HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2001-08-22, Page 1Pg. 3
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Nominate local
business in contest
Pharmacist returns
from mission work
Brussels Mites win
A championship
Inside this week
OFA president visits Pg. 10 Huron farm
Maitland Valley CA
Pg. 15 hosts anniversary
tour
Whitmores
prepare for
plowing
match
By Bonnie Gropp
Citizen staff
NORTH HURON PUBLISHNG COMPANY INC
e Citizen
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Volume 17 No. 33
Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2001 75 Cents (70c + 5c GST)
With some new features, the 2001
Huron County Plowing Match, held
on Thursday and Friday of this week,
promises to be one of the best.
This year's host Bruce Whitmore
of McKillop Twp. said this year's
committee has, in addition to the
usual features, arranged for groups to
come in and display a variety of
items from craftwork to
demonstration. "It is to broaden the
base of interest," said Whitmore.
Secondly, there is to be an antique
tractor display with as of last week
numbered 50. These, which include
in field and out of field models will
be lined up near where the plowing is
done. "To have this response in the
first year, I think is pretty great," said
Whitmore.
Though not members of the
Plowmen, Whitmore and his wife
Marg have been associated with
them as committee people with the
International Plowing Match held in
Huron in 1999 and as "interested
parents".
"Our daughter was involved in
junior plowing and was Queen of the
Furrow several years ago," said
Whitmore.
Interest was shown in his farm for
this match, Whitmore said because
of the 50-acre parcel of wheatland
and its proximity to buildings, which
would be used in the event of rain.
Tickets for Friday's barbecue at
4:30 p.m. can be purchased from
Whitmores or at the Winthrop Store..
Cost is $10. While there will be a
limited number available that day,
Whitmore does not recommend
waiting. "I wouldn't take a chance. If
you're sure you're going to be here
that day, buy ahead."
With the added features this year,
Whitmore thinks the event should be
memorable. "With the tractors lined
up, the displays, it will be an
impressive 50 acres. I believe it will
be pretty special."
By Mark Nonkes
Citizen staff
Fears of a Walkerton-like tragedy
had the mayor of Huron East urging
council to immediately hire a water
and sewer operator at the Aug. 14
council meeting.
"I just don't want to run into
problems because I'm not going to
be a very happy camper if we do,"
Mayor Lin Steffler said.
Currently, Azurix, a company
Huron East calls if there is a water
problem, is the only one who looks
after the water and sewers in the
municipality.
However, Sterner and other
councillors were worried that Azurix
is not familiar enough with the water
system.
"We cannot continue to fly by the
ass of our pants on this issue,"
Mayor Lin Steffler said.
A person in charge of water and
sewers would understand the water
and sewer systems, check water
meters and oversee if repairs need to
be made in Brussels, Seaforth,
Eg mond vi Ile, Vanastra or
Brucefield. The municipality would
be seeking someone with a
certificate to make sure things were
done properly, Clerk-Administrator
Jack McLachlan said.
In the last year the municipality
has averaged about one main water
break every month, Deputy Mayor
Bernie MacLellan said.
The position has been
recommended to be on a part-time or
contract basis with a salary between
$19 to $24 an hour. However,
Councillor Larry McGrath believes
there is enough work for a water and
sewers person to be hired full
time.
"I don't think this person would be
sitting around," McGrath said.
However, the cost of hiring this
employee and the expenses they
incur worried other councillors.
"There are a lot of costs that aren't
shown here," Bill Teall said.
Other councillors like Greg
Wilson, who works for a company
that digs well, didn't understand the
urgency for a certified water and
sewers operator.
"This water stuff has got so crazy
and out of hand." Wilson said.
Councillor .Dick Burgess of
Seaforth stressed the importance of
taking time to decide on exactly
what to do, as the role is very
important.
"I am in favour of not rushing to
advertise," Burgess said.
But for Sterner the sooner a water
and sewers person is hired, the
By Bonnie Gropp
Citizen staff
They say better late than never and
when it comes to this year's crop it
would seem the words are apropos.
This past week's rain was,
according to OMAFRA crop
specialist Brian Hall a little late, but
beneficial. "It will always do some
good."
The rainfall,' which was reportedly
heaviest in the Walton area, where
about five inches came down, will
help the longer season varieties of
corn. "They won't be as advanced so
they have the time to till out," Hall
said.
Overall yields. however, have been.
hurt significantly. "In the spring, had
we kept the weather we had we
would have had above average
better.
"Every day we delay on this matter
one way or another, is a day for a
potential problem," she said.
yields. Now we are less than average
and there will be some crop
insurance claims."
Despite this prediction, Hall notes
once again that this past rain will
improve the situation. "It will still
help fill out the kernels and help the
yield and bushel weight."
Soy beans have suffered
tremendously Hall said, as the crop
was at the critical pod-till stage.
"The rain again will do some good
for the later maturity beans, but the
early ones will be limited."
Unfortunately, the rains came too
late for the dry-edible beans. but will
give a "bit of a boost to the
hay."
"It's been a little late coming but
we'll still take it." said Hall. "The
rain has helped and things will teen
up now."
Close call
It could have been tragic Aug. 17, when around noon an accident occurred on Brussels Line in Grey Twp. According to police a
1996 Pontiac driven by Glen Vanbeek, 21 of Grey Twp. was southbound approaching the intersection of St. Michael's Road and
attempted to turn left onto the road having failed to see an oncoming 1987 Dodge, driven by Dean Walker, 21, of East Wawanosh
Twp. Both vehicles were demolished. Vanbeek and a female passenger Marianne Pike, 18, of Wingham were taken to Wingham
hospital where police say, they were treated for minor injuries and released. Walker sustained non life-threatening serious injuries
and was transported to London hospital. (Mark Nonkes photo)
Concerns over water safety
prompt request from HE mayor
Rain's benefits come
too late for some beans