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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1992-12-16, Page 1The A.S. C. Christ- mas tuft tdoss: Angels, Rooks and Candles etc. etc. Cash and Carry b COUNTRY FLOWERS Exeter GC Gaiser-Kneale Inset rance Service Experience Value 235-2420 Serving South Huron Don't Tight those candles EXETER - Fire Chief Gary Mid- dleton is cautioning local residents about a Christmas tree decoration that is a potential fire hazard. Middleton said the ,Office of the Fire Marshall is cautioning that a clip -on metal candle holder, candle included, is being sold as a tree or- nament throughout Ontario. Middleton said the the ornament is intended purely for decoration only and homeowners should not ever consider lighting the candle given how combustible Christmas trees are. - -- "People Aren't supposed to light the candles, but apparently some do," said Middleton. The Fire Marshall's Office also notes that each holiday season is spoiled by tragic house fires, many of which can be traced to overload- ed electrical circuits, the fireplace, or to the Christmas tree and its dec- orations. The fire department are also sug- gesting to anyone looking for a novel, but practical gift to give this holiday season to consider giving a smoke alarm or a portable fire ex- tinguisher. They also are prepared to give advice on what to look for when purchasing fire safety gifts if called at 235-1981. North Middlesex & Lambton Since 1873 Jamie Anderson shares a moment with Santa Claus who just happened to make a stop at the Tinker Tots' Christmas concert in Hensel! at the United Church Monday evening. ,Teachers and board reach agreement By Ray_Lewis CLINTON - The Huron County -"Board of Education (HCBE) voted 10-6 in favour of a new tentative agreement between the HCBE and its secondary school teachers last Monday afternoon, during its regu- lar board meeting in Clinton. Trustees discussed details of the agreement during a closed meeting prior to the regular meeting, al- -though they were not made availa- ble to the public. A vote by secondary school teachers was expected Monday on the agreement which will be retro- active to September 1. Stephen Township trustee Bob Heywood asked the board for a re- corded vote, and expressed his dis- approval of the offer. "I really don't think we can go to the tax payers of this county and ask them for more money to tyro this educational system," said Hey- wood. He, along with Jim Chapman (Town of Exeter), were two of the six members voting against the agreement, and while they agreed with some of the document, they didn't feel it was quite good enough to pass on to the county tax payers. Meanwhile, John Jewiu (Hullet Township and Village of Blyth) disagreed, explaining that he felt the personnel committee, who ne- gotiates contracts between the board and its teachers, had done the best they could. "You've got to have an agree- ment sometime," said Jewitt. Roxjine Brown (Town of Clin- ton), who was vice-chairman dT ie personnel committee during negoti- ations, agreed and said there would be much more trouble if the issue went to fact-finding, which in- volves.negotiations through a third party. The board is currently in that situation with its elementary school teachers. Perhaps Bob Burton (Stanley Township, Village of Bayfield), was the most accurate in his de- scription of the agreement. "It's like watching your mother- in-law going over a cliff in your brand new Cadillac," he said whim- sically. "Just because you vote against it, doesn't mean there aren't some good points." Wednesday. December 16. 1992 75 cents Costing protocol begins January Police assured Jobs with OPP should town police disband By Adrian Harte T -A Editor EXETER - Town council will soon know whether or not they want to get out of the police business. At a public meeting held Thursday evening, the "protocol" to be fol- lowed for determining the cost of turning the town's police services over to an OPP contract was spelled out to council and the police services board by officials from both the Ministry of the Solicitor General and the contract policing section of the OPP. All were told that the procedure for determining the policing needs of Exeter and the cost of an OPP contract would begin inianuary. Town council first initiated this procedure by asking the ministry what an OPP contract would cost the town, given the escalating costs of run- ning the town's own police force. After the meeting, mayor Bruce Shaw said those with the least to fear from a switchover to OPP policing might be the officers themselves. • "They were assured they would be taken on (as OPP officers]," said Shaw, adding that even the chief would be hired as a constable with con- sideration for promotion to a staff sergeant should the town force be dis- solved. Shaw said the officers, under the OPP, would receive better salaries and pensions from the start. Concerned by the increasing costs of providing its own police force, Shaw said town council has to give the OPP option some serious thought. "The savings are significant," said Shaw, explaining some models sug- gest an OPP contract could cut about $150,000 off present policing costs. "It's nothing to sneeze at and it would be irresponsible of us not to look at it seriously," said Shaw. Town council and the police services board conflicted earlier this year over policing costs. The board presented a budget of $572,710, while council insisted it be cut to $510,395. Other problems with the police force this year included the Labour Day removal of the police chief from duty by the police services board. The chief was returned to duty November 16, but the board has still not issued any statement explaining the reasons for the susrnsion. Shawsaid the chief is still entitled to a hearing with the ministry, and al- though the first hearing will be conducted behind closed doors, he expects a full explanation for the events of Labour Day to be eventually forthcom- ing. "The public has a right to know and I assume everything will come out in due course," said Shaw. Shaw also said he was assured by the ministry that the dispute with the chief will not affect the OPP costing procedure in any way. Police start RIDE checks EXETER - The Exeter Police conducted 32 investigations within the past week. On Monday police were called to an accident scene on Main Si, when a southbound car driven by Cornelia Zehuisen, Orchard St., Exeter collided with two parked cars, owned by William Soldan, Sherwood Cr., Exeter and Robert Tanner, Tanner Crt., Listowel. Damages were moderate and no - in- juries resulted. Police are operating sporadic R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) checks. Motorists are encouraged to use the "designated driver" format or use commercial methods of transportation if attend- ing parties of the festive season. On Saturday, police were called to an address on MiII St., where a theft from a parked car occurred overnight. Police encourage any- one to ensure that Christmas gift purchases are either stored indoors or in the trunk of their car, and out of sight of would be thieves.' Replaces Bob Hsner Stephen Township's Tomes new Huron warden By Fred Groves T -A staff GODERICH - The swearing in of the Huron County Warden is not a novelty. But last Tuesday in Goderich, there were a couple of unfamiliar circumstances surrounding the annual event. First, outgoing warden Bob Fisher of Zurich present- ed a Warden's Report which highlighted not only his activities as head politician of the county but direc- tions in which the county is going. Secondly, the new warden, Toni Tomes from Ste- phen Township won by acclamation, meaning no vote was necessary. A year ago, Fisher defeated Tomes in the election. Often, as part of the warden's election, someone will be nominated to be a candidate in the following term. This did not happen on Tuesday. The three wardens prior to Tomes have all come from the southern part of Huron County. Fisher from Zurich, Hensall's Jim Robinson and Lionel Wilder of Hay Township. Tomes brings with him to the office, a decatie-and-a- half of experience on the Stephen council, for the past eight years he has been that municipality's reeve. "I'd like to thank my own council, they've been be- hind me 100 percent," said Tomes after he was sworn in by Mr.Justice Francis Carter. Justice Carter said the work 'Thomas', is connected with doubting and Tomes will be surrounded with -doubt. • "He will doubt every motion brought before him and give it scrutiny which is good for council." The new warden bas served on .Huronview, Waste Management, Planning and EaeaNive.00uncils. In his Wantland speech to county owned and those pests who attended, Tomes said 60 percent of aU.the money we earn is going towards taxes. "I do krow-taere•is-otdyanslooiret•the government reaches in to for money and the owners of those pock- ets akeedy have a strain on them." Stephen Townshipaseve Tom Tomes, left; ,enear�ts 1pfs none Huron County warden last week. 4Here he is -presented with the oeremeniel Joy 4AM n Bob RaiN f:. 0f • One of the special guests on Tuesday was Glen Webb from Stephen Township who was the warden 30 years ago. Tomes enters the warden's office at a very difficult time. The two new Homes for the Aged have not yet been completed and once they are, comes the large . task of moving the residents. Also, the county is still searching for a site for their county -wide landfill site. Tomes is also faced with the challenge of finding a replacement for Clerk - Administrator Nigel Bellchamber who is taking a sim- ilar job with Middlesex County in the New Year. Tomes, Fisher and Exeter reeve Bill Mickle make up a transition committee which will assist in the hir- ing process. "This upcoming year promises to be an interesting but challenging era for Huron County," said Tomes. Detailed report: Fisher presented a very detailed report deacribing his year as warden and some of the points were that of contention throughout his team. He said the branch libraries which were closed was not a popular move by council but one which had to be done because of economics. Fisher added the social assistance riles in the county are amongst the lowest in the province. As for the county not being able to select a site for its land- fill, Fisher said, "this is a big disappointment." The outgoing warden praised the museum and the roads department. "I travelled in a lot of counties this year and I sin- cerely believe we have the best," he lid of tie goupty roads. "I'm a little bit worried that the province realiz- es our roads are better than theirs and will somehow penalize us for doing such a good job." Fisher said both he and his wife June thought the ex- perience of being warden was a memorable and enjoy- able one. "I'm sorry more councillors don't have the opportu- nity 10 be warden and Icam what our county has to Of- fer." Insider AIDS Victims tell their stories page 2 Cut your own A family experience page 5 Bureau Need for donations rises ..... 12 Atoms Stephen wins Silver Stick Second front Don't Tight those candles EXETER - Fire Chief Gary Mid- dleton is cautioning local residents about a Christmas tree decoration that is a potential fire hazard. Middleton said the ,Office of the Fire Marshall is cautioning that a clip -on metal candle holder, candle included, is being sold as a tree or- nament throughout Ontario. Middleton said the the ornament is intended purely for decoration only and homeowners should not ever consider lighting the candle given how combustible Christmas trees are. - -- "People Aren't supposed to light the candles, but apparently some do," said Middleton. The Fire Marshall's Office also notes that each holiday season is spoiled by tragic house fires, many of which can be traced to overload- ed electrical circuits, the fireplace, or to the Christmas tree and its dec- orations. The fire department are also sug- gesting to anyone looking for a novel, but practical gift to give this holiday season to consider giving a smoke alarm or a portable fire ex- tinguisher. They also are prepared to give advice on what to look for when purchasing fire safety gifts if called at 235-1981. North Middlesex & Lambton Since 1873 Jamie Anderson shares a moment with Santa Claus who just happened to make a stop at the Tinker Tots' Christmas concert in Hensel! at the United Church Monday evening. ,Teachers and board reach agreement By Ray_Lewis CLINTON - The Huron County -"Board of Education (HCBE) voted 10-6 in favour of a new tentative agreement between the HCBE and its secondary school teachers last Monday afternoon, during its regu- lar board meeting in Clinton. Trustees discussed details of the agreement during a closed meeting prior to the regular meeting, al- -though they were not made availa- ble to the public. A vote by secondary school teachers was expected Monday on the agreement which will be retro- active to September 1. Stephen Township trustee Bob Heywood asked the board for a re- corded vote, and expressed his dis- approval of the offer. "I really don't think we can go to the tax payers of this county and ask them for more money to tyro this educational system," said Hey- wood. He, along with Jim Chapman (Town of Exeter), were two of the six members voting against the agreement, and while they agreed with some of the document, they didn't feel it was quite good enough to pass on to the county tax payers. Meanwhile, John Jewiu (Hullet Township and Village of Blyth) disagreed, explaining that he felt the personnel committee, who ne- gotiates contracts between the board and its teachers, had done the best they could. "You've got to have an agree- ment sometime," said Jewitt. Roxjine Brown (Town of Clin- ton), who was vice-chairman dT ie personnel committee during negoti- ations, agreed and said there would be much more trouble if the issue went to fact-finding, which in- volves.negotiations through a third party. The board is currently in that situation with its elementary school teachers. Perhaps Bob Burton (Stanley Township, Village of Bayfield), was the most accurate in his de- scription of the agreement. "It's like watching your mother- in-law going over a cliff in your brand new Cadillac," he said whim- sically. "Just because you vote against it, doesn't mean there aren't some good points." Wednesday. December 16. 1992 75 cents Costing protocol begins January Police assured Jobs with OPP should town police disband By Adrian Harte T -A Editor EXETER - Town council will soon know whether or not they want to get out of the police business. At a public meeting held Thursday evening, the "protocol" to be fol- lowed for determining the cost of turning the town's police services over to an OPP contract was spelled out to council and the police services board by officials from both the Ministry of the Solicitor General and the contract policing section of the OPP. All were told that the procedure for determining the policing needs of Exeter and the cost of an OPP contract would begin inianuary. Town council first initiated this procedure by asking the ministry what an OPP contract would cost the town, given the escalating costs of run- ning the town's own police force. After the meeting, mayor Bruce Shaw said those with the least to fear from a switchover to OPP policing might be the officers themselves. • "They were assured they would be taken on (as OPP officers]," said Shaw, adding that even the chief would be hired as a constable with con- sideration for promotion to a staff sergeant should the town force be dis- solved. Shaw said the officers, under the OPP, would receive better salaries and pensions from the start. Concerned by the increasing costs of providing its own police force, Shaw said town council has to give the OPP option some serious thought. "The savings are significant," said Shaw, explaining some models sug- gest an OPP contract could cut about $150,000 off present policing costs. "It's nothing to sneeze at and it would be irresponsible of us not to look at it seriously," said Shaw. Town council and the police services board conflicted earlier this year over policing costs. The board presented a budget of $572,710, while council insisted it be cut to $510,395. Other problems with the police force this year included the Labour Day removal of the police chief from duty by the police services board. The chief was returned to duty November 16, but the board has still not issued any statement explaining the reasons for the susrnsion. Shawsaid the chief is still entitled to a hearing with the ministry, and al- though the first hearing will be conducted behind closed doors, he expects a full explanation for the events of Labour Day to be eventually forthcom- ing. "The public has a right to know and I assume everything will come out in due course," said Shaw. Shaw also said he was assured by the ministry that the dispute with the chief will not affect the OPP costing procedure in any way. Police start RIDE checks EXETER - The Exeter Police conducted 32 investigations within the past week. On Monday police were called to an accident scene on Main Si, when a southbound car driven by Cornelia Zehuisen, Orchard St., Exeter collided with two parked cars, owned by William Soldan, Sherwood Cr., Exeter and Robert Tanner, Tanner Crt., Listowel. Damages were moderate and no - in- juries resulted. Police are operating sporadic R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) checks. Motorists are encouraged to use the "designated driver" format or use commercial methods of transportation if attend- ing parties of the festive season. On Saturday, police were called to an address on MiII St., where a theft from a parked car occurred overnight. Police encourage any- one to ensure that Christmas gift purchases are either stored indoors or in the trunk of their car, and out of sight of would be thieves.' Replaces Bob Hsner Stephen Township's Tomes new Huron warden By Fred Groves T -A staff GODERICH - The swearing in of the Huron County Warden is not a novelty. But last Tuesday in Goderich, there were a couple of unfamiliar circumstances surrounding the annual event. First, outgoing warden Bob Fisher of Zurich present- ed a Warden's Report which highlighted not only his activities as head politician of the county but direc- tions in which the county is going. Secondly, the new warden, Toni Tomes from Ste- phen Township won by acclamation, meaning no vote was necessary. A year ago, Fisher defeated Tomes in the election. Often, as part of the warden's election, someone will be nominated to be a candidate in the following term. This did not happen on Tuesday. The three wardens prior to Tomes have all come from the southern part of Huron County. Fisher from Zurich, Hensall's Jim Robinson and Lionel Wilder of Hay Township. Tomes brings with him to the office, a decatie-and-a- half of experience on the Stephen council, for the past eight years he has been that municipality's reeve. "I'd like to thank my own council, they've been be- hind me 100 percent," said Tomes after he was sworn in by Mr.Justice Francis Carter. Justice Carter said the work 'Thomas', is connected with doubting and Tomes will be surrounded with -doubt. • "He will doubt every motion brought before him and give it scrutiny which is good for council." The new warden bas served on .Huronview, Waste Management, Planning and EaeaNive.00uncils. In his Wantland speech to county owned and those pests who attended, Tomes said 60 percent of aU.the money we earn is going towards taxes. "I do krow-taere•is-otdyanslooiret•the government reaches in to for money and the owners of those pock- ets akeedy have a strain on them." Stephen Townshipaseve Tom Tomes, left; ,enear�ts 1pfs none Huron County warden last week. 4Here he is -presented with the oeremeniel Joy 4AM n Bob RaiN f:. 0f • One of the special guests on Tuesday was Glen Webb from Stephen Township who was the warden 30 years ago. Tomes enters the warden's office at a very difficult time. The two new Homes for the Aged have not yet been completed and once they are, comes the large . task of moving the residents. Also, the county is still searching for a site for their county -wide landfill site. Tomes is also faced with the challenge of finding a replacement for Clerk - Administrator Nigel Bellchamber who is taking a sim- ilar job with Middlesex County in the New Year. Tomes, Fisher and Exeter reeve Bill Mickle make up a transition committee which will assist in the hir- ing process. "This upcoming year promises to be an interesting but challenging era for Huron County," said Tomes. Detailed report: Fisher presented a very detailed report deacribing his year as warden and some of the points were that of contention throughout his team. He said the branch libraries which were closed was not a popular move by council but one which had to be done because of economics. Fisher added the social assistance riles in the county are amongst the lowest in the province. As for the county not being able to select a site for its land- fill, Fisher said, "this is a big disappointment." The outgoing warden praised the museum and the roads department. "I travelled in a lot of counties this year and I sin- cerely believe we have the best," he lid of tie goupty roads. "I'm a little bit worried that the province realiz- es our roads are better than theirs and will somehow penalize us for doing such a good job." Fisher said both he and his wife June thought the ex- perience of being warden was a memorable and enjoy- able one. "I'm sorry more councillors don't have the opportu- nity 10 be warden and Icam what our county has to Of- fer."