Loading...
The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1977-07-21, Page 1ANIMALS IN PARADE — Marjorie and Leslie Dykeman were in the Penfield Centennial parade Saturday with their fayorite animals, COUSINS ON BIKES — At Saturday's Centennial parade, Shirley Corless and Doug Cornell participated as kissing cousins on bicycles. Denfield centennial exceeds expectation $30,900 DAMAGE — Fire destroyed the cottage of A. G. Smith, London, Friday afternoon in Highland No. 3 subdivision, two miles north of Grand Bend. Fire officials have been unable to determine the cause of the blaze. T-A photo THE ENTIRE FAMILY — Dougall, the family dog shared the spotlight with Emily, Linda and Brian Burnet in Saturday's Centennial parade at Denfield. T-A photo exeferZmesaboocale cac One Hundred and Fourth Year EXETER, ONTARIO, JULY 21, 1977 Price Per Copy 25 Cents DENFIELD QUEEN — Kim Sidall was Chosen the Queen of the Denfield Centennial, Saturday. Kim is shown above with Centennial officials Glenn Phillips and Keith Grigg. T-A photo Blasted for butchering former council table Osborne reeve suggests county give up rights to district grOvel pit 0 Siddall, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. William Siddall. The other three contestants for the title were Cynthia Cornell • and Lynn Marsden, both of Denfield and Bonnie Richards from Clan- deboye. Participating in the parade were six band and marching groups. They were the Midlander Lions of London, Ingersoll Pipe band, Dorchester majorettes and drummegs, Themas majorettes, Imperial Boys band and the Royal Challengers. Prizes for the best horse drawn vintage vehicle went to Cliff Crawford, Bob Dale and Arnold Paisley and comic honours went to the Denfield Mice, Clarence Carter and the Clandeboye Hillbillies and the IldertonJunior Farmers. Children vehicle prizes went to the children of the Lewis, Shipley, Walls and Robson families. Taking decorated bicycle awards were Tammy Renauld, Joanne Williams, Stacey Jinkerson and Kevin Leitch. Family float winners were the Dougherty, Roser and Burnet families with a special prize going to the Don McIntyre family. The best historical floats were entered by the Phillips family, the Ilderton curling club and the Argyle street clap. The Ilderton and Ailsa Craig Legion branches were also marching. Saturday's events also included a beard growing contest, fiddlers contest, horse shoe pitching, log sawing, tug-of-war and bicycle races. Sunday's activities started with a pancake and sausage break- fast which attracted more than 450 persons and concluded with a community church service at the Denfield Baptist Church, Following the service a bir- thday cake was cut into 500 pieces and according to reports the cake quickly disappeared, Huron County Council voted not to give upthe rights to a gravel pit in Osborne Township despite the objections of Osborne Township Reeve Bill Morley who claims the county is being "unfair". At a meeting Monday evening in the council chambers in Goderich, it was learned that Raymond Cann of Usborne Township had requesled the county to sign a Quit Claim Deed releasing the county's interest in about three-acres of land on Lot 26, Con, 7 of the Township of Usborne. The agreement, signed May 31, 1931, gave the county the rights to remove gravel from the property "starting: from the tree by the side of the laneway", The sum of $1,000 was paid to John Cann, at that time owner of the property. According to the Huron County Road Committee, the agreement had no time limit and since it has been estimated that as much as Won't drop impost fee for industry ' The matter of Exeter's impost fee came up for. discussion again this week after the local' com- mittee of adjustment recom- mended the fee be waved on property recently sold to Kraft Machinery Limited on Highway 83, The committee recommended that the fee be waived as the property in question is industrial land, It has been purchased from Exeter Produce and Storage. Mayor Bruce Shaw opined that the committee made the recommendation in an effort to encourage industry to locate in Exeter, Councillor Ken Ottewell said he didn't like to see exceptions to the present policy. Shaw said he couldn't see anything inconsistent with the recommendation, noting that Huron and Exeter have been hit hard with 'unemployment, plant closings, etc. "I think we should do everything we can to encourage industrial growth," he com- mented. However, Councillor Harold Patterson suggested the $500 impost fee was less of a burden for an industry than a private citizen aid thefe- Vs/WM thought to dropping it for the latter. Committee' of adjustment secretary Liz Bell said members had always been unhappy with the impost and apologize to people every time they have to impose it, The committee had previously urged council to reconsider the $500 charge. Council didn't .follow that request then and they didn't this week, as they decided to main- tain the fee and charge it to Kraft Machinery. Wintario aids local curlers The Exeter curling club this week received a cheque from Wintario to assist financially in the renovations which were com- pleted late last fall, Curling club representative King McDonald said the total cost of work on the curling club amounted to $19,678.68 and the Wintario Project grant was $13,- 119.12. The balance of the costs, over $6,000 came from donations from club members and receipts from dances and dinners. McDonald said the work was carried out on orders of the Ministry of Labour. The roof was strengthened over the ice surface and a new roof was put over the lounge area. The work was carried out by Gregus Construction. The value of building permits issued by building inspector Doug Triebner took a sizeable jump in June, reaching a total of $549,271 in-Exeter and $43800 in Usborne. Judy Savoy host for sidewalk fun A special supplement appears in this week's T-A outlining what Exeter Businesses expect to be the biggest, sidewalk sale ever, Theme of this year's event is "Shop the Main Way" a slogan adopted recently by the members of the Exeter Central Business Improvement Association. As well as featuring clearance bargains from participating stores, several events have been scheduled to add to the fun. The festivities will begin with a pancake breakfast at the fire hall. As well as serving food the firefighters will be on hand to wash cars. The main attraction, beginning at noon on Saturday, will be a skate board competition in front of Canadian Tire. Contestants are asked to register between 11:30 and noon in front of the T-A. A pie eating contest follows one hour later in front of Exeter Bakery. Trophies will be awarded to the "hungriest" male and female participants. At 2:00p.m. a challenge tug-o- war match will take place across the street. from Stedmans. Exeter firefighters will be pulling against the combined efforts of the OPP and town police. Popular CFPL broadcasting personality, Judy Savoy, will act as emcee for the activities. release of the agreement. He said the committee was agreed the agreement was worth a good deal of money to the county, and that it would be good business to A major portion of the'Exeter total was the $240,496 figure for the addition to the Exeter Public School. Work is progressing on, that project. Another major portion was the $278,715 for six new homes. Two of those permits were for Zwart & Graansma, including a new home at 24 George and a semi-detached at 71 Andrew, Other new homes are being built by Ray Cockwill, 80 River- side Drive; Jan Van Haarlen, 50 Main; Jack Taylor, 266 Sherwood; Gaston Latulippe, 327 Huron W. Swimming pools were ap- proved for Ed Hunter-Duvar, 68 Huron E.; Robert Swartman, 111 Riverside; and Brian Wedlake, 248 Huron E. Approval for tool sheds was received by C. H. Waller, 77 ' Nelson; Jean Creech, 47 James; Bruce Shaw, 249 Pryde; Don Hammond, 128 Ann. Residential renovations and additions were approved for Ken Bridges, 120 Andrew; Raymond Bennewies, 168 Main; Jerry MacLean, 220 Marlboro; Mabel Skinner, 21 Gidley W.; Michael Cooper, 123 Huron E.; Ella Fisher, 64 James; Robert Craw- ford, 396 Albert; Loretta Burdon, 98 William; Earl Gackstetter, 54 Simcoe; Eldrid Simmons, 61 Riverside; Mary Pryde, 403 Albert; R. E. Pooley, 38 John; Anne Vanderworp, 66 Victoria W. Please turn to page 3 Contract let for hall job Exeter and District Heritage Foundation signed a contract Tuesday with VanBoxmeer Construction, Lucan, to restore the town hall at a total cost of $121,000, The original VanBoxmeer tender placed the total cost at $143,000 but the price was reduced during a meeting bet- ween Heritage president Doug Gould, architect Bryan Garrat, and VanBoxmeer Construction Tuesday. The Heritage group hoped to lower the figure to about $110,000 but heating and air conditioning facilities kept the cost higher, said Gould, "We're hoping that a good part of this (increase) will be picked up by Wintario but sure, we're going to have to get off our butts and sell some more hot dogs", said Gould, The Heritage Foundation has planned a booth for Sidewalk Days in Exeter Friday and Saturday, Restoration of the town hall should begin immediately and VanBoxmeer was planning to have some men on the ,,site Wednesday, said Gould, The deadline for completion of the project is October 15, he said. exercise the county's rights to the gravel there. Reeve Bob Lyons, chairman of the road committee said, "1 don't think the county can afford to Four Exeter ladies levelled a scathing attack against Exeter council members this week regarding their action over removing furniture from the town hall. Indicating they were not representing any group, but were appearing only as taxpayers, the group's spokesman was Jennie Huntley, She said the old council table and chairs — and even the ash trays — had been removed from the former council chambers without the Heritage Foundation being advised that the furniture was being removed. Mrs, Huntley explained that this left the Heritage group in an awkward and embarrassing situation as they did not have any furniture for the tenant (driver examiners) who use the old coun- cil chambers each week. "We're disappointed in some of the people who represe'nt us," she said, adding that whoever ordered the removal of the fur- nitrue must not have any con- science in the "despicable way" the furniture was taken, The delegation, which also in- cluded Bev Read, Bonnie May and Marion Bissett, further com- plained about the fact the former council table had been cut in half to make a counter for the new police office. They suggested this was deplorable in view of the fact, the table was worth about $700 and a counter could have been made for a fraction of that cost. Mrs. Huntley concluded her remarks by suggesting the entire matter was "completely give away $65,000. By exercising this agreement, the county would be saved a considerable amount of money." John Jewitt, reeve of Hullett irresponsible", and asked if it had been done with the knowledge of the Mayor and council and if there had been any discussion about cutting the table. Mayor Bruce Shaw said he had talked to police committee chair- man Ken Ottewell about the table after he had received com- plaints about it being removed, and learned that it was being stored at the high school and that there was a suggestion it be cut down for the new police office. Shaw explained that he had told Ottewell not to cut the table until it had been approved by council and the matter was dis- cussed at the last meeting when Resort council seek volunteers Grand Bend council are giving residents of the municipality an opportunity to volunteer their services for a local committee, Anyone wishing to serve on the now being formed Grand Bend Planning Board is asked to contact clerk Louise Clipperton within the next week. Council has already received eight offers for the four spots on the Planning Board but are willing to consider anyone else wishing to serve their corn- Those already volunteering are Bob Clay, Gord Glazier, Ron Gunning, Don blear, Frank Burner, Gerald Merner, Mel Douglas and Bill Thomas, said, "It appears to me it is ..our gravel and I don't see how we can just give it up." Si Simmons, reeve of Exeter, suggested an agreement without an expiry date can be broken. Britnell said he was unaware of that. "There have been two generations and this estate has not been settled,' Reeve Jack Tinney said. "The a gareernent was made with John Cann and stated 'his heirs and assigns'. To me, that sounds like forever." Britnell told council there may be some negotiations that could be considered between the road committee and the solicitor for the widow of William Cann, but pointed out it was up to council to decide on the matter. Council made no mention of any negotiations to be undertaken when approving the report as presented. In other business, members of Huron County Council hired an engineer to replace Jim Britnell who is leaving the county employ this summer, Robert Alexander Dempsey, who was born and raised in the Stratford area, and who is presently deputy city engineer for the City of Stratford, was hired effective August 29, 1977. His salary will be $25,000 per, annum and he will have a car supplied by the county. That salary is to increase to $26,500 per annum on January 1, 1978, Mr. Dempsey is 28 years old and has been active in the Kin- smen Club and community af- fairs in Stratford. it was decided to see if' some other use could be made of the table, possibly at the rec centre. Ottewell told the delegation that the table had been included as part of the furnishings for the police office "right from the beginning" as it belonged to Ex- eter council. However, he said that it had been decided to see if some other use could be made of it and he conducted thorough in- vestigations in that regard. The police committee chair- man said he had studied the plans of the rec centre and talked to several officials and found there was no room that would facilitate the table. He also explained that new fur- niture for the rec centre was eligible for a grant and furniture for the police office was not. Bonnie May asked if the table belonged to council as Ottewell suggested, or whether it belong- ed to the people of Exeter, Ottewell said it was up to coun- cil to place the table as they wished. "You might have told the Heritage people it was being taken away," Mrs,Huntley remarked, Ottewell replied that he had told a certain party to advise the Heritage people the table was be- ing removed, although he declin- ed who that person was. "You were supposed to be notified," Ottewell stated. the ladies then abruptly left the meeting. Their letter to coun- cil appears elsewhere in this issue. "It was far beyond any of our expectations." Those were the words of Keith Grigg, chairman of the weekend Centennial celebrations in the community of Denfield. It is estimated more than 4,000 persons visited the tiny hamlet Saturday to watch an excellent parade and take part in and see an interesting and sometimes .• exciting events on a day-long program. Two of the highlights of Saturday in addition to the parade were the official opening by Mrs. Mossie Rosser, former operator of the general store.and the crowning of Miss Denfield. The 1977 Miss Denfield is Kim Vandals active in Hensall area Exeter OPP are investigating several acts of vandalism which occurred in the Hensall area this week. A street light valued at $35 on the eastern limits of the village was -shot out with a pellet gun over the weekend and tires on three bicycles were slashed. The bikes were in the stairway at the new Elizabeth Court apartments. Two of the bicycles were owned by Robert Capling and the other by Sandra Ann McKay. FiVe of the six tires were slashed with a knife or other sharp object, OPP Constables Frank Giffin and Dale Lamont are in- vestigating the two incidents. About $200 in damage was reported to a drilling truck owned by Bertram Drilling of Carbon, Alberta. The machine was parked at Cann's pit in Usborne 410 township, The hood, wiring and door were damaged. Constable Larry Christiaen is in charge of that investigation. Budget for office may be over top A decision about paving the parking lot at the new police of- fice was delayed by Exeter coun- cil when they discussed the Matter this week. Committee chairman Ken Ottewell said paving the lot would be nice, but suggested it was not absolutely necessary. Councillor Lossy Fuller wondered if the committee was still within budget on the new police office and Ottewell said he, did not know. "I think you'd be over- budget," Mayor Bruce Shaw remarked , It was then that the decision about the paving was tabled until the next meeting. Ottewell said the office Was nearing completion as the com- mittee had investigated ad- ditional furnishings, drapes, fil- ing cabinet, swivel chair, flag pole, sign, additional lighting and a yard light. He advised council that the policemen had pitched in to help ith some of the work at the of - ice, such as painting and building cupboards. 100,000 cubic yards or gravel is on the site, it was agreed not to sign the Quit claim Deed and to exercise the county's rights to remove gravel, "This seems a little bit unfair," Reeve Morley argued. He said that at today's prices for gravel, the agreement is definitely to the county's advantage. He suggested it would be in the county's best interests to sign the Quit Claim Deed. Jim Britnell, county engineer, disagreed. He said that $1,000 was a good price at the time the agreement was made and that the county had every right now to exercise the agreement, Brittle)l felt that to sign the Quit Claim Deed would be against the county's hest interests since gravel is so expensive at the present time. The engineer admitted that in 21 years in the county's employ," he had not known about the, agreement. He said that if Raymond Cann had not asked for a Quit Claim Deed, the county still would not have known the gravel belonged to them. Reeve Morley said the owner of the property William Cann had recently died, but added that the deceased was under the im- pression before his death that the agreement was no longer in ef- fect, Reeve Morley said it was the intention of William Cann's widow to give the township sole rights , to the gravel on the property, at the going rate. Britnell said there had been no offer of money made for the Permit value jumps, includes six houses