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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2005-11-17, Page 1Serving the communities of Blyth and Brussels and northern Huron County Volume 21 No. 45 Thursday, Nov. 17, 2005 $1 (93c + 7c GST) Hunter shot A day of outdoor sport could have been the last for a 32-year-old hunter last week. According to OPP on Nov. 8 a group of deer hunters was on a Morris-Turnberry property, off St. Michael’s Road, with. the permission of the owner. Half of the party was pushing the deer through the bush while the others waited at the edge. The deer ran and exited the bush between two hunters who were standing about 50 metres apart. Both were wearing bright orange but were out of each other's sight. A 57-year-old from Huron East fired his 12-gauge pump action shotgun at the deer. Some of the pellets struck the knee area of the victim, who is also from Huron East. He was taken to Wingham hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The accident is still under investigation. The OPP remind everyone to be aware of their surroundings when entering a bush area and wear bright, reflective clothing. Solemn moment A Brussels Cadet stands as The Last Post was played prior to two minutes silence at the Brussels Remembrance Day service held last Friday. The unseasonably warm temperatures brought many out to the Brussels service. Local Legions also used the day to honour their veterans and certain Branch members at awards ceremonies. (Bonnie Gropp photo) E-waste depot at Walton landfill By Heather Crawford Citizen staff Did you buy a new computer and have no idea what to do with the old one? The Walton Landfill site has established a recycling depot for e- waste. The site will accept electronic equipment such as computers, alarm systems, microwaves, cell phones, old eyeglass frames and many other materials that are often left in storage or thrown out with the trash. A truck, set up at the site, located about a quarter mile east of Walton, will store the material until Stack It and Pack It, firm from Stratford collects them. The company provides an opportunity for disabled adults to recover and recycle valuable electronic components. “Many of today’s electronic consumer goods contain a variety of metals, plastics and glass and are difficult to recycle. Recycling of component parts is an effective method of maximizing the value of the materials being recycled,” a press release for the initiative stated. The landfill site will also be collecting white plastic bale wrap to be recycled. Wrap should be shaken out to eliminate rocks, stones, dirt, manure, hay, etc, and rolled into balls of three to five pounds to make it easier for the equipment to load. Think Plastics Inc. has entered into a’contract with the landfill site to recycle the wrap which is made into baleboard. Baleboard is used in farm fencing and barn flooring. Continued on page 12 Council next stop for activity park group By Bonnie Gropp " Citizen editor A small but enthusiastic group was present Thursday night in the Blyth Public School gym to hear about a proposal for a youth activity park. One of the adults spearheading the project, Susan Howson said “Our commitment is to the youth in our community.” The meeting was called to inform the citizens about the idea and to hear suggestions and enlist help. In attendance were Blyth ward councillors Edgar Daer and Murray Nesbitt. Deb Hakkers stated that while people often talk about children being the future, it was imporetant to remember that they are also the present. “The well being of our children now will ensure a successful group of adults in a few years. With this in mind over a year ago a group of interested parents and citizens, including some youths, began discussing what we could do to help our youth and how could we all work together for the betterment of our youth and for the village as whole.” Hakkers then explained that the idea of low-cost activties for young people was felt to be important and a number of things were discussed. These included a skateboard park, free expression wall, basektball, beach volleball, street hockey and a waterpark. From this the idea of a youth activity park was born. Diane Ferguson said that next the group met with the parents advisory council from the school. A survey was distributed to families with children in Grades 5-8. Since then other people have come on board, including parents, members of the Blyth ministerial. the Lions, Legion, Ladies Auxiliary, business association, Blyth Idea Group and the OPP. “It is very exciting to know that so many people and organizations can all come together for such an important prupose - our youth,” said Ferguson. There are many reasons while the youth activity park is necessary, explained Pastor Ernest Dow. There is a need to provide low-cost activities and alternatives to “haning around the streets”. A park would also be a healthy alternative to video games. It’s common knowledge that busy children are less likely to find themselves in trouble. In this way, a youth activity park would benefit the community as it may decrease the instances of mischief which often occur as a result of boredom. Dow also stated that the park could attract youngsters and families to the community. Information has been obtained from other communities with similar parks in an attempt to learn from the mistakes of others. Questions have also been answered regarding the use of volunteer labour and design requirements. Hakkers spoke on a topic that’s always on everyone’s mind the financial feasibi’ity of such a project. She said they have been looking into grants and local organizations have agreed to do fundraisers. The park would have to be on municipal land and a search has begun. One thing that is important to keep in mind with regards to this is that the property must allow for growth. Two young people present explained what a park would mean for them. Ben Caldwell said that the park would be something he'd really like. “Skateboarding’s not allowed anywhere in Blyth. You get fined.” Asked where he skateboards now, Caldwell said, “Kincardine.” Jesse Hakkers noted that the park could be used not just by skateboards but by cyclists too. In summation, Howson stated that if the the park didn’t work out the equipment could be sold. The facility could be shared with other groups. But most importantly, the youth are willing to give their support to the project. “The youth in attendance all accepted the challenge to get 20 more youths on board to help with the development of a youth activity park for Blyth,” said Howson. “The next step is to make a presentation to North Huron council in the hopes they they will endorse our plans.”