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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1987-08-12, Page 3irnes '.j dvoca Serving South Huron, North Middlesex ,..;'C•'r^^.%!':.5 Y.S •.f <5f,'. M f t _y f':.'3%'�'�f One Hundred and Sixteenth Year & North Lambton Since 1873 it ',.,Y1�! ,i.%�'.,,F'.i?• '/ �.; !'•.y %��;' �•:r. .•�,'��.•. v.•.f.�/ EXETER, ONTARIO, August 12, 1987 Price Per Copy 60 Cents LocoI commando at Devils' Brigade reunion Bill McLean of Exeter will be atten- ding the 41st reunion of the First Special Service Force Parachute Unit at the Holiday Inn in London this Thursday. Both Canadians and Americans served with the unit, nicknamed 'The Devil's Brigade' by the Germans. The motion picture of the same name was released from Hollywood some years later. Bill joined the unit in September 1943 and served with it until it was disbanded in December 1944. He finished with the tank of sergeant, which meant he enjoyed a higher wage: "I was a three -dollar a day man." The force landed at Casablanca in Africa before beginning its invasion of Italy. They eventually arrived as the first allied troops to occupy Rome, but not before Bill spent 99 gruelling days on the Anzio Beachead along the Mussolini Canal, under constant ar- tillery fire and bombing. - After Rome, the unit landed at St. Raphael, France on August 15, 1944. To this day that date serves to mark the annual reunions. Bill, as a thedic, was in charge of the health of 90 men. "I didn't do much killing, but did a hell of a lot of saving. I have saved Germans and I have saved our guys." However, he describes situations of numerous casualties: "It was a,suicidal outfit." John Chauffeur. who was a sergeant major for the unit, has ar- rived from Tacoma, Washington to visit with Bill until the reunion. One story Bill likes to tell about John recalls the night they both ventured out to the ration depot to bring back a 'couple of sacks - f booze' for the rest of the unit. Returning amidst a heavy A PREMIER VISIT — Premier David Peterson and wife Shelley are greeted by Agriculture Minister Jack Riddell at Wednesday's Huron Liberal barbecue. T -A photo Premier joins the beat at Huron Liberal barbecue The No Notes jug band from Goderich were joined by an impromp- tu musician when they entertained for the annual Huron Liberal barbecue Wednesday at the Stephen township farm of Agriculture Minister Jack Riddell. Ontario Premier David Peterson making a whirlwind stop between visits to Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Kitchener hopped up on the platform to show his versatility on the drums. Association president Joe Hogan of Exeter says more than 1000 from all corners of the Huron riding turned out and many had the opportunity to shake hands with the special guest and his wife Shelley. Hogan continued, "We were very pleased with the turnout. It was a great kickoff for Jack's campaign and all were very enthusiastic in meeting the Premier". Speaking in the heart of agricultural country, Peterson said, plO• PYIIMIKP * Crediton Summorfost this wookond 2 * Exeter Mir Queen to CNE * Contralto Collage plans crop updato....16 * Dutch family comas to Dashwood 16 "In the two years we have been in power and Jack has been your Minister we have increased the agriculture budget by 72 percent. That's a demonstration of our com- mitment to the family farm and rural living." The Premier said he has turned out to be a bit of a prophet in recalling a prediciton he made at a similar func- tion 10 years ago at the Pineridge Chalet near Hensall that "Jack Rid- dell will someday be a minister in my government." Continuing he said, "The Liberal vi- sion includes a future for every resi- dent of the province of Ontario. Every person should participate in govern- ment and we are making that possi- ble and,in turn don't forget 'we are working for you. In conclusion Peterson said, "We have completed many reforms in the past two years, but there is still much more to be done. We want an educa- tion system that is second to none along with a clean environment. We don't want to pass any problems on to our children." Other entertainment in addition to the No Notes included the McQuaid Sisters, the Sweet Emotion. Ken Overholt and Ducharme Brothers, the Harmony Ifilites, Vicky Bisback and piper Rick Elliott. Peterson and Riddell were joined by fellow Cabinet Ministers Murray Elston, Ed Fulton and Ron Van Horne. Stephen okays two fire changes Stephen township council has ap- proved two of three changes propos- ed in the draft agreement for municipalities participating in the Exeter and area fire board. Council was in favour of setting a ,minimum of five percent to be made by a municipality in order to have representation on the board. They also agreed to an eight member board and representation would be based on the percentage of movies contributed in thecost shar- ing system. The only rejection came to a pro- posal for all to share in the costs of fire hydrants in the town of Exeter. Still on fire protection items, clerk Wilmar Wein was instructed to in- form the three police chiefs in the township that fire trucks not be used to deliver water to private properties. Council gave their local approval for a severance application from Philip Walker at part of Lot 2, Lake Road West Concession with conditions. 'artillery barrage, John quipped "wouldn't it be a beggar to get a direct hit on one. of these bags of booze?" - While Bill cannot attend au 01 uie reunions, he looks forward to those he can because of the camaraderie he enjoys with the men with whom he spent his hardest days of the war. He adds that he knows them better than some of his friends or neighbors. Nevertheless, the reunions also of- fer the promise of the unexpected. Several years ago he met a man he had seen carried away in battle as dead. Last year, he was reunited with a friend from New Zealand he had not seen since the Anzio Beachead. A different North American city is chosen each year as the site of the reunion of the First Special Service Force. They have reunited in cities from California to Montreal. This is the first time the reunion has come to London. Last year 500 of the original 1800 commandos attended the reunion in Montana, but Bill expects only 'a cou- ple of hundred' this year. A list of 56 recent casualties was read out last year and he anticipates more this year. "Us guys are getting old now," Bill euceues, wutie i eulel nuertrig tnat in their heyday the average age of the men of 'The Devil's Brigade' was 18 or 19. COMMANDOS — John Chauffeur, Tacoma (left) talks old times with Bill McLean, Exeter. At left, John and Bill in 1944. Fines Ievled for speeding, unsafe driving Two fines for speeding were levied by Justice of the Peace Douglas Wedlake in Exeter court, Tuesday. Thomas Heinbuch of Kitchener was fined $56.25 for a speed of 115 kilometres in an 80 kilometre per hour zone on June 20 on Highway 83. The accused on the way to Port Franks claimed he was following a vehicle travelling at 70 km's per hour and with a break in traffic ac- celerated to pass. The investigating officer said Hein - birch was clocked at 120 when he first entered the radar zone going in the opposite direction dropping off to a 119 and locking in at 118. The officer was following a truck and Heinbuch said he Wasn't seen passing because of that. In levying the fine Wedlake said, "Speeding is an absolute liability. I don't feel anyone should have to ac- celerate by 50 km's per hour to pass a vehicle." In pleading not guilty to a charge of .going 105 in an 80 kilometre per hour zone, Margaret M. Rock of Atwood said she was only doing 96 and if she goes over 100 a red light comes on and it didn't. The accused said the speedometer. was checked at a Mitchell garage and found it was okay. She didn't know how the test was made. Rock's husband said they know of- ficers well in their area and have been told as long as you drive uhder 100 you won't get stopped. It was her first ticket. in handing down a fine of $41.25 Wedlake commented, "This comes down to a question of credibility and I find the officer credible." Valerie J. Hawke of Main street, Dashwood was fined $6 and costs of $3.75 for parking a vehicle in a pro- hibited area on Main street in Dashwood. The officer testified the vehicle in question registered to the accused was parked from 6 p.m. to 8:25 p.m. on January 13, 1987 and had also seen it parked there before and after Receive' funds for beautification An anonymous benefactor has established what he hopes will be an annual and growing fund for the "en- couragement and beautification of Exeter." The resident of.a nearby communi- ty told the T -A that over the past 20 'years he has grown to appreciate Ex- eter as a friendly commnity. Ile add- ed Exeter is fortunate to have. Bruce Shaw in the community both in his capacity as principal of the high school and as mayor. The donor suggested prizes of $75, $50 and $25 be given as the Bruce Shaw awards to high school students who contribute to the beautification of the town. "Others have been en- couraged to participate in the project as well by making donations," he added. , RESIGNATION Constable Jim Barnes tendered his resignation to the Exeter Police Com- mittee Monday morning as he ap- peared to answer a number of charges laid under the Police Act. At a special meeting the police committee accepted the resignation. The Police Act charges will he spoken to September 14 at 10:30 a.m. Also at the special meeting, a recommendation from chief Larry Hardy was accepted promoting ('on= stable Will Chisholm to the rank of Se cond Class Constable, effective August 1. January 13. A fine of $53.75 was levied against Pauline DeVries, 105 Wellington street, Exeter resulting from a mishap on June 27, 1987 when the vehicle she was driving left Sideroad 20 in Stephen township. An original charge of careless driv- ing was reduced to "leaving the road- way not in safety'. In assessing the fine Wedlake said. "Speed was too fast for road conditions." Ronald G. Visser, RR5, Stratford received -a suspended sentence on a charge of colour coating windows obstructing interior view -of vehicle. The officer laying the charge June 21 on Highway 83 said he couldn't tell how many were in the car. He could only see a silhouette. The accused said he bought the vehicle with the coloured windows and was told by someone from the Ministry of Transportation in Strat- ford that it was legal, but if he went near Exeter could he charged. Usborfle council assured reduction in mill waste A number of delegation3 attended the July 7 meeting of Usborne coun- cil. Hyram Thompson and Jim Bickell, representing the Kirkton branch of Cook's Division of Gerbo, discussed with council the amount of waste coming from the mill to the township's waste disposal site. Coun- cillors were concerned that large quantities of waste might fill the site prematurely. The Cook's representatives assured council that the quantity has been reduced in re- cent years as some screenings are now sold rather than dumped. Patty Munkittrick from the Huron County planning department gave her advice on a request from Bob Hamather for a minor variance to in- clude a car port on the south side of his car dealership building. Sitting as committee of adjustment for the public hearing, an am' ndment to the minimum side yard distance was approved.. Munkittrick advised council that the variance applies only to an open structure. Another variance would be required if the structure were to be enclosed at some future time. Ray McCurdy attended the meeting -to ask for maintenance on the Gar- diner municipal drain, as he suspected obstruction downstream. The drainage superintendent was asked to investigate and report back to council. Council approved the purchase of two magnetic township crests to be used when township vehicles par- ticipate in parades. Building permits for a total value of $211,000 were issued in the previous month. A written report from dog control officer Joan Weiss showed that the 1987 dog population is down; 257 tags were sold this year, compared to 286 in 1986. The suggestion was made that "Welcome to Usborne Township" signs be erected at highway entrances such as Whalen Corners, Highway -4 north and: south, county road 6 and highway 83. This would also advertise the township's upcoming 150th an- niversary in 1992. Deputy Reeve Margaret Hern and Councillor Pat Down volunteered to come up with sotne suggestions on holding a special event to recognize the contribution to the community of volunteers. A letter of appreciation will be sent, to the Kirkton-Woodham swim pool enhancement project committee. Blanshard and Usborne townships gave the committee approval a year ago to carry out improvements at the pool. The patio has been extended to give parents room :o sit in their lawn chairs and watch their children enjoy- ing themselves in the water. A grassy area has been terraced with railway ties, and shrubs and flowers will be planted next spring. • The council will not meet for a se- cond August session. The next regula' meeting is scheduled for September 1 at 9:00 a.m. Firemen assist at crash on Highay 21 The extracation crew from the Ex- eter fire department headed by pla- toon chiefs John Morgan and Pete McFalls spent almost an hour freeing one of the drivers in a two truck crash near St. Joseph Friday morning. A gravel truck operated by Thomas May, RR 3. Newbury southbound on Highway 21 was unable to stop for a flagman at a construction site acid col- lided with a northbound Canada Dry truck driven by William Peters. London. May who was pinned in his truck sustained fractures and lacerations. Peters and a passenger Alfred Foster. also of London were taken to South Huron Ilospital in Exeter where they were treated for leg and lower back injuries. Friday a vehicle driven by Ruth Bish, Kitchener. turned left off Highway 83 onto highway 21 in front of a vehicle driven by Eckart Mit< chell, Sault Ste. Marie. Damage estimated at $500. Saturday a vehicle driven by Kurt Hartill. London was southbound on Iluron Road 2 south of Dashwood, lost control and entered the ditch rolling over twice. The driver was taken to ?South Iluron Hospital and treated foi minor injuries. He was wearing his seatbelt at the time. Damage estimated at 815.000. ' A vehicle driven by Russell Hayter, Crediton was eastbound on Huron Road 4, in Crediton. at 11 p.m. Sun- day and left the roadway and struck a pickup truck owned by Gerald Schenk of Crediton. Damage estimated at $2200. During the week 41 occurrences were investigated with 56 charges under the Highway Traffic Act, three LLA Charges, one Criminal Code charge and two persons charged with impaired driving and two 12 hour suspensions were issued. Exeter OPP wish to remind all drivers to wear their seatbelts, since they will rigorously enforce the seatbelt legislation. 4ARBECUE LINEUP Pam Sangster a'nd Laurette Siegner dish up food for Joyce and Larry Block of Wednesday's Huron Liberal barbecue of Agriculture Minister Jack Riddell's farm, Wednesday.T-A photo.