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Times-Advocate, 1980-07-23, Page 1wr Three people drowned. in the area over the weekend, including. two Scarborough youngsters who lost their lives in a farm pond in Hay Township. That incident claimed the lives of Sarah Margarett and. Ryan. Joseph McGratten, children of Richard and Joyce McGratten, 20 Oakharen. Drive, They had been visiting at the residence of an uncle, Don i liegier, when they apparently wandered off 1.1 together and slipped off the embankment around the Poad at lot V., concession 8 of Hay Township. The body of fottr-year-old Sarah was found floating face down in the pond around 12:30 p.m. when the family went to get the children so they could head for a family reunion in Seaforth, • The body of her six-year- old brother was recovered by OPP divers from Tobermory and Mt, Forest about 7:45. p.m,* 13 feet of water about. • • r. seven feet from shore, ,Coroner .1)r.. Liam O'Connor, Grand - Rend, pr 00=0 the two yetingsters dead at the scene. and their bodies were reraaVecl, by Hoffman's Ambulance. They were taken to Stratford 'General hospital for post mortem examination on Monday, Exeter OPP'Constable Bob Whiteford was in charge of the investigation, The other drowning victim was Jong Mok Lee, 39, .of ' Bramalea, who disappeared below the waters in ]!.rake Huron .at the Grand Bend 'beach, Sunday. Be had ,been camping at the resort for the weekend, His body was found by a "human chain" organized by a lifeguard and a vacationing RCMP sergeant after children reported .a man in difficulty between the beach and the first sandbar around 4:20 p.m. 13y the time searchers located him, Lee had been in the water about 15 minutes, police said, He was pronounced dead at South Huron Hospital. Lee was a non-swimmer' and got into water over his head, a letter was read at Grand Bend council Monday night criticizing the action of the lifeguards and the :police at the scene of the drowning. According to the writers of the letter, .Nancy Book and M. .0Sbern of Windsor., the events prior to the vietith be- ing found were totally con- fusing"' and •"precious Minutes were Wasted," The letter continued, "Had the,. victim been a relative of , mine. would seriously consider taking legal aetio.a.'., As it is, a valuable 'life Was spent by the inept actions of the lifeguards on duty, and the' police- force. I am strongly, recemtneriding. a Teview and' investigation of your life- saving procedure's. - Councillor Harold Green said that he was, on the beach at that time, and said, "That's not the way I saw it at all," Green said that the people he talked to were Very impressed with the way lifeguards handled the Situa- tion. Lifeguards on duty were Dave and Mike Wright and Cameron Coates. Green said that a vacationing RCMP of- ficer from Winnipeg on the beach told him that the lifeguards did a good job. Green said that by the time Dave Wright reached the victim he bad gone under water. Wright immediately had people standing by to form a chain and the body was soon found. Green added that there was a slight un- dertow and that the victim was in water over a person's head. A resuscitator was applied as soon as the body was brought out of the water, and the lifeguards ran with him to the waiting ambulance, according to Green. Green also pointed out that the lifeguards worked on the victim in the am- bulance all the way to the hospital. When the lifeguards returned to the beach, peo- ple came up and shook their hands and told them they had done the best they could, Green added. The Ontario Provincial Police are conducting an in- vestigation into tin drow- ning and the sergeant was unavailable for comment at press time. I MUST HAVE DONE SOMETHING WRONG — In scene which was repeated many times of the Sugor and Spice spon- sored bubble-gum blowing contest at Sidewalk Sole Days Fri- day, Dorrel Swiet7er really did blow it. T-A photo es Serving South Huron, North Middlesex -,.. ,. ...... .., 4.,,,,,,,4/0,f, i EXETER, ONTARIO, JULY 23, 1980 Price Per Copy 35 Cents Stephen starts pianning for two water projects UP AND STILL ON — Bull riding was one of the most exciting events'at, the weekend rodeo at Huron Park sponsored by the Stephen Optimists.One of the contestants is shown during a successful ride. Photo by Schwartzentruber Optimists plan to try again Rocleo refuses to die • CALF ROPING — Pickup rider Larry Walls is ready to go to work as one of the weekend rodeo contestants attempts to thrdw a calf. Photo by Schwartzentruber Despite a smaller than ex- pected attendance last weekend Exeter rodeo spon- sored by the Stephen Op- timist club has been termed .suLessful by club officials. Optimist past president Bill McGrath who was a driving force in reviving the rodeo told the T-A Monday night, "We haven't been able to total things up yet, but I am confident it will work out to a success." While the rodeo atten- dance was down to about 2,- 000 for the two-day event McGrath said "the Saturday night dance was fantastic with more.than 500 persons attending." McGrath continued;'WeaS a club feel it was a success. We learned a lot from it and, yes, we expect to be back next year." The Optimist official con- tinued, "With the continued co-operation of Molson's we hope to have a lot bigger rodeo next year with lots more entertainment. Their help this year was fantastic. They worked well with us." . This boqd of co-operation was verified by Molson's assistant manager for this area Dennis Riggin, a former .goalie with the Detroit Red Wings. Riggin said Sunday, "The Optimists have been great. They have filled every promise and commitment that was made. It was a pleasure working with them." McGrath indicated the en- tire weekend went well say-. ing. "Desipte previous speculation, we did not have a single incident during the entire two day event at the refreshment tent or at the Saturday night dance," ' He concluded by saying, "The efforts put out by our Optimist members were up to 200 percent: Also, there were a large number of volunteers not connected with the club." "Special thanks go to Discount Dave's, Columbia- Hughes Boats, Tuckey Beverages. Laidlaw Every litter bit is costly A bylaw was passed by Ex- eter council this week that provides for a fine of up to $28 for littering. Unlike the previous bylaw which covered only littering on highways, this new law makes it an offence to throw, place or deposit refuse or debris on any private or public property. Transport, , McDonald's Sanitation and the Exeter Saddle club for their great help." The rodeo was held on the grounds owned by the Ex- eter saddle club which operated a very successful breakfast for rodeo par= ticipants and spectators Exeter council decided Monday to stick to their policy of not extending water service to out-of-town residents. The decision came after several weekS of delibera- tion which had been prompted by a request from Frayne Chev-Olds to have water supplied by the town to their proposed new loca- tion in Usborne township at the southern limits of EX- eter. In giving their reasons for the recommendation that no water expansion be allowed, the executive committee argued that the town would be placed in a position of having to provide service to anyone who wanted water and this could result in heavy demands that could quickly tax the current supp- ly. The committee suggested that if approval was given for an extension to service one out-of-town customer, there would be no way they could then refuse service to another customer. They also noted that the Saturday and Sunday mor- ning. The rodeo was held and sponsored jointly by the Stephen Optimists and High Country. Rodeo of Collingwood. George Hewitt of the Open Roads show on CKCO Kitchener was the an- nouncer for both shows. potential area of develop- ment around Exeter was quite sizeable and if water was provided, could result in the town reaching a point where the current supply would not be adequate for its ABBAN Excavating Limited won the contract for the Thames Road east sanitary sewer this week, but the winners are the taxpayers of 'Exeter. The winning bid of $63,926.13 was wellbelovv the estimate of around $100,000 that had been placed on the project and will reduce substantially the debenture issue that will be required. Competition was very keen for the job as 10 contractors submitted prices for the sewer, which will run from Main St. to the Big "0" plant near the eastern boundary of own residents. If that happened before 1995-97, this could be substantially in- crease water rates as the utility would still be making debenture payments on the elevated tank as well as the Exeter. ABBAN, Who have been working on the Victoria St. reconstruction, were about $4,000 lower than the next lowest bid.i{he highest price submitted was $89,591.88. "The pinch is on," Mayor Derry Boyle commented in view of the apparent shor- tage of work which prompted the low prices. The total estimate of the job, including engineering and legal fees, had been set at $119,500 and council had approved a debenture . of $125,000 in their current budget for the sewer. recently opened Morgan- Cudmore wells and pipeline in Usborne township. Councillors Jay Campbell and Al Epp opposed the recommendation not to ex- tend water service, with Campbell noting that the ex- ecutive committee had been given a mandate from coun- cil to come back With a new policy regarding water ex.! tension. He said the recommenda- tion to stick with the current policy did not meet council's' directive. Epp said he was concerned about what effect the deci- sion would have on future development around Exeter. He questioned if they would be open to the 'type of development that could result if a man such as Harold Ballard decided to build a 50.000 seat stadium within one mile of Exeter He agreed that such a develop- ment may be a dream, but asked if they wouldin fact be open to such a proposal. "We kicked it around very thoroughly," commented Please turn to page 3 Fox to get a telegram Terry Fox won't get any cash from Exeter's municipal coffers, but he'll at least get a telegram of support as he continues his jog across Canada. Council reversed an earlier decision when they agreed Monday to send the young cancer victim a telegram that is expected to reach him as he passes through northern Ontario. Councillor Al Epp, who lost a bid to have council pledge five cents for each of the 5,200 miles the one-legged runner will cover, had seen Fox run inLondon and said it was an awesome sight to see him hop-skip down the street. The 21-year-old' B.C. man was described as a "hero" by Councillor Jay Campbell and said he was pleased to note that many youngsters were placing Fox in the hero category, Mayor Derry Boyle, who had opposed making any cash pledge, said he was amazed at the amount of money Fox was raising and said someone had missed the b'oat locally by not collecting funds to present to the young man. Epp said it may be a good idea to invite Fox to visit Exeter after he has com- pleted his run to tell local citizens about his ex- periences, COMPLAIN AGAIN Exeter council will again oppose an application for a rate increase by Union Gas. It's• the third time they've opposed a rate increase this year, but the first two had little affect and members apparently thought Monday that their latest one will probably have the same results. In fact, Councillor Jay Campbell had difficulty getting anyone to second his motion to protest the latest increase request from Union Gas. Deputy-reeve Harold Patterson finally agreed and it was approved. Stephen township council has submitted a request to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment for a grant, allocation for a water system for the police villages of Crediton and Centralia. The request was made after receiving a design report for the proposed systems from B.M. Ross, a Goderich engineering firm. A similar water system for the police village of Dash- wood is just being com- pleted., A supply line which would provide water for the two villages from the Lake Huron pipeline has been constructed to 'the !Chive corner which is three and three-quarters miles, west of Crediton. Council will be ,opposing a suggestion by Canadian National Railways to close the present CNR tracks in the Exeter area. A survey on the matter is being done by the Ministry of Transportation and Com- munications and they will be informed by Stephen that five township industries are currently using the CNR services. Council agreed to offer Len Veri of Exeter $2,500 per acre for 0.6 acres of land needed to complete a new Devil's Elbow bridge structure. The rate of $2,500 has been set by Huron County for the acquisition of land for roads. Council members will be discussing a possible takeover of the water system of the Ontario Development Corporation at Huron Park. Appraisal costs are being prepared by the Ministry of Government Services. Surveyor Christian Kiar presented a revised draft plan for a subdivision at part of Lot 23, North Boundary Concession in the police village of Dashwood. Councillors felt the lots were too large and suggested a reduction to a minimum of 15,000 square feet per lot. The procedure of securing water for a subdivision from the Lake Huron water system is being checked. Land severance ap- plications were approved for the estate of the late William Bender in Crediton; Wayne O'Brien at Lots '9 and 10, Concession 3 and Alphonse Denomme, Lots 27, 28, Cook's Survey, Dashwood and Edward Stire, Lot 23, North Boundary Concession in Dashwood. Council refused a request ,The Exeter poliCe depart- ment investigated three ac- cidents this week, including one involving two trail bikes ridden by juveniles. The two lads sustained minor injuries in the colli- sion which occurred in Riverview Park on Sunday, As a result of this accident plus numerous other close calls and complaints from local citizens. Chief Ted Day reported this week that the department will start a crack-down on the drivers and their parents as well, Charges are pending against the two juveniles in- volved in the Sunday colli- sion. Constable Jim Barnes investigated. On Wednesday. vehicles driven by Allan Murray, Holyrood, and Robert Drum- mond, Exeter, collided at the intersection of Main and Wellington St. Damage was listed at $1,- 500 by Constable Brad Sadler. The other collision was• reported on Friday when a motor vehicle driven by Douglas Case, RR 3 Exeter, collided with a parked motor vehicle owned by Howard Kerslake, Exeter. • The accident occurred on Wellington St. just west of from the Huron Board of Education to increase the number of tax payments per year from the present two to four. A resolution from the city of Brampton asking for an increase in the term for municipal officials to three years was turned down. The Guelph engineering firm of Gamsby and Man- nerow , has asked for con- firmation of a repair petition Please turn to page 3 Main and damage was es- timated at $300 by Constable Sadler, Several local citizens face charges as a result of police investigation into a number of other incidents. A warrant has been issued for the, arrest of the person believed responsible for the July 1 breakin at the Exeter Bakery. Several 'items were reported stolen. by the owner, Milt Keller. Included were cleaning equipment and other goods. Constable Kevin Short is in charge of the investigation. Four counts of false' pretences have been laid against an Exeter man in relation to four separate in- cidents of passing cheques. The accused is scheduled to appear in court on August 12. • Also to appear on the same date is another Exeter man charged with the July 8 theft of a motor vehicle owned by Allan Rundle. RR 3 Exeter. An Ingersoll man has been charged by Constable Jim Barnes with driving while under suspension. On Sunday. Tony Dayman, 92 'Brock St.. Hensall, reported that someone had thrown a beer bottle through the window of his truck while it was parked on Main St. Ratepayers given some , good news RODEO OFFICIALS CONFER — The weekend rodeo at Huron Park was sponsored jointly 'by the Stephen Optimists, Molson's Breweries and High Country Rodeo. Shown in a discussion are from the left Molson's assistant manager Dehnis Riggin and assistant to the vice-president Greg McNamara, president Ron Morrison, Susan Hartung of Party Sound who provided music and Optimists Tom Lessard, and Bill McGrath. T-A photo eto water line extension to surrounding townships Trail bikes crash; plan crack down CUTTING THE RIBBON -- Former MPP Charlie MacNaughton cuts the ribbon at the open- ing of the new Huron Hall residence at the Centralia College of Agriculturol Technology Saturday while Minister of Agriculture and Food Larne Henderson and Minister, of Govern- ment Services Douglas Wiseman look on. Staff photo