VOL. 175, NO. 13~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ March 30, 2005

Tournament time is here

Major midget hockey showcased in Prescott

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - The Fort Town becomes hockey town this weekend when Prescott hosts the 33rd annual South Grenville Minor Hockey Association major midget hockey tournament at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

Players from 12 teams from across North America will be arriving in the area this week to take part in the 33rd annual major midget tournament.

"The tournament is a good opportunity for the South Grenville Minor Hockey Association," said SGMHA President Rose Williams. "It helps out keeping the costs of registration down. Also, the kids love to come and watch the tournament and cheer on their favourites."

Williams indicated the real credit for the weekend everyone in the area knows as tourney time, has to go to the organizing committees of the two tournaments.

"We already had a good tournament in Cardinal and that's a credit to the committee," said Williams. "The Prescott tournament this weekend should be just as good. The time and efforts put into this by the organizing committees really shows. They've worked really hard to get teams and spent a lot of their own time making sure everything runs on time and goes according to plan."

Tournament organizer Tracy Swan indicated he sees the tournament as another good weekend of hockey in the region and hopes to see the locals out to take in the show.

"We've got some good teams coming in as usual," said Swan. "We've set up the tournament for 12 teams and expect it should be some good competition for everyone. I'm really looking forward to getting everything started."

This is the first year the major midget tournament in Prescott and the minor midget tournament in Cardinal have been held on different weekends, and organizers are expecting good crowds.

Last year's major midget champions, the London Jr. Knights, won't be able to return after qualifying for the next level of play in their league, but returning teams the Central Ontario Wolves and Clarington Toros along with 10 other teams will be looking to fill that void.

Those teams include the host South Grenville Rangers B, the Spencerville-based Rideau-St. Lawrence minor midget Kings AA, Smiths Falls Wildcats A, Kingston Ice Caps A, Calgary Blackhawks AAA, Mississauga Jr. Ice Dogs AAA, Cleveland Crusaders AAA, Wexford Raiders AAA, Monroe County Eagles (Rochester) AAA and a team that had not been confirmed at press time.

South Grenville will kick off the tournament Friday at 7:30 am against the Kingston Ice Caps. The Rangers' second game will be later that night at 8:15 pm if they beat Kingston, or at 6 pm if they fall to the Ice Caps.

Games will run from 7:30 am until 10 pm Friday night, with the opening ceremonies scheduled for 7:30 pm.

On Saturday, games will begin at 7:30 am and run until approximately 11 pm.

Sunday will feature the tournament championship games with a qualifying game beginning at 8:30 pm, followed by the Dr. Peters Consolation at 10:30 am, the Dr. Peters Championship at 12:30 pm, the Prescott AA Consolation at 2:30 pm and the Prescott AA Championship final at 4:30 pm.

There is a small admission fee for the weekend.

See inside for more pre-event coverage of the major midget hockey tournament.

THIS WEEK

Remember to spring forward this weekend. Daylight Saving Time returns early Sunday morning, which means timepieces are to be moved ahead one hour.

This would also be as good a time as any to check batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Renaming of Douglas Drive to be marked

PRESCOTT ­ The unveiling of the new name of Douglas Drive will take place next Monday, April 4.

A ceremony to introduce the new name (Fort Town Drive) will take place at 3 pm at the Boundary Street intersection. A reception at which cake and coffee will be served will follow in the community room at the housing office.

Prescott council voted last year to rename Douglas Drive in response to a widely-held perception there is a stigma and negative feeling associated with that name.

Dance in the sand at the Beach Party

SPENCERVILLE ­ The third annual Beach Party will take place Saturday, April 9 in the Drummond Building.

Presented by the Spencerville Agricultural Society, the party will run from 8 pm to 1 am. There will be dancing in the sand to the music of two bands, The Reasons and Branded. Beach attire is recommended.

Tickets are available at Drummond's Gas, the Village Pantry and Spencerville Home Hardware or from Colleen at 925-5199.

Proceeds go to the 150th anniversary edition of the Spencerville Fair to be held in September.

Buddy Holly proceeds go to local United Way

BROCKVILLE ­ Buddy Holly Live will appear Saturday, April 23 at 8 pm at Brockville Collegiate Institute.

Proceeds from the concert go to the United Way of Leeds and Grenville.

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.

Tickets are available at Doyle's in downtown Prescott and at the United Way office on George Street in Brockville (342-8889). The concert is sponsored by 104.9 JR-FM and Henderson Printing.

Downsized proposal for condos goes to town planning committee

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ A revised condominium proposal for downtown Prescott has been submitted to the municipality.

The Mariner's Club proposal for the vacant lot on the south side of Water Street west of the amphitheatre had been for a six-storey, 65-unit building when first presented to the public earlier this year.

The plan now being put forward calls for a four-storey building with a total of 28 two- and three-bedroom units.

Prescott's planning and development committee was to discuss the proposal at a meeting Tuesday night after The Journal went to press.

Teresa Pelda, one of the backers of the project, said in an interview the decision to proceed with the smaller proposal was based mainly on feedback from prospective clients and timelines. The people interested in living there want to be able to move in sooner rather than later, she noted.

Pelda said all the units in the initial proposal would have sold eventually, but it might have taken about three years. "We would have lost people" if they had to wait that long to take occupancy, according to Pelda. "Our customers didn't want to wait."

Pelda and architect James Murphy acknowledged three options were developed by the Mariner's Club team. Although she believes the initial proposal launched earlier this year would have gone ahead, she is pleased with the current plan and the response from buyers.

"It's still a great proposal for that area," she added. "It's still going to bring new families in."

The bigger proposal was accompanied by several issues which would have had to be addressed as part of the town's review of the plan. The current submission has only one minor "relief" issue, according to Pelda and Murphy.

The smaller building also has a different look. Cape Cod and Ontario heritage styles are accentuated with a lighthouse look for the main section of the building. Each of the 28 units (ranging from 1,350 to 1,470 square feet) has a view of the St. Lawrence River and an entrance from Water Street.

The price range is similar to that of the initial proposal. The six-storey project had a pricetag of $10-$11 million; the plan being pursued is in the range of $6 million.

There are verbal commitments for about one-third of the units, according to Pelda. All but one of the purchasers who were on board with the bigger proposal remain on side, she said.

Mariner's Club is planning to open an office next door in the Moran Hooker building by May 1.

If there are no planning hurdles to clear and enough units are sold, construction could begin this spring and take about one year to complete.

Councillor Bob Pelda is one of the backers of the proposal. Pelda has indicated he will declare an interest when the plan is discussed at the committee and council levels.

Mrs. Pelda also noted the proposal might entice other owners to fix up their properties in the area.

Big crowd attends first Augusta zoning meeting

Second public meeting set for tonight in Maitland

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

CHARLEVILLE - Augusta residents were given the opportunity to sound off last Tuesday night at the first of two public meetings and open houses on the township's draft zoning bylaw.

"I suppose everybody knows why they're here," stated Reeve John McCrea at the beginning of the meeting at the Grenville Snowmobile Club. "We'll have as many meetings as it takes to get this (bylaw) right," he added.

More than 150 people attended the standing-room only meeting. All members of Augusta council as well as township CAO Sharon Wilkinson and planner Glenn Tunnock attended the gathering.

Tunnock, a North Bay planner who has helped develop the new zoning bylaw for the township, took the opportunity to explain provisions of the new bylaw and correct misconceptions which residents had about it.

One of the first points Tunnock made is that the planning act says no one can be forced to stop what they're currently doing on their property by the new zoning bylaw. "It's (zoning) not retroactive; it cannot force people to change use of land," he stated. He added a non-conforming use of property can also continue when property is sold.

Tunnock provided a general overview of the bylaw and highlighted the changes from the previous bylaw. "(A) number of definitions (have been) added, illustrations (have been included) for easier reading," he explained, adding all measurements in the bylaw are in both imperial and metric units.

He also took the opportunity to highlight some of the general provisions of the draft bylaw. Some of these provisions include the keeping of livestock in the residential zones (designated R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and Hamlet) of the township not being permitted. However, existing farm uses will be recognized.

The draft also includes provisions for home-based businesses. It states no more than two persons (other than household members) are to be employed by such businesses, and that a maximum of 25 per cent of the home's floor area (maximum 40 square metres or 430 square feet) in the Hamlet zone, or 50 per cent (maximum 140 square metres or 1,500 square feet) in a designated rural area can be devoted to the business.

Tunnock also put forth a number of definitions for property zones in the township. This zoning has been a contentious issue in the township because many people in the township feel their property has been zoned incorrectly.

Many of the residents who attended the meeting sought clarification about how their property had been designated on the zoning map.

David Reaney, who owns a farm east of Charleville, expressed concern that part of his property has been designated a provincially significant wetland. "My land is not a swamp," he stated following the meeting. "(Part of) it is full-blown forest with a stream."

When Reaney asked Tunnock whether or not he could cut down trees on the part of his land designated as provincially significant wetland, Tunnock stated that would be "discouraged." However, Tunnock also said there is currently no tree cutting bylaw in the township.

Other township residents expressed trepidation that the zoning designation of their property has changed from the first revised zoning map released to residents in January but is still not correct. Frank DeJong, a farmer who has voiced his concern at a previous council meeting, stated part of his property was designated as environmentally protected on the previous zoning map, but has been changed to EMR, an aggregate mineral resource designation. "(You'd) probably hit oil before you hit stone there," he stated.

DeJong added the zoning bylaw is a lot for him to absorb, and asked if it wouldn't be simpler to have a 10-page booklet outlining it. "How can we keep up with all the proposed changes?" he said. "(It's an) awful lot for us to handle."A number of members of the Leeds and Grenville Landowners Association also attended the meeting, including President Jacqueline Fennell, who expressed concern the bylaw is confusing.

Tunnock stated that township residents who feel their property has been incorrectly zoned have the option to have MNR representatives visit their properties, walk the land with the individuals and determine whether or not the zoning should be changed. He added six residents had already requested this service.

Following the meeting, McCrea stated he believed it to be a "success." He also mentioned the meeting was an example of "democracy at its best."

A second public meeting and open house is planned for today (March 30) at the MERC hall in Maitland. The open house will run from 10 am to 5:30 pm and the public meeting will begin at 7 pm. The meeting was to have taken place at the Augusta Pubic Library in Algonquin; however, due to the "overwhelming response" to the March 22 meeting, it was moved to the different venue.

In order for residents to have MNR officials look at their property, residents are required to contact Augusta Building Inspector Marcel Lavigne at the township office or Tunnock at 1-800-924-0128.

MP Brown repeats call for tougher knife penalties

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE ­ The recent stabbing death of a Queen's University student emphasizes the need for minimum sentences for crimes committed with knives, according to MP Gord Brown.

Justin Schweig, 21, died in a Kingston nightclub early Friday morning. Two men have been charged in connection with the killing.

Brown, the Conservative MP for Leeds-Grenville, stated in a news release the young man's death might have been prevented with minimum sentences in place.

"Harsher penalties may make people stop and think before they pull a knife out of their pocket," Brown said.

The local MP submitted a private member's bill earlier this year to make minimum sentences for knife crimes the same as those for firearms-related crimes. Manslaughter or attempted manslaughter using a knife would carry a minimum sentence of four years.

Brown's bill was prompted by the Dec. 1998 murder of Brockville resident Andy Moffitt, who was knifed while trying to break up a fight at an Ottawa bar. The man convicted of manslaughter in that case and who was sentenced in March 2003 is now eligible for parole.

Brown said it appears knives are becoming more common in attacks because there are laws against carrying or using guns.

Beef crisis focus of meeting tonight

LOMBARDY ­ The continuing BSE crisis and how it is affecting the farming community will be discussed at an information meeting tonight (Wednesday, March 30) at 7:30 pm at the Lombardy Agricultural Hall.

Presentations on the current status of the industry will be made by commodity, business and government representatives. Ron Bonnett, president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, will be the meeting chair/moderator.

The meeting is a joint effort of the federations of agriculture and cattleman's associations in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark counties.

The Bat comes to town April 8

PRESCOTT ­ The queen of operettas is coming to Prescott next week.

Die Fledermaus (The Bat), by Johann Strauss, will be performed Friday, April 8 at 8 pm at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. The production by the Camp musical des Laurentides Opera Workshop is presented by the Fort Town Concert Association in conjunction with Jeunesses Musicales of Canada.

Die Fledermaus is known as the pinnacle of Viennese operettas ­ a madcap vaudeville comedy with a plot which is virtually impossible to summarize and music by the king of the Viennese waltz.

The workshop company provides young singers with intensive career experience in opera (both vocally and theatrically). The Prescott performance is part of a 37-community tour of Eastern Canada.

Tickets will be available at the door. Special ticket prices are in effect for students between 12 and 18. There is no admission fee for children under 12. Tickets for the upcoming 2005-06 Fort Town season will also be available next Friday. The season's pass will include Die Fledermaus.

For more information, call 925-5050. The April 8 concert is sponsored by Mayfield Retirement Residence and Wiser Hall.

Prescott selected as site for annual meeting of music organization

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - The organization which provides the musical and performance acts for the Fort Town Concert Association, Jeunesses Musicales of Canada, has chosen Prescott as the site of its annual convention in 2006.

"We're very excited about it," stated Graham Cudlipp, treasurer of the Fort Town Concert Association. "It's great for the town."

Cudlipp added Jeunesses Musicales alternates holding its annual congress in Montreal, and in a "centre" the next year. The Fort Town group bid to host the conference in January, and heard on March 11 its bid had been accepted.

Cudlipp estimates the congress will attract between 60 and 100 people to the Prescott area. The congress is slated to take place Sept 1-3 (Labour Day weekend), 2006. The planning for hosting the conference has not begun yet; Cudlipp stated the first meeting will be held April 8. The people attending the event are expected to come from as far as New Brunswick and Quebec.

Marilyn White, president of the association, provided a general overview of what is likely to happen at the event. She stated the event includes a reception, workshops, an annual general meeting, and outings in which visitors from out of town will be shown area landmarks.

The congress will also feature performances from the acts which will perform during the 2006-2007 Jeunesses Musicales season. "(We would) like to invite subscribers (and) members of the public to the performances," stated White.

She added it's expected attendees to the event will stay in area bed and breakfasts, but didn't rule out billeting people either. White said it is hoped enough room can be found so that people attending don't have to stay outside the Prescott area. The Fort Town Concert Association is also looking for an estimated 30 volunteers to help with the convention.

It is the first time this congress has been held in a primarily English-speaking area. In 2004, the congress was held in Caraquet in New Brunswick; this year it will be held in Montreal. "(It's a) big thing to get it out of a French-speaking milieu," added White.

Translators will also be attending the congress to translate the proceedings of the AGM. "It (the congress) will put Prescott on the map," opined White.

Retailer to hold job fair in Prescott next week

PRESCOTT ­ The Bargain! Shop will open a store in Prescott in mid-May.

The discount chain purchased the King Street West building which served as home to the Stedman's True Value store run by Jim and Jean French. The store closed earlier this month.

Workers began making changes to the interior shortly after the Frenches left the building. The Bargain! Shop plans to have its grand opening on Monday, May 16.

The retailer sells a range of general merchandise, including clothing and footwear, small electronics, housewares, health and beauty products, toys and food.

Mississauga-based Bargain! Shop Holdings Inc. has more than 120 locations in Canada. Prescott is one of 11 new stores the retailer intends to open this spring.

The retailer "...has carved out its niche in the Canadian retail industry by operating its extreme value format in mainly small and mid-sized communities," according to a company news release.

"We are thrilled to finally be able to serve consumers in Prescott and look forward to being part of your community as we strive to be your everyday low price discount store," says President and CEO Michael Roellinghoff.

The retailer will be hiring approximately 16 full- and part-time staff to work in Prescott. A job fair will be held next Tuesday, April 5 from 8 am to 6 pm at the store.

The release states resumes can be faxed to (905) 949-1833 or e-mailed to hrdept@thebargainshop.com.

Non-emergency 9-1-1 continues to be a problem

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Officers with the Grenville County OPP detachment responded to 156 calls for service in the South Grenville area last week.

Of those calls, 56 originated in Prescott. Forty-two came from Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, and 31 were from Augusta. The OPP also handled 26 calls on Highway 401 and one call on Highway 416.

Local officers also had to respond to nine false 9-1-1 activations. Police remind the public to dial 9-1-1 in emergency situations only. For a non-emergency in which a police response is required, call 1-888-310-1122.

Additional police reporting appears on Page 6 and Page 16.

Downtown talk is being converted into an action plan for Prescott

First of two workshops held last week; follow-up session set for April 13

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ As Ray Young of the BIA noted, this will be the most important thing that will happen to downtown Prescott for years and possibly even decades.

The development of a revitalization plan for the main street area is well under way. As part of that process, the public was invited to attend a workshop held last Wednesday night at the Prescott Legion.

Representatives from the IBI Group, a firm hired by the municipality to conduct the study, were on hand to talk about concepts and proposals which have already been noted and hear about other ideas from workshop participants.

More than 40 people attended the session..

On display at the meeting were drawings and maps which identified project areas in the main street/waterfront area as well as a few pictures to illustrate what downtown might look like if there were a new market building or esthetic improvements to streetscapes.

Don Loucks of the IBI Group noted the relationship between the downtown area and the waterfront is not as strong as it used to be. He suggested it might be time to reconnect them.

At an open house earlier this year, the consultants presented a series of principles on which the downtown area (and the community as a whole) would base its future.

Among the items listed as possible additions to the downtown area are a new pier and marina to the west of the existing dock and municipal lot.

The possibility of re-establishing ferry service between Prescott and Ogdensburg was also being floated.

However, it was noted at last week's workshop there could be no ferry service because of an agreement that prohibits such service within a certain distance of the international bridge.

Workshop participants were divided into three working groups that discussed a range of ideas and scenarios and then reported on those discussions at the end of the meeting.

The discussions were lively at times and gave participants a chance to state their opinions on various aspects of downtown. Among those who took part were municipal council members, merchants and people who work or live in or near the main street district.

Mental health course helps families cope with illness

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 local branch of 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. Resource materials will be provided.

To register or for more information on the course, call 345-0950, ext. 105.

Mayor's Walk raises money for charities and Leeds-Grenville volunteer bureau

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - The Volunteer Bureau of Leeds and Grenville is getting set for the fourth annual Mayor's Community Walk on April 16.

Organizers of the event are looking for the walk to be another successful fundraiser for the volunteer bureau and other charitable organizations.

"It's looking very positive again this year," said Frank Bolger, chairman of the volunteer bureau.

"The two-kilometre walk from the former Phillips Cables parking lot to Hardy Park provides the opportunity to celebrate volunteerism. The participants raise funds for numerous causes throughout all of Leeds and Grenville. Many small groups get involved to promote and raise funds. The groups include community organizations, schools and churches just to name a few. The walker participants collect pledges and dictate where they would like their share of the proceeds to go."

Pledge forms will be available at many retail outlets shortly, with civic leaders from the united counties area (including South Grenville) among the many elected officials expected to take part in the event.

Registration will begin at 9 am at the former Phillips Cable parking lot on Saturday, April 16, with local dignitaries leading the procession which ends at Hardy Park with a barbecue and reception.

Prizes are awarded to the top adult, top youth and top organization fundraisers.

Over the past three years of the event, more than $85,000 has been raised and shared with not-for-profit and charitable organizations throughout Leeds and Grenville.

For more information or to get a pledge form, contact the Volunteer Bureau of Leeds and Grenville at 342-7040.

Coffee drinkers here and across Canada help raise money for Alzheimer Society

LEEDS-GRENVILLE - For the second straight year, Canadians have assisted the Alzheimer Society achieve its goal of raising $1 million for programs and services for people living with the disease. The event raised a total of $1,083,400 for the society in 2004.

Branches of the society in Canada, including the Alzheimer Society of Leeds-Grenville participated in the Alzheimer Coffee Break, a nationwide fundraising event. A coffee break is a hosted gathering at which friends, neighbours, customers and co-workers have a coffee and make a donation to the Alzheimer Society.

"This event would not be possible without the generosity of tens of thousands of Canadians who donate their time and money to improve the lives of Canadians living with Alzheimer disease," stated Stephen Rudin, executive director of the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

It is estimated 420,000 Canadians, or one in 13 people over the age of 65, have Alzheimer disease or a related dementia.

The 2005 Alzheimer Coffee Break will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 21. Anyone who would like to host a coffee break or obtain more information about the event, is encouraged to call 1-888-815-6829.

Breast screening program at Brockville General marks its fifth anniversary

BROCKVILLE - Five years ago, the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) opened an affiliate site in Brockville General Hospital (BGH).

On March 11, the program celebrated five years of service.

Since opening in 2000, the Brockville site has completed more than 6,500 breast screenings.

It is one of more that 100 OBSP sites across Ontario which screens women 50 and older for breast cancer.

Women 50 and over are considered to be at the highest risk for developing breast cancer, and are said to "benefit most" from regular mammograms (every 1-2 years) and yearly clinical breast exams.

Regular screening is crucial; it helps detect cancer while tumors are small before they have had a chance to spread.

Every time a woman goes to the OBSP, she will undergo a risk assessment to determine if she should be re-screened in one or two years.

When it is time to be screened, the OBSP will send out a reminder letter to the woman.

The service provided by the OBSP is free, and women can either call the site to make their own appointment, or be referred by a health-care provider.

To make an appointment at the OBSP sites in the area or for more information, contact the site at BGH at 345-8304 or at Winchester District Memorial Hospital at 774-2422, ext. 5617.

Order tickets for roast beef

PRESCOTT ­ The next roast beef dinner at Friendship Hall on Henry Street West will take place Saturday, April 16.

Dinner will be served at 4:30 and 6 pm. There is no guarantee tickets will be available at the door, so order them in advance. Call 925-4784, 925-4957 or 925-4268.

Take-out and delivery orders can be arranged.

Proceeds go to the Friendship Hall Association. The hall is home to the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs.

OPP ­ TOWNSHIPS NEWS

ATV driver listed in critical condition

EDWARDSBURGH ­ A Winchester man sustained life-threatening injuries in an ATV crash near the intersection of Kain and Safford roads Friday afternoon. The 2005 Yamaha was attempting to enter trail E105 when it struck a locked tubular gate. The driver and passenger were thrown from the ATV. The ATV rolled on top of the driver, David Decook, 24, who lost his helmet after impact and was found unconscious. The injuries to the passenger, Craig Patterson, 25, of Harrow, were not life-threatening. The driver was airlifted from Brockville General Hospital to the Civic campus of the Ottawa hospital. As of Monday, he was listed in critical condition. A technical traffic collision investigator attended the scene of the crash. Constable Kavanagh is continuing the investigation.

Man took car parts without paying

AUGUSTA ­ An occurrence at Newan's Auto Wreckers is being investigated by Constable Prophet. A man had gone to the business seeking two used drive shafts. He returned last Tuesday and removed the drive shafts but did not pay the $200 owed for the parts, according to an OPP news release. It is believed the same man visited two other businesses in the area in search of parts. The vehicle he drives is described as faded red 1988-1990 Jeep pick-up truck, two-wheel drive. The suspect was not familiar to the owner of Newan's. Anyone with information is asked to contact Grenville County OPP at 925-4221.

Canvassing was for registered charity

MAITLAND ­ Last Tuesday, the Grenville County OPP detachment received a call from a concerned citizen who reported people were in the area canvassing for Seniors in Need. The organization was found to be a legitimate registered charity based in Lunenburg, Ontario.

Police track down counterfeit suspects at casino

PRESCOTT ­ Officers with the Grenville County OPP detachment responded to 56 calls for service in the Prescott patrol zone last week.

Three men were arrested at the Thousand Islands Charity Casino Sunday in connection with counterfeit money being passed in Prescott and throughout the Seaway Valley area. At about 11:30 am, a man entered the Ultramar station and asked for change for a $20 bill. He bought a small item and received almost $19 in change. The clerk recognized the bill as being fake and provided Constable Thompson with descriptions of three men and the licence plate of the vehicle in which they were travelling. Numerous establishments from Gananoque to the Quebec border are involved.

The three Montreal men ranging in age from 20 to 22 remained in custody Monday awaiting a bail hearing.

Constable Wheeler of the Leeds and Grenville crime unit is investigating. Anyone whose business was targeted by these men or who have information on the case are asked to call the OPP at 925-4221.

Constable McConnell is investigating a break-in at Planes Precast Concrete on Industrial Road that occurred sometime between 9 pm Thursday and 1:30 pm Saturday. A gas-powered Husquavarna chop saw was taken; entry was gained through the north door.

Other theft/mischief cases reported last week include a flag pole and flag taken from a Walker Street carport, a 15-foot extension ladder stolen from Ann Street between James and Jessup and snowballs thrown at a Victor Road residence.

Anyone with information on these or any other occurrences is asked to contact the OPP at the Prescott office or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"It's still a great proposal for that area."

Teresa Pelda, referring to the downsized Water Street condominium project

Editor's Notebook

A GOOD PLAN IS A REALISTIC PLAN: As the consultants pour over input they received from the 40 or so who attended the workshop on downtown Prescott last Wednesday night, we hope they do not lose sight of reality as they put together their detailed plan which will be presented to the public two weeks from tonight.

We tend to agree with the sentiment expressed by Councillor Suzanne Dodge, who indicated it would be better to start with something small that is manageable before tackling bigger projects. There is nothing wrong with having a vision for what Prescott's downtown could become, but the community must be realistic and pragmatic. Maybe a second marina will come with time, but one of the immediate goals of this process must be to take what is already here and make it better.

Moving the train station to the waterfront and converting it to a visitor centre would be practical as long as the municipality or some other entity is able and willing to fund the move and maintain the new facility. All this talk about doing something to revitalize downtown Prescott is fine but will be meaningless if the community is unable or unwilling to back it up with financial support in one form or another. Access to government grants is great, but the will to take advantage of these opportunities and do something meaningful with them as part of a co-ordinated effort must also be there.

Although we are becoming more optimistic something good will come out of this process, only time will tell if all this talk amounts to a better downtown and a better community.

NOT MUCH GRASSROOTS SUPPORT: One point to emerge from last Wednesday's discussions on downtown Prescott is the so-called "natural" state of the Parks Canada land to the south of King Street continues to be a sore spot with many local residents.

The complaints are not aimed at the arboretum developed as part of the Prescott Blossoms program, but it is clear many people do not like the "unkept" look of the field area during much of the warm weather months. These people are not advocating the land be used for townhouses or, for that matter, development of any kind. However, they seem to believe the natural look of the tall grass, weeds and flowers actually takes away from the view of the river and might negatively affect a visitor's perception of the municipality.

We have no qualms with Parks Canada making every reasonable effort on taxpayers' behalf to support and preserve national historic sites such as Fort Wellington and Battle of the Windmill. When it comes to the length of grass on the field south of King Street, though, we hope the federal agency will recognize there are many taxpayers in this community who, in this case, would rather see cuts made.

Tim Ruhnke

If they can't take the heat, get them off of the radio

BLAKE'S TAKES by Blake McKim

As I've stated in earlier columns, I don't tend to be the world's biggest music fan. My music collection consists of cassettes from the late 1980s and early 1990s and a scant few CDs. In fact, the place where I tend to listen to music the most is in my car.

Because I find Top-40 the least-offensive format, my car radio tends to be tuned to one of the few local stations playing this type of music. And even though Top-40 does have its problems (especially the endless repetition of misogynist hip-hop tunes), I generally enjoy what the stations play.

Recently, though, I've noticed how some artists and groups like to write songs about how they hate being famous. On her first single, teen queen Lindsay Lohan sang "I'm tired of rumours starting/I'm sick of being followed...," while alt-pop kiddies Good Charlotte pleaded "I just wanna live" and bemoaned their need for home security systems on a recent track.

I know teenagers and young people sometimes tend to be whiny, but give me a break! I've always thought one of the downsides of fame is that the famous don't have the same right to privacy as ordinary citizens.

And while celebrities may detest the occasional deranged fan breaking into their Hollywood Hills mansion or paparazzi accosting them on the street (and rightly so), it's my impression there are far worse things to be than famous. When singers, actors or groups take issue with the "star system" which has helped get them as far as they have, I find it disrespectful.

To bitch and moan about how you're so famous you can't go anywhere without signing an autograph or having your picture taken is an insult to the thousands of people who would do anything to have a hit CD or be interviewed on Entertainment Tonight. To me, it's akin to biting the hand that feeds you.

Frankly, I think stars should start to worry as soon as people aren't taking their picture, sending them fan mail or trying to break into their homes. Why? Because it means no one is interested anymore.

So the next time dear Lindsay Lohan decides to sing about the travails of being at the top, I'd recommend she visit one of the open casting sessions where thousands of girls from around the country audition for bit parts. As for the boys from Good Charlotte, they should visit a smoke-filled bar in some nowhere midwestern town where a young band is playing for gas money and hoping for their big break.

Or maybe they should all just rent Sunset Boulevard, the 1950 classic film which shows just how cruel and desperate life can be once you're no longer a star at the top, but you're still dreaming of the days when everybody knew your name.

Edwardsburg firefighters respond to 30 calls in 1974

FROM THE ARCHIVES

March 28, 1935

* St. John's Anglican Church in Prescott is marking its 75th anniversary. Reverend H.R. Pettem conducted a special service, which was also attended by former St. John's rector, Canon H.B. Patton.

* At a recent meeting of the Prescott Women's Institute, it was reported the welfare committee had provided 61 bottles of milk to local schools during the winter. There were also donations of children's clothing and an order of groceries for a local family.

* Brindle's Meat market in Cardinal is selling fish (fresh, salt and smoked) for Lent. Real creamery butter is going for 27 cents/lb.; pork sausage (in casings) is on sale at 13 cents/lb.

March 26, 1975

* The Edwardsburg Volunteer Fire Department answered 30 calls in 1974, Chief Les Hutton reported to township council. Damages in those fires totalled $181,400, much of which was incurred in the Thanksgiving weekend fire that gutted the Presbyterian church in Spencerville. Firefighters also responded to seven house fires last year; damages in those blazes totalled about $37,000.

* The theme of the Prescott Figure Skating Club's annual ice spectacle is Journey to the Centre of the Earth. About 150 of the club's 190 members are taking part in the year-end show, which tells the story of young adventurers (Richard Pratt, Ken Beck, Gordon Forbes and Brent Ward) who explore a cave and find much more than they were expecting.

* The Prescott Senior Citizens' Club opened its recent meeting at St. John's Parish Hall with a pot-luck dinner which, as usual, was enjoyed by all. After dinner, President A.B. Jarvis led an Easter service. Mrs. Duff was at the piano. The Rev. Dermot Arscott gave an interesting talk on the meaning of Easter. Mrs. Arscott sang a beautiful solo.

Let Terri Schiavo rest in peace, and let Michael Schiavo live in peace

FROM THE OTHER SIDE by Jeffrey Morris

In the two or three years I have been following the Terri Schiavo case, I refused and I still refuse to join the media and humanitarian dogpile on her husband, Michael.

He is too easy of a target for the media and the public to take shots at. There is more to this story than the claims from protestors that he is cruel and murderous and a bigamist.

There have been other right-to-die struggles before this one, and there will be many more after the intensity of the media spotlight moves away from the family and Terri Schiavo joins the tragedy of the tsunami, the triumph of Iraq's elections and the pathos of Michael Jackson's social and public meltdown as footnotes of 2005 when the year in review stories are rolled out.

This is much too complicated for our social instincts to break down and analyze a story with the mindset that one side is right and one side is wrong.

The fight in this case seems to be about a woman in a vegetative state and her right to be kept alive or her right to die.

But it's not.

It's about money.

The Schindlers and Michael Schiavo, according to an indepth Chicago Tribune story on the case printed last week, painted an amicable picture between the families. The Schiavos even lived with the Schindlers, and Michael attended to his wife day and night and literally tried everything. According to the report, the Schindlers even encouraged Michael to start dating, and he had even brought women home to meet the Schindlers.

But things turned ugly, and the ugliness was delivered in the form of a $1 million settlement. Most of the money was used up to pay for Terri's care, while the rest went to Michael for personal compensation and legal fees. The money is gone. It was spent. All that is left is a family divided over money, just as many other families are.

Michael Schiavo says things got nasty between he and the Schindlers when the money ran out and he stopped making payments to them.

But it wasn't until 1998 when Michael Schiavo said that Terri's wish was not to live in a vegetative state. For the Schindlers and for others opposing him, the timing was too convenient.

The Schindlers have been very selective about the video clips and the photos released to the media. Although doctors have testified otherwise, the images shown in the media show Terri in a light that she has facial expressions and shows awareness. More than a decade ago, she even had surgeries with electrode implants to try and stimulate her brain. There was nothing.

Michael Schiavo has given up. He says it is a realization that he has come to and her family hadn't yet. He never wanted his wife to die, and he is not a murderer. He has turned down a settlement of one million dollars to relinquish her care to her parents.

Michael Schiavo has exhausted his options and wants to allow his wife to pass away. He doesn't like to talk about it.

The Schindlers are more outspoken. A CNN report Monday night examined how they were profiting from the money being raised by right to life and religious groups who have embraced Terri as an object to rally around.

Bobby Schindler, Terri's brother, has also spoken out that she is aware and responsive. But medical experts disagree and make him to appear to be just slightly north of delusional.

It's sad how many interest groups have adopted Terri and depersonalized her, using her to create awareness and raise money.

As the media jumps all over Michael Schiavo ­ particularly in Canada ­ it is interesting to note that Monday's headlines in local dailies had the Liberal Government, according to Dr. Will Johnston, of moving toward assisted suicide.

Everybody loses in this case, but there was one story buried in the news that was particularly upsetting.

Jennifer Johnson, a girl in Pinellas Park, Florida, ran in her pajamas to her grandfather's bedside when she learned he was moments away from dying. Because he was at the same hospice as Terri Schiavo, his granddaughter was stopped by police who demanded ID, which she did not have. Eventually, a hospice worker cleared her, but she was stopped by police and made to go through a metal detector.

Eventually, she made her way through the circus to her grandfather, but not until after he had passed away.

Once the emotions settle down and the masses go back to the Michael Jackson trial, Terri Schiavo will have left us a legacy. She will forever be the name and face of euthanasia.

Let's hope that Terri Schiavo can now rest in peace.

Hopefully her husband, who to a few of us is a compassionate man and not a murderer, can live in peace.

Assault Response and Care Centre is marking its 10th anniversary this spring

BROCKVILLE - Since 1995, the Assault Response and Care Centre has been providing services to victims of physical and sexual abuse in Leeds-Grenville.

To acknowledge its 10th anniversary, the centre is planning a number of events open to the community.

On Thursday, March 31, there will be an open house at Brockville General Hospital from 5:30 to 7 pm. This event will feature speeches by a number of local people affiliated with the centre, including a survivor of violence who will speak about her experiences. At this event, information about sexual and domestic violence will be available.

Throughout April, there will be billboards and park bench announcements around Brockville with the motto, "If you have been sexually assaulted or are living with violence, please call 345-3881," (the number of the centre). The Assault Response and Care Centre is located at suite 201 of Brockville General Hospital, 70 Charles St.

On May 5 in Brockville, there will be a Walk Against Abuse and Violence Everywhere (WAAVE). This walk will include students from several area high schools. Community members are also welcome to participate in the event.

May is sexual assault prevention month. The centre's major event during this month is hosting Second City comedy veteran Deborah Kimmitt's one-woman comedy show North of Normal May 12 at the Brockville Arts Centre. The show starts at 8 pm; tickets are available from the box office.

All proceeds from the walk against violence and comedy show go to support services and public awareness activities of the Assault Response and Care Centre.

For more information about any of these events, contact Ev Dales at the centre.

Chamber adds new members

JOHNSTOWN ­ The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce has three new members.

Applications submitted by Our Stone Cottage bed and breakfast/catering and Piccolo Café on King Street West, as well as Portraits by Christine Endicott in Prescott, were approved by the Chamber's board of directors at the monthly lunch meeting held March 17 at the Bridgeview Restaurant.

Local cancer society branch kicks off campaign

Daffodils will be on sale in area later this week

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - The Cardinal, Augusta, Prescott and Edwardsburgh (CAPE) branch of the Canadian Cancer Society held the 15th annual "Daffodil Month Kick-Off Breakfast" Thursday morning at the Bridgeview Restaurant in Johnstown.

The event offered an opportunity for the branch to thank its volunteers and the service clubs and organizations who help with the campaign each year. "We have many volunteers that help (with) special events, daffodil sales and door-to-door canvassing," stated Mary Macintyre, president of the local Cancer Society branch. She estimated at least 200 volunteers helped with the 2004 campaign in the South Grenville area. The goal for the 2005 campaign in the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville area is $72,000.

Several events and activities are planned for the local society's 2005 campaign, which kicks off April 1 and runs throughout the month.

Daffodils will be sold by volunteers on March 31 to April 2 at several area locations: O'Reillys Your Independent Grocer, Giant Tiger, and the Royal Bank in Prescott, the post office, Village Square Mall and O'Carrolls Grocery store in Cardinal, and at the Royal Bank in Spencerville. The sale of daffodils raised more than $5,000 for the branch last year.

In addition, the society is holding a daffodil luncheon at St. Paul's United Church in Prescott this Saturday, April 2, from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm.

Door-to-door canvassing by society volunteers will be held throughout the month of April.

The daffodil campaign was adopted by the Canadian Cancer Society more than 40 years ago as an annual spring fundraiser. Today, it is the world's largest user of daffodils; more than five million daffodils are sold across Ontario through the campaign. Fourteen thousand of these flowers will be delivered to sites in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville.

Current Prescott-area campaign convenor Noreen Parsons stated she is "certainly optimistic" about this year's campaign.

Macintyre added, "There's certainly a lot of it (cancer) in the area - (It's) a worthy cause."

The Canadian Cancer Society is funding close to $49 million in cancer research projects in 2004-2005 in Canada through its research partner, the National Cancer Institute of Canada. For 2004, the society estimated 145,500 new cases of cancer would occur, and 68,300 Canadians would die from the disease. Based on the society's current incidence rates, 38 per cent of Canadian women and 43 per cent of Canadian men will develop cancer during their lifetimes.

The local branch of the society is looking for volunteers for its campaign. The "biggest need" for volunteers is for canvassing. Anyone interesting in volunteering is encouraged to contact Parsons at 925-5485.

SCHOOL SCENE

Algonquin Public School: Chess club members have been keen to continue fine-tuning their skills with teacher Wenda Taylor at noon hour.

Early in March, students also had some intramural options, with many choosing to join the skipping club. Led by teachers Margot Snow and Nancy Rennie two noons hours per week, a keen group of students was busy learning specialized skipping routines. Through their participation, students have demonstrated the Character Counts trait of the month (compassion) as well as responsibility and perseverance. As they practise, their skills are improving in preparation for our school-wide Jump Rope for Heart competition and fundraiser April 15.

School council is also raising money. Co-chair Stephanie Phillips invites you to support the spring flower fundraiser. Their supplier, Veseys, offers a good selection of seeds and bulbs as well as a variety of collections, including vegetable garden and herbs. Orders should arrive by the end of April or early May. Call Stephanie at 342-9256.

St. Joseph Catholic School: The St. Joseph Catholic School Community wishes you a blessed and Holy Easter.

Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again.

Our Easter Celebration of the Eucharist will take place on Wednesday, April 6 at 11 am in our school gym. You are invited to attend.

School council will meet on Wednesday, April 6 at 7 pm in the library.

Mrs. Laton and our Grade 7 students are participating in the Grenville Land Stewardship "Trees for Peace" Planting Program.

Our Grade 6 students are preparing for their Confirmation. Enrollment Sunday will be on April 10 at the 11 am mass at St. Mark's Church.

This third and last term for the school year 2004-2005 is looking to be very busy. Time seems to fly here at St. Joe's!

Assault Response and Care Centre is marking its 10th anniversary this spring

BROCKVILLE - Since 1995, the Assault Response and Care Centre has been providing services to victims of physical and sexual abuse in Leeds-Grenville.

To acknowledge its 10th anniversary, the centre is planning a number of events open to the community.

On Thursday, March 31, there will be an open house at Brockville General Hospital from 5:30 to 7 pm. This event will feature speeches by a number of local people affiliated with the centre, including a survivor of violence who will speak about her experiences. At this event, information about sexual and domestic violence will be available.

Throughout April, there will be billboards and park bench announcements around Brockville with the motto, "If you have been sexually assaulted or are living with violence, please call 345-3881," (the number of the centre). The Assault Response and Care Centre is located at suite 201 of Brockville General Hospital, 70 Charles St.

On May 5 in Brockville, there will be a Walk Against Abuse and Violence Everywhere (WAAVE). This walk will include students from several area high schools. Community members are also welcome to participate in the event.

May is sexual assault prevention month. The centre's major event during this month is hosting Second City comedy veteran Deborah Kimmitt's one-woman comedy show North of Normal May 12 at the Brockville Arts Centre. The show starts at 8 pm; tickets are available from the box office.

All proceeds from the walk against violence and comedy show go to support services and public awareness activities of the Assault Response and Care Centre.

For more information about any of these events, contact Ev Dales at the centre.

Chamber adds new members

JOHNSTOWN ­ The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce has three new members.

Applications submitted by Our Stone Cottage bed and breakfast/catering and Piccolo Café on King Street West, as well as Portraits by Christine Endicott in Prescott, were approved by the Chamber's board of directors at the monthly lunch meeting held March 17 at the Bridgeview Restaurant.

Local cancer society branch kicks off campaign

Daffodils will be on sale in area later this week

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - The Cardinal, Augusta, Prescott and Edwardsburgh (CAPE) branch of the Canadian Cancer Society held the 15th annual "Daffodil Month Kick-Off Breakfast" Thursday morning at the Bridgeview Restaurant in Johnstown.

The event offered an opportunity for the branch to thank its volunteers and the service clubs and organizations who help with the campaign each year. "We have many volunteers that help (with) special events, daffodil sales and door-to-door canvassing," stated Mary Macintyre, president of the local Cancer Society branch. She estimated at least 200 volunteers helped with the 2004 campaign in the South Grenville area. The goal for the 2005 campaign in the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville area is $72,000.

Several events and activities are planned for the local society's 2005 campaign, which kicks off April 1 and runs throughout the month.

Daffodils will be sold by volunteers on March 31 to April 2 at several area locations: O'Reillys Your Independent Grocer, Giant Tiger, and the Royal Bank in Prescott, the post office, Village Square Mall and O'Carrolls Grocery store in Cardinal, and at the Royal Bank in Spencerville. The sale of daffodils raised more than $5,000 for the branch last year.

In addition, the society is holding a daffodil luncheon at St. Paul's United Church in Prescott this Saturday, April 2, from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm.

Door-to-door canvassing by society volunteers will be held throughout the month of April.

The daffodil campaign was adopted by the Canadian Cancer Society more than 40 years ago as an annual spring fundraiser. Today, it is the world's largest user of daffodils; more than five million daffodils are sold across Ontario through the campaign. Fourteen thousand of these flowers will be delivered to sites in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville.

Current Prescott-area campaign convenor Noreen Parsons stated she is "certainly optimistic" about this year's campaign.

Macintyre added, "There's certainly a lot of it (cancer) in the area - (It's) a worthy cause."

The Canadian Cancer Society is funding close to $49 million in cancer research projects in 2004-2005 in Canada through its research partner, the National Cancer Institute of Canada. For 2004, the society estimated 145,500 new cases of cancer would occur, and 68,300 Canadians would die from the disease. Based on the society's current incidence rates, 38 per cent of Canadian women and 43 per cent of Canadian men will develop cancer during their lifetimes.

The local branch of the society is looking for volunteers for its campaign. The "biggest need" for volunteers is for canvassing. Anyone interesting in volunteering is encouraged to contact Parsons at 925-5485.

SCHOOL SCENE

Algonquin Public School: Chess club members have been keen to continue fine-tuning their skills with teacher Wenda Taylor at noon hour.

Early in March, students also had some intramural options, with many choosing to join the skipping club. Led by teachers Margot Snow and Nancy Rennie two noons hours per week, a keen group of students was busy learning specialized skipping routines. Through their participation, students have demonstrated the Character Counts trait of the month (compassion) as well as responsibility and perseverance. As they practise, their skills are improving in preparation for our school-wide Jump Rope for Heart competition and fundraiser April 15.

School council is also raising money. Co-chair Stephanie Phillips invites you to support the spring flower fundraiser. Their supplier, Veseys, offers a good selection of seeds and bulbs as well as a variety of collections, including vegetable garden and herbs. Orders should arrive by the end of April or early May. Call Stephanie at 342-9256.

St. Joseph Catholic School: The St. Joseph Catholic School Community wishes you a blessed and Holy Easter.

Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again.

Our Easter Celebration of the Eucharist will take place on Wednesday, April 6 at 11 am in our school gym. You are invited to attend.

School council will meet on Wednesday, April 6 at 7 pm in the library.

Mrs. Laton and our Grade 7 students are participating in the Grenville Land Stewardship "Trees for Peace" Planting Program.

Our Grade 6 students are preparing for their Confirmation. Enrollment Sunday will be on April 10 at the 11 am mass at St. Mark's Church.

This third and last term for the school year 2004-2005 is looking to be very busy. Time seems to fly here at St. Joe's!

Cardinal skater off to national speedskating championships

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - For being in his second year in speedskating, Cardinal native Conner Elliott is quickly making a name for himself.

The 12-year-old, Grade 7 student at Benson Public School
has surprised everyone in
the speedskating circles, including himself as he qualified
for the Canadian Youth Speed Skating Championships April
1-3 in Surrey, British
Columbia.

For Elliott, his journey into the world of speedskating came as a way for his family to get a bit of a break from hockey, and his natural skating ability took him from there.

"I played hockey for a few years and figure skated when I was younger," said Elliott. "We heard about speedskating in Ottawa and joined up with the (Ottawa) Pacers. It came pretty naturally, but I had to change things. It's not the same kind of stride and there is a lot of little technique things about it."

The young speedskater enjoys the regularly overlooked sport of speed skating and has been able to afford the luxury of being able to skate both long and short track speed skating, since Ottawa is the home of only two long track ovals in all of Ontario.

Elliott will be participating in qualifying races for three distances, the 333-metres, 500-metres and the 666-metres in his midget (10-12 year old) age class in Surrey, while also participating in the semi-final and final in his longest race the 777-metres.

"I'll probably have about 10 races throughout the weekend," explained Elliott. "I'm really looking forward to it and getting to meet new people from all across Canada and the U.S.."

Throughout the season, Elliott has honed his skills and put together a series of good performances.

"I did really well this season," said Elliott. "I won the North American championships for my age class in long track and won the Ontario cups for short and long track."

Elliott managed to exceed his goals by qualifying for the nationals after finishing third in his age class in the provincial championships March 12 and 13 in Sudbury.

"The top four make the Ontario team," said Elliott. "After my first year, my goal was to make the provincials and then when I accomplished that I said I wanted to finish in the top five, but I didn't think I'd go to the nationals."

With his foray into the new sport, Elliott explained it has peaked the interest of some of his friends and classmates. He noted the first thing he gets asked is to see the skates.

Elliott is one of three local residents who have made names for themselves in the speedskating community alongside Braeden Elliott (no relation) and Brodie Somerville. Elliott will be joined by one other local competitor and rival club member Braeden (of the Gloucester Concordes) at the competition.

"I just want to meet everyone and just be in the top 15," said Conner. "It's pretty exciting for me; I've never been to B.C. or even on a plane."

Tournament of Champions a big success in Prescott

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - While they didn't win the title, the South Grenville atom B Rangers ended their season in style by hosting the 2005 Ottawa District Minor Hockey Association Tournament of Champions last weekend at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

The tournament organizers enjoyed their roles as hosts trying to put on a nine-team tournament none of the kids would forget.

"Everything went extremely well," explained tournament convener Bob Courtney. "The parents of all the players on South Grenville worked really hard and handled everything without a glitch. We haven't had a single complaint the entire weekend."

Courtney continued, "We tried to make this as professional as possible for the kids to have an experience they would remember. We had music between the play on the ice and awarded the stars of the game. The kids seemed to really enjoy themselves and the caliber of hockey has been excellent."

In the opener, the Rangers dropped a 5-3 decision to the Arnprior Packers. Alex Stephenson scored a pair of goals to lead South Grenville, while Matt Courtney added a single. Nathan Hamilton (2), Broydon Stufko and Brett Van Stralen added assists.

In game two, South Grenville was shutout 3-0 by the Pembroke Kings.

In their best game of the tournament, South Grenville fell just short in a last-ditch comeback effort against the eventual tournament champion West Carleton Warriors. The Rangers dropped a 3-2 decision, but gave the Warriors a scare, by scoring with 40 seconds left in the game after pulling their goaltender to narrow the lead to one. South Grenville put the pressure on in the final seconds, but weren't able to capitalize. Van Stralen scored both Rangers' goals, while Stufko, Dylan Dorey and affiliate player Derik Bourgeois chipped in with helpers.

The goaltending tandem of Devin Eaton and Nathan Peters had strong performances in all three games.

Rangers coach Brett Stufko indicated despite falling prey to some strong teams in their pool, he couldn't be happier with the season for his team.

"I'm really proud of the team," said Stufko. "The competition here was excellent and we played against some really strong teams. This team has exceeded my expectations all year and they deserved to be here. They are all good players and I would coach each and every one of them again in a heartbeat."

Leeds-Grenville MP Gord Brown and Prescott Deputy Mayor Sue O'Hanlon dropped the puck during the tournament's opening ceremonies Saturday afternoon.

Area high school students also helped out at the event throughout the weekend, running a skills competition outside where kids could try their hand at basketball and hockey skills challenges.

West Carleton ended up capturing the tournament title with a 1-0 victory over Pembroke in the final. West Carleton defeated Hawkesbury in one semi-final, while Pembroke defeated Petawawa in the other.

Rangers forward Houston Bujacz was named the top gun in the individual skills competition.

Other members of the Rangers include Adam Norton, John Wood, Cody Adams and Matt Courtney.

Rangers bring veteran team to major midget tournament

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - This year, the South Grenville Rangers will be fielding a strong B contingent for the South Grenville Minor Hockey Association major midget hockey tournament, which includes many former AA/AAA hockey players taking on the tough competition.

"I think the players are really looking forward to it," said Rangers coach Bryan Armstrong. "It's a fun thing for these guys."

As many as seven Rangers return from last year's major midget team which competed in the tournament, bringing an added veteran presence to the roster which will have its hands full at the
tournament.

"We've been a little up and down as of late," said Armstrong. "So the key as far as I see it is to play with some consistency. We have a pretty veteran team and hopefully the guys will play well and enjoy the experience. This is a fun event and a way to raise money for South Grenville minor hockey."

South Grenville will look to use their home ice advantage and crowd support on the tournament as they play teams up to three competition levels higher.

Nick Maggio, Mike Armstrong, Derrick Lavery, Kurtis Summers, Jon Baldwin, Matt Hayes, Kirk Donovan all bring experience from last year's major midget tournament, while Sam Whitley, Nathaniel Hayes and Corie Toye add to the mix having played in last year's minor midget tournament in Cardinal.

Other members of the Rangers include Ryan Landon, Vince Francica, Josh Rupert, Nathan Smail, Braden Miller, Steve Prosser and Ryan Wynands.

Return of tournament pleases 'The Row'

PRESCOTT - It's been a long year without any NHL hockey, but it has just made the accomplishments of the local teams more apparent.

"The Row" have been busy talking about local hockey and getting excited about hockey in South Grenville.

According to a spokesperson from the infamous section of the Leo Boivin Community Centre, "The Row" are looking forward to another well-organized, heart-pumping , hard-hitting, goal-stopping, end-to-end action and, of course, "The Row" enjoys a little tussle every now and then to top things off.

They have been hard at work preparing for another year-ending final flood and are looking to build off their coups the past couple years which brought special appearances by Janet Jackson and
Eminem.

"The Row" was mum on who would be showing up this year to entertain the most dedicated, loyal hockey fans in Eastern Ontario, but indicated with "The Row" you never know who might show up.

There's only one way to find out: be at Sunday's championship game at about 4:30 pm.

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