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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-08-26, Page 9Goderich beaches fall short of Blue Flag standard water testing results From page 1. Regular rains and high wind in July meant higher turbidity in the lake, as well as more runoff from surface sources and storm sewers. "It's something you can't con- trol," Walker said. "E -coli basi- cally lives in the sand and any time wave action increases it stirs up the sand." Those waves also stir up sediment on the lake bottom, prompting the health unit's rule - if you can't see your feet, don't go in. Worsell said it is not just the lakeside location of town that contributes to high bacteria count - sources can be miles in- land as well. "When we have a storm with lots of runoff, that finds its way into creeks, streams and rivers," he said. "Eventually it makes it way to the lake." He said high bacteria count can be localized by weather. If it is raining north of town and sunny south of town, there could be varying results even from Main to Rotary beaches. • However, Walker said Goder- ich still has great water quality, even though the best the town can do is three per cent below Blue Flag standard. "It's not deterring people from the beach," she said. "A 23 per cent (fail rate) is really not that bad." In the meantime, Walker said there are a number of things residents can do to lessen their impact on the amount of con- taminants in the lake. Proper car maintenance keeps oil and other chemicals out of the storm drains, and throwing out animal waste in the garbage helps directly lower the e -coli count. Making sure all roof drains, sump pumps and eavestroughs empty into the. storm sewer and not the sanitary sewer also helps keep the lake cleaner, as well as refraining from feeding the birds along the shore itself. Day-trippers who want to check the results of the latest water tests can go to the health unit's online water quality re- ports at: www.huroncounty.ca/ health/beach-monthly_results. php# The- health unit also has an automated information line for beach -goers to check before slapping on the sunscreen for a day at the waterside. The number is 519-482-5119, extention 2501 or toll free at 1-877-837-6143 extention 2501. However, the; best indicator is still the weather and a quick look out the window can be all you need to know whether or not it's a good day for swimming. Suspect flees after wracking up $6,000 in credit card purchases SUSPICIOUS CREDIT CARD TRANSACTIONS IN GODERICH On Saturday, August 22 in the late af- ternoon, an unknown suspect described as a dark skinned male, between 5' 6" and 5110" tall, with a slim build and short dark hair was involved in multiple suspicious incidents in the Town of God- erich. The male attended three local busi- nesses and purchased multiple gift cards with credit cards. The amount of the pur- chases was in excess of $6000. While attempting to purchase more gift cards at another local business, the male fled when the clerk became suspicious and called police. As he ran, he threw some credit cards into the garbage. Vehicle description: A . silver 2009 Hyundai Elantra, four - door with Ontario marker ATRB 585 was seen fleeing the town of Goderich. Our investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encour- aged to call the Huron OPP at 1-800- 310-1122 or CRIME STOPPERS- 1-800-222-T.I.P.S. (8477) IT'S TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT SCHOOL SAFETY In just over one week, the children of Huron County will be heading back to school and the OPP is reminding chil- dren and drivers alike to exercise cau- tion. There will be much more traffic on the roadway once school starts adding to an already hectic time of the year. Parents, we urge you to remind your children to walk and bike,saffly, All,bik- ers under 18 are to be wearing a bike helmet. We ask that bikers keep their eyes and ears open for vehicles as many motorists do not pay attention to cyclists and walkers.Cyclists are required to fol- low the rules of the road just as other ve- hicles. The roadway is not the place for any stunt driving. Walkers, please stay on the sidewalks and cross at intersec- tions. As for school buses, Huron OPP De- tachment Commander Inspector Dan Grant would like to remind all motorists of the legislation which took effect on September 1, 2005, that allows, vehicle owners to be charged if their vehicle il- legally passes a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing and stop arm extended. Previously, only the driver could be charged if he/she was identi- fied. The total fine for failing to stop for a school bus is $490 and up to $2000 and six (6) demerit points. Each subsequent offence includes a fine of $1,000 up to $4,000, six (6) demerit points and pos- sible jail time up to six (6) months. Drivers should also remember that whether on a city street, highway or township road, and regardless of the speed limit and the number of lanes, mo- torists travelling in both directions must stop when approaching a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing and stop arm extended. The only excep- tion: on highways separated by a me- dian, traffic coming from the opposite direction is NOT required to stop. The safety of our children remains our number,one priority. &derich Signal -Star, Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - Page A9 Patty & Pete Farnsworth • Dorie & Len Kolkman .would like to invite family &friends to help celebrate 25 years of marriage at the Red Barn in Saltford on Saturday, August 29th, 7:00 pm. o Please bring a refreshment & lawn chairs. 1- on Napo. Goderich District Collegiate Institute 200 South Street GODRICH, ON N7A 3M5 PHONE 519-524-7353 • FAX: 519-524-1710 Mr. G. McEwan, PRINCIPAL Mr. ,!.Matthews, VICE-PRINCIPAL 2009/2010 SCHOOL YEAR Students are asked to meet in the West Gymnasium at the school prior to 8:50 AM on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 New students planning to attend GDCI should call the school for an appointment to register. The student fee for the coming school year is $40.00 which includes the cost for a Student -Handbook and will help subsidize the cost of a Yearbook and numerous Students' Council activities/events during the course of the school year Please make cheQue payable To G.D.C.I. Business AccounT (PLEASE IDENTIFY THE STUDENT'S NAMES) ON MEMO LINE OF CHEQUE) All grade nine students and,students new to G.D.C.I. taking physical education will be required to purchase a uniform ($30.00) at the school during the first week of school. Please make cheQue pays l.e To G.D.C.I. Business AccounT (PLEASE IDENTIFY THE S DEP(FS NAME(S) ON MEMO UNE OF CHEQUE) SCHOOL COUNCIL Parents of G.D.C.I. students',are invited to become active members of the School Council. Nomination forms are available from the main office and must be returned to the Principal by Friday, September 11, 2009. • Elections will be held at the first\School Council Meeting Date & Time,YBA REMINDER to the GRADUATING CLASS OF 2009 The Annual Graduation & Commencement Exercises will be held at the sctldol on FRIDAY, OCTOBER o' 2009 PROGRAM STARTS AT 8:00 PM SHARP .