Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1999-10-20, Page 1Education Special Entertainment | Parent delegation tells education board that more options are needed Car care tips and home ideas featured DuffleBag Theatre entertains See page 6 See inside See page 35 The North Huron itizen Fewer than 9 schools will close this year Vol. 15 No. 41 Wednesday, Oct. 20, 1999 tooscgst 75c By Susan Hundertmark Special to The Citizen Fewer than nine schools will be named for closure this year. But, no targeted number has yet been set for closure, said Education Director Lome Rachlis at Thursday’s regional accommoda­ tion review meeting in Seaforth. “Last year we were trying to reduce all the excess capacity but what’s different this year is there’s no government closure target or deadline,” he told about 50 parents from Seaforth and Mitchell-area schools who met in Seaforth District High School’s gymnasium. Rachlis said that removing all excess space (or 15 per cent) of 60 schools worked out mathematically to nine schools, but 12-15 schools were named for closure last year because the district contains many small rural schools. While Ministry of Education cal­ culations state that an average ele­ mentary school should have at least 363 students and an average second­ ary school should have at least 909 Sjudents, Rachlis said a reasonably- sized school in the city would not be reasonable in Huron and Perth Counties. “Here the population is spread out and busing times can be consider­ able. We’re going to have to keep some small schools open to give stu­ dents reasonable access to them,” he said. Rachlis said considerations for closure that would be reasonable in the Avon Maitland district include schools that are older, need repairs and have other schools nearby where students can go. “We're not going to favour one county over another, high schools over elementary schools or town schools over country schools,” he said. “It never feels right to close your own school but, the bottom line is we’re keeping more buildings open than we have students for,” he said. Continued on page 7 Getting a help down School bus safety is an important aspect of children’s lives as they use the mode of trans­ portation both for getting to school and participating in class trips. Senior OPP Const. Don Shropshall is visiting schools over the next several weeks to instruct riders on escape plans and provide training on how to assist each other in a time of emergency. Meagan Dolmage is lowered to the ground by the officer, with assistance from other Brussels students Phillip Wedow and Kari Lynn McLellan. Teens aid accident victim Warm, dry weather pushes harvest up By Janice Becker Citizen staff Warm, dry weather has pushed the harvest ahead a few weeks and the task is nearing completion for this season. The bean harvest is 90 per cent done, said Brian Hall, soil and crop advi­ sor with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs office in Clinton. “Yields were reasonable to above average, depending on where and when the rains came.” Early August rains helped push yields up in some areas causing a range of 30 to 60 bushels, he said. The late rain also affected the corn yields, though Hall said he was sur­ prised at the yields given the limited precipitation. “The com responded to the extra heat.” With yields from 140 to 180 bushels and drier than normal crops, the lower commodity prices will be offset somewhat. Two-thirds to three-quarters of the green corn is now out of the fields due to the early harvest. “Overall, it was a good crop year, yield-wise,” said Hall. Edible beans, both white and coloured had excellent quality and were taken off during excellent weather. “The biggest challenge with the edible beans,” said Hall, "was with the crop being over dry.” The yields were reasonable with a wide range depending on rainfall. The early August rain did not help the earlier varieties. Yields were as low as 13 hundred weight per acre to 24 hundred weight per acre. This was also a turnaround year for hay, said Hall. “There was good qual­ ity and good quantity.” There have been excellent conditions for winter wheat planting and those already cropped look good, he said. Brussels to host Two area teens offered comfort and first aid after happening upon an accident victim early Monday morn­ ing. Accroding to Crystal Edgar, 16 of Grey Twp., the school bus in which she was a passenger passed a pick­ up truck in a field off Sideroad 20- 21 of Grey Twp. The GMC had rolled numerous times after leaving the road on the east side. The lone occupant, Joseph McClelland, 53, was lying on the ground outside the truck, where he had been the entire night. “Randy Milinkovic said he knew first aid and got off the bus to help,” said Edgar. “He asked if anyone would give him a coat and I was the only one to say yes. I got out and sat with the man and talked to him. He said that lots of people had driven by but no one would stop. Edgar and Milinkovic. also 16, stayed with the victim, while the bus driver radioed for help. McClelland was taken to Listowel Memorial Hospital with multiple injuries and suffering from hypothermia, then later transferred to Victoria. OPP believe the collision occurred shortly after midnight when McClelland lost control as he was northbound of the sideroad. An investigation is continuing. spook-tacular party It will be a spook-tacular time. During the week preceeding Halloween there will be a haunted house at 405 Tumberry St., across from the Brussels Library. Admission is $1 per child or $2 per adult. Proceeds go to minor hockey. Charles Corbett, who organized similar attractions at the Ark and in recent years at Spinrite in Listowel thought it would be a fun way to raise money for minor hockey. He would also appreciate any volunteer help. For information on times or to offer your services call 887-8013 during the day.