VOL. 174, NO. 35~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ September 1 2004

Today marks end of an era

By Tim Ruhnke , Journal Editor

Prescott Police Service, town dispatch sign off to make way for OPP

PRESCOTT - As of 7 o'clock this morning, the Ontario Provincial Police were on duty in Prescott.

The switch to OPP marks the end of the Prescott Police Service and the municipal dispatch system that served several emergency response, public works and utility services in the town.

Constable Rob Prophet and dispatcher Joe Scott were scheduled to work the final shift before the transition to OPP and alternate dispatch service for the Prescott Fire Department.

An official OPP swearing-in ceremony will be held tonight at 7 pm at the Prescott Legion. The ceremony will be followed by a reception and is open to the public.

Prescott becomes a separate patrol zone with Grenville County detachment operations based at the OPP office just south of Highway 401.

As of today, there is to be a message on the Prescott police dispatch telephone number (925-4252) advising callers to dial 9-1-1 if it is an emergency. For more important non-emergency calls to the OPP, dial 1-888-310-1122. To speak to someone at the Prescott detachment during office hours, call 925-4221.

As of later today, fire dispatch in Prescott will be provided by the Brockville Fire Department. The main entrance to the police/fire building at the corner of Centre and Henry streets is now closed to the public.

For Prescott Police Chief Bryan Somerville, the full effect of the changes taking place "hasn't hit me yet," he told The Journal Monday.

Somerville joined the municipal department in 1974, serving as constable and then sergeant. He was appointed acting chief in 2002 when Rick Bowie retired.

At the time, Somerville did not expect he would be staying on as chief for more than two years; however, the disbandment process faced delays and a court hearing before town council agreed last month to authorize the mayor and CAO to sign an OPP contract.

The chief acknowledged the prolonged disbandment process took its toll on the department. In addition to day-to-day operations and personnel matters, there was the uncertainty over when the outcome of the process and the fact several people would be losing their jobs

"It's been real tough," said Somerville, who credited staff ­ particularly dispatchers ­ for maintaining professionalism in face of the ongoing uncertainty.

"They didn't have to stick it out, but they did."

Somerville will be a community sergeant with the OPP based in Prescott. Six of the other nine Prescott officers have also made the switch to the OPP. Two have retired, and the other ­ Constable Darren Davis ­ was not hired by the OPP.

Somerville said he could not comment on the hiring issue involving Davis. However, the chief noted he has nothing negative to say about the constable's performance as a member of the Prescott service. "He's been an excellent officer for us," Somerville added.

As the chief prepared to make the move north on Edward Street, he never though he would be there to see the end of the Prescott Police Service. "Never in my wildest dreams," he remarked.

When asked how history would judge the decision to make the switch to OPP, Somerville said "time will tell."

Bank to make permanent withdrawal from Cardinal

By David Dickenson - Journal Staff Writer

TD Canada Trust plans to close its location in village next March

CARDINAL - The only bank in Cardinal, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, will be closing in March.

The TD Canada Trust announced it would be merging its Cardinal sub-branch into the Prescott branch effective March 18, 2005.

According to TD Canada Trust spokesperson Jeff Keay, the merger announcement was made to staff of the Prescott and Cardinal branches Monday, Aug. 23 with few if any jobs to be affected.

Keay was quick to state the bank will be keeping its customers in the loop as to how they will be affected by the merger.

"We usually mail out a package notifying our customers and we will be doing that on Sept. 10," said Keay.

"Also, we have scheduled a public meeting for our customers from 6 pm until 8 pm on Oct. 12 at the Cardinal Legion."

Keay indicated the state of the old building as well as declining (foot) traffic in the branch as key reasons for the merger.

"Basically, we found the traffic at the branch isn't that high and the trend has been going downward," said Keay.

"Also, the building is getting older and is in need of repair and rather than keeping the Cardinal branch we are going to merge it into Prescott and offer expanded hours."

Keay indicated the bank recognizes the concerns of the people of the village, which consists of a largely senior citizen base, and will hope to alleviate some of the concerns.

"We recognize the inconvenience it will be to travel 15 kilometres to the Prescott branch and hope to deal with our customers individually to address their concerns," explained Keay.

"For those who have transportation problems, we hope to make them aware of our telephone and Internet banking services. Also, we want to look at an informal role, possibly establishing a car pool."

For the Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal Business Association (E/CBA), the announcement of the closure comes as another bump in the road for the village.

"This is very sad for a community this size with this level of industry not to have a bank," said E/CBA Secretary/Treasurer Marj Kempffer. "We're terribly disappointed they (the bank) haven't given us a heads-up. Now it's our goal as the business association to actively pursue getting another bank here in town."

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Mayor Peggy Taylor told The Journal Thursday the announcement of the closure of the Cardinal branch came as a surprise to her.

"I really have no new information for you," said Taylor. "I just heard about this and we're trying to network to see what we can do. There are a lot of seniors that aren't able to get to Prescott, and this will be a big inconvenience to them."

Fort remains open;job action continues

PRESCOTT - There does not appear to be an end in sight to the labour dispute involving Parks Canada Agency and its sites, including Fort Wellington in Prescott.

Job action being taken by about 4,800 Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) members who work for Parks Canada was launched about three weeks ago. National historic sites in Ontario such as Fort Wellington have been hit by rotating strikes.

Five unionized workers at Fort Wellington have spent three days on the picket line, the most recent of which took place Monday.

Fort Wellington ­ a major tourist attraction in the South Grenville area ­ has been open to the public on the days there was a local picket line. Summer students who do not belong to the union have reported to work on those strike days. However, the students are now returning to school as the academic year is about to begin.

John Coleman, president of the PSAC local that includes Fort Wellington, told The Journal Tuesday he had not heard of anything with respect to the possibility of new talks between the union and Parks Canada. "My expectation is the rotating (strikes) will continue," he said.

Coleman said local PSAC members have been willing to be on the picket line and are showing a high level of commitment to what the union is trying to do.

Parks Canada spokesperson Doug Stewart could not be reached for comment at press time.

THIS WEEK

Prepare for the fair

See the special section in this week's Prescott Journal for information on the 149th edition of the Spencerville Fair which will be held next week.

Start making plans to visit the Biggest Class "A" Fair in Eastern Ontario.

Offices, banks, stores are closed Labour Day

PRESCOTT - The offices of The Prescott Journal and St. Lawrence Printing will be closed Monday, Sept. 6 to observe Labour Day.

The deadline for classified and display advertising in the Sept. 8 edition of The Journal is this Friday, Sept. 3 at 5 pm.

Government offices, banks and most retailers will also be closed Monday. There will be no Canada Post service on Labour Day.

Students, school buses will be back on the road

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Students will be heading back to school next Tuesday, Sept. 7, something Grenville County OPP would like motorists to keep in mind.

Drivers are being asked to be careful next week when approaching youngsters who are returning to school after the summer break.

Motorists are also reminded school buses will soon be back in operation.

In addition to safety considerations, drivers who do not stop for school buses that are picking up or dropping off students face fines of $500 and six demerit points .

Prescott beach ending year with passing grade

PRESCOTT ­ Kelly's Beach has been given another passing grade by the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.

Water samples tested last week were found to have acceptable bacteria levels, the health unit reported Thursday. Samples were taken from the public beach in Prescott and tested each week in July and August.

To view the complete list of other beaches in the tri-county area and their status, visit www.healthunit.org.

Falcons take one-year leave of absence from senior league

By David Dickenson , Journal Staff Writer

Regional hockey team played its home games in Prescott

PRESCOTT - The Prescott-based St. Lawrence Falcons Sr. A hockey team has officially been grounded for the year.

According to Eastern Ontario Senior A Hockey League Chairman Dick Woods, the league has confirmed a request for a one-year leave of absence for the Falcons franchise.

"They have asked the league for a leave," said Woods. "Now (current owner) Greg (Simpson) has to apply to the OHA (Ontario Hockey Association) for a leave of absence, but that shouldn't be a problem since our league has already approved it."

Woods indicated the league is unsure whether the team has been sold yet, but they are under impression the Falcons will be rejoining the league for the 2005-06 season.

Simpson indicated he had been in negotiations to sell the team to one of three perspective buyers (including two local groups), before running out of time to get a deal finalized. "We were trying to sell the team, but just ran out of time," said Simpson.

"We've opted to take the year off and regroup to put together a much stronger organization. I think we need a stronger group and more people running it."

Simpson indicated the team was still on the market, with the hopes to have the team remain in Prescott for a return next year.

"We're still looking at selling part or all of the team depending on the group," said Simpson.

"There was a group we chatted with before, but we just couldn't get a deal done fast enough. Really, I'm not looking to pocket from this deal, I'm ready to let the club go if someone is willing to come over and take on the debts."

Simpson explained the thought of the Falcons taking a year off comes with mixed emotions.

"I'm sorry Prescott and all the businesses and fans who supported us won't get a chance to see a good Senior A team here this year," said Simpson, "but it's nice to have the time to get things going and stop the snowball effect from some of the problems we ran into this year."

Simpson indicated a small group of the players from last year's team such as Tyler Dukelow, Karl Herbison, Chris McCann, Dewight Merkeley, Jason Hawkins and Kevin Spero will be continuing to play Senior A hockey, travelling to Kingston to suit up for the Aces.

Key party members line up behind Tory

EASTERN ONTARIO - John Tory's bid to become the next leader of the Progressive Conservative (PC) Party of Ontario is being backed by some high-level Tories in this region.

A news release issued by the Tory campaign Thursday states 57 "key" Eastern Ontario party members - including Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman ­ have declared their support for him. The party will select a successor to Ernie Eves later this month.

Runciman weighed in by stating "I have known John for over 20 years and he has a well-earned reputation for integrity that will contrast well with the promise-breaking record of (Liberal Premier) Dalton McGuinty in the next provincial election where trust will be an important issue."

The list of Tory supporters from the region includes nine current and former MPPs and MPs. Among the other "key" party members identified in the release as being supporters of Tory is former Prescott mayor Sandra Lawn and former federal Leeds-Grenville PC candidate John Johnston.

The other two leadership candidates are Jim Flaherty and Frank Klees.

Tournament raises $42,000 for cancer research

BROCKVILLE ­ The sixth annual golf tournament for prostate cancer research in Eastern Ontario raised about $42,000.

The tournament was held Friday at the Highland Golf Club. Of special note was a hole-in-one shot by Chris Hall of Brockville, who won $25,000 for shooting the ace.

CJOH news anchor Max Keeping attended the dinner that evening and has agreed to be the regional tournament's honourary chairman, according to organizers.

Proceeds from the tournament are shared equally between cancer centres in Ottawa and Kingston. More than $195,000 has been raised in the event's six-year history.

Next year's tournament will take place Friday, Aug. 26.

New South Grenville principal excited about being part of team

By David Dickenson - Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - A sense of teamwork and community are of utmost importance for the new principal of South Grenville District High School.

Ted Whiteland, who comes to South Grenville after spending the past year in Toronto as president of the Ontario Principals' Council, has been impressed with what he has seen at the school since coming aboard this summer.

"This school has an excellent reputation here as a composite high school," said Whiteland. "The needs of the students come from every aspect of the continuum. We have a good staff here that run a whole range of activities here and that's great; I like a busy school."

Whiteland expects the mix of energy and enthusiasm from both new and returning staff will help provide the students with whatever they need to be successful in the future.

"My approach I guess you could consider the golden rule," said Whiteland. "I want everyone to work together as a team. We want every adult in the school to be important to them (the students) regardless of position. We want our first year custodian to get the same respect as our veteran teacher."

For Whiteland, he takes the role of principal with a veteran's presence as he is entering his 34th year in teaching including 23 years as a principal, while entering his first stint at a secondary school.

"I've talked with (outgoing principal) Brenda (Ramsay) and we had a very good entry process for me, where we went through things that had to be done," said Whiteland. "I'm really excited to get the year started; for me it's still like it's my first year on the job. I've already met a few students and I'm looking forward to meeting the rest of the kids."

The new principal has the philosophy of the group being stronger as a whole than individually, and seeks to implement it within the school and community as a whole.

"We want the community to think of us as their school," said Whiteland. "This school isn't just about the teachers or the sports, but also the services we can help offer. We want to continue our programs like co-op which have seen a lot of support from the community. We want everyone to think of this school as a community-based facility."

Through his duties on the Ontario Principals' Council, Whiteland has been able to visit a lot of educational facilities; however he is excited with what he has to work with in Prescott.

"Prescott is a really well-kept secret," explained the new principal. "I've been to a lot of schools across the province, and South Grenville takes second fiddle to nobody."

Whiteland hopes to be an active member of the community representing the school and takes the role very seriously.

"I'm past-president of the Rotary Club in Brockville," said Whiteland. "It's a role where you serve others before yourself like a teacher does and that has helped to guide me as a principal."

Whiteland was born and raised in Brockville, but brings with him a connection to the Fort Town having played for Prescott's Connie Mack League baseball team under the tutelage of local legend Chick Kirkby.

North Augusta ready for annual Labour Day weekend festivities

By Blake McKim - Journal Staff Writer

NORTH AUGUSTA - The 73rd annual Labourfest celebration in North Augusta promises to offer something for everyone from tiny tykes to senior citizens - and wannabe female impersonators, too.

One of many new activities to be held at Labourfest 2004 is a female impersonation contest to be held this Saturday, Sept. 4 at 8 pm. "One of the organizers heard that female impersonator contests are all the rage down east so we decided to give it a try." said Catherine McMullen, one of North Augusta Labourfest's organizers.

Prizes for "Miss Labour Day 2004" and "Miss Congeniality" will be given out after the contest to be held at the Bavarian gardens.

The North Augusta education and recreation/labour day committee has planned this year's Labourfest to offer a wide scope of activities for every age range. "One thing we tried to do this year is have more activities for the kids and teenagers," said McMullen.

Saturday afternoon will bring children's entertainment in the community hall from children's clown Linda Eckert, as well as storyteller Don Baine. On Sunday there is a craft afternoon in the community hall and on Monday, kids will be able to get their faces painted and make various crafts at the kids tent at the festival. Throughout the festival, pony rides and a blow-up castle will also be available for children. For teenagers this year, Labourfest has a skateboard demonstration from Revolution Skateboard Shop and volleyball and basketball.

McMullen believes North Augusta's Labourfest serves a very important purpose in the community "I see it as a time for everyone to get together and have a good time before kids go back to school," she said. "The festival has a long tradition here."

Labourfest 2004 activities are happening Friday through Monday. Among the slate of activities at the festival are the ever-popular Bavarian gardens held throughout the weekend beside the fire hall, a mixed slo-pitch tournament starting on Friday, an old timers fastball tournament on Sunday morning and a car rally being held Sunday afternoon. Instructions on registering for these events can be picked up at Finucan's Store, Riopelle's Convenience Store, Frank's Restaurant and North Augusta Dairy Bar in the village.

The festival's flagship parade kicks off at 12 noon Monday. CJOH anchorman Max Keeping will be the special guest of the parade. "I just sent him an e-mail, and he said he'd be honoured to come," said McMullen. She adds all parade participants must show up to the soccer fields in North Augusta at least a half-hour before the parade's starting time.

Labourfest also features a full slate of entertainment for people of all ages. Saturday will feature music by Healy & Orr at the Bavarian gardens. On Sunday, there will be Irish music by Slainte and Patrick Donnelly starting at 1:30 pm in the Bavarian gardens.

For more information about North Augusta's Labourfest, please consult the events listing in this edition of The Journal.

Collision claims life of Augusta youth

AUGUSTA - A 17-year-old Augusta Township resident died from injuries he sustained in a collision between a tractor and a car last Wednesday morning.

Matthew Ashby of RR#2 Prescott was operating an International 414 tractor that was travelling southbound on Blue Church Road at about 8:30 am. The tractor was crossing County Road 26 (3rd Concession) when it was struck by an eastbound 1993 Oldsmobile sedan driven by Joshua Dufresne, 22, of Prescott.

The car struck the right side of the tractor and pushed it across the intersection. Ashby was pinned under the tractor; workers at the nearby Brockville Truck Repair and Maintenance shop were able to lift the tractor as emergency personnel arrived.

Ashby was taken by air ambulance to the Civic campus of the Ottawa Hospital where he died that night. Dufresne sustained minor injuries in the crash and was taken by ambulance to Brockville General Hospital.

No charges were laid. Stop signs are posted on Blue Church Road but not on County Road 26 at the intersection.

Constable Kemp of Grenville County OPP is the investigating officer.

A funeral service for Matthew Ashby was held Monday morning at St. John's Anglican Church in Prescott. He is survived by his parents, a brother and sister, two sets of grandparents and an aunt, several uncles and cousins.

United Way about to launch 2004 campaign

BROCKVILLE - The United Way of Leeds and Grenville will be kicking off its 2004 campaign at a breakfast event Friday, Sept. 10 from 7:30 to 9 am at C.J.'s Dining Hall.

The buffet breakfast marks the beginning of the 47th annual fundraising campaign. The 2003 drive raised more than $761,000; the goal had been $750,000.

For more information, contact the United Way office at 342-8889.

Set sail for the Islands

The United Way Colours of Autumn Boat Cruise will set sail from Gananoque Boat Lines in Gananoque on the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 26.

The three-hour excursion to see the fall colours along the St. Lawrence River does not include a stop at Boldt Castle.

Cruise tickets are available at Doyle's on King Street in Prescott or at the United Way office in Brockville.

Travel information centre reports more visitors in July and August

By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor

JOHNSTOWN - Although things appeared to be picking up as the 2004 summer tourism season was nearing an end, the numbers remained lower than what had been reported to be the norm several years ago.

Sandra Robertson, manager of the Ontario Travel Information Centre in Johnstown, told The Journal last week the number of visitors was on the rise in July and August.

This followed a May and June that were down from 2003, the year in which worldwide publicity over the SARS crisis in Toronto kept many tourists away from Ontario.

The travel centre offers a range of services to tourists and local residents. In addition to obtaining Ontario road maps, visitors have access to brochures and information on tourist destinations throughout the province.

Inconsistent weather did not help the beginning of this year's travel season, according to Robertson. "June was a really cold, rainy month," she said.

Robertson noted many Europeans usually visit the region in the spring, but that was not the case this year. There was an increased European presence at the visitor centre in July and August.

Robertson also reported a lot of Quebecers have visited the centre this summer, adding there has also been a high number of Ontarians stopping at the provincial centre in Johnstown.

Overall, though, Robertson said local tourism is "...definitely not where things were in the early '90s."

Although the less than ideal weather conditions might be having a negative effect on tourism this summer, high gasoline prices is not something about which visitors to the provincial travel centre have been complaining. "We're Canadians. We pay what we pay," said Robertson.

From the standpoint of the travel centre, attendance might have been expected to take an even bigger jump this season. The four-lane Highway 16 outside the centre and the international bridge was under construction last summer.

The Ontario Travel Information Centre in Johnstown is open daily. For more information, call 925-3346.

Annual soap box derby returns to Spencerville

SPENCERVILLE - The Spencerville and District Optimist Club's annual soap box derby will be held Saturday, Sept. 18 on Goodin Road west of County Road 44.

The fun event is open to youngsters between the ages of eight and 16. The two race classes are kit cars and hobby cars (with wheel bearings). Special prizes for the best design and creativity shown in each class will be awarded. Prizes will be given to all racers.

To order a kit car, call Brian at 926-2792. For more information on the derby, call Sheila at 658-5290 or Germain at 658-2543.

All participants must wear safety helmets and have parental permission to enter.

The rain date is Sunday, Sept. 19.

College joins forces to offer employee development

BROCKVILLE - The Centre for Training and Development at St. Lawrence College has joined forces with Volition Alliance Group to offer employee development programs.

The two organizations have teamed up to provide what they are touting as comprehensive cutting-edge and fun programs customized to the needs of the employer, according to a joint news release.

Training can be conducted at the employer's place of business or at one of the college's sites in Brockville, Smiths Falls, Kingston and Ottawa. Sessions for as few as one employee can be arranged.

Highlights of the program include leadership, stress management, dealing with conflict and shift work, and strategic and financial planning.

"This partnership is exciting news that will enhance both businesses by providing our customers with the very best training available and at the same time provide provincial accreditation for all the courses and programs," stated David Ashton, training consultant with the college.

For more than 15 years, Volition Alliance Group has offered domestic and international corporate development and diverse training methods and a variety of programs and services.

For more information, call Volition Alliance (345-0805) or St. Lawrence College (345-0660, ext. 3317).

Kids can get into The Zone this week

PRESCOTT - Youngsters are in "The Zone" this week.

The five-day afternoon program at Seaway Christian Church began Monday (Aug. 30) and continues daily until this Friday, Sept. 3.

Children between the ages of seven and 11 will take part in games, crafts and other fun activities aimed at providing life lessons to participants as summer holidays draw to a close.

To sign up or for more information on The Zone, contact Carole Edmondson at 925-3438.

Seaway Christian Church is located on Churchill Road at Massie Drive (the three-way stop).

Kids learn healthy eating from you and the health unit

BROCKVILLE - If getting your children to eat healthy food is a constant struggle, the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville health unit has good news for you. They're starting a new program to allow parents and caregivers easy access to dietary advice.

Everyone knows kids eating habits can be far from ideal. However, fostering healthy eating habits from a young age is key, not only for optimal growth and development but also to decrease a child's likelihood of developing chronic diseases later in life.

"Children are our biggest fans, so when it comes to making food choices kids will follow our lead," says Julie Lenk, public health dietician with the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. "Providing healthy foods at home and at school can help kids establish and maintain healthy eating habits that last a lifetime."

The unit has recently spearheaded a media campaign to reinforce the importance of healthy eating for children and youth. This campaign involves a toll-free number which allows parents and caregivers the opportunity to speak with a registered dietician about nutrition and healthy eating.

If parents and caregivers would like information about healthy school lunch and snack ideas, nutrition and healthy eating tips for kids, and ideas on how to deal with picky eaters, they are invited to call the health unit's action line at 345-5685 and ask to speak with a registered dietician.

Seaway Ecumenical Group returns for breakfast meetings

PRESCOTT - The Seaway Ecumenical Group resumes its monthly meeting schedule later this month.

The next meeting is set for Saturday, Sept. 18 at St. Paul's United Church at the corner of George and Dibble streets.

The all-you-can-eat breakfast starts at 8 am. Admission can be paid at the door; all are welcome to attend.

The guest speaker will be Brockville General Hospital CEO Ray Marshall.

The ecumenical group's mission statement is to provide a forum for like-minded individuals for fellowship and to express Christian faith in the community.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"It's going to be an emotional time for me knowing it's all coming to an end."

Prescott dispatcher Joe Scott, commenting on his last shift this morning

Editor's Notebook

ONE LAST SALUTE: Earlier this morning, the Prescott Police Service became a thing of the past. As the dust settles on the prolonged and divisive process that led to this day, we welcome the Ontario Provincial Police and wish them well as they begin the task of protecting and serving residents of the Fort Town.

Most of the OPP officers who have been assigned to the Prescott patrol zone are former town police personnel or have served the Grenville County detachment and are familiar with this community. We hope this will continue to be the case for many years to come and that this town does not lose the core of its local police because of the switch to OPP.

Now that the transition is upon us, we must once again extend our appreciation to the men and women who have worked for the Prescott Police Service and the municipal dispatch system that have been eliminated as part of disbandment. Although it was not until recently that dispatchers were given their own uniforms, those civilians who have answered 9-1-1 calls and helped police, fire, ambulance, public works and utility personnel do their jobs should be recognized for the front-line duties they have performed over the years ­ often with little or no formal recognition or support from the community they have served. Dispatchers do much more than merely answer the telephone; their ability to handle what can be very difficult and life-threatening circumstances affecting callers, as well as provide effective communications among emergency response services, cannot be underestimated.

The Prescott Journal salutes the dispatchers and the current and former members of the Prescott Police Service ­ including those who are not joining the OPP ­ for their nearly 47 years of serving this community. The town has selected a different direction when it comes to policing, but we cannot and should not forget the path that helped us get to where we are today.

A FOOTNOTE: As the OPP begins its municipal contract in Prescott, there are still some residents who remain upset about council's decision to disband the town's police department. As much as there are still many legitimate concerns and unanswered questions to be addressed in the weeks and months ahead, the one thing to keep in mind is the front-line OPP officers who will now be working in town should not be the target of the residual anger and bitterness associated with the politics of changing service providers. All the officers in the Prescott patrol zone deserve our respect, whether they served in the municipal department or not.

Opponents of the switch can second-guess council's decision and monitor the effectiveness of the new service, but do not take out your frustration on the people who had no say in the decision and who are just trying to do their job.

Tim Ruhnke

When it comes to local industry, change is the only constant

BLAKE'S TAKES - Blake McKim

Not long ago, I attended the destruction of a historic area mill. It featured a nice ceremony and was attended by local politicians and history buffs. One local historical interpreter offered a glimpse into what the mill had once meant to the people of the village. It was the hub of industry of the small town, providing jobs for the townspeople and driving the local economy. And when it closed for good in 1933, people in the village thought they would never recover.

They did recover, of course. Some people had to move away, while others took unconventional jobs or trained for different vocations. The important thing is that people made do, weathered the storm, and held out for better times which actually came.

The situation those early residents found themselves in is not unlike the current circumstances here. South Grenville is an area in transition right now. One of our largest employers has been sold and is restructuring, shedding jobs and making existing workers uncertain about their future there. Other manufacturing facilities have left our area altogether, leaving lost jobs and vacant industrial facilities in their wake.

However, as bad as this situation may be for area workers and local governments who depend on the jobs and tax revenues manufacturing provides, it's not really a unique state of affairs. Not unique to South Grenville, not even unique to Ontario.

The reality is, manufacturing is slowly leaving North America. Take one look at the U.S. Job Report and you'll see the majority of jobs lost there in the last five years have been in the manufacturing sector. Job creation statistics in Canada show that only a small number of new job creations result from manufacturing industries.

In the new "global" economy, American and multinational companies find it's no longer cost-effective to locate in countries which have strict environmental regulations. They've found it's no longer in their best interest to locate where there are strong unions which have worked to increase the price of labour so that it's no longer makes financial sense for them to manufacture in North America.

But I digress. The point is, in the new economy something will come to fill the void left by manufacturing. What that something is, I'm not sure. And maybe some people in our area will have to move, take unconventional jobs, or train for different careers. Some may have to commute to jobs in Kingston or Ottawa. The point is people will get by - just like people weathered the Great Depression, the recession of the 1990s, and the high-tech meltdown of 2000-2001.

We Canadians are not racists ­ we are much too culturally elite for that

FROM THE OTHER SIDE - Jeffrey Morris

It's funny how you get more annoyed than scared when the airport terminal you are in gets evacuated because of a bomb scare.

That's how a recent trip started off at Dallas Fort Worth Airport. From there, it was on to San Francisco for a six-hour delay and then home ­ 12 hours later than scheduled.

You learn a lot about people, and a lot about our culture sitting there.

You also learn about tolerance ­ though I'm not sure I have any ­ as we watch random people, judge them and form our dismissive and stereotypical opinions.

It's not hard to sit there and look at everyone else and think, 'I am Canadian', which follows with thoughts of 'I'm more tolerant, I'm more acceptable world wide, I'm more cultured, more sophisticated, more worldly, more UN friendly, more likely not to violate the rules by putting both carry on bags in the overhead or to recline my seat jamming the knees of the person behind me into their spleen.'

For I am Canadian!

And what does that make me?

For one, a hypocrite.

Maybe a racist too. Though I have decided to use the term culturalist. We are as intolerant of people based on their class, political views, religious affiliations, favourite NHL team, whether they voted for Fantasia or Diana or Clay or Ruben, or whether or not they are smokers as we are intolerant of those of different races.

I sat with a couple on my flight from Stittsville, who had moved to Silicon Valley and were on their way to Seattle where they would set off on an Alaskan cruise.

As Americanized as I have become, they picked up on the Canadian accent right away and even pinned it down to the rural confines outside of Ottawa.

We talked, shared visa and immigration stories and talked of the places we had lived. I told them we lived in Frisco, Texas for five years and I do a lot of work down there and our family would love to go back.

They looked at me, puzzled.

"How could you stand it there?" the wife asked. "Isn't everybody there like a stupid, ignorant redneck cowboy?"

The husband nodded, and they looked at me for a response. I knew where they were going with this. Subtle but poignant.

"And why would you think that?" I replied.

They looked at each other, smirked, and just glared at me.

"Well, really, I mean, look at the President."

"Actually, it's not like that at all," I replied.

Their heads tilted slightly ­ in a dog-hears-masters-voice-in-the-RCA-ads way.

I described what life in Texas was like to them. I told them of the opportunities we had there, how our standard of living was so great, how the healthcare ­ gasp ­ was so much better than it was in Canada.

I decided to have some fun with them and yank their chains a bit.

"So who is your favourite politician of all time?" I asked.

"Trudeau," they both snapped, sharp with pride. I wasn't surprised, especially since the woman was French Canadian. And there are a lot of 50-somethings that loved and still love Trudeau.

"Well," I began, "Trudeau is French Canadian. How would you feel if I told you I'm surprised he lived as long as he did. Do you know what that gravy and cheese does to your heart? And what if I said it is so embarrassing for us as a nation when world leaders would visit and he would smoke in church."

They looked at me like I was an idiot.

"Then again, it could have been a lot worse," I said. "It could have been a German Canadian. Or better yet, some pasty emotionless Vulcan type from Finland. I would hate to see a Swedish Canadian Prime Minister. Hans Blix is Swedish you know. The only reason he couldn't find the weapons is because he's like all those other chicken Swedes ­ he wouldn't get into the corners and dig."

By this point, the couple was very irritated with me. She was looking out the window and had turned me off and dismissed me as a moron. He was desperately searching for something to read. Anything to hit the conversational eject button.

"Do you think I'm a racist?" I asked, leaning into their faces so they could not avoid me.

They weren't sure what to say. After all, racists talk about colour. I didn't bring up anything about African-Americans or Asians or Indians or Pakistanis or native Canadians.

"If I meant the things I just told you, I would be a racist. But I don't mean those things. I am just illustrating a point about stereotypes. There is no difference between racism and the things I just told you about French Canadians, or Fins, or Germans, or Swedes, or Russians who have to stand in line at a kiosk for toilet paper or Serbians or Croatians or Chinese or Japanese or the Belguiques."

They squirmed in discomfort that I would even dare bring these things up. It seemed so unCanadian

"So what is your point?" the man asked, wanting obvious closure to the discussion.

"My point is," I said, pausing for dramatic effect. "My point is that not all people in Texas are stupid redneck cowboys. You have stereotyped all Texans, and you are no better than a racist."

It made them think, though they weren't too pleased about it.

Just remember that our biggest weakness as a culture in Canada is our own lack of identity. We, as Canadians, are not what we try to portray ourselves as. When you scratch the surface of our pseudo-cultured worldliness and global tolerance, you see a beer commercial. You see a cottage, a curling rink, parents fighting at the community centre over their kids' playing time, you see a mad rush to the video store for the new Trailer Park Boys DVD, you see a cult following for Don Cherry and Stompin' Tom and a large double-double at Tim Hortons.

Who the hell are we to look down on or judge anyone?

You know, I never did get the name of that couple from Stittsville.

Then again, they never offered it.

Former editor Jeffrey Morris now works in sports licensing and marketing in Seattle. He is a regular columnist for ESPN.com and is also a weekly analyst and humourist on Fox Sports Radio. You can hear his weekly radio show, Inside the CFL, on www.footballology.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

There is no reason to silence train horns

The Editor;

When reading various articles regarding the issue of silencing train horns in Prescott, I was shocked to see a figure of in excess of 70 trains per day repeated from several different sources.

I live near the CN tracks in Johnstown (where all trains passing through Prescott also pass) and am an avid train fan, so these figures came as a shock. I didn't recall ever hearing that many trains in a single day, although I considered the possibility that I may have just become accustomed to the trains and therefore I might not have been correct.

I therefore wrote (rather e-mailed) CN, and received several pieces of information. According to CN, an average of 44 trains pass through Prescott on weekdays and 37 on weekends and holidays. Of those, 14 are VIA Rail Canada passenger trains and the rest are CN freights. Each train issues a --0- (that stands for a long, long, short, long horn sequence) which is required in CN CROR (Canadian Rail Operating Rules) law 14L. CN was unable to give an explanation for the sounding at the overpass for CN trains, though for VIA trains it would be due to the proximity of the two crossings.

Each horn on modern third generation diesels has a volume of 111 decibels, which will not, as was suggested by a letter to the editor in The Prescott Journal, cause Prescott residents to go deaf unless they spend all their time next to the tracks as the train horns are blown. And also in regards to the letter writer's comments, Prescott will not become a ghost town due to the train horns, or it would have happened many years ago.

To be honest, the only people with any right to complain are those who live right next to the tracks who do become accustomed to the train horns over time, and will only really be kept up at night for the first couple of days. Occasionally, a horn may wake them up, but they will brush it off and fall back to sleep, knowing there is nothing to worry about.

And one final point: this is a safety issue, not a quality of life issue. If there were not safety issues involved, train horns would never be used. In all, I do not see any reason for the silencing of train horns in Prescott. Why not spend the money on something worthwhile that would actually improve the town?

Tim Hayman , RR#3 Prescott

Visit to Prescott paid off for man trying to dig up his family roots

The Editor;

I want to say a big thank you to some of the good folks of Prescott as well as share a bit of a detective story I am working on.

During the second week of July this year, my wife and I had occasion to visit your fair community for a few days on a genealogical quest.

I had learned through a few family connections and the Leeds & Grenville Genealogical Society that ancestors of mine were buried in the Sandy Hill Cemetery in Prescott.

John and Janet (Dow) McAuslan lived in a number of small villages around Glasgow, Scotland in the late 1700s and early 1800s, had married there and then came to Canada with their children, Andrew (my great, great grandfather) and his brother Robert. That is pretty well all I had knew since taking up searching the family tree in 1997. Then in 2001 while talking to a distant cousin Wray, I found out some details about the Eastern Ontario connection and the Sandy Hill Cemetery.

On the transcript of the stone I found a connection to two other brothers, William and Alexander. The next clue was that in the same plot were found the stones of George Fraser and his wife Elizabeth who I later found out was a McAuslan and their four children.

Through the help of the Prescott Library I was able to find out about the Historic home of George and Elizabeth Fraser on Dibble Street and to get a couple of pictures.

Through the help of the Land Records office I was able to get a copy of George's will which led me to the husbands of William's two daughters, Thomas Chambers who was living in Storrington, Frontenac County, and John Alexander Marquis living in St. Catharines.

Through the help of Tim Ruhnke at The Prescott Journal I was able to get a copy of the obituary of George and Elizabeth's son William McAuslan Fraser in 1915. It turned out that he had begun his trade as a printer at that very same establishment as a young man in the 1870s and '80s.

Through the help of Scott at the Historical Society I was able to get a little more history about the fort and the early days of the town.

Unfortunately, none of the Fraser children had children of their own, so my connection there ended in 1929 when the last one died. However, my search continues on as I try and track down information on the Chambers and Marquis families.

So I just wanted to say thanks to Tim and Scott and the volunteers at the Leeds & Grenville Genealogical Society for all their help in my windfall.

It was a great couple of days in Prescott.

Bill McAuslan, RR#2 Ilderton, Ontario

Good music, great setting

The Editor;

It's that time of year again to say "thanks" to the Town of Prescott and Norman Fortier for two months of concerts. What good music and entertainment in a fantastic setting!

Hope we can look forward to a repeat next summer!

Ken and Mary Hedges, Prescott

Cardinal Labourfest expected to be a long weekend full of fun

CARDINAL - Organizers are expecting a weekend full of fun and excitement at the 2004 Cardinal Labourfest.

The four-day festival which runs from this Friday, Sept. 3 until Monday, Sept. 6, will feature a weekend full of activities sure to provide entertainment for all ages.

Festival co-chair Nancy Toupin expects the event to once again be a fun way to close out the summer.

"I'm hoping everyone will come out and have a good time throughout the weekend," said Toupin. "There should be plenty to do for the family and lots of good food to try. It should be a lot of fun"

The weekend starts off Friday with Casco's CAW Local 483 holding its annual employees and retirees levee, with a dance to follow, which is open to the public.

On Saturday, there will be a beef barbecue and retro dance party that will also serve as the 25th reunion of the old Disco Ducks Youth Group at the Cardinal Legion.

Sunday will feature the annual Ride'n'Stride for Cancer at the Legion, which will be followed by the Labour Day Parade, children's and adult races and a barbecue.

See the full schedule of events in this week's Journal.

Disco Ducks ready to boogie the night away at reunion

CARDINAL - The old Disco Ducks youth group will be holding its 25th anniversary reunion and '70s and '80s retro dance this Saturday, Sept. 4 at the Legion as part of the Cardinal Labourfest activities.

The group was active in the community back in 1979, holding dances on Friday nights at the Cardinal Union Hall on a bi-weekly basis. The dances, which were deejayed by Greg Adams, drew an average of 120 people and never had less than 100 teens according to former group member Robin Sayeau.

One of the group's more memorable moments came with the 24-hour rock-a-thon at which the Disco Ducks sat in rocking chairs at the Cardinal Union Hall and rocked raising more than $400 to donate for a new Cardinal Swimming Pool.

The group also held a dance-a-thon that raised between $400-$500, which was used to fund group activities such as bus trips to youth dances in Prescott.

The Disco Ducks are inviting the public to come and help celebrate their 25th anniversary with the dance at the Cardinal Legion. Doors will open at 8 pm, with dancing from 9 pm until 1 am; retro music will be supplied by the Sound Express.

All proceeds from the dance will go back into the community through the Cardinal Community Festival Committee.

Sea Sharks hand out year-end awards

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Sea Sharks swim team handed out its annual awards Thursday at the Anglican Church Hall in Cardinal.

The Sharks, which are sponsored by the Cardinal and District Lions Club, had a successful season managing two first-place team finishes, one second-place finish and one third-place finish.

Notable awards include:

Top Swim-a-thon fundraiser: Audrey DeJong

Sportsmanship Award:

Emma Patrick

Dedication Award: McKenzie Gill

Stroke Trophies

Freestyle: Carrie Calhoun

Back crawl: Cody Adams

Breast stroke: Carley Sullivan

Butterfly: Audrey DeJong

Individual medley:

Brittney Myers

T.E.A.M. Trophies

Technique: Holly Alexander

Effort: Matthew Dishaw

Attitude: Brandon Peeler

Motivation: Katelind Biccum

T.E.A.M.: Erin Douesnard

Most Improved

Junior Boy: Danny Patrick

Junior Girl: Keisha Halladay

Senior Boy: Nathan Biccum

Senior Girl: Amanda Adams

Most Valuable

Junior Girl: Brittney Moore

Junior Boy: Bradlee Douesnard

Senior Girl: Amanda Smith

Senior Boy: Danny Calhoun

Business meeting

CARDINAL - The next meeting of the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Business Association will be held Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 7 pm.

The meeting will be held at Cardinal Power of Canada on 170 Henry St. and will include a tour of the plant following the meeting. The agenda will include discussion on action in response to the announcement TD Canada Trust will close its Cardinal branch in March 2005.

ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE NEWS

Spraypainters mark their spot

CARDINAL - Three structures in Cardinal were spraypainted this past weekend.

Sacred Heart Church, its parish centre and the TD Canada Trust Bank were hit sometime Saturday or early Sunday morning.

The church had the words "Dirt McGirt" painted in yellow on the east side of the building; "Cracker" was painted in black at the parish hall. Profanity was sprayed in yellow at the bank.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable McDade at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Items removed from parked vehicles

CARDINAL - Grenville County OPP are investigating a pair of thefts from vehicles.

On Aug. 23, someone reported a theft from his vehicle that had been parked in front of a church on Dundas Street. The vehicle had been left unattended for about 30 minutes, during which time someone entered the unlocked vehicle and took lawnmower blades and a battery from the back seat. Sergeant Bisson is investigating.

The next day, there was a report of a theft from a Chevy Suburban parked above the cottages in the west end of the village. A sum of American money was taken from the locked vehicle sometime during the previous two days. The vehicle sustained minimal damage, according to police.

The investigating officer is Constable Large.

Bicycle stolen early in the morning

CARDINAL - A 10-speed men's bike was reported stolen from outside the apartment complex on Helen Street.

It is believed the theft took place sometime between 5 am and noon Saturday. The red Pro-Tour had been left on the north side of the complex.

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

Community service for shingle removers

CARDINAL - Five youths who had been damaging roof shingles and throwing them around in the park by the Cardinal Legion Aug. 27 are being dealt with by OPP Constable Large.

By way of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the suspects were taken to their parents. Large is organizing community service for the youths to perform as an alternative to laying charges.

Township might choose to scrap garage sale bylaw

CARDINAL - The proposed unified garage sale bylaw looks to be going back to the drawing board following a public meeting held prior to last Wednesday's committee-of-the-whole meeting in Cardinal.

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Mayor Peggy Taylor indicated there were a lot of good points made at the public meeting, and feedback received will make council take a second look at the bylaw.

"The focus is to let the public tell us what their thoughts on the proposed bylaw and to come forward with their thoughts," Taylor said.

The mayor indicated with 15-20 people in attendance, the audience really let township officials know of their concerns.

"Mr. Lionel Davy made some really good points there," said Taylor.

"The end result has us looking at going with no garage sale bylaw across the entire township."

Taylor explained the discussion on a unified garage sale bylaw across the township, which would have limited each resident to two garage sales a year, came as a result of complaints about perpetual garage sales in the former village of Cardinal, which had no garage sale bylaw and complaints about not allowing enough garage sales in the former township of Edwardsburgh.

Taylor indicated after all the public input and discussion at the committee-of-the-whole meeting, the recommendation was for there to be no bylaw to regulate garage sales across the township.

First reading of the bylaw is expected at the next council meeting to be held Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 pm at the township hall in Spencerville.

Gord Brown takes issue with remarks of MP

LEEDS-GRENVILLE - Recent comments by an outspoken Liberal MP will not help efforts to open the American border to Canadian beef, according to Leeds-Grenville MP Gord Brown.

It was reported last week Mississauga-Erindale MP Carolyn Parrish had stated the United States and countries that support its missile defence plan are idiots. Parrish has become well-known for remarks deemed by some to be anti-American.

"It would be a good idea for Parrish to think before she speaks," Brown stated in a news release.

The Progressive Conservative MP acknowledged Parrish has a right to have an express an opinion, but added "...she should consider that how she expresses herself can have an impact on other Canadians."

Brown noted he has met with caucus members and people in the cattle industry in Leeds-Grenville to deal with the crisis caused by the fact the border remains closed to Canadian exports in response to last year's reported case of SARS (mad cow disease) on the Prairies.

"Having Parrish on U.S. airwaves insulting residents of that country really isn't helpful," he stated.

Brown also expressed his disappointment neither Prime Minister Paul Martin nor Defence Minister Bill Graham admonished their Liberal colleague for her remarks.

"Paul Martin sure looks and sounds like Jean Chrétien these days, and that's not good news for anyone."

Ad and sales club marks 30 years

BROCKVILLE - The first meeting of the Greater Brockville Ad and Sales Club's 2004-2005 season will take place Wednesday, Sept. 15 at the Brockville Country Club.

The social hour will be from 5:30 to 6:20 pm, followed by dinner at 6:30 pm. The guest speaker will be James Allan, author of Street Hockey Millionaire. The book uses hockey metaphors to demonstrate how easy and fun financial planning can be.

The 30th anniversary of the club will be marked at the Sept. 15 meeting. The club, which meets one evening per month at the country club, was founded to promote professionalism and networking (with emphasis on sales and marketing) among business people in the Brockville area.

Anyone who would like to attend can contact President Wayne Thornhill at 498-0305.

Sign up now for pageant

SPENCERVILLE - Time has almost run out to enter this year's Spencerville Fair Ambassador Pageant.

To be eligible for the ambassador (formerly known as the queen) competition, female and male contestants must be at least 18 years old and from Grenville County.

To register or for more information on the ambassador pageant, call Paula Carmichael at 658-5258 as soon as possible.

The pageant will take place Friday night (Sept. 10) at the Edwardsburgh Community Centre.

Patterson and Bernier capture PGC championship

PRESCOTT - Phil Patterson made it four in a row Sunday as he captured another club championship at the Prescott Golf Club.

Patterson continued tradition of dominance, winning his seventh Prescott Golf Club championship in ten years after shooting six under par last weekend.

The men's champion shot rounds of 66 and 68 for a two-day total of 134, 10 shots ahead of his next closest competitor.

"It's always a challenge to come and play better than the rest of the field," said Patterson, who has now won seven club titles in the last 10 years.

"It's still a pleasure to be called club champion of Prescott," he added.

Patterson acknowledged there is banter and examples of rivalry in the days leading up to the annual championships. For example, someone parked in the space reserved for Patterson as club champ. Jabs like that go with the territory, he noted.

Patterson is hopeful he and Brockville club champ Jeff Ferguson can go to Canadian championship for club champions to be held next spring in Sault Ste. Marie.

Paul Darby won the men's B flight championship by two strokes over Todd Bertrand with a 159.

Paul Doucet shot a 175 for the Men's C flight title, while Gerry Sheffield won the Men's D flight with a 194.

Chris Glashan finished third in the hunt for the championship with a 149.

Ladies champion

Betty Bernier was crowned the women's champion after shooting an 86 Saturday and 84 Sunday for a low gross of 170 to beat Diane Throop by a single stroke. Barb Sayeau was a close third with a low gross of 173, while Lorna Robertson was fourth with a 175.

Sheila Bush won the women's B flight with a low gross of 194, edging out Erin McLean by one stroke. Norma Martineau finished third at 197.

Suzanne Johnston won the women's C flight with a score of 206, followed by Joan Graham with 209 and Joan Salmon at 211.

Jean Randall captured the women's D flight with a 219, followed by Bess Watt with 234 and Marilee Taylor at 235.

Seniors champion

Jack Edmunds was crowned
the senior champion shooting 148 in the two days. Sam Lamacchia was second edging Bob Stoppa
by one stoke with a low gross of 156.

Ed Laviolette was the senior's B flight champion after shooting a 159, followed by Ed Henry with a 166 and Fred Duncan with a 168.

Al Roberts shot a 175 for the senior's C flight title, followed by Al Duffield with 180 and Bob Kimmerly with 185.

Junior champion

Braeden Miller was crowned the club's junior champion after shooting a low gross of 159, three shots ahead of his nearest competitor Mark Wyatt.

Bantam champion

Evan Modler won the club's bantam championship (14 and under) after scoring a low gross of 173. Todd Kirkey finished second with a score of 180, while Kyle Lavery finished third with 183.

Provincial baseball championships this weekend in Prescott

By David Dickenson - Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - The Fort Town is preparing to host some of the province's best midget-aged baseball teams in the province at the 2004 Minor Midget Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) Championships this weekend.

Prescott and Brockville will be hosting the provincial finals for 16 year olds this weekend, with games to be played at the Prince Street diamond.

Brockville OBA President Rick Beer indicated the event should provide some good action; 11 teams participate in the double knock-out tournament.

"There will be six games held in Prescott," explained Beer. "One of the games at 1 pm Friday will include a couple of the top-ranked AA teams facing off."

Beer said the Prince Street ball diamond got its final facelift before the tournament to raise the field's level earlier this week.

"It's set up for Tuesday night," Beer told The Journal Monday. "We've been getting a lot of help locally from guys like Ken Beck; he's really been a god-send."

Beer explained the improvements come as the first step in a plan to help unite Brockville and Prescott to help bring competitive baseball back to the region.

"We're going to try to convince (Prescott) council to bring in some more of the right dirt for the diamond," said Beer. "If that can be done, then the diamond could possibly be used 4-5 nights a week next year. The Prescott diamond is so important to baseball's resurgence, since it would be the only diamond with lights the 14-and-over teams could use."

Beer hopes the thrill of the provincial championships will light a fire locally to help get things going in the local resurgence of the sport.

"I'd like to see this spark something," said Beer. "If they see good ball this weekend it could do that. We want to get the kids from Prescott to be part of our league. There would be no boundary restrictions so kids would be welcome to come down and play a more competitive ball right through the summer from May until September."

Games in Prescott will kick off Friday morning with Toronto taking on Vaughn at 10 am, followed by games at 2, 5 and 8 pm.

On Saturday, Prescott will continue its hosting duties with a 10 am game, followed by a game at 5 pm.

The final four remaining teams will conclude the tournament Sunday, with games at 10 am, 2 pm and 4:30 pm (if necessary) at Fulford Park in Brockville.

There is no admission to the games.

PDSA closes out season last Saturday

PRESCOTT - The Prescott and District Soccer Association finished off its season Saturday crowning playoff champions the Under-16, Under-12, Under-10, Under-8 and Under-6 age divisions.

Southport captured the Under-16 championship with a 4-1 victory over Canadian Tire, following a pair of shootout wins over Hartley Sports and Kriska Holdings Ltd. in a tie breaker. Ryan Armstrong, Hank Heykoop, Holly Pankhurst and Kelsey Sargeant scored for Southport, while Zack Henderson scored for Canadian Tire.

In the Under-12 final, Grenville Castings came away with a 3-2 win over Beach Home Hardware. Sean Perrin scored a pair of goals for Grenville Castings, while Jessica Dunnington added a single. Scott Stephenson and Jamie Sturgeon scored for Beach Home Hardware.

Prescott Kinsmen captured the Under-10 championship after a 7-2 victory over Grenville Pharmacy in the final. Nicholas Heykoop scored five goals to lead Prescott Kinsmen, while Patrick Spencer added a pair. Tayler Byers and Alex Stephenson scored for Grenville Pharmacy.

In the Under-8 final, St. Lawrence Printing captured the championship with a 5-2 win over Playit Star. Curtis Ross had a hat trick for St. Lawrence Printing, while Nathan Colwell added a pair. Cameron Smith scored a pair for Playit Star.

In the Under-6 final, Star Security won the championship after a 1-0 overtime victory over Grenville Fish & Game Club. Marissa Shaver scored the game's lone goal.

Under-16

Hartley Sports 5

Chad Hyland (3), Taylor Gibbons, Joshua Perrin

Watermark Printing 3

Jordan McMullen (2), Kris Maloney

Grenville Towing 5

Brandon Amell (2), Aaron Greengrass, Ryan Todd, Brendan Stitt

Gateway Packaging 1

Rebecca Rupert

Southport 2

Ryan Grant (2)

Kriska Holdings Ltd. 0

No goal scorers

D.W.J. Plumbing & Sons 3

Michael Marchand, Max St. Jacques, Kaylee McNeil

Canadian Tire 3

Patrick Peladeau (2), Andrew Bernard

Under-12

Grenville Castings 2

Sean Perrin (2)

Shriners 0

No goal scorers

Colour Pallette 1

Colby Latocha

Beach Home Hardware 1

Richard Champagne

Seaway Valley Pharmacy 7

Drew Johnston (3), Cameron Symington (3), Brandon
Roderick

Mac's Convenience Stores 1

Taylor Garswood

Giant Tiger 6

John Jackson (3), Sarah
Hendriks, Dillon Stoddard, Braeden Smith

B.W. Freer Electrical 0

No goal scorers

Hansen's Kavity Kickers 3

Devon Deschamps (2), Michael Lawless

Kriska Holdings Ltd. 2

Devon Lebrun (2)

Under-10

Grenville Pharmacy 2

Tayler Byers, Alex Stevenson

Danani Flooring 1

Paul DeJong

Prescott Kinsmen 2

Nicholas Heykoop, Patrick Spencer

Splash Well Drilling 1

Jake Ranger

Royal Bank 1

Matthew Courtney

Playit Star 1

Adrianna Dalrymple

Cassidy's Engraving 1

Connor James

Prescott Kiwanis 0

No goal scorers

Mac's Convenience Stores 3

John Lawless (2), Brandon
Visser

TD Canada Trust 0

No goal scorers

Under-8

St. Lawrence Printing 5

Curtis Ross (4), Nathan
Colwell

Tropical Pools & Spas 1

Courtney Crowder

Playit Star 5

Damian Pezadean (3), Cameron Smith (2)

Hometown Heating 3

Ian Sabourin (2), Lane
Bailey

Compendium Group Inc. 9

Payden Selleck (4), Jacob
Dickson (3), David Armstrong
(2)

Windmill Web Inc. 1

Garrett Knapp

Prescott I.D.A. 3

Dawson Smith (2), Tayler
Mason

M.T.J.B. 0

No goal scorers

Under-6

Star Security 2

Cole Cameron (2)

Prescott Chiros 0

No goal scorers

Grenville Fish & Game 2

Jonathon Noonan (2)

Chevron Construction 1

Spencer Ross

Portraits by C. Endicott 3

Alyssa Dietschweiler, Connor Ladouceur, Devon Knapp

Tichborne Auto Supply 2

Brody Ranger, Mitchell
Jansman

Beck's Construction 1

Ethan Hartle

Playit Star 0

No goal scorers

Beck's Construction 1

Adam Bujacz

Prescott Chiros 0

No goal scorers

Playit Star 3

Devon Stoddard (3)

Tichborne Auto Supply 0

No goal scorers

Chevron Construction 2

Spencer Ross (2)

Portraits by C. Endicott 0

No goal scorers

Kamenz captures top spot in triathlon

SHARBOT LAKE - Spencerville teenager Erika Kamenz has continued to build off last season's success in triathlons as she captured the Ontario Kids of Steel Championships girls 14 and 15 triathlon Aug. 22 in Sharbot Lake.

The South Grenville District High School student finished the triathlon in a time of 55:02, one minute ahead of her nearest competitor. Kamenz completed the 400-metre swim in 9:01 the 15-kilometre bike in 27:18 before making up ground with the fastest four-kilometre running leg.

On Aug. 15, Kamenz also competed in the triathlon Cascades 2004 in Drummondville finishing second in the girls 14 and 15 year old age group in a time of 56:34. She managed a 8:28 split in the 500-metre swim, a time of 29:11 in the 15-kilometre bike and a time of 18:56 in the four-kilometre run.

Kamenz has built on a strong performance in triathlons last summer and also having a very successful track and field season in the spring having earned a 6th place finish in the midget girls triple jump and an 11th place finish in the midget girls long jump at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association championships in June.

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