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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2003-01-08, Page 1Serving the communities of Blyth and Brussels and northern Huron County Volume 19 No. 1 Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2003 75 Cents (70c + 5c gst) Deer continue to plague drivers The Huron OPP were kept busy in the past year with the ever-growing number of deer collisions which have plagued the county. According to OPP statistics, there were 240 deer-vehicle collisions in Huron County last year with half taking.place in the last three months of the year. In 2002. officers investigated 343 collisions involving deer, with 38 of those occurring in December Though an increase of 103 incidents, the worst year in Huron was 2000 with 315 collisions. Deer collisions cause thousands of dollars of damage to vehicles and in 2002, several people were injured in those crashes, one seriously, said OPP Senior Constable Don Shropshall. The warm weather and lack of snow has contributed to the problem. permitting deer to continue to roam throughout the county rather than migrate to winter yarding locations. The lack of harsh winter conditions have also reduced deer losses, allowing the population to grow. Deer collisions have already occurred in the new year, the first when an animal was struck on Sharps Creek Line in Colborne, at 6:15 p.m., Jan. I, said Shropshall. The OPP ask drivers to continue to be aware of deer along road­ sides, particularly in the early morning hours just before sunrise and as the sun is setting in the evening. Collisions tend to take place near wooded lots along roadways or in low areas such as near rivers, streams, creeks or swampy areas. Drivers arc advised to watch for red eyes and slow down. Deer often travel in groups so if one is spotted there arc likely to be others, said Shropshall. Welcoming siblings Not only was little Claire Lillian, daughter of Marie and Neil Mitchell of Grey, the first local baby born tn 2003, she was also the New Year’s baby for Stratford General Hospital. She was born Jan. 1 at 1:58 p.m. (Janice Becker photo) North Huron reeve reminds there’s work to be done By Bonnie Gropp Citizen editor With the beginning of a new year ahead of them, North Huron Reeve Doug Layton, in his report to council at the meeting Monday night, extended congratulations to councillors and staff, but reminded that there was yet much to be done. Layton said both administration and council had successfully molded three municipalities into one. He particularly complimented stall, who “made our job easier.” Looking forward, the reeve said, he can sec major projects for the township. “A drive around Wingham, and I see very quickly we are running out of residential lots. For that matter industrial and commercial land is limited. This is something we are going to have to address quickly.” Layton added that this is an issue which perhaps needs to be studied in Blyth as well. Working on the official plan will be another big project for council. The landfill sites, new laws for septage treatment and nutrient management are also going to be on the agenda in the year ahead. The services for the Hutton Heights subdivision will need to be considered Layton noted and streets and roads are a priority. Pulling things in order of importance is paramount, he added. “We must prioritize and do only what we can afford.” The police office in Wingham is number one. he said. "Again we have run out of time. We have to act quickly to bring i'. up to standards. When OCCOPS (Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services) turned down our proposal (to dissolve the local force and contract with the OPP) l said it would cost money. We will need to be creative.” Layton stated he intends to hold meetings to discuss many of these issues and start planning for the future. "We have a busy year ahead of us.” Area couple has New Year’s baby A local infant has claimed the honour as Stratford’s first baby of the new year. Marie and Neil Mitchell of Grey had the great joy of welcoming this area’s New Year’s baby when Claire Lillian was born on the afternoon of Jan. 1 at Stratford General Hospital. Though due Dec. 21, Claire was bound and determined to make an entrance arriving Jan. 1 at 1:58 p.m. and weighing in at eight pounds, 11 ounces. Claire was welcomed by sisters Emily, four and a half, and Sarah, three, and brother Sean, four and a half. She is the granddaughter of Emerson and Phyllis Mitchell of Walton and Bill and Laura Barber of Bayfield and great-granddaughter of Kathleen Cuthill of Huronlea. The first baby at Listowel Memorial Hospital, Hailey Aguiar- Moore, was bom Jan. 3 to Natasha Aguiar and Kyle Moore of Listowel. Sandra and Lloyd Reaman of RR1, Wroxeter had the New Year’s baby at Wingham and District Hospital. Baby Brad Kenneth was welcomed Jan. 2 by big sister Lisa. Neither Clinton Public nor Alexandra Marine and General Hospitals has yet welcomed a new arrival by Monday. RIDE nabs 17 drivers For Huron OPP officers this year's RIDE program could only be called alarming. Sr. Const. Don Shropshall called the findings the worst he has seen in his five years as community services officer for the detachment. "(We) were surprised and disappointed that so many people took the chance to drive while under the influence of alcohol. And with the changes to the drinking and driving laws I can't imagine why they would even think of doing so.” In the five-week program a total of 17 people were charged with impaired driving, up an alarming 16 from 2001 and. Shropshall said, an increase of seven from the previously worst year from the past five. As well OPP in Huron issued 12 12-hour suspensions. The number bl vehicles stopped by police was up 2.804 from the year before with 10.016 checked. During the five-weeks ol the RIDE program, officers also investigated 132 car crashes which resulted in injuries to 33.