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| "A Family Tradition for 132 Years" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, October 20, 1998 - 5 Ministry's mum on investigation Probe into dumping in Blackstock continues By Jeff Mitchell Port Perry Star An investigation into possible illegal dumping at a farm near Blackstock continues. Bill Kozak, an official with the Ministry of Environment's investiga- tion and enforcement branch, released few details when asked about the McKee Rd. site last week. "It's under investigation. That's all I can say," he said. He said investigators from the min- istry's Ajax office have been assigned the case. Ministry officials were alerted to potential illegal dumping on the McKee Rd. farm by police, who discovered suspicious circumstances while execut- ing a search warrant there last summer. The tenant of the farm is one of a dozen people accused with being part of a ring that dealt in stolen construction equipment. Police were alarmed to find a large amount of discarded construction mate- rial, as well as a number of barrels containing an unidentified substance, a local police source said. Although discovery of the material was made in mid-summer, ministry officials weren't contacted until September. Mr. Kozak said he's unsure of the status of the investigation, but said it will be subject to a prioritizing process by investigators. Cases are ranked according to their threat to the envi- Sunday, November 1, 1998, lam to 3pm ronment and the ability of ministry staff to deal with them, he said. "The first thing is priority, the second 1s complexity, and probably the most determining factor is availability of our staff to carry on the investigation," he said. Durham Regional Police Sgt. Mike Ewles was the Port Perry officer who called in ministry investigators after it became apparent the initial discovery of materials had gone unreported. He sald he's heard nothing from the min- istry since he made his report in September. Ministry investigators typically do their job independent of local police forces, he said. "We pretty much leave it in their hands now that they're aware of it," said Sgt. Ewles. "They actually have some pretty broad authority." He said police are occasionally called in to help ministry officials serve sum- monses for charges. The police raid on the McKee Rd. property was executed as part of Project Digger, an OPP initiative that exposed an alleged theft ring here that netted what police are saying is more than $3 million worth of stolen construction equipment. In addition to stolen property, the search of the property led to the seizure of a fully automatic AK 47 assault rifle, and two SKS military assault rifles. Port Perry Arena, Port Perry presented by, Once Upon A Dream The Wedding Show For Every Bride! CHRIS HALL/PORT PERRY STAR A WORK OF ART: Uxbridge artist Elizabeth Kusinski has opened shop in Port Perry with Carmen Chemello at Caviar and Cobwebs, which is located at 239 Queen St. She specializes in home and business oil portraits, as well as wall murals. The local business also hopes to showcase a wide variety of local artists. For more information call 985-6929 or 852-4996. Mariposa school planning craft sale Mariposa Elementary School is hold- our community, and the Mariposa ing its annual Christmas Craft Show School's Enhancement Fund. and Sale Dec. 5. The sale takes place Saturday, Dec. The money raised from the sale of 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mariposa the tables will be used to make School, (south of Oakwood on County Christmas better for some families in Rd. 6).. T his unique show provides you with the opportunity to see wedding related products and talk with wedding professionals. This show is a must for anyone planning a wedding. Fashion Show Make-up Demonstration Free Draws & Prizes Tickets: $7.00 at the door or $5.00 in advance "To reserve tickets call: April Tindall 1-888-544-5683 Bridal Warehouse Sale Sponsored by Everlasting Memories