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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2005-09-07, Page 22 - September 7, 2005 -THE HURON EXPOSITOR 1lie ��j�.��»i�i \ 10011(1 Partnere l'ailit & Paper \tutu t. I Decorating or Renovating? We provide in-home consultation by a certified professional at No Cost or Obligation!* Cali today to set up your appointment. 19 Main Street, Seaforth (519)527-1880 or 1-866-707-7670. *Addresses within 1/2 hour of our store! 011 Fired Furnace Repairs & Service • Annual Service • Comprehensive inspections • Full Installations • 24 hour emergency service Paratchek's Maintenance 5527-0772 cell 274-5491 "Servicing our community for 27 years." News Huron Perth Alliance yet to find resolution to $6 million deficit By Cheryl Heath Clinton News -Record Editor The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance is in dire financial straits. And though that is not news to board members who met in Clinton on Thursday, there seems to be no resolution on the horizon for the beleaguered Alliance's mounting financial burden. Board member Gerald Smith, presenting a report on resources, says even with the Alliance's proposed spending cuts, it is facing a more than $6 -million deficit. However, as Of the first quarter of . 2006, the 4 PUBLIC NOTICE - HERBICIDE USE County of Huron The County of Huron ,intends to control weeds along the following county roadsides: Co. Rd. 1 (Benmiller Line & Lucknow Line), Co. Rd. 4 (London Road) from Clinton to Blyth, Co. Rd. 8 (Base Line) from Clinton to Co. Rd. 25, Co. Rd. 12 (North Line) from Seaforth to Co. Rd. 25, Co. Rd 15 (Londesboro Road & Kinburn Line), Co. Rd. 17 (Winthrop Road), Co. Rd. 20 (Belgrave Road), Co. Rd. 22 (Donnybrook Line), Co. Rd. 25 (Blyth Road) from Hwy. 21 to Blyth, Co. Rd. 31 (Sharpes Creek Line, Londesboro Road & Saltford Road) from Hwy. 21 to Hwy, 8, Co. Rd. 86 (Amberley Road - both sides) from Lucknow to Co. Rd. 4 Within the County of Huron using the pesticide Vanquish, PCP Registration Number 26980, and 2,4-D Amine, PCP Registration Number 14725, under the Pest Control Products Act (Canada). Commencing on September 14, 2005 weather permitting and ending September 28, 2005. For more information call: DeAngelo Brothers Corporation 1-866-853-9333 County of Huron (519) 524-7412 (collect calls accepted) -4% RUSHING To BE AIM Amaitna v1 .air+++ A RINK RATS Ler Us HELP1 Bauer Vil Skate $149.99 Adults $99.99 Kids Sherwood 9950 StiCks Reg. $49.99 1/2 PRICE The Winning Combo. 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Smith says to compound the problem is the Alliance needs to pay out even more because unionized staff were recently awarded pay increases. "There is money on the books but it's dedicated to increased wages," says Smith. "It's going to be quite a major problem. It really is." Plus, an arbitrator has yet to rule on proposed pay hikes for Ontario Nursing Association members employed by the Alliance. Ironically, the arbitrator is to rule on a contract that will expire in March, meaning pay increase negotiations are set to begin again though a decision has not been made on the last two years of salary. "By the time the arbitrators' ruling comes out, the contract will be expired," says Williams. Redevelopment of Stratford hospital discussed at meeting Redevelopment of the Stratford site in the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance is a highlight of the chief executive officer's report presented Thursday during a board meeting held in Clinton. Andrew Williams reports the Alliance's share of the funding pie for the $40 -million project is $20 million, which will be raised by the Stratford General Hospital Foundation. "It's been a long time coming," he says, adding work on the interior will begin in the fall of 2006. Approved improvements to the site include redeveloping and expanding the emergency department, operating rooms, intensive care unit and in-patient psychiatry unit. The project's completion is slated for 2008/09. Williams also reports building upgrades across the Alliance's four sites, which was undertaken by maintenance staff, has saved the facility $650,000 for the year: He adds administrators are spending a "huge amount of time" on meeting administrative work requirements by the Ministry of Health. The Alliance must submit a plan, known as Hospital Annual Planning Submission (HAPS), outlining its adherence to seven stated principles including sustainability, efficiency, transformation, integration, partnerships, accountability and accessibility. "We are having to address all of those areas in our plan," he says, adding there is an expectation that budgets are balanced. His written report further states: "We have been directed, for our initial submission, to only include in our financial projections, savings identified through the efficiency review. Other balancing strategies will be discussed only after mutual agreement has been reached on efficiency targets." Relief fund to help Kellys rebuild life after Katrina From Page 1. survived it," he said. "We're in the grieving process here; especially since we haven't been able to get ahold of any friends." Kelly said that coping with hurricanes can be compared, usually, with a snow day in Huron County. Everyone puts plywood on their windows and the city shuts down for a day. But, Hurricane Katrina made the worst hurricane in memory "seem like a thunderstorm in comparison," he said. Mike's mom Irene Kelly, who lives near St. Columban, said Monday she's relieved to know her son and his family are safe. "I'm really glad they knew enough to get out of there. They're safe and we're so happy Quoted `We're in the grieving process here, especially since we haven't been able to get ahold of any friends,'— Seaforth native Mike Kelly they're safe," she said. Irene said she had to turn off the television after watching news coverage of t h e hurricane. "I couldn't take it anymore. There's nothing left there really, everything's totally flattened. How could anybody live through that?" she said. Irene said she got a call from Suzanne and Mike the morning they decided to leave Biloxi. "I had never heard her (Suzanne) so upset. They said they were packing and heading out," she said. Irene said she planned to try and convince her son to come back to Canada for awhile. "They do like the States and there's a lot more jobs down there but we'd be glad if they came back," she said. Kelly said he's not sure yet what the future holds. But, he's pretty certain he won't be returning to Biloxi. "It's not safe to go back. There's a worry of cholera there now and the National Guard is in there. We lived in the area for five great years and had a lot of exciting things planned but it looks pretty bleak right now," he said. "We're taking it day by day. It's been tough but I'm sure there will be brighter days ahead" = PRO DAY' • RIDE AND DRIVE EVENT At the dealership just east of Bornholm Thursday, September 8th 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Stop /n, grab a bite to eat and take a demo on our In stock Lawn & Garden Equipment 5 MILES NORTH OF MITCHELL AT BORNHOLM (Perth Line 044) TOLL FREE: 1-866-347-2251 MONDAY -FRIDAY 8 00A.r.-5:30P M. SATURDAY 8000A.M.-t2:OOP.M. ...347-2251