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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1992-10-28, Page 3Times -Advocate, October 28, 1992 Page 3 Board hoped for resolution by now Still no public explanation for .1 dismissal of police chief EXETER - The chairman of Exeter's police ser- vices board explains that he has yet to be given a clear direction on what will happen in regard to the dismissal of the town's police chief nearly two months ago. Neither the beard nor town council has yet given a reason for why .chief Jack Harkness was relieved of his duties with pay on September 7. "There's a lot of rumours on the street. Take your pick," said police board chairman John Stephens, but said that legal counsel still advise that no expla- nation be offered to the public at this point in the situation. Stephens said he had planned to give a full expla- nation for his board's actions before now. "1 guess we should have expected this to drag on a bit, but we had hoped to have it worked out by now," said Stephens. Mayor Bruce Shaw said at one point that lawyers for both Harkness and the town were hoping to ne- gotiate a solution to the situation without having to take it to a hearing with the Ministry of the Solicitor General. However, other sources have said a hear- ing may now be the only recourse for both sides. Stephens said he has been pleased the police force has continued to run well without a chief, although he agreed there must be "a bit of anxiety" for the other officers. The suspension of the chief may also have affect- ed the town's hopes to get an estimate on the cost of OPP policing for Exeter, noted Stephens. Despite asking several months ago what it would cost for a yearly contract to replace the town's force with OPP coverage, council have yet to receive any- thing more than a letter from the Ministry of the So- licitor General stating that the process would have to be passed through other provincial interest groups. Stephens said the chiefs dismissal and the unre- solved budgekproblems of the force have likely put the whole OPP costing question "on hold". Video ministry goes on air Continued from front page instance, will do . away with its overhead projected hymns. "You might also notice a little nervousness on the part of the pas- tor," joked Devries. Enc Gerber of the Exeter Bible Fellowship said the presence of the camera and tripod has been well - accepted in his church and the con- gregath have been very suppor- tive of u effort to extend its min- tsu, beyond its four walls. Essentially, the goals of the Eter- nal Life Video Ministry, as the pro- gram is to be called, is to bring lo- cal church services to those in the arca wtio physically cannot attend church. "and to reach the ones who haven't darkened the doors of a church -before, they may -see -the way of God," said Devries. Gerber said he expects there may be many people out in the commu- nity who are looking for a church to attend, yet arc too intimidated to pay a visit. The- video programs may give them a little familiarity with a church before coming out. - "They certainly will sec a varie- ty." said Gerber, noting that while all four churches on the video pro- gram have very diverse in their ap- proach to worship, they are all unit- ed in their support of this project. Bringing church services to cable television is this group who met Friday evening to work out technical details for the broadcasts, and to review takes for the opening chorus (on screen). From left are Bev Robinson from the Exeter Pente- costal Tabernacle, Harold Devries of the Christian Reformed Church, Eric Gerber and Dave Isaac from the Exeter Bible Fel- lowship, and Stephen Byelis from Emmanuel Baptist. Exeter woman to pay $5, 057 restitution EXETER - An Exeter woman received two years probation and was ordered to pay restitution totalling $5,057.00 after pleading guilty to a charge under the Family Benefits Acts in Exeter court last Tuesday. Judith Gregoire pleaded guilty to a charge of improperly reporting income. The court heard the accused received ben- efits through Social Ser- vices, but began working rf:f part-time at Caster's Road n court House and acted as super- intendent ofher apartment house. Gregoire failed to report her earnings to So- cial Services, who contacted Exeter police. Judge Karen Sturdy gave Gregoire two years to make restitution. Leaving road not in safety Christine Morgan of Exeter pleaded guilty to a charge of leaving the road not in safety, after an accident October 10 in Hay Town- ship. Morgan was fined $78.75. Following too close Walter G. Boam of London entered a guilty plea to a charge of fol- lowing too closely, and was fined $78.75. The court heard Boam was driving his truck north along Highway 81 on July 10 when he struck the car ahead of him after it stopped for a flagman. Boam was given 30 days to pay the fine. Letter to Editor Taxes on used vehicles Dear Editor: Re: John Thomson's leder, Octo- ber 21 edition. 1 agree with Mr. Thomson, we are being taxed on nothing. (At least honest citizens are.) The curbside car dealers are the ones that should be penalized. In a lot of instances tl4e curbsider buys a vehicle, drives it around without insurance or certification of safety and quite often improper plates and then sells the vehicle without transferring ownership into their name. The curbsides often does not pay any tax on the vehicle because they do not transfer ownenhip. In place of tax penalties on the innocent the by- law enforcement officers and law of- ficers should do the jot) our tax dollars I in (_(lith' are paying for and investigate the law breakers and fully penalize these by-law and highway traffic act violaters. ' This new scheme is just another form of the government (all levels) avoiding responsibility. It's called passing the buck, in this case stick- ing it to the honest taxpayers. Thank you. Vic Gallagher, Centralia Applause for non-smoking bylaw Dear Editor: • • The Exeter ' Town Council should be commended for their leadership in passing a non- smoking bylaw on October 19. The non-smoking bylaw is an im- portant step in Providing a suppor-, five environment for healthy life- style choices. The Huron County Health Unit believes that every ef- fort to reduce and prevent to- bacco use will help to save lives. Again. our thanks to Council forplay- ing en active tole in protecting the residents of Feaster from the health risks of second- hand smoke. Yours truly, Dr. Maarten Bokhout, Medical Officer of Health, Huron County Health Unit Heather Hoover, Heart Health Co-ordinator Take Heart Huron Program No levy increase may hurt Wildlife Areas, municipalities warned EXETER - While the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority board of directors last month asked staff to prepare a budget that meant no levy increase to member munici- palities, it is evident some board members are having second thoughts about that mandate. -Harold Switzer, the representa- tive on the Ausable Bayfield Con- servation Authority board of direc- tors for -Eireter'- and Usbome Township, met with both councils at their last meeungs. Switzer warned the councils the zero - percent budget presented at the board's recent meeting meant se- vere cutbacks in maintenance of the popular local Conservation Areas. "lt was a very interesting budget, I'll tell you that. We will be losing a few things if we keep it at zero percent," Switzer told Exeter coun- cil. He said that all work on improv- ing the Conservation Areas would be stopped and said that further possible cutbacks from the Ministry of Natural Resources could affect other major projects. The Town of Exeter's levy to the ARCA was S30,915 this year, and Switzer pointed out a three percent increase would be only $917. Switzer was evidently hoping for council to endorse a levy increase, - despite their enthusiasm for hope of a zero -percent -budget. - "The only thing I will say is that every dollar raised on our levy can add up to about S.7 on our budget, so it is a good investment," said Switzer. Switzer said staff cutbacks were likely if entire programs were elim- inated, and did point out that ABCA staff did cut back hours last year after the province trimmed its funding. After Switzer appeared at Us - borne Township council last Tues- day, that council agreed that they were still opposed to additional capital expenditures to drive up the levy, but that they do find accepta- ble -capital expenditures *continue maintenance of existing Conserva- tion Authority propenies. "Council concur that a small bud- get increase for maintenance would be acceptable," was the resolution adopted by council. Florence's Baking has moved from the corner of Hwy. #83 & #4 to Ferguson Apiaries for the winter months 236-4979 ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION REMEMBRANCE SERVICES THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION A Soldier Proud Amidst the crowd I stand alone A Highland soldier, carved in stone With poppy wreaths laid at my Feet. True comrades gather again to meet Paying homage to lads who fell Buried afar in yonder dell. The piper plays a sad lament Exeter R.E Jim Merrylees President . Pooley Branch 167 235-2962 Greg Pfaff , Poppy Chairman Mon. Nov. 2 - Poppy Campaign begins at 6:00 p.m. by the Huron -Middlesex Army Ca- det Corps and Branch Volunteers. Sun., Nov. 8 Parade forms at Legion at 10:00 a.m, March from Legion to Cenotaph for laying of wreaths and Last Post. Medals to be worn.`Legbn Church Service at Exeter United Church to follow. Members of the Community are welcome. Fellowship at Branch will occur atter Church Service. The citizens of Exeter and area are invited to at- tend. Wed., Nov. 11 • Remembrance Day Services to be held at local schools, pleas() check schools for service times. Remembrance Day banquet at Branch. So- cial 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Guest speaker: J.H. Shields, Ueutenant-Colonel Commandant, Regional Cadet Instructor School Central Region. Supper begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets will be $6.00 and are available at the Branch, Stan Frayne's, Dinney Furniture and Executive members until Nov. 10th. Eyes are closed, heads are bent A smart young lad alert and keen Prays for a father never seen The bugle call sounds clear and loud I stand alone amidst the crowd I stand alone a soldier proud. By the Late Sgt. Ian Bremmer Cameron Highlanders Courtesy of Canadian Veterans Association of the U.K. Hensall Branch 468 262-2618 Peter Zwaan Larry Uyl President Poppy Chairman Thurs. Nov. 5: - 6 to 9 p.m. Door to door can- vass in Hensall. the support of the public for oho annial Poppy appeal will be greatly appreciated Sun., Nov. 8: Remembrance Service. All Vete- rans, members, Ladies Auxiliary. Hensall and area residents are cordially invited to attend our service at the Hartsell United Church. 10:30 a.m. - meet at Hensen Legion Hall 10:45 a.m. Parade to Church, service conducted by Rev. Doug Wright and Rev. Mark Gaskin. Thence to the Cenotaph tor the laying of Wreaths and the Last Post. Medals to be tl'orn. Following this ceremony, refreshments will be serval by the Ladies Auxiliary. We trust mem- bers of the Community and area will make a spe- cial effort to attend these services. Wad., Nov. 11: Remembrance Day Banquet. Banquet to be held at the Hensall community Centre. Social Hour 6 - 7, dinner at 7 p.m. Guest speaker: Comrade Frank albite, WWII Veteran and 2nd Vies President Provincial Command. Everyone weioome. Tickets available from Le- gion Members, the Branch or cad 282.2618. I•