Union willing to talk
Members have until Oct. 25 to ratify offer: Invista
By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer
MAITLAND - Even though there was a lengthy meeting between
Invista and the striking Communications, Energy and Paperworkers
union Local 28-0 on Friday, the 138-day strike goes on.
On Monday, Local 28-0 President Steve Armstrong noted an "information
session" was planned for Tuesday evening at 7 pm with the
union's membership at the MERC hall in Maitland.
Of the meeting Friday, Armstrong stated the only topic of
discussion was the "return to work protocol," which
has been largely cited as the reason the union did not accept
the company's latest offer during a ratification vote held Sept
19.
He added the meeting on Friday offered "clarifications"
on the protocol. These clarifications involve such things as
filing grievances and the recalling of staff in the event of
a layoff.
Armstrong added a major stumbling block remains the possibility
of layoffs on the Maitland site without regard for the seniority
of workers.
"(We're) between a rock and a hard place," he stated.
"It's been very long... We want to go back to work."
The meeting at the Royal Brock Friday was different from past
meetings held there because this one involved a number of striking
workers from picketing on the site.
Armstrong stated this action was undertaken chiefly to support
the executive of the union, as well as to "put a face"
on the labour disruption for Koch (Invista's parent company)
officials who were at the meeting. "We're not just numbers
- we're people," he stressed.
As of Monday, Armstrong stated no further talks between the
union and Invista were planned, a point which was also stated
by Invista spokesperson Mark Lichty.
"The company is disappointed no agreement was reached,"
stated Lichty Monday. He went on to say Invista met with the
union to clarify the return-to-work protocol (and) answer questions
from the union negotiating committee in an effort to receive
ratification on the latest contract. This contract was presented
to union members on Sept. 19, and was rejected by 83.4 per cent
by the membership.
Lichty went on to say several "points of disagreement"
remain between Invista and the union, which include such things
as "bumping rights" for employees not recalled after
the strike.
"The union also wants the company to dismiss it's claim
against the union for making false accusations of criminal activity
by the company," Lichty went on to state.
"We are not optimistic a settlement can be reached giving
(the) outstanding union demands," Lichty added. However
Lichty said the company indicated to the union the current offer
is available for ratification until Oct. 25.
Late Monday afternoon, The Journal received a full-page advertisement
from Invista Canada in the form of a letter signed by Maitland
Site Manager Joe Hendriks.
"For more than four months INVISTA has avoided any form
of negotiation through the press or public forums. In doing so,
we have let a lot of public misunderstandings go unanswered,"
Hendriks states in the letter.
The notice reiterates Lichty's earlier statement that the
collective agreement reached Sept. 12 remains available for union
ratification, and that "On October 14, the company also
informed the union committee that we would restart production
of adipic acid if the agreement is ratified. If the strike is
prolonged, the decision to restart adipic acid will have to be
re-evaluated."
THIS WEEK
MPAC hosts meeting tonight at town hall
PRESCOTT Residents of the South Grenville area are invited
to attend an information meeting being hosted by the Municipal
Property Assessment Corporation tonight (Wednesday, Oct. 19)
at town hall in Prescott.
Reassessment notice forms are being distributed throughout
Ontario. The property assessment process will be outlined at
the meeting. MPAC officials will be on hand to answer general
questions.
The meeting will run from 7 to 9 pm. Town hall is located
on Dibble Street West.
Join the fun and check out Public Library Week
PRESCOTT This is Public Library Week in Ontario, and
the library in Prescott is joining the celebration.
During the special week (Oct. 17-22), anyone who signs out
a book at the library on Dibble Street West will have his or
her name entered in a draw for two door prizes (one for adults,
the other for children). Kids can also enter a colouring contest;
pick up a sheet, return it and the artist's name will be entered
in the draw. The pictures will be displayed in the library.
The library will host a Hallowe'en party this Saturday, Oct.
22 at 11 am. Come in costume, do crafts and have a snack!
The draws will be held Saturday afternoon.
The annual fall book sale started Monday and continues into
November.
For more information on the Prescott Public Library, call
925-4340.
Roy Orbison tribute show date changed
PRESCOTT A new date has been set for the Roy Orbison
tribute show.
The performance had been scheduled for this past Friday night
(Oct. 14) at the Prescott Legion. However, the show had to be
moved to next Friday, Oct. 28.
Tickets for the Oct. 14 show will be honoured at the Oct.
28 performance.
There might still be tickets available at the Legion as well
at Doyle's and Prescott Beauty & Barber Shop.
Town awards library contract to local firm
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
PRESCOTT The company that supervised renovations to
town hall has not left the building.
Town council voted Monday to award the contract to renovate
the Prescott Public Library to D.C. Snelling. The Prescott firm's
bid of $319,000 was much lower than any of the other bids submitted
in response to the town's tender call.
Council gave the green light for Phase 1 of the library project
the construction of a new stack area where the old gymnasium
used to be to go ahead as soon as possible. Town officials
are hoping the first phase will be completed in March. Phase
2 involves renovating the existing library area.
The other four bids were from Chevron Construction of Brockville
($415,000), Guy Saumure & Sons of Smiths Falls ($426,000),
Michanie Construction of Gloucester ($400,000) and Ottawa GSB
Construction ($614,500).
Prescott CAO/Clerk Robert Haller told council Snelling's bid
was aggressive. The company had a lot of advance knowledge because
of its involvement with the town hall project and it wanted to
put its name on the rest of the building, according to Haller.
He added Snelling might not have been as frightened by so-called
"Katrina prices" (which are higher construction costs
associated with greater demand for materials as a result of hurricane
rebuilding efforts in the southeastern United States).
The library board recommended Snelling be awarded the contract.
Councillor Sue O'Hanlon, who is also a member of the library
board, said the board has already gone through the drawings and
made choices about materials. This is part of the reason costs
are not expected to rise as they did during the town hall renovation
project.
The Friends of the Library group is continuing its expansion
and renovation fundraising campaign. More than $285,000 has been
raised so far, and council voted Monday to make a second application
for a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The first application
for $75,000 was turned down earlier this year; Haller said the
second submission would likely be for a similar amount.
Haller assured council Phase 2 of the library project (or
certain elements of it) would not proceed until sufficient funding
is in place. Given the financial outlook, Haller believes there
will be enough money available for the next phase to go ahead
in the new year.
Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn said he is "absolutely delighted"
the library contract has been awarded. In noting this has been
a five-year project for him, Lawn described the library as the
heart of and one of the busiest locations in the community.
Cost of expanding township office rises
By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer
MAYNARD - Now that the preliminary plans for the Augusta Township
office expansion are in, the township is seeking input of township
residents before the planned expansion and renovation goes any
further.
During a lengthy discussion at last Tuesday night's meeting,
council also determined that, if affordable, the exterior of
the new building will be finished in brick, like the existing
exterior of the building.
Councillor Pauline Cyr mentioned she "feels strongly"
council should have public input on the plans before construction
proceeds on it.
It was determined the plans will be available this week during
township office hours (8:30 am - 4:30 pm, closed 12:30 to 1 pm
for lunch) for the public to see, and make comments or suggestions
on.
Feedback forms will be available at the township offices next
week. Building inspector Marcel Lavigne may also be available
to answer questions during these times; however Augusta interim
CAO Linda Robinson stated Lavigne will also be busy doing building
inspections and other tasks. "We're both very busy,"
she said.
"It's their (Augusta resident's) building," stated
Cyr. "Maybe (we're) overlooking the big picture."
Lavigne also stated the estimated costs of the expanded office
complex - which was budgeted for in the 2005 budget at $235,532
could now be closer to $400,000. The reason for the increase
is because of the plans being revised to be larger than the original
2,000-square-foot version which was proposed before the 2005
budget was passed.
"We never budgeted for this kind of building," stated
Cyr. "Maybe it's too big...too nice."
Nothing controversial about official plan draft, committee
chair says
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
PRESCOTT A plan that outlines Prescott's community vision
for the years ahead continues to take shape.
Revisions to the town's official plan have been proposed.
Kevin Harper of the IBI Group the consulting firm hired
by the town to oversee the official plan review presented
the draft plan to Prescott council Monday night.
The official plan sets out municipal priorities and guidelines
for land use. The existing plan dates back to 1991 and has been
viewed by some town officials as being outdated and in need of
revision.
Between 30 and 40 people attended an official plan open house
held last Wednesday at town hall. Councillor and planning committee
chair Chuck Street told The Journal he does not believe
there will be much controversy about the proposed revisions.
The councillor said creating additional housing is one of the
main changes to the existing plan. For example, much of the industrial
area north of the public works barn would be redefined as residential.
"We just need more homes to share the tax burden,"
said Street.
Among the town's primary principles listed in the draft plan
are the preservation of Prescott's quality of life, recognition
of the town's history and the need to protect heritage buildings
and promotion of tourism as a key component of the economy.
Street indicated the process of revising the document also
serves to show the community and outsiders "we do have new
and fresh plans." The goal is to ensure downtown and other
commercial areas are more viable. Street believes this can be
accomplished, although he noted the significance of "embracing
our small-town atmosphere" by not making major changes to
the official plan and related documents.
The draft plan will be put to a vote at the Nov. 7 meeting
of Prescott council. If approved, the draft will be submitted
to the province; its review could take between four and six weeks.
If the province approves the plan, it will go back to council
for a final vote. Town officials are hoping that will take place
in December.
From there, the municipality would have to amend its zoning
bylaw to match the new provisions of the revised official plan.
The bylaw sets out the land-use rules through which the community
vision of the plan can be achieved.
Street said residents should not expect major changes in town
as soon as a revised plan is adopted. "It is so incremental,"
he commented.
Copies of the draft plan outline are available for public
viewing at town hall and the library. The municipality is asking
public for input on the draft to be submitted by Nov. 1.
Town firefighters will be delivering safety message to homes
on Saturday
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
PRESCOTT Town firefighters will be delivering more than
just a safety message when they visit homes in the town this
weekend.
Information packages on fire safety and smoke alarms, including
a battery supplied by Prescott Building Centre, will be distributed
as part of a door-to-door canvass planned for Saturday.
Prescott Fire Prevention Officer Brent Norton said firefighters
have been emphasizing the importance of having a working smoke
detector for years. Saturday's canvass is another attempt to
bring that message home to town residents, he noted.
Members of Prescott's Community Emergency Response Volunteers
(CERV) team will also be taking part in the door-to-door blitz.
The canvass will not include apartment buildings. Norton said
there are plans to visit apartments next year.
Battery packages will be left at the door in the event no
one is home when firefighters and CERV members visit.
Not having at least one working smoke alarm in place in a
home is a provincial offence. Fire departments in Leeds and Grenville
are working on a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to enforcing
that requirement; the policy is expected to go into effect in
the new year.
Norton emphasized the purpose of Saturday's canvass is to
distribute the batteries and remind local residents about the
importance of having working smoke detectors. Firefighters will
check existing smoke alarms at the resident's request; it is
not an attempt to enforce regulations and write tickets if there
is an offence, according to Norton. "We're there to assist
people," he added.
The proper use of candles was the focus of Fire Prevention
Week, which came to an end last week.
Car goes off the road in New Wexford Tuesday; elderly woman
dies in hospital
NEW WEXFORD An 83-year-old woman from the Brockville
area died of injuries she sustained in a single-vehicle crash
on County Road 2 Tuesday morning.
A westbound 1994 Chrysler LeBaron was entering New Wexford
just before 9 am when the car veered to the left, entered the
south ditch and came to rest in a cluster of trees.
The driver, who was alone in the vehicle, was transported
to Brockville General Hospital where she died later in the morning.
The name of the victim had not been released as of early Tuesday
afternoon. Next of kin had yet to be notified.
Prescott and Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal fire departments, police
and EMS personnel responded to the call. An OPP technical traffic
collision investigator also responded.
Anyone who saw what happened is asked to contact the Grenville
County OPP detachment at 925-4221. Constable Runciman is the
investigating officer.
Chamber meeting set for tomorrow
JOHNSTOWN Directors of the Prescott and District Chamber
of Commerce are reminded this month's meeting will be held this
Thursday, Oct. 20 at noon at the Bridgeview Restaurant. Normally,
the meeting is held on the third Wednesday of the month. However,
this meeting was pushed back a day because of the Bridges to
Better Business event being held today at the Prescott Golf Club.
SCHOOL SCENE
Algonquin Public School: Election results are in for
this year's school council composed of nine voting parent members
alongside the teacher and support staff representatives.
Voted in at the first meeting of the year were co-chairs Stephanie
Phillips (returning) and Steve Hoyland, Secretary Jamie Louwerse
and Treasurer Bonny Lamont. The outgoing executive can be very
proud of its efforts and commitment to supporting students' best
interests. School council fundraising efforts under the adept
leadership of Sherry Pitre made the installation of the new four-bay
swing set a reality.
Plans are already under way for more fundraising ventures,
including magazine sales. If you are looking for gifts that are
appreciated at any age, consider purchasing one of more than
700 different magazine subscriptions online at www.QSP.ca and
quoting Algonquin's account number (10393) as well as the campaign
#31818. It's an easy way to shop and a great way to help raise
funds to support student activities and school yard improvements.
Boundary Street Public School: Congratulations to our
athletes who participated in the championship cross-country meet
and in the soccer tournament last week. Our coaches are Mrs.
Arthurs and Mrs. Fortier.
Our junior soccer team will participate in their first tournament
at Pineview Public School on October 26. Our coach is Mr. Lamourieux.
We had wonderful student and parent participation at our open
house last week. We acknowledge the businesses and individuals
who donated cakes for our cake walk and to parents and member
of school council for the BBQ.
Friday, Oct. 21, is an early dismissal day for students. Walkers
will be dismissed at 11:40 am. Bus students will be picked up
at noon. Staff will be participating in professional development
activities during the afternoon.
Members of school council will be taking part in the school
council fall forum on Saturday, Oct. 22.
Centennial and North Edwardsburgh Public Schools: The
cross-country championships were held last week in Brockville.
There were more than 2,500 runners in total. Centennial and NEPS
did a first rate job running in the wet conditions; we are very
proud of all our runners!
The UCDSB Transportation Web site is running a contest for
parents, students and staff. The Web site is used for communication
of valuable information such as inclement weather procedures,
bus cancellations and school bus safety. There are great prizes
to be given away such as MP3 players, games, bicycles etc. The
deadline is Nov. 18; visit the Web site to enter.
Early dismissal will be this Friday, Oct. 21. North Edwardsburgh
students will be dismissed at 12:15 pm, and Centennial '67 students
will be dismissed at 12 pm.
The "Canadian Half Pints" visited both schools to
promote awareness of bullying and the serious harm it causes.
The half pints wowed their audience with their comedic basketball
technique. The staff eagerly participated in a very unique basketball
game. We acknowledge the half pints for delivering such an important
message in a marvellous way.
CHEO nurse Mrs. Cassidy visited classrooms to talk to students
about cancer and the treatment for cancer. She has visited Centennial
'67 and will return again to NEPS on Oct. 18.
Central Public School: Central students are able to
access the resource room during the second exercise break each
day. Some children are assisted with work completion and others
are guided through a planning process to help them make better
decisions in class or during exercise breaks. Ms. May and Mdm.
Ritchie provide supervision and assistance.
In Kindergarten, we are going "batty" this week!
We have been looking at the difference between fiction and non-fiction
books using bat books as our examples.
At the cross-country championships held in Brockville last
week, Central's runners gave it their all with many achieving
personal bests on a tough course. The coaches felt the runners
had a great season and represented Central very well.
The rain, cold and mud could not stop Central's senior boys
soccer team as it competed in the regional tournament at Nationview
Public School on Oct. 13. Team members showed an amazing display
of skill, spirit and sportsmanship as they battled some tough
teams in this round-robin event. Central made a strong showing
with a 3-1 win, a come-from-behind 3-3 tie, and one loss.
Maitland and Maynard Public Schools: Rain played havoc
with scheduled athletic events recently, but it has done nothing
to dampen the spirits of the athletes at Maynard.
The senior girls soccer team had a great day on Wednesday,
Oct. 12 but didn't qualify for the tournament. Not the case with
the senior boys, who placed second in the championship soccer
tournament on Oct. 17. The junior-mixed soccer tournament will
be played on Oct. 19. Maynard will host its own tournament Oct.
24.
Both Maynard and Maitland cross-country runners went to the
championships Oct. 12. Top finishers included: Emily Byers
1st, novice girls; Payden Selleck 2nd, novice boys; Parker
Grant 6th, novice boys; Tom Kippax 1st, peewee boys;
Jenna Merkley 24th, peewee girls; Emma Selleck 8th,
junior girls; Taylor Byers 8th, junior boys; Matt Courtney
10th, junior boys; Jessica Dunnington 6th, senior
girls; Megan Graham 7th, senior girls; Dillon Telgen
4th, senior boys.
This Friday on early dismissal day, Maynard will be participating
in a school-wide cross-country meet. Every student and staff
member in the building will be participating.
On Thursday, Maynard will be hosting a visit from author Sylvia
McNicoll. All junior classes have been participating in a read-aloud
of one of Sylvia's books in preparation.
Congratulations to Linda Holmes, who will receive the "Extra-Mile
Club" award from the director on Wednesday at the board
office. Linda is being recognized for her hard work and dedication
to the staff, students and parents of Maynard.
Maitland: Maitland students are looking forward to Black &
Orange Day on Oct. 31. Also, the Peter Pumpkin Hallowe'en contest
is under way. Maitland is once again supporting the annual UNICEF
campaign with the co-ordination assistance of the Brockville
Key Club.
Mr. Buker has taken on the school pop can recycling program.
Students will play a leadership role in the operation of the
program.
By the way, did anyone see the moose in Maitland's back yard?
St. Mark Catholic School: This week, we celebrate Week
of the Child from Oct. 15-22.
Students will be participating in practice bus evacuation
procedures today and tomorrow. Staff will be involved in a computer
training session today after school for a primary pilot report
card for grades 1-3.
We will celebrate our Thanksgiving mass on Thursday, Oct.
20 at 9:30 am.
Our students will have an early dismissal day this Friday,
Oct. 21. Bus students and walkers will be dismissed at noon hour.
Hot lunch this week is chicken chunks.
South Edwardsburg Public School: At South Edwardsburg
Public School, staff, parents, and community members work together
to improve our students' life and learning chances.
Last week, students attended a special presentation at South
Edwardsburg by the "Canadian Half Pint Basket Ball Team".
They entertained the students, while giving a serious message
about bullying and teasing.
This week at South Edwardsburg, our school council is meeting
at 6:30 pm on Tuesday in the library. Fundraising, school yard
improvement, and a block parent association presentation are
on the agenda.
On Wednesday, our junior soccer team coached by Elissa Blake
travels to Kemptville for a tournament.
Parents are reminded Friday is an early dismissal day; students
will be dismissed at 12:15 pm.
Battle of the bands to be held at the high school Saturday
PRESCOTT A battle of the bands will be staged this Saturday,
Oct. 22 at South Grenville District High School.
South Stock will feature at least nine heavy metal, punk and
other bands from the region. The show will start at about 6:30
pm in the main gym.
There is an admission fee.
Local runners strike gold in the Big Apple
MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton
Strong winds and rain could not deter Maitland runners Matt
Leeder and Charlotte Larry from bringing home the gold all the
way from New York City. Leeder and Larry were among 75 TISS athletes
who competed at the Manhattan Invitational in New York City's
historic Central Park. The Manhattan Invitational is the largest
cross-country meet in North America, with 11,000 competitors
from 365 schools.
Leeder, who is 15, competed in the boys varsity division which
includes boys 18 and under in a four-kilometer race. There were
2,000 runners in his division from all over the United States.
TISS was the only Canadian team to compete. Leeder finished first
with a time of 12 minutes 42.82 seconds on a soaked and muddy
course. Leeder is the son of Ray and Dianne Leeder of Maitland.
Charlotte Larry, who is also 15, won the girls sophomore division
against a field of 400 runners with a time of 16 minutes 42.3
seconds. The TISS girls sophomore division team won the overall
gold medal. Larry is the daughter of Eira and Pat Larry of Maitland.
Pork dinner date has changed
WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT
We must once more change the date of the pork dinner. It is
now to be held Saturday, Nov. 19 at 5:30 pm.
There will be a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board, or call
925-5300 to reserve your place.
This afternoon, the book club will meet. Come and share your
love of reading with the others. Next Wednesday, Oct. 26, the
rug hookers will meet in the upstairs room.
The last Friday of the month, Oct. 28, we will have our regular
lunch at 11:30. We will be serving macaroni and cheese and salad.
Card game winners: Monday afternoon bridge 1st, Joyce
Nesbitt; 2nd, Janet White; door, Isobel Locke. Fun bridge
Mona Smith. Tuesday night cribbage 1st, Jeannine Marion;
2nd, Dora Cook. Wednesday night bridge 1st, Findlay Hill;
2nd, Nancy Coligan. Thursday night euchre 1st, Geneva Odell;
2nd, Mary Reynolds; 3rd, Hilda Hutton; door, Jeannine Marion.
Parish centre bazaar
PRESCOTT St. Mark's Parish will host a bazaar on Saturday,
Oct. 29 from 10 am to 2 pm at the parish centre on Edward Street.
In addition to Christmas gift items, there will be candy,
baked goods and other creations on sale. There will also be something
for the kids as well as a tea room and a touch 'n' take table.
Preston Manning to speak at Grenville Christian College dinner
and auction
MAITLAND A former national political leader will be
the guest speaker at Grenville Christian College's upcoming fundraising
dinner and auction.
The independent university preparatory school for students
in Kindergarten to Grade 12 will host the 22nd annual event on
Saturday, Nov. 5.
The theme of the 2005 dinner and auction (the "Our Kids
Our School Celebration") is "Safety First." Proceeds
from the event are to be invested in upgrades to the safety of
the school.
"As the name states, it's about the students, and the
money raised will have a direct impact on them," stated
Kevin Beattie, director of development at GCC.
Guest speaker at the event will be former Reform Party of
Canada leader Preston Manning, whose presentation will be on
"Preparing our Children for the Future: Education, Faith
and Citizenship."
There will be both a silent and a live auction. Carrie Hands
is back for another year to facilitate the live auction.
This year's silent auction will take place in the large gymnasium
because of the many items up for bid, including a donation of
more than $50,000 in high-end décor items by a donor in
Ottawa. The auction features more than 300 items with a total
value in excess of $80,000.
Auction items can be viewed online at www.grenvillecc.ca.
Registration and a reception start at 5 pm; the silent auction
begins at 5:30 pm, with dinner to follow.
A tax receipt for half of the price of the ticket will be
issued. Ticketholders will receive $25 in "auction bucks"
and also get a chance to win one week's accommodation at a Mayan
Palace resort in Mexico.
For more information, call 345-5521, ext. 3355 or visit the
Web site.
GCC open house is this weekend
MAITLAND An open house will be held on Sunday, Oct.
23 from 2 to 4 pm at Grenville Christian College (GCC).
The independent university preparatory school located on County
Road 2 just west of Maitland offers students in Junior Kindergarten
to Grade 12 "...a wonderfully balanced education in mind,
body and spirit," stated GCC Headmaster Gordon Mintz.
GCC students, staff and parents will be on hand to lead tours.
Faculty will also be available to describe the school's athletic
and performing arts programs. GCC has an enrolment of more than
200 students.
For more information, call 345-5521 and ask for Christine
(ext. 3112) or Toni (ext. 3367).
Seniors invited to take part in VON workshop
LEEDS-GRENVILLE - Seniors have much to teach younger generations,
but might not know how to impart their wisdom to younger people.
A special workshop being held by the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville
VON next Wednesday, Oct. 26 is aiming to change that.
This no-charge workshop is being held at Cedar Valley golf
course north of Brockville. It runs from 9 am to 3 pm, with registration
beginning at 8 am. Lunch will also be provided.
The workshop is open to seniors in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville.
"Seniors have so many valuable skills and really interesting
hobbies that youth want to learn," stated VON intern Jessica
Coward. "So many seniors have the desire to work with youth
but may not have an idea of where to start."
Coward added it's the hope the workshop will allow seniors
to pinpoint groups and organizations in the community where they
can take their hobbies and skills and connect with youth. She
also said the event will be "interactive."
As the number of spaces for the event is limited, pre-registration
is encouraged by calling Coward at 925-3731 or the VON toll-free
at 1-800-465-7646 by Oct. 21.
Displaced cone leads to impaired driving charge
PRESCOTT Grenville County OPP officers responded to
58 calls for service in the Prescott patrol zone between Monday,
Oct. 10 and Monday morning (Oct. 17).
At about 1:25 am Monday, Constable Pergunas observed a 1993
Chevrolet strike a traffic cone in the construction zone on the
CN Edward Street overpass. The officer stopped the car a short
distance from the scene. An investigation revealed the driver
had been consuming alcohol.
A 20-year-old Addison man was arrested for failing the roadside
screening device test and then charged with impaired driving.
He is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 28.
Anyone with information on occurrences in Prescott, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal
or Augusta is asked to contact Grenville County OPP at 925-4221
or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Donations sought for tree to be planted in honour of doctor
PRESCOTT Contributions are now being accepted for a
tree to be planted in memory of Dr. John Findlay.
The physician, whose practice was located in Prescott for
many years, died this spring.
A maple tree in his honour is to be planted in the arboretum
beside the Prescott Heritage River Trail. The cost of the tree
is $500.
Donations can be dropped off at or sent to town hall on Dibble
Street West (925-2812). Donors are reminded to specify their
contribution is to be earmarked for the tree in memory of Dr.
Findlay. Tax receipts will be issued.
Worth appointed to police board
PRESCOTT The province has appointed someone to fill
one of two vacancies on the Prescott Police Services Board.
Claire Worth is the new member. She attended the board meeting
held Friday, although she will not be sworn in until the Nov.
17 meeting.
Worth was appointed to serve a three-year term.
Brian (Des) DesRochers, another provincial appointee, completed
an extended term on the board this summer. At the board's Sept.
30 meeting, DesRochers was presented a painting of the Prescott
lighthouse by Chair Stan Kijewski.
A second appointee to the Prescott board has yet to be named.
Local officials do not know when the province will make the other
appointment, Kijewski said Friday.
Fair board shows its appreciation to volunteers
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
SPENCERVILLE The Spencerville Fair would not be where
it is today without the ongoing efforts of the community.
The Spencerville Agricultural Society served dinner and said
thanks to more than 200 people (fair board members, volunteers
and sponsors) who gathered at the Drummond Building on Saturday
night.
The annual fair, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary
this year, has grown from a one-day event by the mill to a four-day
festival that draws tens of thousands of people to the village
each September. The society hosted the appreciation dinner to
recognize the work of the many volunteers who are maintaining
the fair tradition.
"This fair board is your community," society President
Dennis Colautti said. He went on to state the efforts of the
volunteers are what gives him the energy to serve on the fair
board. Other speakers at the dinner also noted the volunteer
spirit which comes as second nature to those who keep coming
back to pitch in each year.
Marc Tessier, chair of the 150th anniversary committee and
author of a book on the history of the fair, said he did not
understand the buzz about the fair when he first visited the
annual event about 10 years ago. However, what impressed him
early on was the "feeling of family" he experienced.
"Deep down, you know it's part of your being," said
Tessier, who added the community comes together to maintain an
event that is something special and truly unique.
Tessier noted there are still plans to put together a time
capsule as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations. The project
might become a reality at the society's annual general meeting
in January, he added.
Spencerville Fair Ambassador Brooke Hunter noted the Spencerville
Fair is part of her family's history dating back several generations.
Hunter recalled her experiences as a girl entering bunnies in
the pet show and trying to get a stubborn horse around a barrel
in an equestrian event.
With that sense of personal history in mind, this year's ambassador
said it is "an incredible honour to be the one person to
represent the Spencerville Fair." Hunter also told the audience
her sorority sisters in Ottawa refer to her as "Little Miss
Haystack 2005."
Guest speaker Tom Van Dusen, a journalist and writer for
The Ottawa Sun, said the Spencerville Agricultural Society
is "one of the most active societies around." The local
volunteers understand the importance of maintaining the fair
and its history. The basic elements of the fair are still the
same after 150 years, according to Van Dusen.
"If the fair can go on, the rest of the rural fabric
should too."
The audience at the dinner was treated to entertainment by
Juno award recipients Randell and Tracey (Brown) Prescott and
comedian Paul Mussell.
Augusta narrows its list of candidates for CAO
MAYNARD - It appears Augusta Township is now one step closer
to appointing a new chief administrative officer.
During the question period for the press at last Tuesday night's
council meeting, Reeve John McCrea noted the township had received
nine applicants for the CAO position.
The job was vacated this past August after Sharon Wilkinson
resigned.
Of the nine applicants received, it was noted by Councillor
John Fischl one of them is from a township resident.
Council discussed the applicants during an in-camera meeting
of council which followed the regular meeting. Before the closed-door
session, McCrea noted "I sure hope we find a potential candidate...
We'll see what happens."
On Friday, McCrea stated the meeting resulted in narrowing
the list of potential candidates to four individuals. The reeve
added he expects interviews with the selected people to commence
within the next month.
Mayor responds to question about MPAC investigation
PRESCOTT The provincial government should look into
the methodology being used by the Municipal Property Assessment
Corporation (MPAC), according to Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn.
On Monday, Ontario Ombudsman André Marin announced
he is launching an investigation into whether or not MPAC's process
of valuating properties is fair and transparent. MPAC is a not-for-profit
corporation funded by Ontario's municipalities, including Prescott.
When asked by The Journal to comment on the matter
Monday night, Lawn said "it behooves the government at some
level" to investigate the property assessment system. The
mayor acknowledged there has been "some consternation"
about the assessment system, adding the public at large has concerns
about the process.
Overall, residential property owners in the Leeds and Grenville
area can expect their assessments to increase by an average of
nine to 18 per cent this year. New assessment notices are now
being distributed.
MPAC will host an information meeting tonight at town hall.
Grenville Dairy Creamers milk their time together
By Kathryn Connell
The Grenville 4-H Dairy Creamers Club had 14 members and two
hard-working leaders complete another year of "Learning
To Do By Doing."
Our first meeting was held on April 2 at DeJong Hill Jersey
Farm just east of Algonquin. As usual, we discussed how to choose
a calf for the upcoming 4-H year. We completed the necessary
paperwork and did the election of officers for the coming year.
This year's President was Ashley Connell; Vice-President:
Eric Connell; Secretary: Lindsay DeJong; and Press Reporter:
Kathryn Connell. Our trusty leaders were Brian DeJong and Scott
Connell, and the youth leader was Jeff Connell.
Our club's second meeting was held on May 12 at Locus Lane
Farms Ltd where we had a movie and games night. The movies were
about showing and preparing for the ring and then "brain"
games, which made our teams work hard to outsmart each other.
The third meeting was held at the Wynands Farm near Cardinal
on June 9. This meeting was a concentration of judging hay and
other items and for some the first introduction of judging cows.
Our fourth and fifth meeting is always a blast when you include
a BBQ, soap, water and calves. We call this our annual 4-H Scrub
Day and yes, we scrub and wash calves all morning long. This
event was a combined effort of the North Dairy Club and our Dairy
Creamer Club and it was held at Charles Bennett's farm near Kemptville.
Our day started at 9:30 am and we were all wet by the time
lunch was ready. After a wonderful lunch, we watched and learned
from a professional clipper prepare a calf for the show ring
and then it was our turn to try our hand at clipping a calf.
The sixth meeting was another exciting meeting for the Grenville
4-H Dairy Creamers with a visit to the Robot Milking Farm north
of Burritts Rapids on Aug. 30. This day began at 9:30 am and
was an adventure you must take if farming is interesting to you.
We watched as the cows entered the parlour and a robot milking
them instead of a farmer. The day was topped off with a lunch
on the run and a visit to the Smiths Falls Hershey factory.
Our final event for this year was the Achievement Day at Spencerville
Fair on Sept. 9. With calves washed and clipped and ready for
the show to begin, all the 14 4-H members worked hard to show
their skills while in and out of the show ring. Everyone had
a fabulous time at the fair and everyone comes home with memories
and rewards that will last forever.
4-H is the best life and always teaches you important skills
that will carry you through life. Whether it be judging, speaking
or learning the technical skills of showing and preparing a calf
for the show ring, 4-H provides tons of rewards for each member
to take with them as they grow to be an adult. For more information
about 4-H click on www.4-hontario.ca/ and learn all about a lifetime
of fun for 10- to 21-year-olds.
Communion with God seminar
MAITLAND A Communion with God seminar will be held this
Friday and Saturday (Oct. 21-22) at Grenville Christian College.
The seminar will be led by Mark Virkler, who has been in Christian
ministry for more than 30 years. "Participants will take
their individual spiritual walks to the next level to clearly
recognize the voice of God in the hearts," a news release
states.
The seminar starts Friday evening and continues Saturday morning
and afternoon. There is a registration fee and an optional buffet
lunch.
To sign up or for more information, call 345-5521 ext. 6244
or e-mail asiefert@grenvillecc.ca.
Program helps people affected by suicide
BROCKVILLE A suicide bereavement support program will
be offered for the first time in Leeds-Grenville this fall.
The free six-week program is being presented by the Canadian
Mental Health Association and is open to people coping with a
recent suicide or one that occurred a long time ago. Weekly sessions
will be held Tuesday evenings beginning Nov. 8 in a confidential
and private environment in Brockville.
The program is limited to seven participants. For more information,
call Lori Veltkamp at 345-0950, ext. 105 or Susan Yeo at ext.
103.
Gruel and hymns to be served at St. John's
PRESCOTT The annual Ghoulish Gruel will be presented
this Friday, Oct. 21 at 5:30 pm at St. John the Evangelist (St.
John's) Church at the corner of Centre and James streets.
There will be food and fun for everyone, so come in costume
and bring an appetite. Kids five and under will be admitted free.
Call 925-4496 for tickets.
St. John's will also host a Hymns and Praise evening on Sunday,
Oct. 23 beginning at 7 pm. Join in the singing of old-time favourite
hymns. Refreshment and fellowship will follow. All are welcome
to attend.
Beef dinner set for Oct. 29
PRESCOTT A roast beef dinner will be held on Saturday,
Oct. 29 at Friendship Hall on Henry Street West.
Dinner will be served at 4:30 and 6 pm. Take-out and delivery
orders are available.
For tickets, call 925-4784, 925-4957 or 925-4268. There is
no guarantee of tickets at the door.
Friendship Hall is the home of the local Odd Fellows and Rebekahs.
GRENVILLE COUNTY OPP TOWNSHIPS
NEWS BRIEFS
Unlocked truck stolen from home
AUGUSTA A pick-up truck was stolen from a County Road
18 residence last Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. The black
1997 Dodge Dakota with Ontario plates 299 5NL had been left unlocked
and had an unknown amount of gasoline in it. The truck has a
large Dodge emblem in the rear window. The value of the truck
is unknown.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Dowdell
at the detachment in Prescott (925-4221).
No serious injuries in rollover
EDWARDSBURGH Three people sustained minor injuries in
a single-vehicle rollover that occurred Friday afternoon on County
Road 22 near Crowder Road. A 2000 Chrysler LXC was travelling
too fast to negotiate a curve, according to an OPP news release.
The car left the roadway, entered a ditch, rolled three times
before coming to rest right side up. The driver and two passengers
received minor injuries but did not require medical treatment.
The vehicle was a write-off. The driver, a 19-year-old Edwardsburgh/Cardinal
resident, was charged with careless driving. The investigating
officer is Constable Foley.
More mail box damage reported
AUGUSTA Reports of mischief involving 16 mail boxes
on County Road 26 are being investigated by Constable Howard.
The damage occurred during the overnight hours Saturday and Sunday.
It appears the boxes were struck in an east-west direction; as
of Monday, there were no suspected vehicles or persons.
Anyone who has information on this case or any other occurrences
in the South Grenville area is asked to contact the OPP at 925-4221
or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Accused in explosion case released on bail
CARDINAL A 21-year-old Cardinal man charged in connection
with an explosion that occurred in the early-morning hours of
Oct. 2 was released on bail last week. No one was injured in
the incident in which a small pipe bomb exploded near a parked
car beside Dundas Street.
Throne speech rehashes broken promises: MPP
TORONTO Last week's throne speech regurgitates many
of the old promises made by Premier Dalton McGuinty and the Liberal
government, according to Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman.
In a news release issued last Wednesday, the Progressive Conservative
MPP states the credibility of then government continues to erode.
The day before the throne speech was delivered, Finance Minister
Greg Sorbara resigned amid reports he was being indicted as part
of a fraud investigation involving his family's real estate development
company and another company on which Sorbara was a director.
Runciman says rehashed promises in the throne speech include
pledges to hire new police officers, outlaw dropping out of high
school for students under the age of 18 and reduce wait times
for medical procedures such as cancer surgery and hip and knee
replacements.
"These warmed-over promises offer nothing to families
struggling to make ends meet and get ahead," states Runciman,
who claims the average family in Ontario is paying $2,000 more
each year in taxes, fees and energy costs than they were two
years ago when the Liberals were elected.
The Leeds-Grenville MPP also took aim at the government's
health-care policy. He says the Liberals have not delivered the
improvements they promised; instead, Brockville General Hospital
faces cutbacks and local residents are waiting too long for surgery
or to find a family doctor.
"The only thing people can rely on is that Dalton McGuinty
can't be relied on." Runciman adds.
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