested and charged with assault and mischief under $5,000. The investigating officer is Constable Jon Pergunas.

On April 19, a caretaker at Central Public School reported two "no trespassing" signs had been removed from the fence surrounding the playground. An estimated $50 worth of damage was done to the fence. Constable Richard Champagne is investigating.

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

Blood donor clinic returns next month

PRESCOTT ­ Residents of the Prescott area are being encouraged to roll up their sleeves and give the gift of life.

A blood donor clinic will take place Wednesday, May 12 from 2 to 8 pm at South Grenville District High School. The clinic is sponsored by Prescott Kinsmen, Grenville Fish and Game Club and the school.

Canadian Blood Services recommends donors make an appointment; however, walk-ins will be accepted. To make an appointment, call 1-888-2-DONATE.

Reeve opposes giving lifeline to MPAC

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

MAYNARD ­ A government agency that requires accurate information to handle updating municipal voters lists does not have the support of Augusta Reeve John McCrea.

Council was asked to endorse at its April 13 meeting a resolution from the County of Hastings that would enable the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) to obtain regular access to provincial data, including births and deaths records.

MPAC is handicapped in its attempts to create a more accurate list, the Hastings resolution stated. Errors, omissions and inconsistencies in voters lists are irritating and frustrating to municipalities and voters, it continued.

However, because MPAC has "messed up" so badly with its handling of property assessments, McCrea believes the agency should not be provided current births and deaths information.

As well, McCrea feels if the agency has too much information, citizens could be cross-referenced "right down to where you live and what you had for breakfast."

Deputy Reeve Doug Barton countered there is nothing "more stressful on a family that has lost a loved one... and all of a sudden start getting election notices in the mail that bring up that deceased person's name. Anything the government can do to make sure that their lists are up to date so people do not receive literature addressed to one of their deceased relatives, I think is a worthwhile project."

Councillor John Fischl didn't agree with the reeve either. "As long as they're doing it, let's at least give them the tools so they can do it half-way decent," he said. "They're the ones who are making the lists now, so let's give them as much ammunition as we can."

CAO Sharon Wilkinson strongly encouraged council to support the resolution, noting there were a number of names of deceased people who showed up on the municipal voters list last fall.

The issue was tabled to council's next regular meeting in May.

Super manager job created

CHARLEVILLE ­ Augusta Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Linda Robinson has a new job.

Council passed a bylaw Monday night appointing the long-time township employee manager of finance/treasurer.

The appointment comes on the heels of council adopting a number of recommendations contained within an organizational review.

Robinson has until Aug. 31, 2006 to obtain municipal finance certification. The position was posted internally only; no other applications besides Robinson's were received for the position.

CAO/Clerk-Treasurer Sharon Wilkinson also had her title amended to that of CAO/Clerk/Economic Development Officer/Deputy Treasurer.

Plans to be outlined Friday at meeting

By Astrid Strader, Horticulturist and Garden Designer

A public meeting will be held for people wishing to be involved, no matter how small, with Prescott Blossoms this year: Friday April 30, 10 to 11 am at the municipal building. There will be lots to update, just as there is much to report on now about the Heritage River Trail improvements planned for this year.

As a result of my meeting with Parks Canada, "cues for care" have been identified. These are important as they set the stage for what's to come. And what is to come?

The primary focus will be the parking area at the trailhead that surely needs fixing up. Things like a new swing gate for maintenance vehicles. Well-placed boulders will indicate the entryway for pedestrians. The trees we pruned two years ago are coming along nicely, and with them, creating a natural border, last year we planted a hedge of shrub roses on the north side of the parking lot. This year we want to extend the rose border to the other sides, eventually removing the unsightly bollards that delimit the parking area.

These roses, which are part of the hardy Explorer series developed at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, can be purchased on the first annual Rotary Rose Day scheduled for May 15. Shades of white, red or pink flowering, fragrant roses named after some our great Canadian explorers like John Cabot and William Frobisher, can be purchased in honour of your favourite 'mother' for mother's day. You buy and we'll do the planting and care. The Town of Prescott will give you a tax-deductible receipt. To place an order, call me at 657-4688. In the years to come, they will provide a living fence of colour in all four seasons (if the birds don't eat all the hips by snowfall).

Visible improvements for this year will include removal of tree stakes ­ generally, stakes are installed to minimize root damage by wind as the tree settles in and anchors itself. If stakes are allowed to remain for longer than two years, the tree becomes dependant on the stake and can actually weaken it; it's as through the tree comes to depend on the stakes for it's stability.

The addition of wildflowers this year will enhance the beauty of the walkways ­ as if it can get any more beautiful down there! Cameron Smith, the landscape architect commissioned by Parks Canada to consult on the trail project, has remarked more than a few times how our unique vast stretch of waterfront paths and river view is like nowhere else to be found on the St. Lawrence.

To make it easy to identify the trees and donors, the trees and shrubs will be marked with identification plaques, showing their Latin and common names along with a number that corresponds to a map key. Seventy-nine more trees and shrubs will be hopefully sourced and planted (only two need to be replaced, which is pretty good considering the wide open harshness of the elements at times).

Additional stone dust for trail maintenance, supplemental mulch for the trees, extra topsoil (to be seeded) is required to gently slope the edges of the trails to increase safety and ease of maintenance. Sod will be placed in front of the benches ­ a fourth one ­ and last, to be installed with artful, interpretive signage ­ all for the annual July 1 tree donor memorial ceremony. For more info. on memorial trees, call 657-4688.

Augusta code of conduct considered

CHARLEVILLE ­ Augusta council gave first readings to two different bylaws at a special meeting Monday night at the Grenville Snowmobile Club.

A bylaw to adopt a code of conduct for council, staff and members of boards and committees was read a first time. CAO Sharon Wilkinson noted the bylaw covers such issues as confidentiality; acceptance of gifts, hospitality and other favours; rules, responsibilities and consequences; etiquette and handling public complaints.

If given second and third readings at a later date, a fortification bylaw will give the municipality power to act against property owners who fortify their buildings for illegal purposes.

Importance of blood pressure checks continues to be stressed

PRESCOTT ­ The numbers continue to rise.

The Community Hypertension Awareness Program promotes regular blood pressure checks and the health risks associated with high blood pressure.

Weekly sessions, which run from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, are held Tuesdays at Grenville Pharmacy and Wednesdays at Seaway Valley IDA and O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer.

Several pharmacies in Brockville are also taking part in the 10-week program. As of earlier this month, more than 900 people had attended. Volunteers using automated devices measure a person's blood pressure.

In most cases, results are sent to the person's family physician. Results can also be sent to that person's pharmacist.

The public is encouraged to make multiple visits to the weekly sessions to reinforce the value of getting regular checks.

The pilot program, funded in part by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, ends May 21.

For more information, call Lisa Harkness at 341-7878.

Great hymns and many choirs

BROCKVILLE ­ The Eastern Ontario branch of the Royal School of Church Music presents Great Hymns of Easter Sunday, May 2 at 7:30 pm at St. John's United Church at King and Park streets in Brockville.

All choirs and congregations are welcome to attend. The ecumenical hour of celebration and praise will feature congregational and choral hymns of faith and a mass choir. Fellowship and refreshments will follow the service.

Choirs are asked to bring gowns if possible.

A music booklet is available in advance to choirs; contact Peter Shepherd at 342-3124.

OPP NEWS

Driver disqualified, vehicle impounded after traffic stop

AUGUSTA ­ While conducting stationary radar on Highway 401 in Augusta Township April 19 at about 7:45 pm, Constable Marty McConnell stopped a vehicle travelling eastbound at 157 kilometres an hour. The driver was found to be driving while disqualified, a Criminal Code offence. The vehicle, a 1997 Chevrolet Blazer, was impounded.

Robert Como, 21, of Brockville is to appear in Brockville court May 4.

Proper seat belt use is the law

EDWARDSBURGH ­ Local officers conducted numerous seat belt checks last week. Constable Blanchette was at various locations in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal April 21-22.

Two hundred fifty-seven vehicles were checked; eight provincial offence notices were issued to people failing to wear the proper seat belt assembly. Motorists are reminded it is the law to wear seat belts properly.

Wildlife involved in half of crashes

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Half the collisions responded to by Grenville County OPP officers in Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal last week involved wildlife.

Of the 10 motor vehicle collisions investigated, four involved deer and one involved a wild turkey. No humans were injured, and no charges were laid.

Mayors' Walk gives boost to local charities

BROCKVILLE ­ It is an event that enables volunteers to help volunteers.

The third annual Mayors' Walk for the Volunteer Bureau of Leeds and Grenville took place Saturday, April 17 in Brockville. The two-kilometre event is a fundraiser for the bureau and the charity of each participant's choice.

South Grenville was represented at the walk. Augusta Reeve John McCrea raised about $1,200 in pledges, half of which will go to Connect Youth.

Prescott was represented by the deputy mayor, Councillor Chuck Street, and Sam Brown, Josh Rutter, Chris Dyelle and Will Street from the Prescott Youth Centre. The contingent collected pledges totalling $587. Half goes to the volunteer bureau; the other half goes to the youth centre.

Prescott-based Food For All Food Bank also took part in the event, which raised a total of about $30,000.

The bureau recruits volunteers and helps them to connect with local non-profit organizations.

For more information, call 342-7040.

Agricultural society hosts volunteer fair Sunday

SPENCERVILLE - The Spencerville Agricultural Society will be holding its first annual volunteer recruitment and motivational fair Sunday, May 2 at the Drummond Building.

The fair will begin at 1 pm, with the focus on volunteering and the rewarding experiences from helping out with the agricultural society.

Journalist Tom Van Dusen and Executive Director of the Volunteer Bureau of Leeds and Grenville, Cheryl Marshall, will be the guest speakers.

Other members of the Spencerville Fair board will be speak of their experiences helping out with the fair.

The recruitment fair is also being used as a way to reach out to new volunteers including high school students requiring community service hours, family volunteers (who will devote their efforts as a group) and residents receiving Ontario Works benefits who need to meet community service requirements.

Get ready for the Musical Ride May 16

PRESCOTT ­ The RCMP Musical Ride returns to Prescott next month.

The popular show will be presented Sunday, May 16 at Fort Wellington National Historic Site. The afternoon kicks off at 1:30 pm with a concert by the Brockville Lions Club Steel Band, to be followed at 2:30 pm by a demonstration by drug-sniffing immigration department dogs.

The troop of 32 horses and riders will perform at 3 pm.

Admission is free.

The event is presented by Fort Wellington, Town of Prescott, Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce, Prescott BIA, O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer, Prescott Lions Club, Money Concepts, Royal Bank, St. Mark's Church, Prescott Rotary Club and the Prescott Skateboarders.

For more information, contact Fort Wellington at 925-2896.

The RCMP Musical Ride's most recent appearance in Prescott was in June 2001.

Town appoints skateboard park committee members

PRESCOTT ­ The Prescott Kiwanis Skateboard Park Committee is now an official committee of the Town of Prescott.

Council voted Monday night to formally adopt the committee, a move CAO/Clerk Robert Haller explained had been recommended for insurance purposes.

The committee oversees operation of the park located north of the Kriska Warehouse. Members of the committee for 2004 include Nancy Lane, Randy Pelehos, Estelle Street, David Street, Eldon Bailey, Norman Lee, Kerry Tristum, Brenda Kenney, Nancy McFarland, Norrie Spence, Lee and Bonita Adams, John Somerville, John Lane, Josh Smith, Luke Smith, Casey Schmitt, Chad Imire and Zak Dalton.

The committee has asked council to approve a $20,000 loan which would be used to complete the second phase of the park this spring. The town gave a grant of $10,000 and loan of $10,000 last year; the committee is prepared to repay the first loan and is asking for two years to repay the second.

Getting in race shape for derby

PRESCOTT ­ The annual Kiwanis Soap Box Derby will soon be ready to roll.

This year's fun competition will take place Monday, May 24 (Victoria Day) at the George Street hill (between Dibble and Henry streets). Hobby and kit kars will take part in this, the 10th anniversary of the Prescott derby.

To order a kar kit, contact Chris Slater at 925-3404.

May 24 is the final day of Harbour Days 2004.

March of Dimes annual event includes hot dog cook-out

BROCKVILLE ­ The 12th annual Brockville Rifles March for the March of Dimes will take place Saturday, May 8.

Participants who have collected pledges will march from the armoury at 10:30 am. A huge hot dog cook-out will be held from 11 am to 1 pm at the armoury.

Proceeds from the events go to the Ontario March of Dimes, which provides funding for assistive devices, research and other support programs for adults with physical disabilities. For more information, call 342-2755.

Calling all towns with arts talent

TORONTO ­ The TVO public affairs program Studio 2 is searching for the Most Talented Town in Ontario.

Communities that attract and support the arts on a year-round basis are being sought ­ "Towns where artists live and interact, support each other and feel inspired," according to a TVO news release.

Entries are to be 250 words and four or five pictures, or a video.

A panel of judges will review entries and select a winner. The grand prize is a feature documentary (to be aired on Studio 2) about the winning town.

The deadline is May 14. Entries should be mailed to "Most Talented Town," Box 200, Station Q, Toronto, M4T 2T1, or e-mailed to talentedtown@tvo.org. Attachments should be included as jpegs.

More Yuks on the way for Prescott

PRESCOTT ­ The comedy of Yuk Yuk's is coming back to Prescott next month.

The Kinsmen Club is hosting the stand-up night Saturday, May 29 at the Prescott Legion.

Doors open at 7 pm; the show featuring three comics starts at 8.

Tickets are available at the Legion and PlayitStar, from Kinsmen members or by calling Art Hitsman at 925-1315 (home), (613) 734-8486 (work) or at artg.hitsman@canadapost.ca.

Proceeds go to the Ontario March of Dimes.

Emergency preparedness display at store

PRESCOTT ­ May 2-8 is Emergency Preparedness Week, and officials in Prescott are hoping to spread the word. An information display will be set up at the front of O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer on weekday evenings next week beginning Wednesday, May 5. The display will also be there Saturday, May 8.

Councillor ranks two police options

PRESCOTT ­ The Ontario Provincial Police option came out ahead on points, according to Councillor Bob Pelda.

The councillor, who voted Monday to proceed with an OPP municipal policing contract, prepared his own feasibility study to evaluate the two policing options: sticking with the municipal police department or opting with OPP. In the 11-page report, Pelda compares budget estimates, conducted interviews and uses a points system to assess a lengthy list of factors associated with policing in Prescott.

In noting the OPP outscores the Prescott Police Service 58-34, Pelda recommends the OPP from both budget and performance perspectives.

The councillor indicates an OPP contract would save the town about $250,000 per year. Variables factored into the budget summaries include costs associated with providing fire dispatch, additional officers for the Prescott service, building repairs and disbandment costs.

Although he accepts and gives full marks to the findings of a recent fire department survey that indicated 91 per cent of respondents prefer to see the Prescott municipal service retained, Pelda says his findings show public opinion is almost evenly split; of the 50 people interviewed, 26 favour the OPP.

Pelda indicated earlier this year he favoured the OPP option based on his initial investigation into the matter. In the report, he states it is his objective to analyze existing conditions and operations and future resources to determine his own position.

The councillor recommends town representatives appointed to negotiate with the OPP "...must have strong mediation skills to ensure control of costing and services have been implemented in the final contract."

Jan. 1, 2005 is the recommended start date, the report states.

Pelda also recommends the town share a bylaw enforcement officer with neighbouring municipalities.

Town still has work to do

PRESCOTT ­ Now that Prescott council has voted to proceed with an OPP contract, an actual agreement must be finalized.

The motion approved by council Monday night calls on Mayor Robert Lawn and CAO/Clerk Robert Haller to enter into negotiations with the OPP.

During a media question period at the end of Monday's council meeting, Lawn said he is not sure the town's negotiating team would be limited to himself and the CAO. Councillor Chuck Street has expressed an interest in representing the town.

When asked about the fact the OPP is not offering employment to most dispatchers and one officer, Lawn indicated he will do his "level best" during negotiations to ensure as many current staff as possible get jobs.

As for how long negotiations and the transition process will take, the mayor did not offer a timeframe but did state he hopes the process will be completed as soon as possible.

"My hope would be we don't slow this down at this stage," he said.

Disbandment and the loss of dispatch will mean the town must provide alternate dispatch service for its volunteer fire department. The service is to be contracted out, possibly to the Brockville fire department.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"A town this small really can't afford the luxury
of a stand-alone police department."

Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn, commenting on council's decision to switch to OPP service

Editor's Notebook

No happy ending here

Now that Prescott council has re-enforced the town's decision to disband the Prescott Police Service in favour of an Ontario Provincial Police municipal contract, it is time to start healing the wounds created by an overly lengthy and divisive process that did not shine a favourable light on this community.

The outcome of Monday night's vote is not the popular choice. Clearly, the feel-good option would have been for council to listen to the majority and keep what many people in this community seem to want. Keep local jobs and keep local control ­ who would not want that?

As it turned out, it's not that simple.

Council was elected to serve the community. Assuming each council member weighed all the evidence and information and came to his or her decision based on a sincere belief the long-term interests of the town were being served, there is not much more we can ask of these people. There was no groundswell of support for a referendum on the policing issue, so we must accept council's position and move forward.

For those residents who do not like the outcome of this vote but could not be bothered to cast their own ballots in the November municipal election in which council was elected, perhaps this will give you a reason to take a more active interest in the election process.

The outcome of Monday's vote confirms several people in dispatch and one town constable will soon be losing their jobs. Their burden is greater than that of anyone else; after all, they have been trying to do their jobs and plan their futures while the future of the municipal department was, at best, uncertain.

It is clear their interests were not served by this process, and their employer did not necessarily do everything within its power to represent them. We hope the decision to go OPP works out for the best given what these people have had to endure through no fault of their own.

We hope council will keep this in mind as it negotiates the five-year contract with the OPP. There is no going back once the document is signed, so now is the time to get the best deal possible for all parties.

As for life after the Prescott Police Service, the town must also ensure the fire department and the other local agencies which make use of existing dispatch service are given an adequate replacement; after all, this community's volunteer firefighters must be able to continue to provide an invaluable service.

When all is said and done, though, the imminent demise of the Prescott Police Service is still a sad and significant loss to the town.

Tim Ruhnke

Staffing decisions were council's to take, rightly or wrongly

FORWARDING COMMENTS by Monica Whitney

There are always two sides to every story, and more to a story than meets the eye. Such is the case with this month's upheaval in Augusta Township in which two management positions were declared redundant. Other shifts have taken place and more will undoubtedly follow like a dark shadow.

The two terminated employees are rightfully bitter; anyone tossed out of a job - in this case with little notice - would be.

Council is pinning hopes on staff restructuring and township reorganization bringing renewed prosperity and recognition to Augusta, whose reputation in the past several years has been less than stellar.

It's interesting times for the township; attending council meetings and speaking with councillors offers little enlightenment. Councillors remain, for the most part, a closed book on the subject, other than to say their actions stem from accepting recommendations contained within a $22,000 reorganizational review. We can choose to believe talk on the street or from the Maynard Mall, and we have our own speculations as to why the township has been turned upside down.

If the reasons involve personnel matters, the public will never know the whole story from council. But as it is, there are those who put the blame on council for causing the disruption. The members should choose to come clean if they are able and end the nasty rumours, or they can stand firm and silent and take whatever is thrown at them.

Council's course of action may not be winning any medals from some quarters, while others may just not care. Either way, council made a decision it felt was for the best for the township as a whole. The residents elected them to do this job, and we need to have some degree of trust they will do it well. We hope they've chosen the right course and can ride out the storm.

Town registering opposition to international bridge site

FROM THE ARCHIVES

April 27, 1944

* Work is expected to get under way shortly on a new Salvation Army hall in Prescott. The new structure is to be located on the southwest corner of Centre and Henry streets. The cement block building will have an auditorium and a junior room, with living quarters upstairs.

April 22, 1954

* Prescott council will register an official objection to the latest proposed site for the Prescott-Ogdensburg bridge at a hearing in Rochester. Mayor James P. Doyle and Councillor Everett Billings will present the municipality's case before the Untied States Army Engineers.

The town believes the location of the bridge on the western outskirts of town would create a barrier to any development in a potential residential area and would divert much through traffic across the town's residential streets, leading to traffic hazards and heavier maintenance costs of streets.

* To keep pace with the ever-growing traffic through the ports of Prescott and Ogdensburg, the Prescott and Ogdensburg Ferry Company Ltd. has announced the addition of a third ship to its fleet. The new ship has been designed primarily for the transportation of cars, trucks and transports, and will be put in operation with the two passenger-car ferries, the MV Fort Town and MV Maple City, at peak periods in the summer. The addition will provide seven-minute service between the two ports. Delivery of the steel, double-ended diesel-powered ship is expected by July 15.

April 25, 1984

* Construction on the $8.5-million facelift of Prescott Canadian Coast Guard Base on King Street is under way with excavation work on the site of the new 35,000-square-foot main office building, which will replace the aging, red brick building. Clay Margison, superintendent of navigational aids, said the facilities will be in full operation in 14 months or less.

The current structure won't be demolished until the new building is complete and the proposed structure will be built where the parking lot and storage yard was located. Once the administration building is complete and the 100 employees have moved into the facility, the old building will be razed and the site will become the base parking lot.

The site has been referred to as the DLD, or Dominion Light Depot, since the early 1900s.

* Krista Lee-Ann Hare, eight-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Hare, and Ian MacDonald, seven-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack MacDonald, have been chosen to present gifts to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip during the royal visit here.

April 27, 1994

* Three Central Public School Grade 8 students brought home awards from the Rideau-St. Lawrence Science Fair. Chera Marshall won the junior electrical engineering award, and Carol Cole and Julia Kleiboer placed first in the junior botanical section, receiving the science for peace and horticultural awards.

Age-defying performances give us a much-needed boost

THE NEW GUY by Tim Ruhnke

Now that the so-called Battle of Ontario has been put to rest for now, we can get on with our lives ­ that is, until the next Toronto-Ottawa showdown. Ottawa, which many acknowledge has the better hockey team, lost again because the other team has a goaltender who came through when it counted.

The Leafs were not impressive, but they still managed to win based on their experience and the standout performance of Ed Belfour.

I must acknowledge the error of my ways when I stated two weeks ago fans of the Montreal Canadiens should be happy the team made it to the playoffs and won a game against Boston in the first round. I am happy to be wrong in this case.

Growing up in the outer reaches of Eastern Ontario, I cheered for the Leafs and the Canadiens. (I know, I know... that's just not right.) When the teams would face off against each other, I tended to support the Leafs. I detested the Oilers (especially Gretzky) but liked the Flames and Canucks.

Two decades later, I don't really care which team wins the Cup. I would be marginally pleased if a Canadian-based team brings home the trophy, but I'd get over it if that didn't happen (for the 12th straight year).

I continue to deny claims I am a closet Leafs fan. The incessant whining of Toronto fans is annoying. However, I will admit to enjoying the first-round heroics of Ed Belfour ­ not because he plays for Toronto, but because the guy is 39 and can still get the job done. Even at his "advanced" age and bad back, Belfour is one of the best goalies in the game.

Excelling past one's prime at an elite level is rare but not unheard of. Barry Bonds is only three months shy of his 40th birthday and he is the best offensive player in Major League Baseball.

So what if the guy is not liked by the media and most teammates and may or may not have been on the 'roids! What Barry Bonds is still able to do at the plate is one of the great stories of modern sports history.

Those of us who are flirting with the big 4-0 can take some degree of comfort in the success of someone like Bonds or Belfour at a time when most athletes our age have already retired or should.

Whichever team wins the Cup this year, it will be great to see someone like Belfour or Steve Yzerman hoist that puppy in the air one more time.

The 30-something crowd needs every boost it can get!

***

On the subject of time standing still, a letter to the editor (see opposite page) makes note of the ongoing saga of the clock tower and how the clock and bells have not been working for the past four months. This is not the first time time has stood still in downtown Prescott.

A similar situation occurred a couple of winters ago. A special replacement part had to be built; apparently, it is not as if there is a warehouse full of gears and everything else that goes into a specialized clock tower piece.

There have been a few remarks in the last few months about how some residents of the downtown core do not miss the ringing of the bells. Fair enough. I know how long it took to get used to living beside the CN main line.

That being said, though, a working clock with bells ringing at the top of the hour adds character to the area. The tower itself is referred to as a focal point, so why shouldn't we expect the town to keep the focal point functioning properly? Is that too much to ask?

In fairness, there are a lot of demands on the town's limited resources these days. But the history that goes with the clock as well as the efforts of the Rotary Club to create the structure as its 75th anniversary project and volunteers like Bob Millar who cleans the glass and the adjacent square deserve some consideration.

The same goes for the Rotary lighthouse and the amphitheatre (which, contrary to some Shakespeare festival material, is named after the Kinsmen who turned that idea into reality).

Yes, the municipality has to set priorities and cannot always deal with problems as quickly as we would like. In the case of such a visible centrepiece, though, we hope time will not continue to stand still indefinitely.

***

Once again, the Fort Town will be offering world-class entertainment at no cost to the public. Other communities might charge to see a show like the RCMP Musical Ride, which returns to Fort Wellington May 16. But thanks to 10 local sponsors from government, business and service clubs, audience members will not have to worry about having enough money or the right change to buy tickets.

In this day and age, free admission can be hard to come by in the entertainment world. By supporting those organizations, we can continue to buck the trend and make shows such as the Musical Ride accessible to as many people as possible.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Child molester not welcome

The Editor;

I wish to express my sincere thanks to Police Chief Bryan Somerville of Prescott for alerting residents of Prescott that a high-risk individual has been released in our community and taken up residence on our main street. You are my hero, chief ­ now may we see a picture of Barry Peter Bradford?

It is my understanding Bradford has convictions for sexual assault on children and is released into this community without treatment after serving only two years.

As far as I am concerned, Bradford is not welcome in this community. He is a burden to the taxpayers of this community and an overworked police department that has to monitor him and protect our children from his kind at the same time.

Who released this child molester into our community and allowed him to live on our main street when there is a lifetime ban on his being near parks, swimming pools, school yards or playgrounds or anywhere children under the age of 14 gather? We are a small community of about 4,000 residents. The main street of Prescott is where all kinds of activities for our children take place (1.e. Youth centre, swimming pool, etc.). Schools and parks are minutes away, not to mention our waterfront.

Prescott is a community that cares for its children and residents as shown by the actions of our police chief. I sincerely hope the residents of Prescott and Leeds-Grenville will let their feelings be known by writing letters to the editor calling on Mayor Lawn and council, our MPP Robert Runciman and MP Joe Jordan. Something has to be done.

I am a grandmother who was looking forward this summer to having my grandchildren visit for a month. This will not happen as long as this convicted child molester is in town and has more rights than our innocent children.

Marg DesRochers
Prescott

OPP Four disregarded wishes of our citizens

The Editor;

I am absolutely astonished over the vote to disband the Prescott Police Service. Never have I seen such a flagrant disregard for the wishes of our citizens, who have clearly and loudly stated their preference to retain the current police and turn down the OPP contract.

The arrogance on display in council chambers was stunning. One after one, the "OPP Four" ­ councillors Joanne Beckstead, Suzanne Dodge, Robert Pelda, and finally Mayor Bob Lawn ­ spoke of knowing what was best for the town, how the citizens elected them to make the tough choices on their behalf. Which is certainly true. But we didn't elect them to rule us like feudal lords, ignoring our concerns and patting our hands with the blithe assurance that they know best.

Not one of the OPP Four actually addressed the concerns of Prescott residents, except in the most condescending of ways. Nor did they cite how they could vote in this manner despite the recent Prescott Fire Department survey showing that 91 per cent of town residents want to retain the current police. What happened to democracy? Is it only valid one night in November, every three years?

And, frankly, some of these addresses made little sense. Councillor Dodge, for instance, in one breath claimed that Prescott was suffering from a declining business tax base and had no way of affording to keep the Prescott Police. Yet in another she claimed that the municipal employees about to be terminated would have no problem finding other jobs because of their professionalism.

So, which is it Ms. Dodge? You can't have it both ways. And sloughing off the people about to lose their jobs in this manner was insulting in the extreme. I suspect that she wouldn't have been so high-handed if she knew one of the fine employees about to be terminated.

Mayor Lawn's speech was equally puzzling. This process began because of financial concerns with the Prescott Police Station, yet by the time Mayor Lawn got around to casting the deciding vote all he could talk about was improving policing in Prescott.

And the mayor's emphasis on drug trafficking and terrorism puzzled me. Does Mayor Lawn think that we need to sign an OPP contract to fight the Medellin cocaine cartel and al Qaeda? By his words on Monday night, you would expect to find Islamist terrorist cells on George Street and drug dealers shooting it out on King.

I do want to thank councillors Nancy Lane, Chuck Street and Sue O'Hanlon for trying to represent the will of the people. Councillor Lane, in particular, has been outstanding on this issue.

Her speech on Monday night was impressive in every way, and I personally appreciate the time she took (alone of all the council members) to write a personal reply to an e-mail my wife wrote to council about the police issue.

The decision has been made and we all now have to live with the consequences. For all the citizens of Prescott, even the OPP Four, I hope that these consequences ­ both financial and otherwise ­ won't be overly severe.

Brett Todd
Prescott

Time matters in Prescott

The Editor;

This question has probably been asked before, but I am unaware of anyone with an answer. Why is our town clock not set? Do we not care about time in the town of Prescott? Have we become a town with no place to go and nothing to do? When I'm busy out there running my four kids from one thing to another, I often glance up at our stately town clock and wander why has it been on the same time for at least six months.

I have watched countless friends and most of my family leave, but my desire to raise my kids the way I was raised has kept me here.

It is wonderful to send your children to a school where the teachers are familiar because they either taught you when you went to school or they were one of the lifeguards at the pool when you were taking swimming lessons down at Kelly's Beach. I loved that place. We would all gather in the summer there.

If you lived in town, that was the place to be. My kids, same thing: can't drag them away from there. I have felt so safe letting my children go public swimming.

We seem to be always so focused on the big things in town that we forget about the simple pleasures that attract people to this town. The people, harbour, the countless parks, river, beach, the pool, the library, the friendly business people, the schools, the history. Take a walk and you will find yourself wondering about all kinds of old places you see on your way.

I know the issues that have plagued the town are important. We fought to hang onto the Dibble Street building because that is part of who we are. We know our grandfathers walked the halls of that building. Some of us even went to school there. I took dance there and Brownies.

The '80s trend to community policing brought home the fact we were already community policing and had been all the way along. Our police were always visible. Everyone always called my dad by his first name. The message to me as a kid was that my dad was approachable and friendly like a police officer is supposed to be. I still call the Prescott police officers by their first name, and I have heard many others doing the same.

Let us not forget what this town has been built around: the simple pleasures of life in a small town on the St. Lawrence. So please, someone, set the clock. Set that proud, strong-looking clock that greets our lovely tourists and the new faces that have come to raise their families in this town. I'd like to know that time matters in Prescott.

Bridgitte James
Prescott

Editor's note: Town officials are working on the clock tower problem and have enlisted the help of the Coast Guard.

Decision a sad outcome

The Editor;

I am saddened by the choice of Prescott council to disband the municipal police force. I fear that the town will see the same loss of identity and confidence in its policing that many other towns have in Eastern Ontario.

I have to wonder if Prescott would have been alerted to the presence of a dangerous sexual predator in this town without the leadership of our current Chief Bryan Somerville. I applaud his leadership for doing that.

RIP Prescott Police Service

Phillip Blancher
Prescott

Wanted: backyard pools

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

Plans for MERC's annual swim program are under way. Organizers are looking for residents who are willing to donate the use of their swimming pool for two, two-week sessions. Classes run from 10 am to 3 pm. If you can help or for more information, call Tina Atcheson at 348-1894.

MERC is accepting applications for the swim instructor position. Send your resume to MERC at Box 272, Maitland, by May 15.

The MERC Board would like to bring euchre back to MERC Hall, and a euchre co-ordinator is needed. If you would like to help, call Danielle McCaffrey at 348-1891.

Basketball award

Charlotte Larry, who is a member of the Major Bantam Brockville Blazers basketball team, won the Toronto Raptor Fair Play Award at the recent provincial championship tournament in London.

The award is given to an excellent player at the tournament that demonstrates leadership, team spirit and a positive attitude. The team finished the tournament with three wins and three losses. Charlotte is the daughter of Eira and Pat Larry of Maitland.

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

A ladies brunch has been planned for Thursday, May 13. Please be sure to sign up; call 925-5300 for more information.

A learn to knit class will be starting May 26 at 7 pm. This class will teach the basic stitches, reading a pattern and finishing techniques. A complete article will be made during the classes. If there is interest, we will also be holding advanced classes to improve current projects.

The next fine needlework class will be held Wednesday, May 19.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Janet White; 2nd, Eleanor Gilligan; door, Brenda Humphry. Fun bridge ­ Jean Farlinger. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Bernie Arcand; 2nd, Pat McPhee and Mary Reynolds; 3rd, Jeannine Marion; door, Lou Baldwin.

Bigger and better efforts in store for Cardinal In Bloom campaign

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - With the growing season getting started, Cardinal In Bloom is preparing for its 2004 campaign.

The group has expanded its efforts to add a photo contest and to do more work at Benson Park in addition to the flowered homes and business contest.

Cardinal In Bloom member Lori Pennell indicated that the group is hoping this will make the annual campaign bigger and better.

"It's definitely a continuation of what we've already done," said Pennell. "We have expanded the business competition to include all of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and we're hoping to eventually be able to expand further to get participation from all of the township (for all events)."

Pennell said the new photo contest will also be a feature of Cardinal in Bloom for the next couple years, with a calendar being put together from some of the submissions which will be sold as a fundraiser next year.

Cardinal In Bloom will also continue with its regular largest sunflower face competition for children with the judging to be done at the Cardinal Labour Day Festival.

Pennell also explained Cardinal In Bloom has received approval from CASCO to make the Benson Park on John Street into a memorial park and has also received $1,000 from the Grenville Community Futures Development Fund for the project.

"We're hoping to do a lot more work on it," said Pennell. "We're looking at putting in some walking paths and benches."

Cardinal In Bloom will kick off its efforts with a community barbecue on Thursday, May 20, and a poster contest at Benson Public School sometime in May.

The flowered homes and business contest will accept registrants until July 15, with judging set to take place in mid-August. Homes in the village, County Road 2 from Blair to Marine Coast Road, Marine Coast Road, Froom Road, Blair Road and Shanly Road up to Highway 401 will be eligible to participate in the flowered homes contest and best container garden, while all businesses within the township will be eligible to compete in the businesses, service organizations and churches competition.

First place for the flowered homes competition will include a patio set, second place will be a park bench, third place will receive a bird bath and 10 contestants will receive honourable mentions.

Garden ornaments will be awarded for first prize in the best container garden, plaques will be given out for first, second and third prize in the businesses, service organizations and churches category, and a pizza party for five will be awarded in the largest sunflower face competition.

Pennell indicated the group is always looking for new members and volunteers who hope to make the community a nicer place.

"We're a non-profit group, with all the money we collect going back into the community," said Pennell. "We just want to keep the community looking like somewhere you would want live or move to."

For more information on Cardinal in Bloom or any of its activities, contact Lori Pennell at 657-1400 or Marj Kempffer at 657-1764.

Audio equipment stolen from car

CARDINAL ­ Grenville County OPP Constable McConnell responded to a break-in call on Henry Street Sunday at about 11 am. A red 1995 Camaro had been entered during the overnight hours. Items taken include a CD deck, speakers and amplifiers and two portable CD players. Some electrical damage inside the car was also reported. An older vehicle at the same location was also entered; however, nothing was taken.

Anyone with information on this occurrence is asked to call the OPP at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

CFGC seeks new executive members

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Fish and Game Club is searching for people to form the club's next executive.

The club needs five people to form an executive to help run the club's events throughout the year.

For more information, contact John Dugan at 657-1081.

Junior stamp club sets May meeting

CARDINAL - The monthly meeting of the Cardinal Stamp Club will take place Wednesday, May 12 at the Cardinal branch of the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Public Library.

The meeting will take place at 7 pm. Adults and children welcome to attend. Call John Dugan at 657-1081 for more information.

SCHOOL SCENE

Boundary Street Public School: On Thursday, April 29 at 2:35 pm, we will be having our monthly recognition assembly. The social skill focus this past month has been "self-control." Parents and guardians are welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you here.

Our school community is helping make the MS Read-a-thon such a success. Eighty students have been very busy reading to support this worthy cause. Pledge sheets and funds collected must be handed in to the school by April 28. Your support is appreciated.

A school council meeting was last night.

Our grade 7 and 8 students will be in Quebec City next week. They have worked hard throughout the school year to raise funds. Parents, students, staff and the community have supported their activities. This is a wonderful opportunity for students, staff and parents to experience the French language and culture. Bon voyage!

Hot lunch this week is chicken nuggets.

Centennial '67 and North Edwardsburgh Public Schools:

The students of Centennial '67 have been busy collecting loose change for the Easter Seal Society. On April 6, students began bringing in pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, loonies and toonies. In the end, the total collected came to $517.11. Mrs. Schoenfeldt's grade 7/8 class won a pizza party for bringing in the most money with $216.13. Mrs. Stewart's Grade 4 class came in second with $140.35. Good job!

North Edwardsburgh students have been busy collecting money for Jump Rope for Heart. This fundraising program began at the school April 19. We look forward to a fun day of "jumping."

On Friday, April 30, Mrs. Stewart's class will be hosting a Medieval Feast in the gym at Centennial. Students will display their work from 9:30 to 10:30, and the feast will begin at 11:30. In addition, the students will be dressing in the fashions of the Middle Ages.

Also on Friday, grade 5 and 6 students will participate in a tree planting initiative co-ordinated by the Grenville Land Stewardship Council.

Until next week, this is Bryn Thompson and Shannon Dobbie signing off.

Maynard and Maitland Public Schools: Another busy week at Maynard and Maitland Schools. Our Maitland students will be joining our primary/junior students at Maynard on Thursday for the performance of "Something for Nothing" presented by the Thousand Islands Playhouse Young Company.

Central Region board staff provided the financial support to make this arts opportunity possible for our students. Maitland school council and parent organizers Dawn Phillips and Kathy McGregor organized an excellent fashion show held last Saturday, with all profits going to Maitland School.

On Earth Day, April 22, our Maynard students participated in a yard clean-up. We greatly appreciate the donation of plastic gloves and garbage bags donated by Invista (formerly DuPont Canada). On Friday, our primary and junior Maynard students will be taking part in Jump Rope for Heart. This event promotes physical fitness and supports the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Our students will also be "dancing up a storm" on Friday as students from all grade levels will be participating in two assemblies to highlight International Dance Day. Our staff advisors who have helped to organize these events are Mrs. Grant, Mrs. Baker and Ms. Crosby. We couldn't do it without you!

St. Joseph Catholic School: Congratulations to our Good Samaritans: Connor Mackey, Isabella Lampron, Curtis Minifie, Katie Morell, Colleen Dixon and Rebecca Filion.

Our Grade 7 students as well as several staff members depart for Quebec City bright and early Wednesday morning, April 28. We wish all a great trip walking on the plains of Abraham, visiting the Shrine at Ste. Anne de Beaupre, dining at Le Chateau Frontenac and enjoying the sites and scenes of Old Quebec.

Our Grade 4 and 5 students have been invited to attend the presentation of French performer Jacquot at St. Mark School Thursday, April 29.

Catholic Education Week begins on Sunday, May 2. This year's theme "Fully Alive in Christ" calls us to the fullness of life promised in the gospel.

Plans are under way for our Jump Rope for Heart Campaign in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation and for our St. Joe's Walk-a-Thon in support of our new playground structure.

St. Mark Catholic School: We welcome Jacquot, a French songwriter and entertainer, tomorrow at 1:45 for the enjoyment of our students. The appearance is courtesy of our school council.

May 2-7 is Catholic Education Week, and we will be celebrating the theme "Fully Alive in Christ" with many events and activities. On May 3, we will send student, staff and school council representatives to a board-wide mass at Holy Cross in Kemptville at 11 am. On May 5, we will celebrate mass with St. Joseph students at 10 am at St. Mark's Church. Also May 5, we will have a family barbecue and class presentations between 5 and 7:30 pm.

We will have a living rosary in the gymnasium Friday, May 7 at 1 pm.

Hot lunch this week is hot dogs.

South Edwardsburg Public School: Mark Oliver of Photo Visions came to SEPS last week to photograph all members of our teams and clubs for the 2003-2004 school year. In total, 18 teams and clubs consisting of 95 per cent of the students in grades 3 to 8 were photographed.

Our Kindergarten students will enjoy a morning at Meadowview Aviary and Bennett's Holstein Farm this week. Group B attends on Thursday, April 29, and Group A attends Friday, April 30. Hot lunch today is hamburgers; next week is pizza.

LEGION NEWS

The Cardinal Legion will be full of activity for the next two weeks.

Today (Wednesday, April 28), there will be men's horseshoe league action at 6:30 pm, and on Thursday, April 29 there will be euchre at 7:30 pm.

On Friday, April 30 the Legion will host a VON foot care clinic at 2 pm and mixed dart league playoffs to begin at 7:30 pm.

Riverside Seniors public euchre will take centre stage Saturday, May 1 at 1:30 pm and the Legionnaires will join the Cardinal Sea Cadets Sunday, May 2 for the 10:30 am service at St. John's United Church, before parading to the Cenotaph for the Battle of the Atlantic ceremony.

On Monday, May 3, the Legion will host Ontario Senior Games cribbage at 10 am, with an executive meeting and general meeting later in the day at 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm respectively.

The Legion will play host to the Ladies Auxiliary meeting Tuesday, May 4 at 7 pm and men's horseshoe league action Wednesday, May 5 at 6:30 pm.

Battle of the Atlantic ceremony is Sunday

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Sea Cadets will be taking part in the annual Battle of the Atlantic ceremony Sunday, May 2.

The cadets will march to St. John's United Church to attend the 10:30 am service, before marching to the cenotaph for a short ceremony (around noon) which will also include members of the Cardinal Legion.

The battle is celebrated the first Sunday in May with Remembrance services held across Canada in Canadian forces naval bases, HMC ships, reserve units and cadet units. The ceremony commemorates the sacrifices of the seamen who gave their lives for their country during WWII while defending the convoy routes of the North Atlantic.

The Sea Cadets will also hold a tag day Saturday, May 1; cadets will be stationed around the area selling tags to raise money.

Toshack holding goalkeeping academy in May and June

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - Local soccer players will get a chance for some world-class coaching with a goalkeepers academy to be run in Prescott in May and June.

The academy, which is being run by Canadian Under-21 goalkeepers coach and Prescott native Mike Toshack, will feature eight 75-minute sessions.

The camp will feature two age groups, boys and girls from 9-11 and boys and girls 12-16, which will tentatively start the week of May 10.

"This will be the same as Coerver coaching camps I've done all over Asia and North America," said Toshack. "I'm really looking forward to it."

Being a local boy, Toshack was happy to be able to get back home to run a camp between his numerous other soccer commitments.

"I grew up here and played minor soccer here, so there is a real interest for me here." said Toshack. "When I was growing up, Tom Carr's oldest son Lawrence was the person who really turned me onto an English soccer highlight show and really got me into the sport. I remembered back when I was young I was really thrilled with any attention and coaching I could get and I was hoping that I would able to do some stuff at home with the kids."

Toshack has been an assistant coach at St. Lawrence University in Canton for the past nine seasons, including winning a national championship and completing an undefeated season in 1999.

Toshack has also been the coach for four goalkeepers who have played at the pro level and has also done work with Coerver Coaching, which has seen him go across the world to work with some of the worlds best goalkeepers and goalkeeping coaches including Netherland club team Ajax Amsterdam and English Premier League team Fulham F.C., where he learned from one of the worlds best keepers in Edwin Vandersar.

"They really helped me do a lot of work to build up my background in the sport," said Toshack. "It's really helped me out a lot, and I've gotten to work at the international level and go to places like Germany, Mexico, Chile and Argentina for training camps."

Toshack has been involved in 18 full international matches including being named the goalkeepers coach for Canada's Under-21 team in 2001 for Fifa qualifying in Argentina.

Currently Toshack is working with the Under-20 Canadian team and is preparing to move to New York state where he's expected to be named goalkeeping coach for the possible Major League Soccer expansion franchise, the Rochester Raging Rhinos.

"The sky's really the limit for North American soccer," said Toshack. "I'm really looking forward to it."

Spaces in the academy are limited. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Toshack at globalgoalkeeping@hotmail.com.

Prescott soccer association season nearly ready to roll

PRESCOTT - Things are moving along well as the Prescott and District Soccer Association (PDSA) prepares to get its season under way in May.

PDSA Vice-President Rob Carr indicated the league is still in the process of organizing things for the season with the new executive.

Tom Carr will continue to sit in his role of president of the PDSA, while he will be joined by Rob Carr as vice-president; Stacey Zahn, secretary; Leanne Burton, registrar; Leslie Todd, treasurer; George Warren, referee in chief; Mike LaTocha, Under-16 convener; William Lefebvre, Under-12 convener; Veira Hendriks, Under-10 convener; Jon Fee, Under-8 convener; Darren Ross, Under-6 convener; Sherry McDougall, security official and Eric Pattison, rep team convener.

Carr indicated the PDSA is down between 50-75 kids from last year to about 600 kids despite all the registration sessions.

"We had a big surge of late-comers after the season began last year," said Carr. "We've tried to avoid that with our registration sessions, but we still expect to get a few more."

This year the PDSA will start action on Monday, May 17, with Under-12 and Under-16 teams to play Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 pm at South Grenville District High School and Under-8 to play at 6 pm and Under-10 teams to play at 7 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the high school. The Under-6 division will move from its usual Saturday time slot to play at the Kriska fields on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The PDSA's only rep team this year will be the Under-15 team which will play Tuesday nights at Wolfgang Noe field.

"Through the summer, with holidays and camping we figured it would make more sense to move the Under-6," said Carr. "Playing on Saturdays really broke up the weekend for a lot of people."

Carr also explained the plans for an Under-14 and Under-17 division to replace the Under-16 division have been scrapped due to lack of interest.

"The numbers weren't there and we didn't want to have a division with three teams and a division with four teams," explained Carr. "I'm sure we'll have to refund some money for some 17 year olds, but when push came to shove we didn't have the people."

Carr indicated a couple coaches were still being sought for the Under-8, Under-10, Under-12 divisions, while the Under-16 division still required about six coaches.

Carr explained teams will be selected and kids will be notified around May 7 and 8; any kids who have not been called by May 10 should contact Carr at 925-1396.

Anyone still wishing to register for the PDSA this year should contact Leanne Burton at 925-0782.

Seaway Men's Dart League hands out annual awards

CARDINAL - The Seaway Interbranch Men's Darts League closed its season Saturday night with its annual end-of-season banquet at the Cardinal Legion.

The club celebrated its season and handed out its numerous awards earned through
regular season and playoff competition.

In the regular season, the Prescott #6 team of David Haynes, Tom Rae, Ross King and Bill McCubbin was handed the top spot, followed by Iroquois #5, Glen Adams, Rick Sayeau, Jeremy Adams and Bobby Sayeau in second, Prescott #1, Bob Juby, Tim Gonczowski, Tom Coville and Peter Bissonette in third and Iroquois #7, Bill Hutt, Ron Bradford, Gary Bradford and Duane Kirker in fourth.

Prescott #6 was not as fortunate in the playoffs, as it yielded the way for Iroquois #5 Glen Adams, Rick Sayeau, Jeremy Adams and Bobby Sayeau to take the top spot, followed by Prescott #6 Haynes, Rae, King and J.P. Pidgeon in second, Prescott #1, Juby, Gonczowski, Coville and Bissonette in third and Cardinal
#4 Wayne Bellinger, Jerry Carr, Barry Esson and Tim Yandeau in fourth.

The high finish of the season was awarded to Jeremy Adams with a score of 121; Glen Adams, with a score of 120, receiving an award as runner-up.

Rae had the high score of the season with a 177, while Glen Adams and Bissonette tied for runner-up honours with scores of 174.

Rae also was awarded the trophy for the most games won with 105, followed by runner-up Haynes with 93.

The league also received 15 perfect scores of 180 throughout the season, led by Rae with six, Coville with two, Juby, Bellinger, Ron Bradford, Jerry Carr, Glen Adams, Gonczowski and Yandeau.

The Jim Vaughan Memorial trophy for the most sportsmanlike player was awarded to Glen Adams and Bellinger.

The league also donated dart boards to the Legion branches in Prescott, Cardinal and Iroquois for their hospitality all season.

The 2004-05 league executive was announced, with Kirker filling the role of chairman, Glen Adams as treasurer, Gonczowski as recording secretary, Barry Esson as the Cardinal Legion representative, Gary Bradford as the Iroquois Legion representative and Haynes as the Prescott representative.

Islanders finish second at weekend hockey tournament

CARDINAL - The Cardinal-based St. Lawrence Islanders minor peewee AAA regional summer hockey team had a strong weekend, finishing second in its first tournament of the season.

In their first game, the Islanders came up short in a 2-1 loss to the St. Lawrence Thunder in a very fast-paced game. The line of Cody Johnson, Jesse Zannuta and Michael Karam had a strong game, but it was Mitchel Chartrand who scored the lone Islanders' goal, while Mike Prosper added an assist. Islanders' goaltender Robert Nault played well in net and was awarded the team's hustler award.

In its second game, the Islanders managed a 3-2 win over the Upper Valley Vipers after Eric Morotti found the net late in the third period to break the 2-2 tie. The game was a spirited affair with both teams surrendering a lot of power play opportunities. Zanutta and Johnson scored for St. Lawrence, while Chartrand, Prosper and Johnson chipped in with assists. Islanders goaltender Taylor Warren was strong in goal in the win.

The Islanders' third game against the Montreal Ice Storm was cancelled, and the Islanders then played a re-match with the Vipers. St. Lawrence picked
up where it left off scoring
a 4-2 win over Upper
Valley. Islanders goals came from Karam, Chartrand, Morotti and Johnson, while Scott Forbes, Prosper,
Curtis Van Allen, Morotti, Chartrand, Quinton Potter, Colin Halladay and Zanutta added assists.

The Islanders will play in their second AAA summer hockey tournament of the season May 8 in Kingston.

Midget Blues finish tourney in final four

KINGSTON - The Brockville Blues midget boys regional basketball team managed its best showing of the season by narrowly missing an appearance in the finals of the Kingston tournament.

Coach John Doran continued to show his excitement from the strong showing of the Blues.

"We made the final four," said Doran. "It was our best showing so far. They were some really low scoring games and our defence really kept us in it. We ended up losing to a strong Kanata team in the semi-final. It shows our progression on the season."

Doran was quick to credit his team for its balanced play.

"We played four games and there were different guys in different games who stepped up for us," said Doran. "(Jordan) Latham, who is one of our better players was pretty consistent throughout, but really it was an all round team effort."

South Grenville District High School student and Blues player Nathaniel Hayes added, "It wasn't too bad at all. The defence we used (a two-three zone) we hadn't practiced all year so we didn't really expect it at all. It seemed to really slow down the other team's offence."

The Blues started the tournament on a sour note, falling 53-36 in a lackluster effort Friday against the Goulbourn Hornets. The loss would put the Blues in a position where they needed to win two games on Saturday to advance to the semi-final.

On Saturday, the Blues opened up the day with a decisive 69-49 win over the Kingston Rebels. Tim Millar, Brett Publow and John McFall shot strong in the first quarter helping the Blues to an early 23-9 lead. The Blues built on the lead with inspired defence from Mike Flynn and a strong offensive output from Jordan Latham and Graham Young, who finished the game with 12 points apiece.

In the final game of the round-robin, the Blues battled the defending champion L&A Guardsmen and came away with 53-29 win. The Blues put on a stellar defensive showing holding the Guardsmen scoreless in the first quarter to take an 11-0 lead into the second quarter, before continuing their defensive effort holding the Guardsmen to less than 30 points. Matt Locke and Paul Deschiffart played strong games in the post to keep the Guardsmen in check, while Young and Millar managed to create turnovers to fuel the transition game. Latham led the Blues with 13 points, followed by McFall with 11 including a trio of three pointers.

In their final four semi-final match-up, the Blues dropped a 53-41 decision to the Kanata Cavaliers. The Blues started the game strong, jumping out to an early 16-10 lead in the second quarter, before failing to convert on a series of free-throw attempts in the second and third quarter. Latham led the Blues with 16 points, while Parsons had a good showing running the break for eight points on the game.

The players were happy with the team's continued improvement on the season.

"Going into the season, I don't think there were very high expectations," said Hayes, "but this is probably the best midget Blues records in our short history."

The Blues will take part in a mini-tournament at St. Mary Catholic High School in Brockville Thursday, April 29 starting at 5 pm. The Blues will play against Perth and Port Hope.

Fundraiser for Jr. B Rangers on Saturday

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers are
trying to get things started
right as they will be
participating in a team
fundraiser Saturday, May 1 at the Cardinal and District Community Centre.

Penalty Shotz Sports Bar and 730 Truck Stop are putting on the event for the Rangers, with all proceeds from the event going to the Rangers.

The game will feature the Rangers taking on the Bulldog Old Tymers local team at 2 pm, with numerous door prizes awarded between periods and a 50/50 draw at Penalty Shotz at 6 pm.

Domville minor league seeking bantam boys to play ball

DOMVILLE - The Domville minor ball league is still searching for players to round out its rosters for the 2004 season.

The bantam boys team, which consists of boys aged 14 and 15, still needs players to fill up their roster.

The team will play at the Domville ball diamonds and face off against other regional teams in Spencerville, Roebuck, North Augusta and Algonquin.

Come out and get active for the summer and play some ball for Domville, which has a long standing tradition in the region.

Anyone interested in playing ball in Domville should contact Charlie Murray at 348-3763.

GCC and SGDHS co-hosting track meet today in Maitland

MAITLAND - South Grenville District High School and Grenville Christian College are hosting the Giant-Lion Track and Field Invitational meet today (Wednesday, April 28) at GCC.

Events will start at 9 am and run until 6:30 pm with an awards presentation to be held at 7 pm.

The day's individual events will kick off with the open boys 2,000-metre steeplechase and the open girls 1,500-metre steeplechase at 9 am, with the relay competitions beginning at 5:20 pm.

Come out and support South Grenville's athletes as they look to bring home some hardware from their host meet.

CFGC hosting annual pike derby this weekend at Legion

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Fish and Game Club (CFGC) is preparing to hold its annual pike derby this weekend.

The two-day derby will run Saturday and Sunday with cash prizes awarded to the top five finishers. First place will receive $100, followed by $75 for second, $50 for third, $30 for fourth and $25 for fifth.

Two weigh-in sessions will be held each day from 11:30 am-noon and from 7:30 until 8 pm at the Cardinal Legion boat ramp.

Take advantage of the warmer weather to get active in the outdoors.

For more information on the derby or the CFGC activities, contact John Dugan Sr. at 657-1081.

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