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ry 1 AR BAA BR HANS vc. BRA i dor ADRRIRE NG ITN Be "Scugog"s Community Newspaper of Choice" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, February 1, 2000 - 3 Police hope new law helps curb pursuits By Chris Hall Port Perry Star Stricter penalties for those convicted of fleeing police introduced earlier this year ought to make motorists think twice before becoming involved in a pursuit, says north Durham Inspector Chuck Mercier. Those found guilty of fleeing police now face a maximum penalty of a $25,000 fine, six months in jail and a life-time drivers' license suspension if the pursuit results in death or bodily harm. The amendments made to the Highway Traffic Act, which became effective as of Jan. 1, are in memory of Sergeant Rick McDonald, a Sudbury Regional Police officer who was killed last sum- mer while trying to place a spike belt to stop a flee- ing vehicle. "It increases penalties for those who fail to stop.... and our intent is to curb chases and pur- suits. Hopefully with these new, stricter penalties people will realize there are serious conse- quences," said 26 Division Inspector Chuck Mercier. He said pursuits are a matter of particular con- cern to police, because officers have to make a decision between appre- hending a suspect and the public's safety, most often with little time to weigh options. New Chamber draw has $10,000 jackpot The Scugog Chamber of Commerce will be giving away $10,000 later this year when it holds its first annual raffle. In an effort to raise money for "their three major annual events, Chamber officials have opted to hold a raffle to raise funds. They see it as an alternative to seeking dona- tions from local businesses on a reg- ular basis, said Stephen Gray, a director with the Chamber. "What we're looking to do, really, is to attempt to eliminate the need to go to businesses for help for our events, " he said. "Businesses contribute a lot, both financially and with volunteers, to many worthwhile causes in this community. Over the course of a year they usually give out a signifi- cant amount of money, and we want- ed to look for an alternate funding source." Proceeds from the raffle will be used to hold popular Chamber events, such as the Canada Day cel- ebrations in Palmer Park, the mid- summer festival SummerFest, and the Santa Claus Parade. Top prize in the raffle is $10,000. Five second-place winners will receive $500, and 25 prizes of $100 will also be handed out. Tickets are $60 each. The draw will be held at the Chamber office on March 31 at 8 p.m. under the supervision of local accountant Roger B. Moase. Only 600 tickets are available. As well, one early-bird prize of $500 will be awarded at a Feb. 28 draw. The cut-off date for purchasing tickets to be included in that draw is Feb. 21. Tickets can be purchased at the Tourist Information Office on Queen St. or at the Port Perry Star office. For more information on the draw, please call the Scugog Chamber at 985-4971. Inspector Mercier "They cannot put the public at risk and each time the situation is differ- ent," said Insp. Mercier. "Driving a vehicle in a careless manner is dan- gerous to the public and could result in an innocent person being killed," he said. "The bottom line is public safety and the offi- cer has to consider every- thing before him or her and ensure that no one is put a risk." The province's Special Investigations Unit is cur- rently looking into a pur- suit that ended with a sus- pect being shot late last year. The pursuit began at the casino on Scugog Island and ended at the intersection of Hwy. 12 and 48, near Beaverton. A Cobourg man, who was shot during the inci- dent, faces several charges. Board reduces number of 'lead teachers' The number of teach- ers designated as "lead teachers" in Durham sec- ondary schools is being cut in reaction to reduced provincial fund- ing for high schools, according to board staff. In a report to the board on Jan. 10, Durham District School Board superintendent Craig Burch said that lead teachers, who work with principals on such matters as as student evaluation and curricu- lum implementation, will be reduced to reflect the school populations in Durham high schools. Teachers who take on the added responsibili- ties are given an addi- tional salary of $4,100 a year. The fact that these teachers are not given any more time allowance to complete their duties disturbs Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF) local president Shelly Paige. "There are now less of these teachers to do the jobs assigned by princi- pals, and that means that any task that takes them out of instructional classroom work must be taken on by other staff members who are already overloaded with work," said Ms Paige. a As ALALAASLGOARBALDARAALAACAALBAALLAALALLLALL Super Sal Saturday, February 5th 1/2 Price' * All Kid's Outerwear by OsKosh, Brooks, Ripzone Tommy Hilfiger Fall & Winter Collection Men's & Women's o Guess? and Dex Fall and Winter Collection \ Women: 5 1/2 Price * Men's, Women's and Kid's Winter boots except Sorel * Men's, Women's & Kid's Sleepwear & Robes * Women's Selected Lingerie by Elita, Stanfields & Hanna * Women's Selected Fall coordinates J Mer' s Selected Turtlenecks and Long Underwear ) Sunday, February 6th 1/2 Price' * Men's & Women's Outerwear by Brooks, Ripzone, Duffle & more * Selected Baby Sleepers by Colimacon, OshKosh & more * All Men's, Womens and Kid's Athletic Shoes by Brooks, Fila, Kangaroo & more * All Men's Corduroy Pants by Tommy Hilfiger, Chaps, Nash PR@C IS for K I ads * Off Original Prices -- All Sales Final --- |S) 1) = 168 - 178 Queen Street, Port Perry | AY BRZCKS on foot