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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2007-09-20, Page 1The CitizenVolume 23 No. 37 Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007 $1.25 ($1.18 + 7c GST)Serving the communities of Blyth and Brussels and northern Huron County Inside this week Pg. 6 Pg. 8 Pg. 9 Pg. 11 Pg. 23 Grey students cut hair for cancer Brewers finish season in second Vintage bikes bring home hardware Schoolwork wins at Belgrave fair ‘Wireless’ answers reviewer’s questions - ‘sort of’ The community will have the chance to make a difference in the life of a child with this year’s Operation Christmas Child campaign. After being in Goderich for many years, the local collection centre for the 2007 program is at Huron Chapel Evangelical Missionary Church in Auburn. An open house will be held at the church on Sept. 25 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. At that time a DVD will be shown to explain the program. As well people can pick up brochures for information. According to volunteer Margy Wiegersma, collection boxes will be distributed as well, or if unable to attend, people can contact the church at 519-526-1131, to set up another time. The boxes are to be filled with toys, hygiene items such as soap, school supplies and hard candies. The brochure outlines what is acceptable and what is not. People have four days during which they can return their filled shoeboxes, Nov. 6 from 2-9 p.m.; Nov. 8, 2-9 p.m.; Nov. 9, 6-9 p.m. and Nov. 10, 9 a.m. until noon. “The boxes must be returned by Nov. 10 or they won’t be going out this year,” said Wiegersma. Once collected the boxes are transported to Kitchener where they are inspected then shipped. Last year, Canadians filled 738,079 boxes that were distributed to children in South America and east Africa. Internationally, 7.6 million shoeboxes were collected. “When the boxes are distributed a booklet is offered to children to explain the Gospel message, except in countries where it would be illegal,” said Wiegersma. “We are asking people to participate and help improve life for needy children,” said Wiegersma. Collect for the children The number of participants in the Brussels Terry Fox Run may have been down quite a bit from last year, but it didn’t hurt the dollar value. The 2007 Run brought in a grand total of $6,810, according to organizer Jeff Newell. This is a slight increase from the 2006 amount of $6,464.37, raised by 103 participants. Sunday, 65 came out in support of the cause to walk, run and cycle the routes set out for the annual Run. Newell said that outcome was helped by a road toll at the corner of Brussels Line and Newry Road that brought in over $1,700. Newell acknowledges the support of the community in making the Terry Fox Run a success. The food for the barbecue was donated by Foodland, and 19 volunteers, including local youths, and members of the Optimists and Lions Club assisted with the event. Huron East helped improve safety on the out-of-town routes by placing pylons. The shorter route took participants through the conservation area. Leading off the run was the 2007 Terry’s Team Member Melinda TenPas, a breast cancer survivor. Team players Breast cancer survivor and 2007 Terry’s Team Member Melinda TenPas of Brussels was all smiles as she visited on the annual Terry Fox Run with participant Murray Pipe. The run raised almost $7,000 for the cause. (Vicky Bremner photo) Run raises $6,810 for research By Bonnie Gropp The Citizen The Huron County Health Unit is reporting Huron County’s first probable human case of West Nile virus. The woman, from the north part of Huron County, appears to have contracted the disease while traveling outside of Ontario. She tested positive after preliminary tests conducted at the Public Health Laboratory in Toronto. The results of further tests are pending before the case can be confirmed as West Nile virus. There have been no birds or mosquitoes found anywhere in Huron County this year that have tested positive for West Nile virus. West Nile virus is an illness mainly transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people with the virus show either no signs or get flu-like symptoms. Sometimes, the virus can cause severe illness, resulting in hospitalization and even death. People with lowered immune systems and those over the age of 50 are most at risk. Although it is late in the season, public health inspector Paul Dawson wants people to stay alert about prevention. “Although the weather is cooling down, the risk of people getting the virus from mosquitoes will be present until the first frost. This case underlines how important it is for people to remain vigilant in protecting themselves and their families. We all need to take steps to reduce mosquito breeding sites on our properties by eliminating standing water.” To protect yourself from bug bites, wear long sleeve shirts and long pants. Light colours are best as mosquitoes are attracted to the darker colours. The use of an insect repellent when outdoors remains the most effective prevention method. Use insect repellents that contain no more than 30 per cent DEET, a key chemical in bug repellent. However, DEET should not be applied to children under six months of age. The health unit reminds anyone who finds a dead crow or blue jay to report it by calling 519-482-3416, or if long distance, 1-877-837-6143. The past dry season didn’t just impact crops. And the evidence may be quite noticeable as autumn approaches. According to Steve Bowers, stewardship co-ordinator with the Ministry of Natural Resources, this summer’s drought conditions will “absolutely have an effect on the trees.” “They will suffer from a lack of moisture,” said Bowers. “The signs and symptoms have been evident all summer, but it’s becoming apparent now. The foliage is thinning and dropping. They are losing their leaves earlier.” There are many factors to consider when looking at the health of a tree. It can be stressed by such things as road construction, salt spray, insects, the wind in urban areas, or competing for ideal conditions in woodlots. Like humans, the trees that will be hit the hardest are the ones under the most stress. “It’s a cummulative thing. For example, if you have had many late nights and are run down, then you are exposed to the flu, you are not only more likely to catch it, but the impact will be greater and the recovery longer,” said Bowers. “A tree is the same. If its root system has been pruned to widen a ditch, and its old, there has been de- foliation by insects, then there’s a drought the decline will be faster.” Bowers said some species seem more susceptible. The ash trees for Woman may have WNv Dry summer may affect fall colours Continued on page 18 By Bonnie Gropp The Citizen