VOL. 175, NO. 11~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ March 16, 2005

Rural meets urban

Local group takes part in Queen's Park protest

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

SOUTH GRENVILLE - Although the media largely focused on a deranged man who set himself on fire, Leeds-Grenville Landowners Association President Jacqueline Fennell maintains the protest which her organization and other landowners and property rights groups held last Wednesday at Queen's Park in Toronto was successful.

"Yes, they (the media) did focus on him (the man who set himself on fire)," stated Fennell Friday. "I understand that's a bit more of a flashy thing."

However, Fennell also acknowledged it's her understanding media reports at noon hour (before the fire incident, which occurred shortly after 1 pm) gave more coverage to the actual protest and the landowners issues. "I think in the earlier newscasts the issues (were) shown very well," she added.

Fennell also said she thought the protest was well-attended, with people coming from all over the province. "Two thousand (participants) at least (attended the protest)," stated Fennell, adding reports which said only 300 attended the protest were "definitely wrong."

Approximately 90 people from the Leeds-Grenville area attended the protest. The local landowners association scheduled two buses, one which left from the Athens area and picked up passengers in Brockville, and the other which left from Kemptville and picked up passengers in Prescott. "(The buses were) just about full," Fennell said. She added the buses arrived in Toronto at about 9:20 am; speeches started around 10:20 am.

Speakers included Randy Hillier, of the Lanark Landowners Association, as well as representatives from the Ontario Property & Environmental Rights Alliance (OPERA) and the Ontario Deamalgamation Network, among others.

As well, three convoys of tractors made it to the protest, one originated east of Toronto, one came from west of the city, and the other came from north. "The one from the west came first, the other two were stuck on the Don Valley (Parkway)," stated Fennell. She added an estimated 100 tractors were in the convoy which reached Queen's Park first, while the other two convoys reached the protest later. Fennell also said there was at least another 100 to 150 tractors in the additional convoys.

One of the goals of the protest was for the groups involved to present the "11 pieces of legislation" which they want enacted to the Ontario government. These included rescinding the safe water drinking act and the nutrient management act, as well as amending other pieces of legislation which are felt to be restrictive to the property rights of rural landowners by the groups involved.

"Randy (Hillier) went inside to the legislature," stated Fennell. "The 11 pieces of legislation were taken inside."

Buses started leaving from the protest by 2:30. A number of protesters went on to the CNE to protest at a Liberal fundraiser. Fennell stated the two buses from Leeds-Grenville did go to the CNE, however, they did not stay for the protest.

The March 9 protest was the latest in a series of demonstrations by rural landowners groups. In the near future, Fennell predicts the Leeds-Grenville Landowners Association will be focusing on "local issues" including the zoning bylaw in Augusta township. She also stated "We will be taking part in any protests by the Lanark Landowners Association."

THIS WEEK

Family Skate Night hits the ice at 6 pm

PRESCOTT ­ Free skating and refreshments will be on tap later today (Wednesday, March 16) at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

The Family Skate Night will run from 6 to 7:30 pm. In addition to there being no admission fee, free hot dogs and hot chocolate will be served upstairs.

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

Library hosts family concert on Thursday

PRESCOTT ­ The Prescott Public Library is hosting a special March Break event this Thursday, March 17.

Shari and Jerry Tallon, international children's recording artists, will perform a concert for the whole family beginning at 3 pm. There will be music and plenty of audience participation at the event.

The library is located at town hall on Dibble Street West.

Ecumenical meeting will have Irish flavour

PRESCOTT ­ The next meeting of the Seaway Ecumenical Group will take place this Saturday, March 19 in the St. Paul's United Church Hall.

The breakfast meeting starts at 8 am. There will be music fitting the St. Patrick's Day theme; Louise Mayes will play the piano, and the Tony Dunbar Group of 3 will also perform.

Tickets will be available at the door. All are welcome to attend.

St. Paul's is located at the corner of George and Dibble streets.

The mandate of the ecumenical group is to provide a forum for like-minded individuals for fellowship and to express Christian faith in the community.

Simcoe to head east from base Monday

PRESCOTT ­ Icebreaking operations on the St. Lawrence River to the east of Prescott are scheduled to begin on Monday, March 21.

CCGS Simcoe will leave the Canadian Coast Guard Base in Prescott in the morning and head downstream to the Valleyfield area before returning home. Recreational users of the ice are advised to steer clear of the icebreaker's track.

The Simcoe headed west from Prescott earlier this week.

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

Chamber directors meet

JOHNSTOWN ­ The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly directors meeting this Thursday, March 17 at noon at the Bridgeview Restaurant.

Disbandment costs are close to budget

One arbitration case involving former Prescott officer still to be resolved

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The cost of disbanding the Prescott Police Service is close to what had been budgeted, according to town officials.

In a report to the finance and corporate services committee last Tuesday night, Treasurer/Deputy CAO Laurie Kirkby provided a breakdown of expenses relating to last year's shutdown of the municipal police department when Grenville County OPP began serving the town in September.

Disbandment costs to date total $281,963.37, according to Kirkby. The amount budgeted was $282,000, of which $200,000 was the estimated cost of disbanding the civilian dispatch service and dealing with severances.

The actual costs associated with shutting down dispatch add up to just under $185,000.

Police vacation payout is about $4,500 under the budgeted amount of $50,000.

The budget did not include a figure for police severance costs. Kirkby reported expenses of about $10,360 have been incurred.

One item left unresolved involves one of the former Prescott officers. Kirkby acknowledged there is one severance matter to be heard by an arbitrator. She did not offer specifics during the open meeting, noting it is a personnel issue.

Former Prescott constable Darren Davis told The Journal in September his severance might end up in arbitration. Davis was not offered a job by the OPP, which was his employer before he resigned from the service and joined the Prescott department a short time later in 2000.

Restructuring costs have been nearly $7,000 more than the budgeted total of $34,000.

The municipality took $124,000 from reserves in 2004 to cover most of the disbandment costs.

The rest of the money, which is being referred to as the net cost, stands at $157,963.37. This money comes from the general tax base.

The committee also received a report from CAO/Clerk Robert Haller on remaining property that did not go to the OPP as part of disbandment. The list includes rifles, a shotgun, two police cruisers and a bike, radio and video equipment, computers and furniture.

Haller recommended the weapons and other police equipment be made available for bids by other police departments. The 2003 Crown Victoria (listed as being in fairly good condition) and 2001 Impala (bad condition) and the bicycle would be open to public bidding; police services would also be able to bid on these items.

The finance committee endorsed these and other recommendations, which include giving the two alcohol screening test devices to the OPP and remaining computer equipment be salvaged as much as possible by town staff.

Video equipment will be used at town hall if possible. Furniture will remain in place at the fire hall for the time being.

Haller noted sidearms used by town officers were acquired by the OPP.

Jobless rate, EI claims higher in February

KINGSTON ­ The regional unemployment rate and the number of people collecting Employment Insurance (EI) benefits went up last month, according to figures which were released Friday by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC).

The jobless rate for the Eastern Ontario region that includes South Grenville was 7.8 per cent in February, up from an even seven per cent in January.

The sharpest drop in employment occurred in construction and hospitality sectors, according to an HRSDC news release.

Job gains were reported in professional, scientific and technical services.

The current jobless rate in the region is slightly lower than that of Feb. 2004 (7.5 per cent) but is now higher than both the provincial and national unemployment rates.

As for EI claimant figures, the Prescott HRSDC office had 1,450 regular and special claims at the end of February.

This is an increase of about 16 per cent over the January figure of 1,249.

All HRSDC offices in the Kingston-Pembroke management area reported increases in EI claimants last month; the overall increase was 14.1 per cent.

The unemployment rate is not determined by merely assessing EI claimant data, according to the federal human resources department.

Augusta township resident concerned about lack of train whistle response

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

MAYNARD - A letter from township resident Sara Manoll stating she was unhappy with council's response to the elimination of train whistles was presented at Monday's council meeting.

In particular, Manoll indicated she had not received a response from Councillor Pauline Cyr, who had indicated at a previous meeting she had done her own survey regarding train whistles during the 2003 election.

Cyr provided clarification to her survey at Monday's meeting, saying she had talked to a man who had worked on the railway for 35 years and explained about the safeguards in place for gates in case of power failure.

She also stated that during the election, numerous people had asked her about her stance on train whistles, to which she had always stated "If it saves one life, let it blow."

In regards to why she hadn't responded to Manoll's e-mail, Cyr stated she doesn't have a computer and doesn't do e-mail. Both Augusta CAO Sharon Wilkinson and Councillor John Fischl responded to Manoll's e-mail.

Augusta Public Works Director Ken Dickson stated the study for the elimination of train whistles in Augusta has "stalled" until the township receives the price from CN.

"We can't pursue anything else until we get the costing back," Dickson stated.

Meeting addresses proposed amendment to official plan

MAYNARD - A public meeting to amend Augusta's official plan was held Monday night before the regular meeting of council.

This meeting dealt with an application from Todd Coville, who owns land on Rocky Road in the township which was previously used as a gravel pit, and designated as aggregate reserve. Coville requested the land be re-designated as rural, which would allow the land be used for all rural uses permitted by the township's official plan. Coville had a study done on his property which determined its aggregate resources had been depleted.

Several residents with property near Coville's land expressed concerns about what it would be used for if designated as rural. Gail Abbott of Rocky Road expressed concern about how the redesignation could affect wildlife, pollution, and the water table in the area. She also expressed concern that the new designation could mean a development, such as a subdivision, could be built on the property.

Augusta CAO Sharon Wilkinson stated council would not consider passing the requested bylaw at the council meeting that followed the official plan amendment meeting March 14, but that it could be passed at the next council meeting.

After council passes a bylaw amending the official plan, the amendment is sent to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, which has 180 days to review the amendment and determine whether or not it will be granted.

Input on draft zoning bylaw in Maynard and Algonquin

MAYNARD - The municipality of Augusta has planned two public meetings to provide information and gather input about its draft zoning bylaw.

The first meeting will be held next Tuesday, March 22 at the Maynard Recreation Hall at 7 pm. The other meeting will be held Wednesday, March 30 at the Augusta Public Library in Algonquin, also at 7 pm.

In addition to holding public meetings in the evening, both locations on both days will hold open houses from 10 am to 5:30 pm. The township's planner will be on hand to answer questions about the bylaw and provide more information about it.

Prescott council pay hike is official

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Town council officially adopted increased honourariums last week, but not before one councillor reiterated her opposition to the move.

At its meeting last Tuesday night, council approved a bylaw which increases the mayor's honourarium from about $8,000 a year to $14,000.

The honourarium for each of the six councillors goes from just over $4,000 to $7,000 per year. The increases are retroactive to Jan. 1.

Councillor Suzanne Dodge, chair of the finance committee, noted council had discussed and approved the proposal last year. Staff had prepared a report which confirmed town council was underpaid compared to its peers in the region, according to Dodge.

But Councillor Nancy Lane believes an increase of 75 per cent is too much at one time. Lane noted she was concerned about the way the proposed increase speeded through council last fall without giving much opportunity for public input. She noted many people have offered negative reactions to the move since the first vote.

Lane added there should be a process which would enable council to implement a pay increase for the next council.

When the bylaw was put to a vote, councillors Beckstead, Dodge, Pelda and Street raised their hands in support. Lane was the lone council member opposed. Neither Mayor Robert Lawn nor Councillor Sue O'Hanlon indicated a preference.

Last year's expenses reported

Earlier in the meeting, council accepted a report from Treasurer/Deputy CAO Laurie Kirkby outlining remuneration and expenses for each member of council in 2004. Mayor Lawn received just over $9,000 (which includes serving on the police services board) and incurred conference expenses of more than $1,177.

Lane received $5,057 in remuneration for being a councillor and police board member in 2004. Each of the five other councillors received an honourarium of $4,070. Conference expenses ranged from zero to $1,080.

All seven council members incurred office supply expenses of $105. Kirkby noted this related to the cost of business cards.

OPP constable demoted for one year

BROCKVILLE ­ An Ontario Provincial Police constable based at Grenville County detachment faces a year-long demotion after pleading guilty to a Police Services Act charge of discreditable conduct.

George Duke was demoted from first-class to second-class constable for one year by adjudicator Robert Fitches at a sentencing hearing held Monday at the Royal Brock.

The charge stemmed from an incident that took place at the detachment in Prescott on Nov. 27, 2003.

According to the facts agreed to by the prosecution and defence, Duke was in an office with Constable Jeff McConnell and Cadet Lana Korver. At the end of a friendly conversation, Duke unholstered his semi-automatic service revolver and pointed it at a wall in the general direction of where McConnell was standing. He then put the gun back into his holster and left.

Duke has been suspended with pay since the incident. He entered a guilty plea during a hearing that took place earlier this year.

Fitches noted McConnell had testified he considers Duke to be a friend and would have no problem working with him again. The adjudicator also referred to Korver's testimony in which she stated the incident had a great impact on her and contributed to her re-evaluating whether or not to pursue a career with the OPP.

The adjudicator noted Duke has a very positive work history and "above-average reputation." Witnesses used terms such as "hard-working," "determined" and a good communicator to describe Duke. However, Fitches also noted terms such as "loud," "abrasive" and "show-off" were also used to describe the constable.

Fitches said, on balance, there is little doubt Duke is "a valuable employee" whose positive attributes "easily outweigh" the negative ones. "I am convinced this was an isolated incident," Fitches stated.

The prosecution had been seeking Duke's dismissal from the OPP.

Duke was unavailable for comment. Bill Carroll, Duke's attorney, told The Journal the sentence was appropriate under the circumstances. Carroll noted the cross-section of people (including Crown and defence attorneys) whose testimony spoke highly of Duke and his work ethic.

Inaugural fish and game club show a success, according to organizers

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - The Grenville Fish and Game Club's first Grenville Sportsman and Outdoor Show held Sunday was successful enough to warrant becoming a yearly event, according to organizer Mark Stevens.

"I'm very happy with the response," he stated, adding attendance had been "steady" throughout the morning of the event.

Total attendance at the show was 300 people, including archers who participated in the tournament. The event ran from 10 am to 6 pm. "Definitely, for the first try we're very happy (with the attendance)" added Stevens. He added he had hoped for 150 people to visit the show, in addition to the archers participating in the competition. "Attendance exceeded expectations," he stated.

The show featured 16 vendors, from different areas including Ottawa, Gananoque and Brockville. "A lot of these guys (vendors) support the club," he stated, adding the show is a way the club can return this support.

As well, Stevens mentioned the show offers an opportunity to expose attendees to products they don't see every day. "It gives people something to do on a Sunday," he stated.

Vendors seemed pleased with the exposure the show gave their businesses as well. Mary Lowry, of Lowry Taxidermy in Nepean, said "A lot of people come to us from the Ottawa area - we don't get a lot in from Spencerville."

Mike Jenkinson of Brockville, who is the Ontario distributor of the "Gator Ramp" tailgate ramp device, said "A lot of these guys have pick-up trucks," and added he had received "some interest" in his product Sunday morning.

Doug Murchie of Blue Mountain Archery in Gananoque, said an added benefit of the show for him was that it allowed customers to test out his products because of the archery tournament held at the same time. "If someone wants to test out a bow, they can," he stated.

The show also allowed him to see "lots of new products."

Although it was the first year for the trade show, it was the fourth year for the club's archery tournament, which was also successful according to Stevens. "(People registered in the) archery tournament (came from) as far away as Perry Sound," he stated. More than 100 archers participated in the tournament.

The show also featured an antler scoring booth, a turkey calling competition and calling demonstrations by GFGC youth.

Leeds and Grenville Idol search returns

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE ­ The local United Way is conducting a second Leeds and Grenville Idol search.

Singers over the age of 16 are being asked to consider signing up for the contest, which will be held May 26 at the Brockville Collegiate Institute auditorium. There is a limit of 15 contestants.

The winner will receive $200, a glamour package provided by Tina's Golden Comb and Photo Visions as well as a dance package from DADX Dance Academy & Workshop.

Idol hopefuls are required to register in person at the United Way office at 42 George St., Brockville. There is a registration fee; contestants must also provide a personal photo no larger than 5X7 when registering. Contestants must also show photo ID with proof of age. A list of rules will be provided at registration.

Judging for the Leeds and Grenville Idol contest will be done by a panel of local individuals appointed by the United Way.

Tickets will soon go on sale at several locations in the united counties area. The door prize will be a gift certificate from Hair Productions.

Proceeds will go to the United Way, which provides funding to 25 community agencies in the region.

For more information on Leeds and Grenville Idol, call 342-8889.

Buddy Holly show to serve as fundraiser

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE ­ Buddy Holly Live will be presented next month as a fundraiser for United Way of Leeds and Grenville.

The concert is set for Saturday, April 23 at 8 pm at Brockville Collegiate Institute.

There are special ticket prices for seniors and students. Ticket purchasers will be eligible to win a pair of diamond earrings from the Jewel Box; the draw will take place at intermission.

Tickets are available at Doyle's in downtown Prescott and at the United Way office on George Street in Brockville. The concert is sponsored by 104.9 JR-FM and Henderson Printing.

United Way AGM is next week

BROCKVILLE ­ The annual general meeting of the United Way of Leeds and Grenville will take place next Wednesday, March 23 at 7:30 pm at the Laurier Street fire hall in Brockville.

Among the agenda items are committee reports, distribution of 2006 funding application packages and delivery of the final report on community consultations held last fall.

All receipted donors to the 2004 United Way campaign are considered to be voting members. They must register at the voting delegate desk prior to the start of the meeting, which is expected to last about two hours.

Refreshments will be served.

For more information, call 342-8889.

St. Patrick's Day dinner to be held tomorrow

CARDINAL- Sacred Heart Catholic Parish Centre at 549 Middle St. is holding a St. Patrick's Day ham supper Thursday, March 17.

The supper will run from 4:30-6 pm. Ham, as well as casseroles and desserts, will be served.

Tickets are available at the door. Kids under the age of five eat for free.

First meeting of new Olympic Learners 4-H sports club is right on the button

Submitted by Fiona Cleary

On a very snowy Sunday morning, March 6, 2005, an enthusiastic group of 23 met at the Prescott Curling Club for the first meeting of the 4-H sports club!

Most of the kids, aged 10 to 18 years old, had never curled before and were excellently guided by Mary Kay Gilson, who volunteered her Sunday morning to teach the group how to throw a rock, find the button, sweep the ice, be a thirdsie and a skip.

It was a lot of fun, it gave everyone a chance to try a new sport, and many of the participants are very interested in joining the Prescott Curling Club in the fall!

The group met after for refreshments and to call the first meeting to order to plan upcoming sport experiences to try and also to choose the new club executive and club name. The new name is the Olympic Learners. President is Jeff Connell, Vice-President is Michael Maitland, Secretary is Stephanie Connell and News Reporter is Fiona Cleary.

Joining a 4-H club is a great experience for the young and the enthusiastic. 4-H stands for Head, Heart, Hands and Health, and you are welcome to take a look at the many things offered on the Web site at www.4-hontario.ca.

Eat well, be active and stay healthy

By Dianne Oickle, MSc, RD
Registered Dietitian/Public Health Nutritionist
Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark District Health Unit

It is no secret that healthy eating, regular physical activity, and other healthy behaviours will help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. It is also well known that how a person feels about their weight is closely tied to self-esteem and how they feel about themselves in general.

A recent on-line poll by Dietitians of Canada (Fall, 2004) showed 90 per cent of people who responded agree that eating well and daily physical activity will allow them to have a healthy weight. Results also showed that most felt it is "difficult" to achieve a weight that is comfortable for them. So why does it seem so difficult to have a healthy weight?

Under the influence

Many things have an effect on how we see ourselves, including culture, pressure from family and friends and our own personality. Many of us hear messages that we can change the shape and size of our body if we try hard enough.

The truth is that we are not all meant to be thin. Every person has a natural healthy body shape and size, a weight at which they are most healthy. This weight is influenced by our age, level of activity, genes, and many other factors. Keep in mind there is not a single "best weight" for a particular age group or body type. Our body will naturally settle at a weight that is healthiest if we eat healthy foods and include regular physical activity in our lives. If we try to resist our natural body weight in an attempt to fit with an unrealistic shape or size, we may end up feeling bad about the way we look and it may become difficult to enjoy eating.

Sometimes the picture we have of ourselves has little to do with how we really look or how other people see us.

Total health

Being physically active, making healthy food choices, managing stress, and being smoke-free are factors that support good health. If someone does not have a balanced lifestyle that includes these healthy behaviours, they will not be healthy no matter what they look like.

Change your outlook, not your look. Improvements to health can be made without seeing changes in physical appearance. Think of your health in terms of how you feel about yourself, how much energy you have, and enjoying the foods you eat and activities you do.

Do something today to make your life easier tomorrow. Break down your healthy eating goals into small steps. Cut up vegetables to have on hand as a snack. Make a grocery shopping list. Pack a healthy lunch in the evening for the next day. Put fruit in a bowl on the kitchen counter. Buy something new from the produce section each time you go grocery shopping. Have something from each food group at every meal ­ grain products, vegetables and fruit, milk products, and meat and alternatives. These small steps will make healthy eating easier.

Be active every day. Gather up to 60 minutes of physical activity each day for improved health. Park your car at the far end of the parking lot. Take the stairs, not the elevator. Start your lunch break with a short walk. Try to fit in 10-minute "bouts" of activity throughout the day ­ the time adds up quickly.

It may feel difficult to achieve a healthy weight if the goals you set cannot easily be incorporated into your daily life. Feel good about your weight by setting realistic goals, focusing on total health, and feeling good about yourself.

For more information on healthy eating and healthy lifestyles, contact the Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark Health Action Line at 1-800-660-5853 and ask to speak with a registered dietitian.

Proceeds from this Saturday's indoor garage sale go to MERC

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

The Maitland Indoor Garage Sale will be held this Saturday, March 19 at the MERC Hall from 9 am to 3 pm. Admission is free, and all proceeds go towards MERC programs.

The Maitland Girl Guides will have a bake sale table and there will be a silent auction featuring many items up for bid including gift certificates for pizza from Luna, Thousand Islands Pizza, Tata's, Mr. Mozzarella and Pizza Hut.

There is a flower arrangement from Flowers Brockville as well as additional gift certificates from Colonial Flowers, East Side Mario's, Kelsey's and Loeb.

If you would like to support MERC by donating used items or baked goods or if you would like to rent a table to sell your own surplus goods, call sale co-ordinator Dorothy Hunt at 926-2043 or drop your donations off at the hall on Saturday morning.

Be sure to stop by the sale Saturday to find a bargain and support MERC.

Next Master's Hands supper is March 23

PRESCOTT ­ A Master's Hands community supper will take place next Wednesday, March 23 at Seaway Christian Church.

The monthly dinner for the less fortunate will be served from 5 to 6:15 pm. Admission is free; all are invited to attend.

Seaway Christian is located on Churchill Road at Massie Drive.

The first anniversary of the monthly Master's Hands suppers was marked last month.

Prescott Youth Centre offers expanded weekday hours during March Break

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Youth Centre is offering extended hours and different activities during March Break this week.

The centre at 438 King St. W. will be open weekdays from 1-4 pm and 6-9 pm. The centre serves youth from 8-18; however, Tracy Warren, program co-ordinator for the centre, said the facility typically deals with youth aged 10 and up.

She added there are a number of activities planned for the March Break week. Today (Wednesday, March 16) at 1 pm, there will be an educational scavenger hunt in which participants will go to downtown landmarks and collect information. These teams will be supervised by youth centre staff; the first team back to the centre will receive a prize.

On Wednesday at 6 pm, the centre is planning a visit to the Family Skate Night to be held at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. On Thursday (March 17) afternoon, there are St. Patrick's Day arts and crafts planned to begin shortly after 1 pm. Shortly after 6 pm, there will be a St. Patrick's Day party. There will also be a Yu-Gi-Oh card game tournament Thursday night.

On Friday (March 18), the centre is holding an open day during the afternoon with no scheduled activities. For such times, the facility features a pool table and computers for youth to use. Also on Friday, the centre is holding a movie night with popcorn and snacks, which will begin at about 6:30 pm.

The centre is usually open on Saturdays from 12-3 pm; however, it will not be open this Saturday.

Warren added the centre gives youth "a safe place" to go which is drug and alcohol free and always supervised by adults. "(We) keep track of coming and going (of people)" she stated. In addition, there are certain rules at the centre, such as zero tolerance of physical and verbal abuse.

To find out more about the centre, call 925-2004.

Dickson named drainage superintendent

MAYNARD - Augusta Public Works Director Ken Dickson is now also the township's drainage superintendent.

Dickson's appointment to this post was announced at Monday's council meeting through the reading of a bylaw.

Prior to his appointment, Eastern Engineering acted as the drainage superintendent.

"A lot of drains (in the township) are getting fairly old," stated Dickson. "Some require maintenance."

He made specific reference to parts of the South Nation drain which traverses the township.

Dickson was appointed to the position for several reasons, including the fact that on Feb. 22, the Ontario Government announced the creation of a $6 million agriculture drainage infrastructure program, which will, among other things, provide the municipality with grants to cover one half of the costs of employing a drainage superintendent.

Dickson, who will not receive additional pay to go with the new post, indicated it is up to the direction of council as to how much of his time is dedicated to the inspection of drainage in the township.

"We have to plan what we're doing (about drainage)," stated Councillor John Fischl. "We have to give some direction (to Dickson)."

GCC hires new director of development

MAITLAND - Grenville Christian College in Maitland has hired a new director of development, Rev. Kevin Beattie.

"I am thrilled to be part of the organization and look forward to working with the team here," stated Beattie. "I think my experience and contacts within the Christian community across Canada will help raise awareness of this great school."

Beattie, a Brockville native who currently resides in Maitland, started the position in February. According to a press release from the school, "his primary role will be to work with an existing base and develop a new base of donors in support of the College's Tomorrow Leaders Campaign."

This campaign has already completed its $1.5 million first phase, and Beattie will be responsible for fulfilling the second half of the campaign which also has a goal of $1.5 million.

Beattie has recently worked with Youth for Christ as its executive director for Eastern Ontario and has acted as the assistant national director with Youth for Christ Canada, a position he continues to hold part-time.

"We have been searching for a Director of Development for some time and wanted to ensure that we found the right person," stated David Dargie, GCC headmaster. "This is a critical role in the advancement of the school and Rev. Beattie's background and enthusiasm will be of great benefit to GCC."

Beattie's other responsibilities include organizing events to support the school's fundraising objectives and to assist in recruitment along with the school's admissions department.

Shape future of downtown

PRESCOTT ­ A "hands-on" workshop to enhance downtown Prescott will take place next Wednesday, March 23 at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 97 on Henry Street.

The town is conducting a downtown revitalization study. The workshop provides an opportunity for the public to help identify opportunities and create designs for rejuvenating the main street area.

The meeting starts at 7 pm.

OPP ­ On the Beat

Reporting abuse difficult

The OPP weekly report is compiled after reading all incidents in the area and finding the ones with an interest to the public, or where police need your assistance. A number of incidents involving children and domestic violence investigations are not included in the report.

There is a reason these incidents are not published. The main reason is to protect the victims and their families from further reliving the incident. Just because you don't see them included or generically if they are, be aware that these types of incidents are in your community, and that these victims need help.

Domestic violence is defined as any use of physical or sexual force in an intimate relationship, including harassing behaviour. What many people don't realize is that "relationship" includes former partners as well. The cycle of abuse often has three phases: building tension, abuse and then calming. This pattern may take some time to cycle or may occur frequently. The effects, both short and long term, on the victims of abuse and/or their children can be devastating, even fatal.

Police officers must attend and investigate any allegation of domestic violence. Once there, "officers who have reasonable grounds that an offence has been committed shall lay a charge." What victims often don't understand is that police are the ones laying the charges ­ based on the evidence ­ whether or not it is communicated to them.

A victim shouldn't have to be afraid to come forward and report domestic violence to police. We will help you. There are numerous services available to victims which can be activated very quickly. These services do everything from providing a safe place to stay to walking victims through the court process.

Reporting domestic violence is difficult for a victim; let us do what we need to do, protect the victims and force the offenders to face criminal responsibility for their actions.

Submitted by Constable Holly Howard, community services officer for Grenville County detachment and an 11-year veteran of the OPP.

Smoke shop hit by smash-and-grab early Monday

PRESCOTT ­ Officers with the Grenville County OPP detachment responded to 43 calls for service in the Prescott patrol zone last week.

A break-in Monday morning at Lane's Smoke Shop is being investigated by Constable M. McConnell. Glass in the front door was broken at about 5:45 am. About 12 to 15 cartons of cigarettes were stolen; it appears the thief or thieves left shortly after entering the store.

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

No injuries were reported in a two-vehicle collision that occurred Friday afternoon at the intersection of Edward Street and Prescott Centre Drive. A 2005 Dodge Caravan driven by George Brown, 79, of Cardinal was southbound on Edward at about 4:30 pm when it attempted to make a left turn and collided with a northbound 1997 Volkswagen driven by Douglas Fraser, 34, of the Prescott area. Damaged was described as moderate. Brown was charged with the Highway Traffic Act offence of failing to yield to through traffic.

While on patrol last Wednesday morning at about 3:20, Constable Kavanagh noticed a suspicious vehicle in the Burger King parking lot; the car had been left running for about four hours, according to an OPP news release. A 38-year-old man from Flesherton, Ont. was found sleeping in the back of the vehicle. An investigation revealed he was a suspended driver; he was charged and the vehicle was towed. The man was picked up later by family.

OPP ­ TOWNSHIPS NEWS

Van towed for plate problem

EDWARDSBURGH ­ While on patrol late last Tuesday night on Highway 401 westbound near Edward Street, Constable Kavanagh stopped a vehicle (after conducting an MTO check) for expired plates. He found the 1993 Ford Aerostar van had a different validation tag in place which was not for the vehicle being driven. The licence plates were seized, and the van was towed. A 40-year-old Augusta man was issued a summons for defacing a validation on a licence plate. Insurance charges are pending.

Lights taken from back of rigs

EDWARDSBURGH ­ Rear lighting systems from two trailer units were stolen sometime between 11 pm last Tuesday night and 7 am last Wednesday morning. The rigs were parked in the Angelo's lot; the drivers had gone to sleep. No damage was done to either trailer, TEMIS FC units owned by Corporation Rene Blanchette of Noranda, Que. Each lighting set is valued at about $1,000. Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Prophet at Grenville County OPP (925-4221) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Officers check for seat belt use

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Grenville County OPP conducted at least eight seat belt checks in the late morning or afternoon last week at various locations in Prescott and Augusta.

More than 600 vehicles were checked. No seat belt charges were laid; there was one seat belt warning issued. The checks also produced a speeding charge and four other Highway Traffic Act charges.

Most crashes took place Friday

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ No serious injuries were reported in any of the 16 motor vehicle collisions investigated by the OPP in South Grenville last week.

Thirteen of the crashes occurred Friday night. Failing to reduce speed for road conditions was a major factor in most cases, according to police.

Augusta warns not to tamper with PIN signs

AUGUSTA - The Augusta Fire Department and Township of Augusta are warning local residents not to tamper with their Property Identification Numbers (PIN).

According to an Augusta Township release, the municipality has gone to a lot of trouble to position the small blue signs with white reflective numbers in a specific distance from the roadway and height above the ground.

The PIN numbers are the primary way for emergency services to pinpoint the location of an emergency, and are also useful in directing visitors, servicemen and delivery trucks to a location.

Residents are asked not to tamper with PIN signs, to keep hedges or branches trimmed so they don't grow over the PIN signs, not to erect their own style or PIN sign and not to move the sign after it has been installed.

PIN signs and their regulations are described in township bylaw 2280; copies of the bylaw are available during regular business hours.

Replacement signs can be obtained from the township office at the property owner's cost.

Similar measures are in place in other municipalities where 9-1-1 signs are posted.

SCHOOL SCENE

Algonquin Public School: Prior to March Break, staff, students and parents enjoyed some very special events.

The first was author George Laidlaw's visit to grades 3, 4 and 5, after which he wrote "Your school is wonderful and those Grade 5 students wow! It's exciting to meet students who actually love reading and writing." He rated these very focused Grade 5s as being the best prepared in terms of prior writing instruction, comparing them to the other 132 school she has visited.

The next special events were class presentations (Kindergarten A on Wednesday and Kindergarten B on Thursday). They performed a musical number Sambalele by Raffi. Also Thursday, under the leadership of drama and dance teacher Nancy Rennie, the grade 3/4 class did its rendition of New York, New York. The assembly concluded with Alex Hodgkinson performing a song, accompanied by Amara Heisel and Taylor Donaldson-Gilligan in supporting roles.

Chamber honours community spirit

PRESCOTT ­ The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce continues to shine the spotlight on individuals who are making a difference in the community.

The Chamber's annual awards were presented last Monday, March 7 at the Prescott Golf Club.

Chamber President Lisa Smith described the awards dinner as "the biggest social function of the year" for the business organization. However, she added the event also "brings everyone back to reality" because it also marks the contribution volunteers are making directly and indirectly to the business community.

"Jeanne Chaters never owned a business," Smith said in reference to the winner of the 2004 Community Service Award.

Chaters has been an integral part of Tourism Prescott, a volunteer advisory committee, as well as promoter of the Shakespeare festival, Fort Town concert series and other events and activities.

Catherine MacLean received of the 2004 Connie Dickey Memorial Award for outstanding contribution made by youth.

The Business Achievement Award went to O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer. A new business expansion and improvement award named in honour of longtime Chamber Executive Director Mike Boyles was given to Riverside Pontiac Buick.

The awards dinner and silent auction was a sellout; about 150 attended on an evening in which freezing rain made road conditions hazardous.

Smith noted some of the proceeds from the event and others held by the Chamber go back into the community in the form of grants to organizations and events which have a positive effect on the business sector and the area in general.

Monthly lunches start week after Good Friday

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

We are starting a new lunch date for the last Friday of each month. It will be necessary to sign the list for each meal. The menu will be posted with the list. Due to Good Friday this month, our first lunch will be spaghetti and salad on Friday, April 1 at 11:30 am.

We have room for one more participant in the learn to weave class. We will discuss the various parts of the loom to better understand the warping and weaving. We will dress the loom and weave several small projects. Please bring some ideas for small items you would like to weave. The first class will be in the evening at 7 on Tuesday, March 22. At that time, we will choose the best meeting time for all the class.

Card game winners: Monday afternoon bridge ­ 1st, Andy Britnell; 2nd, Bea Hemsley; door, Joan Salmon. Fun bridge ­ Jean Farlinger. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Mary Reynolds; 2nd, Geneva Odell; 3rd, Gladys Somerville; door, Jean Annable.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"It felt awesome to score that goal."

Kanata Blazer player Stephen Fleck, on the game-winner at the minor midget hockey tournament

Editor's Notebook

MORE THAN JUST TALK NEEDED: The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations which pay tribute to volunteers are to be commended for taking time to note their contributions to the community. Although volunteerism should be viewed as a selfless act, there is nothing wrong with an occasional pat on the back or thumbs-up for giving of a person's time and energy.

The mayor of Prescott has remarked on numerous occasions about the value of volunteers and how they add to the quality of life enjoyed by local residents. We agree with the mayor, but we also note actions can speak louder than words.

The time has finally come for the creation of a formal volunteer recognition program sponsored by the municipality. This could include a social gathering and presentation of pins or certificates, awards and other tangible items which mark the contribution made by these community members.

Some organizations already do this for their volunteers. It would be nice for the town to do the same. The subject has come up every now and then at the municipal level; certain councillors past and present have expressed an interest, and we encourage our civic leaders to follow through and make volunteering an officially recognized aspect of the Town of Prescott and other municipalities in the region.

REVOLUTION FAR FROM OVER: Timing is everything, a point to which organizers of the rural landowners' protest at Queen's Park last Wednesday can attest. At many media outlets based in Toronto, the protest took a backseat to coverage of the man whose own "protest" near the Ontario legislature involved setting himself on fire and ramming a rented van into police cruisers. The media's emphasis on that dramatic scene is understandable.

Much of the Toronto-based coverage of the rural landowners' protest appeared to be focused on farmers. Video images of tractor convoys slowly making their way down freeways in and around Toronto were prominent in television reports. Lead-ins, voice-overs and some of the reports themselves constantly referred to farmers and paid little or no attention to any distinction between farmer and rural landowner. However, we credit the landowners and the federation of agriculture and other farming groups for having the sense to make their pitch by taking their case to the legislators and bureaucrats who are making it difficult for many rural Ontarians to maintain their lifestyle through overregulation.

Still, it seems the protests and media attention has yet to make much of a difference with the Liberal provincial government, which appears to be concentrating on health care these days. If the government continues to be unresponsive to rural concerns, these protests are bound to get more serious. We might not agree with some of the tactics, but we can understand why some Ontarians are preparing to take stronger action to make the government understand the severity of the situation.

Tim Ruhnke

A 32-6-6 record is no reason for Rangers to be ashamed

CLUB HOUSE REMARKS by David Dickenson

They may be out of the playoff race, but there's still no mistaking 32-6-6.

While some people started the year down on the South Grenville Jr. B Rangers, they quickly came around this season; an extended winning streak will do that.

Myself, I've been watching Jr. B hockey for years and this year's Rangers team is easily one of the best I've ever seen and probably the best South Grenville team ever, bar none.

This region has won titles before, but never as South Grenville. The teams that had good seasons were the Prescott Falcons, Prescott Saints, Spencerville Bruins and Cardinal Broncos. In the roughly 12 or so years the team has gone under the South Grenville Rangers moniker, this is the best they have ever done. This is the first Rangers team I ever remember winning not only a division title, but having the best record in all of Eastern Ontario.

The team was something special and a lot of credit has to go to all levels - the players, coaches, trainers, owners, volunteers and fans put their hearts into everything they did and it went a long way.

One true mark of how great this team was is the impact it left on its players. Following the playoff elimination in Cardinal, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. David Lun, who was one of the most exciting players in the league this year and a guy who put his heart and soul out there every time he stepped on the ice summed it up best to his teammates. He stood up in the dressing room and told his hockey family this was the best team he ever played on and he would never forget any one of them ever. He told them when he started the season he didn't know a single person, but they reached out to him and made him feel like part of their family and he loved every minute.

That came from a young man from a hockey hotbed in Michigan and was only with the Rangers after being cut by the Brockville Braves.

It's hard to sum it up any better than that. This team was special.

While not all of the guys will be back next year, the team is in a good place where they are attracting players to a winning program and is sending kids off to higher levels of hockey with honed skills and fond memories of their days as a Ranger.

For the first time in a long while, the team has a direction which doesn't include the Rideau Division basement. A 53-23-12 record in the past two years is just the beginning.

Every single player this year who hit the ice, whether it be one game or 44, should be commended and probably most of all the coaching staff of Rod Simmons, Mark Armstrong, Cahl Gerow and Andrew Scott need to be thanked for turning the franchise around and making playing Jr. B hockey for the Rangers something every kid in South Grenville wants to do.

Town library membership breaks the 1,500 mark: 1955

FROM THE ARCHIVES

March 17, 1955

* The board of education has authorized its chair, H.A. Clarke, to seek an update on the status of its request for a crossing at Boundary Street. Several private letters have been submitted to authorities stating it is unnecessary for a crossing at that location of the CN railway lines. The new Boundary Street Public School opened last fall.

* Membership at the Prescott Public Library has risen above 1,500 for the first time ever. The library's 1955 budget has been set at $4,200; $1,600 is to be spent on books.

* Norm Arthurs has retired as superintendent of lights at the Dominion Lighthouse Depot after 43 years of service. Arthurs was given a gold wristwatch and a billfold containing cash. His wife received a bouquet of American Beauty roses.

March 19, 1975

* Prescott council has legislated a pay increase of 15 per cent for municipal staff. Town workers affected include the clerk-treasurer and administrative staff, public works, street cleaners, the meter reader and crossing guards. The municipality is also considering the possibility of placing traffic lights on Edward Street. The new signals would cost about $10,000 less a subsidy of 50 per cent.

* The congregation of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Spencerville has launched a drive to raise $81,000 to rebuild the church gutted by fire last Thanksgiving. Insurance money and donations already received would cover the cost of rebuilding.

* Roxanne Patterson has been crowned Cardinal Winter Carnival Queen. The decision was made following the Cardinal Figure Skating Club show. Patterson's sponsor was Cardinal Motor Sales. The other contestants were Cathy Cross, Lynn Gladstone, Peggy Gladstone, Cathy Sayeau and Cathy Maginnis. More than 700 people attended the skating show; the master of ceremonies was Madge Ward.

* Tickets for the 15th annual Policeman's Ball at the Prescott Community Centre are now on sale. A smorgasbord will be followed by dancing; music will be provided by the popular Fowler Street Ensemble. "Dress Optional," a Journal advertisement states.

There is someone in your life who has been a Lyall Gilmour to you

FROM THE OTHER SIDE by Jeffrey Morris

Lyall Gilmour is about as regular guy as you can get.

He eats his meat and potatoes, likes to go to the Odd Fellows Lodge, and he has probably never done anything spectacular enough to make it into People or Maclean's.

But to me, Lyall Gilmour has always been a whole lot more than a regular guy. He gave something very special to me and to most of my friends in Prescott. He gave his time.

I ran into the Gilmours Saturday night when I went to visit my old friend Youppi to say happy birthday. I hadn't seen Lyall in 20 or 25 years, but within minutes it seemed like 1973 was yesterday.

"Remember that catch you made out in left field?" was the first thing he said.

Ah, the catch. It was the highlight of 1973. Being nine was never better.

I don't know how the catch looked to everyone else. I got a jump on the ball, ran back and to my left, followed the ball, and reached out. It probably didn't look as Willie Mays as it felt, but I caught the ball and we won the game. I didn't really suck at baseball, but I was no better than mediocre. I wasn't excited or thrilled, I was just plain stunned that the ball ended up in my glove.

But the catch changed my life. Everybody has had a moment as a kid where you do something that makes you realize you are growing up. Maybe it's making a catch or scoring a goal or saving a puck. Maybe it's beating your Mom or Dad in chess. Maybe it's building something in the garage you never thought you could build. Maybe it's getting an A or A-plus on a report. No matter what it is, there is that one moment when you surprise yourself and realize you are being shaped into more than just a kid.

I had forgotten about the catch, but Lyall Gilmour hadn't. That's the kind of guy he is. Talking about the catch made me realize that Lyall was more proud of me for making that catch than I ever was of myself.

He also remembered more about my years in little league than I ever did.

He reminded me of the time when I was eight he spent a week teaching me how to bunt. We had a game against Johnstown and I dropped down a bunt down the third base line and beat out the throw to first, which is saying a lot because I was never blessed with speed. I ran through first, but turned the wrong way when I went back to the base. With his father screaming at him to tag me, Sheldon Laffoly tagged me and I was out. I had no idea it mattered which way you turned.

"I couldn't believe it," Lyall said, with his eyes burning.

"I was so mad, because you worked so hard all week and then to get humiliated like that. They were winning 35-3. They just told me that you had to learn the hard way, just like they did. Well, I decided right then and there that I'd had enough and I was going to quit."

I remembered Sheldon tagging me out, and I felt kind of stupid. But hey, he was a much better baseball player than I was, and he got me with the hidden ball trick a few times too. It was just another lesson in sports and ADD.

Luckily, Lyall got talked out of quitting.

We shared some more stories and reminisced about how in 1973 our rag tag team made it all the way to the provincial finals in the Ontario "D" playdowns. "D" is somewhere below "AA", "A", "B" and "C" and one small step above "One Horse Town."

But it wasn't about winning for us.

Lyall Gilmour tried to make it fun, but more importantly, he stood up for what was right.

At one time or another during those years, he put each and every one of us first. And if he remembers me for "the catch", he remembers every other kid on that team for their "moment".

I'm glad I ran into Lyall Gilmour. As an adult, it was my first opportunity to thank him for the years he spent volunteering as a coach, and to tell him how truly appreciative I was of what he gave us.

I told him about how excited I was when we got "real uniforms" with pants and socks and jerseys that zipped up the front with big numbers and "Prescott Amity Lodge No. 80" spelled across the back. I was so proud of that uniform I wore it to bed for a week.

Chances are you don't know or have never heard of Lyall Gilmour, but there is probably someone in your life that has been a Lyall Gilmour to you. Maybe it was a coach, or a teacher, or a scout or guiding leader, or maybe it was an aunt or uncle or even a neighbour.

If there was, take the time to thank them. Tell them you appreciate what they did for you.

And with so many programs starting up for so many things across Eastern Ontario in the coming weeks, maybe it's time for you to be a Lyall Gilmour for someone else.

Journal notes many responses to recent column

PRESCOTT ­ As of Monday afternoon, The Journal had received at least one dozen responses to the Jeffrey Morris column on marijuana use which was published last week. All of the responses were e-mails from outside the immediate area; all the writers disagreed with some or all of the contents of the column. The majority of the e-mails were from outside Ontario; several originated in the United States.

The Journal will consider publishing these and similar letters to the editor if they conform to the general guidelines published on Page 4 and when we can confirm the submission is from someone who actually reads or has read the hard copy or on-line version of The Journal.

Daffodil Month campaign kicks off at breakfast

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ The local branch of the Canadian Cancer Society will host its 2005 Daffodil Month campaign kick-off breakfast next Thursday, March 24 at the Bridgeview Restaurant in Johnstown.

The event will run from 7:30 to 8:30 am. Tickets can be purchased at the breakfast.

Bunches of fresh daffodils will be on sale March 31 and April 1 and 2 at several locations in South Grenville.

The annual Daffodil Tea will take place Saturday, April 2 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at St. Paul's United Church in Prescott.

Cancer society canvassers will be going door to door in the area next month.

Special events set for Legion

CARDINAL - Two special events are slated to happen at the Cardinal Legion this upcoming weekend.

On Saturday, March 19, the Cardinal ladies dart league is holding its annual dart tournament. Registration for the tournament starts at noon; play begins at 1 pm.

There is a registration fee for teams.

Registration for the tournament is limited to the first 20 teams. Call Tina at 657-1905.

On Sunday, March 20, there will be a St. Patrick's fun day and music jam held from 1 to 9 pm. Admission is free; the Legion's bar will be operating, and hamburgers and hot dogs will also be available.

Kanata Blazers capture AA/AAA title in marathon final

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - It took seven periods of hockey to decide a winner, but the Kanata Blazers emerged victorious as the 2005 South Grenville Minor Hockey Association AA/AAA Minor Midget Tournament champions.

In the final on Sunday, the Blazers capped its impressive tournament performance with a 2-1 victory over the crowd favourite Spencerville-based Rideau-St. Lawrence Kings.

Kanata took an early lead in the game when Brandon Timm scored with 38 seconds left in the first period. Kyle Fletcher picked up the helper.

The Kings continued its tenacious comeback mentality tying the game at one with 3:24 left off an unassisted goal by Peter Roy in the third period to send the game into overtime.

In a hard-hitting affair, the teams traded scoring opportunities in the four extra frames, with both RSL's Clarke Saunders and Kanata's Adam Morden standing on their heads.

Stephen Fleck proved to be the hero of the day as he scored at 6:09 of the seventh frame to give the blazers the victory. Zach MacMillan picked up the assist.

"It was a good tournament and a good last hurrah for all of us," said Fleck. "It felt awesome to score that goal. I was just trying to do what our coach told us and shoot the puck on the net to get off the ice and it went in. It was just great to spend all this time with these guys in the arena."

Blazers captain and the tournament's most valuable player, Brandon Timm, echoed Fleck's sentiment.

"I'm really happy with the victory," said Timm. "I really didn't think we'd go that far, until we were there. There was some really good competition here and we got to play some teams we hadn't seen yet. In the final, the crowd was cheering against us and it was really special to be able to pull it out. We played these guys all season and it was always pretty tough; it was good to get a final win against a good team like this."

Blazers coach Darryl Borden indicated the win was a nice touch for the team, which will likely be split up next year.

"It was quite the tournament," said Borden. "It was a lot of fun and a nice way to end the year for us. A lot of these kids have been together four or five years and next year will be moving on to junior and different teams, so it's nice for these guys end their run with something to remember. We knew the Kings would be a tough game, like they were all season. They're a very determined, gritty and well-coached team and we knew we had to play our best."

For their Kings counterparts, the tournament didn't end how they hoped, but they were still pumped up about the experience.

"It was just an awesome experience," said Kings forward and Prescott native Mike Froom. "I've looked forward to being part of this all my life."

Teammate Joel Haystead-Smyth added, "It was a little sad we didn't win, but it was such a great experience. They're a very good team."

Teammate Zach Van Allen added, "We played our best for 70 minutes. All the teams here were so competitive. It was a lot of fun."

Kings coach Dave Saunders indicated the final was a tough game for his team, but was a good experience.

"We're sorry we didn't win, but I was really happy with the effort of the boys," said Saunders. "All the credit has to go to Kanata; they deserved it and their goaltender played really well for them to win. We missed a few chances and it came back to haunt us a bit."

Timm was also named the all-star centre for the tournament, while RSL's Clarke Saunders was named the all-star goaltender and most outstanding goaltender, Kanata's Adam Morden was the all-star alternate goaltender, RSL's Matt Hummell won the tournament's assist title, Kanata's Adam Emmerton was named the all-star right defenceman, RSL's Shane Melcher was named the all-star left winger and Kanata's Tom Boroweick was named the all-star manager.

As far as a the tournament organizers were concerned, the event was another successful fundraiser for the South Grenville Minor Hockey Association.

"It was a fantastic tournament," said tournament organizer Carolyn Mason. "It was good field and everyone worked really hard. It was a very entertaining game to end a successful tournament."

Saunders indicated the tournament organizers deserve a lot of credit for putting on a great weekend.

"You have to hand it to the tournament organizing committee," said Saunders. "It's an extremely well-run tournament, which the players really enjoy. They take a lot of care with everything right down to their special prizes for the players. Everything was first rate."

Kanata advanced to the final by scoring a 2-1 victory over the Rochester Americans, while the Kings needed overtime to score a 2-3 victory over the Buffalo Saints.

The Buffalo Saints captured the A consolation title with a 4-0 victory over the Rochester Americans. Buffalo's Mark Zengerle was named the all-star right winger, while Rochester's Sean Stagles was named the all-star left defenceman as well as the most outstanding defenceman of the tournament.

The Ottawa Valley Titans won the tournament's Gill championship, narrowly edging the Halton Hurricanes 2-1. Halton's Casey Hermanus was named the all-star coach of the tournament.

The Monroe County Eagles captured the B consolation championship scoring a 7-0
victory over the host
South Grenville Rangers. Following the game, South Grenville's Matt Cockshott was named the tournament's most gentlemanly player.

The Richmond Hill Stars and Brockville Jr. Braves also participated in the tournament.

Tournament Awards

Tournament champion - Kanata Blazers

Tournament finalist - Rideau-St. Lawrence Kings

A consolation champion - Buffalo Saints

A consolation finalist - Rochester Americans

Gill 'B' champion - Ottawa Valley Titans

Gill 'B' finalist - Halton Hurricanes

B consolation champion - Monroe County Eagles

B consolation final - South Grenville Rangers

Most Valuable Player

Brandon Timm - Kanata Blazers

Most Gentlemanly Player

Matt Cockshott - South Grenville Rangers

Most Outstanding Goaltender

Clarke Saunders - Rideau-St. Lawrence Kings

Most Outstanding Defenceman

Sean Stagles - Rochester Americans

Player with the Most Assists

Matt Hummell - Rideau-St. Lawrence Kings

Tournament All-Stars

Goaltender

Clarke Saunders - Rideau-St. Lawrence Kings

Left Defence

Sean Stagles - Rochester Americans

Right Defence

Adam Emmerton - Kanata Blazers

Left Wing

Shane Melcher - Rideau-St. Lawrence Kings

Centre

Brandon Timm - Kanata Blazers

Right Wing

Mark Zengerle - Buffalo Saints

Alternate Goaltender

Adam Morden - Kanata Blazers

Coach

Casey Hermanus - Halton Hurricanes

Manager

Tom Borowieck - Kanata Blazers

Rangers defeat Brockville to highlight minor midget tournament performance

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - The host South Grenville Rangers made the crowd happy at the South Grenville Minor Hockey Association AA/AAA Minor Midget Hockey Tournament last weekend in Cardinal.

The Rangers playing teams as much as three divisions higher than themselves put together a strong performance finishing eighth of the ten team field, including a victory over their arch rival Brockville Jr. Braves Saturday afternoon to advance to the elimination round.

Against Brockville the Rangers scored a dramatic 4-2 victory over the Jr. Braves, with South Grenville's Stephen Joudoin playing the role of hero scoring with 1:23 left in the game to secure a spot in the playoffs.

"It was pretty awesome," Joudoin explained following the game. "We beat a team which almost went undefeated all season in Brockville. It was definitely a different game and level of competition. It was good for the boys to see these good teams."

South Grenville defenceman Matt Cockshott, who was named the tournament's most gentlemanly player agreed with his teammate.

"It was interesting for us," said Cockshott. "It was great to win against Brockville and getting to play teams of this caliber. We didn't really expect a win, but it was good to make the crowd happy."

Rangers affiliate goaltender James DeJeet had a strong showing in the opening round of the tournament after coming in relief during their opening game and putting together a pair of strong outings including the win over Brockville.

Rangers coach Allister Brown was happy with how his team fared against the stiff competition.

"It's quite a big adjustment from B to AA or AAA," said Brown. "These games are a lot quicker and we had to use shorter shifts and keep going hard. I think we were a little bit in awe in our first game, but we kept improving and it was pretty exciting beating a good team like Brockville."

South Grenville started the elimination round on the wrong foot with a 17-0 to the Rideau-St. Lawrence Kings, but rallied back with their victory over Brockville, before falling 5-0 to the Monroe County Eagles.

In the elimination round, the Rangers dropped a 6-0 decision to the Ottawa Valley Titans in the Gill consolation semi-final, before falling 7-0 in the Gill consolation game in a re-match with a feisty Monroe County Eagles team.

Rangers goaltender Jacob Casselman bounced back from a rough outing in South Grenville's opener to put together a pair of strong performances making numerous key saves to keep the game from getting out of hand.

Edwardsburgh Figure Skating show to be presented March 26

SPENCERVILLE ­ The Edwardsburgh Figure Skating Club will present its season-ending show next Saturday, March 26 at the arena in Spencerville.

"Spring Fling" is the theme of this year's production. About 40 young skaters are taking part in the annual event.

Showtimes are 1 pm and 6 pm. Tickets will be available at the door. Special ticket prices are in effect for seniors and children. Kids under three get in for free.

Come out and watch the local skaters put on a show and display their talents honed throughout the year.

PDSA holding third soccer registration session this Saturday

PRESCOTT - The Prescott and District Soccer Association (PDSA) is holding its third 2005 registration session Saturday.

The next registration session will be held this Saturday, March 19 at the Prescott Fire Hall from 9 am until noon. This is the final scheduled registration session.

The PDSA will offer Under-5, Under-7, Under-9, Under-11, Under-14 and Under-18 leagues this year.

Rep soccer is also available for certain age groups.

For more information, contact Leanne Burton at 925-0782.

Atom B rep hockey tournament of champions hosted by Prescott

PRESCOTT - The Fort Town will be hosting the 2005 Upper Canada Minor Hockey League's Atom B Rep Tournament of Champions.

The tournament is scheduled for March 26 and 27 with games running from 9 am until 6 pm both days.

The tournament of champions will feature the champions from the various divisions of the Upper Canada Minor Hockey League.

The South Grenville atom B Rangers rep team will kick off the tournament playing Saturday, March 26 at 9 am.

Come out and support the Rangers.

Local skaters impress at 37th annual Prescott Figure Skating Club show

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - The 37th annual Prescott Figure Skating Club's show held on the weekend was a success, according to organizers.

"I think it went very well," stated Cindy McGuin, club president. "(There were) lots of excellent performances from the skaters."

McGuin added the show was very well attended, with between 600-700 people attending the Saturday night performance, and an estimated crowd of 400 attending the show Sunday afternoon.

"A lot (of people attending) were friends and family (of skaters in the show,)" stated McGuin. However, she added the show also attracted skating enthusiasts from other areas.

Mary Anne Dixon, a PFSC director who helped to organize the show, stated she had heard "many positive comments" about the show from attendees. "Several people commented on the music."

The 2005 show had a "Ticket to Ride" theme in which all the skating performances involved travel of one sort or another. Dixon was quick to credit PFSC Director Meg Paul for coming up with the theme.

According to Dixon, the show involved 115 of the club's 135 members. "The kids did a super job - even the little girl who lost her skirt," enthused Dixon. She added kids in the figure skating club look forward to the show. "My own kids just love it" she stated. "It's the highlight of the year."

The show also featured a performance from Ben Ferreira, currently the fourth-ranked senior men's skater in Canada. "We really wanted to have him back," stated Dixon. Ferreira also was the guest skater at the PFSC's 2003 show.

Ferreira was also glad to be back in Prescott. "I mean, it's always an honour to be asked back," he stated. He added Prescott is a "wonderful town" with "wonderful people."

Ferreira, who is currently 25 and lives in Barrie, also stated he is planning on retiring from professional figure stating soon. "There comes a time (when you) have to hang up your skates and try something new," he stated. "I'll be 26 next year - I've had a great career."

He added he is particularly interested in coaching younger figure skaters. "I feel there is something I can give back to the sport," he mentioned. Ferreira participated in a skating session with members of the PFSC Sunday morning.

"(The skating show is) a lot of work," stated McGuin. "(It's) well worth it when you sit back and watch the show."

Bantam B Rangers fall in A championship of Petawawa house league tournament

PETAWAWA - The South Grenville bantam B Rangers house league team had a strong showing, falling in the A championship game of the Petawawa Bantam House League Tournament March 4-6.

In the final, a tired Rangers club dropped a 3-1 decision to the Barry's Bay Grizzlies. South Grenville was pressing, but then had their hopes dashed as the Grizzlies scored an empty net goal to ice the victory. Rangers' keeper Andrew Davidson was named the player of the game in the final for his strong play. Chris Noonan scored the lone South Grenville goal, while Michael Thomas added an assist.

In their opener, the Rangers scored a 2-0 win over the Nepean Roadrunners. Affiliate goaltender Kenny Polite was credited with the shutout for South Grenville, while Trevor Murray and Josh Perrin scored the Rangers' goals. Todd Kirkey and Murray added assists. Reilly Grootjans was named the player of the game.

In their second game, the Rangers had to settle for a 1-1 draw with the Pembroke Chiefs. Noonan scored South Grenville's lone marker, while Perrin had a helper. Josh Newton was named player of the game.

In game three, South Grenville scored a 7-1 victory over the West Carleton Warriors. Kirkey and Noonan each had a pair of goals to lead the Rangers, while Murray, Thomas and Tyler Curry added singles. Davidson, Perrin, Kirkey, Noonan, Curry, Grootjans, Murray and Chris Rice chipped in with helpers. Curry was named player of the game.

In game four, the Rangers scored a 6-4 win over Barry's Bay. Perrin scored a pair of goals to lead South Grenville, while Thomas, Noonan and Fletcher Wehmeyer also scored. Perrin (2), Murray, Kirkey, Grootjans and Ryan Joudoin added assists. Curry was named the player of the game.

In playoff action, the Rangers are tied 2-2 in their first-to-five-points playoff series against the Athens Aeros.

On March 10, the Rangers scored a 7-1 win over the Aeros in Cardinal. Kirkey scored a pair of goals to lead South Grenville, while Murray, Wehmeyer, Perrin, Noonan and Thomas added singles. Perrin (2), Kirkey and Grootjans chipped in with helpers.

On March 13, South Grenville dropped a 2-1 decision to the Aeros in Athens. Grootjans scored the lone Rangers' goal, while Joudoin added an assist.

South Grenville will continue the series Thursday when it takes on the Aeros at 7 pm in Cardinal.

Midas Co-ed Indoor Soccer Standings

Teams G W L T SW SL Pts GF GA +/-

All Blacks 7 6 1 0 0 0 18 48 27 21

Dutch Treat 7 5 2 0 0 0 15 44 33 11

Balzndolz 7 4 2 0 1 0 14 48 38 10

Angels 7 2 4 0 0 1 7 28 36 -8

Exspeckit 7 2 5 0 0 0 6 30 36 -6

Schooners 7 1 6 0 0 0 3 24 46 -20

Players of the week

Feb. 25 - Jen Poth - two points in a tough game with Dutch Treat

Feb. 25 - Cindy Beckstead - two points to help the Angels

Mar. 4 - Krista Monds - winning goal with 10 seconds left

Mar 4 - Shannon Geraghty - five points in a superb effort

100 % Nutrition Indoor Soccer League

Teams G W L T SW SL Pts GF GA +/-

Leeds 20 15 3 0 1 1 48 230 138 92

Real Madrid 20 13 6 1 0 0 40 208 153 55

Celtic 20 13 6 0 0 1 40 215 164 51

Chelsea 20 8 6 1 3 2 33 225 176 49

Bayern Munich 20 10 9 0 1 0 32 168 170 -2

Ajax 20 8 9 0 1 2 28 204 216 -12

Arsenal 20 3 17 0 0 0 9 144 261 -117

Manchester 20 3 17 0 0 0 9 123 247 -124

Scoring leaders

Player Team G A Pts.

Tim Sawyer Ajax 91 9 100

Victor Totenkov Chelsea 64 22 86

Danny Powers Real Madrid 52 34 86

Wade Mooney Real Madrid 36 31 67

Mike O'Neil Leeds 45 19 64

Shamus Geraghty Celtic 37 27 64

Matt Gladle Leeds 45 18 63

Matt Speck Celtic 31 25 56

Josh VanAsseldonk Chelsea 33 22 55

Elijah Finley Leeds 33 21 54

Wes Campeau Real Madrid 25 24 49

Martin Noe Real Madrid 25 22 47

Brian Gall Manchester 33 13 46

Sean Cowan Bayern Munich 29 15 44

Steve McCurdy Bayern Munich 26 18 44

Kyle McCabe Chelsea 22 22 44

Nick Hermens Real Madrid 29 14 43

Adam Prior Celtic 38 4 42

Mike Todd Celtic 20 20 40

Tony Readwin Leeds 24 14 38

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