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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1982-09-22, Page 27Times -Advocate, September 22, 1982 Poge 9A Resort to control boats close to shore The village of Grand Bend will have more control over boats operating close to shore next year. A letter from the provincial ministry of natural resources was read during the regular Council meeting, Monday, indicating that a licence of occupation was available. There have been constant complaints about boats VIEW MIDDLESEX PLOTS — The Middlesex Soil and Crop Improvement Associa- tion has established a number of test plots on the grounds of the 1982 International Plowing Match site and they will be on display for visitors. Above, soil and crop specialist Dove Morris talks to a group of visitors during a recent summer tour and. meeting. T -A photo Grand 'Bend church news Rey. John Campbell spoke last Sunday morning on "The ' failure of success", the parable of the rich fool from Luke 12:13-21. The music special was a solo by -Dr. A. Brown, of Southcott Pines, titled ,Why" The Church of God con- ducted the worship service Sunday night at ' the Bluewater Rest Home, Zurich; when' Rev. John Campbell and 37 members of the congregation joined with the residents for the evening service. Rev. Campbell spoke on Psalm 134. They provided a variety of music specials of solos and duets. Several of the group stop- ped in Dashwood on their way home at the home of Jim and Susan Rumball. The first "Family Night", was held Wednesday evening at Church of God. This in- cludes the adults, youth group one, of children in Grades 7 and 8, youth group two, are high school students, and the new Bible Mountaineer club just organized which com- prises children from grade 1 to 6. Each group met separately for Bible study. The Bible Mountaineers will be having. a series of parables from nature. At this meeting they saw a film on, "Justus the ant". Special services will be held Saturday night at 7:30 and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. when Redd Harper, of Hollywood, a converted cowboy will bring his special music to Church of God. Anglican church news The sermon this past Sun- day was taken from the third chapter of James - beginning at the 16th verse that says, "Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist there will be disorder in every vile practice". - Rev. Sutton said we should all search out our priorities. - look at the spectrum of understanding and search for where we belong. Some of us are living a style where we stretch the truth and are tell- ing stories behind other's backs which only leads to disaster. We must help others, and most important be fair with our children. He said we must listen to their visions and stop treating them as second class citizens. -It was announced that Thanksgiving service at St. John's will be held on Sunday, October 3. Coffee hostesses were Mrs. Blanche Morrice and ` Mrs. Reta Martin, United Church news Rev. H. .Moore's sermon topic Sunday morning was, "Active hearing," with scrip- ture from Mark 7:31-37. Rev. Moore told about Jesus heal- 1 HAMMERING AWAY -- Huron -Bruce MP Murray Car- diff hits the nail on the head in the nail driving com- petition at the 55th Huron County plowing match. Car- diff wasn't idle at the match on Saturday. September 18. Besides the nail driving competition, he managed to plow a couple of furrows and talk to his constituents. ing the man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and said when Jesus comes into our lives it makes a difference. Continuing he said many of us hear only what we want to hear, people must be willing to listen. It assures them they., are not alone with their pro- blems. We do not take time to stop and listen to God. . Flowers placed in the church were in loving memory of Jack Mennel, by his family. Choir anthems were, "O safe to the rock," and "Holy " Spirit, font of light," from the new Red hymn book, with congregation joining in verses four and five. The first meeting of the new. Evening Unit of the Grand Bend U.C.W. will take place on September 27 at the church at 8:00 in the Sunday school room. There will be a public meeting in the Grand Bend town hall on Thursday Sept. 30 at 7:30 on "Co-op Housing". Everyone is welcome. You are encouraged to come and ask questions. On Sunday, October 10 the Sacrament of infant baptism will take place. If you have a child you wish to present for baptism at that time; please see Rev. Moore. Nine young people met Sun- day evening with Rev. Moore for their first fall meeting at the church. Different topics were discussed. PUC truck to retire Grand Bend PUC decided at their regular meeting Tuesday to retire their ten- year -old, rusted -out pickup truck and look for a new one rather than nurse the old vehicle along for another year. Members looked at plans for the new harbour building and decided that overhead wiring Would be necessary because of the water level in the area of the south pier. A letter from the village council was read, commen- ding the commission for the part played in sewer installa- tion and apologizing for not sending members formal in- vitations to attend the official opehing of the project. There was concern about a "For Sale" sign on a piece of land that had been considered a road allowance at the Oakwood end of Warwick Street. There is a dead-end water line going through the property. It was learned that the village is investigating the title for the land. Foreman Stan Lovie reported that there are still 65 homes within the village limits yet to be hooked up to the water system, by the end of 1982. Water rates will be charged regardless of hook- up in 1983. CORN COOKERS — Ted Van Roestel checks the corn while Bob Drummond heats the butter at Sunday's wind- up tournament of the Ironwood men's golf club. Manore will head building committee Dick Manore was asked to be chairman of the harbour building committee at a meeting of the harbour group, last Wednesday. It was learn- ed at the meeting that the seven -man committee sug- gested by council would be flexible. Vice-chairman Russ Lingard conducted the meeting. . . It was . reported that a tender for dredging the har- bour was to be awarded September 22 and that work would probably begin in two weeks. Dredging will be done at Bayfield as well as Grand Bend. Dennis Snider, represen- ting Grand Bend council, said that MP Ralph Ferguson had reported that federal funds would be spent only on federal property. He felt that there would be programs to provide financial aid for summer tourist staff, to help with the study and for building. The consensus of the group was that is was necessary to establish terms of reference in the immediate future and to get the consultant's study underway in order to set up • an administrative budget. Glenn Pridholm, represen- ting the South Beach Associa tion, said "Just what I've heard tonight allays a lot of suspicion we've had." Carol McKenzie and Joe Hall, with property on the north side of the river, were welcomed by .the group. Economic situation operating close to shore, par- ticularity on the north beach, and endangering the lives of swimmers. There ' was also a letter from J.A. Coups, London, ob- jecting to the expenditure, by government, planned for har- bour inprovements in Grand Bend and also suggesting that Bayfield would be a more suitable place for improvements. Another bill came from Thedford for the use of their tank truck for a fire in the area last year. They said, since Grand Bend could not reciprocate with tanker equipment, Grand Bend should pay the cost. Two weeks ago Grand Bend'was called upon to attend a fire in Thedford and the tank from Dashwood did not attend the fire, as suggested was possi- ble under the co-operation of the Grand Bend, Bonsanquet, and Stephen agreement. A delegation from Green Acres with a petition of 30 names appealed to have two- way traffic returned to the area. The circle had been made one-way in the early part of the summer. Coun- cillor Harold Green said his survey indicated that the residents did not want one- way traffic. Council recinded the by-law. From Green Acres, also, Jack .Graham ob- jected to the heavy equipment and lack of flashing lights on barriers around the construc- tion of a storm sewer. Gerry Sanders appeared to express his concern about a metal post placed on a lot owned by Harold Gibbs in Gibbs Park which made it im- possible for trucks to make deliveries to the rear of Sanders Tavern. Council has also been concerned that it would be impossible for a fire truck to get in to the area. Council decided to send a letter of appreciation to the Ontario Provincial Police. The summer detachment donated proceeds from their exhibition ball game to the Busy Bee Day Camp. There was a motion.to enter into an agreement with Com- munity Planners Branch of the provincial government to go through with an economic opportunity study at the out- side cost of $15,000 providing that there is a subsidy of no less than 75 percent. Tenders would go out to planners. It was decided to use com- posite ballots in the forthcom- ing November election. Colonials beat Yugoslays, back in tie for top spot The Grand Bend Colonials scored a 3-2 win over London Yugoslays in London and District Second Division soc- cer play. Coupled with a Woodstock loss, the two teams are now back in a tie for first place. The Colonials take on London Saint Bartolom i Bend at 2 p.rir. Sunday. Scoring single goals for the Colonials were John Mennen, Kevin Simmons and' Tony Mennen. The Grand Bend Ausable league team scored a 6-1 vic- tory over West Williams. Bill Mennen was the top marksman with a four oal effort. Scoring in single fashion were Guy Wilde and Dave Grootjen. In the final pee wee tourna- ment of the season played Saturday, Exeter won the grand championship with eight points while Grand Bend, Lucan and Nairn followed with four points a ' iece TALKING ABOUT THE IPM — At the recent barbecue for members of the Middlesex committee for the International Plowing Match shown chattingare host farmer's wife Liz Scott, Dr. Lloyd Hall,'OPA director'Fred Lewis and Duncan Fletcher. Hall and Fletcher are members of the horse and team plowing committee. Some bright spots in Huron, Perth dining economic pinch Communities in Huron and Perth counties are feeling the economic pinch, but there are a few bright spots with some industrial expansion. Stacey Bros. Ltd. of Mit- chell is currently under going a $1 million expansion as a Domtar in Goderich with a $40 million dollar expansion. The expansion projects mean more jobs for the towns where they are located: Most in- dustries in Huron -Perth have experienced layoffs, but there have been some callbacks. Spokesmen from municipalities say building permits are down from other years, with anywhere from one to five houses being built this year. From the number of building permits issued, there is an indication most people are renovating present homes to suit their needs. Real. estateactivities are fairly constant 'in the two counties, with municipal spokesmen saying there are houses for sale, but it is tak- ing longer to sell them. The town of Listowel seems to be the exception in 1tirs area, Interest in co-op housing An interest has been shown in Grand Bend for co- operative housing. A survey conducted by the Ontario Housing Corporation was cir- culated in the village this spring. Rent of such housing is geared to income. A meeting with a government official will be held in the village council chambers September 30 at 7:30 organized by the Grand Bend Seniors group. YOUTHFUL PARTICIPANTS — Five of the many youngsters taking part in Sunday's Terry Fox run in Exeter were Tera Ahrens, Michelle Ellison, Christy Brintnell, Marcie Ellison and Kathy McDonald. T -A photo with . its more expensive homes being sold. Businesses in the urban centres are turning over and contrary to what one might expect, retirement is the main reason. Some businessmen decide at 63 or 65 years of age to pack it in, and close the doors on their business. It may take a little longer for the business to be picked up by new owners because of high interest rates, but recently falling rates pro- vide some optimism. There is a feeling of con- cern among manpower and social service officials about what will happen when workers Unemployment In- surance Commission (UIC) benefits run nut. Due to heavy layoffs last Ocotober and November, there is a feeling that there may be an onslaught of welfare ap- plications this fall as benefits discontinue after one year. Both Perth and Huron social services have ex- perienced an increase in caseloads. In Huron it Is up 22 percent in the first six months of this year over the same time last year. Social services in Milverton, Mitchell and Listowel have hada 10 per- cent increase in the first six months over January to July in 1981. This, of course, means ad- ditional staff. Huron is in the process of hiring a half-time social worker and a half-time family, court worker. Its pre- sent staff of two caseworkers handle an average of 100 cases per month. Ad- ministrator John MacKinnon said applicants running out of iUC benefits have been com-. ing "in trickles all along." Loss of UIC benefits is not the only concern of social ser- vices. MacKinnon said part of the problem is that there are no jobs available, especially for the younger people with no experience. The number of single people on welfare has increased, the administrator said. Family court cases have in- creased, thus the need for a court case worker. This type of court case is more a sign of the times, rather than as a result of the current economic "tough times." Perth has had similar ex- periences. Administrator Debbie Ballak said there is a half-time court worker for Perth. This staff member is part of the P2 case workers in the county. One case worker handles an average of 90 to 95 cases per month. Perth social services excludes the town of St. Marys and the city of Stratfor About d. 25 percent of the cases dealt with have had UIC benefits expire. Perth social services were busy in December and January of last winter dealing with workers laid off and waiting for UIC. Layoffs may be up again this coming December and January, but it's not certain. There are also those who while waiting for UIC benefits, apply forwelfare which makes up about 15 per- cent of Perth's cases. "We're seeing more and more of the .non -typical welfare recipient," said Ms. Ballak. These are people who have always worked and it is a real emotional stress not to be able to find a job. Working in a rural area without the large city benefits of numerous counselling agencies, the social workers deal with counselling themselves. "I feel there is more to a person's welfare than a che- que," said Ms. Ballak. Industries in Clinton have not had layoffs and a couple • have taken advantage of federal work sharing pro- grams. A piano factory which closed for the summer months is nowback in full operation. There have been upholstery. glass and paint businessesopen upin the past year, but at the same time. a farm equipment and a car dealership have closed. They have closed mostly due to a lack of business. Numerous homes are for sale and they're not selling too quickly. In some cases it' takes up to two years to have them sold. Only one new hous- ing start is recorded for this year. Deputy clerk Marie Jef- ferson said an average tax on a residential assessment of $5,000 is about $1,375. Exeter "Better than a lot of places!" is how clerk• treasurer Liz Bell describes the economic climate in the Town of Exeter. Several businesses have changed hands for various reasons. but there are no empty stores. There are several in- dustries in Exeter relating to agriculture such as 'Cana- dian Canners. Big 0 tile drainage. several farm machinery dealers and Ex- eter Produce and Storage. While agriculture is not ex- periencing a boom period, the vegetables must be process- ed. Summer is a peak time for these industries and provides a boost to Exeter's employ- ment market. Houses hadn't been selling. but in the past couple of months they are starting to at least change hands, by being passed down to other family members. In this community of 3,700 people, an average tax on a residential assessment is about $765. Tax collecting hasn't been any more difficult than in other years. Building permits are way down for new construction and, as noted earlier, most permits are for renovations. Goderich An encouraging sign in Goderich is the major expan- sion project for Domtar, men- tioned previously. Champion Road Machinery Sales Ltd.. has been hit the hardest of any industry. There was a major layoff earlier this year, but they have had some call backs. ,Collecting taxes has been a little more difficult in Goderich, but administrator clerk -treasurer Larry McCabe said firm action has been taken in the past couple of months and it's helped. There has been a loss of business in Goderich, but air. McCabe said business is slow- ly coming back. It wasn't necessarily the economy that closed the stores in the first place though, a lot of owners just retired. - Houses in this town of 7,391 people have been selling at a constant level. Three new residential building permits have been issued. An average tax on a $3,000 residential assessment is about $830. Seaforth In Seaforth, new housing starts, at four so far this year, are up from only two last. year. The number remains down from a high of 18 in 1978. it's encouraging in Seaforth, that their major in- dustry in town Genesco, a shoe factory, has -had no layoffs. Clerk -treasurer Jim ('rocker said there has been the usual turnover in the business sector. He added there are probably more va- cant stores now than at any time in the past 10 years. The turnovers are attributed to either retirement ora branch store being closed in the town. Taxes are a little tougher to collect thi ,ear compared to other years in Seaforth. The average tax on a residen- tial assessment of $3,000 is about $7.0. There has been no increase in the number of houses on the selling market. but those for sale aren't necessarily being sold. The manpower office for south Huron said the area is no worse off than the rest of Southwestern Ontario. There arc jobs available although less than in previous years acknowledged manpower manager Ben Hay. Business is slow, but Mr. Hay said he doesn't •think south Huron is as bad off as other areas. This is. because farmers need for laborers has helped employment prospects. Wingham New housing starts in Wingham are non-existent so far this year. This is down from one last year and two the previous years. Industries • in town are running at a low level, with some experiencing. continual layoffs and call backs. Gray Iron Foundry, a ' steel garage door factory, a wood door factory and a fur- niture factory make up the • majority of local industry. There has been a steady turn over of businesses in the town. Retirement again has meant the loss of businesses which have yet to be started again. Wingham does have a market for houses, with most- ly • the lower priced houses selling. Clerk Byron Adams said the average tax on a $3,500 residential assessment is about $800. Listowel Industry in Listowel is back to normal -after having ex- perienced layoffs this past winter. Sprinrite Yarns and Dyers Limited, Campbell • Soup Co. Ltd., Malcolm Fur- niture and Starcraft Recrea- tional Products make up the industry sector. Several businesses have been recently vacated as owners retire. Town ad- ministrator Hartley Fischer said other stores may expand into the empty ones. Listowel has a new business, a feed supply store which recently opened. The real estate market here is holding its own, with the more expensive homes being sold. An average tax on a $5.000 residential assessment in this town of 5,000 people is about $937. Four new housing starts have been recorded this year, down considerably from 11 in 1981. The manpower office in Listowel. which takes in the north part of Huron County, including Wingham, and Wellington County said there aren't many jobs available in the area. Manager John Chip - pa said there has been a recovery in the industrial sec- tor since last fall. There has also been a slight recovery in the employment market in August, but the number of unemployed for the area is the highest Mr. Chippa has seen for this time of year. St. Marys Collecting taxes in the town of St. Marys is a little slower than usual said clerk ad- minstrator Ken Storey. Building inspector Bob Con- ley said new housing starts have decreased.. There are usually 15 to 16 new houses built each year, but last year there were only three and there has only been one so far this year. "Most are adding on or fix- ing up their own homes," said Mr. Conley. Industries here are having a tough time, with the folding of an egg drying plant, a strike at Domtar and layoffs at St. Marys Cement Com- pany. Despite this, a restaurant has just been add- ed .to the businesses in St. Marys and fortunately none have closed. There is very lit- tle in the way of job oppor- tunities said John Anderson of the manpower office in this town. Houses for sale aren't sell- ing as fast in this town of 5,000. Mr. Storey said an average tax on a residential assessment of $15,000 is $780. • Barry Nichol of the Strat- ford social services, which ad- ministers St. Marys welfare caseload, said things are relatively stable here. The town is better off than many. he said. There are pockets of stabili-• ty in the two counties. Overall. houses aren't selling quickly, but most people are continuing to pay their taxes despite the economic squeeze. A definite feeeling of uncer- tainty lingers in the air. with everyone waiting to learn if there will be more layoffs this fall particularily in the automotive industry. New residential developments are at a stand- still and few individual new homes are being constructed. High interest rates have been the main factor in this occur- rence as developers and potential 'home builders watch it slowly come down. Milverton Business in Milverton has remained stable. There have been no new businesses. but neither has any business closed. industries in the town. Electrohome. BMS' Manufac- turing Co. Ltd.. Delisle Foods Ltd. and millwrights have had some layofIs • New housing permits this year have remained the same as past years. Clerk A.,1. Brubacher said one permit has been issued so far this year and in the past three'or four years. one or two is the common number There arc a lot of homes. for sale in Milverton. but they are selling slowly