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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-07-02, Page 1Special |Review |Government ‘The Citizen’ salutes the Grade 8 graduating classes of 1997 Blyth’s ‘Booze Days in a Dry County’ shows plenty of spirit Province brings some good news regarding hospital restructuring See page 11 See page 27 See page 28 N. Huron group to study options Attentiveness prevents near-tragedy Fortunately for Ernst Gubelmann of RR4, Walton, he decided to check his recently-stored bales of hay, Thursday afternoon. The bales had begun to heat up and smolder in the stack, due to dampness when stored. The Blyth and District Fire Department was quickly called as a precautionary measure as Gubelmann began to remove the over-heated bales from his barn. "If he had not noticed the heat, we would have had a barn fire by Friday morning," said Blyth Fire Chief Paul Josling. "He is very lucky as hay fires are usually fatal (for the structures). Some of the bales were very hot." The firefighters stayed on the scene until approximately 6 p.m. There were no losses other than the damaged hay. Safety blitz turns up problems The numbers are in and the results show there is still consider­ able room for improvement with regards to commercial vehicle safety on area highways. So said OPP Sergeant P.R. Holmes after a two-day commer­ cial vehicle inspection blitz, con­ ducted by the joint forces of the Ministry of Transportation, Huron County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police and Goderich Town Police, which resulted in 187 vehicles inspections and 69 (37 per cent) being taken out of service. Of those 69 vehicles, 28 had the plates removed and the remaining 41 were repaired and allowed to continue on. Charges handed out included: incomplete pre-trip sheet and being mechanically unsafe (39), expired or no annual inspection slicker (six), CVOR not registered or no sticker (four), insecure load (three), over weight or over width (seven), driving while suspended (two), improper classification of driver's licence (two), improper vehicle registration (one), regula­ tory offence-improper registration (one) and failure to display sticker (one). The joint forces consider the blitz a success, said Sergeant Holmes, and are committed to continuing the monitoring of com­ mercial vehicles in Huron County. The inspection stations were in Wingham, Clinton, Exeter, Grand Bend and Goderich. By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff No one said we have to play, but we should at least know the game plan. This was the general consensus of the North Huron municipal council representatives at yet another restructuring meeting on June 25 in East Wawanosh town­ ship office. Murray Scott, East Wawanosh councillor, chaired the meeting, which included elected officials from Brussels, Blyth, East Wawa­ nosh, West Wawanosh, Turn berry, Morris, Grey, Wingham, Ashfield, Howick and Hullett. With the general feeling that the county's strategic planning meet­ ing, June 19, showed opposition to one-tier government, Reeve Mason Bailey said he got the impression that municipalities should work together to everyone's benefit and not cause "any range wars." Grey Twp. has submitted a pro­ posal for consideration by the North Huron group suggesting a committee be struck to study vari­ ous options, using the spread sheets compiled by the clerks comparing costs on a per capita basis. Grey Councillor Robin Dunbar said, "We Dog days It is a time for primping, and brushing, walking and sitting, obeying commands and waiting patiently in the heat. rhe Bluewater Kennel Club All Breeds Dog Show and Obedience Trials, returns to Blyth for its 15th year, bringing 1,174 canine entrants in numerous categories The show, which runs from July 8 to 10 this year, continues to expand and improve. This season, there will be several new features at the three-day show. There will be specific breed exhibitions, booster shows spon­ sored by the National Whippet Club of Canada, Great Lakes Whippet Club, Australian Cattle Dog Club of Canada and the Bou­ vier de Flanders Club of Canada, to encourage ownership of the breed as well as provide special awards for the breeds represented. For the participants in the obedi­ ence trials, the competitions will run two simultaneously, through the first two days, allowing com­ petitors to enter five trials instead of two. The increased opportuni­ ties permits the dogs to finish to title faster, says Florence Pullen, show co-organizer. A new feature this year will be the craft show, offering the wares of 10 exhibitors with items such as dog apparel, dog toys and, for the feline lovers, cat stands. were trying to run this up the flag­ pole and see who would salute." Several did. Blyth Councillor Doug Scrimgeour said that they had to start somewhere. "I really don't believe we can sit here and do nothing." "Let’s have a committee make a model and have it on the shelf," said Brussels Councillor Ralph Watson. "Then if a commissioner comes we can hopefully stall them." A comment that certain munici­ palities had threatened to call in the commissioner raised concerns. Bai­ ley mentioned a phone call with a reeve from another municipality outside the county. "They are send­ ing two resolutions questioning the government on the constitutional rights of having one person come in and do this." Dunbar said he felt any decision should be made by all municipal councils and not just reeves (at county level). "I think as long as one (municipality) doesn't go off in a huff we can sort of bide our time." Watson agreed. "It looks to me if a commissioner comes in vou get one gigantic puddle and one frog. The fact that discussions have Continued on page 25 in Blyth One of the most interesting for dog owners may be the herding clinic for beginners, offered by Gina McDonnell of Cherrydale Farms, Benmiller, over the week­ end prior to the Kennel Club show and trial. McDonnell, who raises Australian cattle dogs, will host the clinic July 4-5. The session is already booked to capacity and is aimed at breeds intent on learning the skill. "It is hoped eventually, the (Blyth) show will have booster shows for all the herding breeds," says Pullen. The park is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., with admission fees set at $2 for adults and $1 for chil­ dren. Any children, under 12, accompanied by an adult, are admitted free. All gate proceeds go to the Huronia Humane Society. Any profits realized from entrants' fees will be divided amongst the humane society, Canine Vision and Pet Trust at the Ontario Veterinarian College. A selection of food and refresh­ ments will be available at the campgrounds as well as from sev­ eral restaurants in the village. Anyone wishing more informa­ tion on the Bluewater Kennel Club All Breeds Dog Show and Obedi­ ence Trials, July 8-10 in Blyth, may contact Florence Pullen, 233- 7896.