Volume 135 Number 44 COPY 75¢ 10¢ + 5c as) 28 Pages Blackstock couple will return to court Nov. 7 By Rik Davie Port Perry Star New charges have been laid against two Blackstock parents whom police allege kept their teen boys locked in cages. - "Three persons charged with keeping two teenage boys trapped in cages in an abuse case that police believe may have gone on for years were remanded to Nov. 7 in an Oshawa court Friday while lawyers await further disclosure from the Crown Attorney. A 40-year-old woman and her 49- year-old husband were charged, along with a 28-year-old man - described as a "member of the. extended family," with various counts of assault and forcible con- finement, assault with a weapon and aggravated assault, as well as failure to provide the necessities of life. The mother of the two adopted boys is also charged with adminis- tering a noxious substance. Alex Sosna, who represents the two parents, told The Star that the father has retained his own council in the matter. "I believe it is Mr. (Michael) Block of Toronto," Mr. Sosna said. "We feel there may be a conflict so this was done as a matter of course." The case began when an infor- mant tipped Durham Children's Aid workers who, along with Durham Regional Police officers, went to the Blackstock area home on June 29 and removed the 14- and 15-year- old brothers. The boys remain in protective custody at a secure foster facility. The parents were released after thei: arrests on a $10,000 bail surety and the 28-year-old man was released on an undertaking. Please turn to Page 13 a POY YEE to. . a wna a 3 FL CHRIS HALL / PORT PERRY STAR CLEANING UP: Scugog's Director of Public Works, Larry Postill, spearheaded an effort last Saturday which saw more than 20 volunteers --- including local landowner Jim Masterson, right -- come out and help clean up the area known as Test Hill, near Blackstock, a popular spot for recreational vehicle enthusiasts and others. For more on the effort, check out our story on Page 10. Digital Cable TV. WORRY FREE TV. and we're not stopping therel Hospital to chop jobs, services to cut costs By Rik Davie Port Perry Star Financial woes at the Lakeridge Health Corporation will result in lost jobs and cuts to patient services. At a news conference held Friday in Oshawa, Lakeridge Health Chief Operating Officer (CEQ) Brian Lemon confirmed rumours that a $7 million operating budget deficit will mean as many as 50 job losses and cuts to patient services such as the much-lauded womens' health services pro- gram. A The cutbacks were agreed to at a meet- ing of the Lakeridge Board of Directors last. , ~-Thutgday night as the Ontario Ministry of Health continues its review of the hospital group in order to determine how the local heath care system that runs hospitals across the region budgets and spends it money. Mr. Lemon said that the failure of the Ministry of Health to award Lakeridge a further $19 million for their current budget resulted in an initial shortfall of over $10 million that has since been whittled down to the current $7 million. Mr. Lemon stated that after the board passed a six-month budget while awaiting government funding, they exhausted all their reserve funds. The CEO also said that he hopes the review of finances currently underway by the Ministry of Health will show "the fund- ing was not adequate given inflation and the cost of redevelopment at the Oshawa site." The cuts will "be spread over the whole of the Lakeridge group," Mr. Lemon said. He said it will include administration, support and nursing staff. It is hoped that many positions will be reduced by early retirements, job shifting and simply "not filling some vacant and proposed positions." Please turn to Page 13 AVAILABLENOW! |." * wr * | So clear, soreal, us : Compton Py Ba = ore mets ere | eos ws M JA 905-985-8171 -y On-screen programming guide it's unreal. Interactive Pay Per View Digital Cable TV. With crystal dear picture, (D quality sound, and an expanding lineup of entertainment, sports, music and movies, it's no wonder TV lovers are swarming to digital television Digital cable is easy. Plug a digital terminal into your current cable connection and you're on. No satellite dishes. No rewiring. No weather interference. No trouble. Nothing but unlimited entertainment for everyone in the family. (all 905-985-8171 to find out more about the best of what cable has to offer. > - aa --y ry D uh a a te. a