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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1981-12-09, Page 1Ir. Y 116th 'yea—No. 49 Wednesday, December 9, 1981 50 cents Dog bylaw hits stiff opposition By Shelley McPhee Over a dozen Clinton and area residents put Clinton's proposed dog control bylaw in the doghouse on Monday night, when they presented their concerns and ob- jections to the town council. Representatives from the Bluewater Kennel Club met with council to discuss the controversial bylaw proposed by Mayor Chester Archibald. Council intently listened to all comments made, asked for suggestions and agreed to consider bylaw further before passing it. Mayor Archibald said that the bylaw would receive first reading at the January 4th meeting of council, and after public input had been heard, final decision would be made at council's January 18th meeting. Joe Lobb, immediate past president of the Bluewater Kennel Club, said that in- troducing a bylaw which would restrict the number of dogs per household and kennels within the town limits, would not create responsible dog ownership. "The dogs aren't the problem, the owners are," he stressed. Mr. Lobb noted that implementing the bylaw could be difficult, since owners could easily conceal a second pet, and he suggested that a bylaw control officer should be hired to enforce the law. He supported Mayor Archibald's con- cern about dogs running at large, and agreed that such animals should be destroyed if they couldn't be caught or their owners locate d. "People think that confining dogs to a run or a home is cruel, but letting them run out on the street is alright. Now that's irresponsible ownership," heessed. Many of Kennel Club members were concerned about any moves to restict the number of kennel club licences issued in Clinton. Mr. Lobb, owner of a breeding kennel in Brucefield, noted that boarding and breeding kennels could provide revenue for Clinton. Florence Pullen, a former Clinton resident and kennel owner in town noted that her contained dogs were often harassed by other animals running at large and she stressed, "You shouldn'tp be discriminating against people with kennel licences. They're probably the most responsible dog owners in town." All kennels, Mr. Lobb told council, must be registered with the Canadian Kennel Club and they must have purebred dogs. Boarding kennels are inspected regularly by the Health Unit and all kennel owners must follow the regulations and rules of the Livestock Act of Canada. Phillip McMillan of Clinton, shows dogs and he noted that dog shows like the large exhibition held each year in Exeter at- tracts people from all across the Canada and The United States and also brings in extra revenue to the town. By restricting kennels and the number of dogs per household Mr. McMillan said that Clinton would be doing some negative advertising, when they could benefit from dog shows as other municipalities have. The Bluewater Kennel Club's 1982 president Phillip Bradley, a former animal control officer in Tuckersmith Township, said that a cowl it officer is important to have and sugg ted Clinton and the surrounding townshi • could have a joint officer to serve the area. "You need someone who's not anti -dog, but pro responsible ownership," he noted. When Don Wrigh' Clinton asked about the problem that a cats cause, Mayor Archibald noted, "There's nothing very specific in the laws about cats, but I agree Weather 1980 HI LO 1981 HI 10 DEC 1 7 -2 7 0 2 6 1 7 1 3 3 -2 -6 -12 4 2 -2 -5 -12 5 1 -5 -1 -10 6 -1 -8 2 -4 7 4 -2 9 0 Rain 16.2 mm Rain 37.5 min Snow 3 cm Snow 8 cm Three arrested by police One juvenile and two youths have been charged in connection with a break-in at the Clinton Variety on Victoria Street. Clinton Police Chief Lloyd Westlake reported that the three were apprehended about 1:30 am on December 7th after Clinton police spotted them in the closed store. In other police news it was reported that early on Saturday morning, a fire hydrant on the west side of Albert Street was broken off after a car driven by John Morgan of Clinton crashed into it. Damage to the hydrant was set at $900 and another $900 to the car. Mr. Morgan escaped without injuries. A car driven by Carl Boon of RR 2, 1 Bayfield received $250 in damages after it was struck by an unknown vehicle on December 5th. Police reported that the Boon vehciel was westbound on Huron Street, preparing to turn when a second westbound car started to brake, slid out of control and struck the Boon car. The second car failed to stop. With winter driving conditions and the party season coming up, Chief Westlake warns that motor vehicle drivers should be extra careful. He suggested that people, "leave the booze alone," and noted that in Exeter provincial court on Tuesday, 10 impaired driving charges were dealt with_ "You'll be walking for three months if you're convicted," he warned. Every year 1 get filled with good intentions round about the end of November, and by the time I get around to it, it's New Years day and too late. Yes, I have yet to put out an outdoor .e ie s new:(trines-sea, d every year, after envying all the beautiful displays in the Clinton area, I promise that heat year will dolt. But unfortunately, Christmas in the newspaper business is the busiest time of the year, and December becomes one big blur, that slips by before one realizes it's here Luckily at the Fitzgerald home, my better half, Lois, is an enthusiastic endorser of the Christmas spirit, beginning about the middle of October, and by this time of year, the house is fully decorated inside, at least As well, the sweet aroma of a miniature gingerbread house fi s the living room, and the kids eyes light up everytime they pass. Of course, it's now high off the ground on the top self of the bookcase, after the Its year-old decided to let his fingers to the walking down the Smartie sidewalk, over the dusting of icing snow, and through the thick, cookie door, dragging the candy cane sleigh behind him The big problem this year is what to do if we get a Christmas tree, as the temptation of all those shiny glass balls, lights, and icicles will be too much for little Hellion to resist, and disaster is sure to result, as the little gaffer considers himself to be an ap- prentice lumberjack and will climb anything for practice. + + + With Christmas only about two weeks away, the annual Christrrtas concert schedule is about to be unveiled at the by jim fitzgerald local schools, Now even if you don't have any kids attending, try and sneak into one or two, if possible. There's nothing quite as stimulating as ens joying a school concert, and I can say that ,aa -an ear, art _afte! ve ing-them for 10 years. After all those years, other assignments might leave me bored and yawning, but not those concerts_ + + + And kids, we still have some room here for those letters to Santa, so get them in by the 17th and we'll try and publish as many as possible before we forward them to St Nick + + + Well, Uncle Milty over at Bayfield has finally got his just reward and will be ' `penned" up for awhile. Just goes to show you that a skunk in a tuxedo smells the same. + + + Comments the Main Street Wit: "A good diamond, will cut anything - especially your bank account' + + + We'd lydce to welcome to our pages this week two new correspondents who will be helping to write the Bayfield Bugle each week. They are George Chapman, an avid photographer and retired engineer, and Keith Crittenden, an young entinisiastk wt ite. and photographer. Both look forward to hearing from Bayfielders to report the village news, and will be helping Helen Owen, who is reducing her reporting load. + + + Don't forget the Oldtimers game this coming Monday night at the arena at 9:30 psi. They battle Goderich, and even though it's not the fastest hockey in the world, the"boys" sure do try! that it's unfair. We have damage done by cats all the time, not so much by dogs." He said that there's nothing that Clinton or any municipality can do to control stray cats, however Mr. Bradley pointed out that legally cats are not classified in the Livestock Act, therefore they're con- sidered to be nuisance animals, like skunks and ground hogs, and these can be destroyed at anytime of the year. Due to the many letters of complaint and opposition they received, council agreed to study the proposed bylaw in more depth, but Mayor Archibald stressed, "I think that one dog's enough for anyone to have in town, but that's just my opinion and I'm only one person on council." He also said that in his opinion kennels -should not be located in town limits and noted, "I'm not backing down." Holly Horton, 6, and her little sister Amy, 2112, are very lucky little girls. They live with their Mom and Daddy, Bonnie and Jeff in Scarborough and visit Grandpa and Grandma, Bob and Wynne Homuth in Clinton. The sisters are looking forward to Christmas this year and they know that many other little girls in Clinton wiD be baying a Merrier Christmas when they receive • one of these 20 lovely dolls. Dressed by Mrs. Horvath and Helen Aitken, the dolls will be given to less fortunate children through the annual Children and Family Services Christmas Bureau in Clinton. The Bureau is coordinated by Mrs. Homuth. (Shelley McPhee photo) Thanks to donations, many have Christmas By Shelley McPhee Many needy children and adults in the Clinton area will have a happier Christmas this year. Oh December 25th they will be enjoying new gifts thanks to help of the Children and Family Services Christmas Bureau, an annual project that helps hundreds of less fortunate families in Huron County. In Clinton, Wynne Homuth has co- ordinated the project for seven years and this year received some extra help and Hydro up 10.5% Hydro rates in Clinton will jump by an average of 10.5 per cent as of the first of January, the Clinton Public Utilities (PUC) decided last week at their regular monthly meeting. To the average consumer of 250 kilowatt hours -of electricity a month, it will mean their bill will rise from $13.80 per month tO $15.25, an increase of $1.45, while p home consuming 1,500 kwh per month see their bill rise to $61.40 a month from the present $55.68, or an increase of $5.82. Guss Boussey, manager of the PUC, which is also in charge of the water and sewage systems, said the commission felt they had to increase the rates because Clinton, like most municipalities buys its hydro from Ontario Hydro, who increased the wholesale rates by9.6 percent The minimum bill will remain at $4, and the new rates will be on all bills issued after January 1, 1982 and only on con- sumption used by the customer as of that date. Of the total 9.6 per cent increase in the rates for bulk power, 1.3 percentage points is the surcharge needed to cover the cost of providing the discount for rural residential customers, says Ontario Hydro. Only 8.3 per cent is what would have been required without the subsidy to the rural customers. donations from the Clinton business community through their toy drive. Organizer Sheila Murray said the first time project was a great success and hundreds of toys were donated to the cause. So many toys were received that not all of them were repaired or restored and Sheila noted, "We still have enough to last for three years." The toy drive began early in the fall when the local Kinsmen Club conducted a Saturday collection. Many more toys, and over $200 in cash 'donations were dropped off at The Arbor, the Home Hardware Store and the Burgess Department Store in Clinton. George Rumball, Clinton Legion president, helped to pick up the toys and these were taken to vacant upstairs room at the Clinton Library to be sorted and repaired. Sheila noted that St. Joseph's Separate School the Clinton Public School and the Clinton and District Christian School also donated many used toys and games and it took three weekends to sort and separate the hundreds of donations received. Three young people, Suzanne Dallas, John Murray and Cath Spezialle helped with F we this big project. Considering that the project started late in the year, Sheila said that it was a great success but noted, "I wish it could continue throughout the year, not . just until last month." Sheila noted that all the efforts were worthwhile, and within the next few weeks the toys will be given out to needy families. Many other individuals also donate to the Christmas Bureau. Some churches in the area give articles not sold at bazaars and offer their White Gift Sunday donations to the bureau. Anyone can make a donation, whether it be clothes, games, toys, shoes, boots, or money by dropping donations off at the Clinton town hall until December llth from 9 am to5 pm. Wynne sorts through all the articles received, then meets with each needy family, selecting gifts that would be the most beneficial to them. For Wynne, Christmas wouldn't be as satisfying and fullfilling without her volunteer work for the. Bureau. Her Christmas is made more special by enabling others to have a happy holiday as well. adly damages home By Jim Fitzgerald Fire early this morning (Wednesday) caused heavy damage to a Goderich Township home, putting a family of four out into the street. The home of the Joe Potter family on the 16th of Goderich Township, about two miles west d Clinton, was badly damage by fire, smoke and water in the blaze that was believed to have started near an overheated stove pipe from a wood stove. Clinton firemen were eased to the scene just before midnight, and were hampered in their fight of the blaze in the 11 storey frame home by a number of false ceilings. They called in the Bayfield tanker truck for assistance and fought the blaze well into the early morning hours. Mr. Potter, who is road superintendent for Goderich Township, said the fire was discovered by his wife and daughter, who were sitting in the kitchen. The quickly woke Joe and another son, and the four escaped with only the clothes on their backs. Neighbors and firemen helped pull some furniture out of the ground floor, but most of their other belongings, suffered heavy smoke and water damage. No estimate of the dollar loss was available at presstime. Former councilor gets 4 years By Cath Wooden Former Bayfield village councillor and real estate dealer, Milton Van Patter was sentenced to four years in prison Thursday by Huron County Judge F.G. Carter after being convicted of seven counts of fraud totalling $88,000.., m Van Paear, ._J'3a� taus: bet n a sen:aicirg that, "No matter what happens, I have the Lord looking after me." He displayed no emotion upon receiving his four-year sentence although his wife Patricia burst into tears. In his remarks, Judge Carter stated that the trial had been, `publicized widely in Southwestern Ontario. If get rich -quick artists consider the residents of small towns and villages as chickens to be phicked," they must be punished. Crown Attorney Gary Hunter said he was reluctant to recommend a sentence for Van Patter but suggested the term of two years less a day. In his remarks, Hunter said, that the victims were mostly retired people who were not in a position to replenish their lost money. Defence counsel Perry Hill asked Judge Peggy Menzies of Clinton heads AuxiliaryAssocthtion For the next 12 months, Peggy Menzies of Clinton will guide the Hospital Auxiliary Association of Ontario, after she was picked as their president last week_ Mrs. Menzies, who is the wife of Clinton lawyer E. Beecher Menzies, was installed as president of the Associaiton at their 71st annual meeting and convention in Toronto. Over 500 delegates from 220 hospital auxiliaries from across Ontario were present, inched ig a delegation of six from the Clinton auxiliary_ Donna Wood, the wife of Dr. Ken Wood of Clinton, was also elected to the executive as secretary. Other members of the executive are: Mrs. D.P. Rodrigues of Napanee, first vice-president; Mrs_ Bernice Barlow of Cambridge, Mrs R.M. O'Brien of Toronto, and Mrs. GA Kearney of Thunder Bay, vice presidents; Miss Cynthis Bonnet of Brantford. treasurer; Mrs. William Lane of Oshawa. pubic relations director: and Mrs J.A. Rea of Toronto, director of regions. Carter to consider a sentence of ap- proximately one year. -We live in a highly credit -oriented society. What we have here is a man who was living too highly and getting himself further into debt" Hill said that Van Patter received penalty by losing his real estate license as wes as everything he owned. Since the charges, Van Patter, his wife, and 11 -year- old daughter have been living on welfare in a mobile home in Bayfield. Speaking on behalf of Van Patter's character. Bayfield Baptist Church pastor Leslie Shiel stated that since mid-July of 1980 when the charges were laid. Van Patter and his family had not missed a service at his church. Judge Carter said he had "difficulty in accessing that because from 1975 on you were considered an active and consistent member of the Anglican Church. I don't Viola if this indicates reform on you part." Margaret t Peggy) Menzies Hospital fund hits 6185,000 CLINTUNT HOSPITAL BUILDING FUND aPcNN°4"6 A' uj 350 325 300 275 250 225 200 175 150 125 100 75 SO 2S The Clinton Hospital Building Fund continues to make big leaps forward and this week made a big jump of $20.000 from cast week It now stands at $185.000. compared to$i65.000last week. The hospital board will make a decision next week on calling tenders to start the addition. worth $866.000. in the Hospital Auxiliary draw held on Monday of this weak Flora Kenwell of Clinton won the afghan. while Thelma Jones of Brucefield was the winner of the four seasons petit point picture. Draw convenor Joyce Chilton reported that more than $250 in tickets were sold. Here is some more names to add to the list o'fshiers tothe 1 -inkling fund