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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2007-09-13, Page 22PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2007. Morris-Turnberry councillors decided, at their Sept. 6 meeting, to financially support the hiring of a full-time recruiter to try to solve the local doctor shortage. The total cost of salary and benefits for the recruiter was estimated at $62,400 for 2008. Morris-Turnberry’s 7.551 per cent share would be $4,712. Wingham and District Hospital will provide office space, equipment and supplies. Though agreeing to the cost, after some debate councillors added a phrase to ask that there be an assessment after two years on the job. Deputy-mayor Jim Nelemans kicked off the debate by asking if a full-time person was required for the position. Mayor Dorothy Kelly explained that North Huron’s economic development officer had been devoting part of her time to this job but was needed full time for the normal duties. It was then that councillor Bill Thompson wondered if there was a time limit on the position. “I think you’re going to be stuck with this person for a number of years because you’re always going to need doctors,” agreed Nelemans. On the basis of the discussion mover and seconder Lynn Hoy and Thompson amended their motion to ask for the reassessment after two years. Settling in to the surroundings as the new general manager of Blyth Festival wasn’t that difficult for Deb Sholdice. Now a resident of Clinton, where she lives with her husband and their children, Sam and Sarrah, Sholdice’s grandparents lived in Blyth and she grew up in Auburn. As a teen she ushered at the theatre, and when her son was in Grade 8 and looking for “something to do”, she suggested he give that a try. “He loved it. Then when they were posting for The Outdoor Donnellys, the kids wanted to see what it was all about. I brought them and was convinced to join the community players.” Sholdice eventually came on as a member of the board of directors and served a term as president. When Jane Gardner announced she was leaving the position of general manager, Sholdice felt that with her business administration experience and her love of the area and Blyth Festival that it would be a good fit. Prior to this job, she had managed an office for a large Goderich company, then was a sales co- ordinator for a business in Seaforth. “Obviously I know how to manage books and people, but grants and the non-profit part of this business is a learning curve for me. But I already know so much about this place that I feel that’s a skill I can acquire quickly.” Whether coming into the job as the season nears its end is a bonus, Sholdice is yet to decide. “I don’t know when a good time to start would be. I do know that I’m here to see the season wind down and can use that to set next season. It’s an interesting time to come at it.” Mostly, she’s just glad to be here. “This is a wonderful place. I’ve always loved this theatre and the village. It’s a great place to work.” Welcome The new general manager of Blyth Festival, Deb Sholdice of Clinton, has been behind the desk for a few weeks now, seeing how things run in the busy time at the end of the season and getting ready to begin planning for next year. (Bonnie Gropp photo) MT donates towards recruiter The London Road rest area may soon be less of an eyesore. County council at its Sept. 4 meeting passed a recommendation declaring the land as surplus, following a request from North Huron council. The rest stop was closed by the county several years ago once it was determined that its upkeep was too difficult. Cement barricades were placed across the roadway to prevent people from accessing it. The park had become a dumping ground of trash and a popular party spot for youth it wasn’t the image that North Huron wanted to convey to potential visitors. According to North Huron councillor Murray Scott the township had received many requests from residents who were upset by the closure of the rest area and its conditions. “They feel that something should be done,” said Scott. While no definite plans have been made yet, he told council- lors that the intent is to utilize township staff to try to improve the condition. They asked the county to consider deeding the property to North Huron. Two Morris-Turnberry residentswho had asked council not to doubletheir building permit fees becausethey started construction without a permit, will not be getting a break. Dave Golley, who had attended the Aug. 14 meeting of council to argue it was unfair to be asked to pay double the normal permit fee for putting up a fabric-topped building without a permit, and Wingham Sales Arena both had their requests turned down after councillors spent50 minutes behind closed doors withacting chief building official (CBO)Dave Black discussing this and othertopics.Golley had felt he should get abreak because he had been indiscussion with Jeff Layton, Morris- Turnberry’s CBO for several weeks and understood there was no problem so he’d gone ahead after dropping the application off the day before construction was to start. There had been a stop-work order on Wingham Sales Arena’s project because of the lack of a buildingpermit. That order was lifted Aug. 24with the owner asking the penaltynot be charged.But councillors agreed to upholdtheir bylaw which requires a permitbe in place before constructionbegins or the permit fee be doubled. Also coming out of the meeting councillors, agreed to extend Layton’s leave of absence for up to six more months. Council also agreed to use the services of R. J. Burnside as needed until Layton returns. No relief for building permit fines New GM knows her way around Blyth Festival AUDITIONS The Goderich Little Theatre invites you to audition for LITTLE WOMEN Girls aged 10-20 Women aged 30-70 Friday, Sept 14th & Saturday Sept 15th (6pm - 9pm) call Shannon at 519-523-4429 Audition will involve reading with others, prepared pieces are optional. Will be asked to sing - preparation not necessary. Piano playing an asset for the character of Beth. GLT's ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Sunday, September 23 at 2:00pm at The Livery All are welcome. $10 Membership fee 35 South St. Goderich 524-6262 www.thelivery.ca T HE L IVERY T HEATRE Happy 25th Anniversary September 11th Ross & Barb Nichol Love from your family Happy 30th Anniversary John and Pat Friends and neighbours are invited to the farm September 15 at 7:30 - ? For refreshments and food Love Craig and Tanya, Mark and Caitlin HAPPY 1st ANNIVERSARY Andrew & Tara Southgate September 16th Love from your Family By Bonnie Gropp The Citizen NH to take over rest area By Bonnie Gropp The Citizen By Keith RoulstonThe Citizen By Keith Roulston The Citizen A local boy has come home to work for the county. Director of planning for Huron, Scott Tousaw introduced Mike Pullen, to county council, Sept. 4, as the new senior economic development officer. Pullen worked for the county before in the 1990s in planning and corporate services. He has since been with Essex and was employed as manager of tourism in the Haldimand region. “We are fortunate to have him back,” said Tousaw, adding that Pullen will be working on a number of initiatives. Pullen, who grew up near Clinton, is the son of Don and Florence Pullen. He expressed his pleasure in being back in Huron. “It’s really great to be back here. Very exciting. I see great things happening here in the future.” Former resident named new county senior EDO By Bonnie Gropp The Citizen