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VOL. 174, NO. 40~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ October 6, 2004 | |
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Riverside grand opening attracts more than 1,000Prescott dealership boasts bigger and better facility just north of Highway 401By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer PRESCOTT - The grand opening of Riverside Pontiac-Buick's new dealership on Development Drive Saturday exceeded organizers expectations by attracting more than 1,000 people. Riverside President Gus Birnie was delighted with the turnout. "It's great that people have come out to see our new dealership," he said "I can't believe (the attendance of) the grand opening." Riverside's new dealership was completed this summer, and consolidates Riverside's former car dealership located on Edward Street (which the organization is still using as a body shop) and its used car facility located on County Road 2 west of Johnstown. "I'd say we're now the biggest (dealership) in size in the area," said Birnie. Birnie adds the new dealership has already caused an increase in Riverside's already-healthy business. He says the number of total units sold this year as opposed to last year has increased 12 per cent, service volume has gone up 25 per cent. The new service facilities are a particular source of pride for staff. "Here, everybody has their own hoist," said Ron Elliott, who has worked for the dealership since Birnie bought it in 1978. "It allows more volume and allows us to do our repairs more quickly." He adds that Riverside's new service bays are particularly impressive because they are air conditioned. "It makes a big difference (in the summer)," he said. Other Riverside staff are enthused about the new dealership. Parts manager Peter Veltkamp, who has worked at Riverside for 20 years, says there is no comparison between Riverside's old Edward Street dealership and the new one. "When the old facility was built in 1953 it was state-of-the-art. It definitely isn't now." he said. Veltkamp added the new facility has much more storage space for parts, enabling the dealership to increase its parts inventory. "It's a joy to come into work to a business like this," he said. Most employees agree Riverside's new dealership is much better than the old. "It feels a lot more like home here," said receptionist Cassandra Whitcroft. "It is much bigger, nicer, and roomier." Riverside's General Manager, Ted MacMillan, says the new dealership was designed with the best interest of employees and customers in mind. Macmillan - who is also a partner in the dealership along with Gus Birnie and Gus' three sons, Stuart, Scot, and Stephen, adds the overhead costs of the new dealership didn't increase much from their previous two locations. "Our overhead didn't substantially increase - we've consolidated many services." Service advisor Stuart Birnie says in spite of the consolidation, Riverside has posted a modest staff increase of three people since moving to the new dealership, and plans to add more staff in the near future. There are currently 47 full- and -part-time employees. He adds the new dealership partially came as a consequence of GM telling them to "get bigger." The new dealership is up significantly in square footage from the Edward Street location, which was 7,000 square feet in size. The new dealership is approximately 19,000 square feet, and features a lot several times larger than the combined Edward Street and County Road #2 locations. The size of the new lot allows Riverside the possibility of expanding further in the future. Birnie does not rule out the possibility of adding a fourth model line to Riverside's current Pontiac, Buick and GMC family. Despite getting bigger, Birnie says that their people and quality of service is what sets Riverside apart from other dealerships. "We always say we have the best staff around, and people make your business." Many of the customers who have helped make Riverside's business over the years attended Saturday's open house. Prescott resident Beverly Beach says she and her husband have bought many vehicles from Riverside over the years, starting with a Pontiac Ventura in 1974. "We always come back to Riverside, they've always treated us right," she says "All our vehicles get serviced here - we know the people and its a family business." Maynard resident Bev Anderson agrees the quality of service at Riverside is second-to-none. "I've bought seven cars here and always gotten good service," she said. "They've just bent over backwards for me." Anderson adds it's the little things - like Riverside staff driving her home as her car is getting serviced - that sets Riverside apart from other dealerships. And with the more comfortable waiting area, she says the service experience at the dealership can only get better. The idea for Riverside building its new facility on Development Drive was 12 years in the making. At that time, Gus Birnie purchased nine acres in Prescott's north end. As Riverside's business continued to grow and expand, he continued to think seriously about building a new dealership. Finally, in February of 2003, Gus sat down with his partners and decided to commit to the new development. The entire Riverside staff moved into its new dealership Monday, June 14. Birnie is quick to point out much of the dealership's business comes from outside Prescott. "Prescott sales alone wouldn't justify the expansion," he said. "Much of our business is from out of town." However, Birnie is also quick to point out Prescott is a big part of the reason why Riverside is where it is today. "We've given outside people a reason to come here, which is great for Prescott. Prescott has been great to us too." he said. THIS WEEKOntario senior games bid gets town supportPRESCOTT The town has officially thrown its support behind a local bid to host the 2007 Ontario Winter Senior Games. Prescott council voted in favour of the move Monday night. The Brockville-based bid includes Prescott, Gananoque and Athens. Municipal councils in each community have been asked to support the local bid. The town has committed to providing ice time at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. Other arrangements such as underwriting the games (and sharing in any surplus funds generated) would be dealt with at a later date. The proposed bid also calls for the Prescott Curling Club to be included as a competition site. The deadline to submit bids is later this week. There are nine events in the provincial senior games, which would attract an estimated 1,500 participants. Thanksgiving prompts the usual closuresPRESCOTT The offices of The Prescott Journal and St. Lawrence Printing will be closed Thanksgiving Monday, Oct. 11. The deadline for display and classified advertising for the Oct. 13 edition of The Journal is this Friday, Oct. 8 at 5 pm. Government offices, banks and most stores will also be closed next Monday. There will be no Canada Post service that day. Garbage and recycling pick-ups might be affected by the Thanksgiving holiday; contact the municipal office for more information. Fire Prevention Week emphasizes safety firstOct. 3-9 is Fire Prevention Week, and the public is being encouraged to use this opportunity to think about fire safety. Fire departments in South Grenville remind people to check or replace the batteries in their smoke detectors. It is also recommended families develop and practise an emergency exit plan in case there is a fire in the home. See inside this week's Journal for more information on fire safety. Leeds-Grenville MPP leads official opposition in legislatureTORONTO Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman is the new leader of the official opposition in Ontario. Runciman will head the Progressive Conservative caucus in the legislature, it was announced last Tuesday. John Tory, who was elected party leader last month, does not have a seat in the legislature. First elected to Queen's Park in 1981, Runciman has served in major roles in opposition and held cabinet portfolios as part of the Harris and Eve governments. "Not many politicians get an opportunity to serve as leader of the official opposition, and I am grateful for the confidence shown in me by Mr. Tory and members of the PC caucus," Runciman stated in a news release. Tory has yet to announce when and where he will run for a seat in the Ontario legislature. He will run when it is appropriate to do so, according to Runciman. As for the task at hand, Runciman said it is important for the Progressive Conservatives to have a focused approach in the legislature and at committee meetings. "This government has broken numerous significant promises, and it must be held responsible for its actions," he stated. The legislature is scheduled to resume sitting next week. Beef restrictions overkill The week prior to being named opposition leader, Runciman began circulating a petition that calls on the provincial government to rescind regulations that affect farmers. As of Sept. 1, the new restrictions prohibit licensed butchers from cutting, wrapping and freezing beef from farmers who kill cattle for their own use. The move is causing beef farmers additional grief, according to Runciman. "Now if a farmer wants to eat his own beef killed on his own farm, he has to have the skill and facilities to butcher the animal, wrap and freeze it himself. This is ridiculous," the Leeds-Grenville MPP stated. One expensive alternative is for farmers to ship live cattle to an abattoir for slaughter. Runciman indicated he and Leeds-Grenville MP Gord Brown have received complaints from local farmers. The changes "won't really promote safety but will prove costly to local farmers," according to the local members. Brown has agreed to circulate the petition, which Runciman plans to introduce in the legislature after it resumes sitting next week. The new regulations do not apply to wild game. Operation Impact will make its mark this holiday weekendSpeeding, impaired driving and seat belt use are focus of Thanksgiving campaignPRESCOTT It is no coincidence Operation Impact falls on the same weekend as Thanksgiving, according to the Ontario Provincial Police. The OPP will focus on impaired driving, seat belt use and speeding in this weekend's safety initiative. The annual nationwide crackdown that begins this Friday is part of an effort to educate the public and "...to help save those very lives for which we are thankful this time of year," an OPP news release states. The OPP will continue to take a zero tolerance approach to impaired driving, according to the release. Police also indicate there is no excuse for failing to use seat belts in vehicles, "given that it is no more difficult or time-consuming that opening your car door." Drivers should also stop trying to justify speeding because of the belief everyone does it, according to the OPP. "There is no acceptable rationalization when it comes to speeding, given that speeding is a factor in one in six fatal collisions," the release states. "When a speed limit is posted, remember that it is not a mere number pulled out of a hat, nor does it serve as a general guideline. "Speed limits must be adhered to by law 100 per cent of the time, and doing so will go a long way in eliminating the one-in-six statistic attached to this dangerous offence." The Prescott-based Grenville County Ontario Provincial Police detachment serves Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal townships as well as the Town of Prescott. Common sense leads the way to safer drivingVON volunteers receive refresher course courtesy of Drive Wise programBy Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor PRESCOTT Planning and attitude have a lot to do with avoiding problems on the road, according to a safe driving program for seniors. About 30 people most of whom are VON volunteers attended a "Drive Wise" presentation held Friday morning in the Prescott Health Centre auditorium. Sergeant Kristine Cholette of OPP Eastern Region conducted the refresher course that outlines a common-sense approach to everything from planning a trip to becoming familiar with the rules of the road and the vehicle. "Re-education is always a good thing," according to Cholette. The program is aimed at older drivers, although Cholette noted skill level depends on ability, not age. However, she conceded a person's reaction time, vision and flexibility are things that are generally affected by getting older. It is estimated the number of senior citizens who drive will double in the next 20 years. Although older people do not necessarily cause more collisions than younger drivers, statistics show seniors are more likely to sustain serious injuries or die in crashes. Cholette indicated planning a trip is one way to reduce the risk of having to contend with stressful situations while driving. Examples of that planning are knowing the route and avoiding busier times of the day for traffic whenever possible. Avoiding adverse weather and road conditions is also suggested. "If you don't need to travel in bad weather, don't," she said. The sergeant also noted the importance of adjusting to poor conditions by reducing speed or increasing distance between vehicles. Being more aware of one's surroundings even when road and weather conditions are good is also recommended. "You need to be focused on what you are doing," Cholette said. "The earlier you see something, the more time you have to react." she said. The sergeant noted drivers should find out how their medications might affect them. Any driver who is fatigued and suspects he or she might be too tired to drive should pull over and rest. Other common-sense tips include having a well-stocked safety kit including first-aid items, flashlight, blanket, candles and something with which to light them in the vehicle. Placing a "call police" sign in the rear window of a disabled vehicle that can be seen by passing motorists is also recommended; signs are usually available at most police stations. Drivers can increase the chances of having a safe and pleasant trip by planning ahead and being prepared to deal with adversity, according to Cholette. "We can only control what we do," she said. "We can't control what everyone else does." The Drive Wise program is offered by CARP, Canada's Association for the Fifty Plus, in association with the OPP, the province and private sponsors. For more information, visit www.drivewise.ca. The Prescott presentation preceded a volunteer appreciation session hosted by the VON. Screening and early detection still important to cancer fightOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in CanadaLEEDS AND GRENVILLE Given the many stories that have been reported during the past year, some people might not be sure what to believe when it comes to things that affect the chances of developing breast cancer. According to the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, there are two absolute facts that increase the risk: having breasts and getting older. However, there have been reports that have cited studies involving hormone replacement therapy, anti-depressants, alcohol, smoking and weight gain and how each of these things could lead to an increased risk of developing cancer. The public health unit indicates in a news release there are measures to lower the risk. These include eating healthy foods, being physically active on a daily basis, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake. Regular breast self-examinations are recommended, as is a yearly exam by a trained professional. Women 50 and older should also have mammograms (x-rays of the breast) every two years, according to the health unit release. The Ontario Breast Screening Program offers accredited service to women 50 and older and who are of average risk. Women can call for a free appointment or seek a referral from their health-care provider. Local sites for the program are located in Brockville (345-8304) and Winchester (774-2422, ext. 5617). For more information on breast cancer awareness, call the tri-county health unit at 345-5685 or visit its Web site at www.healthunit.org. Inspector on the menu at breakfast meetingPRESCOTT The Seaway Ecumenical Group will hold its monthly meeting Saturday, Oct. 16 at St. Paul's United Church Hall on George Street at Dibble. The all-you-can-eat breakfast is served at 8 am. Tickets are available at the door. Everyone is invited to attend. The guest speaker is OPP Inspector Brent Hill, whose topic will be the police changeover in Prescott. The group's mission statement is to provide a forum for like-minded individuals for fellowship and to express Christian faith in the community. Prescott council digests information provided by district health councilPRESCOTT The Southeastern Ontario District Health Council (DHC) has given Prescott council some food for thought. In a presentation made to council Monday night, Natasha Poushinsky offered information which the municipality could consider during health-care planning. In the presentation, it was noted people 65 years old and up represent 22.7 per cent of Prescott's population, much higher than the provincial average of 12.9 per cent and the percentages in Augusta (12.2) and Edwardsburgh (13.8). The need to focus on primary care was illustrated using 2002 health survey data. It was determined about 3,000 visits to emergency rooms by residents of southeastern Leeds and Grenville were deemed to be semi-urgent; another 2,000 visits were considered non-urgent. The misuse of emergency room service is not a Prescott-only problem, Poushinsky acknowledged. "It's pretty consistent across the district," she said. Data was also used to project the number of people in the area who have medical conditions and diseases. For example, it is estimated 2,000 people in the area have high blood pressure. The DHC also reported 22 per cent of town residents live below what is known as the low income cut-off. Poushinsky referred to this statistic as "a red flag." Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn said the town cannot simply ignore the data and view health care as a provincial responsibility. "We obviously cannot turn our backs on this information," Lawn said. The DHC is prepared to return to council after it has had a chance to digest the information presented Monday, town officials were told. The district health council oversees Leeds-Grenville, Lanark, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington and Hastings counties, which have a combined population of about 500,000. There are 16 DHCs in Ontario. Town ratifies CUPE deal, honourariumPRESCOTT Town council has ratified the new three-year agreement with unionized municipal workers. The deal with the Canadian Union of Public Employees calls for wage increases of three, three-and-a-half and four per cent each year, beginning Jan. 1 of this year. Also at Monday night's council meeting, honourarium rates were set. The mayor will receive $8.076.76 per year. Councillors get $4,070.01 per year, and police services board members receive an annual honourarium of $987.87. Town officials also receive mileage payments of 35 cents per kilometre. Some members of council have indicated they would like to review the town's honourarium system. Environmental assessment of north-end development area in the works: townInterest on the rise since Riverside relocated therePRESCOTT Increased interest in the Development Drive area has prompted town officials to proceed with an environmental assessment (EA). With the Riverside dealership now completed, the municipality is optimistic other commercial developers will follow. With that in mind, the planning and development committee agreed with Town Engineer Clyde Solomon's recommendation to do the assessment now. "If you had clients coming in wanting water and sewer... you're ready," Solomon told the committee last Monday. Water and sewer lines were not extended north to the other side of Highway 401 as part of the Riverside development on the west side of Edward Street. Although no interested parties have been identified, town officials acknowledge the car dealership and road construction are having a positive effect. "There is certainly increased interest in that area," Mayor Robert Lawn said. The mayor indicated the town should not be putting off the EA work. Now would be a good time to "get it out of the way," Lawn added. Solomon indicated the cost of a basic EA would likely be relatively low, adding it could be figured into the price of lots the town would sell to developers. The process is expected to take a few months to complete. Solomon was given the go-ahead to seek proposals from consultants and report back to the committee. Annual fall seat belt crackdown under waySOUTH GRENVILLE Members of the Grenville County OPP detachment conducted the following seat belt and speed checks last week to kick off the annual province-wide fall seat belt campaign: * Sept. 27, 7:30 am, Edward Street and Victor Road, Prescott: Seventy-three vehicles observed; one speeding charge laid. * Sept. 27, 5:30 pm, Sophia Street: Forty-five vehicles checked; 100 per cent seat belt compliance. * Sept. 28, 2 pm, Centre and Spencer streets, Spencerville: Fifty-one vehicles checked; four seat belt charges, one Highway Traffic Act (HTA) charge and two warnings. * Sept. 28, 3:30 pm, Churchill Road at Massie Drive, Prescott: Fifty vehicles checked, three seat belt offence notices issued. * Sept. 29, 11:35 am, County Road 26 near Maynard: Four speeding notices issued, one seat belt warning and one HTA warning issued. * Oct. 1, 6 am, Highway 401 at Blue Church Road: Six HTA charges and one impaired driving charge laid. Officers in the Prescott, Augusta and Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal areas will continue to place an emphasis this week and during the Thanksgiving long weekend on the proper use of seat belts. Shakespeare company seeks loan from townPRESCOTT The municipality is being asked for a loan of $4,000 by the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Company. The loan request was on the agenda at Prescott council's meeting Monday night. However, Mayor Robert Lawn said the matter is being deferred to the next meeting. Lawn indicated the chair of the Shakespeare board was unable to attend the meeting Monday night. The town had yet to receive the request in writing, the mayor added. Additional details, including the purpose of the loan, were unavailable at press time. Earlier this year, Prescott council approved a $12,000 letter of credit to the Shakespeare company to ensure unionized actors who were to perform in the festival's 2004 production of The Comedie of Errors in July would be paid in case the festival was unable to pay. The town also gave the Shakespeare company a grant of $6,000, an amount similar to the municipality's contribution in 2003 for the festival's inaugural run at the Kinsmen Amphitheatre at Sandra S. Lawn Harbour. The St. Lawrence company is a non-profit charitable organization overseen by a volunteer board of directors. Fort Town Concert series begins Oct. 22PRESCOTT The Fort Town Concert Association will open its 2004-05 season later this month. Triple Forte will perform at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Friday, Oct. 22 at 8 pm. The trio of David Jalbert (piano), Jasper Wood (violin) and Denise Djokic (cello) will feature chamber music that includes well-known favourites such as Beethoven's Trio No. 1 and Haydn's Trio No. 39 as well as other compositions just waiting to be discovered. The Desjardins concert series is presented in conjunction with Jeunesses Musicales of Canada, an organization that brings young, professional musicians to communities of all sizes. Tickets will be available at the door. Special prices are in effect for students. Children under the age of 12 are admitted free of charge. The Oct. 22 concert is sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Caldwell. The visiting musicians also appear at a local school on the day of the concert. College reappoints Thomsen presidentKINGSTON Volker Thomsen has been reappointed president and CEO of St. Lawrence College, it was announced Monday. The five-year reappointment was given unanimous approval by the college's board of governors Sept. 28. Thomsen, a native of Denmark, has been president and CEO since the fall of 2000. Board Chair Dave Beatty said Thomsen showed "exceptional leadership" during his first term. The college offers 80 programs and has more than 5,000 full-time and 20,000 part-time students at three campuses in Kingston, Cornwall and Brockville. Augusta council meeting rescheduledMAYNARD - The next regular meeting of Augusta council, which would ordinarily be held Monday, Oct. 11, has been rescheduled to Tuesday, Oct. 12 at 7:30 pm. The reason for the meeting being rescheduled, according to Augusta CAO Sharon Wilkinson, is because Oct. 11 is Thanksgiving, a statutory holiday. Augusta council meetings are held the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Meetings are open to the public. Town committees meet on Tuesday instead of on Monday next weekPRESCOTT Prescott committee meetings will take place a day later than usual next week because of the Thanksgiving holiday. The committees will meet Tuesday, Oct. 12 beginning at 7 pm on the second floor of town hall, 360 Dibble St. W. The standing committee meetings are usually held on the second Monday night of the month and are open to the public. The town has four committees: planning and development, community and protective services, finance and corporate services and transportation and environment. Day of CaringLEEDS AND GRENVILLE To take part in the fourth annual Day of Caring presented by the United Way of Leeds and Grenville on Saturday, Oct. 16, volunteer teams and non-profit groups are invited to contact Cathy Froom at 342-8889. Lunch for seniors served next weekMAITLAND NEWS by Jane FullartonThe Maitland Seniors' Luncheon will be held at the MERC Hall Wednesday, Oct. 13 at noon. This month's menu includes sweet and sour meatballs, rice, vegetables and pie for dessert. The Minstrals will entertain playing a variety of musical instruments and singing. Transportation can be arranged by calling Tracey at VON Home Support at 342-3693. Call Tracey by this Friday, Oct. 8 to confirm your attendance. Girl Guides, Brownies and Sparks have started again in Maitland for the fall season, and it is not too late to register your daughter. The meetings are on Monday nights at 6:30. Girl Guides are at the Maitland Community Church, Brownies meet at Maitland Public School and Sparks meet at the Anglican Church Hall. For more information, call Susan Clarke at 348-3088. Maitland residents are reminded to attend the annual general meeting of MERC on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 pm. Self-employment program grads invited to take part in showsPRESCOTT All current and former participants in the Self-Employment Benefit program offered by Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation (GCFDC) are being invited to take part in a trade show to be held this month as part of Small Business Week. The event for program clients whose businesses are located in Grenville County will take place Tuesday, Oct. 19 at the Prescott Golf Club. Set-up begins at 7 am; displays will be open from 8 am to noon. A similar event for Leeds County businesses will be held Oct. 18 at the Brockville Memorial Centre. The Prescott trade show will include a complimentary business information seminar with guest speaker Richard Bryson of Strategy and Plans. For more information or to reserve a space at the trade show, contact Elaine Deschambault at 925-4275. Prescott-based GCFDC delivers the self-employment program on behalf of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. Volunteers will be spreading mulch near the marina this Saturday morningBy Astrid Strader, Horticulturist and Garden Designer Prescott Blossoms Garden Club cannot take all the credit for the good-looking gardens around town. Just take The Food For All front garden. It's colourful and welcoming, just like all the volunteers there who provide such a great service. And then, there's the fire hall and that broken fire hydrant that just rivals the St. Lawrence for ambience (if your eyes are shut, that is). What about the Colonel's Inn B&B their selection of shrubs really show off this time of year. I can't bear that the gardening season is coming to an end so the calendar says but when you look at the "harbour gardens," nothing is stopping there. Larry Blair planted and maintains the variety of plants you see there, including the tomatoes and other produce he so generously shares. Don Clunas does a magnificent job of planting and maintaining the containers at the grand Prescott Tennis Club. To Candy Alexander, Margie Barton, Barbara Cheeseman, Jean Mills, John McFarland, Richard Perrin, Ruth Wenger and the merchants on King St. who watered the planters, we all appreciated the fruits of your efforts. Riverside Pontiac-Buick Ltd. donated special cedar mulch for our garden, north of the Marina aptly named OCWA berm. The Prescott Blossoms Garden Club and volunteers will spread the mulch on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 9. Anyone with a wheelbarrow willing to help will be treated to some fine java and carbs. (Oh yes, I do believe there's still a place for carbohydrates.) It's been the time for the yearly mowing at the Heritage River Trail. Parks Canada has set the once-per-year policy, which supports the redeeming of natural habitats. This yearly mowing does not disturb the food supply for many birds, as seed maturation from wildflowers occurs. Insects such as butterflies can still feed from flowers to prepare for their migration. However, the mowing ensures a measure of control against "volunteer" and suckering trees and shrubs. It helps keep the integrity of the arboretum and meadow with the least amount of disruption. To facilitate the ease of walkers, a six-foot-wide grass shoulder on each side of all the trails has always been kept short. The appreciation of wildflowers has grown, as many people remark to me about the beauty of native flowers they have never before noticed. Mallow, for instance known as the marshmallow plant, has lovely mini-hibiscus like flowers that are still blooming at the waterfront. There are still trees available to purchase for dedication here at the trail. Tax-deductible receipts are issued for the $100, $300 or $500 donation for the trees. All donors will have their dedication presented on the donor tree sign every Canada Day. Call 657-4688 or e-mail ras@ripnet.com for information. Prescott Public Library notesFall Book Sale Starting Oct. 18 and continuing into November, come to the library and check out the great offering of books. They make good Christmas gifts; the sale helps the library purchase new books. Ontario Public Library Week Come to the Prescott library the week of Oct. 18-24 for door prizes, readings by authors, bedtime stories for the kids and an open house. Call the library at 925-4340 for further information. Friday hours Starting Oct. 15, the library will once again be open Friday evenings from 7 to 9 pm. The Prescott Public Library is located at 360 Dibble St. W. (town hall). OPP GRENVILLE COUNTY NEWSThree cases of impaired drivingSOUTH GRENVILLE Three people were arrested this past week and charged with impaired driving, according to Grenville County OPP. The first case occurred Friday at about 3:30 am. Constable Thompson was conducting speed enforcement on Highway 401 at Blue Church Road when he stopped a 2004 Dodge Durango that had been travelling at 140 kilometers per hour. A 24-year-old man from Maple, Ontario was arrested and transported to the detachment in Prescott. He was later charged with driving while exceeding the legal blood alcohol limit. He is to appear in Brockville court Oct. 29. On Saturday at about 1:30 am, Constable Barr was on patrol in Spencerville when she observed a vehicle moving slowly. The constable stopped the driver after he had parked the 1995 Chevrolet pick-up near the post office on Centre Street. The constable spoke to the 44-year-old Augusta Township man and attempted to arrest him. He resisted; with the help of a civilian, the officer placed the suspect in handcuffs and transported him to Prescott. He was charged with impaired driving and resisting arrest and is to appear in court Oct. 22. The next morning at about 2:30 am, Constable Barr observed erratic driving on County Road 15 near North Augusta. She stopped a 1986 Ford pick-up, arrested a 50-year-old Merrickville-Wolford man and transported him to the detachment. He is also scheduled to appear in Brockville court Oct. 22. Green canoe reported stolenEDWARDSBURGH Last Monday, Constable Pergunas investigated the theft of a canoe from Connell Road. The theft occurred sometime between Sept. 22-27. The 14-foot green aluminum canoe has two paddles and a lawn chair as a seat. The boat is valued at $200. Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP in Prescott (925-4221) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Driver failed to remain at sceneEDWARDSBURGH Charges are pending in connection with a car being found abandoned on County Road 2. Constable Barr located the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier; there was damage to the culvert at the end of a private driveway and an emergency sign. The investigation is ongoing. Break-in at Froom Road residenceEDWARDSBURGH A break and enter at a Froom Road residence was reported Thursday at about 12:45 pm. The home was entered through a bedroom window. The items reported missing include a 27-inch RCA television and DVD player and two Bell ExpressVu receivers. Constable Runciman is investigating. Mailboxes take another hitSPENCERVILLE Two incidents involving damage to mailboxes were investigated last week. One took place overnight on Sept. 26-27 on County Road 44 north of Spencerville. The other occurred on County Road 21 east of Spencerville. In both cases, the mail boxes had been damaged in previous incidents. Constables Kerr and Wright are investigating the respective cases. Officers investigate stolen bike, mischiefOPP PRESCOTT REPORTPRESCOTT On Thursday at about 8 pm, Constable McConnell received a report from a Mackenzie Road resident that his bicycle had been stolen from the residence. The bike is 21-speed silver Schwinn. The value was not included in the report. Anyone with information is asked to contact the detachment in Prescott (925-4221) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. * A collision that occurred at about noon Friday at King and Boundary streets sent one person to hospital and another into custody. A taxi was turning north when it was struck from behind by a pick-up truck, according to police. The 64-year-old cab driver was transported by ambulance to Brockville General Hospital. His injuries were not life-threatening. Charges against the pick-up driver, a 17-year-old male from the Spencerville area, are pending. While investigating the collision, a 20-year-old man who was a passenger in the taxi was arrested and charged with breach of probation. He is to appear in Brockville court. * The theft of licence plates was investigated by Constable Harmer Friday at about 5:45 pm. The vehicle parked at the complainant's Edward Street home is not his regular vehicle. The Ontario plates AMZJ 756 expired in July. * Constable Barr responded to a case of mischief Friday at about 8:30 pm. Someone heard glass breaking and pursued two females on foot. The damaged window is located on a vacant building at 169 King St. W. The complainant observed two females; the investigation revealed three females might be involved. One is believed to be 17 and has very blond hair and a heavy build. She was wearing a red shirt that night. Another female was described as wearing dark clothing. Anyone with information on this occurrence can contact the constable at the OPP detachment. Gord Brown appointed to heritage committeeOTTAWA Leeds-Grenville MP Gord Brown has been named to the House of Commons standing committee that oversees Fort Wellington. The Conservative MP is a member of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, it was announced Monday. The committee has the authority to study and report on the policies of departments and agencies such as Parks Canada and the CBC. In a news release, Brown stated elements of the Department of Canadian Heritage and the committee are very important to the riding and to Eastern Ontario. "It will be to the riding's benefit to have a member of parliament who is able to have an impact on some of these areas of major importance for Leeds-Grenville," Brown stated. The opposition MP, who served as chair of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, said he has the "ideal background" with which to serve on the standing committee. The 38th Parliament opened earlier this week. | |
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| EDITORIALS | |
QUOTE OF THE WEEK"We can only control what we can do. We can't control what everyone else does."OPP Sergeant Kristine Cholette, commenting at a Drive Wise presentation Editor's NotebookGOING THROUGH WITHDRAWAL: It comes as no surprise that TD Canada Trust intends on following through with its decision to close its bank in Cardinal in March 2005. Even in the face of negative publicity and calls from customers, the business community and politicians to reconsider its decision, the company will proceed with its plans. The plain truth is TD Canada Trust, like many other companies, answers to its shareholders. Decisions supposedly made in the best interests of the corporation do not always work in favour of the customer. Whether it is fair or not, the reality is TD Canada Trust has taken the position it is unable or unwilling to make the existing Cardinal location viable from the bottom-line perspective. This conclusion is nothing new to Cardinal or, for that matter, small-town Ontario. Banks and credit unions have consolidated or closed branches all over the map. This does not mean the public and its elected officials should forego putting up a fight and trying to reverse decisions like the one in Cardinal. Customers in the Cardinal area have every right to be upset and to reconsider their banking options. If there had been acceptance of or no response to the bank's decision, the community would have sent a message the corporate world would welcome with open arms: we accept whatever you say and do. It should be noted there have been rare occasions in which companies have reconsidered or reversed decisions based on public input or negative publicity. Unfortunately, it appears Cardinal will lose its 101-year-old bank. Although there is a chance some other financial institution might choose to set up shop there (and we hope the effort is successful for the sake of Cardinal residents), the closure of the bank marks a significant loss to the community. As the case of Cardinal has shown, there is a big difference between ownership in the community and actual ownership. Companies are willing to accept the criticism and bad press to ensure they remain competitive and profitable. Public opinion does not always save the day when the private sector is involved, a premise with which Cardinal has become painfully familiar. SAFETY PAYS: When things are going well, we tend to overlook what can happen when things go wrong. We do not feel the need to check that battery in the smoke detector or make sure the kids know what to do and where to go in case there is a fire. It is human nature to put off things until the last minute, which is why there will always be a need for Fire Prevention Week. We must be reminded of the risks associated with making bad decisions that can cause fires or lead us to be ill-prepared to deal with them, as well as the rewards associated with knowing what to do in an emergency. Taking a few minutes now could make all the difference in the world later. Tim Ruhnke As the old saying goes... bigger is not always betterTHE NEW GUY by Tim RuhnkeThings aren't really much different since the Ontario Provincial Police took over in Prescott. There might be a few more new faces on the beat than the public had been led to believe but, as we have stated on this page before, they all deserve our respect and should not have to bear the brunt of any lingering resentment over the way the disbandment issue was handled. Having said that, though, it should be noted the events of last Tuesday served to remind some town residents there are differences between then and now. A mid-afternoon collision on Highway 401 east of Prescott resulted in many drivers opting to head through Prescott as an alternative to spending an unknown time in stop-and-go traffic. It was not until after the eastbound 401 had been closed at least three hours later that OPP officers began directing traffic at the intersection of Edward and King streets a tight corner that is difficult for drivers of long trucks to manoeuver. Back in the day (prior to disbandment), the Prescott Police Service would likely have been at that intersection a short time after the influx of vehicles had begun regardless of whether the 401 had officially been closed. This is just one example of the little things the municipal police department did for this community. These intangibles might not have been given much weight compared to the bigger issues facing town council; it must have been difficult for elected officials to attach a value to the extras our former service provider was willing to do. In fairness, it must have been difficult for the officers who were on duty that afternoon and evening. Co-ordinating a detour and dealing with motorists who might or might not know where they are going poses many challenges especially when the collision scene is in a construction zone with concrete medians and what some drivers consider unsafe conditions at the best of times. As the saying goes, a little means a lot. We miss having the town police here, but we must move forward. * * * In case you missed it, here is the NDP's actual list of "Top 10 McGuinty Memories" (a year's worth of provincial government excuses and broken promises following the election): 10. Lower Highway 407 tolls 9. Protect the Oak Ridges Moraine 8. No help for rural Ontario 7. The phony budget deficit surprise 6. Stop private hospitals 5. IBI treatment for all autistic children 4. Twenty per cent lower auto insurance rates 3. The hydro cap and public power 2. Health service delistings 1. The unfair, regressive health tax. More than 10,000 on hand to see royal couple: 1984FROM THE ARCHIVESOct. 3, 1979 * Prescott Police Chief Tom Conaway has decided to call it a career. The chief will retire at the end of December after more than 40 years in policing, including 22 years in Prescott. Conaway, who has been chief for 19 years, indicated being a policeman is getting harder all the time. However, he added there is satisfaction knowing someone is being helped. Conaway is one of the original members of the Prescott Police Force that was created in 1957. * The Canada Starch Company's new high fructose syrup plant was officially opened last week. Deputy Prime Minister Walter Baker was on hand at the Cardinal plant, which plant manager Arnold Burwell said will eventually use three million pounds of corn and produce 130 million pounds of fructose a year. President Bob Gillespie noted construction of the new plant is the largest single investment ever made by the company in Cardinal. * The South Grenville District High School football team is still undefeated after drubbing the listless Rideau District High School Lions 27-0 in Elgin. Mark Marriner rushed for more than 100 yards and a touchdown, which helped set the stage for two majors by tight end Paul Healy. The Giants were led on offence by rookie quarterbacks Tom Tobin and Greg McAllister. Mike Thompson scored the other touchdown for South Grenville. Oct. 3, 1984 * More than 10,000 people gathered in Prescott to catch a glimpse of the visit by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. The royal couple arrived by train and attended a military pageant held at Fort Wellington. Marian Preston, chair of Prescott's 1984 committee, called it "the greatest day in Prescott's 150-year history." * Prescott council voted unanimously to hire Hans Van Helden to the newly-created position of assistant public works foreman. Van Helden was one of 32 people who applied for the job, according to public works committee chairman Frank Whiten. The new post was created to allow its holder to take over from public works foreman Jack Shanahan, who is expected to retire in 1985. Dan would rather run the story than find out if it is the truthFROM THE OTHER SIDE by Jeffrey MorrisDo you find the Dan Rather "Memogate" fiasco as disturbing as I do? Rather, the CBS news anchor, caused a scandal when he ran a story on President Bush from a fax he received. The document was faker than a Pamela Anderson implant. Yet, Rather ran the story. You may like Bush, you may dislike or even hate Bush. That's fine. Your opinion or my opinion of Bush isn't the point here. What is truly disturbing about the incident is just how greatly the standards of high profile journalism have eroded. The question that we as people need to ask is why. Both the right and left have been accusing the other side of manipulating the media during this election campaign. Both sides have accused the media of being puppeteered by the other side. But the Rather incident may be the straw that breaks the back of this camel of propaganda. It is no secret that Rather is an anti-Bush advocate, just as some reporters have been pro-Bush advocates. The anti-Bush slant has certainly been presented to Canadians by the Canadian media. But when did journalists start to take sides? What complicates matters even more is that so many politicians have crossed over the line and become journalists. Cable news channels are filled with special analysts who are former politicians or political advisors. Conversely, we also have a situation now where many journalists are crossing the line and becoming politicians or campaign advisors. The problem with having the political analysts becoming journalists is that reporting has become nothing more than pure spin. A generation ago, the way politicians and journalists addressed people and prepared agendas were completely distinct. A political agenda is to sway people, and a journalist's agenda should be to inform people. Somehow, these two wires got crossed and the result is a messy ball of infotainment murkier than a Scott Peterson alibi. Politicians are in the business of soliciting approval. With so much crossover in politics and journalism, it is no wonder that almost all news is presented and discussed in an opinionated fashion. Frankly, it sells. Rather's story also struck a nerve in the journalism world because it became the apex of the OJ-ification of news television. American news has sacrificed quality and in-depth coverage that blankets the nation and the globe in favour of whatever the story-du-jour happens to be. We first saw this 10 years ago as O.J. raced down I-405 at 40 miles an hour in a white Bronco while the world stopped to watch and even the cheer him on. The trial became a circus. I bash the Canadian liberal media and the anti-Bush CBC at every chance I get, but the O.J. trial and its coverage makes me proud to be Canadian. I lived in St. Catharines at the time, which was also the time that the Paul Bernardo and Karla Hamolka trial was ongoing. Thank goodness the Canadian media were not allowed by the courts to turn that tragic string of events into a circus. But Rather proved to us that TV news is all about the big story or the home run. They want scandal, whether it is President Bush or John Kerry, or Kobe Bryant or Michael Jackson or Martha Stewart or Scott Peterson. TV news gives us the overanalyzation of the most sensational stories whether there is a third for them or not. As sophomoric as it sounds, the reason Dan Rather ran with the false story on George Bush is because he wanted it to be true. He let his opinions, his passion, and his heart cloud his judgement. He wanted the story to be true more than he wanted to follow up and find out it may not be. While Rather is the guiltiest of this now, he is certainly not the only journalist guilty of not being thorough. And this is not something that only liberals are guilty of. Will we ever take network news seriously again? The networks don't care. It's no longer about news content. It's about ratings. Forest open house to be held Oct. 17OXFORD STATION The third annual Limerick Forest open house will take place Sunday, Oct. 17 from noon to 4 pm. There will be activities for people of all ages at the Limerick Chalet, 1175 Limerick Road, north of Roebuck. Kids can take part in a scavenger hunt, create a moss garden or build a bird house. Tours include a nature hike, wetlands adventure and the Ducks Unlimited project as well as a forest operation tour that highlights recent thinning work. Visitors can also check out the new board walk. By popular demand, there will be a barbecue again this year from 1:30 to 3 pm; there is no charge, but donations will be accepted. The open house is presented by the forest advisory committee and the Grenville Land Stewardship Council. For more information on Limerick Forest, call 342-9246 ext. 16 or 342-8528. SCHOOL SCENEAlgonquin Public School: In practising for Fire Safety Week, students at Algonquin have shown they are up to the challenge of evacuating the whole school safely through only one exit door. Their best record yet is one minute 35 seconds. Now that's impressive! Imagine, too, what a difference that could make if every home was able to boast the same record (or better). Do you have a fire escape plan? Does everyone know where your meeting place is? Does every school-age child or older family member know how and when to dial 9-1-1 as well as know their civic address and home telephone number? We appreciate your helping us reinforce good fire safety practices by reviewing these rules at home during Fire Safety Week Oct. 3-9. Benson Public School: At our assembly Friday, Oct. 1, Benson recognized students who were extra respectful, polite and thankful during the previous week. These students are Jacob Heward, Erin Rylands, Kyra Dumm, Alexander Hale, Curtis Patrick, Devon Bonvie, Jessica Vout and Brittney Merkley. Our book fair was a great success. We raised $787.21 for our library. The school advisory council will meet in the science room Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. All parents are welcome. Our cross-country team competed in the Iroquois meet Friday. Congratulations to our team for its strong showing. Our hot lunch program begins this month. Instead of hot dogs, we are offering pizza Tuesdays and Thursdays. White and chocolate milk will be available. Remember to send in your orders in a well-marked envelope on Monday mornings. Jostens Photography will be at Benson Monday, Nov. 1 at 9 am for students who were absent and those requiring retakes. Boundary Street Public School: There are many special activities going on this week. Mr. Rolley's class visited Upper Canada Village Tuesday, Oct. 5. On Wednesday, members of our cross-country teams will travel to Grenville Christian College. Good luck to all of our runners! Our student recognition assembly will be held on Thursday at 1:35 in the gym. The focus this past month has been on "empathy." All parents and guardians are welcome to join us. School photo days have been rescheduled to Wednesday, Oct. 13 and Thursday, Oct. 14. Notices have been sent home with more information. Hot lunch this Friday is hamburgers. We acknowledge all of the students, staff, parents and members of the community who helped with our anniversary celebrations this past Friday and Saturday. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Centennial '67/North Edwardsburgh Public Schools: We have been really busy here at Centennial this past week. Our annual walk-a-thon went great. So far, we have raised more than $3,000 and there is still more to collect. Well done, everyone. Also, our intermediate girls and boys soccer team tournament was on Tuesday. Mrs. Marsden-Whelan's class raised $91.55 to go to LAWS (Lanark Animal Welfare Society) for the 57 golden retrievers that were rescued last month. Awesome, guys! We had our first cross-country meet Tuesday, Sept. 28. In the peewee girls division, Missy Schutten came in an amazing second and Brianna Malcomnson came in 20th. In peewee boys, there were 110 runners and our very own Paul DeJong came in first. Dillon Ault came in 25th. Junior girls had 152 runners, with Brooke Gobeil coming in a very good second and Sammie Heykoop coming in 55th. Junior boys had 184 runners; Nick Heykoop came in 14th, and Mitch Lyons came in 32nd. Senior girls had 146 runners; Natalie Heykoop came in 53rd, and Ashley Spencer came in 60th. Senior boys had 170 runners; Josh Huttinga came in 13th, and Mike Conners came in 28th. On Friday, Oct. 1 we had an amazing musical group come and present at our school. Their name is H&S Express. There are four people in the group and from what I could gather they have been around for more than four years. They played a variety of musical styles with lots of energy. The audience truly appreciated their sound. A lot of the songs were folk and most had a lot to do with Canadian heritage. We really enjoyed their visit! St. Joseph Catholic School: "Blessed are the Peacemakers!" Congratulations to this week's Peacemakers: Alex Boswall, Tori Barabash, Simon VanStralen, Miranda Burton, Tara Wallace, Matt McKeever, Jordan Polite, Josh Lebrun, Adam Norton, Drew Robertson and Parker Castonguay. The Maple Leaf Cascar was at St. Joe's Thursday, Sept. 30. Students received an autographed picture of the race car and driver and enjoyed a barbecue hot dog lunch. O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer hosted a barbecue Thursday evening with proceeds of $300 going to St. Joe's school yard improvement. Fifty cross-country runners will participate in meets Wednesday, Oct. 6 and Wednesday, Oct. 13. Our senior girls soccer team played in a tournament at Iroquois Public School Tuesday. The senior boys played the same day at Nationview Public School. Both teams did very well at Grenville Christian College Oct. 1. The senior boys came in first place in a shoot-out in the final game. Our senior girls came in second place, also after a shoot-out in the final. St. Mark Catholic School: Welcome to October! We had a successful fundraiser with Freddy Fusion Friday. Congratulations on World Teacher's Day to all of our fine teachers. Today, our Grade 3 students are participating in a cross-country meet at Grenville Christian College. Good luck to all runners. On Thursday, Oct. 7, we will host our first school council meeting at 7 pm in the school library. All parents are welcome to join us. Our Thanksgiving Mass will be held Friday, Oct. 8 at 2 pm at St. Mark's Church. Any parishioners and parents are most welcome to join us. Our All Star Reading Strategy this week is "Book Awareness: I Like It. Let's Read It Again (group reading)." Hot lunch this week is pizza. Happy Thanksgiving to all of our readers from the students, staff and St. Mark Catholic community. South Edwardsburg Public School: Coach McElrea, Ms. Smith and our cross-country team are competing today at Grenville Christian College. Good luck, team! A parent information evening will be held Thursday, Oct. 14 from 6:30-8 pm. A Scholastic Book Fair will take place Oct. 13-15 to raise funds for our school library. School council will be working a bingo Sunday morning at Bingo International in Johnstown. Hot lunch today is pizza. Students attending the meet will be served their pizza tomorrow along with the Kindergarten B class. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend. Get a read on new clubWALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATTOnce again, we must acknowledge all those volunteers who came and worked and laughed and helped us through a busy weekend. Walker House showed its expertise in stitching and cooking. We also note all the artists who helped by opening their studios and showing their art. On Tuesday, Oct. 12, the diabetic society will be holding its first support meeting here at 7 pm. If you or your family has been touched by this disease, you are welcome to come and ask questions. Wednesday at 1 pm, the book club will be meeting. Come and get a line on a new book to read. Card game winners: Monday bridge 1st, Janet White; 2nd, Margaret Nesbitt; door, Bea Hemsley. Fun bridge Ruth Wenger. Wednesday night bridge 1st, Findlay Hill; 2nd, Jim Campbell. Thursday night euchre 1st, Dora Cook; 2nd, Jean Annable; 3rd, Jessie Shaver; door, Mary Reynolds. | |
| CARDINAL NEWS | |
TD Canada Trust to proceed with its plans to close bankCommunity still pursuing other banking optionsBy David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer CARDINAL - The Edwardsburgh /Cardinal Business Association (ECBA) received word Friday its efforts to save Cardinal's lone bank had been in vain. ECBA President Bill LaBerge told The Journal Monday he had received a letter from TD Canada Trust indicating the bank would still be closing March 18. "The only thing in the letter was that they offered an automated bank machine on a trial basis for six months," said LaBerge. "That really doesn't fit what the ECBA has been seeking; we'll be continuing our quest to bring another financial institution to Cardinal." TD Canada Trust spokesperson Jeff Keay indicated the bank is looking to work with the community to alleviate some of the concerns. "We responded formally to the business association as we said we would do," said Keay. "Many of the points they brought up had already been taken into consideration and this has re-affirmed our plans to merge the two branches (Prescott and Cardinal)." Keay indicated some moves have been made by the bank to try and help make the decision an easier transition for the community. "We're going to look at putting a bank machine somewhere in the village for a six-month trial basis," explained Keay. "This will give us an indication of the customer volume to see if it would make it worthwhile to keep it there. We would like to work with the community to help find a possible location for the machine." Keay also indicated after the Cardinal branch is merged into the Prescott branch of the bank, the hours of the Prescott bank will be extended to help better deal with customers. "It will be a significant increase to the market place going from 39.5 hours a week to 48 hours," said Keay. "On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays we will now be open from 9-5 pm, from 9-6 pm on Thursdays and Fridays (previous hours began at 9:30 am) and we will also be open Saturdays for the first time from 9-3 pm. As we said in our letter to our customers, we are looking to work with the community to resolve our outstanding issues." LaBerge explained the decision from the bank didn't come as a surprise, but it was a bit disappointing. "The positive side of this is we have generated a lot of good public relations and community support from this," said Laberge. "It's brought the community together for the cause." LaBerge indicated among the institutions the ECBA will be talking to will be "Your Credit Union," which spoke at the ECBA's Sept. 28 public meeting about how they had been through a similar experience in Williamsburg, which lost its bank in February and the credit union opened in October. Your Credit Union representative Bruce Corbett told the crowd of more than 150 last Tuesday the credit union would like to bring their full service financial institution into the village if things didn't work out with the TD Canada Trust and if moving to the village proved to be a strong business decision. "They're number one on our list of people to talk to," said LaBerge. "Your Credit Union has experience with exactly what we went through with Williamsburg." So far, more than 120 signatures have been secured for a petition which was brought forth at the Sept. 28 ECBA public meeting, which indicated residents of Cardinal will put all of their accounts into whichever financial institution is in the village, whether it was the TD Canada Trust or another one. ECBA Secretary/Treasurer Marj Kempffer told the crowd a New RO television crew had been to Cardinal earlier in the day to do a piece about the bank, and within 10 minutes she had set up a picket line using the handles from brooms in her store. The TD Canada Trust has a meeting for its current customers of the Cardinal branch scheduled for Oct. 12 at 7 pm at the Cardinal Legion to help alleviate any of their concerns about the new arrangement. Mayor is disappointed with bank's decisionSPENCERVILLE - A letter from TD Canada Trust received by Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council Monday night indicated it had not changed its mind about closing the Cardinal branch and merging it with the Prescott location. Mayor Peggy Taylor indicated she had received the same letter directed to the Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal Business Association telling it there were no plans to reverse the decision on the closure, which is slated for March 18, 2005. An emotional Taylor was quick to indicate she had hoped for a more positive reaction from the bank after council, along with Leeds-Grenville MP Gord Brown and Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman, had requested the bank reconsider its decision to close the branch. "Council is going to try to do whatever they can to help get a bank or financial institution (for Cardinal)," said Taylor. "It's really disappointing, but we're going to just have to forge ahead and do our best." Proposed change to intersection would not solve the problem: CascoSPENCERVILLE - Township Mayor Peggy Taylor told Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council Monday night she had received a letter from Casco about the proposed stop sign change at "Spaghetti Junction" (the Lewis, Bridge and Dundas intersection) in Cardinal. In the letter, Casco Cardinal Plant Manager Marc Harcus indicated the company had met with Les Shepard from the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville office and reviewed alternatives to reversing the stop signs as has been proposed. Harcus believes some of the alternatives would increase traffic and pedestrian safety in the village and resolve all of the issues in a less intrusive fashion. Harcus explained the reversal of stop signs from east-west to north-south would increase noise in the village at all hours, increase fumes from trucks in the village, disrupt and slow down the flow of traffic through the village due to trucks slowing down and speeding up, and increase the risk of accident by introducing a change to an intersection to which drivers are accustomed. Harcus added Casco supports Shepard's efforts to find a better long-term solution to the problem and encourages council to consider the alternatives at its next meeting. Big buck tickets are still availableCARDINAL - Tickets for the Cardinal Fish and Game Club's annual big buck draw are still available. Tickets to the draw are on sale throughout the region at Mustard's Variety in Iroquois, Rona Hardware in Cardinal, Cardinal Creations and MacEwen's Gas Bar in Johnstown. Tickets are also being sold by John Dugan and Mark Haffey. Fish and game club memberships are also available and can be purchased by contacting Dugan at 657-1081. Township receives donation of $20,000 for decorative clock in SpencervilleSPENCERVILLE - The Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal has received a donation of $20,000 from the Eric Baker Family Foundation to erect a decorative clock in Spencerville. Township CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald indicated the clock will be placed on the former Royal Bank lot in Spencerville at the corner of Bennett and Centre streets. McDonald added the clock would be similar to one located off the main street in Kemptville, which is a clock mounted on a decorative metal standing. "We're going to do a bit of research on this and find a clock that stays in the price range," said McDonald. "There will be some of the members from the Eric Baker Family Foundation involved in the process and selection of the clock." McDonald explained the foundation has also donated $7,000 for a figure skating training device (harness and rope system). The device will be located at the Spencerville arena and used by the Edwardsburgh Figure Skating Club. Marriage proposal referred to township administrationSPENCERVILLE - Township council indicated Monday night it would be sending a piece of correspondence from the Ministry of Consumer and Business Services which would permit municipal clerks to authorize civil marriages to the municipality's administration committee. In a letter from Ontario's Ministry of Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Watson indicated the move is aimed at enhancing access to civil marriage services across Ontario. However, the decision to allow municipal clerks to perform the services would be made by each municipality. After a few jokes from township CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald and Deputy Mayor Bill Sloan about dressing like Elvis, Mayor Peggy Taylor indicated the correspondence would be directed to the township's administration committee. "We'll send it to administration to read over and consider," said Taylor. "Administration has the right to take a look at this and say yea or nay to bring a recommendation to council." Non-unionized township salary grid set for 2004SPENCERVILLE - Township council passed third and final reading of a bylaw Monday to give non-unionized municipal employees a three-per-cent raise. Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Mayor Peggy Taylor explained the raise is done every year for all non-union staff. The bylaw also sets out the new management/non-unionized salary grid for the year and is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2004; the grid is based on five levels and years of service. The new grid indicates the township's CAO clerk will make between $60,948.71 and $71,674.40 this year; treasurer/tax collector will make between $51,187.36 and $61,394.28; the public works manager will make between $50,589.02 and $59,516.49; the chief water sewer operator, maintenance/landfill supervisor and chief building official will each make between $45,990.02 and $54,105.90; the recreation program co-ordinator/bylaw enforcement officer will make between $42,001.03 and $49,411.42; the financial assistant, deputy clerk/executive assistant to CAO and Cardinal Community Centre manager will each make between $32,193.01 and $37,874.13 and the landfill attendant and administrative assistant will make between $24,835.67 and $29,217.19 for the year. Property owners can purchase portion of closed Water Street road allowance: townshipSPENCERVILLE - Township council approved a land conveyance of a portion of Water Street in Johnstown to Robert and Gwendolyn Garrand at Monday's Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council meeting in Spencerville. Council indicated other properties which abut the closed Water Street road allowance between Augusta Street (Highway 16) and Sophia Street could be purchased like the Garrands did for the cost of all legal, survey and administrative fees. Township CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald indicated other property owners whose land abuts the closed road allowance must make a formal request to the township to purchase the land as well as provide survey information. The closed road allowance near County Road 2 abuts only seven properties in Johnstown. The road allowance was closed by a bylaw in 1995 authorizing council to execute such deeds or documents necessary for the conveyance of the road allowance. | |
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| SPORTS | |
South Grenville Jr. B Rangers still perfect at 6-0By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer CARDINAL - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers kept their perfect start to the season in tact with wins over Westport and Athens. The Rangers were able to improve to 6-0 on the season to remain the only team in the Rideau St. Lawrence Jr. B Hockey League with an unblemished record. Following the Rangers' 4-0 win over Athens Saturday, coach Rod Simmons said he was pleased with his team's play. "We did a good job killing penalties," explained Simmons. "We had a lot of chances to practise it this game, but we had a good team effort forechecking. We still have some work to do in the neutral ice, but overall I'm pleased." Simmons explained despite the strong start to the season, the team isn't taking anyone lightly and are constantly looking over their shoulders. "We've been doing well, but there are some really big games coming up," said Simmons. "We need to work hard and continue to steadily improve." Rangers goaltender Greg Richardson added, "We've been playing really well and the team chemistry has been a huge thing for us. We're very tight as a team and it's really benefitted us. We really need to keep playing the way we are and not get lackadaisical about things." On Saturday, the Rangers came out of the gates flying at the Cardinal and District Community Centre. Skyler Hoar would open scoring midway through the first period, while David Lun added an assist. The Rangers continued their strong play led by goals from Adam Tousant, Eric Selleck and Lun for the 4-0 victory. Adam Lawrence and Derek Rupert picked up helpers. Both teams looked a little flat heading into the third period after an extended period break, which saw the Cardinal arena's zamboni break down due to a bad propane tank in mid-flood and have to be towed off the ice surface. Rangers goaltender Greg Richardson got the shutout in goal, with an outstanding performance shutting down Aeros scoring opportunities. On Friday, the Rangers travelled to Westport and came home with a 6-4 win over the Westport Rideaus. The Rangers and Rideaus engaged in a back-and-forth first period, which saw Eric Selleck and David Lun score for South Grenville to take a 2-2 draw into the second period. Ryan Sullivan, Derek Rupert and Skyler Hoar added assists. The Rangers continued their strong play throughout the second and third periods, outscoring the Rideaus 4-2 to secure a 6-4 victory. Matt Bailey, Rupert, Alex McCormick and Hoar scored for the Rangers, while Alex Rees (2), Brandon Kelley, Lun and Julian Francis added assists. The Rangers are back in action this Saturday when South Grenville hosts their arch-rival Brockville Tikis at 7:15 pm at the Cardinal and District Community Centre. The Rangers then travel to Gananoque Sunday to take on the Islanders at 7:45 pm. Major atom Kings start season with 6-0 win over PredatorsSPENCERVILLE - The Rideau-St. Lawrence major atom Kings AA hockey team is off to a fast start to its season with a 2-1 record. The Kings opened the season Sept. 17 by posting a 6-0 shutout victory over the Greater Kingston Predators at the Spencerville arena. Slater Koekkoek led all scorers with a pair of goals, while Tanner Casselman, Payton Marriner, Adam Douma and Marc Beckstead added singles. Spencer Lee (2), Koekkoek (2), Shane Riddell and Beckstead added helpers. Jarrett Pitt had the shutout for the Kings. On Sept. 18, the Kings hit On Sept. 25, the Kings scored a 7-1 win over the Ottawa Sting at the Spencerville arena. Joey Sargeant and Koekkoek each had a pair of goals, while Cal Laforty, Fawcett and associate player Broydon Stufko added singles. Warren Steele (2), Beckstead (2), Koekkoek and Casselman added helpers. Pitt had a strong game in goal for the Kings. Penalties costly for Giants in 14-0 defeatBy David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants senior boys football team put out a strong effort but still fell 14-0 to the St. Joseph Catholic School Panthers Friday in Prescott. Despite the loss, Giants players and coaches considered the loss a moral victory for the team, staying within a touchdown until late in the fourth quarter. "We played some improved defence," said Giants co-coach Jason
Sloan. "We were tackling drastically better (than our Sloan pointed to Phil Black returning from an injury, Blake Jackson and Scott Baker as key contributors on the Giants defence. Sloan added the team really showed character in the second half to compose
themselves "We came out and played more disciplined," said Sloan. "It was a big game for them and they had a pep rally last night and came out a little too pumped, but they calmed down and made some plays. Chad Hyland and Matt Alkerton really were standouts for us on offence and kept things going." Hyland added, "We looked a little better late in the game after we got a bit of a pep talk. It was a good game for us, we did better than against TISS and it was great to see all the people in the stands cheering for us. If it wasn't for a couple of our penalties, it would have been a different game." Giants defensive back Scott Baker indicated the team learned a valuable lesson in the loss which should help them out in the next game. "The team played a lot better," said Baker. "Penalties just killed us, though; we need to just keep our mouths shut and look ahead to our next game." South Grenville started the game on a hot streak moving the chains early in the first quarter with Hyland connecting on a series of passes to receivers Ryan Killick and Matt Alkerton to make it to the 10-yard line, before failing to convert. St. Joseph had little trouble moving back down the field after the Giants gave up more than 60 yards in penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct and illegal procedure calls, which allowed St. Joseph to score on a sweep. The Giants and Panthers defences then took control of the game in the second and third quarters with each team stopping key drives. The Giants defence managed to answer the call after having problems in the previous game at TISS. Jeremy Couture managed to sack the Panthers quarterback for a big loss, while defensive lineman managed to block a field goal attempt and rumble 15 yards back to spark the Giants heading into the fourth quarter. Shane McNeely also had a strong game in the Giants secondary, keeping the Panthers passing game on their toes. After a few quick The Giants' next game is this Friday, when they travel to Brockville to take on the BCI Red Rams at 1 pm at Commonwealth Field. Giants junior girls basketball team starts season at 2-0By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer ELGIN - The South Grenville junior girls basketball team has taken advantage of its quickness to reel off a pair of victories to start the season. Giants junior team coach Ken Lynch was happy with the fast start his team is off to this season. "I've been really pleased with the way we've been playing," said Lynch. "The girls are hustling and outworking the other teams. Everyone is getting a chance to play and is working really hard and the scoring has been balanced. It's been nice to see everyone getting involved on offence, so far this season ten girls have been on the score sheet." Lynch added the team has also been impressive in the way it is handling surprises from other teams, including North Grenville trying to disrupt the Giants game by using a press. "We haven't really showed the girls how to break a press," said Lynch, "but when our starters were out there they were able to break it. It shows we have smart girls on the team and they know enough to make adjustments. We still have a bit of polish to do on defence, but we have a good bunch of girls that are smart and hardworking; it should be a good season." On Sept. 28, the Giants travelled to Elgin and scored a 42-32 win over the Rideau Lions. South Grenville was led by a breakout performance from Jessica Rupert, who scored 17 in the victory followed by Jaimie Grimes with nine. Michelle McDonald and Chelsea Roode had standout games on the boards and on defence. On Thursday, the Giants travelled to Kemptville and beat the North Grenville Knights 50-23. Roode led South Grenville on offence with a strong showing for 12 points, including a pair of three-pointers. Karrie Neddo and Rupert added nine points in the win. The junior Giants' next game will be Oct. 13, when they host the Athens Warriors at 3 pm in Prescott. Senior Giants run out of gas The injury-depleted South Grenville Giants senior girls basketball team has had a slow start to the season by losing a pair of hard-fought games to the Rideau Lions and North Grenville Knights. On Sept. 28, the Giants dropped a 40-27 decision to the Rideau Lions in Elgin. South Grenville, sporting a seven-player line-up for the game, put up a great effort taking the lead in the game at the end of the third quarter before running out of gas and surrendering the lead. Sara Watt led South Grenville with 11 points, while Sam Joudoin added nine. Coach Joe Latham credited Shannon Campbell with a standout game on defence and on the boards, calling it Campbell's best game of the year. On Thursday, the Giants fell to the North Grenville Knights 45-34 after getting into foul trouble early in the game allowing North Grenville to take an early lead. Watt led South Grenville with 15 points, while Joudoin added nine. "It was just overall poor shooting for us," said Latham. "We went 10-for-30 from the free throw line. Theoretically we could have still won the game with our shorter bench if we would have hit some from the line." Despite the losses, Latham credited the girls on their hard work. "They played well and put out a great effort in both games," said Latham. "If we lose, we've been losing in the fourth quarter after we get a little winded." The Giants got some good news following the games. Injured players Allison Whyte will be able to start jogging on her injured knee in 2-3 weeks, and Alex Ward is supposed to have recovered enough from her ankle injury to start jogging next week. The senior Giants have two weeks off and will take advantage of it to get healthy before travelling to Maitland Oct. 19 to take on the Grenville Christian College Lions. Edwardsburgh Figure Skating club season to start Oct. 12SPENCERVILLE - The Edwardsburgh Figure Skating Club will be holding its final registration session tomorrow (Oct. 7) at the Spencerville arena. The session will run from 6-8 pm and include a number of programs for all levels of skaters. For more information, contact club President Holly Howard by e-mail at burniefarms@sympatico.ca or Vice-President Sandra McNamara at 258-1646. Giants volleyball teams hosting fundraising tournament Oct. 15PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants volleyball teams will be hosting a fundraising tournament Friday, Oct. 15. Games will run from 5-10 pm and are open to anyone. Each team must have a minimum of four boys and two girls. For more information, contact Kevin Devaney at 348-1261. | |
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The Prescott Journal is published weekly by St. Lawrence Printing Co. Ltd., 231 King Street West, Prescott, Ontario, K0E 1T0, (613) 925-4265 - Fax (613) 925-3472 e-mail journal@stlawrenceprinting.on.ca All content is copyright 2004 The Prescott Journal. No reproduction permitted without written permission. |