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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1977-03-31, Page 1DEFIES GRAVITY — Roger Belling 'displays his skateboard form dur- ing a recent run down the Riverview Park hill. Several youngsters have joined the latest craze and can be seen in action on most spare time occasions. T-A photo EVALUATING SCHOOL SYSTEM — Under the direction Of Exeter Public School principal Jim Chapman an evaluation of the school system in South Huron is being carried out. Committees include teachers, parents and students. Above, secretary Sandy Strang hands out information at a Tuesday meeting to teacher Larry Weido, student Blake Palmer and parent Camellia Robichaud. At the right is program co-ordinator Jim Chapman. T-A photo Committees appointed Evaluaticm now underway ernierZinies-Nvocate One Hundred and Fourth Year EXETER, ONTARIO, MARCH 31, 1977 Price Per Copy 25 Cents Two posts redundant, drop superintendents After four recent meetings to study recreation in Stephen township it has become apparent that a recreation committee for the entire municipality is a must, Jim McKinlay who is this week completing a study of the township's recreation facilities and needs for the Ontario Ministry of Culture and Recreation told the T-A Tuesday, "I haven't made my recom- mendations yet, ' but, the for- mation of a township-wide committee has become most obvious." He continued, "in each of the four meetings held most of the people in attendance felt this was the most important place to start," Meetings were held for the residents of Dashwood, Crediton and Huron Park and another for the balance of the township, _ The four week study being completed by McKinley is being financed by the Ministry of Culture and Recreation, The County of Huron is assisting in administrative duties through its development committee, At Monday's meeting in Crediton, McKinley said the other partners in the project are the Ontario Development Cor- poration, Stephen council and the residents of the township. It is the wish of the provincial body to maximize the use of facilities at Huron Park and assist in the township in developing a comprehensive recreation program to benefit all residents, Reeve Cecil Desjardine said his council is very anxious to have a recreation committee formed He added, "Council is now the recreation committee and I'm afraid this subject gets lost itt the shuffle. Let's try again to get a volunteer committee. We will do all we can in helping the com- mittee to learn of all available grants." Desjardine said the county development group is also keen on the use of all Huron Park facilities and also suggest co- operative agreements between neighbouring municipalities. Council has indicated they would be interested in a lease or rental arrangement with ODC for present facilities at Huron Park if satisfactory terms can be arranged. McKinley said he has not been able to obtain any set terms from ODC but indicated these were forthcoming. He added, "They will say in one letter what they can do." The survey director continued, The Municpal Act does allow municipalities who own or lease facilities to obtain capital grants to upgrade facilities." Facilities at Huron Park in- clude the arena, swimming pool, baseball and soccer fields, recreation centre and the curling club which has been closed for several years, McKinlay said the ODC agreement with Centralia College for use of the recreation hall ends this year. He added, "Right now the College only uses the hall about three hours a week. The costs for maintaining this facility are unbelievable." Crediton resident Charles Browning Sr. suggested that "ODC are looking for Stephen to pull them out of a hole." McKinlay replied, "It may look like that, but that's not quite the situation. ODC has the facilities but it's up to the township to provide the recreation services," Former Stephen councillor Stephen residents .cite need to name overall township recreation committee The Huron County Board of Education took an un- precedented step this week when it declared two major ad- ministrative positions redundant and moved the personnel back into the education field. Director of education John Cochrane and board chairman Herb Turkheim announced Mon- day that one superintendent's job and the assistant to the ad- ministrator's job were no more and the men, Ralph Smith and Gord Phillips, would be taking over positions as principals. Smith will take over as prin- Pays $500 for drugs A 28-year-old London man, formerly of Goderich, was fined $500 or five days after pleading guilty to possession of drugs when he appeared in Exeter court, Tuesday. James John, Joseph Nespolon was charged on February 16 after police found three bags of marijuana and four cigarettes containing the drug in three different rooms of his residence. Value of the drugs was listed at around $25. It was Nespolon's second of- fence. He was given two months in which to pay the fine by Judge Glenn Hays, In the only other case heard, Tuesday, Patrick Harold Smith, Zurich, was fined $150 and had his licence suspended for three months after pleading guilty to failing to provide a sample of his breath, He said in court that he refused to take the breathalizer test after being requested to do so because he was on medication for ar- thritic pain and felt the medication may give him an unfair reading. All in one car Six people were injured in one of two accidents investigated this Week by the Exeter OPP. On Sunday, a vehicle driven by Wendy Robton, Windsor, rolled over on concession 12-13 Of Hay township after striking a fence. Ms. Robson was the most seriously injured, suffering a broken cellar bone and internal injuries, She was taken to St, cipal of Robertson Memorial Public School in Goderich in September and Phillips will take over as principal of Central Huron Secondary School in Clin- ton, The moves were made in conjunction with the retirements of the two principals now at the schools, Garnet Harland of Robertson and Robert Homuth of Clinton. The move was made to cut spending in education in Huron and to bring personnel numbers in line with declining enrolment in the county schools and is view- ed as necessity by the board. Cochrane explained that enrol- ment in elementary schools has been declining in the past few years meaning the Huron board has had its funds from the province cut. The ministry of education offers grants to boards in the province based on a per capita ratio and the declining number of school children reduces that figure annually. "The board does not look on the change as a demotion but as a fact made necessary by a tight budget," said Cochrane. Cochrane said he felt the move was perhaps indicative of situations boards will face in the future but added that was his opi- nion only, He sbid the shuffle will save the board about $60,000 an- nually based on current salaries by not having to appoint two principals to fill the vacancies. The board had four prin- cipalships open in September due to three retirements and the opening of Vanastra Public School. As well as Robertson and CHHS the principalship of Seaforth Public School was open. John Talbot retired from that school and vice principal Paul Carroll was named his replace- ment. John Ross, now the vice principal of Wingham Public School, will take over as head of the new Vanastra school. The board will appoint the new vice principals later in the year. Please turn to page page 3 Joseph's Hospital in Londoh for treatment. Sustaining Minor injuries were Gerard Duchartue and Ralph Mathonia, RR 2 Zurich; Patrick Groot, RR 1 Zurich; and Cathy Roberts, Windsor, OPP CC:410,01e Jack Straughan investigated and listed total damage at $1,600, The only other accident of the week was reported on Thursday when a vehicle driven by Francis Denomme, RR 2 Zurich, went out of control on an icy section of Highway '84, about one mile east of Highway 21. Damage was listed at $1,000 by Constable Bill Osterloo, During the week, the local detachment officers laid 20 charges under the Highway Traffic Act, five under the Cririainal Code and five under the Liquor Licence 6ct, Dave McClure in talking about the Huron Park arena said, "Even if we got it for one dollar the operation costs of something like $60,000 a year would be like a millstone around our necks." Browning who is a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces said, "Why should I pay again for that arena. When it was built I helped pay for it as a member of the RCAF stationed here at Centplia," Browning contended that none of the existing community cen- Nearly 100 people — parents, students and teachers — met Tuesday night to form some 15 committees which will all share in the cooperative school system evaluation taking place in the South Huron Region public elementary and secondary schools. The committees met as a general group for a briefing and then as separate committees to plan their approach. Each will be responsible for the evaluation of one component of the system out of the fifteen or so areas being surveyed. Questionnaires will form the basis of collecting data in most cases, but some groups will also be conducting interviews or requesting written comments as well, Distribution of questionnaires will begin this week so returns can be expected by April 7. The Ministry of Education will provide computer scoring for large surveys and when the Huron County's social services department had the highest number of cases in its five-year history at the beginning of January. Administrator J. A. MacKinnon's report to county council said his department had 155 general assistance cases at that point, A year earlier the number was 119, When the department was created in 1972, it handled 108 general assistance cases and 44 nursing home cases for a total caseload of 152. The following year, that number dropped to 145 and was roughly the same in 1974 before dropping to a low of 118 the next year. This January there were no nursing home cases, the same as 197g. Last year may have been particularly low as a result of the province's tightening up of restrictions of social service help to the unemployed and people under age 18, the report said. "As the year progressed, most agencies noticed a drop in their caseloads and expenditures, Part of the reason for this was due to the heavy publicity given the recent amendments which may have deterred people from ap- plying for assistance. Other reasons were more summer jobs and greater reliance on linen- ploymeet inauranee benefits." tres in the township are large enough for the type of dances put on by the Crediton and area social club. He added, "With the cost of bands these days the only hall other than Huron Park which is large enough is at Kirkton. We certainly can't afford the rents they want at Huron Park, 'in excess of $400." The Crediton club had shown previous interest in acquiring the closed down curling club owned by 01)C as a community hall but pdntouts are returned, the committees will have the task of analyzing the results and preparing a report. "We hope to have the internal report prepared by May 9" said Jim Chapman, internal project coordinator. "There are two phases to the evaluation — the work of these committees which is the internal review, and then a group from outside the system will conduct a review. The fin- dings of the two groups will be coordinated to produce a final report." The External evaluation group will consist of Educators and Ministry of Education personnel from various parts of the province. When the cooperative report is completed it will be forwarded to the Board of Education for action. The report should contain recommendations for change and it should provide data to support long range planning and future decision- making. MacKinnon's report did not give any explanation for this year's jump in social help but there were many temporary job layoffs in the area this winter. Damage light in collisions Only minor damage was sustained in two accidents in- vestigated this week by officers of the Exeter police department. Friday, Margaret Franken, Huron Park reported to police that her vehicle had been struck by an unknown vehicle while on a parking lot on Huron Street. Constable George Robertson set damages at $100, Police continue to look for the vehicle responsible for the damage. Tuesday vehicles driven by Wesley Heywood, RR 1, Crediton and Edward Poutney, Huron Park were in collision on Sanders Street, west of William, Con- stable Jinx Barnes listed damage at $175. As a result of police in- vestigation Friday, a youth has been charged with assault causing bodily harm following a disturbance at an apartment on Main Street. Constable Robert- son is investigating, found it. "still too small." To the' objection of some township residents that facilities at Huron Park were too far away, clerk Wilmer Wein responded, "If you are interested in your family you will take them anywhere for their recreational needs." To Browning's suggestion that a large sized hall should be built in the centre of the township for all residents, McKinlay replied, "We must remember that halls are for multiple use and not just "We hope that everyone who receives a questionnaire will respond," said Chapman. "The interest and enthusiasm of those who have volunteered to assist certainly deserve it." Await word over grant The Exeter and District Heritage Foundation hope to set up a meeting shortly with the Ontario Foundation to review the restoration of the local town hall in view of council's decision to move the police headquarters out of the facility. Chairman Doug Gould said the Ontario Heritage Foundation had been advised of council's decision. The Ontario group had promised grants of $47,500 to assist in the restoration and the local group hope that council's decision to move the police will not jeopardize the project. The grant was made partially on the basis of the hall having a suitable tenant to make the operation of the town hall viable after it is restored. Gould said this week there is a possibility that the washrooms may be moved to the basement and the entire first floor offered for rent as commercial space. for dances." After the meetings McKinlay said the concerns from three areas are different except for the need for a recreation committee. Residents of Dashwood are concerned about maximum use of the community centre and help in providing programs for seniors and summer playgrounds, At Huron Park residents want use of the facilities for all and are particularly concerned about activities for teenagers. In Crediton in addition to the A 35-year-old Grand Bend man has been charged with the theft of wiring cable from Fleck Manufacturing in Huron Park as a result of investigation by Exeter OPP Constable Bill McIntyre. The cables, valued at $700, were recovered in Woodstock, Tillsonburg and Norwich. The man charged was a former employee of Fleck. Three thefts are under in- vestigation this week, one in- volving a 1969 Triumph motor- cycle owned by Lawrence Smith, Zurich. The machine, which is heavily chromed, is valued at $3,500. It was stolenfrom concession 14 of Hay township around 3:00 p.m., Sunday. It had been left there by the owner after the front tire went flat. He went home to get another tire and when he returned, the motorcycle was gone. Police are looking for an older model GMC turquoise pickup in connection with the theft and are requesting that any person who has any information contact the Fixeter office. On Wednesday, police were advised of a breakin at a cottage owned by Albina Bedard along Highway 21 near St. Joseph. A quantity of silverware, an electric shaver and a lamp shade were reported missing. The value of the items was set at around $100. The thieves pried a screen off a window and then broke the glass to gain entry. The cottage was ransacked. Constable Bill Osterloo is in- vestigating, On Monday, Lionel Wilder, RR 1 Zurich, advised police that a shed on his property had been entered and tools valued at $75 were missing. Constable Bill Lewis is in charge of that in- vestigation, A wilful damage investigation is being conducted by Constable Bob Whiteford. A nozzle on a gas pump at Tuckey Beverages Ltd. PICK CONSTABLE Police Chief Ted Day this week announced the appointment of Brad Sadler to the local force. He replaces Constable Ron Fice who has left to take a position with the Wallacburg Police Department, The 26-year-old Sadler has served for the past four years with the Metropolitan Toronto force, He is married and has one child. Constable Sadler will be joining the local force on April 10. hall problem for the social club. the very active and successful baseball group wishes to carry on in its usual manner. To this concern, McKinlay replied, "We don't want to break down any individuality that exists but work together to a common goal," In conclusion McKinlay said, "All of us must be prepared to put up or shut up. We can't run anything unless the residents get involved. Council can't do it by themselves." at Huron Park was broken over the weekend. Damage was set at $30. During the week the local of- ficers recovered a car stolen earlier from Hullet township. The 1973 vehicle was owned by Wilfred White and was recovered on the Crediton Road, Other investigations this week included two impaired drivers, four thefts, six mobile home escorts, one threatening com- plaint, one missing person, one unfit motor vehicle, two found property and two lost property. Budget billing to be offered The 284 Exeter residents who heat their homes with electricity will be advised that budget billing will be made available to them. Exeter PUC commissioner Chan Livingstone suggested at the last meeting that budget billing should be considered due to the increasing hydro costs which place a burden on people during the high-cost months, On Tuesday, PUC manager Hugh Davis outlined steps that could be taken to offer budget billing and these were approved by the commission. All-electric heating users will be advised shortly that the ser- vice will be available and will have until May 12 to inform the PUC if they wish to take ad- vantage of it. They will then be required to provide 11 post dated cheques on the basis of an average monthly bill. Any credits or debits would be paid at the end of the first anniversary. There would be no penalties for people who had underpaid due to low estimates and Davis said the home owners would be given regular statements so they would know at all times if they were in a debit or credit situation, "If we go, I hope a whole bunch come in," Davis commented, adding that it would take a considerable amount of time to set up the plan. Mayor Bruce Shaw asked if some costs could be reduced by reading meters every two months and Davis said this could be a possibility. Chairman Murray Greene wondered if there should be a minimum number set before the plan is undertaken, but Davis said he didn't think that would be necessary. "I think there'll be a good response," he indicated. LOCAL SHARPSHOOTERS — The Eric Hamilton Silk trophy for marksmanship in District 6 of the Ontario Provincial Police was won by the Exeter detachment. Shown with the trophy are Constables Bill Lewis, Bob Whiteford, Dale Lamont and Ed Wilcox. The Exeter team scored a 08.4 percentage. T,A, photo Six hurt in accident Welfare cases jump in Huron Grand Bend man charged with theft SIGN UP FOR STEPHEN RECREATION — During the recent recreation meetings in Stephen township area residents have been asked for their opinions and fo sign up os volunteers. Above, Charles Browning Sr. of Crediton signs a form. Others are Bob Hoffman, Dashwood; Reeve Cecil Desjardine and survey coordinator Jim McKinlay, T-A photo