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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2015-03-05, Page 20PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015. Continued from page 16 questions, White started talking about the township’s reserves, presenting information regarding where the reserves come from and what they are earmarked for before opening the floor to questions regarding the entire budget from the public. Unsuccessful Reeve candidate Steve Hill asked what the price was for the Ontario Provincial Police to take over for the Wingham Police Department, to which councillors answered they didn’t have a specific number, but in the past it had been cost-prohibitive. He then asked how many roofs were suffering leaks in the municipality and was told there are leaks at the North Huron Wescast Complex and the Wingham Daycare, but that there were plans to deal with several roofs in the budgets for the year. His next question was how facilities were heated, specifically which ones were on propane, oil or electric heating when the less expensive natural gas option was available. Newson told Hill no facilities use oil anymore. The last one, the Wingham Museum, was converted in 2014. After some discussion it was revealed two buildings were using a fuel source other than natural gas where it was available: the former Public Utilities Commission building in Blyth uses electricity and the Blyth Community Centre uses propane. Changing the latter, however, was not something council was anxious to do. “It would be hard to call up Sparling’s Propane and kick them out when they donated more to the [recently purchased ice resurfacer] than what we pay for propane for two years,” Knott said. “Sparling’s Propane puts a lot of money into the community, much more than they get back.” Vincent pointed out that the building is under a commercial rate, not a residential rate, which means they pay much less. Nicholson also added that, every time the township considers switching any building over, they do a cost-analysis of the move. “We generally shoot for a five- year pay back,” he said. Council was also informed switching wouldn’t simply be changing the fuel source. Many of the appliances would need to be replaced, which wouldn’t be a cost- effective decision. Council’s next budget meeting will be set for the week of March 16, pending a decision at the next council meeting. Leaking roofs probed Cheering them on The F.E. Madill Secondary School Mustangs boys basketball squad had a lot of team spirit behind them during the Western Ontario Secondary School Athletics Association (WOSSAA) ‘AA” championship held at the school last Friday. The school’s mascot, Victor-E the Mustang, kept the crowd entertained and cheering throughout the home squad’s games. (Denny Scott photo) Big plays Students from Hullett Central Public School attended the annual area volleyball tournament at Central Huron Secondary School last week and the boys team were able to snag a first-place finish. Shown are Bailey Bos, left, and Luke Forbes, right, setting up a play. (Denny Scott photo) Brussels ~ 519-887-9114Blyth ~ 519-523-4792 The Citizen Snow Day? We have books to entertain your young ones ALFALFABET A TO Z Help a youngster learn the alphabet and learn about food and agriculture at the same time with this colourfully illustrated picture book. As well as learning the ABCs youngsters will learn of everything from farm animals to fruits and the bees that pollinate them. $19.95 THE BARNYARD READ- AND-PLAY STICKER BOOK Stories of farm animals and activities, plus the chance for kids to create their own stories with 80 reuseable vinyl stickers. $9.95 CATTLE DRIVE Writer and illustrator Jacqueline Ward tells the story of a cattle drive through the adventures of the animals on Grove Hill Farm from the horses, and dogs to the pig and goat. $7.95 EXPLORING THE WORLD OF BEES Roughly 4,000 of the planet’s 20,000 bee species can be found in North America. We take these insects for granted at our peril. Learn about the role played by the industrious honeybee and native bees in pollination. $6.95 THE FAMILY BUTTERFLY BOOK Love butterflies? This book’s for you. How to attract butterflies to your garden, make butterfly boxes and cages, identify 40 favourite North American species, even build your own butterfly farm. $20.95 HORSE CRAZY 1001 fun facts, craft projects, games, activities and know how for horse-loving kids in this nearly-400- page book. Author Jessie Haas provides practical information on all things equine. Designed for kids 8 and up. $19.95 I WANT TO BE A COWBOY A child’s introduction into what it’s like to be a real-life modern cowboy. $3.99 UNDER A SUNFLOWER SUN ON STRAGGLE’S FARM Wingham poet Hilary Gillespie has created a book of poems for children about farm life, beautifully illustrated by Lynn Smith. Poems about farm animals, the weather, and things grown on the farm. $9.95