VOL. 175, NO. 23~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ June 1, 2005

Town tax rate will not increase in 2005: council

Committee endorses 2005 budget proposal; approval is expected next Monday

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ It now appears certain there will not be a municipal tax rate hike in Prescott this year.

The town's finance and corporate services committee approved the 2005 budget Monday night. Although council will vote on the budget package at the June 6 meeting, all seven council members took part in the committee meeting Monday night and did not voice any major objections to the proposal.

The budget calls for total spending of more than $8.3 million, up from $7.9 million in 2004. However, revenue is also higher by a comparable amount this year.

Much of the revenue boost can be attributed to the new Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund, which replaces the Community Replacement Fund created several years ago to compensate municipalities for higher costs associated with downloaded provincial services. The new funding arrangement gives Prescott about $290,000 more than it received from the CRF in 2004.

The extra provincial money made a big difference in the town's budget deliberations, according to Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead. "We would have been looking at a tax increase," she said.

Councillor and finance committee chair Suzanne Dodge said budget deliberations have been a challenge this year. She credited department heads for "going back to square one" this spring and producing a budget with no tax increase. Dodge said she is "extremely happy" about the outcome.

Among the proposed additions to municipal programs this year are the creation of a part-time bylaw enforcement officer position to be shared with Edwardsburgh/Cardinal. The town has budgeted $16,000 for the position. Spending on road resurfacing and sidewalk repair will be higher this year.

One issue discussed at the committee meeting Monday was the inclusion of $50,000 as follow-up to the downtown revitalization study being completed by the town. Councillor Nancy Lane said the downtown is important, but she believes an additional $50,000 is too much.

Dodge disagreed, noting she wanted the amount to be $100,000. "This downtown has suffered a long time," said Dodge, who added the town has to take ownership of the situation and build on the results of the study.

As for the more than $2 million in capital projects, council is planning to proceed with repairs to the Edward Street overpass and to Edward Street between Churchill Road and Highway 401. There are also plans to repair Churchill west from Edward to Rehau, although officials acknowledged the work might not happen this year.

Town officials also noted the proposed budget includes $100,000 to be applied directly to capital spending. This means the town reduces the need to get the funding from debt financing or reserves.

Immediately after the committee approved the budget proposal Monday night, the town issued a news release in which it is stated council is confident it is meeting its commitment to bring taxes in line while maintaining services in an effort "...to make Prescott a more affordable place to live and a more competitive place to do business."

The release also states: "Now, for 2005, not only is the tax rate frozen, but so are the assessment rates, yet the council is still able to make significant additions to the budget."

THIS WEEK

Town planning updates available at open house

PRESCOTT ­ An open house is being held today (Wednesday, June 1) to provide updates on the status of Prescott's downtown revitalization study and official plan review.

The drop-in session is being held from 4 to 8 pm on the second floor of the Dibble Street municipal building.

The town has hired IBI Group to assist with the two planning documents. Funding for the downtown study has been provided by the Eastern Ontario Development Fund and Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation.

Skilled trades, career show takes place today

BROCKVILLE ­ A Career and Skilled Trades Learning Experience (CASTLE) is taking place today (Wednesday, June 1) from 10 am to 6:30 pm at the 1000 Islands Mall in Brockville.

Hands-on demonstrations and interactive displays will showcase a variety of skilled trades and other employment opportunities. Bring a résumé and receive free one-on-one advice on how to make it more attractive to employers.

CASTLE is sponsored by the Government of Canada and St. Lawrence College. A similar event is planned for June 15 at Kemptville College.

For more information, visit www.trythetrades.com or call 345-0660, ext. 3219.

Tentative deal for high school teachers, board

BROCKVILLE ­ High school teachers with the Upper Canada District School Board are scheduled to vote on a tentative contract next week.

Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation Upper Canada District 26 and the board reached a tentative agreement Saturday. The four-year deal is retroactive to Sept. 2004. Additional details were not released.

In a joint news release issued Monday, the union indicated it is recommending acceptance of the agreement.

South Grenville District High School is among the secondary schools operated by the Upper Canada board.

Concert set for St. John's

PRESCOTT ­ Come out and have a rockin' good time while supporting a local heritage site.

Randy Shoaf and Crimson Moon will perform at a benefit concert this Saturday, June 4 at 8 pm at St. John's Anglican Church in Prescott. Shoaf, a professional singer who has lived in the area for nearly a decade, has released a second CD, Bring It On.

Proceeds will go to the Blue Church Restoration Fund.

Advance tickets are available at a special price. Tickets will also be available at the door. For more information, call 925-5187.

Stephenson to be appointed Augusta Township councillor

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

MAYNARD - Carol Stephenson will be Augusta's new councillor.

Stephenson heard she had been selected for the councillor position last Tuesday night following the council meeting. "Sure, I am happy (to be appointed councillor)," she stated Monday.

Stephenson will be sworn in at the June 13 council meeting

When asked by The Journal what her goals are as councillor, Stephenson said "just to continue on with what they're (council) doing - to do what's best for the people who voted."

Stephenson has been a lifelong resident of the South Grenville area, having grown up in Spencerville before marrying her husband Lance. The couple own a beef farm in the Roebuck area and have two children, Jeremiah, 8, and Katie, 5.

Stephenson added she expects to be a "fresh set of eyes" on Augusta council. "(I'm) new to all of this; it will be a tremendous learning curve for me," she said.

A resolution to appoint a new councillor was passed at last Tuesday's regular council meeting.

When asked why council chose to appoint a councillor to the seat as opposed to holding a by-election, Reeve John McCrea indicated the cost of an election is a reason for appointing someone instead. "I think that's the way to go," he added.

Councillor Garry Ferguson resigned from council last month. Stephenson was fourth in the race for the three councillor positions in the 2003 municipal election.

Invista mediation talks scheduled for today

Unionized staff at Maitland site could go out on strike as early as this weekend

MAITLAND ­ About 350 unionized workers at the Invista Canada Maitland Site could be off the job early Saturday morning.

Local 28-0 of the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP) and company officials are to meet with a mediator today in Brockville.

Depending on the outcome of that meeting, the union is expected to vote on whatever is deemed to be the company's final offer Friday. Earlier this spring, a vast majority of unionized workers voted in favour of strike action to back contract demands.

The company is making plans in the event there is a work stoppage. Bill Byker, manager of human resources at the Maitland site, told The Journal Monday that other personnel are being trained to perform certain operations at the former DuPont facility. In noting non-unionized workers were being called on to support other operations at the site, Byker acknowledged there would be portions of the facility which would be shut down in the event of a strike.

He said there was every reason to believe training would be completed by Friday.

Invista employs about 500 people at the Maitland facility. There are also many other contractual workers at the site.

As for coming up with a new contract, Byker said Invista wants to work towards ensuring the long-term viability of its Maitland operations.

Steve Armstrong, president of the CEP local at Invista, was unavailable for comment at press time.

The union has expressed concerns about what it says are attempts by the company to adjust or discontinue benefits packages and to get employees to work longer hours.

OPP ­ TOWNSHIP NEWS

Oil drained, truck engine ruined

AUGUSTA ­ A 38-year-old Skakum Road man told police May 23 his two vehicles had been vandalized. Someone had drained the oil from the engine of his 1985 Chevrolet pick-up truck; the owner drove the truck and the engine was destroyed. He also reported two tires on his 1988 Oldsmobile had been slashed. A damage estimate was not available.

Constable Morrissette is investigating.

Tools, meat taken from garage

AUGUSTA ­ On May 25 at about 9:45 am, a 71-year-old woman reported a break, enter and theft at her residence on County Road 21 just west of Roebuck. A number of tools had been taken from a detached garage. These items included a Stihl chain saw, Poulin Pro chain saw, Skil circular saw, hydraulic jack, air compressor, Workmate bench and an inch-and-a-half drill, hoses and gauges for acetylene torches. About 70 lbs of wrapped meat was also reported stolen from a freezer. The tools are valued at $2,000. Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Kavanagh at the detachment in Prescott (925-4221).

Red-headed man flees on foot

BLUE CHURCH ­ On May 29 at about 3:12 pm, a man called police to report someone had entered his home on County Road 2 while he was in the yard gardening. The man entered the house and saw another man inside. The suspect fled on foot and headed west into a wooded area. Four officers attended and searched for the suspect, but he was not found.

The man is described as being white, six feet tall with short red, cropped hair. He spoke English with a French accent and was wearing track pants and a white T-shirt. He also had tattoos on both arms. The investigating officer is Constable Foley.

Police deal with numerous mischief and theft cases in the Prescott patrol zone last week

PRESCOTT ­ Officers with the Grenville County OPP detachment responded to a total of 66 calls in the Prescott patrol zone last week.

A 10-foot inflatable Darth Vader was taken from the roof of Burger King during the overnight hours of May 22-23. The value of the item is $600. The same theft occurred in Smiths Falls. Constable Johnson is investigating.

On May 24 at about 1:13 am, police received a complaint from the head custodian at South Grenville District High School that two safety straps had been removed from two roof pillars at the front of the school. The straps are valued at $200. Constable Terry Foster is investigating.

Early in the afternoon of May 25, a King Street restaurant owner reported three youths had left the building without paying for their food. The value of the food consumed is about $20. The investigating officer is Constable McConnell.

On the morning of May 26, the principal of St. Mark School reported someone had smashed a window during the night. There was no damage estimate. Constable McConnell is also investigating this case of mischief.

A 16-year-old Cardinal female told police May 27 that $70 had been taken from her locker at work (a store on Prescott Centre Drive). The investigating officer is Constable Moe Morrissette.

While on cruiser patrol May 28 at about 11:15 pm, Constable Morrissette observed a male on Henry Street holding an object in his left hand and then concealing it in his pocket. An investigation revealed the 16-year-old youth was concealing an exacto knife. The suspect is on probation and is not to be in possession of weapons including knives. He was arrested and charged with breach of probation; he is to appear in court at a later date.

Constable Pergunas was called to investigate a report of theft and mischief on Churchill Road just after 6 am May 29. A 67-year-old woman reported someone had taken two solar lights during the night and had smashed a cement deer in her driveway.

Anyone with information on these or any other occurrences in town is asked to contact the Grenville County OPP detachment at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Stephanie Summers receives Volunteer of the Year Award from Optimist club

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - "My name is Stephanie, and I am a volunteer!"

Stephanie Summers closed her speech with those simple words after accepting the Spencerville and District Optimist Club's 2005 Volunteer of the Year Award.

The prize was presented at the club's volunteer appreciation night held Wednesday at the Drummond Building in Spencerville.

"I'm truly overwhelmed tonight," stated Summers after receiving the award from volunteer appreciation night chair Jim Purcell. "I thought I had a lot of years to go before (receiving) an honour like this."

Before presenting her with the award, Purcell detailed her extensive and varied volunteer experience in the Spencerville area. He noted Summers has been the organist for St. Laurence O' Toole Catholic Church since 1991 and has volunteered with the Edwardsburgh Figure Skating Club for 17 years. During this time, she has served as the club's secretary/treasurer, president, and public relations.

Purcell also mentioned Summers has been active with the Spencerville Minor Ball Association, serving as secretary/treasurer from 2000 to present. She also helped the association host the Ontario Bantam Boys Provincial Championship in 2002, and is a member of the volunteer group responsible for building the association's new ball diamond.

Summers, a lifelong resident of the Spencerville area, has also volunteered with the Spencerville Agricultural Society, South Grenville Minor Hockey and the Ontario Amateur Softball Association. In addition, she was Block Parent co-ordinator for Spencerville from 1994 to 1996

"She's been very busy in her few years of life," Purcell quipped after listing Summers' volunteer experience.

"A group of people I truly admire is volunteers," stated Summers. She added one of the best parts of being part of a group of volunteers for her is "sitting down at the end of an event and discussing how it went."

She also stated that the Spencerville community is "very blessed" in that it has a large pool of people who volunteer. "I would be perfectly happy to be a volunteer full-time," she added.

In Nov. 2004, Summers, 43, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of cancer formed by malignant plasma cells resulting in tumors in the bone marrow. She recently received a stem cell transplant for her condition.

As she accepted the plaque, Stephanie mentioned it had been a month-and-a-half since she had been out. "I'm really thrilled to see so many faces," she stated.

After receiving the award, she said she had started to volunteer as her children (Jessica, now 20, and Kurtis, 17) started to do activities and sports. "As they started to get involved, I got involved," she said.

"I hope to continue volunteering," Summers added.

Centre brings students and employers together

PRESCOTT ­ Hire A Student Week begins next Monday, June 6.

The Human Resource Centre of Canada for Students is hosting its annual event to promote employment by providing job and networking opportunities for students and employers. The resource centre in Prescott is located on Centre Street above the post office. Mary Ellen Hough is the summer employment officer.

The centre provides job postings as well as job search, interview and résumé advice.

For more information, call 925-2508.

The centres in Prescott and Brockville are hosting an open house next Monday from 2:30 to 4 pm at the Brockville location at 153 King St. W. More than 250 jobs for high school and post-secondary students were posted at the two centres during the 2004 season.

Local heritage comes alive at Doors Open

Annual program gives public free access to many local properties with stories to tell

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SOUTH GRENVILLE - The strong heritage of the area lived on to welcome members of the public for the annual Doors Open event Saturday.

The program which showcases historical and interesting buildings and properties had more than 40 sites in Leeds and Grenville taking part, including 15 from South Grenville.

For the hosts at the stops along the tour, the event means a lot bringing a sense of what they have to offer.

"For us, it's an opportunity to show off the history and culture of the community along the mighty St. Lawrence," explained St. John's Anglican Church Rectors Warden Graham Cudlipp.

"For us here, the outside remains the same, but this was the perfect chance to show off our new modern, wheelchair accessible inside."

Father Claude Delorme added, "This is my first time being here for Doors Open and I'm delighted with the turnout and getting to welcome people from other areas in to our facilities. Not only did we get to show off what we have here to the whole area, but also we could show what we have to the community and groups who could be using the facilities for their events, like church dinners and group meetings. It's been a very exciting day."

The event also made a big impression on those who took the time to get out and see some of the more than 40 locations which opened their doors for the day.

Peggy and Brian Hanly of Maitland were among many to take the tour as an opportunity to visit the venues in the area.

"This is just great," said Peggy while visiting the Forwarders' Museum.

"We just love doing this; this year we are visiting the Prescott sites. We missed doing this the past three years while we were in Europe, but we're enjoying being back and seeing some of the things we might normally miss. (Forwarders') is a nice little museum to visit."

The program was launched in 2002 by the Ontario Heritage Foundation and is offered in many parts of Ontario at different times of the spring, summer and fall. The event also allowed for participating churches, museums, non-profit groups and communities to promote themselves to local residents and visitors from outside the region.

Sites in South Grenville which participated in the event included Battle of the Windmill, Blue Church, Blue Heron Inn, Bridgewaters Inn, Fort Wellington, Forwarders' Museum, Johnstown United Church, North Channel Cemetery Spirit Walk, Prescott Municipal Building, St. John's Anglican Church, The Colonel's Inn, Countryman Gardens, Homewood Museum and Grenville Christian College.

Augusta council sets tax rates, then revises them

MAYNARD - At a special meeting of Augusta council last Thursday morning, council voted to approve the yearly estimates and tax rates set out in the 2005 budget.

Council had previously voted at last Tuesday afternoon's regular meeting to approve the yearly estimates and tax rates. However, it was discovered early Wednesday that the tax rate had been incorrectly calculated due to the fact the formula set-up had been corrupted. Therefore, a special meeting was called to adopt the revised figures.

The new bylaw states the tax levy for 2005 is almost $2,940,000. The next bills for municipal taxes will be mailed in September.

The tax rate increased 2.1 per cent in the township from 2004. The county tax rate increased by 8.75 per cent; as a result taxes are up 3.72 per cent.

The bylaw also states the estimated sum of yearly expenditures for the township totals $4,457,730, and that any surplus funds from 2004 be transferred into general reserves for 2005. The total actual expenditure for 2004 was $4,263,869.

"We do have a surplus," stated Augusta Treasurer Linda Robinson. However, the amount of the surplus has yet to be determined.

Groups working together to mark 150th anniversary of the Spencerville Fair

SPENCERVILLE ­ The Spencerville Fair is returning to its roots.

The Spencerville Agricultural Society (which runs the annual fair) has partnered with the Spencerville Mill Foundation, it was announced in a release last week.

The society hosted the first fair in the shadow of the mill in 1855. The opening ceremonies of the 150th edition to be held this September will start with a ceremonial tree planting and reception at the mill.

The mill will also be the site of an exhibit of photographs (150 Photos of Our Past) to commemorate the history of Spencerville and the anniversary of the fair.

"We hope to show people from this area, both at work and at play," stated Sheila Fawcett, secretary of the mill foundation.

Both organizations will be represented at the tree-planting ceremony which fair anniversary committee chairperson Marc Tessier described as a way to acknowledge the groups' collective history.

"In essence, we are not merely celebrating our anniversary, we are celebrating as community," he said.

Anyone who has old photos to submit for the September exhibit can contact Fawcett (658-5290) or Louise Burchell (658-2263). Once they have been reproduced, original items submitted will be returned to their respective owners.

Items relating to the history of the mill will also be on display at the fair's Barn of Learning.

The 150th edition of the Spencerville Fair will take place Sept. 8 to Sept. 11.

Eastern Ontario Development Fund enters next round

PRESCOTT ­ The Eastern Ontario Development Fund is hoping to build on its initial success.

In its 2005 budget, the federal government allocated more than $8 million to the regional fund for business development, skills development, youth retention and attraction, and access to capital. The fund started with $10 million when it was created last year.

The first wave of funding has already taken place; those projects which were funded are to be completed by the end of this month. Now that EODF has been renewed, a second wave of funding is about to begin.

The volunteer boards of directors which oversee federally-funded community futures development corporations in the region will review the applications. In most cases, the boards will make the final decisions. Each corporation starts with the same base amount ($477,000) from the Eastern Ontario fund.

Grants or loans are available for everything from youth internships and employee training to improving storefronts and conducting studies which have an economic development aspect.

Prescott-based Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation (GCFDC) covers Augusta, Prescott, Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal and North Grenville.

GCFDC will be accepting EODF applications as of today (June 1). Executive Director Heather Lawless said the Prescott-based CFDC has set a deadline of the 13th day of each month for submissions. Applications received by that date will be assessed, and applicants will be informed of the outcome by the end of the month.

Lawless also noted GCFDC is giving priority to projects which can be completed by Dec. 31, 2005.

For the youth internship program, priority will be given to new positions (as opposed to extending existing internships) with a duration of six months. However, Lawless was quick to add applications which do not meet those stated preferences will also be considered.

Additional information and online applications are available at www.grenvillecfdc.com.

SCHOOL SCENE

Algonquin Public School: Special celebrations were organized in recognition of the Character Counts trait of self-discipline Grade 3 students demonstrated during the four days of provincial testing last week.

Actually, even before testing began, students had fun creating their very own designs for their T-shirts. Then on Monday this week, students were treated to a special barbecue organized by their parents in recognition of their perseverance. On Friday, Grade 3 students will be involved in a special hands-on Science Quest workshop on "Matter and Materials" prepared by Queen's University engineering students.

Many other school-wide celebrations also acknowledged the consideration and co-operation of students who had their regular schedules altered to accommodate the testing. On Monday, each class participated in art classes designed specifically for them by local artist Karen Spinney-Helmer. Today found students enjoying the Fort Town Concert Association's youth concert (Dance Along!) performed by Isabelle Fortier (harp) and Philip Hornsey (percussion). Thursday, students will dance to Disney steps as the Dance Academy performs and then teaches their dance moves.

Boundary Street Public School: Mr. Shaver will be holding a yard sale as a fundraiser for the kindergarten class on Saturday, June 4 from 8 am ­ noon. The sale will take place in the school's parking lot. Please come out to find a "treasure."

We acknowledge members of school council and our wonderful volunteers for preparing and serving a delicious school breakfast to everyone on Monday. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Our track and field team travelled to Iroquois last Thursday. All participants gave a great effort and performed well. Many of our athletes placed in the top six. Six of our students qualified for the championship meet. We acknowledge Mrs. Fortier and Mrs. Arthurs for their ongoing support and expertise. Congratulations to all!

Hot lunch this week is subs.

Central Public School: Grades 3 and 6 are doing their EQAO testing this week. The primary division will be highlighting its progress in literacy to ministry officials next week. As part of a special initiative, Central has received extra funding for materials and staff development. Staff and students are very proud of the growth in literacy being shown.

Congratulations to Sheila King, top senior girl at the southeast regional track meet. Three of four relay teams qualified for the championship meet in June. The junior boys team of Jonathan Baker, Ben Hutton, Pat Froom and Shane McGuire placed first overall.

Sheila King set a meet record with a great jump of 1.45 metres in the high jump.

Students are now preparing for a peewee track meet.

Central, along with schools across Canada, participated in the SpecTAGular National School Challenge. Our students played tag games or tag-related activities for a minimum of 30 minutes during the school day. Our goal was to promote the importance of quality physical education.

Maitland and Maynard Public Schools: Our principal, Mrs. Lumsden, has recently been selected to be the System Principal for Student Support Services with the Upper Canada District School Board.

Our new principal is Mrs. Janice Deacon, who is currently an administrator in the school board and was previously a principal with the Kawartha PineRidge District School Board. Mr. Gardiner will continue as vice-principal.

We wish Mrs. Lumsden all the best and welcome Mrs. Deacon. We know that she will thoroughly enjoy being the principal of these two wonderful schools.

On the evening of Tuesday, May 31, Maynard hosted its 4th annual community barbecue. This was an opportunity to showcase our beautiful Peace Garden and other landscaping projects. An invitation was extended to our grades 4 and 5 students from Maitland, the Grade 5 students at Algonquin and their respective parents to join us and tour the school in preparation for their attendance here next year.

We will also be hosting our many volunteers who help us in so many ways at the school. Entertainment will be provided by several of our Maynard students. Come and join us for a great time!

St. Joseph Catholic School: The St. Joseph Catholic School Fun Fair takes place tonight, Wednesday, June 1. Hope to see our families out enjoying the great company, the delicious barbecue and the many activities. The Grade 3 students from St. Mark's and their families are also invited.

On Friday, June 3, the Grade 8 students will be attending a sports camp at Queen's University. Fun, physical fitness and competition will be the order of the day. The bus leaves at 8 am.

The Grade 5 classes will be exhibiting their science fair projects on the afternoon of Friday, June 3. Families are invited to view the displays.

The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place on Monday, June 6 at 7 pm at St. Mark's Church. Families and friends of those students being confirmed are invited to attend. Father Appelman, the parishioners of St. Mark's and the St. Joseph Catholic School community congratulate those being confirmed! You are in our prayers!

St. Mark Catholic School: We welcome our new Kindergarten students who will be joining us in September today at 9:30 am for our First-Time Bus Rider Safety Program. The program is supported by the CDSBEO transportation department and Dundas Bus Lines.

We congratulate Judy Tait, who is our teacher representative working on ministry writing team training June 2 and 3.

On June 8, our faith ambassadors and principals will participate in a year-end faith celebration at the board office in Kemptville.

Hot lunch this week is chicken chunks.

Tune in and support CHEO

OTTAWA ­ The annual telethon for the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) will be televised this weekend on CJOH-TV.

The broadcast will start Saturday at 7 pm and wrap up on Sunday at 7 pm.

Prior to the telethon, Y101 will host its seventh annual Country Cares Challenge beginning today and ending Friday.

Wording of fortification bylaw draws fire at Prescott council

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT ­ It appears a proposed fortification bylaw will not be put to Prescott council for a final vote in the near future.

The bylaw, which was given first and second reading earlier this spring, was the subject of a lengthy debate at a planning and development committee meeting Monday night.

OPP Sergeant Bryan Somerville, who serves as community sergeant for the Prescott patrol zone, was on hand to outline the reasons for such a bylaw. Somerville had also talked about the proposal to town officials earlier this year.

On Monday night, the sergeant reiterated the bylaw would not affect honest, law-abiding citizens. By prohibiting excessive fortification of a building or property and providing the means to inspect and deal with such measures, it is argued the safety of emergency response personnel is being protected.

Somerville explained the province decided in 2001 to establish maximum standards in the area of property fortification. The bylaw being considered by Prescott is similar or identical to others passed in other municipalities, including several in Leeds-Grenville.

Although town officials were quick to note there are no existing problems involving biker gangs in Prescott, it was noted there have been grow houses in town in the past. Somerville noted criminal elements are being pushed out of major centres and are branching out into rural areas and smaller communities. "They are going to be here at some point in time," said Somerville, who added this is a good reason for the municipality to have a bylaw in place before it is too late.

However, councillors Chuck Street and Nancy Lane repeated their concerns about the proposal. Street had compiled a list of concerns about the wording of the proposal. He reiterated his concern that the bylaw could be used to circumvent the search warrant process, adding the town will have to be prepared to deal with hundreds of requests for exceptions from so-called law-abiding residents and merchants who already have added security measures outlawed in the bylaw.

Lane questioned the need for such a bylaw, noting the proposal infringes on her rights and freedoms as a Canadian. At one point, Somerville told Lane he believed she was fearmongering; the sergeant went on to state he did not like some of the remarks being made around the committee table.

Mayor Robert Lawn said some of Street's points are valid, "...but a lot are not."

In the end, the committee agreed to have Haller report back at a future meeting. Other council members indicated they were in favour of some of Street's proposed amendments to the bylaw.

Morrisburg angler wins big at GFGC's spring pike derby

CARDINAL - More than 75 people took part in the fifth annual Grenville Fish and Game Club's Spring Pike Derby Saturday at the Cardinal Legion dock.

Matt Hyman of Morrisburg was the big winner on the day, catching an 11.02-lb. pike; there were also hidden weight prize.

The person with the heaviest pike at each weigh-in period was awarded a $100 prize, plus hidden weight prize.

Bill Barnard of Spencerville with a 6.48-lb. pike, Kevin Casselman of Williamsburg
with a 7.8-lb. pike, Mel Brossiot of Ogdensburg with a 10.92-lb. pike and John Lovely
of Ogdensburg with a 7.58-lb. pike joined Hyman in $100 prizes for the weigh-in periods.

Hidden weight prizes for each two-hour period went to Hyman, Jamie Whittaker of Prescott, Wayne Durant of Prescott and Steven McMillan of Brinston.

The derby kicked off at 6 am and ran until 4 pm with weigh-ins at the Cardinal dock every two hours. Three juniors and 75 adults took part in the derby; 66 pike were weighed in, with 55 being live released. Those who chose live release were awarded a draw ticket.

The winner of the live
release draw was Bob Jones of Prescott, who received a one-year membership and waived
initiation fee for the Grenville Fish and Game Club valued at $100.

The club's next derby will be the carp archery derby on June 11; weigh-ins will take place at the club on North Campbell Road. The club's bass derby is scheduled for July 9 at the Cardinal Legion dock.

For more information on the derbies, visit www.grenvillefishandgame.com.

Maitland runners off to OFSAA

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

Four Maitland runners are advancing to OFSAA after their stellar performances at the east regionals last week in Ottawa. Athletes finishing in the top four positions qualify to compete at the All-Ontario Meet to be held in Windsor from June 3 to 5.

Matt Leeder won gold in the junior boys 1,500-metre and the 3,000-metre races. Charlotte Larry came in second in the midget girls 800-metre race. Larry also had a second place finish in the midget girls 4X400-metre race. Geoff Millard will compete at OFSAA in the 4X100-metre relay and the 4X400-metre relay.

Michael Millard won silver in the ambulatory 100-metre race at the east regionals and will be competing in that event at OFSAA. Michael is the younger brother of running stars Matt and Geoff Millard. This will be his second appearance at OFSAA. Last year, he placed fifth in the ambulatory division, which is for athletes with developmental delays. This year, Michael is very excited to be attending the event with the more than 30 other qualifying athletes on the coach bus which will leave Brockville on June 2.

Input sought on possible water, sewer expansion east and west

PRESCOTT - Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and Augusta townships are holding an open house to examine alternate methods of providing water and sanitary services from Prescott west to Riverview Heights and east to Grenville Park east of Johnstown.

The open house is scheduled for this Thursday, June 2 from 3 pm to 7 pm at Prescott Town Hall, 360 Dibble St. W. Everyone is welcome to attend and offer input, especially those who will be affected by the proposed water and sewer extensions.

The proposed project would see water and sewer lines extended east to Grenville Park and west to Riverview Heights at a total estimated cost of more than $10 million in total. The potential expansion could also mean more potential growth for residential, commercial and industrial growth in the area.

Input is being accepted until June 30.

For more information or to submit comments, contact the municipal offices in Prescott, Spencerville or Maynard.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"I would be perfectly happy to be a volunteer full-time."

Stephanie Summers, recipient of the Spencerville and District Optimist Club's Volunteer of the Year Award

Editor's Notebook

Holding the line can be a thankless job

As municipalities in South Grenville set or are about to set their 2005 budgets and tax rates, there have been and will be the usual comments from elected officials and senior staff about how tight money is and how much work went into keeping tax increases to a minimum. Town officials in Prescott take pride in the fact the municipal tax rate went down slightly last year and is not expected to increase this year.

In response to complaints from some property owners that their taxes have gone up significantly, municipal councils can say they are not responsible; reassessment is to blame for those big tax hikes, not the municipal budgets and accompanying tax rates.

Technically, the councils are correct. However, they must also accept responsibility for approving budgets which they know are going to hit some taxpayers hard. We are not suggesting our local municipal leaders and staff have an easy time trying to maintain services and consider implementing new programs when there is a limited tax base. It must be difficult knowing there are many streets and sidewalks in need of repair; in fairness, Prescott is planning to spend more on both those areas this year. There is no doubt civic leaders have a valid point when they point out municipalities receive several cents of the taxation dollar and are expected to work miracles with such underfunding. The property tax system is not effectively serving the best interests of the individuals and companies paying into it.

But for municipal leaders to keep saying there just isn't any money to do the things they want to do is the easy way out. After all, Prescott council saw a need to address a long-standing underfunding issue (the amounts being paid to council members) last year; council took the initiative, acted quickly and stuck with its decision before giving itself or others a chance to hesitate or second-guess that decision. Whether or not residents agree with the decision or the way it was handled, the fact is town council was proactive on that subject and it found the money to pay for something a majority of members believed was an appropriate move.

We have often noted in this space that the people who serve on local councils deserve our respect for their willingness to serve and, on occasion, to make tough decisions on behalf of their communities. Although we stick by that, our elected officials know not to expect ratepayers to jump for joy when they hear the local tax rate is the same as or a bit higher than it was last year. There still seem to be a lot of property owners who continue to wonder what services they are getting for their money and why their taxes are so high.

Tim Ruhnke

I'm tired of waiting patiently for summer to start

BLAKE'S TAKES by Blake McKim

Each spring I welcome the prospect of hot weather with open arms. See, I'm not really much of a winter person, and there's only so much time a person should spend holed up inside watching Unsolved Mysteries reruns or reading Consumer Reports.

So this year, when April was unseasonably warm and dry, I thought it would be a great year, weather-wise. Great was my dismay when almost all of May seemed enveloped in a cold, rainy haze.

The poor weather of this month has also limited the amount of yard work I've been able to do. And though I know some people hate it with a passion, I really do enjoy cutting grass, pruning hedges and other yard work duties.

But unfortunately, many of the times I've been free these days the weather has been less than ideal. As a result, I'm quite behind with my yard work.

I really hope we get a stretch of warm dry weather sometime soon. And judging by the planted-though-bare state of many farmers' fields in the area, I don't think I'm alone in that sentiment.

* * *

This past month, I quietly acknowledged a milestone in my life. May was the first anniversary of when I left home for good.

I'd left before during the school year for university, but always returned in the summers. Following my undergraduate degree, I lived with my parents full-time for two years while getting a college diploma.

During my first 24 years, I really enjoyed the benefits of iving at home, whether full- or part-time. I liked having dinner prepared for me. I liked having my laundry done and my clothes ironed. I liked not having to pay rent.

I never minded living at home. Heck, many of my classmates at university or college also lived with their parents, and many are still at home now.

I'd argue that has to do with more than simple economics. If other young people's experience living with their parents was as good as mine, I don't blame twenty-somethings for living at home until they're kicked out the door. Since I've been on my own, I've had to learn a few things. I've attempted to learn how to cook foods more complex than Sidekicks noodles. I've also tried to learn how to iron, though after ruining a particularly nice shirt I've decided instead to buy self-press clothing.

There are things I like about not living at home as well. There isn't the worry about waking my "early to rise, early to bed" parents if I want to watch a late movie, and every so often if I choose to eat a supper of Bits and Bites and Labatt's Blue, I won't be looked harshly upon.

Still, I would advise those who are still living at home to stretch out the experience for as long as they can, particularly if it's been as positive an ordeal for them as it was for me.

New community hall in Roebuck to open in late June: 1975

FROM THE ARCHIVES

June 4, 1975

* Wood Street tops the list of possible sites for traffic lights on Edward Street, according to a study presented to Prescott council. The key item in Wood's favour is limited visibility: east-west motorists have to edge out onto Edward before proceeding. Churchill Road is the second choice for traffic signals. Town council has yet to make a final decision.

* The official opening of the new community hall in Roebuck will take place June 28. Augusta council was told this week construction is 99.9 per cent complete and is on schedule.

* As part of the debate on the merits of a federal bill aimed at respecting the status of women, local MP Walter Baker writes: "That fact is that a woman can no longer be restricted to traditional roles. The atmosphere and the circumstances must be provided that will enable her to make choices where she is encouraged to develop her own talents in any area that she chooses."

Baker goes on to note "...women comprise the single largest group still denied full participation in Canadian society."

June 5, 1985

* The historic Toshack Building has been purchased from the town for $20,000 by Scott Hubbard and Don Gibson. The last remaining structure from the time Water Street served as Prescott's main thoroughfare will be converted into a restaurant, lounge, health centre and commercial rental space. The two-year project will cost an estimated $600,000 to $700,000.

* Mary Typhair did not win the top prize in the Million Dollar Sweeps show in Toronto last week, but the Prescott resident did come home with $50,000. Typhair had been guaranteed $10,000 by purchasing a winning ticket in the Match Three Sweeps lottery.

* South Grenville District High School's senior boys soccer team will get its first shot at the provincial title when it takes part in the all-Ontario playdowns in Kitchener later this week. Ian McKellar, who has coached the team for 13 years, told his players the pressure is off them.

The team's regular season was in the fall; the team played some indoor soccer in the winter and has had seen some tournament and exhibition play this spring.

Members of the South Grenville team include Ken Burton, Steve McCurdy, Tyke Collison, Danny Powers and Chris Toope.

Seeing my father one last time was worth fighting the roadblocks

FROM THE OTHER SIDE by Jeffrey Morris

It was a year ago this week.

I want to say it was the most bizarre week of my life, but bizarre isn't really the right word.

It was the week I saw my father for the last time before he passed away.

It started in Seattle, where I was living and working at the time. I had stockpiled air miles expecting a trip or two home on short notice, as my father had been ill for years. His heart attacks and strokes and emphysema and cancer gave him a huge medical rap sheet.

But with his drink in one hand and his I'll-show-them attitude, he kept hanging on.

This time, the brain tumours were finally winning, and he was shutting down.

He told me he had no memory of me sitting in the hospital room with him a few weeks earlier, and asked if I could come back again.

I planned the trip back home for the end of May, but the day before I left we had some crushing news at work. The company I worked for was shutting down.

So, with a job loss and possible deportation staring at us, I was able to book my flight from Seattle to Toronto through Dallas with a prolonged lay over so that I could have a job interview between flights.

I got to Dallas, had a positive interview, and then headed back to the airport.

Then there were tornado warnings. "We'll put you on the first flight available tomorrow which leaves at 11 am," the attendant told me dismissively, despite my rage and panic.

A group of about eight of us that had been waiting together found some hotel rooms near the airport and flagged down a shuttle van. We convinced the van driver to take us to Wal-Mart and we raced in to buy some t-shirts, underwear, tooth brushes, deodorant and a few other items that would get us through the next 24 hours.

We all got to our rooms at LaQuinta, which I think is Spanish for "next to Denny's". We dined at Denny's ­ yes, it was next door ­ and then packed it in by midnight. We had breakfast there again the next morning and then shared a shuttle to the airport.

By 3 pm Eastern time, almost 30 hours after I left home, I arrived at Toronto. I was one step closer to home. I just had to clear customs and get my rental car. If only it were that easy.

"Yes, Mr. Morris, I know you had a reservation, but I don't have your car anymore."

"But I called and told you my new schedule and you said it would not be a problem."

"Well, it shouldn't have been a problem, but your car is not here."

From there, it wasn't exactly PG. I won't tell you who that fight was with (rhymes with "anus") but I eventually did get a car and got out of the YYZ and onto the 401.

I'd be home in no time... if it wasn't rush hour.

Stop, start, stop, start, roll slow, stop, start... ugh!

Finally, 37 hours after leaving my front door, I arrived at my parents' house.

Dad was sitting in a wheelchair with a white tracksuit on, his head completely bald from the cancer treatments, and Maggie the little Yorkie on his lap.

"Dr. Evil!," I said.

That night and the next day, we shared so many memories and laughs and stories. That visit was like a dream come true. Making it even better for me is that my uncle came over the next afternoon.

Like any family, we have our share of baggage and my father and his brother had been separated by a falling out several years earlier. It hurt me, as my fondest childhood memories were of the three of us doing things together. They put their differences behind them and buried the hatchet that day, and I'll never forget my father sitting there with an enormous smile and saying, "This is great, just like the old days. Here we are, the three of us together again."

It was June 4. We knew we'd never see each other again, and the last thing my father said to me was that he was happy. He now had all his loose ends tied up and he was ready to face whatever was ahead for him. I left that night and got home after midnight.

When the phone rang the next morning, I knew what it was. I didn't even have to answer. My father had finally passed away.

I left for another Seattle-Toronto journey that night, and luckily this one was uneventful. I thought I would be sad, but I wasn't. I was just happy that I was able to finally get home and spend that last day with him and share those special memories one last time.

Maybe someday you will find yourself on a journey like that with roadblock after roadblock thrown in front of you. If you do, fight through it and keep going. If you turn back, you will only regret it.

I can't imagine what the last year of my life would have been like if I had given up and gone back home.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Township residents pleased with response by the OPP

The Editor;

Sunday afternoon, while my wife and I were in our garden, we had an unwelcome intruder in our home in Augusta Township. The tall, red-headed thief walked in through an unlocked back door. Luckily, he was caught before he could steal much, but he did get away with keys. The lad said he was looking for land to buy. He fled through our grove in broad daylight.

After contacting neighbours, we telephoned the OPP. Within five minutes, Sergeant Nancy Onlock arrived and, within another five, an additional patrol car and a motorcycle officer were combing the area. Sergeant Onlock was efficient and friendly. If residents of Prescott had any worries about the effectiveness of the OPP, they should be put to rest. Well done, Grenville County OPP.

Of course, the other insight came in remembering to always lock your doors when away ­ in the house, or on the property.

Charles and Paula Beale

There are other options when dealing with dogs

The Editor;

Two purebred golden retrievers were shot on Skakum Road for chasing cows after the dogs had escaped from their owner. Both had invisible fence collars (one red, one purple) which were seen by people concerned about the dogs being loose. Gunshots were heard the evening before the dogs were found; the owner went door to door on Skakum until he found his dogs.

People should phone the OPP or the dog catcher in their municipality. The OPP has the emergency number for the humane society.

The dog catchers' numbers are: Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, 658-3055; Prescott, 658-2223; Augusta's new dog catcher takes over June 1, and the township office at 925-4231 will have the new number.

People's pets are loved, and we should all try to help them when they are in trouble.

Lorna Easterbrook
RR#2 Prescott

Doctor had kind, gentle spirit

The Editor;

This letter is a continuing tribute to a man who was a friend to humanity. We should not forget him.

Dr. John Findlay was a friend to many, a caring physician, a wonderful counsellor. He had a gentle and kind spirit and was much loved by his patients. I was proud to be a patient and friend of his for 25 years. John was the last of a dying breed.

Shame, shame that there isn't any medical care for the sick and elderly people these days. What a shock to realize the care I had (and I'm sure many others also) is gone, and we are facing a dilemma.

B Macdonald
Prescott

Cardinal In Bloom ready for activities

CARDINAL - The village will be blooming as Cardinal In Bloom is getting set to step up its annual summer beautification activities.

Cardinal In Bloom indicated recently it had received some money from Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation which has been earmarked for Benson Park on John Street.

The park is owned by Casco, which supports the efforts of the group.

Using that financial contribution, the Cardinal In Bloom group has acquired the services of local contractor Mark Beach, who will be getting set to put a pathway through the park in the next few weeks.

Three park benches have also been purchased as well as some memory shrubs which will be put in at the same time as the pathway.

Cardinal In Bloom will be holding its annual barbecue this Friday, June 3 in front of the General Dollar and Party Sense on Dundas Street East.

On June 11, Cardinal In Bloom will have a booth at the Cardinal Lions Club's Giant Yard Sale to be held at the Cardinal and District Community Centre. Tickets are being sold for the chance to win a gift basket.

Also, artwork from the annual poster contest is being displayed throughout the village.

Awards presented to Cardinal Sea Cadets

CARDINAL ­ The Cardinal Sea cadet squadron (338 RCSCC Defiant) presented most of its annual awards on Tuesday, May 17 at Branch 105 of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Award recipients for 2004-05 include:

Best 1st Year Cadet ­ AC Nathan Bygott

Best 2nd Year Cadet ­ LC Travis Fawcett

Best 3rd Year Cadet ­ PO2 Johnathan Houze

Outstanding Community Service ­ LC Jonathan Sullivan and LC Crystal McRae

Kiwanis Leadership Potential ­ QPO1 Andrew Mustard

Military Merit and Leadership ­ CPO1 Shawn Mustard

Most Efficient Cadet ­ Andrew Mustard

Cadet Spirit Award ­ AC Andrew Miller

Top Marksman ­ LC/AC Lucille Jodoin

Proficiency in Knots ­ PO2 Christina Miller

Sailing Proficiency ­ Johnathan Houze

Most Athletic Cadet ­ Johnathan Houze

Legion Medal of Excellence ­ Shawn Mustard

Several other awards will be presented at the upcoming annual review to be held Sunday, June 5 at 2 pm at the Cardinal and District Community Centre. The public is invited to attend; guests are asked to be seated no later than 1:45 pm.

Rocks damage windows and door

CARDINAL ­ A vacant Walker Street home was damaged by rocks, according to Grenville County OPP.

The owner, a man from Orleans, reported the damage to police on the morning of May 28. Rocks had been thrown through three windows and a screen door.

Damage is estimated at between $300 and $400.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Foley at the detachment in Prescott (925-4221).

Stamp club meeting set for June 8

CARDINAL - The monthly meeting of the Cardinal Stamp Club will take place next Wednesday, June 8 at the Cardinal branch of the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Public Library.

The club will also be looking at adding coin collecting to the meetings if there is enough interest.

The meeting will start at 7 pm. Adults and children are welcome to attend. For more information, contact John Dugan at 657-1081.

Three Giants athletes off to provincial championship

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

OTTAWA - The South Grenville Giants track and field team showed it couldn't be overlooked, qualifying three athletes for the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association championships June 2-4 in Windsor.

The Giants showed they have a bright future ahead with none of its nine athletes finishing below seventh at the East Regional track and field competition May 26 at the Terry Fox Athletic Centre in Ottawa.

"We just had a great day all around," explained Giants track and field coach Mark Lewis. "We started out qualifying three-for-three right out of the gate and just cruised from there. Every one of our kids finished in the top eight and had good days."

Lewis indicated while things went well for his team, there were still a couple heartbreaks for the team, in which athletes missed opportunities to advance to the provincial championships.

"Cory (Alkerton) had a chance in the javelin, but just didn't hit a personal best," said Lewis. "If he was able to hit that he would have qualified, and Jessica Rupert just missed out in the 80-metre hurdles. She made a rookie mistake of looking back to see where she was and got passed by two girls."

Lewis explained the showing for the Giants was especially impressive given not only did they send three athletes to the provincial championships, but all their athletes which competed at the East Regionals meet will be returning next season.

"It was pretty awesome when I looked around and noticed the oldest kid we had there was Erika Kamenz, and she's only a Grade 10," said Lewis. "It's a really exciting thought. These kids all have a few years left to improve and compete and will bring their positive attitude to the new kids each year."

South Grenville's Kamenz sisters led the Giants all day as each managed a top four finish to advance to the Ontario championships. The older Kamenz, Erika jumped 10.39 metres in the junior girls triple jump to win a silver medal in the event, while also snagging a second podium finish in the junior girls long jump by jumping 4.92 metres; good enough for third place.

Zoe, matched her sister in qualifying for the provincials, with a third place finish in the midget girls shot put competition with a throw of 9.56 metres. Zoe also just missed advancing in the midget girls discus competition; finishing fifth with a throw of 25.24 metres.

Midget runner/jumper Jessica Rupert put together a strong all-round performance for a trio of top five finishes at the event including a pair of fourth place finishes in the midget girls long and triple jumps with leaps of 4.61 metres and 9.89 metres respectively to advance to the provincial championships. Rupert also just missed qualifying in the midget girls 80-metre hurdles, when she looked over her shoulder while heading over the final hurdle in third place, which allowed two girls to pass her at the ribbon. Rupert finished with a time of 13.73.

South Grenville's other local high school, Grenville Christian College, also had a big day at the meet qualifying three of its four athletes for the provincial championships.

Midget boys pole vaulter Brian Farnsworth, who has come on strong as the season has progressed, captured a gold medal by clearing a height of 2.90 metres in the competition, narrowly edging out his competition.

Alex VanVaerenberg also managed a podium finish by clearing 3.36 metres in the junior boys pole vault competition for a silver medal.

Kevin Puddicombe was the third Lions vaulter to qualify for the provincial championships by finishing fourth in the senior boys pole vault competition by clearing 3.40 metres.

South Grenville school results

Girls

Midget girls 100m

7. Jamie Froats, SGDHS, 13.56

Midget girls 200m

7. Jamie Froats, SGDHS, 28.57

Midget girls 80m hurdles

5. Jessica Rupert, SGDHS,
13.73

Midget girls long jump

4. Jessica Rupert, SGDHS,
4.61m

Midget girls triple jump

4. Jessica Rupert, SGDHS,
9.89m

Midget girls shot put

3. Zoe Kamenz, SGDHS, 9.56m

Midget girls discus

5. Zoe Kamenz, SGDHS, 25.24m

Junior girls long jump

3. Erika Kamenz, SGDHS, 4.92m

Junior girls triple jump

2. Erika Kamenz, SGDHS, 10.39m

Boys

Midget boys pole vault

1. Brian Farnsworth, GCC, 2.90m

Midget boys javelin

5. Cory Alkerton, SGDHS, 40.21m

Midget boys 4x100m relay

6. South Grenville (Kristian Knapp, Sebastian Last, Cory Alkerton, Mark Wynands), 49.63

Junior boys pole vault

2. Alex VanVaerenberg, GCC, 3.36m

Senior boys pole vault

4. Kevin Puddicombe, GCC, 3.40m

9. Mark Farnsworth, GCC, 3.10m

SGDHS ends rugby season on a high note

PRESCOTT - It took a late goal-line stand to do it, but the South Grenville Giants girls rugby team ended its season with a victory.

On Friday, the South Grenville Giants ended its season on a positive note scoring a 5-0 victory over the St. Mary Crusaders for their only win of the season.

For the Giants, who had been winless, a victory in their final effort was worth the wait.

"It's a nice feeling for sure," said Giants coach Shawn Saunders. "It was a settling experience for the team, which put in a lot of hard work, time and effort through the season. We didn't really catch stride until our second last game against Rideau and came together to end the season on a high note."

Graduating player Amber Salmon added, "The season didn't go as well as we had planned, but it was still a blast. This was my last game and I've played on the team the past three year so it was a bit emotional, but I love this game. It was nice to head out on a winning note."

Saunders indicated the win had some added significance for the group's five or six seniors who won't be back next year.

"It's nice for them," said Saunders. "They were our leaders; but with having a lot of young girls on the team, we should have a good returning crew."

In a very evenly-matched game, most of the action took place around midfield, but South Grenville was able to break the game open early when a series of big runs from its backfield led to Dakotah Antonow scoring a try to take a 5-0 lead. Their extra kick was no good.

Amber Alexander, Shannon Davidson, Krista Payne and Alex Marriner had strong days moving the ball and breaking for big runs but were unable to put away a second score.

Holly Pankhurst and Kalla Dobbie controlled the St. Mary offence with their strong tackling in the backfield, while Shanly Beatty had the biggest play of the day when she made a big tackle and run late in the game to prevent a Crusaders score to tie the game.

After another close call, the Giants were able to stop St. Mary from crossing the goal line
with just minutes left to score the win.

South Grenville finished the season with a 1-4 record.

Summer hoops team being formed by Blues

PRESCOTT - The Brockville Blues regional rep basketball team is trying to set up a summer team for boys in Grade 8 and 9.

People who have played for the Blues team have been offered first crack at trying out for the team, but there are still spots available through tryouts.

The team will practise at South Grenville District High School and play in two American tournaments in Potsdam and Canton as well as set up some home games.

Tryouts will be held Thursday, June 9 and Tuesday, June 14 from 5 pm until 7 pm at South Grenville District High School.

There will also be two practices before the Clarkson tournament Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26, in Potsdam.

South Grenville District High School junior boys coach and Brockville midget Blues coach John Doran will serve as team manager, while Blues assistant coach and former South Grenville District High School summer coach Ben Henderson will serve as the team's coach.

For more information on the team, contact Doran at 345-0503 or jkdoran@ripnet.com or visit www.eteamz.com/brockvilleblues.

North Leeds Men's Fastball league results

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - The North Leeds Men's Fastball League is under way.

The ten-team league includes South Grenville area teams from Domville, Spencerville and Maynard; other teams are (Landsdowne) Longhorns, (Landsdowne) Vikings, Lyn, Seeley's Bay, Newboro, Greenbush and Toledo.

Come out and watch the local boys defending the honour of South Grenville's strong fastball tradition.

May 19

Domville 10 Spencerville 9

Longhorns 9 Vikings 2

Lyn 11 Maynard 0

Seeley's Bay 5 Newboro 4

Greenbush 8 Toledo 1

May 26

Greenbush 9 Domville 5

Seeley's Bay 5 Longhorns 1

Lyn 14 Spencerville 3

Maynard 7 Toledo 5

Newboro 11 Vikings 0

Upcoming games

Thursday, June 2 @ 8:30 pm

Domville@Landsdowne Longhorns

Lansdowne Vikings@Lyn

Maynard@Newboro

Greenbush@Spencerville

Seeley's Bay@Toledo

*All games are played Thursdays.

PDSA sees plenty of action in 2005 soccer season kick-off

PRESCOTT - The Prescott and District Soccer Association's season is under way.

The league started play May 24 with a bevy of games, which will continue through the summer months.

League games will be played in the evenings from Monday to Thursday each week.

For more information on games, schedules or teams, check out the scoreboard at South Grenville District High School or visit www.leedsandgrenville.com/pdsa.

Under-18

Grenville Towing 1

Kriska Holdings Ltd. 0

Goal scorers not available

D.W.J. Plumbing & Sons 2

Cody Haché, Clayton
Dunnington

Southport 1

Orry Thorpe

Kriska Holdings Ltd. 3

Aaron Lavallee (3)

D.W.J. Plumbing & Sons 2

Clayton Dunnington, Shannon Dalley

Southport 5

Josh Strioken (2), Jordan McMullen, Orry Thorpe, Chris Maloney

Gateway Packaging 1

Mackenzie Liska

Under-14

T.N.T. Dynamite 6

Pete's Music 1

Goal scorers not available

Watermark Printing 3

Alanna Lasenba (2), Cody Patenaude

Gold Key Real Estate 0

No goal scorers

Kriska Holdings Ltd. 1

Sandcastle 0

No goal scorers

Canadian Tire 2

Rob Deeks, Nathan Denneboom

Rick's Awnings 1

Scott Stephenson

Under-11

Giant Tiger 3

Thomas McNamara, A.J. Larocque, Darian Swolfs

Prescott Family Chiropractic 3

Spencer Lee (2), Chris Hendriks

Shriners 5

Tropical Exposure 0

Goal scorers not available

B.W. Freer Electical 3

Beach Home Hardware 0

Goal scorers not available

Hansen's Kavity Kickers 2

Dr. Mac's 0

Goal scorers not available

Seaway Valley Pharmacy 3

Grenville Castings 1

Goal scorers not available

Under-9

Prescott Kinsmen 9

Zach Shankar (5), Hayden Spychi (2), Kayla Barton, Kara Jones

Cassidy's Engraving 4

Courtney Crowder (3), Jacob Dixon

Splash Well Drilling 5

Ben Pickard (2), Jennifer Hoogeveen, Emma Wilkinson, Eoin Carr

Colour Pallette 0

No goal scorers

Prescott Kiwanis 5

Prescott Kinsmen 5

Goal scorers not available

Clarica 3

Austin Wickware, Declan Colwell, Zachary Broniszeski

Danani Flooring 1

Damian Peladeau

Grenville Pharmacy 5

Cassidy's Engraving 0

Goal scorers not available

Grenville Pharmacy 2

Clarica 1

Goal scorers not available

Splash Well Drilling 5

Prescott Kiwanis 3

Goal scorers not available

Danani Flooring 7

Damian Peladeau (2), Amanda Dukelow (2), Liam Bush (2), Garrett Knapp

Colour Pallette 2

Andrew Miller, David Armstrong

Under-7

Windmill Web Inc. 5

Prescott I.D.A. 1

Goal scorers not available

Brent Scott Insurance 2

Drew Hope, Chris Thompson

Hometown Heating 0

No goal scorers

Tropical Pools and Spas 7

Connor Beaver (4), Tyler Biot, Chad Fretwell, Skylar Van hyning

Compendium Group Inc. 2

Nicholas Maccrali, Jordan Dodge

Brent Scott Insurance 6

St. Lawrence Printing 1

Goal scorers not available

Hometown Heating 10

T.D. Canada Trust 1

Goal scorers not available

M.T.J.B 6

Royal Bank 1

Goal scorers not available

M.T.J.B 5

T.D. Canada Trust 2

Goal scorers not available

Royal Bank 3

Connor Ladouceur (3)

Prescott I.D.A. 3

Steven Armstrong, Cameron Cook, Cody Joy

Compendium Group Inc. 8

Windmill Web Inc. 1

Goal scorers not available

St. Lawrence Printing 4

Spencer Ross (4)

Tropical Pools and Spas 3

Cameron Beaver (2), Donny Styart

Under-5

Star Security 6

Megan Henry (3), Payton Seward (2), Jayden McCoil

Protraits by C. Endicott 0

No goal scorers

Prescott Chiros 0

Beck's Construction 0

No goal scorers

Tichborne Auto Supply 4

Portraits by C. Endicott 1

Goal scorers not available

Star Security 2

Payton Seward, Megan Henry

Playit Star 0

No goal scorers

Read The Prescott Journal each week for ongoing coverage of the Prescott and District
Soccer Association through the summer.

Bishop scores ace at PGC

PRESCOTT - The second hole-in-one of the season was recorded at Prescott Golf Club May 24.

Jim Bishop of Prescott recorded the ace on the 110-yard old hole number seven. He was using a six-iron.

Bishop was golfing with Stan Orr and Dwayne Locke when he scored his ace.

Wheels'a'Churnin gears up this weekend in Augusta

NORTH AUGUSTA - Gear-heads will be revving their engines in preparation for the annual Wheels'a'Churnin mud drags and tractor pulls this weekend (June 4-5) at Augusta Motorsport Park.

Saturday will feature tractor pulls, 4x4 mud drags, ATV mud drags, 4x4 obstacle course, mini tractor pulls, wheel-to-wheel and tough trucks competitions.

Sunday will feature ATV and 4x4 truck pulls, 4x4 mud drags, ATV mud drags, off road races, 4x4 obstacle course, mini tractor pulls wheel-to-wheel and tough truck competitions.

The gates open each day at 7 am with registration beginning at 9 am. The ATV mud drags start each day at 11 am, with all other events beginning at noon.

There is an admission fee; kids 12 and under get in for free. Camping is also available on-site for the weekend.

Proceeds from the event go to charity.

For track information, contact Onne VanHoek at 926-2628; pulling, Terry Hawley at (613) 283-8415 or VanHoek at 926-2628; wheel-to-wheel or tough trucks, Dwayne Newans at 926-2500; ATV mud drags, Gary Spero at 925-3374 or ATV pulls, Don Bertrim at (613) 374-2724.

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