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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1996-04-10, Page 1610 +40 GST 650 Wednesday, April 10, 1996 Vol. 21 No 15 Is that enough noodles? Britany Fritz seems to be questioning the amount of noodles needed for the preparation of a Japanese meal. Grade 3/4 students at Blyth Public School had the unique opportunity to cook and enjoy a true Japanese meal April 4, as part of their study of Japan. Not only did the children sample stir fried vegetables, but were able to try rice rolled in seaweed, though some were not too sure they liked the "fishy" smell. Board okays bed conversion in principle Town & Country Homemakers meet in Blyth to discuss survey See page 7 Brussels Crusaders win WOAA Senior A championship title See page 8 Carrying for the needs of a friend or loved one with cancer See page 13 • Grey Twp. itizen gears up for 140th celebration Talks focus on cuts By Janice Becker With a reduction in operating expenditures by approximately $2 million, the Huron County Board of Education will bring the expen- diture level to the $60 million mark for 1996, down more than $5 mil- lion from 1993. This budget will be the focus of talks, Thursday, April 11, at 7 p.m.,when the public is invited to gather at the Huron County Board of Education administration build- ing, Clinton, to listen to a detailed discussion with board members and staff as well as comments from Huron MPP Helen Johns. Continued financial constraints have forced the board to deal with numerous cuts and reorganization of the system. "Though the actual list of expen- ditures will show $60.8 million, the extra cost is due to one-time gratu- ity payments offered to retiring teachers," says director of Educa- tion Paul Carroll. "The permanent expenditures are at $60 million." Teachers were offered the incen- tive to retire to assist the board to balance the staffing numbers. Most of the retirees are in the elementary school sector so there is still some concern in the secondary panel, he says. It is still unclear what the mill rate for education taxes may be, but Carroll hopes the $2 million in cuts will reduce an expected hike of 11.8 per cent to the six to eight per cent range. "The remaining increase is due to imposed changes in funding from the provincial government," says Carroll. It is hoped these reductions will put the board in a good position for a larger decline (in funding) in 1997, he says. "In the long-term, because this board has been a low tax and low spending board, our ratepayers will be hit harder. We have to continue to work with the provincial govern- ment to change the outdated fund- ing system." After a Tuesday meeting with Johns, Carroll says, "She is work- ing to help us change the system, but she says realistically it can't be changed overnight." However, Car- roll states some definitive action must be taken towards change. Carroll says he hopes there will be good attendance at the Thursday evening meeting, to allow the board the opportunity to explain to rate- payers and municipal politicians alike, about the problems with the finance system for school boards and gain their support for change. Discussions at the meeting will cover the current situation, cut- backs, new grant regulations, bud- get preparations to date and municipal/property tax impacts. There will be a question and answer period. By Margaret Stapleton Advance-Times News The board of governors at Wingham and District Hospital has given approval in principle to a proposal which would see 12 of the 25 chronic-care beds at Wingham and District Hospital converted to a rehabilitation unit. Hospital Executive Director Lloyd Koch reported to the April meeting of the hospital board that new uses for the hospital must be found if it is to remain viable in the future. Wingham and District Hospital already provides a wide range of rehabilitation services on an out- patient basis and could easily redirect its attention to provide in- service treatment, Koch noted. The change would involve converting staff to rehabilitation from chronic and acute care, said Koch. George Underwood, vice chairman of the board, spoke in favour of the proposal as a way to keep people in the area, rather than having to travel to city hospitals tor rehabilitation services. Bob Pike also strongly urged members to support the proposal by saying, "Anything we (the board) can do to ensure the viability of this institution (the hospital)," must be pursued. The board gave approval in principle to the proposal. Now, the district health council and other hospitals will be approached for their support in the change of direction. By Janice Becker With just three months left to plan, organize and prepare for the 140th anniversary of their town- ship, Grey residents gathered April 2 to discuss the schedule of events. Planned for the weekend of June 28 to 30, organizers have a week- end filled with activities for youngsters, teenagers and adults. Opening ceremonies begin Fri- day evening at 7 p.m. with the ded- ication of Ethel Park followed by the first of the weekend tournament ball games. It is hoped that all communities in the area will enter a ball team as well as neighbours on concession and sideroads or any group interest- ed in playing, says Bob Cunning- ham, chair of the anniversary committee. The ball tournament will contin- ue throughout Saturday while oth- ers attending will be entertained by a parade which begins at 1 p.m. from Grey Central Public School and travels to Ethel park. There will be a licensed facility on site. Numerous activities will be available for the children and teens, including soccer games and horse- drawn wagon rides. A western theme dance at Ethel Community Centre, with DJ Ken Pennington, will occupy visitors Saturday evening. The dance, which runs from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m., requires age of majority. Activities will begin bright and early Sunday morning with a pan- cake breakfast cooked up by the Grey Twp. firefighters. The tasty treats will be available from 8 a.m. until noon. It is hoped that school reunions can be incorporated into the week- end event, says Cunningham, with gatherings Saturday and Sunday at Grey Central. The community centre board will be in charge of the evening feast when they pull out the barbecue from 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. After satisfying the body, the soul will be tended to at 7:30 p.m., with a church service held outside at the school, weather permitting. The fmale of the anniversary cel- ebration will take place at 9 p.m. Sunday with closing ceremonies and fireworks. The committee is still looking for volunteers to help out, particularly to erect the band shell and set up chairs, says Cunningham. Anyone interested in more infor- mation or lending a hand may call Bob Cunningham at 887-6240.