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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times-Advocate, 2002-11-13, Page 10POLICE BRIEFS Traffic stop leads to three charges EXETER – Huron OPP stopped a motorist on Gidley St., Exeter for unsafe driving on Nov. 9 at 12:45 a.m. The driver was allegedly impaired and was taken for breath tests which were nearly three times the legal limit. A controlled substance was seized from the vehi- cle. Randall McKinnon, 44, of Bluewater was charged with impaired driving, driving a motor vehicle with over 80 mgs alcohol and possession of a con- trolled substance. He will appear in Exeter court Jan. 23. Runaway truck hits building EXETER – Sometime between 6 p.m. Nov. 9 and 6:45 a.m. Nov. 10, a tractor-trailer unit at Exeter Produce on Thames Rd. was start- ed, put into gear and rolled down the parking lot slope into the load- ing dock. Huron OPP report extensive structural damage was done to the frame, siding, inte- rior wall and garage door of the building. Anyone who can help solve this crime is asked to call the Exeter OPP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222- 8477(TIPS). Middlesex police,victim services By Sandra Forster TIMES-ADVOCATE STAFF LUCAN – ‘We’re here to help’ is the message Middlesex OPP and Victim Services brought to Lucan Biddulph council’s regu- lar meeting Nov. 5. Inspector John Stephens and officer Doug Graham reported on Middlesex’s success rate for clearing cases at 51 per cent in 2001 compared to 19 per cent in 1999 for Western region. Graham outlined the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design program, focussing on a crime-free community. He will review proper- ties vulnerable to theft and vandalism including equipment dealers, schools, parks, LCBO out- lets and private homes. Crime-proofing mea- sures include fences, lighting, signs and creat- ing the ‘illusion of occu- pancy’ when away from home. Dangerous intersection Council received a letter of concern from A.D. Murray about cars park- ing on Hwy. 4 just north of William St., creating a visibility hazard. He suggested traffic lights be installed at this corner. Graham recognizes the danger of cars pulling out onto Hwy. 4 because of their impeded view, but there hasn’t been a seri- ous collision at the inter- section in the past 16 years. He said a traffic light at William would be too close to the cross-walk light at the post office. Administrator Ron Reymer said cars parked on the crosswalk when people run into the post office creates a hazard. Reymer said there is no full-time bylaw enforce- ment officer to ticket cars parked on the crosswalk or too close to the William St. corner. Deputy mayor Bev Bumstead suggested a traffic light perhaps would slow traffic down for safety and to benefit downtown businesses. Stephens will consult with traffic managment and public works to cre- ate a list of options and solutions. Efficiency Stephens reported bet- ter use of time and money will make officers more visible in the community. Officers will transport prisoners to London only once in every three week- ends. Western region is look- ing at installing 100 lap- top computers in cruisers so officers can make record queries, check photo IDs and write occurence reports at the scene, rather than driving back to the detachment. Stephens praised the Ilderton community for helping to bring a quick end to the Aug. 20 bank robbery investigation. Theft proceeds Officers reported $500,000 in stolen prop- erty was recovered in Adelaide-Metcalfe. Most was returned to its rightful owner, but items that were not claimed were donated to charity: Strathroy’s Women’s Shelter, London’s Men’s Mission, the Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouts, Teen Challenge Farm and Good Will. Deputy Mayor Bev Bumstead asked for more interior and exterior patrols in the Lucan arena area. He added it is comforting to have the Lucan detachment in the community. Victim Services Beverley Lumsden of Victim Services explained it’s a group of trained vol- unteers to connect victims of crime with community services and professional agencies. Graham said when police officers are investi- gating one crime they are sometimes needed else- where, so victim services can help families cope with grief following a traf- fic death or other tragedy. Stephens agreed officers are good at enforcement, but victims need cus- tomer service. Victim Services signs will be posted at north and south entrances to Lucan and at the fire hall. Neither Huron or Lambton counties pro- vides the same service. Lumsden said signs, brochures and posters will be distributed to inform the public about their referral service. By Sandra Forster TIMES-ADVOCATE STAFF LUCAN – If you think your hydro bill is high, be glad you’re not paying for Lucan Biddulph’s street lights, sewer plant, ice-making arena equipment and the rest of the municipality’s electric needs. Arena manager Justin Fidler said one of the biggest power users at the arena is the compressors to make ice for summer use. Each 1/2” depth of ice adds $1,000 per month to the hydro bill. The building is heated by natural gas in the winter, but gas prices have not increased as dramatically as hydro. Deputy mayor Bev Bumstead said hydro costs could be reflected in budgetting ice rental prices. Administrator Ron Reymer will find out if provincial rebates will be issued and if the municipality is eligi- ble. Rebates might only go to residential and small business, not commercial users. Reymer said an auditor’s report praised the Lucan arena facility and visitors and local users are satisfied with Fidler’s work as manager. Council approved a health and safety clothing allowance of up to $150 for boots and up to $300 for clothing with the Lucan Biddulph logo. Deputy Mayor Bev Bumstead complimented the arena staff for being recognizable by their attire. Coun. Leroy Maguire suggested the next council con- sider wearing name tags when representing the municipality at community events. Water connections Reymer said for Lucan only, the rural water main connection will be $1,500 for 3/4” service connections to the existing line. The rate of $1,225 hadn’t changed since 1992. Wednesday, November 13, 2002 3Exeter Times–Advocate Mark Your Calendar Now! Don’t miss this opportunity.... INDIAN RIVER CITRUS DIRECT is coming to a location in your town Fresh from the Grove - Indian River, Florida Watch this paper for upcoming dates of monthly drops Exeter Tues.,Nov.19,10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Emmanuel Baptist Church ✍ 20 lb Box of Seedless Navel Oranges 20 lb Box of Ruby Red Grapefruit $15.99 Don’t Miss Out CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE The Magic of Christmas Returns to Exeter Sun. November 17 SPECIAL SHOPPING HOURS Noon To 5 P.M. Spend the afternoon browsing in an array of delightful stores.Experience the hospitality of our friendly town! Come Join Us! SANTA CLAUS PARADE Sat. Nov. 30 ~ 12 p.m. Come one, come all, to join us in these festivities HOME OF THE WHITE SQUIRREL Thames Road Abattoir & Meats would like to announce TREVOR EDWARDS has joined our team as Kill Floor Manager Kill Day Tuesday 41130 THAMES ROAD 235-2969 Hydro costs increase at Lucan arena