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The Citizen, 1999-05-12, Page 1’*4 1 M z i1 . ■ > r J 0 "’44 Daryl Ball returns to Huron as new OMAFRA ag rep Madill’s ‘Grease’ a rockin’ hit 1 'Auburn artist paints for Festival See page 14 See page 22 See page 23 Brussels council passes 0% increase By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff Despite some debate, Brussels councillors passed a draft budget of zero per cent increase at the May 3 meeting. The differing opinion came up after it was noted that the county levy had changed with the province's reduced costs for land ambulance and health care. While the Ministry of Health suggested to municipalities in writ­ ing that the tax break would hope­ fully be passed on to the ratepayers, Councillor Joe Seili felt it could be used to boost the village's infras­ tructure. "This is one time the money would actually stay in the village," he said, noting that any previous tax increase has been as a result of the county or school board. 'I would like to see us use the money for infrastructure, but only for infrastructure. Councillor Greg Wilson, howev­ Ball numbers way down FOA hosts all-candidates meeting Across the region, ball organiza­ tions at all levels are suffering from declining enrolment. At the Tri-County level, only 44 teams are registered, accounting for approximately 500 players, said Joanne McDonald, Tri-County con­ vener. "Five years ago there were 1,120 players and 120 teams. There has been a drop every year." Though McDonald noted the increased popularity of soccer, she also said golf, roller hockey and summer hockey are taking players. "The biggest drop has been in the 15-plus age group. We are strug­ gling to have Bantam and Midget Boys teams. I think more are get­ tingjobs or they have more respon­ sibility at home.” This year there are only two Ban­ tam Boys teams and no teams for Midget Boys or Girls. Hardball is also being offered in Listowel and Clinton which has er, was opposed. "I want to pass the savings on to the taxpayers." Though drawing attention to the Ministry's recommendation, Clerk- Treasurer Donna White also agreed that Seili was making a good point. "We are way behind in our infrastructure." Councillor Mary Stretton sup­ ported Wilson, while Reeve Ralph Watson agreed with Seili. Council­ lor Mike Thomas was absent. When the time came to make a motion to accept the budget, how­ ever, the motion for no municipal tax increase passed unanimously. Included in the budget is $8,300 for sidewalks. Which ones get improvements will be decided in June. The majority of this year's infras­ tructure expenditure is being used for the William Street reconstruc­ tion. On the revenue side, the Special Circumstances grant from the province in the amount of $19,000 has been approved. hurt their softball, she said. In the 10 and under age group, soccer is the draw. "It has more appeal to the little ones because there is more activi­ ty-" The Brussels RBIs, the ladies fastball team, has also had to find a new home as there were no teams to compete against. The team could have joined the Goderich league, but many felt it was too far to drive after work for 7 p.m games. They will play instead in the women's slo-pitch league. The Midget Girls will also play slo-pitch. When Brussels Minor Ball asked slo-pitch organizers to allow the girls in, they agreed. It was just to provide an opportunity for the team to play, said McDonald. With just over 60 teams regis­ tered for WOAA softball this sea­ son, Secretary-Manager Linda Continued on page 10 An all-candidates meeting to debate agricultural issues is being held on Wednesday, May 19, at Huron Centennial School in Brucefield at 8 p.m. The meeting will be sponsored by the Huron County Federation of Agriculture. Although the focus of the evening will be on farming, the general public is invited to attend and ask the candidates questions on any topic. "Agriculture is an important part of the local economy," President Pat Down said. "We want to make sure that the voters of the riding have a chance to hear what the candidates have to say on local farming issues." The committee has also prepared a Huron Federation of Agricultural platform. It is a list of the most important farming issues in the area and the committee's views on how to deal with the issues. "The committee has decided to take an active interest in this campaign to bring out local agricultural issues,” said Down. "We want to give the public a chance to learn what the candidates think about farming." By publicizing where the candidates stand on agriculture, the committee hopes the voters of the riding will be more informed on election day. Down pointed out that the committee doesn't plan to endorse or attack any of the candidates. "We're non-partisan," she said. "It's up to the voters to decide for whom to cast their ballots." The committee is made up of Pat Down, Charles Regele, Neil Vincent, John Rodges, Henry Boot, Dave Linton, Victor Roland and Evert Ridder. A second meeting will be held in the riding in the north later.. Weather keeps farmers guessing By Bonnie Gropp & Janice Becker Citizen staff The effects of last year’s dry summer, and this spring's weather have agriculturalists guessing what the growing season may bring. Though April may not have been the driest in recent history, a com­ bination of other conditions have made it seem so, according to local weather watcher Boyd Taylor. "There was a total of 95 mm of rain in April, as well as snow. This compares favourably to the springs of 1994 and 1995. But the whole situation is we have seen some intense sun and easterly north winds that are very drying," said Taylor. As for agriculture, he said that rural Huron has had fields worked up and closed "amazingly quickly". "We see beautiful blossoms in the orchards." he said. Cherries, Continued on page 14