Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1971-07-15, Page 1Roy Ratz Youths await sentence for mailbox, sign spree Five Crediton area youths appeared in Exeter court, Tuesday, to face a variety of counts related to the theft and damage of numerous mail boxes and road signs in the 'district. Harold Bruce Pratt and Glenn H. Kenney were charged with damage to roadsigns in Stanley Township on June 20. The court learned they broke off two checkerboard signs for no apparent reasons, and also a camp sign. It was noted that the removal of the checkerboard signs at the intersection could have easily led to tragedy. Judge Glenn flays fined each of Stephen on June 23. The three also pleaded guilty to the theft and damage of several mail boxes in Middlesex County on June 15 and June 17. During one of the occurrences it was reported the three went in Quesnel's car to the vicinity of Devil's Elbow west of Exeter and used a chain to pull out signs and then threw them in the ditch, Total damage to the mail boxes was listed at $111 in Stephen and $81 to those pulled down in Middlesex County. Judge Glenn Hays stated he was not, to any great extent, taking into consideration whether restitution was made or Please turn to page 3 - the two $50 and advised them to make restitution to the township to prevent further proceedings in another court. After that ease was finished, Kenney, along with Randolph Joseph Quesnel and Gary Donald Pinney faced a charge of removing a checkerboard sign and a "bridge ahead" sign on. June 20 in Stephen Township, All pleaded guilty. Kenney and Quesnel were charged with theft of two mail boxes and the removal of a stop sign in Stephen. They pleaded guilty to those three charges. They also pleaded guilty to mischief related to the wilful damage of 12 mailboxes in Start hearing in area fire BIBLE SCHOOL STUDENTS listen to teacher Linda Heckman as she teaches them their lesson Monday evening. The children are Connie Van Wieren, Audrey Van Wieren, Paul Cooper, Teddy. Beck, Kenneth Van Wieren (hidden) Kenneth Miller and Angela Korevaar. T-A photo Ninety-sixth Year EXETER, ONTARIO, JULY 15, 1971 Price Per Copy 15 Cents READY TO TOSS — With the help of instructor Harvey Barkawskas of 15, Thedford and the University of Western Ontario, Terry Anger of Huron Park is ready to toss the shot putt in the proper manner at Monday's track and field clinic held at SHDHS. T-A photo Girl dies from crash injuries; farmer killed i n tractor upset . Two more drivers lose driving license ago in a car-truck crash at the Crediton Road and Highway 4 intersection. Connie Lynn Mowbray (For- bes), 230 Algonquin Drive, had been in critical condition in St. Joseph's Hospital, intensive care unit since the noon-hour accident on June 29. She suffered serious head in- juries in the crash when she and three other J.A.D. McCurdy school students accompanied a grade 4 teacher at the school on a trip to Exeter to buy a term-end present for another teacher. The car, driven by Miss Car- men Joy Langdon, Clinton, was in collision with a northbound truck operated by Charles Bunting, Toronto. The truck was carrying about five tons of piping for an Exeter waterworks project. The truck driver was not in- jured, Miss Langdon was treated and released from South Huron Hospital for cuts and a con- cussion. Lynda Hillman, 11, of 134 St. Lawrence Ave., Huron Park, is still in St. Joseph's Hospital with a skull fracture, bruises, and a broken collarbone, suffered in the accident. — Please turn to page 3 Two more area drivers had their licences suspended for impaired driving when they • appeared before Judge Glenn Hays in Exeter court, Tuesday. Lloyd Theodore Smith, Zurich, was charged on May 27 after police noticed his erratic driving. A breathalizer test indicated a reading of 190 mgs, Smith was fined $100 or 10 days in jail and his license was suspended for three months. The same penalty was levied against John Ross Campbell, Hyde Park. He was charged in Exeter on June 20. A breathalizer test showed a ▪ reading of 130 mgs, A preliminary hearing into the charge of arson against a Kirkton man commenced in Exeter, Tuesday, John Thomas Lapointe was charged after the building in which he was living was gutted by fire on May 4. Only three witnesses were heard and the hearing has been adjourned until October 8. Robert Kaufman of the Ontario Fire Marshal's office reported he investigated the incident and said the fire started in the living room section of the house. The hydro was disconnected and he said there was no burning near a naptha gas stove in the kitchen. There was an oil space heater in the living room. Kaufman reported that a broken coal oil lamp was also found. Parts of it were in the kitchen and other parts were in the living room. When asked if he had formed an opinion on the cause of the blaze, Kaufman said he had not. However, he said the fire had certainly been helped by an in- inflammable liquid as it had burned on the surface for some time, rather than burning up as most fires do. He said there was no evidence of a petroleum product on samples of the floor, but he added that the fire on the floor was so deep it would not leave any trace of a petroleum product. Also testifying was Bernice McLachlin. She said she had a discussion with Lapointe regarding money owing on the house and when she asked if he wanted to keep the house or lose it, he had replied he would burn it down before he'd pay any more. Church plans drive-in event A fine of $100 was levied against Eric Roy Campbell,. Hensall, who pleaded guilty to careless driving. He was at- tempting to park his car on June 20 and his difficulty in so doing attracted the attention of a policeman. Several persons paid fines for possession or consumption of liquor while under the legal age, which at the time of the charges was 21. William Ennis, Arva, paid $35 for possession of liquor while under age. Robert John Patrick, Seaforth, was fined $30 for consuming liquor while under age for an offense in Exeter on June 15 and then $50 for the same, offense in Exeter on July 1. Judge Hays noted the accused had a peculiar attitude in that while waiting for a court ap- pearance he would commit the, same offense in the interim. Robert F. Oliver, Tuckersmith, who was with Patrick on June 15, was fined $35 for consuming liquor while under 21. In charges under the Highway Traffic Act, Judge Hays imposed the following fines: Frank Paul Ducharme, Hen- sall, was fined $20 for failing to wear a helmet while driving a mini-bike on June 13. Norman J. Bell, Clinton, was fined $20 for a speed of 70 in a 60 zone and James R. Patterson, Centralia, was fined $20 for a speed of 70 in a 60 zone. MUCH NEEDED BENCH — The Exeter local of the Post Office Employees Union donated a bench last week to provide resting room for senior citizens gathering in front of the post office. Above, employees Glenn Northcott, Elmer Willis and Bill Leak accept thanks from Asa Penhale, Louis Day, Edgar Squire, Tom Yellow, Herman Powe and Gordon Heywood. T-A photo Commencing Sunday the Exeter Pentecostal Tabernacle is sponsoring a drive-in church at the Northlander Mobile Homes parking lot on highway 83. Rev. Austin Gedcke, pastor of the church, has had two years experience conducting this type of service in Stratford. He stresses what he feels is the importance of the venture. "In the summertime church often dies and I hope the community will find these casual services appealing. People won't have to go into a warm church but can sit in the comfort of their own cars." He said there will be a short inspirational message but the emphasis will be on music. The Christian Reform youth group, The Impressions, will be the main attraction the first evening. Other artists have been lined up for future services including the Heywood Brothers and Sandy and Bonnie Bender. A well known Stephen Town- ship farmer was killed Thursday afternoon when the tractor he was driving overturned. Roy Ratz lost his life on the farm of his son Donald on the north half of lot 12, Concession 15 at approximately 12:15. He was attempting to cross a ditch on the farm which is located about a half mile north of the Crediton road from the Ratz home, He apparently got into trouble at the bottom of the ditch which had some water in it. The tractor, a 1953 Oliver veered to the right and Ratz was pinned under the left fender. He was pronounced dead at the scene by coroner Dr. R. W. Flowers. Mr, Ratz farmed all his life on Lot 10, Concession 15 of Stephen Township, He filled the office of Reeve for Stephen in 1946-47 and served on council in various capacities for 17 years. He was a Royal Arch Mason and was Grand Superintendent of London district No. 2 in 1957, A masonic service was held at the T. H, Hoffman Funeral Home, Dashwood, Saturday evening. He was a faithful member of the Crediton Evangelical United Brethren and United churches and served as elder for many years. Surviving besides his wife, the former Clara Haist are sons, Donald and Harvey, daughter Mrs. Earl (Margaret)Smith and four grandchildren. The son of the late John Ratz and Barbara Finkbeiner, he was in his 75th year. The funeral was held Monday from Zion United church Crediton with interment in the Crediton cemetery, Hoffman's Funeral Home of Dashwood was in charge. Pallbearers were Jack Ratz, Earl Ratz, Gordon Ratz, Milton Sweitzer, Sam Sweitzer and Fred MacPherson. Flower bearers were Ross Pickering, Harold Vincent, Lorne Devine, Howard Clarke, Cliff Russell and John Godbolt. Driverless cars crash near pool The only accident of the week investigated by the Exeter police department involved two unat- tended vehicles. The mishap occurred on Andrew street north near the swimming pool. A vehicle that was driven to the brow of the hill south of the pool by Mrs. Maria Winters, 300 Thames Road east rolled forward and struck a parked car owned by Jack Tinney, RR 1, Exeter. The accident was investigated by Chief Ted Day who reported no injuries to four children in the runaway car at the time. Total damages were estimated at $350. STUDIES AT CORNELL Suzanne Rannie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Rannie, Hensall, is in her first year of Hotel Management at Cornell • University, Ithica, N.Y. She recently won a scholarship for $750.00. Miss Rannie is a graduate of George Brown College, Toronto, and taught on the staff there for one and a half years before entering Cornell. She is a graduate of SHDHS iik Seven cars lose licenses Only slight increase in taxes for Stephen up 1.8 mills while separate school supporters will pay 2.92 mills m ore, With an increase of $1.20 in the shelter grant for police village, public school supporters in Crediton, Dashwood and Cen- tralia with an average assessment of $1,800 will pay $2.04 more in taxes than they did in 1970 and the separate school increase will be $4.06. meaning a decrease of 15 mills from a year ago and a tax cut of approximately $90 for the average farm, At the same time, separate school supporters throughout the township face an increase of 2.92 mills from a year ago. The tax situation for the three police villages is the same as in the township proper, The rate for public school supporters will be Dies of injuries An 11-year-old Huron Park girl died in London hospital, Saturday of injuries suffered two weeks Plan to buy new grader The increase in 1971 taxes for most residents of Stephen township will be very little ac- cording to the tax rate set at the latest meeting of council while a few ratepayers will benefit from a sizeable reduction. Last year all ratepayers paid the same rate for public and separate school support but this year a breakdown has been made with the same boundaries as used in the former school sections and areas. The total farm and residential mill rate will be 79.13, an increase of 1.8 mills for those supporting the former Stephen township school area, This means that a farm with an average assessment of $6,000 will be charged a total of $7,74 more in taxes than in 1970, The mill rate would raise the taxes by $10.80 but an increase in the shelter grant rebate of $3,06 would mean a net tax increase of $7,74, For those persons residing in a small area at the north end of the township with original school support to Hay township taxes will be reduced by at least $60 on a $6,000 assessment. The mill rate for this section is 68.36. Similarily, a few ratepayers at the south edge of Stephen with original school support to McGillivray township will pay a mill rate this yer of 62.03, Mystery person on Exeter street Exeter merchants have started preparations for their two-day sidewalk sales event which will be held Friday and Saturday, July 23 and 24, They hope to make the necessary arrangements to have a portion of the street closed off for the two days. Visitors to Exeter this week have an opportunity to win $10 in cash by identifying a mystery shopper. The committee in charge have picked out one person and are urging everyone to ask anyone they meet if he is Mr. or Mrs. Sidewalk Sale. The first person to ask the person so designated wins the $10. In addition to the mer- chandising specials being offered by merchants, local artists and craft enthusiasts are invited to set up displays of their work. There will also be Other special attractions during the two-day event. VEHICLE SAFETY CHECK The Ontario department of transport conducted a safety vehicle check in Lucan last week with a total of 276 vehicles inspected. Officers in charge are shown in action above. GRAND BEND DOCTORS ARRIVE — The Grand Bend Medical Centre becomes a reality this week with the arrival of two doctors from Ireland. Dr. Liam O'Connor and Dr. Shawn Trapp are being welcomed by centre chairman Bill Stutdevant and executive members mac maeLarth and Jack Mennen after their arrival late Tuesday evening. T-A photo Police look for 'hot' pant suits Shortly before closing time Saturday evening, Mrs. Edith Boyle of toyle's Ladies Wear, 405 Main Street reported to town police that two pant suits were stolen from the store. The suits were valued at '$60. Investigation -conducted by Chief Ted Day is continuing. Usborne council at their latest meeting passed a bylaw giving the municipality borrowing powers up to $500,000 under new regulations of the Tile Drainage Act. Clerk Harry Strang attended a meeting in Orangeville, June 30 when the newest tile drain loan rules were explained. Previouslylirnits et total loans a township could borrow from the provincial government were governed by the total assessment, The newest regulations, allow a municipality to issue debentures tip to the $500,000 limit, subject to Ontario Municipal Board Ap- proval, The interest rate remains at four per cent, Treasurer Harry Strang reported that 1971 Usborne taxes collected on the interim billing clue June 30 had reached $66,2908 or 67 per cent of the total levy, Strang told the T-A Tuesday that the figure had now reached 75 per cent. A grant .of $25 to the South Huron Agricultural Society was made along with $4 for each of 14 calves owned by .Usborne Please turn to page 3. A total of 276 vehicles were inspected last week by an Ontario Department of Transport safety check held in Lucan. Licences were removed from seven vehicles that were declared completely unsafe for travel on the highways while 41 stickers showing that vehicles Were mechanically fit were issued. Owners of the other vehicles inspected were given a reasonable length of time to have repairs made. A sticker will be issued by the Lucan OPP detach- , Ment when proof of repairs is shown, Mr. Phil, Speak of Kitchener in charge of the inspection crew said it was a successful effort arid he was pleased with the small number of vehicles that Were rejected, He attributed the improvement in fitness of vehicles to the compulsory safety check that goes with all used cars that are sold. Members of the Lucan detach- ment of the Ontario Provincial Police issued notices to owners of about 40 vehicles several weeks prior to the Check to have their carts Or trucks checked. Corporal Bernie Crane said Monday that charges would be laid against motorists that failed to bring their vehicles in for last week's inspection. LIFEGUARDS AT GRAND BEND - A staff of four lifeguards will be on duty at the beach at Grand Bend throughout the summer months. They are, back, left, Bill Dinnitt and Sandy McPherson, Front,. Judy Jennison and Janet Lochead, T-A photo