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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2004-03-25, Page 1Inside this week Belgraveonate Optimists 2• 6 d The Citizen Serving the communities of Blyth and Brussels and northern Huron County Volume 20 No. 12 Thursday, March 25, 2004 $1 (93c + 7c GST) reviews official plan NORTH HURON PUBLISHING COMPANY INC. Group effort The Blyth and District Fire Department members donated a number of non-perishable items, as well as purchasing $50 worth in support of the North Huron Community Food Share. Back row from left: Russ Nesbitt, Mike Kerr. Front: Clarence Bailey, chief Paul Josling, lieutenant Mike McDonald. (Vicky Bris;rnner photo) .After 10 months of fear and - frustration, the beef industry had • something to applaud Monday when the federal government announced additional disaster assistance for farmers affected by the BSE crisis. Ron Stevenson of Walton, vice- president of the Huron County Beef Producers, said, "This is greatly appreciated. It will get money to the producer who needs it." Bob Friesen, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture praised the government saying that they had "demonstrated their sensitivity to the plight of the agriculture industry. This money is a sizeable investment in one of Canada's most important industries and the benefits will accrue back to our entire economy." "I'm glad to see the government is paying attention," said Stevenson. Ron Wooddisse, president of the Ontario Cattlemen's Association said the news couldn't come at a better time. "The $680 million announced (Monday) should provide an immediate and necessary cash infusion to farmers struggling to survive this situation." Wooddisse said that Ontario farmers have to date, lost in excess of $150 million in the crisis. The $680 million announced in the transitional industry support 4 program will put money directly into the pockets of producers in all ruminant sectors. With the $250 million transition payment and $65 million Canadian Farm Income Program top-up, removing the need for pro-rating, the government recognized that the entire agriculture industry has been impacted by the crisis. Continued on page 18 n, iA And the P 5.• 1-1 winner is... Pg 16 Steckle blasts • packing companies By Elyse DeBruyn Citizen staff The North Huron Community Food Share will launch its new April campaign in hopes of collecting more food for the needy and in support of this, local grdups will be holding food drives throughout the area. The Food Share, which started with a dedicated group of volunteers 10 years ago, is. government registered .and operated by a board of directors. It is funded solely through contributions and is a non- denominational food bank, that should not be confused with any of the food banks operated by local churches. The launch will start at 1 p.m. on March 26 at the North Huron council chambers. Board spokesperson, Maggie Myers said the Food Share's aim is to collect enough non-perishable food items to last until November during its month-long campaign. In support of Food Share, the Blyth Legion Ladies Auxiliary is holding a food drive. Janice -Henry, past president of the Auxiliary, said they were approached for help by Myers. "She (Myers) said they had an abundance 'of food needed in December and now the shelves are near empty, so we decided to help," said Henry. Donations can be made at Blyth Memorial Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at the Blyth Legion any time after 3 p.m. The Blyth and District firefighters were also a big help towards Food Share as members donated a number of non-perishable items as well as purchasing $50 worth of groceries. Food Share serves about 375 families on a regular basis, including some families with several children. Myers said about 60 per cent of people who use -the FoOd Share are children and some families are trying to survive on general welfare. She said, in the middle of the month, she would give a needy family enough food to survive on for four or five days, but wonders what they do for food during the rest of the month. She would like to see these families have the ability to use Food Share's food bank twice a month as opposed to once a month. Myers explained that there is 'always an urgent need for dry cereal, peanut butter, tinned stews, infant formula and diapers. Food Share's food bank is located at 405 Josephine St., behind Home _ Video, and is only open Wednesday mornings, but Myers would like to see it opened more during the week. Christmas time is the season of giving and most people think of the hungry during this time, but Myers said the need is still as strong in summer months. However people don't seem to donate in the summer. Despite the goal to help the hungry, Myers has other goals in mind for Food Share as well. She hopes to make Food Share's food banks more visible to people by giving it a new logo "Fill the bag and feel the joy," because many don't know about it or, if they do, how to access it. The logo will appear on Council and staff of the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry are beginning to review the municipality's land use planning documents. There are currently two municipal plans - one for Morris Ward, and one for Turnberry Ward. The goal is to create one new official plan for Morris-Turnberry. The public is encouraged to attend any or all four public discussion meetings as council and staff of Morris-Turnberry begin the process of creating a new official plan. The four meetings will be to review general planning issues, land uses, and existing policy, in regards to agriculture, natural environment and urban issues. Meetings will be held: Monday, March 29 at the Women's Institute Hall, 20 Brandon St., Belgrave; Tuesday, March 30 at the Bluevale Hall, 32 Clyde St., Bluevale; Thursday, April I at the Belmore Community Centre, County Rd. 12; Thursday, April 14 at the Wingham Legion - (Lower Town policies will be discussed). All meetings will start at 7:30 p.m. The official plan is a land-use document created by the residents and council which shapes future development in the community. It reflects the community's vision for the future. "The public- meetings are an opportunity to ask • questions and understand how the official plan guides development. Council is looking forward to hearing your thoughts and discussing the future of Morris-Turnberry," said mayor Dorothy Kelly. signs, posters and donation bags. Service clubs, local groups, businesses and individuals have been given the opportunity to get behind the food drive and help those in need in a variety of different ways, from gathering non-perishable food items to raising money. Food Share Plates are being sold by some organizations as part of the food drive and will be available in many areas, costing the customer $2. The plate will be displayed in a prominent place in the organization after the customer writes his or her name on it. The funds go to the North Huron Community Food Share to feed the hungry. Cash donations are always welcomed too, as they help in a number of ways including keeping the Food Share's grocery store bill paid, paying rent on its building, telephone bill and paper and printing costs. For more information about Food Share or how you or your group can participate in the food drive, contact Myers at 3574146 or Rey. Len Myers at 357-2634. Qiis6# Pg. 26 Curling Club presents awards Review of local Pg. 27 band's CD Funds good news for farming By Bonpie Gropp Citizen editor Local groups gather for Food Share