So there I was in court last week taking in a dry-as-dust election audit matter.

Who knew I would soon be guffawing, and that the laugh would come courtesy of Ontario Court of Justice David Harris?

Here’s the sketch:

Prior to the audit thing, Assistant Crown attorney Graeme Leach was the doing the usual morning juggling act — dispensing of this matter and adjourning that matter.

At one point, Leach told the judge he had to step away to another courtroom for a few minutes to arrange a court date for something.

Harris advised Leach that he might want to be more careful with his phrasing.

Leach looked perplexed.

Said Harris: “You said you had to go schedule a homocide.”

Leach amended his statement.

“I have to schedule a homocide hearing.”

Hey, it was funny.

*****

On this date, April 19, I’m tied for first place in our office playoff hockey pool. That’s the good news.

The bad news? I have four Pittsburgh players — count ‘em, four! —  including Sidney Crosby. So, I’m toast.

But as the self-appointed pool commissioner, I have decided to take a stand against the violence permeating these playoffs and, in protest, declare our pool to be over, leaving me, fortuitously, as the co-winner.

I’ll let you know how that works out.

*****

So, St. Catharines Mayor Brian McMullan is weighing in on the school accommodation review.

Hmm …

Well, I guess he figured he had to, what with Thorold city council and Mayor Ted Luciani leading the cavalry charge for Thorold Secondary School.

Thing is, there’s no easy out here for the District School Board of Niagara.

And it doesn’t necessarily stand to reason that if the DSBN decides to close Thorold, West Park will automatically be saved.

Still, from McMullan’s perspective, there’s the politics of the situation to be considered. Can’t be seen sitting idly by while a couple of city high schools are poised to get the axe.

*****

Interesting reaction to a column last week on downtown St. Catharines hotels of the past, particularly in regard to the late, unlamented Montebello. I had made some allusion to its shady past, prompting some readers to wonder what the heck I was talking about and others to reminisce about past drug-taking at the former St. Paul St. dive.

Sounds like a possible future column. I await the right opportunity.

 

 

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