VOL. 175, NO. 16~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ April 27, 2005

Town sewage plant funding announced

Feds, province to provide more than $9 million; announcement d oes not cover east, west exten sions

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The town is finally going to get a new sewage treatment plant, but the effort to obtain additional funding for the project will continue.

The federal and provincial governments will contribute a total of just over $9.6 million towards the cost of upgrading the water pollution control centre located just west of Johnstown, it was announced Monday. The funding will come from the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF).

The province had committed its one-third share of sewage plant funding as part of the previous infrastructure program involving the two senior levels of government. However, federal funding had already been committed to other projects.

One of the objectives of the five-year, $800-million COMRIF program is to upgrade Ontario's aging public infrastructure. Fifty-five per cent of funding is being designated for "green" infrastructure, including water quality and climate change.

In all, more than $249 million in funding for 120 communities was announced Monday as part of "intake one" of the program.

"These infrastructure investments illustrate the federal government's commitment to building more sustainable communities in Ontario," stated Mauril Bélanger, deputy leader of the government in the House of Commons.

Municipal Affairs Minister John Gerretsen stated projects like the one in Prescott "...show how we (the provincial government) are working to renew Ontario's infrastructure to improve public services and provide a high quality of life for all Ontarians."

Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn welcomed Monday's announcement. He noted the existing facility, which is more than 35 years old, does not meet today's standards and is costing the town a lot of money to keep operating.

The new facility will also offer secondary treatment and be designed to reduce the number of discharges of raw sewage into the St. Lawrence River.

Although it has taken a long time to secure the two-thirds funding from the federal and provincial governments, the mayor said he has remained optimistic they would recognize the importance of proceeding with the project

"I never, ever doubted this would happen," Lawn told The Journal.

However, the mayor acknowledged the town still has major funding challenges to face. Although the town will be able to borrow its share of the project through a provincial low-interest loan program, users of the sewage system will have to repay the money (in the range of $5 million or more).

Another unresolved issue involves Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal. The infrastructure funding announced Monday only covers replacement of the existing facility. The townships and town have been working together to consider extending Prescott's water and sewer services to Riverview Heights and Johnstown.

An environmental assessment involving a new sewage plant has already been completed; a separate environmental assessment to deal with extending water and sewer lines east and west in the County Road 2 corridor is under way.

"We've been funded on the basic plant for Prescott only," the mayor said.

There are plans in the works for town officials to get together with the other two municipalities and the consulting engineer to discuss where the project goes from here.

Lawn noted the proposed design for the new waste water facility is modular, which means future expansion is a possibility. With that in mind, work could begin on the new plant as local officials seek additional funding from senior levels of government.

Although he reiterated Monday's announcement comes as good news for the community, the mayor added "we're not out of the woods yet."

THIS WEEK

Railway Safety Week is on the right track

PRESCOTT ­ A mangled car will be on display at local level crossings Thursday as part of Railway Safety Week, according to OPP Constable Gary Sluytman.

Police will conduct special enforcement patrols near the rail line this week. Anyone who trespasses on the railway right-of-way or who drives around a barrier can expect to be charged.

Constable Sluytman will visit elementary schools in Prescott this week to discuss rail safety with youngsters. A CN Rail officer will also be in town.

More than 90 Canadians were killed when they were struck by trains while driving or walking on or near railway tracks in 2004, according to Operation Lifesaver.

A locomotive weighs 110 tonnes; the average car weighs two tonnes. It takes a train travelling at 100 kilometers per hour the length of 14 football fields to come to a complete stop.

Getting ready to roll at soap box derby

PRESCOTT ­ The Harbour Days Soap Box Derby is just around the corner.

This year's event will take place Monday, May 23 on the George Street hill between Dibble and Henry. Build and drive your own racer; kits are available. Anyone who has outgrown his or her racer is asked to donate it for use by other youngsters. Volunteers are also needed for race day.

For more information on the soap box derby, call Virginia at 925-4263.

Watch The Journal for start times and more information on Harbour Days 2005.

Meet local authors at special celebration

BROCKVILLE ­ Several writers from the South Grenville area will be on hand at a celebration of local authors to be held Sunday, May 1 from 1 to 5 pm at the Brockville Arts Centre.

In addition to readings, there will be a silent auction featuring books and other items of interest. There was to have been an admission fee, with proceeds going to a Brockville history book to be published this year. However, admission will be free in order to make the event accessible to as many people as possible.

Donations to the history book project will be accepted; tax receipts will be issued for donations of $10 or more.

Sponsors of the event are Leeds County Books, The Recorder and Times and the City of Brockville in association with the city's community history book committee.

The first 300 people who attend will receive a unique souvenir program which includes pictures and profiles of participating authors.

New provincial program numbers do not add up in Augusta's favour

Significant tax rate hike might be needed to offset decrease in twp. revenue

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

MAYNARD ­ Augusta stands to take a major financial hit under the new Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF), township CAO Sharon Wilkinson told council Monday.

OMPF is replacing the Community Reinvestment Fund, which was created by the Progressive Conservative government in the late 1990s to offset higher municipal costs associated with the downloading of provincial services.

Under the OMPF program set out by the Liberal government, Augusta's funding will decrease significantly over the next three years. Wilkinson estimated the township tax rate would have to increase by more than 120 per cent over that period in order to cover what the municipality would lose as part of the new funding program. However, she was quick to note it is only an estimate based on certain factors being in place. The actual tax rate for 2005 has yet to be determined; Augusta's budget deliberations have yet to be completed.

The CAO noted she and officials with the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (also anticipating a reduction in revenue under the new program) are having difficult establishing how the province arrived at its funding formula. "We think they just threw numbers together," Wilkinson remarked.

Although some council members indicated the township should fight for a better funding arrangement, Reeve John McCrea stated the municipality is "between a rock and a hard place." In order to decrease the burden on taxpayers, "you can decrease services or become more productive," McCrea added.

Deputy Reeve Bill Buckler commented he is hoping for a change in government.

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal also stands to receive less funding over the long term as a result of OMPF; Prescott will see its provincial funding increase.

Infrastructure program to fund Spencerville bridge replacement

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

SPENCERVILLE ­ Federal and provincial funding to replace the County Road 44 bridge in Spencerville has been approved, it was announced Monday.

The Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) will contribute up to $710,000 towards the million-dollar project.

The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville will fund the balance. The total eligible project cost is listed at $1,066,000.

The existing concrete deck as well as barriers and guardrails on the bridge on County Road 44 will be replaced. Storm water drainage will also be incorporated into the new bridge.

Leeds and Grenville Warden Doug Struthers indicated the project marks major improvements to "...an essential link in our local roads system for residents, school buses, emergency vehicles and local agricultural operations."

Under COMRIF, the provincial and federal governments contribute up to one-third of eligible costs associated with infrastructure projects.

Funding for other bridge projects in Leeds and Grenville was also announced Monday. They include King Street in Gananoque, Crosby Road in Rideau Lakes and Eighth Line Road near Athens.

A timetable for replacing the Spencerville bridge was not provided as part of the funding announcement.

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Mayor Peggy Taylor told The Journal Monday she is glad to hear the upper levels of government have agreed to pick up two-thirds of the cost of replacing the bridge.

The mayor added the bridge needs a lot of work and is an important structure for the community.

Taylor noted township officials hope the project can be completed in time for the 150th anniversary of the Spencerville Fair this September.

The mayor is confident the counties will ensure work on the bridge impedes motorists as little as possible.

Raising awareness of local services is among the goals of youth fair

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - Teenagers in the South Grenville area will find out "Where to Turn" at the third annual youth fair being held at South Grenville District High School on Wednesday, May 4.

According to Melissa Hodgkinson, who is planning the event, a primary aim of the youth fair is to promote access to community services. "Youth are made aware of what's out there," she stated. "(It) eliminates stigma, shyness, so if they call an agency, they will have already met a front-line worker."

Hodgkinson added the youth fair is open to members of the public of any age, including parents or guardians. She also indicated interest in the fair seems to be growing in the community, with 30 organizations having registered so far. "Agencies are coming to us to register instead of us going to them," said Hodgkinson.

A particular benefit of the fair, according to Hodgkinson, is it allows rural youth to be aware of the services available to them. "I think they (rural youth) have isolation," she said, adding that the school acts as a "hub" for the South Grenville area.

"(We're) trying to raise awareness in the municipalities which feed into South Grenville (District High School)," Hodgkinson stated. She added the fair is a "one stop shop" for youth to access services related to recreation, employment, and mental health, among other topics.

Among the agencies already registered for this year are Family and Children's Services, the OPP, Prescott Youth Centre, and the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Agencies can register for the event up to May 3, although they are encouraged to register sooner. There is no charge to register for the event.

The event is being hosted by Connect Youth, the Prescott Youth Centre and the Interact Club. It is the third year for the event, which attracted approximately 800 students and teachers last year. The fair runs from 8 am to 3 pm.

Organizers are still looking for community organizations to come out and be a part of the fair. Representatives from financial assistance, employment support, mental health, substance abuse, teen parenting and sexual well- being groups are all being sought for this year's fair.

Interested community agencies can contact Kelly or Melissa at 925-2855, ext. 3373.

Food bank to hold dinner, silent auction at parish centre May 7

PRESCOTT ­ A roast beef dinner and silent auction in support of the Food For All Food Bank will take place Saturday, May 7 at St. Mark's Parish Centre on Edward Street.

Doors open at 5:30 pm; dinner will be served at 6 pm. More than $1,000 worth of items will be up for bids; pick up a Mother's Day gift and help the local food bank in the process.

Advance tickets can be reserved by calling 925-2444. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

Teenagers to spread anti-violence message

BROCKVILLE ­ High school students in the united counties area will take part in an anti-violence walk next week.

The purpose of the Walk Against Abuse and Violence Everywhere is to take a stand against domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, harassment and other forms of abuse some of their friends and classmates have experienced.

Participants will gather at Wall Street United Church and begin the four-km walk at 9:45. After a closing rally at about noon, participants will return to their schools.

Pledges are collected by the walkers. Proceeds go to Interval House (a shelter for abused women and their children) and the Assault Response and Care Centre), both of which are located in Brockville and serve the South Grenville area.

For more information, call 342-8815 or 345-3881.

Big Bike returns to town Tuesday

PRESCOTT ­ The Big Bike Ride for Stroke is ready to roll in the north end of Prescott.

The fundraising event for the tri-county office of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario will hit the streets next Tuesday, May 3.

The Curves team is scheduled to depart from the Liquidation World parking lot at about 11 am and head north on Edward Street to the Canadian Tire parking lot. From there, the bike will return down Edward and then onto Irvine, Industrial and Churchill before arriving back at the starting point.

Participants are collecting pledges for the foundation. For more information, call 345-6183.

Foundation seeks applicants

BROCKVILLE ­ There is still time for charities in the united counties area to apply for funding from the Brockville Community Foundation.

The foundation has $25,000 to distribute this spring, according to Marsha Lindsay, chair of the grants committee. Each spring and fall, the foundation calls for applications from registered charities in arts and culture, education, environment, social services, youth and other areas.

"Projects need to have a significant impact on the people of this county, and they must address a real need," Lindsay stated in a news release.

Applicants are asked to submit a brief letter of intent. The form can be downloaded at www.bcfdn.ca. The deadline is this Friday, April 29 at 4 pm. Selected applicants will be invited to submit full applications.

The foundation supports charities in Leeds and Grenville by accepting donations and investing them as part of a permanent endowment fund.

Cat licensing discussed by Prescott committee; additional input sought

No simple solutions available, according to town officials

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ It does not take a big crowd for the subject of cat licensing to become an emotional issue.

Three members of the public were on hand Monday night as Prescott's community and protective services committee discussed the issue of pet control and whether the town should license cats as it does with dogs.

The discussion was sparked by a recent letter from Heather Rothgeb, who took the municipality to task for not dealing with what she believes is a serious problem. She wrote how cats had damaged her property and were a constant nuisance.

She and her husband Rob attended the committee meeting and reiterated concerns about cats allowed to run at large and how the town is doing nothing about it. On the other side, Barb Marshall spoke against licensing. She noted it was not the first time she had spoken out on the subject.

Councillor and committee chair Jo-Anne Beckstead acknowledged cat control and what to do about it has been an ongoing problem. Beckstead said she had spoken to the OSPCA and a local veterinarian's office as well as checked bylaws in other municipalities.

Although she stated allowing a cat or any pet to run at large is not right and is a form of trespassing, the councillor noted the difficulty in coming up with a solution. There are questions as to the effectiveness of cat licence tags and collars and breakaway collars; microchipping all cats is cost-prohibitive, according to Beckstead.

Marshall said licensing cats would not stop strays being dumped in the community. Insisting that roaming cats cause problems, the Rothgebs asked town officials to take action.

The committee discussion got heated at times as Marshall and the Rothgebs tried to make their points and respond to the comments of others.

The committee agreed to seek input from Darcy Alkerton, an animal control operator who has been selling dog tags on behalf of the town. Beckstead suggested any course of action should be part education and part regulation.

"It's definitely something the municipality will take a look at," the councillor said.

About 10 minutes after the discussion had ended and the Rothgebs had left, Mr. Rothgeb returned to town hall with a young cat he said he found on his porch when he returned to his home.

Town records surplus in 2004

PRESCOTT ­ The town of Prescott finished 2004 in the black, according to auditor Howard Allan.

The municipality recorded a surplus of $76,713, Allan reported to the public following a closed-door session with council Monday night.

The auditor said 2004 was a good year for the town from a financial perspective. Tax collection continues to improve; tax arrears are less than 10 per cent, the lowest rate reported in recent years.

Although he noted the town remains at the high end of the range in terms of tax rates, Allan said Prescott's financial situation is stable. The town will need help from the province to meet the challenge of having a reasonable tax rate, the auditor said.

He added Prescott is not alone when it comes to low assessment and aging infrastructure; other municipalities in Ontario are facing similar problems, according to Allan.

Alkerton offers advice to Augusta council

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

MAYNARD ­ Augusta should reduce its dog licence fees, according to the township's former dog catcher.

In a presentation to Augusta council Monday afternoon, Darcy Alkerton said fees should be lowered from the current $15 to $7.50 per dog.

He argued the burden of covering costs associated with dog control service should not rest solely on the shoulders of dog owners. He estimated about 25 per cent of calls come from police and other municipalities.

Alkerton, who served as dog catcher for four years, suggested council consider offering a free licence if the dog owner shows proof of his or her animal having received a rabies vaccination. In noting the united counties has a very high rabies rate, Alkerton said such an offer would promote proper pet ownership.

He also spoke in favour of door-to-door dog tag sales and questioned the value of the township's mail-in system. Visiting properties enabled him to obtain information and "gently" correct problems, Alkerton said.

He ended his presentation by saying he always worked for the best interests of the township.

Reeve John McCrea told Alkerton he had made "some very good suggestions."

When Alkerton asked how many dog tags had been sold so far this year, no answer was readily available. The township will get answers to that and other questions posed by Alkerton, the reeve noted.

Alkerton prefaced his remarks by telling council he was there as an Augusta resident and former township dog catcher who is also a dog owner and business owner.

The township is advertising the dog catcher's position. The deadline for applications is Friday.

Overpass project likely to happen this year; Edward Street resurfacing also in the works

PRESCOTT ­ It appears the town will proceed with major work on the Edward Street overpass this year.

The transportation and environment committee has recommended the town proceed with design work associated with upgrades to the aging structure as well as repairs to the surface of Edward Street from Wood Street north to Highway 401.

Town Engineer Clyde Solomon has estimated the cost of completing the town projects is in the range of $1.1 million. The overpass would cost in the neighbourhood of $800,000.

The overpass, which was built in the early 1960s, is in need of major repairs. An engineering study done three years ago indicated work should take place within three years.

The town will give the design contract to Ainley Graham, the firm that did the engineering study. The construction contract still has to be put out to tender; town officials expect that might take place by early July.

Through a provincial program, the town has access to low-interest loans to cover the costs of both projects.

As for the construction phase, Solomon said at least one lane would remain open throughout the project.

Additional information on the project is expected when council meets next Monday.

Community supper to be held today

PRESCOTT ­ A free dinner for the less fortunate will be served today (Wednesday) from 5 to 6:15 pm at Seaway Christian Church. The Master's Hands community suppers are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Seaway Christian, located on Churchill Road at Massie Drive. All are welcome.

Appreciation dinner to be served Friday

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

The Maitland Education and Recreation Corporation will be holding its annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and Open House this Friday, April 29 at the MERC Hall with cocktails at 6 pm and dinner at 7 pm.

All MERC volunteers are welcome to attend. If you are a volunteer and have not received an invitation, please contact Moira Taylor at 348-3140.

This year's event promises to be very special because it will mark the official opening of the new kitchen facilities which were completed with the assistance of a Trillium grant in 2004. MPP Bob Runciman will be on hand to present the Trillium plaque at 6:30 pm.

MERC volunteers have many different jobs including work on the two outdoor rinks, in the canteen, preparing and delivering the newsletter, organizing and chaperoning the teen dances, organizing the summer swim and parks program, providing the softball program, preparing and selling the community calendar as well as maintaining the hall, to name just a few of the tasks dedicated volunteers accomplish.

The special award for Volunteer of the Year will also be presented during dinner. This award recognizes long-time service to the community.

Following dinner, there will be dancing until 1 am to Destiny DJ.

Spencerville Fair 150th Anniversary Fund continues to seek donors

SPENCERVILLE - The Spencerville Agricultural Society's fair anniversary fund campaign is still looking for donors.

The fund involves individuals or businesses commemorating a given year of the fair and donating $1,000 for the privilege.

"Response was slow at first," stated Sue Trivett, anniversary fund co-ordinator, in a news release. "In the last month, interest has really picked up. We've now close to 20 years spoken for. We're getting new inquiries every week."

The anniversary fund campaign comes to a close May 31. Once the list of contributors has been finalized, their names will be inscribed on a special anniversary wall located on the George Drummond Memorial Grounds. In addition, each contributor will be entitled to have a message inscribed in the fair's Spencerville Fair 1855-2005: Our Past, Our Present, Our Future book which is scheduled for release and sale by the opening of this year's fair in September

The money raised by the anniversary fund campaign has been earmarked for the building of shelters to house events, the beautification and preservation of the grounds, and investments in the fair's future.

Anyone interested in obtaining an information package about the fair's 150th anniversary fund should contact Trivett at 658-2217.

Health centre coverage added

MAYNARD ­ Residents of the northern half of Augusta Township who do not have a family physician have somewhere to run.

The Merrickville District Community Health Centre will accept anyone who lives on or north of the Sixth Concession, township officials announced at Monday afternoon's council meeting. The coverage area in Augusta had been much smaller (north of County Road 21 and west of County Road 18).

Township CAO Sharon Wilkinson indicated council had been in negotiations with the health centre.

Reeve John McCrea called the expanded territory a positive thing.

Councillor John Fischl said he would like the township to take out a membership in the health centre. It is expected someone from Augusta will be added to the community centre's volunteer board of directors.

The centre is located at 354 Read St. in Merrickville.

Plowing match leases signed

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - A big step was taken April 11 as the leasing options were signed for the Leeds & Grenville International Plowing Match & Rural Expo 2007 at the Forfar Community Centre.

The plowing match committee was able to come to terms with Chantland Farms (bordering county roads 15 and 42 between Forfar and Crosby) as well as the neighbouring landowners to sign a land use agreement to house the massive event, which will include a tented city, parking lots, plowing competitions, RV park and various demonstrations.

More than 1,300 acres of land has now been secured by the organizing committee to host the popular event.

The committee expects the plowing match to attract more than 80,000 visitors to Leeds and Grenville over the four-day festival scheduled from Sept. 18 until Sept. 22 in 2007.

Spencerville United Church anniversary service on May 1

SPENCERVILLE ­ Spencerville United Church will conduct its anniversary service on Sunday, May 1 at 11 am.

The theme of the service is "Christian Symbolism in Church Design: An overview using the many Christian symbols found throughout the church sanctuary." Music will be provided by the Spencerville-Roebuck Worship Team.

Church will repeat as host of medieval event as part of Prescott Harbour Days

PRESCOTT - St. John the Evangelist Church in Prescott is hoping people want to go medieval with them for another year.

The church is presenting its "Medieval Faire" on Saturday, May 21 from 9 am to 2 pm. It is the third year the church has held the event.

This year's faire will be held, as in past years, on the lawn at St. John's church at the corner of Centre and James streets. The event is a fundraiser whose proceeds will go towards the recent renovations which have taken place at the church.

"We hope everyone comes and partakes in the festivities," stated Dorenda Dorey, assistant co-ordinator for the event. She added the church received a "wonderful turnout" for the event last year, in spite of less-than-ideal weather. "(We're) hoping for good weather and a bigger turnout," she stated.

This years event includes a Royal trash and treasure sale, bake and plant tables, and a book table. In addition, there will be fortune telling, a fish pond, and a sausage and hot dog barbecue.

It is expected the 20 or more volunteers who are slated to work at the event will dress in medieval garb. "We're trying to get as many people as possible to put on costumes," stated Dorey.

Members of the public who would like to volunteer at the special event are also welcome. To volunteer, call Debbie Hayes at 925-4967.

Les Dunn to join other veterans at anniversary of Dutch liberation

PRESCOTT ­ Les Dunn is one of 130 veterans who will be part of a Canadian delegation that will be heading to Europe later this week for events commemorating the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands.

The Prescott resident, who turns 85 on June 1, served with the 21st Canadian Armoured Regiment of the Governor General's Foot Guards in the Second World War. He was a tank driver who arrived in the Netherlands shortly after Allied forces had liberated the country from Nazi control in the spring of 1945.

"They were happy and they were hungry," Dunn said of the Dutch at the end of the war. "The country was stripped very clean."

This will mark the third time Dunn has returned to the Holland region. He was there to mark the 50th anniversary of the liberation in 1995.

Dunn is being accompanied this time by Gary Sluytman, an OPP constable and former Prescott Police Service officer who was born in the Netherlands a couple of years after the war had ended.

Being a soldier during that time was a scary thing, Dunn acknowledged.

"You suddenly realize what self-preservation means," he remarked. "You go to whatever you have to go to stay alive."

Although there were not many luxuries available to the Dutch by the end of the German occupation, Dunn recalled being served fresh strawberries for his 25th birthday in 1945.

As for maintaining ties with the Netherlands, Dunn noted during his visit 10 years ago he found the Dutch family with whom he had stayed half a century earlier. He has been corresponding with them ever since; a letter he received last week included a phone number he can use when he gets there.

The official commemorations, which run from May 1-10, include a number of special ceremonies and activities. The Canadian contingent includes parliamentarians, the minister of veterans affairs, youth and War Amps representatives.

This is also the Year of the Veteran.

Dunn pointed out he is the last surviving member of the local group that enlisted 65 years ago. Given the ages of veterans taking part in the tour, he believes this trip is "likely to be the last kick at the can."

Japan is next destination in armchair travel series

SPENCERVILLE - The Friends of the Edwardsburgh Library are continuing their series of Armchair Travellers slide shows from exotic locations.

All the presentations will take place at 7 pm in the council chamber at township hall in Spencerville.

This Thursday, April 28, visit Japan with Barry Fawcett. The show will feature the modern cities and ancient customs of Japan.

There is a small cost for the presentations; tickets can be purchased at the Spencerville library (658-5575).

All proceeds from the shows go to support the library.

Kriska driver shares his experience as part of provincial trucking team

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - Martin Dej, a truck driver with Kriska for the last five years, has been named to the Ontario Trucking Association's prestigious Road Knights team.

Dej is happy about being named to the team. "I like to share my experience about sharing the roads," he told The Journal.

The OTA Road Knights is a nine-member team which educates community organizations, schools, and students at truck driving schools about road safety, and works to increase awareness of the trucking industry's contribution to the provincial economy.

In order to be considered for the Road Knights, a truck operator has to possess a "first class" driving record, and be nominated by an OTA member company in good standing.

More than 50 drivers from across Ontario applied to participate in the Road Knights program, and a short list of candidates prepared a speech and essay for the panel of judges.

Dej heard that he had been appointed to the team in early March, and is glad to be appointed to the Road Knights. "Obviously it's something in the trucking industry (to be appointed to the team,)" stated Dej. He added it indicates he's "doing something right."

In his more than five years behind the wheel, Dej has logged more than 920,000 kilometres without a collision. In addition, for the past two years he has been a driver trainer for Prescott-based Kriska, taking new employees on the road and introducing them to company policies and procedures and helping to improve their driving habits.

"(I) train mostly beginners," he stated. "It's a lot of work." Dej added that trucking is more complicated today than it used to be. "These days, just being a driver doesn't cut it."

In particular, he stated, in terms of responsibility and driver knowledge, being a trucker is 60 per cent paperwork and 40 per cent driving.

Dej also stated safety is one of the most important concerns addressing truck operators. However, he also was quick to point out that the trucking industry has a very good safety record, with only 2.3 per cent of trucks having been involved in all road accidents, and only 30 per cent of those accidents having been the truck operator's fault.

Dej is a long-haul driver for Kriska, and has taken shipments all around the United States.

He added he does "a lot of" New York City trips. "Most of the states I've been to already," he added.

The OTA Road Knights team is selected by a panel of judges, including representatives from the OPP, Ministry of Transportation, 680 News Radio, The Transportation Health and Safety Association of Ontario, Truck News (an industry journal), a truck driver from the previous Road Knights team and OTA staff.

As well as educating the public about road safety, the group takes their trucks to schools to introduce young people to career opportunities in the trucking industry. Drivers who are appointed Road Knights serve for a two-year term. Dej expects he will do Road Knights activities "at least once a month."

In addition to having Dej, who lives in Orleans, named to the Road Knights team, Alvin Kane, a Kriska driver based in Brampton, was also chosen to be part of the group.

Town plans to purchase wood chipper and stop accepting brush at works yard

PRESCOTT ­ The town will no longer accept brush at the public works yard, a Prescott committee has recommended.

At a meeting held Monday night, the transportation and environment committee endorsed a plan by Public Works Superintendent Hans Van Helden which would see the municipality purchase a wood chipper at a cost of about $35,000. The unit would go around town and chip brush as part of a brush pick-up once every two weeks.

The plan would also see an end to the town burning brush at the works yard at the north end of Sophia Street.

In his report to council, Van Helden noted wind direction changes have caused ashes and smoke to blow into town, which has sparked complaints and will eventually result in action by the provincial environment ministry.

The superintendent also pointed out between 60 and 70 per cent of brush that ends up at the yard comes from out of town. Measures to ensure the brush is from Prescott are viewed as impractical or cost-prohibitive.

Van Helden stated chipping the brush at the curbside is more efficient and environmentally-friendly.

Council will be asked next Monday to approve the committee's recommendations.

The proposed changes do not affect public access to the compost site at the public works yard. The compost and brush drop-off area has been in operation for 12 years.

Maynard Cemetery Board to meet

MAYNARD ­ A meeting of the Maynard Cemetery Board will take place next Tuesday, May 3 at 7 pm at the cemetery facility.

All are welcome to attend the meeting.

OPP ­ TOWNSHIPS NEWS

Charges pending as provincial police investigate assault on Edward Street

PRESCOTT ­ Officers with the Grenville County OPP detachment responded to 37 calls for service in the Prescott patrol zone last week.

Charges are pending in connection with a reported assault which occurred Friday night. At about 9:30, two males and a female exited the Mac's Milk store on Edward Street. Two males across the street shouted obscenities and taunted them, according to an OPP news release. The verbal assault continued as the males and female walked south on Edward; Without provocation, the two males were assaulted by the taunting males. The two victims (17 and 19 years old) were transported to Brockville General Hospital; the 17-year-old sustained facial injuries and was kept overnight for observation.

Charges are pending. The investigation by Constable Butcher continues.

Also on Friday, officers were called to a Henry Street residence in connection with a domestic situation. A man had reportedly breached his probation order and left the scene. Officers caught up with the man in front of Seaway Valley Pharmacy and arrested him. The 36-year-old Edwardsburgh man was charged with breach of probation. No names were released.

On Saturday at about 11:15 pm, Constable Jones was on patrol in the Sandra S. Lawn Harbour area when a parked vehicle was checked. A male and female were found inside; the male had been charged with several criminal offences by Brockville police and had been released on conditional recognizance. At the time of the check, the man was in violation of one of the conditions (curfew). As a result, the 24-year-old Edwardsburgh man was arrested for breach of recognizance.

Last Tuesday at about 4:48 pm, a King Street West resident reported something had been taken from her vehicle, which had been parked in the morning and left unlocked. Later that day, a prescription medication was noticed missing. Constable Mike Lapensee is investigating.

Anyone with information on these or any other occurrences in town is asked to contact the OPP at 925-4221 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. In an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

Hit-and-run crash kills dog, injures man near Spencerville

SPENCERVILLE ­ Grenville County OPP are investigating a hit-and-run collision which killed a dog and injured a man on Goodin Road Monday night.

William Moore, 43, of Goodin Road, was walking his young Great Dane beside the roadway at about 9:10 pm when a vehicle approached from behind and struck the dog. The animal was thrown into the ditch; Moore, whose hands were wrapped around the dog's leash, was pulled a distance and fell to the ground. He was taken to Kemptville District Hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries and released.

Police are seeking a Ford that is possibly blue in colour. The vehicle sustained right front-end damage in the collision.

Constable Pergunas is the investigating officer. Anyone with information about this hit-and-run is asked to contact the OPP at 925-4221 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Airborne car tried to avoid collision

MAITLAND ­ A 17-year-old male sustained minor injuries as a result of trying to avoid colliding with a vehicle on County Road 2 near Grenville Christian College early last Tuesday morning.

Graham Young was eastbound in a 1993 Eagle at about 2:47 am when a westbound vehicle overtook another westbound vehicle. Young took evasive action and veered onto the shoulder; while trying to steer the car back onto the roadway, he overcorrected, crossed both lanes, struck a culvert and became airborne. Although he was able to regain control of the vehicle, it had sustained heavy damage.

Police are seeking a dark-coloured older vehicle; the driver might not have been aware of the collision. Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Butcher at Grenville County OPP (925-4221).

Crash leads to impaired charge

EDWARDSBURGH ­ A car was demolished in a two-vehicle crash that occurred early Saturday morning on County Road 22 at Highway 401.

A 1995 Ford transport driven by a 63-year-old Barrie man had exited the 401 and was turning south onto the county road. A northbound 2004 Chevrolet Aveo driven by a 40-year-old Cardinal woman struck the left rear portion of the truck. The woman sustained minor injuries and was taken to Brockville General Hospital where she was treated and released. The transport sustained moderate damage. The woman was subsequently arrested and charged with impaired driving; her name could not be released at the time of the OPP news release. Constable Butcher is the investigating officer.

Passing car smelled of marijuana

EDWARDSBURGH ­ While investigating the crash on County Road 22, officers noted a strong smell of marijuana coming from a vehicle passing the scene. The 1997 Volkswagen was pulled over; a small quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia was seized. The driver, a 22-year-old Edwardsburgh man, was charged with possession of a controlled substance. Constable Arnold is investigating.

Reeve votes against hunting on Sundays

MAYNARD ­ Augusta council is on record as supporting Sunday hunting.

At its meeting Monday afternoon, council voted 4-1 in favour of the concept. The Ministry of Natural Resources had requested the municipality's support.

Reeve John McCrea asked for a recorded vote; he was the only one who voted against supporting the concept. McCrea indicated the matter was very important to him.

Lighthouse will perform in Prescott

PRESCOTT ­ The Lighthouse Ministry is coming to Seaway Christian Church.

The ministry consists of musicians Roger and Shirley Pavy, whose versatility is enjoyed by people of all ages. The couple will be in concert Saturday, May 7 at 7 pm and on Sunday, May 8 at 10:30 am and 6:30 pm.

There is no admission fee; there will be free-will offerings at each performance.

Seaway Christian is located on Churchill Road at Massie Drive.

For more information on the upcoming visit, call Pastor Barry at 925-5840.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"These days, just being a driver doesn't cut it."

Kriska employee Martin Dej, commenting on the demands being placed on today's truckers

Editor's Notebook

THE WAITING GAME: Even though it appears Prime Minister Paul Martin might be trying to buy his faltering Liberal government some time or trying to get Canadians to blame the Conservatives if a federal election has to be called in the very near future, we must acknowledge his comments about the Gomery inquiry are consistent with what he said during a visit to Brockville in Feb. 2004.

At that time, the so-called sponsorship scandal was about to hit the fan in a big way. To be expected, the national media who accompanied the PM on his trip to Leeds and Grenville had no interest in Eastern Ontario economic development. In response, the prime minister said he wanted to know what had happened. "I am very, very angry about it, and we are going to get to the bottom of this," said Martin, who went on to state the government takes full responsibility for getting to the bottom of the situation. Anyone found to have acted inappropriately will pay the consequences, according to the prime minister.

Three months later, Parliament was dissolved and Canadians went to the polls and elected a minority Liberal government.

Mr. Martin's address to the nation last week was a bold and effective move. He has basically dared the opposition (the Conservatives, really) to force an early election and bare the wrath of an electorate which would be cheated out of getting a full review of the scandal by the Gomery commission.

Such a move will not give the Liberals a better chance of winning in a riding like Leeds-Grenville, but it could make a difference elsewhere and make it even more difficult for the Tories to claim a decisive victory and form a government without having to make a deal with the devil.

We reiterate our belief a snap election would not necessarily serve the public interest. Voters will, at some point, be given the opportunity to pass judgement on the Liberals and their involvement in the sponsorship scandal. According to Mr. Martin, that time will come within 30 days of the printing of Gomery's final report and recommendations.

We suspect the prime minister would honour his commitment. The question is, will the Conservatives give him the chance to do so?

STARTING ON THE RIGHT TRACK: We hope law enforcement agencies succeed in making their point to local youngsters during railway safety week. A child's fascination with rail lines and trains is natural and understandable. Being curious is one thing, but taking a shortcut at an unmarked crossing or driving around barriers as a train approaches is something else.

It would appear some older children and adults in the Prescott area are the ones who need a refresher course on railway safety. Until they realize saving a minute or two is not worth the risk, some kids are bound to wonder why they have to practise rail safety when their elders are not.

If a few hefty tickets are issued this week to help get the point across to people who should know better, so be it.

Tim Ruhnke

This April 1968 aerial photo shows most of the west side of Prescott. See this week's Archives to find out about plans for the site of the storage tank on Water Street (far right). Prescott Journal archives

There are much worse influences than the Cookie Monster

CLUB HOUSE REMARKS by David Dickenson

I can't believe how crazy the world has gone.

Each and every week, on the radio, in the newspaper, on the television or just through word-of-mouth, you hear about another change in tradition out to appease the people these days trying to make society a nanny state.

There have been many issues over time which have come up over the past year and they just keep coming up; apparently, there is no free will anymore or taking responsibility for your own actions anymore.

This has just kept extending itself over society and now it has reached an all time low... children's programming.

The sponge-like minds of children are picking up bad habits from the colourful puppets and cartoon characters they see on television, is what's being touted by TV networks and naive, over-protective parents groups.

For pete's sake, just leave well enough alone.

I don't agree with many of the things that go on and over-protective parents forcing their fears on society, but they're free to have their own opinion. Just like I'm free to say these groups are full of nut cases.

The most blatant case of this showed up a week or two ago, when the beloved Sesame Street character Cookie Monster came under fire for his promotion of poor eating habits and it was subsequently announced his character would be altered to send out a more positive message.

A big furry blue puppet who would scarf down cookies with reckless abandon and make millions of children world-wide smile or laugh, now is laying off the cookies to promote eating more healthy foods like carrot sticks?

Geez, it's a puppet... a simple children's cartoon character which is meant for entertainment and to fill a few moments of just plain stupid fun on a program which has helped accentuate the early learning of millions of youngsters around the world.

The show has been a service to the world and people who grew up watching it; anyone who grew up with it can still remember minutes of the fun and the messages and small pieces of knowledge which were instilled by the silliness of the puppets and their actions.

But now, apparently, a blue cookie-scarfing monster sends a bad message?

A simple walk down the street in almost any town you can see people swearing, breaking minor laws in some ways, littering and numerous other things that can send a bad message, but that's what parents, teachers and families are for, teaching children right from wrong.

In no way has a furry blue spasmatic cookie-eating monster warped my mind or that of anyone who has watched it.

Kids learn common sense from real life; common sense like eating only cookies all day long is not good for you, not from that lovable character.

It's time the world grew up and learned to take responsibility for its own actions, or at least for now to leave Cookie Monster alone.

As far as I'm concerned, "C is for cookie and that's good enough for me!"

District high school has more than 1,100 students: 1965

FROM THE ARCHIVES

April 28, 1965

* Work has begun on a new factory on Churchill Road West. The 30,000-square-foot facility will be occupied by Webster and Horsfall (Canada) Limited.

* Enrollment at South Grenville District High School is 1,116, it was reported at a meeting of the high school board. Just over half of those students are in arts and sciences. The board is chaired by A.D. Fraser.

* The new T. Eaton Company store on King Street has been officially opened. The outlet is the eighth store of its kind in Canada. It combines in-store merchandise and items available in the company's catalogue. Miss E. Simzer is office supervisor at the Prescott store.

April 30, 1975

* Plans for a 51-unit waterfront apartment complex for senior citizens have been unveiled. The building is to be constructed at the base of George Street on the site currently occupied by the Universal Terminals storage tank. The four-storey building will face the river; apartments will be 465 square feet and will have balconies. The single-bedroom units are designed for couples. Rent will be geared to income. The Prescott Housing Commission and Ontario Housing Corporation are involved in the project, as are the town and the Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Mayor Pat Kingston said the complex would get rid of an eyesore and get waterfront development off to a start with a beautiful building.

* The Home and Recreation Show sponsored by the Kinsmen Club of Prescott will take place this weekend at the community centre. At least 25 exhibitors will be on hand, offering goods and services ranging from cars and boats to swimming pools and lawn furniture. Admission is 25 cents per person.

* As of May 1, it will be an offence in Cardinal to keep a dog without a licence. "Summonses will be issued without pity to anyone who fails to comply with this bylaw, and when you consider the complaints that have come the way of this department concerning wayward pooches, finding culprits won't be a difficult job," states an article in The Journal.

There is now a telephone in the Cardinal police cruiser. If there is no response when calling the regular phone number, callers should dial zero and ask for the mobile operator.

Adding some much-needed perspective to prime minister's speech

FROM THE OTHER SIDE by Jeffrey Morris

And now, Dr. Suess' guide to Prime Minister Martin's address to the nation:

He sat on his chair, at his desk in his room,

In the camera he looked, with his face full of gloom.

This wasn't a time of crisis or war.

It was about men stealing, then stealing some more.

"Please forgive me," he said, "I made a mistake"

But the Canucklings all sighed, and said "give us a break".

Their leader went on, like a desperate man would,

To win back respect, he'd say whatever he could.

"I plead and I beg you, please give me more time,

Then you will see, this wasn't my crime."

The Canucklings were stunned, and they listened in shock.

Who was this man, who delivered such schlock?

But their leader went on, he had more to say,

"I ended this program, on my very first day."

But how, on his first day, could he get this thing handled,

When he said all along, he knew not of the scandal?

"The mess was the fault of that guy Jean Poutine,

When he was your leader, the scam was routine.

"I did not know, those men stealing millions,

Millions and millions and zillions and gajillions."

But the leader back then, ran the Canucklings' finance,

To not know he must have had his head in his pants.

"I had no idea, not even a hunch."

Then who was that guy, with whom you had lunch?

"The inquiry was called, and it was called for by me,

So let Gomery finish, then you will see.

"If so much as a dollar, has found its own way,

To the Liberal Party, then we will repay."

But the Canucklings all laughed, and they joked and they sneered,

Their leader was more desperate than they ever feared.

"Don't call an election, I ask you again,

Let me clean this mess up, and you will see then,

"Let Gomery weave his way through this maze,

Then I promise you can vote within 30 days."

They all laughed so hard, they fell on their backs,

Their leader begged for time to cover his tracks.

"I've done so much," he said, "for whistleblower protection"

But the leader can't make a bullet change its direction.

When he finished his speech, he looked rather sorry,

It was a beautiful sight, if you were a Tory.

Harper said never had he seen a spectacle so sad,

But was it enough to get the Canucklings all mad?

Some of the Canucklings still stood by their leader,

Despite all the claims that he was a cheater.

There were no other leaders, they'd exhausted their search,

And Harper, he scared them, because he went to church.

So they stood by their leader, despite the big scam,

And vowed to forgive, for his part in the plan.

The corruption might come to an end rather soon,

Especially if there's an election in June.

If this story should ever end, and then begin again,

It might well take place in a jail in Shawinigan.

We'll end like George Orwell, if we all had our druthers,

"All pigs are equal, but some are more equal than others."

Note from Jeff ­ we will only accept letters to the editor on this week's column in rhyming, Dr. Suess format.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dr. John Findlay was not just our family doctor; he was also part of our family

The Editor;

On April 7, the Prescott area lost an amazing doctor. I was somewhat surprised and disappointed there was not even a small article in The Journal to publicly honour Dr. John Findlay.

I have been his patient for all of my life. He was not simply our "family doctor;" he was part of our family. He went over and beyond the call of duty and would go to bat for you anytime you needed him to.

I remember one New Year's night when my son was very sick and I paged him. He asked if I was able to get my son to his Prescott office and if I couldn't, he would come to us at home. It wasn't unusual for him to make house calls, as well as making rounds at the hospital early every morning and again late at night. This after taking care of an office full of patients all day long. No matter how full his office was, he always took the time with each one. Every visit to Doctor Findlay was full of jokes he would tell and songs he would sing, and his "not a care in the world" attitude. My son loved to trade jokes with him, and he always made the children feel at ease. When I went in by myself, he always asked about "the wee ones."

I know all of his patients would echo my words; as his funeral proved just how much he was loved. There weren't very many dry eyes by the last verse of Danny Boy.

In the words of my 12-year-old daughter, "We'll never find another doctor like Dr. Findlay." It's hard to come to terms with the fact such an unselfish and caring doctor, who dedicated his life to taking care of everyone else, has been taken away from us.

As his patients, we can all go on and on about our happy memories of a doctor who truly cared about each and every one of us. I believe something should be done in honour of Dr. John Findlay, whether it be his picture above SuGold, a bench, a monument of some kind. I would certainly be willing to aid in this being done as I'm sure many of his other patients would.

May you rest in peace, Dr. Findlay, you've certainly earned the rest!

Lisa Harper and children Allisa and A.J.

Physician shortage is still an important issue

The Editor;

I feel the need, and I hope on behalf of hundreds of patients of Dr. John Findlay, to express the sorrow in his passing.

Dr. Findlay was a family doctor in the Town of Prescott for the last 35 or 40 years. In the last three years, he had moved his office to Brockville, but his patients continued to fill his waiting room. I'm sure he was beloved and appreciated for his dedication and service to so many of his Prescott and Brockville patients.

I have talked to the administrator at town hall requesting the amount Prescott pays for the "doctor search." I am told it is $4,000 per annum. I am also told Elizabethtown does not contribute an amount to bring new doctors to the area ­ that is borne by Prescott and Brockville. I would argue some consideration might be given to the realization hundreds of patients in Prescott are not being served by a family doctor.

Yes, many can drive to Brockville if they were fortunate to get a family doctor in Brockville, but many seniors are finding it difficult to drive that distance. Thanks to the VON and their volunteers for helping our seniors in driving.

I get the argument it is a problem all over the province. I read about the new health team coming to Brockville, that it will alleviate the pressure on a family doctor. But if you don't have a family doctor, what does it do for Prescott patients? One lady I know related that she searched the area for a family doctor and ended up in Winchester.

I can only hope the "powers that be" consider our dilemma.

Marion Fortier
Prescott

Editor's note: The Township of Augusta contributed $2,500 to the recruitment program in 2004.

SCHOOL SCENE

Algonquin Public School: While teachers and students are pleased to have two special days this week to recognize the valuable contributions of support staff, we take special pride in recognizing the differences staff make throughout the year.

Earlier this month, the special efforts of the support staff trio of Sue Loroway (office administrator), Laurie Young (library technician) and Bill Whiteford (head custodian) appeared in School Scene. It was equally rewarding, however, for their contributions to be acknowledged again ­ this time, along with all the support staff in UCDSB. The balloons and pins provided by the board added that special touch to the good wishes showered on Sue, Laurie and Bill.

The timing was perfect, too, for Donna Dejong to take part in the experience. She is on a two-week placement from the St. Lawrence College office administration program. She witnessed first-hand what "magic" Mrs. Loroway works daily, handling a multitude of different requests at one time, as well as how the students enjoy their weekly book exchanges with Mrs. Young in our school library, and how they co-operate with Mr. Whiteford to help keep our school looking its best.

Boundary Street Public School: Mrs. O'Hanlon will be at Boundary on Tuesday, May 3 to provide information from the Prescott Blossoms Garden Club's "Adopt-A-Park" program. Primary students will learn to use their "green thumbs."

A number of our students will be traveling this week to participate in Grenville Land Stewardship Council's Trees for Peace program. The program co-ordinator visited the school earlier this year and presented information on the importance of trees and clean water within our environment. Students will put their knowledge to practical use.

Our MS Read-a-Thon ends Friday. We appreciate everyone who has supported this worthy cause. Three junior students will be traveling to Iroquois Public School to take part in a science and technology enrichment program. We look forward to them sharing their experiences when they return.

Hot lunch this week is hamburgers.

Central Public School: On Friday, April 22, JK to Grade 4 held a book celebration. Students shared books they created based on non-fiction conventions, adventure themes and "Imagine If" from Grade 1.

Several staff members spent Thursday at a full-day education through music workshop in Brockville. There will be a follow-up May 4.

A reminder of the grade 4/5 bake sale this week, and there will be a pizza hot lunch on Friday.

Central Public School is grateful to have received a significant grant from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services to purchase a refrigerator and non-perishable food items to support our Nutrition 4 Kids program.

Maitland and Maynard Public Schools: At Maitland last week, the students in Ms. Ananny's grade 4/5 class traveled to the Hershey factory in Smiths Falls as a culminating activity to their science and English lessons.

Recently, the Maynard boys junior basketball team was the winner in the Wildcat Invitational tournament at BCI. The team consisted of grade 4, 5 and 6 students and was coached by Mr. Pattison, one of our Grade 6 teachers.

The students at Maynard celebrated Earth Day on April 22 with Mrs. Howe's Grade 1 students presenting a special song to the school during morning announcements, and various groups completing Earth Day art and playground clean-ups.

We are proud of the academic, artistic, and athletic accomplishments of our students at both schools!

St. Joseph Catholic School: Grade 4C held a bake sake on Tuesday, April 26 to raise money for the Sarah Spencer Memorial Park on Churchill Road.

Our Grade 7 students leave for Quebec City today.

Catholic Education Week will be celebrated from May 1-7.

Father Appelman will welcome families from both St. Mark and St. Joseph schools to a special celebration of the eucharist to commemorate Catholic Education Week.

We are hoping as many students and their families as possible will join the school staffs and the parishioners to celebrate the unique privilege of Catholic education.

On Monday, May 2, Mrs. Stacy Zahn, Ethan Zahn, Robbie Deeks, Mrs. Alanna Whelan, Mrs. Deborah Zabloski and Father Appelman will participate in the Catholic school board's eucharistic celebration at Holy Cross Church in Kemptville.

On Thursday, May 5, students and staff at St. Joseph will celebrate World Catholic Education Day with a liturgy of the word at 1:15 pm.

St. Mark Catholic School: We are excited about our grades 1 and 2 students who are in their third week of FROG (Facilitating Reading for Optimum Growth). In small groups of four to six students for 35 minutes three times per week, students experience guided reading.

Monday, April 25 was the Feast Day of St. Mark the Evangelist, our patron saint. St. Mark was one of the gospel writers and a disciple of Peter. He is the patron saint of lawyers.

Today, we salute and say congratulations to all secretaries and administrative professionals who help our schools and offices run smoothly.

In the upcoming week, we will be celebrating Catholic Education Week. The theme is "Being the Body of Christ."

On Sunday, May 1, we invite all of our families to join us in a celebration of the eucharist at 11 am at St. Mark's Catholic Church.

The school will be represented at a board-wide mass May 2 in Kemptville.

Hot lunch this week is pizza.

Pitch in and help raise some house money

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

We are hosting several events in the next few weeks. This is how we make spending money for incidentals. It is also a way to have a little social fun and meet with others. If you are able to help us with serving, food preparation or goodies, it would be greatly appreciated. Please call 925-5300 for information and dates.

We now have moved our extra computer into the library. If you would like to learn the basics, please come and play. As well as the usual games, we have installed a basic bridge and rummy. Thus, you learn to move around on the computer while having a little fun.

Board members are reminded of their meeting on Monday, May 2 at 10:30 am.

Card game results: Monday afternoon bridge ­ 1st, Jim Campbell; 2nd, Doris Mossman; door, Eleanor Gilligan. Fun bridge ­ Ruth Wenger. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Micheline Cook; 2nd, Jean Annable; 3rd, Mary Reynolds; door, Gladys Somerville.

Diabetes talk

BROCKVILLE ­ An information session on "Diabetes Pills and Potions" will be held next Wednesday, May 4 at 7 pm at St. John Bosco Parish Centre on Windsor Drive in Brockville.

The guest speaker, certified diabetes educator and pharmacist Rock Coulombe, will talk about medications, over-the-counter items and natural remedies (herbs and minerals) and their impact on diabetes.

The Canadian Diabetes Association is open to the public; admission is free.

For more details, call the association at 345-0992.

Township expected to see decrease in provincial funding over time

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - Township council will have some tough decisions to make on budgets in the upcoming years as projections show Edwardsburgh/Cardinal will be receiving nearly $200,000 less in provincial funding by 2008.

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Treasurer Russell Trivett indicated the township will receive the normal provincial funding towards the downloading of services this year, as well as a special one time funding grant, but he expects the money to drop off significantly in upcoming years.

"We're actually getting about the same as in previous years at $1,108,000," explained Trivett, "and we're also getting an additional one-time grant of $105,375, which gives us more than usual. This will decline over the next three years and we should only be getting $927,613 by 2008."

The new provincial program replaces the Community Reinvestment Fund, which was created in the late 1990s to offset higher municipal costs associated with downloading.

While reduction of provincial funding won't sting as much in the short term, the long-term impact could prove costly for township residents and municipally funded programs.

"I'm not exactly sure what it will work out to," said Mayor Peggy Taylor, "but I've gone through it and it's like a big punch to the stomach. The one-time adjustment grant of about $100,000 is part of a phase-in adjustment, but it will be tough."

Taylor indicated budgets are never a fun experience, and the added decrease in funding for the township over the long term will mean a lot of tough decisions.

"There is a permanent increase (in what the township has to pay) across the board that gets put in property tax dollars and there's nothing we can do. We try and make up for it in the budget. It's going to be some tough budgets to work through. It's not fun, we had to do this at the counties and we did the best we could, but still nobody was happy with it. We had to cut huge amounts. It's going to be bad for the township and we're going to have to do the same as the counties and ask what is needed and see what we can afford to keep."

Taylor explained she still hopes something will come along to help change the situation, but until that time council will still have to go through the process with less money to work with.

"Things could change with the way governments change and decisions are made," said Taylor, "but I'm not sure where it will end up. I just hope they realize the funding is needed at the municipal level. We know we are not alone, because all townships are in the same boat as us and everyone is upset. The province needed to start listening and positively responding to us, instead of just giving us lip service. This is becoming more of a tax on the poor, where people with fixed incomes are having to sell their homes to pay their property taxes and that's not fair."

St. John's anniversary service is on Sunday

CARDINAL - St. John's United Church is celebrating its 122nd anniversary on Sunday, May 1 at 10 am.

The special service will feature renowned Ottawa philanthropist and restauranteur David Smith, who has raised $100 million for a number of organizations in Canada and around the world.

Smith has also established the David Smith Centre, a youth drug and alcohol treatment centre in Ottawa and the Ottawa Tech Centre, a training school for youth without computer skills. He also launched SONG (Save Our Native Grandchildren), a national fundraising initiative to build a $2.2-million multipurpose sports facility including a drug and alcohol treatment centre for Davis Inlet, a remote settlement in Labrador which has suffered due to lack of employment and socially beneficial programs.

Following the service, the church will host a lunch.

The public is encouraged to attend this free event.

Cell phone taken during break-in at residence: OPP

CARDINAL ­ A break-in at a Benson Street residence was reported to the OPP Sunday morning.

The home had been entered through a basement window sometime between 10 am and 11:30 pm Saturday. It is believed two people were involved. Taken from the residence were an Erickson cell phone (unknown value) and an American dollar bill, according to a police news release.

Constable Kavanagh is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact Grenville County OPP at 925-4221.

Canoe Poker Run to be held next weekend

EDWARDSBURGH ­ The Canoe Poker Run will take place Saturday, May 7.

Registration for the annual event sponsored by the Spencerville Mill Foundation is set for 10 am at O'Hagen's Bridge on County Road 18 about eight kilometres north of Prescott. Prizes will be drawn at 12:30 pm at the mill.

Nine podium finishes for South Grenville Giants at TISS meetSenior girls win a pair to open soccer season

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants senior girls soccer team got off to a great start to its season with a pair of victories Thursday in Prescott.

The Giants used a strong team game to pace their offensive output on their way to a pair of 4-0 victories over the North Grenville Knights and Athens Warriors respectively.

Giants coach Scott Baird was pleased with his team's performance on the day and hopes the strong play will continue throughout the season.

"We played our game out there," explained Baird.

"We play a control style, and it was nice to see the ladies do that with organization. You can't single out anyone since everyone is playing well, the scoring was spread out and only Sara Watt had multiple goals. Everyone is playing hard and contributing."

Baird indicated they are still working towards the LGSSAA crown, but doesn't see it as a defence of the title after South Grenville came away victorious last year.

"It was a great start," said Baird, "but it's hard to say we're defending our title when each year its a new group of girls. You can't really compare one season to another. We're just trying to play our game."

Against North Grenville, the Giants came out of the gates flying as Alex Ward opened up the scoring before Sara Watt and junior-aged forward Shannon Dalley would also add markers to give South Grenville a 3-0 win. Watt would notch her second goal of the game late in the game to give South Grenville the four-goal victory.

Giants keeper Lyndsay Biccum made some key saves late in the game thanks to her aggressive play to preserve her shutout in goal.

Against Athens, South Grenville dominated play from the start quickly getting on the board when Dalley booted a nice crossing pass onto the foot of Jen Torrance, who put the ball in the net for her first high school goal.

Biccum, playing midfield in the Giants' second game of the day, continued the route with a nice curving boot off a free kick which went over the Athens keepers head.

Stacy Kenney added to the score late in the first with a big boot from outside finding the back of the net, while Jenn Seary capped off the scoring in the second as she scored off a crossing pass from Amanda Lavery.

Ward had the shutout for the Giants victory over Athens.

In junior action, the Giants had problems capitalizing in the offensive zone as they were held scoreless in a 0-0 tie and 2-0 loss against Athens and North Grenville respectively.

The Giants looked strong for periods in both games but had problems finishing; in each game, South Grenville put shots off the post at least twice.

South Grenville continued its season yesterday (April 26) hosting the Rideau Lions.

The Giants will travel to Thousand Islands Secondary School in Brockville tomorrow (Thursday) for games against the TISS Pirates and Gananoque Trojans.

The junior Giants will kick off the day taking on TISS at noon, with the seniors to follow at 1 pm. South Grenville juniors will then take on the Trojans at 2 pm with the seniors to follow at approximately 3 pm.

Bulldogs make final of first spring tournament of season

CASSELMAN ­ The Kriska minor peewee Bulldogs travelled to Casselman this past weekend for their first hockey tournament of the spring season.

The Bulldogs went into the weekend as two-time defending champions.

In game one, Kriska tied the Ottawa '67s 1­1. The Bulldog goal was scored by Taylor Eamon.

Kriska defeated the Ottawa Ambassadors 7­3 in game two. Scoring for the Bulldogs were Nick Pichette (2), Cory Wilson, Ryan Van Stralen, Kyle Adams, Tanner Benton and Eamon, who also picked up two assists.

Brock Jessop scored Kriska's only goal in a 7­1 loss to the undefeated Ottawa Riot.

In game four, the Bulldogs shut out the St. Lawrence Islanders 3­0. Pichette, Wilson and Benton scored for Kriska. Josh Holmes was in goal for the shutout.

Kriska placed second behind the Riot in the preliminary round. In semi-final action, the Bulldogs defeated the Ottawa Capitals 4­1. Goal scorers were Ben Hutton, Eamon, Jessop and Dylan Rodgers, Jarrett Pitt had a strong game in goal.

In the final game against the undefeated Riot, the Bulldogs let a 3­1 lead slip away in the third period and lost 5­3. Rodgers (2) and Wilson scored for Kriska.

Other players on the team are Lucas Stitt, Kelsey Gunn, Russell Hinch, Jarrett Williams, Clark Seymour and Ronnie Harrison.

The Bulldogs travel to the Hamilton Steel City Cup April 29.

Juvenile Blazers team plays in eastern championship

BROCKVILLE ­ The Brockville Blazers juvenile basketball team lost in the final of the Eastern Ontario Basketball Association championships Sunday at TISS.

The regional team trailed the Ottawa Sting by four points (30­26) at the half and managed to tie the score at 40 in the second half before eventually losing the final. Jenna Beatty led the Blazers with 15 points; Heidi Reinstra and Ashleigh Cleary had 12 points each.

Brockville won its semi-final game against Cornwall 49­28. In round-robin play, the Blazers defeated Osgoode 57­39, Gloucester 56­51 and Hull 65­53.

Team members are Sam Joudoin (injured), Meredith Clarey, Sara Watt, Ashleigh Cleary, Jenna Beatty, Heidi Reinstra, Alise Hansen, Charlene Reuvers, Olivia Arnaud, Allison Whyte and Kim Usher.

First ace of season

PRESCOTT - The first hole-in-one of the 2005 season at the Prescott Golf Club was recorded last week.

Dave Cassell, in his first round of the season, fired an ace at Prescott's 175-yard, 13th hole April 21. Cassell used a four-iron.

He was golfing with Tony Cummins, Pete Zaron and Junior Thompson.

Cassell last recorded a hole-in-one in 1971 while golfing in Morrisburg.

Interbranch league hands out awards

PRESCOTT - The Seaway Mens' Interbranch Dart League held its 2004/2005 banquet at the Prescott Legion Saturday night.

Both the first place league trophy and the first place playoff trophy was won by Prescott #6, whose team members include David Haynes, Tam Rae, Ross King, and John Marchand. Taking runner up in the league awards was Iroquois #5, which included Glen Adams, Rick Sayeau, Jeremy Adams and Bobby Sayeau, which also took runner-up in the playoff competition.

Third place league and third place playoff was taken by Bob Juby, Tim Gonczowski, Tom Coville and Randy Prophet of the Prescott #1 team. Fourth Place league and playoff was snagged by Darrin Tyo, Bernie Montroy, Arnie Fader and Wayne Bellinger.

Glen Adams obtained the most sportsmanlike award, while Bill Hutt was awarded the Tom Beach Memorial Trophy for highest bull finish.

Tam Rae took the award for most games won, as well as a high score award and a 180 club award. Other members of the 180 club were Bob Juby, David Haynes, Jerry Carr, Tom Coville, Rick Sayeau, Jeremy Adams, Mike McIlvenna, and Tony Barkley.

High scorer award winners included Ron Bradford, Rick Sayeau, David Haynes and Tony Barkley. Haynes also took the high finish award.

Winners of the Len Crawford Memorial Trophy included Duane Kirker, Ross King and Barry Esson.

The executive for the 2005-2006 season was also named at the banquet. Duane Kirker was named chairman, while Glen Adams was named secretary-treasurer, and Tim Gonczowski was announced as recording secretary. The Prescott rep will be Ross King; Barry Esson was announced as the Cardinal rep, and Darrin Tyo was named as Iroquois rep.

Midget Blues finish fourth at eastern hoops championships

BROCKVILLE ­ The Brockville Midget Boys had one of their best tournaments of the season finishing fourth at the EOBA (Eastern Ontario Basketball Association) Championships held in Ottawa.

The Blues were originally slated to compete in division 2 but were moved up to division 1 based on their performance.

The Blues finished first in a pool that included The Goulbourn Hornets and the Ottawa Celtics. The clinching game was a 52-42 win over the Celtics. All players combined to advance the Blues. Greg Hollowack, Ryan Patterson provided defence, Joe Dunn, Tyler Knowles and Cathan Moore provided rebounding, Chris Duffy, Cody Haché and Greg Hollowack provided ball handling, and Josh Parsons and Tim Nedow provided scoring. (Nedow had 22 points; Parsons had 25.)

The Blues were knocked out of the semi-finals before falling 49-42 to the Goulbourn Hornets in the Bronze Medal game.

The Blues play two games this Friday, April 29 at TISS.

The Blues host a tournament the weekend of May 6-7 at South Grenville.

Minor hockey meeting is tonight

PRESCOTT ­ The South Grenville Minor Hockey Association will conduct its annual meeting and elect a new executive today (Wednesday) at 6 pm at the Prescott Fire Hall.

Three-pitch qualifiers in Maynard

MAYNARD ­ Ontario three-pitch qualifiers will be held in Maynard on April 30 and May 1 for ladies and men's divisions and on May 7 and May 8 for coed and master coed divisions. To register or for more information, call 926-1501 or e-mail to sportsetc62@yahoo.ca.

Palliative care tournament is a go

BROCKVILLE ­ The Friends of St. Vincent golf tournament will be held Wednesday, Sept. 7 at the Brockville County Club.

For more information, call 342-4461, ext. 3362.

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