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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2017-04-20, Page 7THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017. PAGE 7. Canoe, ATV incidents, fatality prompt OPP warning With the arrival of above average temperatures and sunny skies earlier this month, many Huron County residents and visitors found their way outdoors and engaged in some of their favourite outdoor pursuits. Enjoying your favourite outdoor activity is certainly encouraged, but doing it in a safe and responsible manner can mean the difference between a great day spent outdoors or a day marred by injury or death. Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind the public to always think "safety first" following a weekend that turned deadly on Huron's waterways and roadways. Two canoeing incidents occured earlier this month that required emergency services to get involved. The first occurred on April 7 when a 23 -year-old male lost his life while canoeing down the Nine Mile River in the evening. His canoe overturned when it struck a deadfall and he ultimately drowned to death. The male was not wearing a life jacket or a personal floatation device. The second canoeing incident occurred on April 8 on the Maitland River. Two intoxicated males in their early 20s were paddling down the fast -flowing river when they also hit a deadfall in the water and overturned their canoe. Fortunately, the males were wearing personal floatation devices (PFD) and they stayed afloat in the water. The males spent approximately an hour in the cold water before they made it to shore. Their screams for help were heard by a resident that lives on Maitland Block Road and emergency services were called. The canoers were eventually located and successfully rescued around 7:30 p.m. Both males were completely underdressed and unprepared for the water conditions. They were transported to hospital and treated for hypothermia. Cold waters are dangerous and it is especially important to wear a PFD during cold water seasons — it can make an unexpected mishap survivable. Make sure you are well- dressed and consider taking a few extra warming items on board. Hypothermia is a particularly significant risk right now. Boaters and those working and playing near the water need to remember — the colder the water, the less rescue time there is. Before heading out, it is essential to do a thorough check of your vessel to ensure you have all your required and recommended safety equipment. A pair of incidents involving all - terrain vehicles (ATVs) also occurred in Huron County during the same time period. On Sunday, April 9, shortly before 5 p.m. police learned of a collision involving a side-by-side utility vehicle (UTV). Officers learned the driver was travelling along the Yin and Yang When the weather is warm, students have a bit more pep in their step and students at Hullett Central Public School are no different. They flocked to the playground at recess last week when the weather got warm and enjoyed plenty of outdoor activities. Shown are Amber Shannon, left, and Kyrah Haak enjoying the playground. (Denny Scott photo) County approves Seaforth severance Continued from page 6 in Seaforth wanting to expand. He also provided some history about the potential expansion, saying that for a number of years the neighbours weren't on the same page, but now they are in terms of going forward, so the opportunity should be seized. Huron East Deputy -Mayor Joe Steffler agreed, saying that further development in Seaforth is important and that if representatives from Bridges wanted to speak against the expansion, they had multiple opportunities without leaving it to the "1 lth hour" like they did. The Planning and Development Department provided council with a list of conditions if council wished to go ahead with approving the application. Other councillors agreed, feeling that anything that wasn't addressed in the conditions could be worked out between the applicant and the adjacent landowner ahead of a land sale. While the planning department had recommended deferral, council opted to approve the application with the listed conditions. Legion fundraiser set April 27 Continued from page 1 Legion Building Fund which has three new projects ahead of it — a new roof, renovated kitchen and renovated bar. The fund was depleted earlier when the branch saw significant renovations to increase usable space and increase accessibility. The night will also serve as the last chance for people to pick up tickets for the Legion and Ladies Auxiliary ATV draw and an opportunity to buy tickets to the Blyth Legion steak dinner, both of which will occur on April 29, two days later. Tickets for the steak dinner are $20 each. For more information, contact Hubbard at the number above or kswarwick@ezlink ca, the Legion or find the Blyth Legion on Facebook. shoulder of Maitland Block Road when the rear cargo bucket released and three young passengers fell out onto the ground. The three young women, all in their early 20s, sustained non -life threatening injuries. Neither the driver, nor his four passengers were wearing helmets. Just over an hour later on Hern Line in South Huron officers responded to a call of an overturned ATV down in the deep ditch. Upon arrival police located a 42 -year-old male who had sustained minor injuries. The male was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, however, he had been drinking alcohol. "Unfortunately we still see too many young people engaging in risky and dangerous behaviour. Whether it is failing to wear the required safety equipment or making the decision to operate a vehicle or vessel after consuming alcohol, these are risks that are unnecessary," Huron OPP Detachment Commander Inspector Jason Younan said. "The events of this past weekend should be a reminder to everyone that sometimes unnecessary risks can lead to life - changing or fatal events. Please adopt a safety conscious mindset and always think about your safety first." Fatal incident in Exeter investigated The Ontario Ministry of Labour and the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment were on-site to investigate a fatal accident that took place southwest of Exeter earlier this month. Shortly after 9:15 a.m. on April 10, Huron OPP, Huron County Paramedic Services and South Huron Fire Department responded to an emergency call at a grain elevator located on Kirkton Road southwest of Exeter. Upon arrival emergency personnel located an unresponsive male victim. The adult male's injuries proved to be fatal and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The preliminary investigation has revealed a truck driver had just finished dropping off his load and he had cleared the weigh station. Prior to leaving the grain elevator property, the driver stopped to check on the condition of his trailer. A short while later he was found lying pinned beneath one of the tractor - trailer tires. The deceased has been identified as William Inch, 62, from St. Marys. Investigators from The Ministry of Labour, OPP West Region Technical Traffic Collision Investigation Team (TTCI) and OPP Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Unit attended the scene to assist with the investigation. Share your news by placing your announcement in MUNICIPALITY OF MORRIS-TURNBERRY TAX INSTALLMENT NOTICE The first installment of the 2017 property taxes is due on Thursday, April 27, 2017. Payment can be made by mail or directly at the Municipal Office, 41342 Morris Rd., PO Box 310, Brussels, ON NOG 1H0. For your convenience, a drop box is available at the front door for after hours use. Payments can also be made at most banking institutions and by telephone and internet banking. Failure to receive your property tax bill does not in any way exempt you from payment. Nancy Michie Administrator Clerk -Treasurer 519-887-6137 MUNICIPALITY OF MORRIS-TURNBERRY 2017 LARGE ITEM PICKUP The Municipality is hosting a Large Item Pickup or Treasurer Swap day for all residents in the URBAN AREAS, on Friday, May 5, 2017. Any items not 'swapped' will be collected on Monday, May 8, 2017. Any large items from the URBAN or RURAL areas can be delivered to the Municipal Landfill, 85047 Clyde Line on Monday, May 8, 2017 at NO CHARGE. The Municipal Landfill will be open between 10:00 a.m. 'til 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 8, 2017. For more information, please refer to the flyer you received by mail or on the website at www.morristurnberrv.ca