VOL. 175, NO. 8~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ March 2, 2005

Eastern Ontario money is making a big difference

Numerous projects get boost from federal fund

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The positive effects of the Eastern Ontario Development Fund were celebrated in Prescott recently.

More than 50 people gathered in council chambers at town hall last Wednesday morning to acknowledge the range of projects being funded in Leeds and Grenville by the $10-million federal program.

The fund, which is being overseen by Industry Canada and FedNor, is being delivered at the local level by community futures development corporations, two of which are 1000 Islands (South Leeds) and Grenville (Augusta, Prescott, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and North Grenville). The two CFDCs hosted the gathering at town hall.

Each CFDC has a board of directors which reviewed funding applications from municipalities, companies, groups and associations. EODF has four main areas: business development, skills development, youth retention/ attraction and access to capital.

More than $1 million in EODF support had been approved by the two boards as of Feb. 23; the total is expected to be about $1.2 million.

"This is great news for Leeds and for Grenville," MP Gord Brown said.

Brown said he and his Conservative caucus colleagues have been working since the election last June to get the money flowing. The MP added he hopes the government will commit more money to economic development in the region so there will be more funding recipients in the near future.

Tom Russell, executive director of 1000 Islands CDC, said Brown has been "a steadfast supporter" of the work done by the community development corporations. Russell noted the importance of making members of parliament aware of the value of programs such as EODF. He also gave credit to the volunteer directors who had a lot of difficult choices to make but took their role seriously.

Several recipients of EODF money spoke about what the funding will mean to their organizations. Among them was the Municipality of North Grenville, which is receiving money to do a water and sewer expansion study and to improve directional and downtown signage. Brenda Guy, the municipality's economic development co-ordinator, noted improving infrastructure in the County Road 43 corridor will lead to more jobs and residents and a bigger tax base. She also said people have complained for years about there not being enough signage.

Guy said the Eastern Ontario fund is helping North Grenville create a more vibrant downtown core. She hopes local successes will serve as an endorsement of the program and lead to additional funding.

Many of the funding applications involved human resources as opposed to bricks and mortar. Maple Leaf Environmental Equipment of Brockville received $6,500 for staff training. Company representative Bruce Lounsbury told The Business News training "...is something very important within our organization." Seven or eight Maple Leaf workers are involved; half of the training, which includes financial management and cross-border trade matters, had already been completed by late February. "We're already seeing the results," Lounsbury noted.

He added programs like EODF spur companies to do things they might not be able to do under other circumstances.

Companies and municipalities are not the only beneficiaries of EODF. The local branch of the VON received approvals from both CFDCs. VON Executive Director Ruth Kitson noted the money is being used for two youth internships and to purchase a podiatry chair for use at foot-care clinics. Enhancing those clinics could result in fewer out-of-town trips by patients (many of whom are seniors) and attract a podiatrtist to the area, according to Kitson.

Renata Kimmerly and Lawrence Fielding, chairs of the Grenville and 1000 Islands CFDCs respectively, thanked Industry Canada for entrusting the local volunteer boards with the task of reviewing submissions and making choices on behalf of the community

Industry Canada representative David Monoogian said the federal department "...has full confidence in the CFDC structure." He added he never had any doubt EODF would be successful. The program demonstrates to senior bureaucrats and the government that "there is life and vibrancy in rural Canada," Monoogian said.

The northern portion of Leeds County and Merrickville-Wolford is served by Smiths Falls-based Valley Heartland CFDC, which has distributed more than $480,600 in EODF money.

THIS WEEK

Town library launches campaign Saturday

PRESCOTT ­ The Prescott Public Library will host the public launch of its fundraising campaign this Saturday, March 5 from 2:30 to 3:30 pm.

The drive to raise nearly $500,000 for expansion and renovations at the Dibble Street West facility is already well under way; the Friends of the Library group reports more than half of the money has already been raised quietly through grants and donations.

CJOH-TV anchor Max Keeping will be the special guest at Saturday's campaign kick-off. Library rejuvenation plans will be on display; refreshments will be served.

The library boasts an active membership of more than 2,500.

Chamber holds annual awards dinner Monday

PRESCOTT ­ The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce awards dinner is set for Monday, March 7 at the Prescott Golf Club.

Social hour starts at 6 pm; dinner will be served at 7 pm.

There will also be a silent auction; donated items can be dropped off at the Royal Bank by this Friday. Guest speaker is former Prescott resident Barry Bekkedam.

Four business and community awards will be presented at the event. A new award this year has been named after longtime Executive Director Mike Boyles, who retired late last year

For more information or to see if any tickets are still available, contact Chamber President Lisa Smith at House of Flowers (925-4441).

Fort Town concert set for this Friday night

PRESCOTT ­ The Fort Town Concert Association presents Memories of China this Friday at 8 pm at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.

Billed as a different kind of encounter between music and words, the concert will take the audience on a trip down the Silk Road. Actor Jean-François Blanchard's character travels to China in 1934 and meets a young Manchurian woman who serves as his guide.

Playing the pipa and guzheng (a Chinese zither), Liu Fang evokes a bygone era and invites the audience to take an exploratory voyage into the future.

Tickets will be available at the door. The upcoming concert is sponsored by the Town of Prescott.

For more information, call 925-5050.

St. Andrew's is located at the corner of Centre and Dibble streets.

The Fort Town volunteer group presents the annual Desjardins concert series in association with Jeunesses Musicales of Canada.

Feds add $8.2 million

Budget has some good elements, MP Brown says

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE ­ Gord Brown says he will not oppose the federal budget presented last Wednesday, but he will not support it either.

The Leeds-Grenville Conservative MP is disappointed by the overall budget, but he is not seeking to bring down the Liberal minority government because of it.

"There is a choice between accepting what is good about the budget and fighting for changes that are needed, or heading into another election that Canadians don't want," Brown states in a news release.

Included in the federal budget is an additional $8.2 million for the Eastern Ontario Development Fund, which the Liberal government created last year and provided $10 million, most of which has already been allocated for projects. "We would have liked to see this number larger than this as there is a need for more in our area," Brown says. "We will press the government to ensure this money is delivered in a timely fashion so that it can be put to work as soon as possible in our communities."

The Eastern Ontario fund is delivered locally by Prescott-based Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation. The federal budget includes an additional $14.2 million during the next five years for community futures development corporations in Ontario.

Brown notes he will ensure the two international border crossings in the riding receive their fair share of $433 million in the budget for border security and enhancement.

The MP says the government is following the Conservatives' lead in terms of tax relief. The basic personal income tax exemption and RRSP limits are to increase, and the corporate tax rate is to decrease from 21 to 19 per cent by 2010.

"I would have preferred immediate lowering of tax rates for low- and middle-income Canadians, and I will continue to press the government for this," Brown states.

Special interest claim refuted

Augusta councillor says no reason to apologize

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

MAYNARD - In response to comments made by Augusta Councillor John Fischl at the Feb. 14 meeting of council, Leeds-Grenville Landowners Association President Jacqueline Fennell offered a number of clarifications about her organization at Monday's regular meeting of council.

At Monday's meeting, Councillor John Fischl reiterated a section of the prepared statement he read at the Feb. 14 council meeting, which stated "I personally resent members of the Leeds and Grenville Landowners group demanding that council and its committees do nothing without their input." He also stated that he never spoke for former deputy reeve Doug Barton while delivering his remarks.

These remarks also included a statement from his earlier assertion referring to "special interest groups" who "pressure council without solid documentation and reasonable alternatives."

"A special interest group, by definition is a group of users interested in a particular subject, and discuss the subject in meetings or online," stated Fennell, adding her organization should not be considered a special interest group because it encompasses a number of different groups. "We are not a farm or environmental organization," Fennell stated. "I feel and members feel very strongly we should not be considered that (a special interest group)."

She also stated her organization has never "threatened anybody" and also has never asked for anything other than to know what's going on if there is a land-related issue in the township.

Fennell also stated "Mr. Fischl blames our association for things which have happened at council," making specific reference to the resignation of Barton at the end of January.

Fischl also said to Fennell "You should not worry that your interests won't be brought before us since there are members of your organization on this council and I am sure they will bring your interests forward. These issues will be discussed and voted on in the best interest of all residents of this township. This council was duly elected for that purpose," he added.

Fennell closed her presentation by saying "I feel the accusations by (councillor) Fischl are completely untrue," and that she felt the landowners association deserved an apology from Fischl. When making specific reference to Augusta's draft zoning bylaw, Fischl stated there has been much opportunity for input, with the township making its chief building official Marcel Lavigne available on Wednesday and Friday afternoons to assist concerned residents. As well, he made reference to the fact Augusta is holding two public meetings regarding the bylaw. "Very few municipalities hold more than one," he stated.

Fischl finished his response by saying "No, Ms. Fennell, I have nothing to apologize for to you or your organization." This statement prompted jeers from the overflow crowd at the meeting.

Community comes up big for Tyler Elliott

Support shown for local teenager and his family

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Tyler Elliott described the event as being "really neat."

Friends and family packed the Prescott Golf Club Saturday night to attend a benefit dance in support of a trust fund set up for the 16-year-old Augusta Township resident.

Tyler is scheduled to receive a bone marrow transplant and has been battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and an immune deficiency. Before he and his family head for a long stay in Toronto, they received a big show of emotional and financial support from the community.

Service clubs, companies and individuals came through to help the Elliotts cover costs associated with treatment and travelling to and from hospitals in Ottawa and Toronto.

As of Monday, the total amount raised for the Tyler Elliott Trust Fund was $19,596.

Andrew McLean, one of the organizers of the dance, said the generosity shown by businesses and individuals has been overwhelming. They had been expecting to raise $10,000 at the event.

As a youngster, Tyler had numerous ear, sinus, throat and chest infections. In 2000, he scraped his knee. Doctors concluded Tyler has common variable immune deficiency. His body is unable to produce enough antibodies to fight off infections properly. The deficiency led to a condition which resulted in nodules on his lungs, which makes breathing difficult at times.

Tyler has made frequent trips to CHEO. Last year, doctors suggested a bone marrow transplant to deal with his deficient immune system.

However, there was more bad news to come. Late last year, Tyler was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He received chemotherapy treatments.

This month, Tyler and his family will be heading for Toronto for the bone marrow transplant at Sick Children's Hospital. The family plans to live in the city for about three months.

Despite the challenges he has dealt with and is facing, Tyler ­ who turned 16 last week ­ is taking things in stride. "It's okay. It doesn't bother me," the South Grenville District High School student said.

Tyler's mother Anne said despite the strength and optimism being demonstrated through the ordeal, the Elliotts are normal people trying to deal with the challenges that arise. The support shown at the fundraiser was unbelievable, according to Mrs. Elliott.

"We are humbled by your love," she told the gathering. "You are all cherished."

Tyler's father Rodger was also overwhelmed by what he thought would be a little party that would raise a little money. "I'm just amazed," Mr. Elliott said. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Several presentations were made at the benefit dance. Donations included $2,270 from the credit union at Maitland and Invista workers, $1,000 from both the Prescott and District Lions Club and the Cow Paddy Boys motorcycle club, as well as $500 from the golf club. There were also contributions and gifts from Toronto police officers and a police foundation for children.

The event organizing committee included Andrew and Liz MacLean, Dennis and Charlotte Fawcett, Liz and Steve Smirle, Jeff and Sue Elliott and Gary and Bonnie Elliott.

The band Running on Empty performed at the dance.

Mrs. Elliott told Ryan, her other son, his bone marrow donation to Tyler is "the ultimate gift of love" that will create a special bond that will last a lifetime.

Donations to the Tyler Elliott Trust Fund are still being accepted at the Royal Bank in Prescott.

Hospitals to combine services

BROCKVILLE ­ Acute and non-acute care services in Brockville are being consolidated, it was announced Tuesday afternoon as The Journal was going to press.

Services at Brockville General Hospital (BGH) and St. Vincent de Paul Hospital will be brought together under BGH governance and management.

This will mean services at the St. Vincent site will eventually be moved to BGH when space is available.

"For all of us at St. Vincent's, there is sadness in letting go," Sister Sheila Langton stated in a news release. She added the Sisters of Providence believe they have fulfilled their mission at St. Vincent.

Celebrate International Women's Day at luncheon

BROCKVILLE ­ A luncheon to celebrate International Women's Day will take place next Tuesday, March 8 at the Brockville Country Club.

The first annual Strong, Smart and Bold luncheon is being presented by Girls Incorporated of Upper Canada in partnership with the Brockville and Area YWCA. The event runs from noon to 2 pm.

Guest speaker will be Joyce Roche, president and CEO of the national office of Girls Inc. and former vice-president of global marketing at Avon Products. Roche has been named one of "21 Women of Power and Influence in Corporate America."

Also at the luncheon will be the naming of the Strong, Smart and Bold Woman of the Year, a local award for which there is a public nomination process.

For tickets or more information, call Girls Inc. at 345-3295, ext. 2.

Fort Wellington's March Break program is seeking a few young recruits

Enlist in regiment and find out about the life of a soldier and building your own fort

PRESCOTT ­ Children between the ages of seven and 12 can become soldiers in the Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment at Fort Wellington for part of the March Break.

The fort's New Recruits program will take place Tuesday, March 15 and Wednesday, March 16 from 1 to 3:30 pm.

The soldiers will try on uniforms, learn how to march, taste recruits' food and play games in the barracks.

Wednesday's program (Defending Prescott) will see participants become engineers to find out how the fort was built. The young engineers will then build their own forts to take home.

Refreshments will be provided. Space is limited to 20 youngsters per session. There is a registration fee.

To sign up for the March Break program or for more information, call Elizabeth LeBlanc at 925-2896, ext. 104 or Joan MacKinnon at the same number (ext. 101).

Fort Wellington National Historic Site is operated by Parks Canada Agency.

Landowners group prepares for Toronto protest

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

SOUTH GRENVILLE - Members of the Leeds-Grenville Landowners Association are joining with similar associations and groups from across Ontario in a protest to be held at Queen's Park in Toronto next Wednesday.

Jacqueline Fennell, president of the Leeds-Grenville association, stated Monday the association is currently sending two buses, both of which are leaving at approximately 5 am.

One of the buses is leaving from Kemptville and picking up passengers in Prescott before going to the March 9 protest. The second bus will be picking up passengers in Brockville and Mallorytown.

Exact locations for the pick-ups had not been determined at press time.

Tickets for buses to the protest are to be sold by several members of the association as well as at the Maynard store.

Space on buses to the protest are not limited only to members of the association. "This is open to anyone," stated Fennell.

Fennell added the protest at Queen's Park will involve several elements, including speeches, a tractor convoy coming from four directions, and protesters bringing hogs and cattle to the venue. However, Fennell stated she does not know of any farmers or landowners from the Leeds-Grenville association who are bringing tractors or livestock to participate in the protest.

As well, Fennell stated protesters are planning on going into the legislature to present the 11 pieces of legislation which the landowners groups are demanding be passed.

The Queen's Park protest is slated to kick off at 10 am and some buses will depart from the protest at 3 pm. However, there will be an additional tractor rally held at the Harbour Castle hotel, the site of a Liberal fundraising dinner in Toronto, at 5 pm. Fennell said organizers will have to "get consensus" from bus riders in order to determine if one or both of the buses will stay for the later rally.

Fennell stressed the demonstration is not just a farmers' issue. "This is to do with property rights and lack thereof," she stated.

The demonstration at Queen's Park is the latest in a series of protests undertaken by landowners associations across Ontario. Other recent protests have included a blockade of the 401 in Glengarry near the Ontario-Quebec border Feb. 18, and the Feb. 4 protest in Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal which involved a convoy of tractors blocking the 401 and the interchange leading to the international bridge at Johnstown.

For more information about the protest or to get tickets, contact Fennell at 658-5876.

AGM of food bank is tonight

PRESCOTT ­ The Food For All Food Bank will conduct its annual general meeting today (Wednesday, March 2) at 7 pm on the second floor of town hall on Dibble Street West.

The not-for-profit organization was formed in 2002. The food bank, which serves residents of Augusta, Prescott and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, is based on Henry Street in Prescott. The food bank also has a location in Cardinal.

Mental health workshops will help families cope

BROCKVILLE ­ A free 12-week course for family members of people living with mental illness will begin in Brockville next month.

The once-a-week series is being presented by the Canadian Mental Health Association.

The program is aimed at the families of individuals dealing with one of the following: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety/panic and borderline personality disorder.

The workshops are led by trained family members and balance education and skills training with self-care and emotional support.

The class is limited to 20 participants. To register or for more information, call 345-0950, ext. 105.

Augusta residents speak out against draft zoning bylaw

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

MAYNARD - A number of concerned Augusta residents expressed concern about the township's draft zoning bylaw at Monday's regular meeting of council.

"Here's a question for council," stated township farmer Frank DeJong. "How much control does this council have over the proposed rezoning?"

Township Reeve John McCrea responded to this question by saying "We're frustrated all the time... (regarding the rezoning)." McCrea added land use planning comes down to the local level and that "If we can get this right, I don't think we'll ever have better leverage."

DeJong also asked council whether or not any agriculturalists were involved in the preparation of the new township map with revised zones, and expressed concern about parts of the map which were previously designated A1 (agricultural) now being designated R/U (rural/urban). "That (designation) bothers me a bit," he stated, "is it rural or urban?" McCrea stated he was not aware of the urban designation, but did say that the characteristics of the township has changed since the last map was made, as have the characteristics of Eastern Ontario.

DeJong also expressed a concern part of his property has been designated as EP (environmentally protected) on the new map. He added this is land which he has used as pasture and woodlot in the past, and is now tile draining it as he can afford it. "Does this council have the power to say: Look, that's not EP." McCrea added that he believed council does, but that a way must be found to identify the incorrectly identified lands in the township.

DeJong also expressed a concern about the zoning bylaw forbidding construction of new barns. " If this bylaw is passed anywhere near what's proposed here, without a great deal of local input... no one in this country will have a hope... to change any aspect of it, and we all shall rue the day."

Ed Robinson, a Maynard-area farmer, also expressed concerns about the proposed zoning bylaw. Robinson stated he is a "fifth generation" farmer in Augusta township. "I share many of the opinions of the people in the room," he stated.

Robinson added he thinks definitions to many of the designated areas on the map are vague. In addition, he stated he does not believe the plan "has much future" for Augusta.

"This (zoning) is not carved in stone the way it is. There's no sense this is carved in stone," stated Councillor John Fischl. McCrea also acknowledged that portions of the map are wrong, saying "we know they didn't get it right." The reeve also mentioned a portion of his property has been incorrectly designated on the map.

Councillor Pauline Cyr stated "I think if there are so many mistakes, I think maybe the whole thing should be scrapped and we should start fresh," to loud applause from the crowd.

Public meetings on the zoning bylaw are slated to be held March 22 at the Maynard Recreation Hall and the other on March 30 at the Augusta Public Library in Algonquin.

Town meeting date changed

PRESCOTT ­ The next meeting of Prescott council will take place a day later than usual.

The meeting scheduled for next Monday, March 7 has been postponed to Tuesday, March 8 at 7 pm. The move was made in order to avoid a conflict with the Chamber of Commerce awards banquet to be held next Monday night.

Traditionally, council changes the date of its meetings to enable members to attend the Chamber event.

Committee changes

A few changes to committee appointments were approved by Prescott council last week.

Philip Blancher tendered his resignation from the property standards appeal committee and the committee of adjustment. Prescott CAO Robert Haller said Blancher is relocating. Council accepted the resignation and appointed Chris Smalley to the joint committee.

Council also agreed to appoint Robert Walker to the South Grenville economic development committee; his name had been inadvertently omitted from the original list of appointees approved by council.

Both appointments are for the year 2005.

New livestock valuator sought

MAYNARD - The Township of Augusta is seeking a new livestock valuator.

This position, which was previously held by former Augusta dogcatcher Darcy Alkerton, is a volunteer position which pays an honorarium; the amount is currently "under review," according to township CAO Sharon Wilkinson.

Wilkinson added the position will be advertised in local media as soon as possible.

In other township news, council passed a resolution to make the due date for dog licences June 30. It had previously been March 31.

After June 30, the price of dog licences will go up to $30 per dog from $15.

Church to serve ham and beans

MAYNARD ­ Victoria United Church will host a ham and bean dinner next Wednesday, March 9.

Dinner will be served at 4:30 and 6 pm. The menu includes ham, baked beans, scalloped potatoes, corn, roll/pickles and homemade pie. Take-out orders will be available.

For tickets, call 925-4114.

New condos well-received at open house

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ They came, they saw, they liked.

A steady stream of visitors checked out the new condominiums at the corner of King Street East and Russell Street Saturday.

The eight-unit, million-dollar development was built on the foundation of the old garage constructed in the late 1950s. Owner Herb Willer noted the old building, which most recently housed his automobile sales business and an auto glass shop, needed a new roof. After considering his options, Willer decided to proceed with the condos.

He noted there is always a risk associated with developing a property. However, Willer acknowledged the move has paid off.

"It turned out better than I thought," he remarked.

All eight two-bedroom units face the St. Lawrence River. Each of the four second-storey condos has a balcony.

Construction began in August; the occupancy permit was effective Feb. 1. Project manager John Kirkwood noted each 1,100-square-foot unit has a different layout. There is central air, heating and natural gas. The units combine laminate tile, cushion flooring and carpeting. Most of the units include appliances; some have kitchen islands.

All eight units have already been sold. "They were really sold before the roof went up," Willer said.

Some of the units are being made available to rent, and at least one of the units is on the market.

Visitors seemed impressed by what they saw at the open house, where five of the eight units were accessible. Comments like "neat" and "impressive" were not uncommon.

Herb's wife Bev said she is proud of her husband for what he has done with the property.

Community input sought as Prescott studies its downtown and official plan

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Residents of the Fort Town are being called upon to help shape the future of their community.

The first community open house for the official plan review and downtown design projects was held last Wednesday in council chambers at town hall. The drop-in session gave visitors a chance to look at display boards and provide input both verbally and in the form of comment sheets.

The current official plan was adopted in 1991. Town officials agree the time has come to update the document which has far-reaching effects on planning and development matters in the community.

The IBI Group was hired by the town to take the lead role in the two planning initiatives. Company officials met with business people and other members of the community to gather information prior to putting forward ideas at the open house.

The display panels set up at town hall listed six basic principles which could serve as the focus of the revised official plan. They are: maintain quality of life; preserve historical resources; population stabilization and growth; maintain and strengthen downtown; strengthen local economy; and expand tourism.

The town can create opportunities by emphasizing its history and location beside the St. Lawrence River, it was noted. One of the suggestions to appear on the display panels were reconnecting with Ogdensburg by bringing back a ferry. In terms of the downtown area, the link to the waterfront was noted as an important opportunity.

Councillor Chuck Street, who also serves as chair of the planning and development committee, stated there is "nothing revolutionary" about the principles and opportunities identified by the consultant. "They all make sense," he added.

In noting some previous councils did not seem to feel there was a need for a revised official plan, Street advised against adopting a new plan and then ending up with "a stack of amendments thicker than the original document." Council should make changes to the old plan and stick with them, he said.

"If we don't have a plan, we can't get anywhere," Street added.

The councillor said he was encouraged by the steady stream of about 50 people who attended the open house.

Public input will be reviewed. A public workshop on the downtown design will take place sometime in mid-March.

A subsequent community open house will be followed by the presentation of a draft revised official plan and downtown design.

Street said this is the first step to bringing more life to downtown. He is hoping council and the BIA will be active in implementing the plan.

Most or all of the cost of the downtown study is being covered by grants from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) and Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation. One of the conditions of the EODF grant is the work must be completed by the end of June.

St. Joe's to host St. Patrick's Day dance at fire hall

PRESCOTT ­ St. Joseph School Council is hosting a St. Patrick's Day dance for all St. Joseph parents, staff and friends.

The event will take place Saturday, March 12 from 8 pm to 1 am at the Prescott Fire Hall. The dance features D.J. Music, a midnight buffet and lots of Irish fun.

For tickets, call Leeann Burton at 925-0782 or Stacy Zahn at 925-5175.

Tax return service offered

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE ­ The Volunteer Bureau of Leeds and Grenville is once again offering its community income tax program.

The bureau has trained income tax volunteers who complete returns for senior citizens, low-income individuals and families, the disabled, students and shut-ins. The service is free.

In addition to manual tax returns, the bureau now has fully computerized services and net-filing capabilities.

For more information on these services, call the bureau at 342-7040. The office is located at 42 George St., Brockville.

Groups make budget pitches to town council

PRESCOTT ­ Town officials are well into their 2005 municipal budget deliberations.

Several departments and boards have made presentations to council and its finance and corporate services committee. Three groups ­ the Prescott Public Library Board, Tourism Prescott and the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival ­ appeared at a budget meeting Monday night.

The library board is seeking a municipal grant of $99,386, which is nearly $10,000 more than the amount given by the town in 2004. Board chairman Brett Todd noted half of the increase relates to pay equity and other staffing costs over which it has no control. The other $5,000 is to top up the library's purchase of books.

Todd noted the library was very successful last year in securing grants from other sources to acquire books and other resources. He also mentioned the proposed expansion as part of the library rejuvenation project. "We're going to have more shelves to stock," Todd said.

The library's 2005 budget proposal totals just under $117,000.

Tourism Prescott is requesting $23,460, about the same funding from the town as last year. Tourism committee member J.P. Connell noted the focus of the group in 2005 is guest services. In addition to establishing a "bright and welcoming" visitor centre, hospitality training will be offered to front-line staff at businesses in the area. Connell said people should not have to go to the visitor centre to be welcomed to Prescott.

The Forwarders' Museum has served as a tourist information centre in past summers. Some town officials have indicated the museum would have to be modified if it were to serve that function over the long term.

The Shakespeare festival received $6,000 from the town last year and is requesting $8,000 this year. Chairman Ken Durand said he remains a strong believer in the festival and what it could do for Prescott.

Council has already approved a letter of credit for $12,000 which is enabling the festival to hire union actors. Half of this year's troupe will be unionized.

The two remaining departments to present their budget proposals are administration and fire; they are scheduled to appear in front of the committee later this month.

SPENCERVILLE LEGION NEWS by Ruth Chouinard

Our Ways and Means committee has mapped out an active program for 2005. Most of our events are open to the public as well as Legion members.

Friday evenings regularly feature a dinner and sometimes entertainment.

Every Thursday night beginning at 7:30 we host a public six-handed euchre. There is also a four-handed euchre on the second Monday of each month.

In March we have a sub-sandwich night on the 4th and a pizza night on the 18th. St. Patrick's Day arrives early at the Branch with a party of Irish stew and entertainment with a jam session, a group of talented musicians beginning at 7 pm.

Bursaries

The Legion offers a bursary assistance program for Legion members, their children and grandchildren for those planning to pursue post-secondary education leading to a degree, diploma or certificate. Financial assistance is not related to scholastic achievement, rather to the demonstrated financial needs to the applicant. The deadline for applications is March 25.

For more information, contact Bruce Hopson, Legion secretary, at 658-2031.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"It was really neat."

Tyler Elliott, commenting on the benefit dance held in his honour Saturday night

Editor's Notebook

THE BUDGET TRAP: It's hard to argue with the pundits who suggest last week's federal budget might be an attempt by the Liberal government to set the table for an election later this year.

After all, there are plenty of good-news items sure to satisfy or, at the very least, not alienate many Canadians.

Included in the budget is an additional $8.2 million for the Eastern Ontario Development Fund. As we have stated before, we welcome government funding for economic development in this region.

Even though the details of the cash injection have not been announced, we are prepared to give credit to the feds for following up on the $10 million they had already committed to the program. As much as the region should not develop or maintain a reliance on make-work projects or government handouts, it cannot afford to pass up this opportunity.

However, we would also like to remind the governing Liberals they still have some work to do to repair the damage to their credibility done by the so-called sponsorship scandal. Many of us are still wondering whether or not the claims of "I didn't know" which are still coming from the upper levels of government and the bureaucracy are lies, half-truths, an example of incompetence or, at the very least, an example of people who were asleep at the wheel. The reality is likely a combination of those things.

Although we welcome some of the good-news provisions of the federal budget, we cannot dismiss the possibility they are being held out as the proverbial carrot on a stick. Cynical? Yes. Realistic? Probably.

A GOOD EXAMPLE OF REVITALIZATION: As the town proceeds with its official plan review and downtown revitalization study, we hope our civic leaders are taking notice of one success story that has been well-received by the community.

The eight-unit condo project in the east end is a good example of rejuvenation. The old garage has been transformed into something that looks good and helps fill a void in the local housing market.

Without seeking any publicity or making a big splash, Herb Willer has quietly gone about his business and created what everyone seems to think is an attractive and excellent place to live. Although we agree with those who say he would have had no trouble filling twice as many units, the relatively small development has more charm because of its size. This is not to say that bigger projects could not be as attractive or marketable, but the eight-unit building is a nice fit for that corner.

Developers who respect their community and invest in it deserve our support. Based on the response at the open house Saturday, it would seem Herb Willer already has it.

Here's hoping other property owners are willing and able to do the same, and that the town will do everything it can to make reasonable development proposals become reality as it did in this case.

Tim Ruhnke

They would rather not have to turn to the community

THE NEW GUY by Tim Ruhnke

In the kudos column this week, all the folks who pitched in at the Tyler Elliott fundraiser at the golf club Saturday night were part of one of the most noteworthy events of its kind I have observed in my years in small-town Ontario. Although everybody involved would rather not be doing what they were doing, the outpouring of support was at a level rarely seen.

In terms of other causes which, unfortunately, are also part of our society, we note a letter from Darlean Coulter of the Canadian Diabetes Association. She acknowledges the volunteer canvassers (118 in nine communities) and donors who helped raise $21,000 in the tri-county area during the 2004 Diabetes Month residential campaign in November.

There was also a letter from Providence Continuing Care/St. Vincent de Paul about the overwhelming response offered by the Brockville area (including South Grenville) during the recent 30-Hour Telethon for Palliative Care, which raised more than $116,000.

"This is an amazing accomplishment and a tremendous show of support for this service that affects the lives of so many people in our community," write Mark Edmonds and Trudy Patterson.

Clearly, the program which enhances the quality of life for terminally ill patients and their families means a lot to many people, some of whom have had to make use of those services.

* * *

Here we go again.

Last year at about this time, I ranted about how the district health unit had sent us, by courier, a package on Nutrition Month (March). I questioned the cost of the move and whether or not it was worth sending hard copies and a disk by delivery truck instead of e-mailing the materials.

Well, it's happened again. We received the courier bag late last week.

There is, of course, another way of looking at this. The manner in which it was sent caught my attention the way an e-mail or fax would not (especially without a follow-up phone call).

Lord knows there are probably many people who are mad at me because of what appears to be my unwillingness to respond to e-mail. In most cases, I never read the e-mail because the subject line and address were unknown and were then deleted and dumped.

Perhaps the health unit believes the cost of the courier is worth it given the attention (much of it negative) I am giving to the subject.

I should also note the information on nutrition and the latest food guide details from the feds fail to mention stackable chips, one of the staples of today's diet.

Okay, one of the staples of my diet.

You'd think being borderline adult onset as I am would have convinced me to ease up on the salty snacks. Then again, you'd think we would have known better than to believe Dalton McGuinty and his cohorts would actually follow through on all those campaign promises.

Later this month, The Journal will publish some of the information supplied by the health unit ­ which means we should wolf down the chips and other junk food now before the excuse of not knowing any better is still somewhat plausible.

Prescott-Ogdensburg ferry ridership is on the rise: 1935

FROM THE ARCHIVES

March 7, 1935

* The Prescott-Ogdensburg ferry reported 7,468 passengers in February, a significant increase from the Feb. 1934 total of 4,859. Ogdensburg government officials had indicated cross-border travel would increase this year. There were 6,328 ferry passengers in January.

* Canadian National was advertising special round-trip train fares. Prescott to Montreal was selling for $2.30 (coach); Prescott to Toronto was going for $4 (coach).

* Prescott council approved a motion put forward by J.P. Doyle and seconded by W. Banford to invite the Worshipful Orange Grand Lodge of Eastern Ontario to hold its 1936 convention in Prescott. The town would place its municipal buildings at the lodge's disposal for the occasion.

March 5, 1974

* Parents are being warned by the Prescott Police Department to caution their children on the risky use of shore ice for a playground. According to Chief Tom Conaway, it has been necessary to warn some young daredevils off river ice, especially at Kelly's Bay where a number of boys were observed riding bicycles well out in deep water areas.

* Award winners at the annual banquet of the RCA Fishing Club held at the Prescott Golf Club were Stan Rollings (pickerel), Doug Anderson (lake and speckled trout), John McCarroll (smallmouth bass), Fred Mathieu (bullhead), Paul Anderson (pike), Jim Lowry (largemouth bass) and Fred Fraser (rainbow trout).

* Edwardsburg council was in the dark at its Monday night meeting when a power failure occurred. With no heat and one bulb powered by an auxiliary gasoline engine set up by the volunteer fire department, council plugged away until about 10 pm when, after the lights flickered on and off again, it adjourned with business remaining on the docket. Reeve Stewart Cook read the motion for adjournment by flashlight.

Oscar watch '06: a scene from the documentary Celsius 9-11

FROM THE OTHER SIDE by Jeffrey Morris

(George Bush is sitting at his desk in the oval office and is alerted that a rogue nation has fired a missile aimed at the United States. Condoleeza Rice enters the room and sits with the President.)

BUSH: Is the threat nucular?

RICE: You mean nuclear?

BUSH: Yes, that's what I said. Nucular.

RICE: We're not sure.

BUSH: Where is the missile now?

RICE: It's above Canadian air space.

BUSH: Canada has air space?

RICE: Yes sir, they do.

BUSH: What part of Canada is the missile over?

RICE: Frobisher Bay, sir. And it's travelling at about three miles per second.

BUSH: Is that near Sasktuktuyuk?

RICE: Come again?

BUSH: Never mind.

(The speaker phone interrupts them, informing them that the U.S. ambassador to Canada, Paul Celucci, is on the line.)

BUSH: Paul, I want you to get in touch with that funny looking guy up there. Not Jean Poutine, but that new guy. Mark Martin.

CELUCCI: Paul Martin, sir?

BUSH: Yes, that's him.

CELUCCI: And what should I tell the Prime Minister, Mr. President?

BUSH: Tell him there's a cowboy in the oval office with an itchy trigger finger, fixin' to shoot down a missile in Canadian airspace.

(Several other high ranking officials, including Dick Cheney, enter the room.)

CELUCCI: Mr. President?

BUSH: Yes.

CELUCCI: the Canadians are demanding we get their permission to shoot down the incoming missile, sir.

(Pause for five seconds, then entire room erupts with laughter.)

BUSH: How much time do we have left?

RICE: A few minutes.

BUSH: What's that number? Was it 1-800-DITHER or 1-800-PASSIVE or something?

CELUCCI: I have it.

(Celucci dials number and patches into Oval Office on speaker phone.)

AUTOMATED VOICE RESPONSE: Pour le service en francais, pressez le un. For service in English, press 2. (He presses 2)

AUTOMATED VOICE RESPONSE: To vote for your favourite all-time Canadian, press 1. To ask permission to shoot down an incoming missile from a rogue nation, press 2.

BUSH: Forget it. Shoot it down. We don't have time.

(Next scene has Paul Martin and Pierre Pettigrew lounging around watching Peter Mansbridge on the evening news, reporting on the horrific warmongering actions of the Americans as they shoot down a missile above Canada without permission.)

MARTIN: I feel really bad about this.

PETTIGREW: I do too.

MARTIN: Where did they shoot the missile down?

PETTIGREW: Above a Canadian base.

MARTIN: Was anyone hurt?

(Both men pause, then laugh, realizing that the base had long been shut down and abandoned by the Chrétien government. Kiefer Sutherland enters room, filled with stress and urgency. )

KIEFER SUTHERLAND: Paul? Pierre? What the hell have you two been doing? I've been trying to call you for hours. President Bush called my cell phone. Geez, I wish he'd figure out that I'm not really counter-terrorist Jack Bauer, I'm just an actor who portrays him on the hit Fox series 24.

(Camera pans to downtown Ottawa brothel, where a sign reads "Liberal Party Research Centre for Legalizing Prostitution.")

MARTIN: We were just getting ready for the convention this weekend.

(Both men giggle.)

PETTIGREW: You think they'll give us a contract for their defence system?

MARTIN: I don't know. We better send the President a gift. Where are those damn golf balls when you need them?

(Closing scene shows Bill Clinton in a lounge chair reading newspaper.)

CLINTON: The Canadian Liberals want to legalize prostitution? Man, my timing sucks.

(Camera fades. Roll credits.)

Michael Moore, eat your heart out.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Better for school boards to err on side of caution

The Editor;

Re: "School bus policy hard to understand," Letter to the Editor, Feb. 23

Dear Perplexed;

I am sure you are not the only concerned parent who questions the Upper Canada District School Board's transportation policy for inclement weather, but what "perplexes" me is why you don't pick up a phone to get answers to your concerns instead of making such a public criticism about this issue. The contact names and phone numbers you require are readily available at your child's school. There have also been several memos sent home for parents to read explaining clearly how and why these decisions are made.

No, the school board personnel are not qualified weather watchers as you suggest, but they do consult with weather experts on this issue. When we live in a society where blame needs to be directed at something or someone when tragedy strikes in order to help cope with the tragedy, I certainly would not want to be that "competent, experienced" bus driver if an accident did occur due to bad weather conditions. The bus driver would be the first person held responsible, and the school board would be next in line.

The media is required to state "schools remain open" because, in fact, they are. All school staff is required to "show up" and be prepared to work as normal, so why wouldn't they get paid? I've walked through my son's school on snow days and teachers are in their classrooms "working." Good teachers always have work to do whether students are present or not. They are not spending their day in the staff room as you suggest.

For those students fortunate enough to be driven in by a parent on these days, they come out the winners. If regular lessons cannot be taught due to lack of students, then the ones who are present can receive one-on-one attention ­ a rare happening during regular class time. I would call that worthy time spent with a teacher.

As for you stating these days are an "educational loss to the students and society as a whole," I would suggest our youth do not need to be in a classroom to be taught. One, two or even five snow days provide excellent opportunities for parents (we are teachers to our children too) to point out there is now time for extra research on a school project coming due, or your elderly neighbour needs his driveway shovelled, or they can help with the daily chores, or older children can stay home and care for younger children, or they get together with neighbour-kids and just have some unstructured, quality playtime. Our "savvy" (definition: knowing; having good sense) teenagers should know how to take advantage of these days.

The school board will never please every parent when it comes to decisions like this. Personally, I would prefer to see them err on the side of caution when the safety of our children is at risk.

Sign me "a satisfied parent."

Yvonne Joudoin
RR#2 Augusta

SCHOOL SCENE

Algonquin Public School: What do cross-country skiing, glissades, frites and French have in common?

It's the École de Neige three-day outdoor education trip for Grade 5 students ­ or what they call an awesome experience. With the guidance of French teacher Mrs. Cirne and supporting teacher supervisors, Ms. Grenkie and Mr. Buckland, along with parent Mr. Hoyland, students worked on improving French language skills while writing journals, eating meals, playing Scrabble and doing outdoor activities.

Our Chalet #2 (Les Filles de Neiges) did such a great job, they earned first place for their poster, skit and chant. Our boys (Les Loups) were equally impressive, quickly learning proper cross-country skiing techniques and demonstrating good sportsmanship.

While some students really enjoyed les raquettes (snowshoes), the "preferred activity" was tubing (glissades). Students also enjoyed the dance as well as guessing who the monk was at the "quiet" monk's breakfast. Even the kid-friendly yet nutritious meals were a hit!

Benson Public School: Our patriotic students this past week were Hunter Murphy, Haley Grant, Dillon Beckstead, Sarah Trillo, John Wood, Lucas Stitt, Chelsea Deschamps and Kelli Kalyn. Congratulations, students, for showing pride in your country.

Boys and girls basketball teams have been playing in several games at home and at other schools. Both teams will have played in tournaments Tuesday, with the girls at Seaway District High and the boys at South Grenville District High.

If you know anyone with a child ready for Kindergarten, now is the time to register. To be eligible for Junior Kindergarten, children must be four years old and for Senior they must be five years old on or before Dec. 31, 2005. Call the school at 657-3095 to register.

Our spring fundraiser begins with a special assembly March 9. All orders must be in by that date unless you are ordering online. You may order anytime at www.qsp.ca and quote our school number 10394.

Boundary Street Public School: Boundary's Idol ­ On Tuesday, March 8, Boundary Street Public School will be having a talent show in search of Boundary's latest Idols. There will be performances by singers, dancers, comedians and musical entertainers. The show will start at 7 pm; there is a special ticket price for a family of four. All proceeds will be donated towards a sound system in the gym and also for the Grade 8 graduation.

There will be a school council meeting on Tuesday, March 8 at 6 pm in the library.

Mrs. Armstrong is organizing the school's participation in the Multiple Sclerosis Society Read-A-Thon for the month of April. A MS representative will visit the school to provide information about the program, disability awareness, and the importance of recreational reading. Information will be forwarded home later this month.

Report cards will be sent home next week.

Hot lunch this Friday is chicken nuggets.

St. Mark Catholic School: We welcome the third week of our Lenten journey. We continue to pray and reflect on Jesus as the source of life.

Water is a strong symbolic symbol for us in Lent, as it means much more than the water made of H2O. The source of water he asks us to reflect on this lent is the source of water as the spirit of God.

Our Catholic partners meeting for school council chairs, principals, trustees and priests will be held at the board office in Kemptville Tuesday, March 8 at 7 pm. Father John Hibbard will be the guest speaker.

Report cards will be issued Wednesday, March 9 for A day Kindergarten students and Thursday, March 10 for the rest of the student body.

Hot lunch this week is chicken chunks and next week is pizza.

St. Joseph Catholic School: Winter Activity Week has come and gone. Congratulations to the Red Team which accumulated a total score of 46 during the week. The Orange and Green teams tied in second place with 43 points.

Our Lenten Mass takes place today in the school gym. We are in the third week of our journey through Lent.

The St. Joseph Public Speaking Competition will take place Thursday, March 3rd. The Junior presenters will speak in the morning and the Intermediate presenters in the afternoon. Winners will be invited to take their speeches on the road to the Royal Canadian Legion Saturday, March 12.

St. Joe's will host our Intermediate Science Fair Wednesday, March 9. Science projects will be judged with the winners advancing to the regional fair.

Report cards will be sent home Wednesday, March 9!

Students and staff are looking forward to this year's March Break, which runs from Saturday, March 12 to Sunday, March 20, inclusive.

New fitness program sure to be a real stretch

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

We are introducing a new fitness program during the evenings. Grandma's Fitness is a combination of exercises using many yoga stretches to improve flexibility, breathing and general health. Classes will be held Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday evenings from 7 to 9 pm. Call 925-5300 for information.

Members are reminded of the learn to weave class starting March 22 at 7 pm. Please call if you have an interest so we can plan the number of looms and equipment needed.

We have now successfully completed the food health series "Soups and Salads." We have used several interesting new combinations of vegetables and spices. Each participant offered suggestions and shared recipes. I appreciate all the "cooks" who helped each week with the preparation and the clean-up. We make a good team!

Card game winners: Monday afternoon bridge ­ 1st, Ruth Britnell; 2nd, Andy Britnell; door, Andy Britnell. Fun bridge ­ Glenn Morris and Candy Alexander. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Hilda Hutton; 2nd, Jeannine Marion; 3rd, Dora Cook; door, Jean Annable.

Township council calls special meeting to vote on insurance policy

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - A special meeting to accept new Edwardsburgh/Cardinal township insurance coverage was held Monday afternoon at municipal hall in Spencerville.

Township CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald told The Journal Monday afternoon the township had accepted a new insurance provider for 2005-2006.

"Coming out of the meeting the township insurance coverage for the next year will be Frank Cowan Company of Princeton (north of Woodstock)," said McDonald. "They are represented by Cummings Cossitt of Brockville as their broker."

The CAO/clerk indicated the total premium comes at a cost of $220,000 down from the previous rate of $242,000 from Aon-Reid-Stenhouse last year.

McDonald indicated the company put in a bid for the policy, but was $18,000 higher than the winning bid.

"There was another bid by Jardine-Lloyd-Thompson for $198,000," explained McDonald, "but what it canvassed wasn't the same as the others. Cowan was the best proposal for the best price. The township will save on this."

The meeting was forced to be called Monday to ensure a new policy could be selected so it could take effect before the old policy ran out March 1.

At the meeting, the township also decided to stay with Aon-Reid-Stenhouse for insurance at the Port of Prescott at a new premium of $175,000; down from last year's rate of $225,000.

Next stamp club meeting March 9

CARDINAL - The monthly meeting of the Cardinal Stamp Club will take place Wednesday, March 9 at the Cardinal branch of the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Public Library.

The meeting will start at 7 pm. Adults and children are welcome to attend.

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

Sun shines on fish and game club derby Saturday

JOHNSTOWN - More than 300 people hit the ice Saturday for the 8th annual Grenville Fish & Game Club Ice Fishing Pike Derby.

There were 33 youth and 303 adults who took part in the competition, which saw 59 pike weighed in and 44 live-released.

Fishermen from as far away as Pennsylvania, Whitby, Gatineau, Renfrew and Cornwall took part in the tournament, with Tyler Lemery catching the heaviest catch of the day at 7.82 lbs..

Tony Haystead caught the heaviest pike in the 6-8 am period at 7.38 lbs. He was followed by Vernon Senecal at 6.74 lbs., Jim Hodge at 6.30 lbs. And Steven MacMillan at 3.38 lbs.

Bill Kenney caught the heaviest pike in the 8-10 am period at 7.28 lbs. He was followed by Travis Visser at 6.62 lbs., Ed Gaudet at 6.40 lbs., and Sandy Williams at 3.94 lbs.

Lemery had the heaviest pike in the 10 am until noon period at 7.82 lbs. He was followed by Gaudet at 6.86 lbs. Ben DeWolfe at 6.58 lbs., and Wayne Jay at 3.62 lbs.

Reg Reid caught the heaviest pike in the noon until 2 pm period at 6.96 lbs. He was followed by Derek Roberts at 5.64 lbs., Harold Workman at 5.20 lbs., and Tom Wert at 3.50 lbs. Terry Coville caught the heaviest pike in the 2 pm until 4 pm weigh-in at 7.28 lbs. He was followed by Lloyd Travis at 7.18 lbs., Reid at 5.90 lbs., and Oril Covill at 3.42 lbs.

Andrew Smith of Lansdowne was the winner of the live release draw and will go fishing with Gil Turner (a Pro-Bass fisherman) on White Lake this summer.

There were 16 perch weighed in by the 28 children registered in the perch derby.

The early bird draw for a portable ice fishing shack was won by 14-year-old Allie Molson of Whitby.

The club's pike derby will take place on May 28.

OPP ­ TOWNSHIPS NEWS

Snowmobile stolen in Maitland

MAITLAND ­ A snowmobile was taken from behind a Church Street residence in Maitland, OPP were told on the morning of Feb. 27.

It is believed the theft occurred at about 11 am the previous night. The black 2003 Arctic Cat Model 900 is valued at $8,000.

The investigating officer is Constable McConnell.

Chimney removed from clubhouse

CHARLEVILLE ­ A 10-foot chimney was taken from the Grenville Snowmobile Club. The theft was reported to Grenville County OPP on the morning of Feb. 23. The chimney is believed to be a stainless steel insulated Selkirk that comes in sections. Its value is estimated at $300. Constable Prophet is investigating.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Tools taken from building

EDWARDSBURGH ­ Several items were taken from a home under construction on Ventnor Road. The theft was reported on the morning of Feb. 23. Taken from the residence the night before were a compressor and air nail gun, tile cutting saw and chain saw. The value of the stolen items was unavailable at press time. The investigating officer is Constable Blanchette.

Computer stolen from home

EDWARDSBURGH ­ An Acer Travelmate laptop computer with a value of $2,700 was taken from a Connell Road home. Although the theft was reported to police Feb. 23, it might have taken place any time within a three-week period. There were no visible signs of a break-in. Constable Blanchette is investigating.

Anyone with information can call Grenville County OPP or Crime Stoppers.

Flea market hit by break-in

JOHNSTOWN ­ A break-in at the former used car lot on County Road 2 East was reported Feb. 25.

Someone had entered the building, which now serves as a garage sale/flea market, through an east-side door. It is believed the break-in took place sometime between Feb. 22 and Feb. 25. About $300 in cash was taken.

Constable Kavanagh is investigating.

Traffic stop leads to arrests

AUGUSTA ­ Constable Foley stopped a 2001 Dodge Caravan on the eastbound Highway 401 at about 12:30 am Feb. 28. The constable noticed the ignition had been punched in. An investigation revealed the van had been stolen in Hamilton.

The 21-year-old male driver from Hamilton was charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000 and driving while suspended. Two male youths, 16 and 17, were also charged with possession of stolen property.

In addition, the 16-year-old faces charges of obstructing police and three counts of failing to comply with an undertaking.

Apply for federal youth job programs

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE ­ Applications for federal youth employment programs are now being accepted.

Young Canada Works is a program through Heritage Canada that creates jobs for students and young graduates and gives them a chance to put skills to use and to build career experience. There are four summer job programs for students and two internship programs for university and college graduates who are unemployed or underemployed.

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada offers Summer Work Experience, a major component of which is the Summer Career Placements program.

It provides wage subsidies to employers for creation of job opportunities relating to career interests and fields of study for students between the ages of 15 and 30.

The deadline to apply for most programs is April 1. For more information, call 1-800-935-5555 or visit the HRSDC office on Centre Street (above the post office) in Prescott.

Police conduct RIDE and seat belt spot checks

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Grenville County OPP officers conducted several RIDE checks in Prescott and Augusta last week.

Nearly 500 vehicles were stopped at seven spot checks in the town and township. No charges were laid; however, 13 Highway Traffic Act warnings were issued.

Motorists are reminded RIDE checks can occur at any time of the day or night.

Local OPP officers also conducted five seat belt checks in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and Prescott last week.

More than 230 vehicles were checked; one Highway Traffic Act charge was laid, and 18 warnings were issued.

Jr. B Rangers show class in first-round playoff defeat

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - The end result wasn't what they wanted, but the South Grenville Jr. B Rangers ended their season with class and payed homage to their fans following their 4-1 series defeat to Westport.

After dropping a 5-4 decision to the Rideaus Saturday in Cardinal, members of the Rangers came back onto the ice and saluted the South Grenville crowd for their support though the season.

"With our team, what we've been coaching and teaching the kids is not just hockey, but life," explained Rangers coach Rod Simmons. "For the guys to come out and show class like they did tipping their hat to the crowd, it makes you really proud. I'm proud of these young men; they showed they have pride and respect for the program and they have to be credited for their dedication to the team and their efforts all year."

Rangers forward Julien Francis added, "The whole community has been great. Especially around the playoffs it's been great, people recognizing you and asking how you are doing, the fans and everyone has been so supportive. When I first came down from Montreal, I had my doubts about the level of hockey, but it's been great. The whole team had a great season, but we just couldn't put it together. It's disappointing; everyone on the team is like a brother to you and you see them every day through the season, but now people are going different places."

South Grenville and Westport were tied at one goal apiece before the Rangers opened a 4-2 lead in the second period. Westport was able to rally back to tie the game and after a giveaway in the Rangers end, the Rideaus were able to beat Greg Richardson with 2:40 left in the game to ice the series. South Grenville battled back in the final minutes to narrowly miss scoring the game tying goal, but weren't able to capitalize. Richardson had a strong game in goal, holding off the Rideaus on a number of scoring opportunities in the first two periods of the game.

Adam Lawrence, Alex Rees, Brandon Kelley and David Lun scored for the Rangers, while Matt Bailey (2), Lun, Kelley, Eric Selleck, Ben Bowden, Jason Whalen and Adam Tousant added assists.

On Friday night, South Grenville travelled to Westport and dropped a 6-4 decision to the Rideaus. Tousant led the Rangers with a pair of goals, while Rees and Bailey added singles.

Simmons was happy with the season and expects more good things coming out of Jr. B hockey in South Grenville.

"The players, coaches, community, owners and everyone who has been around through
the season has been great," said Simmons. "We made some big strides in the right direction and I'm looking forward to a bunch of young local kids who are coming up through the system. We're trying to build a winning program here and I am very proud to be South Grenville's coach. We had 21-25 kids out for every practice and committed to the team and you can't ask for any more."

South Grenville completed the season with a 32-6-6 record for 70 points, finishing as the top team of all of the four divisions of the Eastern Ontario Jr. B Hockey League.

International games to be held Monday

SPENCERVILLE - National pride will be on the line as the South Grenville major bantam and minor midget hockey teams take on a pair of teams from Finland in exhibition games Monday, March 7 at the Spencerville arena.

Members of the South Grenville Rangers minor midget and major bantam hockey teams will play the Finland Laser A bantam 90's and major midget 89's starting with the bantam game at 6 pm with the minor midget game to follow at approximately 7:30 pm.

The games will feature a typical international match format, with national anthems for both teams, introductions and exchange of gifts.

This will be the first stop of the 65-person Finnish delegation, who will be travelling around Eastern Ontario for a week participating in exhibition match-ups.

Following the game, the Ranger teams will be hosting a reception for the Finnish delegation at the Drummond Building.

Admission to the games is free.

Minor midget teams to invade Cardinal for hockey tourney

PRESCOTT - Residents of South Grenville are showing symptoms of hockey fever towards the annual South Grenville Minor Hockey Association (SGMHA) minor midget hockey tournament March 10-13 in Cardinal.

In the first year the major and minor tournaments will be on separate weekends, the tournament organizers are expecting big crowds in Cardinal to watch the mix of Canadian and American teams battle out for bragging rights and the eye of scouts from various levels of hockey in attendance.

"We're hoping to fill out the field to at least 12 teams," said tournament organizer Carolyn Mason. "We've worked around the clock on getting teams talking to people by phone, fax and e-mail. We know as long as the tournament is in Cardinal we will continue to get tonnes of support from the town from the deli right up to Casco. We always get tremendous support."

While the games take
centre stage at the tournament, Mason indicated it's the whole SGMHA and the area which benefits.

"The money this generates goes back into the SGMHA," said Mason. "This year the ice expenses and refereeing costs have gone up and the money is even more important to keep costs down for everyone."

With so many teams and families from the out of town teams coming in to take part in the event, the tournament also brings more customers to local businesses and helps to put money back into the arena, which controls the ice fees.

Mason indicated so far, joining the host South Grenville Rangers will be the Spencerville-based Rideau St. Lawrence Kings AA, Kanata Blazers AA, Buffalo Saints AA, Rochester Americans AAA, Monroe County Eagles AAA, Richmond Hill Stars AAA and York-Simcoe Express AAA.

While the field is not complete, organizers still have in calls to various teams across North America and have representatives from other leagues helping to fill out the field.

Mason indicated she expects to gain at least another four teams for a 12-team field, though their goal is still to fill up the 16 openings. Among the teams still considering competing in the tournament are the Objipiwa Eagles (Buffalo), Team Ohio, Whitby Wildcats, Chicago Culls, Toronto Young Nats, Caledon Hawks, Binghamton Tornadoes, Hamburg Hawks (Rochester), Vaughan Kings, West Seneca (Buffalo), Burlington Eagles and the Buffalo Oilers.

SG volleyball teams bow out at LGSSAA

GANANOQUE - It was a tough week for the South Grenville Giants girls volleyball teams at the Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association championships Thursday in Gananoque.

The junior Giants, who have had growing pains throughout the season and dominated at times while falling flat at others, put on a good showing at LGSSAA advancing to the final before falling to the host Gananoque Trojans (20-25, 2-25).

In the semi-final game, the Giants needed three sets but were able to pull out a (27-25, 22-25, 15-9) victory over BCI to advance to the league final.

"All the girls played really well," explained Giants co-coach Allison Banford. "Against BCI they were on the top of their game, but in the final we just couldn't get on the attack."

Banford continued, "Jaime Grimes was outstanding for us in both games. She was all over the court diving for balls and making plays. She really impressed me the way she played."

Giants student coach Josh Rupert added, "The girls had a good day, but got taken out of their game with the large Gananoque crowd. The girls on the bench did a good job cheering on one another and trying to keep the momentum going."

Banford also indicated the team got big performances all season from Karrie Neddo, Jessica Rupert and Chelsea Roode, but added the performance of other team members Jessica McCarroll, Carley Sullivan, Carrie Calhoun, Zoe Kamenz, Sam Rennick, Michelle McDonald, Shannon Dalley and Amber Moulton couldn't be left out.

Seniors fall in semis

The senior girls team ran into the tough task of playing the upstart Pirates team in their semi-final match-up, where they fell to the host Gananoque Trojans (22-25, 25-18, 13-15) to be eliminated from competition.

"We played the best we did as a team all year in that game," said Giants player Kristen Jessome. "We co-operated and played as a team and made sure not to get down on one another and our bench was cheering us on. We stepped up as a team, but just fell short."

Jessome indicated the loss was a little tough to deal with, given key team members and seniors Shannon Campbell and Alex Ward were playing in their final LGSSAA tournament.

"We really wanted to win it for them," said Jessome. "It was sad for it to end like that."

Other members of the team are, Lyndsay Biccum, Sam Joudoin, Erika Kamenz, Miranda Kenney, Stacy Kenney, Amanda Lavery, Ali Murray, Thea Verstegen, Sara Watt and Allison Whyte.

Jr. girls fall in tournament semis

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants girls volleyball teams had a big weekend Feb. 19-20 hosting a pair of tournaments in Prescott.

On Sunday, the junior Giants advanced to the semi-finals of their host tournament, before falling to eventual tournament champions LaSalle (Kingston).

In the round-robin, South Grenville posted victories over Sharbot Lake (23-25, 25-19, 25-24 and 25-13) and St. Michael (Kemptville) (24-25, 25-14, 25-22 and 25-19) to advance to the semi-final.

Seniors post 4-6 record

On Saturday, the senior Giants posted a 4-6 record at their host tournament.

South Grenville managed to score a pair of victories over St. Michael and split games with Carleton Place and Queen Elizabeth (Kingston), before dropping straight-sets games to Seaway (Iroquois) and eventual tournament champion LaSalle (Kingston).

Local skaters fare well at Spencerville meet

SPENCERVILLE ­ The Edwardsburgh Figure Skating Club hosted the 14th annual Seaway Valley Recreational Interclub competition Saturday at the arena in Spencervlle.

Skaters from eight clubs in Eastern Ontario took part in the Skate Canada-sanctioned event.

Morrisburg won the team title, followed in second place by Brockville. The host Edwardsburgh club was third; Prescott placed fourth.

Local skaters who won medals at Interclub were as follows:

Edwardsburgh

Megan Boisvenue (third, stage 3 ladies opal, flight 2); Storm Jones (second, stage 3 ladies opal, flight 1); Megan Boisvenue/Storm Jones (first, silver blade elements); Aryn Garswood/Cassandra McCaffrey (second, silver blade elements); Cassandra McCaffrey (third, stage 3 ladies opal flight 1); Kyrstn Burnie (first, stage 4 ladies pearl, flight 1); Mattye Bologna (second, stage 5 ladies ruby, flight 2); Kennedy Whitley (first, stage 5 ladies ruby, flight 1; third, improv ladies A, flight 2); Mattye Bologna/Kennedy Whitley (first, super star elements, flight 2); Kaitlyn Norton (second, introductory ladies flight 3); Miranda McNamara (third, stage 5 ladies ruby, flight 3); Jessica Horton (first, stage 4 ladies pearl, flight 2); Fiona Tousaw (third, introductory ladies, flight 4); Brianna Dobbie/Lacy McFarland (third, top hat improv, flight 1); Jessica Horton/Kaitlyn McCaffrey (second, top hat elements, flight 2); Rachel McNamara/Kyrstn Burnie (third, top hat elements, flight 2)

Prescott

Lindsay Dennis (first, stage 5 ladies ruby flight 2); Makayla Markell (second, stage 5 ladies ruby, flight 1); Lindsay Dennis/Makayla Markell (first, super star elements, flight 1); Alex Hodgkinson (second, stage 6 ladies sapphire, flight 1); Leslie Carrothers (third, stage 6 ladies sapphire, flight 1); Cassidy Spero (second, stage 5 ladies ruby, flight 3); Emily Wilson/Charleigh McFarlane (second, similar pairs B); Devan Hutchinson/Matt Markell (first, snowflake elements); Brianna McGuin (third, stage 2 ladies emerald); Jennifer Seary/Elizabeth Hooper (second, similar pair E); Hallie McFarlane/Jennifer Pettem (third, similar pair E);
Dayna Hoogendam (first, junior silver elem. Footwork;
first, improv ladies D); Jennifer Seary (third, junior silver
elem. footwork); Paige Stufko/Teri-Anna Libby (second, top hat elements, flight 1);
Taylor McDougall/Emily Byers (first, top hat elements, flight 2); Tegan Kilpatrick/Lindsay Dixon (first, similar pairs A, flight 1); Amelia Carrothers/Chelsey Arthurs (second, super star elements, flight 2)

Atom B Rangers advance in playoffs

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville atom B Rangers hockey team is moving on to the second round of the playoffs after sweeping both games against the Athens Aeros for the necessary four points.

In game one, the Rangers scored a 4-1 victory over the Aeros Feb. 15 in Athens. Broydon Stufko led the Rangers with a hat trick, while Dylan Dorey added a single. John Wood (2), Alex Stephenson and Brett Van Stralen chipped in with helpers.

In game two, South Grenville scored a 1-0 win over Athens on Feb. 19, with Van Stralen scored the lone Rangers goal; Stufko picked up a helper. Nathan Peters and Devon Eaton shared the shutout in goal.

On Feb. 5, the Rangers travelled to Athens for an atom tournament and came away with the B championship.

In their opener, the Rangers dropped a 3-2 decision to the Gananoque Islanders
in overtime. Stephenson scored both of South Grenville's goals while Matt Courtney
and Cody Adams added assists.

In their second game, the Rangers scored a 3-2 victory over the Morrisburg Lions. Van Stralen scored in the shootout to put the Rangers into the B final, while Peters stopped all three shooters in the shootout. Stephenson and Stufko scored the other Ranger goals, while Adams, Stephenson and Courtney added assists.

In the B final, the Rangers squeaked out a 5-4 overtime victory over the hometown Athens Aeros. Stufko scored the game winner in the first overtime period, while Stephenson (2), Houston Bujacz and Dylan Dorey also scored. Adam Norton and Dorey chipped in with helpers.

Midget Blues holding tryouts for grades 9-10 students in March

PRESCOTT - The Brockville midget Blues regional basketball team will be holding tryouts beginning in March.

The tryouts are open to Grade 9 and 10 students, who are born in 1989 and 1990.

The first tryout session was held March 1 at South Grenville District High School.

The second session will be this Thursday (March 3) at TISS in Brockville and the final session will be Tuesday, March 8 back in Prescott. All tryouts run from 5 pm until 7 pm.

For more information contact John Doran at jkdoran@ripnet.com or 345-0503 or visit the team's Web site at www.eteamz.com/brockvilleblues.

Grenville Sportsman & Outdoor Show in Spencerville March 13

SPENCERVILLE - The Grenville Fish and Game Club will be hosting the Grenville Sportsman & Outdoor Show Sunday, March 13 from 10 am until 6 pm at the Drummond Building in Spencerville.

The show will feature an indoor 3D archery tournament. Registration for the tournament is from 8 am until 10 am.

The show will also feature antler scoring, calling demonstrations and a turkey calling competition. There will be draws and door prizes awarded throughout the day.

For more information on the show, visit www.grenvillefishand game.com or call (613) 928-2652.

PDSA holding first registration session this Saturday

PRESCOTT - The Prescott and District Soccer Association (PDSA) will be holding registration for the 2005 season in March.

The first registration session will be held this Saturday (March 5) at the Prescott Fire Hall.

Other registration sessions will be March 12 and 19. All sessions run from 9 am until noon.

The PDSA will offer Under-5, Under-7, Under-9, Under-11, Under-14 and Under-18 league this year and will offer rep soccer for OSCL boys Under-12 and Under-13 and ERSL boys Under-16.

Those registering for rep teams will require a post-dated cheque.

For more information contact, Leanne Burton at 925-0782 or visit www.leedsandgrenville.com/PDSA.

Spencerville Mixed Blooperball registration set for March

SPENCERVILLE - The Spencerville Mixed-up Blooperball League will be holding its registration sessions this month.

The first session will be held Tuesday, March 8, while the second will be held Tuesday, March 15. Both sessions will run from 7 until 9 pm at the Edwardsburgh Lions Hall. New players are welcome.

For more information, contact Doug Thompson at 658-2558 or Ian Bridger at 657-1299.

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