Wednesday, February 28, 2007 · Page 6 Border crossing a high priority, transportation minister says BY DANIEL SCHWAB After pledging to visit Windsor-Essex County once a month, Minister of Transportation Donna Cansfield talked with greenhouse operators at Red Moose Great Northern Hydroponics in Ruthven on Friday about the province's efforts to stimulate the local economy. Cansfield told reporters the local greenhouse industry is concerned about keeping their perishable products moving across the CanadaUnited States border in a timely fashion. About 70 per cent of the tomatoes packaged at Red Moose are sent south of the border. "I think the issue is around how do we keep WindsorEssex moving," Cansfield said. "In this case, we're dealing with a perishable product so timing is critical. as those on air quality, and acquiring technical data before making a definitive decision on the type of border crossing to be constructed. She did say the crossing will be built as a continuation of Highway 401 and that she expects an environmental assessment to be done next year and initial digging for the project to start in 2009, with completion in 2013. Cansfield also confirmed that plans were on track to expand Highway 3, with construction expected to begin in the fall. Phase one of the project is approximately 6.9 kilometres long, running just west of County Road 34 (Talbot Road) near Maidstone, easterly to just east of County Road 8 in Essex. A preliminary cost estimate for phase 1 carries a price tag of about $25 million, with a completion date set for the fall of 2008. During the local tour, Cansfield also visited the DaimlerChrysler DCX Assembly Plant in Windsor and met with LaSalle Mayor Gary Baxter. Legion hosts local author Ron Van Stone On Feb. 28, the Royal anadian Legion Branch 01 on Talbot Street will be osting a book signing vent for local author Ron an Stone from 11 a.m. to 3 .m. Van Stone's recently pubished novel Fateful iaisons will be on display, nd the 72-year-old writer will be selling and autographing the book. Fateful Liaisons is the story of a young British soldier, Alan Stone, who emigrates to Canada in 1911. He gets married, but leaves his bride when he enlists as a soldier in the Canadian Army and is shipped overseas to fight in the First World War. On the battlefield, Stone gets injured and while recuperating in hospital, he begins an affair with his nurse. After being sent out into the front lines again, the character is injured more seriously this time and sent home to his wife in Canada and forced to live with his secret. Van Stone, a former police officer, has written nearly 20 books from Westerns to historical fiction. After 30 years of writing, Fateful Liaisons is the first of his books to be published. Trafford Publishing is promoting the book. Photo: Andy Comber NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE TOWN OF ESSEX COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Please be advised that the Council of the Town of Essex is seeking interested citizens to serve on an ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Committee will act in an advisory capacity on matters of environmental importance or significance which may have an effect on the Town of Essex. Persons interested in serving on the Committee should submit their name in writing, along with a brief outline of their qualifications to the undersigned no later than Friday March 16, 2007. Jerry Marion, Clerk Town of Essex 33 Talbot Street South Essex, Ontario N8M 1A8 jmarion@townofessex.on.ca Fax: (519)776-8811 UNDER GLASS Minister of Transportation Donna Cansfield, centre, takes a tour of the greenhouse operations of Great Northern Hydroponics in Ruthven Feb. 23, with company president Darrin Didychuk, right, and Essex MPP Bruce Crozier. is critical. Gridlock Listening to that and understanding that really reemphasizes the need to make a decision (on a new border crossing) in 2007." Cansfield said improving the flow of border traffic is a high priority for the provincial government. She said her visit to greenhouse businesses would help "frame the context as we move forward and make a decision on developing the border itself." The minister said the government is still working on border crossing studies such ESTATE COLLECTIBLES AND ANTIQUES Saturday, March 3rd at 9:00 A.M. At Lakeside Park Pavilion, Kingsville We will be selling for Linda D.E. Dupuis of Amherstburg plus additions from a Windsor and Chatham Estate. Collectibles: 1950's neon Coca Cola clock with pulsating dial.and other Coke collectibles, 1938 Detroit Tigers pennant, 1940 World Series Pennant between Detroit and Cincinnati, 2 old swords, 1883 cast lion and monkey bank, Bing Pigmyphone miniature record player, large quantity of old fishing lures, fishing rods, reels and hooks, vintage plastic working decoys, 2 old wooden decoys, cast iron door stop, very unique carving of 2 cicadas on horn, marble collection, perfume bottles, 7 seltzer bottles, oil paintings, watercolours, prints, picture frames, oak telephone paper weights, signed Joe St. Clair, plastic radios, old toys, 8 ft. metal Statue of Liberty, post cards, 1970's silver dollars and other coins, Canadian paper money, lighting rods, dolls, autographed photo, card and puck from Bobby Hull, CNR gas can, gingerbread clock, etc. Estate Jewelry & Sterling Silver: 14 kt. gold ring with diamond app. $2,760, sterling silver rattle signed Tiffany & Co., 3 piece sterling silver coffee set, etc. Furniture: mahogany dining room set, mahogany bedroom set, oak file cabinet, pine grain bin, oak fireplace mantle, unique mahogany cabinet with hidden safe, painted cabinet with leaded glass doors, rattan sofa, old wicker, etc. Large Quantity of Glassware & China: Loetz inkwell, rare 13: Vaseline glass fish bowl, Vaseline water set, Wallaceburg amber glass cane, partial set of Coalport "Indian Tree", collection of Fiesta Ware, Royal Doulton, over 200 salt and pepper shakers, Belleek, Amethyst, pinwheel Cornflower, Cranberry, Noritaki, etc. Lamps, Lighting & Misc.: pair of signed Pairpoint candlestick lamps, 1920's copper table lamp, chairs, chandeliers and wall sconces from 13 Russell, linens and doilies and much more! Viewing Saturday from 8:00 A.M. LACASSE AUCTIONS INC. (519)733-3541 FOR PHOTOS & LISTING: www.lacasseauctions.com