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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1973-11-22, Page 1" ,e4%m.naREMMEW "•!R.F.F: Kippen area man charge with widow's sex murder • Lloyd George Salter, RR 3 Kippen, will appear in provincial court in Goderich today at 10:30 a.m, to face a charge of non-capital murder. Salter, arrested at his job around 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, will be charged with the sex slaying of 94-year-old Hensall widow, Mrs. Jane Burton McMurtrie. Mrs. McMurtrie's naked body was found in the upstairs bedroom of her King St. home evident in Hensall after the murder, augmented with frequent rumors of prowlers and other strange and unusual happenings. It prompted former Reeve Minnie Noakes to commence a campaign to phone many of the elderly widows and spin- sters in the community on a daily basis to give them some assurance they had friends they may call on for help, Price Per Copy 25 Cents FOOTWEAR OF ALL SIZES — Customers at the weekend rummage sale sponsored by the South Huron Hospital Auxiliary had a good choice of merchandise. Mrs. Leone Brock holds varied sizes of footwear in the above picture. T-A photo READY FOR WARMER CLIMATE — The winner of a trip for two to the Bahamas in a lucky draw sponsored by the T-A and area merchants was won by Mrs. Stan Love of Exeter. Mrs. Love is shown above looking for the Bahamas on a map. T-A photo Pedestrian injured in Hensall collision Given som for better Grand Bend reeve Robert Sharen said this week his presentation made to the department of Ontario Minister of Treasury and Intergovern- mental Affairs for a review of Grand Bend's unconditional and equalization grants was well received. Sharen said he met with Arthur Meighen an executive assistant to the Hon. John White along with Lambton MPP Lorne Henderson. Grand Bend's objection is based on the fact their grant structure is calculated on a year round population of 714. Earlier this year when the province announced an equalization grant for all municipalities based on the a'ver'age assessment Grand Bend was to receive $5,000. This figure was later cancelled due to a calculation error. The submission to Toronto compared the Grand Bend population and supply of services situation to other district municipalities. It/ went on to say, "Uncon- ditional grants are based on population. We are paid for 749 souls but service more than 2,000 while each of the other municipalities receive on the basis of their full population." "The customer figures for four area Public Utility Commissions indicate that the Grand Bend PUC customer count is in line with communities having a population of 2,370." Sharen pointed out this irregularity emphatically saying, "while our population is listed at only 714 the PUC lists 877 customers." In the cost of providing ser- vices, Grand Bend pays more for garbage collection than Forest and Exeter which have a much higher population figure for grant purposes. Grand Bend pays $16,200 for garbage collection while the cost to Exeter for 3,304 persons is $14,256 and for Fdrest is $12,065.04 for a population of 2,370 persons, The submission to Toronto continued, "The village must keep street lights on for all our properties which lines are greater than the lines needed to serve any municipalities of 700 to 800 population." "When it comes to grants it Award contract for post office Construction of a new Post Office in Exeter on property at the northwest corner of Andrew and Sanders streets is to begin soon. Huron MP Robert McKinley announced Wednesday afternoon that the contract had been awarded to Logan Construction of Stratford for $145,450. The successful firm submitted the lowest of two bids received in response to public advertising. The other quote was for $182,672. Plans call for construction of a one storey steel frame building measuring 90 feet by 60 feet and resting on a concrete and con- crete block foundation, Materials to be used include load-bearing masonry and open- web steel joists, The building is to have a brick exterior finial), A loading dock equipped with a hydraulic elevating device is also included in the plans. Construction is to be COmpleted by May 1974, e hope GB aid appears that the lowest figures are used but on levies the highest figures are used," ; STEAL MACHINE Officers of the Lucan detach- ment of the Ontario Provincial Police are investigating the theft of a large Case tractor, backhoe and bulldozer attachment. The equipment valued at $22,000 is owned by Majestic Construction of Toronto and disappeared Monday night from a pipeline site, south of Con- cession 6 in London township. The investigating officer James Craig reports tracks can be seen up to the road and then dissappeared. Stephen township is un- dertaking an immediate feasibility study to provide a water system for a number of areas in the township. The Goderich engineering firm of B. M. Ross is being engaged to carry out the study after a request for immediate action on supplying water for the police village of Dashwood was received Tuesday night from the Dashwood and area Chamber of Commerce. The request presented by president Lorne Kleinstiver was accompanied by a petition signed by 112 property owners and a letter from the Huron Medical Officer of Health showing the unsuitability of Dashwood water according to a 1969 survey. The Chamber of Commerce brief stated the supply and quality of water in the police village had deteriorated to an all- time low. Many families were Out of water and were forced to bring in water by transport from the Lake Huron supply system. In making the request, the C of C pointed out it was not trying to take over responsibilities of the police village but' nly attempting to complement efforts by the trustees. When's a house not a house? That's a question being faced more frequently by Exeter council and discussion this week indicated some members may be changing their position on the definition. Some time ago, a local ratepayer presented a request to put a "double-wide" mobile or modular home on a local lot, Most members of council were op- posed and the local planning board turned the application down because they felt it was a mobile home and therefore could only be erected in a mobile home park under local regulations. This week, another local ratepayer, Mrs. Barry Southcott, appeared before council with a request to put a mobile (or modular) home on a local lot. With her was Len Hoffman of Bendix Homes in Hensall, where the unit is manufactured. He explained that the unit should be referred to as a modular home and added that it was built to specifications of the National Building Code and Central Mortgage and Housing. He said the wheels and tongue No apparent action has been taken by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment as the result of a request by Stephen council several months ago for a feasibility study, Because of the Dashwood request and petition council felt they had an obligation to proceed as quickly as possible. B, M. Ross engineers will be asked to study the possibility of building a feeder line from the Grand Bend pipeline system or drilling wells in the Dashwood area. The Dashwood delegation .suggested to council drilling wells may not be the answer because of a possible sulphur content in the water, The possibility of supplying water to the other two police villages of Crediton and Centralia along with Huron Park and farmers along a proposed pipeline will also be explored. Support GB Plant At Tuesday's regular meeting council passed a resolution supporting the application by the village of Grand Bend for a sewage treatment plant as Op- posed to lagoon ponds. Two hearings to locate a lagoon used to transport the home were not a part of it, but, were rented by the new owner for tran- sportation purposes only. Reeve Boyle suggested there was "no difference" between the Bendix home shown council and the Alcan homes which have been allowed in town. "I agree with Derry," com- mented Councillor Ben Hoogenboom. Mayor Jack Delbridge said he thought there should be a "place set out" for these homes, but added there would have to be some hard decisions made before that stage was reached. However, Reeve Boyle replied that as long as the home didn't contravene the bylaw as to what constituted a regulation house, it could be put anywhere in town, Mrs. Southcott and Deputy- Reeve Helen Jermyn agreed on the point that modular homes should not be put in subdivisions next to $40,000 homes. Hoffman extended an in- vitation to council to view the homes under construction at Hensall and this invite was ac- cepted. Several members, plan to in the township of Stephen to serve a proposed Grand Bend sewage system were un- successful, At the hearings, Grand Bend officials were decidedly in favour of con- struction of a treatment plant. Last week, an Ontario Environmental Board report in okaying a sewage system for a proposed modular home park in Stephen adjacent to Grand Bend recommended the system be abandoned and included in Grand Bend sewage works when they become a reality. Council was asked for leniency by Don Bunking Contracting of Clinton as the result of a penalty clause in the recent gravelling contract. The Clinton firm has been charged a total of $1,400 for taking 14 additional working days to complete the contract. The decuctions were made from his contract price, No action will be taken on the request until the December 3 meeting of council, Councillor Ken Campbell was absent from the latest meeting. A land severance application from Clem McCann for Lot 12, Concession 13 wat given council approval. means Mrs. McMurtrie was strangled. Salter, a 39-year-old sheet metal worker, was arrested by OPP Constables Frank Giffin and Ed Wilcox at his place of employment in Hensall. Police said the suspect has lived common-law with an area woman for some time and has two or three children. The arrest culminated several weeks of intensive in- tour the plant this week. Mayor Delbridge said council would try to have an answer for Mrs. Southcott within two to three weeks. After she left the meeting, Mayor Delbridge said council "have to quit dragging our feet" and make a decision regarding modular homes. Exeter lady trip winner One of four Exeter persons expected to be heading for the Bahamas in January as the result of the recent lucky ticket draw sponsored by The Times- Advocate and area merchants wasn't completely settled down 24 hours after she received the news. Mrs. Stan Love, 70 Thomas street Exeter was told about noon Tuesday one of her tickets deposited at Gould and Jory was pulled out of the large box by mayor Jack Delbridge. Wednesday afternoon Mrs. Love said, I don't think I'm quite over the shock yet. I deposited quite a few tickets a couple of weeks ago and then completely forgot about them. The call from the T-A really shook me up. Mrs. Love hopes to make the trip with her husband some time in January. She continued, "I never dreamed of ever getting to The Bahamas. It's a wonderful surprise," One ticket was also drawn from the sponsoring merchants and the winner was Len McKnight and Sons Men's Wear. To call bids for EPS job The Huron Board of Education hopes to have a tender approved by December 17 for the con- struction and renovation work to be carried out at Exeter Public School. The updating of the 1938 and 1950 sections of the school will provide a new library resource centre, three new classrooms, renovation of six other .classrooms, provide new washrooms, new lighting, new heating and other renovations to bring these sections of the school up to standards of a new school. The 1954 wing maybe updated next year. Brian Garratt, Stratford, of the architectural firm, Kyles, Kyles and Garrott, was present at Monday's meeting of the board to show the final plans for the work whiah was given approval of the ministry of education three weeks ago. Garratt spoke of the material shortages which are giving contractors problems in setting completion schedules for con- struction work, The Exeter project is planned for completion by September. A committee of three trustees was named as an ad hoc building committee to oversee the Exeter school project. They are Clarence McDonald, Exeter; Harry Ilayter, Dashwood; and Herb Turkheim, Zurich, Gaggle of geese stolen in Stephen A gaggle of geese valued at $189 were stolen frotn the Stephen township farm of Bill Rammeloo this week. There were 18 birds taken front the farmyard. vestigation by numerous policemen. Inspector Tom Lennon of the OPP criminal investigation branch in Toronto headed the investigation and was assisted by all members of the Exeter OPP detachment, as well as officers from Goderich and Sebringville. Salter was taken to the Perth County jail in Stratford following the arrest. An uneasiness became A Hensall girl was slightly injured in one area accident this Week, while in another a cattle beast was killed. Seventeen-year-old Monica Williams Hensall, was a pedestrian on Highway 4 at Hensall around 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, when she was in- volved in an accident with a car driven by Jack Ferris, London. Miss Williams sustained minor bruises, The mishap was in- vestigated by OPP Constable Frank Giffin, Also on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m., a car driven by Raymond Smith, Grand Bend, skidded out of control on the Gill Road in Stephen Township and collided with a fence. Constable Bill Lewis set damage at $50. • Damage of $1,100 was listed by Constable Lewis when cars driven by James Welsh, Exeter, and Minota Smith, Crediton, collided on Highway 4 south of Exeter at 3:40 p.m., Thursday. On Friday at 8:30 p.m., a car driven by Kenneth Schroeder, FtR 2 Hensall, skidded out of control on the Usborne- Anti- Turning la.w okayed Exeter's new anti-burning bylaw was given third and final reading by council, Monday. Presentation of the bylaw resulted in no discussion, although councillors Ted Wright and Bob Simpson opposed giving it approval. Neither member stated his reasons, although at the last meeting, Wright had indicated he thought council members were rushing into the matter without enough time given to its con- sideration, The actual proceeding Monday was a little reversed. The bylaw was given a third and final reading and then the second reading was approved. Clerk Eric Carscadden was told by one member to reverse his minutes to get things into the proper order, The bylaw is to "provide regulations for the prevention and spread of fire". It prohibits the burning of any shavings, chips, straw, leaves, paper or any other combustible matter "except in barbecues so located and constructed that no building or structure or in- flammable matter may become ignited through the use thereof". On special occasions, the fire chief may issue written per- mission for burning. Persons found guilty of a breach of the provisions of the bylaw are liable to a penalty not exceeding $50, Council members didn't in- dicate if they would advise the public of the exact contents of the bylaw, or if it would be im- mediately enforced. Nor was there any suggestion that war- nings be given to first offenders. Exeter lights will still glow The energy crisis will not prevent the Exeter Public Utilities Commission from contributing toward the Christmas spirit, PUC manager Hugh David assured the T-A PUC employees erected the Christmas decorations this week and they will be turned on beginning Friday evening, about 4:45. Mr, Davis added, however, that in view of the continuing debate and concern over a shortage of hydro, more elaborate controls will be put on the lights. This year, the Christmas trees at the Library and in front of the Royal Bank will stay lighted all, through the night. The lights on lamp standards on Main St., however, will shut off at mid- night. In previous years, some of the lights were on all night. This should help to "eliminate some adverse comments," said Mr. Davis. He added that the plans of Exeter PUC with regard to Christmas decorations coincide almost exactly with the London PUC. The Christmas trees are a joint effort of the council and PUC. The council is responsible for buying and installing the trees; the PUC for decorating them. Town council assumes the cost of the decorations and the PUC donates part time labor to erect, maintain and remove the decorations. Mr. Davis said that it was not a great expense, however. In 1972 the electricity cost for Christmas decorations was only $50. With increased controls it should be slightly less this year. The decorations will stay up until a day or two after New Years. Tuckersmith townline west of Highway 4 and collided with a gravel mound. Constable Dale Lamont set damage at $450. A cattle beast owned by John Morrissey was killed when it was involved in a collision with a car driven by Leo Glavin, RR 2 Crediton on Saturday at 6:40 p.m. The crash occurred on the Mt. Carmel Road and damage to the car was listed at $850. The animal was valued at $350. Constable Al Quinn in- vestigated. The final crash of the week occurred on Sunday at 1:05 a,m, when cars driven by Margaret Kinghorn and Elaine Archer, both of Hensall, collided on High- way 84 near the intersection of Highway 4. Total damage was set at $300 by Constable Ed Wilcox. During the week, the local detachment officers charged 11 people under the Highway Traffic Act and issued warnings to another 19 drivers. There were three charges under the Liquor Control Act and three under the Criminal Code. One Hundred and First Year on October 5 by a relative after neighbors became suspicious when no answer was received in telephone calls to the elderly widow. Tests at the Centre of Forensic Science in Toronto determined Mrs. McMurtrie had been sexually assaulted and died of strangulation. There were no signs of violence or struggle and police have not disclosed by what PREPARE FOR POST OFFICE — The house on the fbrmer Seldon property at the corner of Andrew and Sanders streets is being demolished this week to make way for a new post office building. The contract has been let to Logan Construction of Stratford. The completion date is May, 1974. Dashwood water is deteriorating Mayor wants modular home decision 'Quit dragging heels' .31MMISOFWV•, ...ZIENNAUNMENEVrimr-1•••,1,WWw EXETER, ONTARIO, NOVEMBER 22, 1973 BEST SANTA PARADE POSTERS In co-operation with the Exeter Board of Trade students at Stephen Central school provided posters to advertise the arrival of Santa Clout in Exeter on Saturday, December 8 cit 2 p.m. Shown with their prize winning posters are Valerie Finkbeiner, Cindy Becker, Doug Willard and Suzanne Finkbeiner. T-A photo