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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1984-12-05, Page 1ua ty Carpet at great prices Professional installation can be arranged Wbitings Phone 235-1964 Exeter drops e.n.promls. Id..,, will It 0*11 seNi. Hely pIan After weeks of deliberation and discussion, Exeter coun- cil decided this Week to not at- tempt any compromise with Hay Township over the pro- posed agri-industrial park ad- jacent to Huron Tractor on the towns northern boundary. In an unanimous decision, council approved a motion to let their original objection to the proposal stand and to let the Ontario Municipal Board rule on the matter. "It just is not good plann- ing," commented Councillor Dorothy Chapman, who presented the motion to let the objection stand. She said that the minute Exeter compromises in any A\ .i A SANTA VISITS -- Santa Claus paid a visit Sunday to the Big and Little Brothers and Sisters Christmas party. Enjoying a talk with Santa are Shelli Rader and Ann Marie Mittelholtz. T -A photo Zurich area man killed in collision A Zurich area man was kill- ed and one from Ilensall seriously injured following a single vehicle collision un Huron County road :31 north of Varna Wednesday night. Gerald R. Armstrong, 25. of RR 1 Zurich, was pronounced dead at the scene after being pinned under the wreckage of the pickup truck he was driving. The truck- rolled over several times after the driver lost control and it ended up hitting a tree. A passenger in the vehicle. Brad Mann. 25. Hensall. sus- tained major injuries and was taken to University Hospital in London. Three minor injuries were reported in the six accidents investigated by the Exeter OPP. Two of those injuries resulted from a single vehicle crash on Highway 4 north of Exeter Saturday afternoon.A vehicle driven by Jacqueline Cottrell. Hensall. skidded off the road and slammed into a hydro pole Total damage was filled al $3.750 and the driver and her brother, Trevor. sustained minor injuries Damage was set at W,n 111 Will discuss recreation Seven arca municipalities have been invited In name respresentatives to a special ad hoc committee that will plan a general meeting for the seven some time in the new year to discuss recreation budget problems The meeting is being ar- ranged tor February \larch by \Ielame \IcI aughlin. treld services consult aryl with the ministry of tourism and recreation - Vany munu•ipalines are faced with the rising costs of recreation services and what seems lo he an ever increas- ing deficit in the operation of major facilities," she wrote In the heads of the seven coun- cils. "We are all concerned with the problem of rising costs over which we have lit Ile control and shrinking revenues " Noting that the meeting had been requested by some of the municipalities. she said that "it was expressed that if all municipalities can begin 141 talk to one another around the table. that some of the pro Mems may be resolved " The first meeting of the ad hoc committer named by the municipalities to pian the general meeting will he held at the Town and Country howling alley in Zurich on Thursday. Her letter indicates that the February/March meeting will begin the process of negotiating agreements among municipalities invited to attend are Ifen- sall, Zurich, Exeter. and the townships of Hay, Stephen. 'Stanley and Tuckersmith a collision on highway 4 north of Centralia involving vehicles driven by Mary Lou Livingstone. Willowdale, and Kyriakos Ilatzikykiakos, London - Last Saturday, Dennis Mit- chell, Ailsa Craig. suffered undetermined injuries when the vehicle he was driving went out of control on Highway 81 near the Mt. Carmel Road and flipped over. Damage was $3,000 and the driver was taken to University Hospital in London for treatment. On Sunday, a vehicle operated by Michael Westelaken, RR 1 Hensall, collided wit h a parked vehicle on Parkdale Ave. in Huron Park. The parked vehicle was owned by James Speirs, Lon- don. and total damage was estimated at $800. A deer managed to run off into Hay Swamp after being involved in a crash on 'Tues- day with a vehicle driven by Maria Struyke. Dashwood. Damage to the car was $1.001. The mishap occurred on. Highway 8:3 east of the Ausable River bridge. On Friday. a car driven by Lester Gardner. Hensall, struck a pole on the south side of Richmond St. in Hensall. Damage was listed at $I.50(1. way on allowing developgtents on its boun- daries, the town would be ad- mitting that development on its doorstep would be okay and "the chances of stopping .it again are almost nil". Judge rules for last time Judge W.G. Cochrane per - sided over his final court in Exeter, Tuesday, one day before he ended his lengthy legal career in the county. Judge Cochrane officially retired on Wednesday. He handed out fines of $500 or 25 -day jail ,terms to two men convicteddriving with a blood alcoho} vel over the legal limit. The were Peter Stephen Barrett, 110 Ratten- bury Si,.Clinton, and Rodney Nelson Park, RR 2 Lucan. Both were given the man- datory licence suspensions and also 90 days in which to pay the fines. Barrett was charged on Oc- tober 7 in Usborne Township after being stopped by police for a speeding incident. A breathalizer test gave a reading of 160 mgs. - • Park was charged on Oc- tober 8 in Exeter, also follow- ing a speeding incident. A breathalizer test gave a reading of 120 mgs. Both men pleaded guilty to the charges. Rodney Lloyd Easton, RR 1 Kirkton, was placed on proba- tion for two years and ordered to make restitution after pleading guilty to a charge of false pretences. He was charged on January 25 after a cheque he had writ- ten for a load of steel from Niagara Steel Service Centre was not honoured. Easton was ordered to make restitution for the $2,165 involved. A Kippen woman, Violet J. McQuarrie, was fined $100 or five days after pleading guil- ty to a charge of theft. She was charged on Oc- tober 26 after taking items valued at. $6.87 from Zehrs. The court was told the woman was very remorseful over the incident, which was said to be out of character. Richard John Forrest, Brucefield, appeared for sentencing on three charges of false pretences. Forrest had previously pleaded guil- ty and sentencing was delayed pending a pre- sentence report. Judge Cochrane ordered the accused to make restitu- tion for the amounts involved with the businesses in the Zurich area which had been given cheques for goods and services received by Forrest. The accused was also plac- ed on probation for one year. A charge of possession of narcotics against an area man was dismissed after the Judge was advised there is no one in the area appointed to prosecute drug matters_ Ilesaid it was unreasonable to set the matter over when it is not known when a pro- secutor will be appointed to handle drug charges. Mrs. Chapman commented that council had no choice but to object if they wanted to see local industrial land developed. Clerk Liz Bell, who had been asked by Mayor Bruce Shaw to get an opinion from the Stratford law firm of Mountain and Mitchell, advis- ed council that she had done so and a firm spokesman had indicated the town's chances of winning the appeal with the OMB would be very good. The lawyer to whom she talked advised that an OMB hearing was as unpredictable as a horse race, but she quoted him as saying, 'It looks like you have a winner". "I really don't see any room for compromise," Reeve Bill Mickle commented, again levelling criticism, at the county planning department. In a lengthy report tabled with council two weeks ago Mickle outlined his views on the matter and suggested the planning department needed an overall planning guide for South Huron. This week he also noted that the proposal was contrary to the aim of the Ontario Foodlands Guide. "If we want it settled, let's go to the board," he urged. Don Winter said the propos- ed subdivision in Hay could just be the thin edge of the wedge and could be followed by similar proposals for the total area surrounding Exeter. "We need a ruling now for the future of Exeter," he commented. During the discussion, members noted that Hay Reeve Lionel Wilder also ap- peared to be favoring taking the matter to the OMB as he was concerned that the developers would not be in- terested in the type of com- promise plan being suggested by Exeter. "We can't let them go for the whole thing," Councillor Ben Hoogenboom commented in reviewing comments made by Wilder about the latter's concern that the compromise would have to be to the liking of the developers. Serving South Huron, North Middlesex taiiW s: One Hundred and Twelfth Year NEW DIRECTOR — John J. Gray has been named ex- ecutive director of the South Huron Association of the Mentally Handicapped. ARC gets new head Jiro Dalton, president, South Huron and District Association for the Mentally Handicapped announced Fri- day that John J. Gray of Walkerton, has been named to the post of Executive Director effective January 28, 1985. The Selection Committee reviewed 57 qualified applica- tions from aq across Canada for the position. John Gray originally from the Ottawa area started his formal training in the field of Mental Retardation in 1971 and has held the position of Director of Residential Ser- vices of the Kingston and District Association of the Mentally Retarded from 1977-1982. For the past two years Please turn to page 2 dvoca & North Lambton Since 1873 EXETER, ONTARIO, December 5, 1984 • Price Per Copy 50 Cents Say proposal too vague and costly Exeter joins museum opposition Exeter council has joined a growing list of municipalities in Huron unwilling to accept the current proposal for a $2.2 million dollar renovation of the pioneer museum at Goderich. At their meeting, Monday, council unanimously passed a motion that the proposal not be accepted. Under the proposal, Ex- eter's share of the project would have been $80,000 over the next five years, plus an additional $2.681 per year for a project co-ordinator. Few alternatives were sug- gested by the loyal council, although Dorothy Chapman commented that Goderich should be picking up more of the costs and Reeve Bill Mickle added the suggestion that the museum be offered to any municipality or group or municipalities in the county wishing the facility. At their last meeting, coun- cil asked local citizens for some input and in reporting this week. members indicated they received few comments and those they did receive were on the negative side. "I don't find a great deal of enthusiasm for the museum." Mickle said in reference to the opinions of private citizens. Mickle noted that there were several assumptions forwarded in the proposal from the county, some which may or may not come to frui- tion. such as the support from the senior governments and the actual cost of the project which at this time is merely a guess. HONORED CITIZEN Exeter's bicentennial medal recipient, B. W. Tuckey. right. chats with Mayor Bruce Shaw and retiring council member Bill Rose following Tues- day's annual appreciation banquet for the citizens who sit on local boards. A former mayor, Tuckey will receive his bicentennial medal at a ceremony in Seaforth next week . Nursing home news soon? Mayor Bruce Shaw used the occasion of the town's annual appreciation banquet to in dicate That the community ropy hopefully gel an an- nouncement in "a couple of weeks" regarding a nurs. mg home A lot has been going on behind the scenes." Shaw said. noting that the people in- volved on the nursing home investigation committee have found their task "most frustrating... "There are forces nut there working against us," the Mayor commented in saying that within the next few weeks the public will. be ap- prised of what the committee has been doing since being ap- pointed three years ago. "Stick with it." he urged co- chairman iry Armstrong. one of the many volunteer com- mittee members on hand for the annual dinner staged at the rec centre. Tuesday Shaw said the work of the various town committees was most appreciated by council and the banquet serves as a method of "saying thanks and urging you to keep up the good work." He noted that for the first time since 1976. no members have resigned from the various committees and all will be back for the 1985 term No citizens -of -the -year were named this year. but a special honored guest was B.W. Tuckey, who was the town's nominee for a bicenn- tenial medal. He'll officially receive that medal. along with other area winners, at a ceremony to be held in Seaforth on Dec 9. The former mayor and founder of Tuckey Transport indicated some sympathy with the current committee investigating the possibility of having a nursing home in the community. He recalled that back in the early 1950s, he and the late Sandy Elliott worked for weeks trying to get some en- thusiasm generated for a nursing home. "We never did," he said• Please turn to page 2 He warned that the town could face costs of up to $30,000 per year, or some other unknown figure, if the work was approved and the senior governments didn't contribute the amount ex= pected from them, or the pro- ject costs ran much higher than the current estimates. "We're not in a position to support the project on the lit- tle information we have," Councillor Ben Hoogenboom advised. While most members recognized the importance of the museum in preserving the county's heritage, most con- cluded the present proposal was unsatisfactory. "The costs are too high and the costing is too vague," Councillor Gaylan Josephson remarked in attempting to sum up council's opinion that will be forwarded to the county. Newcomer Don Winter opined that approval could be HATS FOR MUSICIANS Main street jug band members Bob Fletcher and Bob Russell receive Big Brother -Sister hats from Jackie Sweitzer and Teri Kerr at a Sun- day Christmas party. T -A photo Stephen may withdraw from area fire board The Exeter and area fire board could he in for a major revision. At their November meeting, members were ad- vised by Stephen Township representative Tom Tomes that his municipality may ask permission to withdraw from the hoard and have the fire departments in Iluron Park and Dashwood assume responsibility for fire protec- tion services in areas now served by the Exeter fire department. including the Waterloo St. area at Exeter's southern boundary. Tomes indicated that the township is considering the purchase of a new pumper for the Dashwood brigade. After learning of the $10,001 donation from the Exeter Legion and Auxiliary. and smaller donations from the 1.0.0.F. and Eastern Star lodges for the purchase of ex- trication equipment, the board recommends that the volunteer extrication crew of the local fire brigade he authorized to respond to calls from other fire departments and the OPP when assistance is required. The board would extend worker's compensation and accident insurance to cover situations where the crew is called out of the present coverage area to assist in removing trapped victims as a result of motor vehicle or other accidents. The board has also recom mended the investigation of further coverage for acciden tal death and dismember- ment, medical expense. den- tal expense and permanent and total disability protection for members of the depart- ment. Cost will be determin- ed as well as information to ensure that such protection would not be a duplication of worker's compensation benefits During a discussion on the possibility of Stephen withdrawing from the fire board at Exeter council's ses- sion. Monday. newcomer Don Winter said he had been ad- vised that the township is con- sidering closing down the Crediton fire department as well and moving equipment to Dashwood and Huron Park for the coverage of the Crediton area. Councillor Ben Hoogen- boom wondered what would happen in the case of a fire on Waterloo St. where people were accustomed to calling the Exeter brigade. However. that discussion ended there when Reeve Bill 4. Mickle said it would be im- possible to address such mat- ters until Stephen's intention became a reality. Councillor Dorothy ('hap - man lauded the Legion and Auxiliary for their generous donation to the firemen for extrication equipment She said the two groups do a "terrific job in supporting non-profit groups in the community". Council learned that tel of appreciation had already been sent to the Legion groups and the lodges for their donation Please turn to page 2 Exeter PUC customers face 6.9 percent hike Exter PUC customers face an average overall increase of 6.9 percent in their 1985 hydro hills. manager Hugh Davis informed the November meeting of the commission. Estimated total revenues for 1985 are $1.992,409. Of total estimated expenses of 81.873,306. 81.572.000 will be spent to pur- chase electricity from On- tario Hydro. Ontario Hydro has raised its wholesale price for power by 8.6 percent but Davis has avoided passing on the entire increase by cutting working funds by over 15 percent. The cost of power represents 81 percent of the PtT("s hudgel. The increase will mean a customer's hill for 1,000 kw hours. for example. will rise from $49.76 to 853.75. The December -January hi• monthly hill will he pro -rated to ensure that no one gets hill - xi for 1964 consumption at the new rates. The anticipated capital budget for 1985 of $265,880 is much larger than 1984's estimated 8177,138. Davis said he expected requests for two► more three-phase transformers and another Please turn to page 2 comparable to signing a bank cheque and he was critical that so little information was forwarded to the municipal- ities and that no alternatives were presented for their consideration. "It seems to be like it or lump it." he said. - "We have to have something more concrete than given here," Mrs. Chap- man responded. Exeter joins Hay. Stephen, Clinton, Goderich Township and Colborne Township on the list of known opponents of the county proposal. Council council will get the reports at their December meeting next week. Voting delegates picked by Tories A crowd estimated at roughly, half the .size of . the federal Tory caucus attend- ed a meeting called by the Progressive Conservative Huron -Middlesex riding associaton to select voting delegates and alternates to the Ontario PC leadership convention to be held in the Toronto Coliseum January 24 to 26. Sandra Coleman. Zurich, was unopposed in her hid as a female youth delegate. Her hrother Mike won out over David Elliott, Centralia. and ,Jon Gaiser. Exeter, in an election to choose the male youth delegate. A show of hands gave over- whelming support to Merl. Culbert's motion to make riding association president Tom Jasper. Goderich, and secretary Carol Arthur. Exeter automatic delegates. Four women were nominated for the three re- maining senior female voting delegate positions Donna Wood, ('lint on. Jo -Anne Trudgen, Lucan and Mary Donnelly, Goderich were elected as delegates. Betty Cardno, Seaforth. agreed to be an alternate. No other nominations for female alter- nate delegate were received. Seven men competed for the three senior male delegate spots. Vern Alder - dice, Tuckersmith, Don Boyes, flay and Mike O'Con- nor. Zurich were successful. Fellow competitors Frank Falconer. (Tinton, Robert F'easey. Adelaide township, and Nico Peters, Seaforth, agreed to act as alternates Lyle Gordier. Lucan. declined. Stewart Grahrn. Parkhill: Jim Hayter, Goderich; Grant Lee, Zurich and Ralph Stnith, Seaforth filled the remaining alternate delegate slots. Elmer Bell, Exeter, was ac- claimed an honorary delegate, and riding nominee Bryan Smith will also be a voting delegate. In their short pre-election speeches, the delegates recognized the implication and responsibility of their votes. They will be electing not only the new leader of the provincial Conservatives, but also the potential new premier of Ontario. None of the women has made a commitment to any specific leadership candidate at this time. Youth Delegate Mike Col- eman and senior delegates Vern Alderdice and Don Boyes expressed a preference Please turn to page 2 FRAYNE KEEPS POST Eugene F'rayne. 54. a Goderich area farmer, was acclaimed chairman of the iluron County hoard of educa- tion for a second term at the inaugural meeting in Clinton. Monday. F'rayne, a trustee since 1977, represents separate school supporters from the nothern part of the county. Also acclaimed for second terms were vice-chairman Art ('lark of Wingham. Den- nis Rau of RR 2 Zurich, chair- man of the management com- mittee, and Frank Falconer of RR 5. Clinton. chairman of the education committee. Graeme ('raig of Walton was elected chairman of the per- sonnel committee. I, litil L JI HOSPITAL SUMMER ATHLETES — The South Huron Hospital float in Saturday's Santa Claus porade carried the hospital's softball team and supporters.