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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2006-01-18, Page 1Avoid Fuel Surcharge Book by Jan. 31, 2006 A fuel surcharge to Europe will be imposed for NEW Bookings as of Feb. 1, 2006 for departures May 1, 2006 onwards and will apply to all gateways. 482-7771 Toll-free 1-800-668-7477 45 Albert St., Clinton Ont Reg 2420885 Week 03 - Vol. 002 www.seaforthhuro'nexpos1tor.com Tax arrears noted by council A rising number of ratepayers in arrears on their property taxes was noted by Huron East council at its Jan. 10 meeting. The percentage of tax arrears for 2005 was 10.3, up from 9.7 in 2003 and 10.1 in 2004. "It's up marginally but it's not that bad;" said Deputy -Clerk Brad Knight, who added he'd like to see the percentage below 10 per cent. Brussels Coun. David Blaney asked if Knight had any idea if the properties belonged to farmers. Knight said he had no way of knowing if any were farmers. Tuckersmith Coun. Larry McGrath saw the increase as a cause for concern. "There's more and more arrears - that should be telling us something. And, not just us - people in higher places as well," he said. Federal election coverage... OSee pages 8 and 9 for profiles on all six Huron - Bruce candidates in the federal election. As well, two students turn 18 on Election Day . pg.3 $125 gst included Wednesday, January 18, 2006 Susan Hundertmark photo Suzann and John Picciottoli had this year's New Year's baby when Gryphon Gabriel was born at their Goderich Street home on Jan. 12 at 9:18 p.m. His three-year-old sister Aurora smiles while sitting on her dad's lap. Home birth in Seaforth is Expositor's New Year's baby Susan Hundertmark Planning a home birth with a January due date was a little bit daunting for John and Suzann Pidottoli, of Seaforth. But, when Gryphon Gabriel arrived at 9:18 p.m. at their Goderich Street home on Jan. 12 as Seaforth's New Year's baby, their three midwives and two doulas had no trouble travelling from Milverton, Stratford and London. "For the weather, I am so grateful. I was petrified when we had all that snow in December," says Suzann. The Picciottolis say the home birth was a really good experience. While he was two days past his due date, as Gryphon was born, one hand was positioned beside his head and it came out first. "They say that means he's diving into life with one hand first. He's a blessing," says Suzann. Because the Picciottolis moved to Seaforth a year and a half ago and have no family nearby, they were glad to have hired two doulas, women who look after the emotional needs of birthing women. ri Doug Elliott, CFP, B.Math Financial Planner GiC raies as of Jan 17, 2006 Al • b chimp yaps roixrwry liar. Best sjscs Rates 3.i0% 4.d5% 5Year 4.% DUNDEE' . • 11144.* ralOaGt}i#t CHUAN 26 Main St., Seaforth 527-2222 Vanastra asked if village wants new rec centre in 10 years Susan Hundertmark GIIIIMEMEND Tired of paying $50,000 to $70,000 a year in repairs and maintenance for the Vanastra Recreation Centre, Huron East Deputy -Mayor Bernie MacLellan asked village residents if they want to work towards a 10 -year plan to build a new facility. "Every year we sink a lot of money into the building.: What we should be doing is looking at a 10 -year plan for a new facility," he told the close to 100 people that packed the rec centre gymnasium during a public meeting last Wednesday. And, while Huron East council was met with some enthusiasm for a new recreation facility, many residents wanted to make it loud and clear how much they love the existing facility. "What's wrong with this facility? I see a lot of municipalities that put a lot of money into town halls that are over 100 years old. I don't see the justification of a new building," said one man. MacLellan answered that the older the building gets, the more work it will need. "Over a 10 -year, period, you've got half a million dollars from the 50,000 in repairs each year," he said. "We don't want to lose what we've got. A new facility would be fantastic but we want a guarantee about where we would end up," said one woman. - Another ratepayer wanted to know if they agreed to a new facility, would it be moved to See VANASTRA, Page 2