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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2013-04-18, Page 8PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013. REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. ALL ARE IN COLOUR 4x6 - $4.00 5x7 - $5.00 8x10 - $8.00 Phone to order ~ 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 Sports Central Huron questions ‘victory laps’ on fire trucks Big winners The Wingham Golf and Curling Club presented its curling awards on April 9. Bob Foxton, second from left, presented the Foxton Fuels trophy to the winning rink. Shown are, from left, lead Brian Carr, Foxton, second Leota King, third Bob Johnston and skip Bill Tolton. (Jim Brown photo) Silver medal At the Wingham Golf and Curling Club’s curling awards ceremony on April 9, Kathy Edgar, left, presented the Bob Edgar Memorial trophy to the second draw winners, from left, skip Bruce Robertson, third Wayne Forster, second Verna Taylor and lead Ed Stewart. (Jim Brown photo) Top three The Wingham Golf and Curling Club hosted its annual curling awards ceremony on April 9. Allan Walker, left, presented the J.R. Coultes trophy to the third draw team consisting of, from left, skip Stewart Leedham, third Bob Foxton and lead Ross Peacock. Ron Taylor, second for the team, was absent. (Jim Brown photo) Central Huron Fire Chief Steve Cooke would like to see an end to victory laps. In reporting on mounting concerns with liability relating to insurance costs, Cooke says it would make sense to end the practice of giving victorious sports teams a circle around town in the fire truck as has been a traditional practice for decades. “I know it’s a tradition but it’s a hot topic,” he said. “There are a lot of traditions that are not smart to do.” When Councillor Brian Barnim inquired as to whether an insurer’s opinion was sought out, Cooke had copies of a letter from an insurer, advising against the practice, which he handed out to councillors. While Cooke suggested creating an ad hoc committee, including community residents, to discuss the issue and make recommendations, Barnim suggested giving winning teams a ride on the truck during special events, like annual parades, as a compromise. Still, Cooke had concerns. “What about seatbelt use?” asked Cooke. “I still don’t think it’s a good idea.” Councillor Alex Westerhout said while it’s a shame lawsuits are becoming common practice, it seems like it is time to discontinue victory laps. Councillor Dan Colquhoun noted victory laps have only been provided about 20 times in 57 years. Ultimately, councillors directed the CAO to report back with recommendations on the matter. By Cheryl Heath Special to The Citizen HE’s Diehl shares resident’s concerns over fire truck use Huron East Councillor Diane Diehl, at council’s April 2 meeting, asked for a report from Huron East Fire Chief Marty Bedard regarding the policy surrounding hockey teams riding on municipal fire trucks. Diehl said she was approached by a Huron East resident who was upset that the Blyth Brussels Midget Rep team, which recently won the OMHA championship, was granted a ride through Brussels on one of the Brussels department’s fire trucks. Diehl told the person that she would bring it up to council. Mayor Bernie MacLellan said that the championship was a “major event” for the community and that it would be a shame for that practice to end. Council, however, said it would wait until hearing from Bedard to take any further action on the complaint. *** Councillor Alvin McLellan said there was some concern in the Grey Ward over Huron County Forest Conservation Officer Dave Pullen “overstepping his bounds” on farms in the community. MacLellan said he would bring that information to a Huron County Council meeting and ask Pullen to make a presentation for Huron East Council. MacLellan said that council likely needed more education on what Pullen does and the rules and regulations surrounding his job. *** Council added the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre to its list of stops on the April 27 tour of the municipality’s facilities after receiving a letter from the Blyth Brussels Minor Hockey Association. The letter requested new flooring and a fresh coat of paint for the interior of the arena to help revitalize the structure. Council has planned to have a strategic planning meeting on April 27 where several long-term planning issues will be discussed and then in the afternoon councillors will hit the road and tour several of its facilities and drive several roads that are said to be in bad shape. The tour will be conducted by Public Works Director Barry Mills. By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen #3 And We Try Harder! Recent circulation figures for the 8 paid circulation newspapers serving Huron County show The Citizen has the 3rd highest circulation. The Citizen Proudly Community- Owned Since 1985