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The Citizen, 2005-02-17, Page 1lilt Llll/All Serving the communities of Blyth and Brussels and northern Huron County Volume 21 No. 7 NH I NORTH HURON PUBUSHING COMPANY INC? Inside this week Pg-3 BPS raises $2,761 for tsunami relief Pg-8 Pg-10 Wheeler named goalie of the week Student's poster I wins provincial honours p0 11 Auburn Lions r8‘ donate Pa 1 ? ^uderman t0 Hr perform in Brussels Police in standoff Perth OPP were called to assist the Huron County officers with the arrest of a man at a Winston Street residence in Listowel at 10 p.m., Feb. 8. The police had originally been contacted by a woman in Brussels regarding phone calls made to her by her estranged common-law husband. She said that over the previous two’day^ he had called her almost two dozen times regarding their past relationship. He made threats of physical harm if she did not come back to him, police said. When police attempted to arrest the -man at his Listowel home, he barricaded himself inside and attempted to light the house on fire. North Perth Fire Department was called to the scene. Police maintained contact with the accused and at 3 a.m. he surrendered. He was taken to Listowel Memorial Hospital where he was treated for non-life­ threatening, self-inflicted stab wounds. The 42-year-old was then taken to Stratford General Hospital. Charges of arson are pending and the investigation continues. Elementary teachers vote to enter strike position By Stew Slater Special to The Citizen Elementary teachers in the Avon Maitland District School Board joined those in most of the rest of the province on Tuesday, Feb. 8, voting to enter a legal strike position. At a late afternoon gathering at the Mitchell Community Centre of the Huron-Perth local of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO), 94.7 per cent of those attending voted in favour of the motion. “We’re going to reach a collective agreement. We always do,” ETFO local president Brian' Doubleday said in an interview. But he $1 (93c + 7c GST) Much thanks A substanial amount was given in donations through the efforts of the Auburn Homecoming committee. Back row, from left: Shawn Reinink, Mackenzie MacPherson (Special Olympics, $250), Marg Fraser, Irma Cartwright (Women’s Institute and quilting ladies, $1,000 and $250, respectively); Brian Wightman, Linda Plaetzer (Blyth Minor Hockey, $300). Front: Greg Park, Steve Campbell (Auburn Lions, $5,000); Jeff Thomson, chair of the homecoming committee; Brenda Empey, treasurer; Paul Josling (Blyth Fire Department, $250). Other donations were: Huron Pioneer Threshers, $100; Auburn Knox United Church, $2,500; Huron Chapel Missionary Church, $1,000; Auburn Horticultural Society, $3,000; Blyth Scouts, $500; Zurich Bean Festival, $250; Dungannon Agricultural Society, $100 and Auburn Hall projects, $11,000. (Dianne Josling photo) De-amalgamation still a topic By Bonnie Gropp Citizen editor Interest in the possibility of de­ amalgamation from Huron East has not died in the Grey ward. A group of residents is just trying to find out exactly how much interest there might be. A spokesperson for an informal committee looking at the possibility, Dianne Diehl, said that they have canvassed over half of the former Grey Twp. and feel the response has been good with over 150 people signing. “We’re not interested at this point in de-amalgamating, but rather in investigating whether people are interested in seeing a business plan developed for de-amalagamation. We criticized both the Avon Maitland board and the provincial education ministry for standing in the way of a deal. The previous agreement expired Aug. 31, 2004. No further labour action is planned, and both Doubleday and Avon Maitland officials say negotiations will continue. “We’ve got four dates planned for meetings, so we’ll move forward from here,” said human resources superintendent Jim Sheppard, prior to the board’s regular meeting later Tuesday evening. Doubleday, meanwhile, stated he “remain(s) optimistic,” adding, “we have a good working relationship with our board.” Thursday, Feb. 17, 2005 are not asking people if they are in favour or not, just do they want it looked into.” One of the big questions that has come up is where a de-amalgamation would leave Grey’s neighbour, the former Village of Brussels. When the amalgamation process was underway, the province made it clear that only municipalites which were contiguous could join. If Grey were to pull out, Brussels would be land­ locked. To get to the rest of Huron East they would have to travel through Morris-Turnberry or Grey. “How we approach this has been our big question,” said Diehl. “Perhaps we need to hear from the people in Brussels about their feelings.” Anyone interested can contact Joe The union local president said, “we have a lot of . . . outstanding issues,” but agreed the main sticking point — and the one being promoted by many ETFO locals across the province — is preparation time. The most recent contract allowed for 150 minutes of preparation time per five days of work. ETFO would like to see that increased to 200 minutes by the conclusion of a projected three-year deal. Doubleday was critical of the education ministry, however, because there’s now some question about whether adequate resources will be made available for boards to negotiate that far into the future. He also criticized the board, however, calling increased Semple at 887-9225. Huron-Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell believes this is a big issue. “I don’t think there are any hard, fast rules but I believe it’s very clear that if you don’t have a land mass it won’t work. I don’t know how it could be done.” Mitchell said such a situation would make it extremely difficult for services to be delivered properly. If there came a consensus from the majority in Brussels that they would like to go along with de- amalgamation with Grey, Mitchell said a business plan would have to show projections on the tax rate. “There has to be some kind of comparative. Do they have the capabilities to stand on their own.” The next question then would be whether or not the province would preparation time in elementary schools “a question of recognition of respect for us as teachers.” He noted 250 minutes per five days of work is now the norm in Avon Maitland secondary facili­ ties. Sheppard wouldn’t comment on preparation time negotiations. He did take issue, however, with another of Doubleday’s assertions: that the Avon Maitland board has the financial resources to complete a deal now, but doesn’t want to jeopardize its credibility with other — perhaps more hard-nosed or more cash-strapped — boards by “being the first” to come to terms. “We recognize the value of teachers’ time but we do not have in Grey even consider it. “I myself am prepared to look at plans and see the process. But in my mind, I will have to see that they have their ducks in a row.” Mitchell also cautions that breaking up can be costly. “My personal opinion is that there won't be money attached to this issue from the province. There won’t be any dollars available to allow the process of de-amalgamation to happen. There were costs to amalgamation and there will be to de-amalgamate.” Because of financial implications, Mitchell said that the ward would have to receive the support of council. “They will be needing equipment and staff. They have to look at whether they have the resources to do this.” the financial resources under the current funding model,” the human resources superintendent said. “I’m in touch with my colleagues (in other boards), and we’re all in the same boat.” Doubleday would not commit to a deadline for a deal, nor would he speculate on what type of action might occur if negotiations break down. Top board administrator Geoff Williams, meanwhile, expressed confidence a deal would be reached. “It’s not a surprise; it’s part of the ongoing pattern across the province,” the Avon Maitland education director said, referring to the EFTO vote.