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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2007-09-13, Page 1The CitizenVolume 23 No. 36 Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007 $1.25 ($1.18 + 7c GST)Serving the communities of Blyth and Brussels and northern Huron County Inside this week Pg. 2 Pg. 3 Pg. 7 Pg. 13 Pg. 23 New Ambassador crowned Come hear the First Impressions Team Member ready for Run Memory garden service, Sunday Hughson shines as Stompin’ Tom The community is mourning the loss of a Morris resident who died as the result of a motor vehicle crash in the early afternoon of Sept. 5. Robert Leo Blake, 55, passed away when the dump truck he was driving on McDonald Line near Moncrieff Road, left the road and struck a large tree. OPP were investigating the cause of the crash. Friends and neighbours describe Blake as a hard-worker who put his family and farm above everything else. “That was his life. He spent all his time working on his farm,” said Jo-Ann McDonald. “If you needed a hand he was always ready to try and help you out. He was just a good guy.” An avid snowmobiler, Blake was actively involved with the B-W Trailblazers snowmobile club. Blake was the son of George and Marie Blake, also of Morris- Turnberry. He married his wife the former Clara Wasson in 1977. They had three children, Kerry, now married to Andrew Dale, Chris and Devin. Blake is also survived by siblings, Gerald, Anne (William- son), Jim, Murray, Phil, Joyce (Williamson), Bruce and Julie (Wharton). The funeral mass was celebrated at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church on Monday. Interment was in Brussels Cemetery. Morris man dies 146th Brussels Fall Fair begins Tuesday Over 1,000 people made their way to campsites in Blyth for the 46th annual Thresher Reunion last weekend and that was just the beginning. Reunion secretary Marian Hallahan said that somewhere in the neighbourhood of 1,012 campers passed through the entrance gates, which is down from last year. However, Hallahan said, the grounds lost several campsites, by making others bigger, so attendance will have been almost even with last year’s. “It was a very good weekend. Everyone was very happy. We tried no-reserve camping this year and it worked out perfectly,” she said. “Everyone was afraid they weren’t going to get a good site, but everyone got a good site and made new friends, so it worked out just perfectly.” The door admissions broke approximately even as well, if not, slightly up from 2006. Hallahan said that the admission numbers were down on Friday, as were the people attending the Shriners’ fish fry, but that it might have had something to do with the looming storm all day. Hallahan said the admissions were way up on Saturday and even on Sunday, evening out the attendance. People travelled great distances to be in Blyth for this weekend. Hallahan reported seeing people from California, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Nova Scotia and from all over Ontario. From what Hallahan heard, people were buying local as well, saying that whenever she was in the arena, the craft vendors were having a very good weekend. It’s been a long, hot and dry summer but now is the time for a little fun as the Brussels Fall Fair returns for the 146th time on Sept. 18 and 19. The parade, the displays, the midway and the children’s school work will all be on hand but this time there is something a little different for young and old. Kobbler Jay, the eccentric juggler will be on hand, Sept. 19 to entertain fairgoers with his wild and sometimes weird antics. Juggling knives and fire, escaping from a straightjacket or riding his unicycle are just a few of the things the Kobbler does for your entertainment. To top it all off he chows down on a little fire while you enjoy your slice of pie. Opening night will be a little more tradition with the sounds of traditional fiddle music and stepdancers for your entertainment. There will be more music on Wednesday to keep you entertained throughout the day. Once again children’s activities will be a big part of the fair. Students from both Brussels and Grey will arrive before the parade to take part in a wide variety of activities that will both amuse and educate. They shouldn’t worry however as there will still be lots of time to enjoy the midway and eat too much cotton candy. Brussels Fall Fair is a celebration of rural life and rural accomplishments. For further information contact Mary Douma, fair secretary, at 519- 887-6687. Full of hot air There was no shortage of steam engines in Blyth last weekend as the Thresher Reunion rolled into town. They had their own corner of the grounds, all lined up next to each other, letting off a great whistle when noon approached. Four o’clock was a great time to see a sampler of what last weekend had to offer as antique tractors and steam engines of all shapes, sizes and colours were paraded past the main stage for all to see on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (Shawn Loughlin photo) 46th Reunion a resounding success By Bonnie Gropp The Citizen The Huron OPP Crime Unit is investigating a sexual assault that occurred in Belgrave during the early morning hours of Sept. 9. A male entered a residence and assaulted a female. The victim received non-life threatening injuries. OPP Forensic Identification officers and detectives examined the crime scene. Officers canvassed the Belgrave area. The investigation continues. The assailant was unknown to the victim. He is described as a white male, approximately 40-50 years of age. His hair is described as grey and shaggy. He has a hoarse sounding voice. He wears eyeglasses that are rounded and possibly have wire frames. He has a stocky build and a round face. He has a large tattoo on his left bicep with possibly some pink colour in the design. He was last seen wearing a blue t-shirt, beige shorts and thick soled brown sandals. The Huron OPP is seeking the assistance of the community in identifying this assailant. The public is also reminded to remain vigilant of any suspicious persons, vehicles or activities and to exercise normal safety precautions. If you have any information in regards to this or any criminal activity contact Crime Stoppers 1- 800-222-TIPS(8477) or the Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Intruder sexually assaults Belgrave woman Continued on page 6 By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen