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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1999-04-21, Page 1News | Community Entertainment Brussels, Grey residents gather to hear council’s amalgamation report Seq page 7 Young musicians to give to MADD See page 22 ‘Billy Bishop Goes to War’, a Grand production See page 23 Former county warden dies Thomas Cunningham A prominent community and political leader passed away at Clinton Public Hospital in his 60th year, on Thursday, April 15, 1999. A one-time trustee of the Hullett Board of Education, Thomas Cunningham served on Hullett Twp. council for many years before becoming reeve in 1981. As warden of Huron County in 1984, Mr. Cunningham was a member of the Huron County Atlas steering committee. During his time in municipal politics he was involved in many committees, including the role of chairman of the Blyth Fire Board from 1983-1998. Mr. Cunningham was chairman of the ROMA Insurance Board, 1999 and chairman of ROMA in 1992. He has been chairman of the Hope Chapel Cemetery board, a director with West Wawanosh Insurance Company and a crop insurance yield operator. He was a member of Auburn United Church. A lifelong resident of Hullett Twp.. Mr. Cunningham was bom in 1939 to the late Guy and Margaret (Adams) Cunningham. Following his graduation from high school, Thomas joined his father as a partner in the family agriculture business. On Sept. 2, 1961, he married the former Ila Marlene Grigg. Mr. Cunningham was the loved father of Linda and Larry Plaetzer of RR1, Auburn, Debra and Rob Coates of London, Roger Cunningham of Auburn, Julia Cunningham of London and Leona,Cunningham of London. He was the dear grandfather of Jeff, Jamie and Janette Plaetzer and Jasmine, Alexander and Spencer Coates. His mother-in-law Norma Grigg of Clinton also survives him. Mr. Cunningham was the loved brother of Christena and Carmen Gross of Auburn. Eileen and Lloyd McClinchey of Auburn and Walter and Eunice Cunningham of Fort Frances. Many nieces, nephews and other family members will also mourn his passing. Visitation for Mr. Cunningham was at the Beattie-Falconer Funeral Home "Tasker Chapel" on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. and Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A private funeral service was held on Monday with Rev. Paul Ross officiating. Pallbearers were Peter Staniforth, Roger Cunningham, Walter Cunningham, Larry Plaetzer, Rob Coates, Lloyd McClinchey, Carmen Gross and Bob Grigg. Carrying floral tributes were Gordon Daer, Milton Bellamy, Bert Clifford and Joe Gibson. Interment was in Hope Chapel Cemetery, HullettTwp. Nurses9 union rep says wait and see if province delivers By Janice Becker Citizen staff While administration is pleased with a recent government an­ nouncement regarding additional funding for the hiring of nurses, the nurses' union is not quite so opti­ mistic. "We haven't seen any of it yet and I have my doubts until we do, said Dianne Miller, local co-ordina­ tor foi Local 21 of the Ontario Nurses Association. The provincial government announced last week that a special $130 million fund had been set up to hire up to 3,300 nurses in hospi­ tals. Four of the five Huron County hospitals could receive $477,266 in new funding according to the press release. Funds going to local hospitals would be allocated as follows: Clinton Public, $68,709; Wingham and District, $135,629; Alexandra Marine and General, $154,313 and South Huron, $118,615. In order to receive the funaine, hospitals must submit a nursing plan to the ministry outlining steps which will be taken to increase the level of nursing care. CEO for Huron and Perth hospi­ tals Bonnie Adamson said she is pleased to see funds to add to the nursing resources. Huron-Perth is receiving a total of $2.3 million with $1.6 million going to nursing, she said. Perth County will receive about $1.1 mil­ lion. Nursing is the key to quality care. The government is showing wis­ dom in investing in front line care, said Adamson. "I look forward to utilizing the dollars to bring in nurses." Though Adamson is optimistic, Miller remains wary, wailing to see if the money will arrive and if it will actually go into nursing. "We have layoffs at Clinton, so we are already losing." Adamson said she will be follow­ ing up on why Seaforth Communi­ ty Hospital did not receive an allocation. Johns celebrates her victory as Huron-Bruce PC candidate By Janice Becker Citizen staff Overflowing with enthusiasm and spirit, Progressive Conserva­ tive constituents packed the Blyth and District Community Centre to capacity as they gathered, April 17, to select a single representative for the new provincial riding of Huron- Bruce. Incumbents Barb Fisher of Bruce County and Helen Johns of Huron County were faced with the task of ousting a fellow Conservative after governmental restructuring amalga­ mated the two ridings. With an estimated 1,500 regis­ tered voters and hundreds more observing, each candidate took an opportunity to speak on their accomplishments and plans for the future. Johns spoke of her work as a par­ liamentary assistant to the health ministry and science, energy and technology ministry as well as her dedication to an improved educa­ tion system. With 25 years experience in poli­ tics, Fisher expressed her view to look to the future, to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead, not rest on the past. Noting the impact of PC changes, she said it was necessary as a result of 10 years of Liberal and NDP leadership. She also focused on health care as well as looking to a revitalized nuclear energy industry and an improved economy, with more local jobs. In the ballot vole with undis­ closed totals, Johns was announced as the PC candidate for the next election. Johns thanked her core group of supporters and said she would get out into the communty to do the best job she can. "This is the beginning. You promised you would help me with the next election and I hope you are all geared up." After the announcement, Fisher said she would work to lead the people of Bruce County in support of Johns. "We must move forward united. I am in full support of the candidate and will make sure we have a con­ servative member in the next par­ liament."