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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1984-08-08, Page 41.p 4E 4 1W)N NEWS,Rgc0fa WEDNEiDAY, 001:104;. Ch tole Well/44 hi PekikhOiTilk ViWeoteday of P.O Rex IIO, Ci ritee, °abide, CeeeiPm ToPTA TIG ToW.; 4014443. 11000901fril.hri OPT, Pi 4T, MIT@ 01140$ per ever mi.*. %fettle -1195.00 per yew it 1! t4091.910440oe. Sitio al 004 moRAI U Bost" 0101$0 4 Ohs PieTTidt Tioesil9ilr 401/. iPubr thidre.Reixeil InTiereeTetllM Ile 1934 Ow. The ;Bge News Ire, Yn 111163. Tote' wee, reTIR 3,700. /,neorp®rating (TUL BLT'TH STANDARD) J. HOWARD AITKEN - Publisher SHELLEY McPHEE - Editor trGARY HAIST - Advertising Manager MARY ANN HOLLENBECK - Office Manager A MEMBER • °Imlay advertising rotes available an request. mob far Rata Card. No. U o loc/Ivo oc$obor MEMBER , Canadians no longer inferior The incredible performance of our athletes at the Los Angeles Olympic Games is a major breakthrough for Canadian athletics. Despite the lack of Russian -Communist nation participation in the 1984 Olym- pics, these games will be remembered as a success story for Canadian athletes. At the time of publication, Canada had collected seven gold, eight silver and seven bronze medals. After 118 events, we have collected 180 points, fourth out of 4'i other competing nations.. This is by far our best ever showing. Some journalists cit the games are comparing Canada's improved performance this year to Monarch butterflies leaving their coon. The words of one writer was, "Canadian athletes have emerged from their sheath of inferiority at these Olympic games. Having tried their wings they have decided they can fly. on even terms with the world's fastest, strongest and fittest, and are doing it." The confidence is everywhere in the Canadian camp. Perhaps the best example of the confidence the Canadian team possesses can be found in two -gold medal winner Alex Baumann. The Sudbury native swimmer told the press and fellow mates that he would win .his events before the races began. His confidence has rubbed off on the entire Canadian squad: This new-found confidence is something we have lacked in the past. The lack of confidence has hindered us. We were reluctant to boost and to strut our stuff. It was a huge psychological barrier to overcome. For many years, Canadian athletes entered the Olympics on'y hoping to win. The nation never expected them to win. Perhaps our Olympic success this year will not be regarded as luck and many of our athletes will go into the 1988 games expecting to win. The Americans athletes are proof of what confidence_ can do. Most of them go into every event expecting to win. Their record stands for itself. They now have 45 gold, 39 silver and 16 bronze for 798 points. 'Their nearest competitor is Romania and West Germany who have 252 points. As Canada's confidence continues to grow, so will our list of medals. Cana- dians should be proud of their athletes. They've set world records and made the rest of the world stand up and take notice of their accomplishments. -By R. Hilts Newspapers accountable The Ontario Press Council adjudicated five complaints about editorial comment in 1983; compared with.only four in its previous 101/2 years, says the organization's llth an- nual report, just published. The Council upheld four of the five.. The Council does not deal with complaints, about editorials based solely on a dispute over opinions since grievances of that kind can be settled by publication of a letter to the editor, the report notes. Comment of all kinds attracted more com- plaints than any other ,form of newspaper content, with a record high of 29, including the fine e about editorials. Of the other 24, the Council adjudicated two, upholding each in part. The 60 -page report, available free on re- quest • to the Council, contains. reports on press council activity across the country in - including the experience of the weekly Mississauga News with a Community Ad• s; isory Board, a type of press council new to Cana.do. The Council received 116 complaints dur- ing the year about the conduct of the Dress in gathering and publishing news, opinion and advertising. Of these, 23 went to adjudica- tion and 22 were settled between the parties: Nine were active at year-end and the rest were withdrawn or abandoned. The total of 116 compares with 91 in 1982, and the all-time high of 144 in 1977. The report notes. however, that only six of the complaints in 1977 ended in adjudication and another 15 were settled .between the parties. The Council's chairman, J. Allyn Taylor of London, wrote in his Foreword that his first two years in office proved an exciting time, featured by a spectacular increase in the number .of newspapers voluntarily mak- ing themselves . accountable to readers through press councils. The Ontario report contains accounts of all adjudications reached in 1983 by it and all , the other councils, except for Quebec which issues its own detailed annual report. People wishing copies of the Ontario report should write to the Council at 151 Slater St., Suite 708, Ottawa, Ont. KIP 5H3, er phone 613) 235-3847. Behind The Scones By Keith Roulston Campaign underway The election • campa%gn is now on. and although the politicians may 'have few messages to send to the voters, the messengers, the members of the media, may have mere influence on the forming of the next government than the politicians themselves. It's a frightening time to be in media at times like these, frightening and satisfying at the same time. For those interested in power, now is the time when the media has more pouter than ever particularly the na- tional television. For more conscientious reporters it's slightly frightening respon- sibility to inform people correctly. It's frightening to know that your perceptions, or lack of perceptions, could influence what government we'll have in the next four or five years. And every decision you make is made amid the pressure of daily deadlines, of political 'handlers who are trying to manipulate what you report and of peer pressure. When so many reporters "are travelling together, there's temptation to go along with the consensus other reporters have reached about speeches, trends and issues. Such problems don't usually worry reporters on small papers in ridings like ours. For one thing, there's hardly ever been an election close enough in Huron 'County fo mistake of the press to make a difference. I had a taste of What the big press goes through a -few years ago when we dict have a rare close election. As editor of a newspaper I attended an all -candidates night and took a number of pictures of the candidates answering questions. When it came time to choose a photo for the front page of the newspaper I found that all but one of the photos were unacceptable for one reason or another. But that one photo show- ed one of the candidates in an unattractive pose that made him appear arrogant. With a deadline pressing, I made the decision to run the picture anyway. The candidate's opposition was ecstatic and delighted in showing the front page around. The candidate himself was natural- ly not pleased. Did the photo affect the out- come of the election? It would be pushing things to say it did, but the election did go against the candidate and I've squirmed many times since thinking about it. The stakes are much higher for national media types. Minutes after the national television debate between the leaders ended reporters and "experts" were deciding who won . Now research on past debates has shown that it is the perception of who won, spread by the media that has more effect than the actual debate itself. The debate should have stood by itself since the whole purpose of the exercise was to let the candidates talk directly to the peo- ple but the media couldn't let it go that way. Reporters had to turn it into a championship boxing match. Who scored the most hits, the most knockdowns, whose footwork was best? Only a minority of people saw the debate anyway so the majority will have their opi- nions of the winner established by ttite media. Even those who did watch may 'doubt what they saw when they.hear all the ' `experts" saying something different. I'm just glad I'm not one of those "experts". Simulated fall have your say Dear Editor Thanks to volunteers and participants I would like to thank all those who came to participate in the lifeguard competition held Sunday at the Clinton pool. Also a special thanks to the lifeguards and other volunteers who helped to run this event. I hope to see more people next year. Karen Cook Competition Coordinator Sign of the times Dear Editor, I have noticed recently, a new addition to our downtown area in Clinton. A "Coming Events" sign has been posted in the window of the old hardware store (library). As many people have no doubt already seen, it lists events, special trips, activities or projects taking place in Clinton. I think this sign is a great way of letting the' people of Clinton know what is going on in their town. I didn't even realize that half of these ac- tivities existed until reading about them on the posters in the window. It certainly is nice to be informed. Yours sincerely, Clinton citizen. Odd job by Wendy Somerville d ready y Sugar and Spice Nostalgia lane I SEEM to have written quite a bit about community newspapers over the years, but it hasn't been deliberate. So, if you'll forgive me, I'll write one more. Unless you want me to tackle, once again,•Jim Ross of Exeter, who is furious. at me because he pays more in income tax than I receive in salary, if you ,. can figure that one out.. . Recently received a monthly statement from the syndicate that carries my column coast to coast. Started looking over the old familiar names that have been running this column for 20 years or more, and got a. bit. sentimental. They run from Nova Scotia to Hay River, NWT, and if I ran a quiz, I'll bet half my readers couldn't spot,. by province, half the newspapers. - _ But. my personal relations 'with many of their publishers go back a long way.. Never hear from most of Them, but bump into them at the odd convention, ancl renew the old bonds. I'll just mention some ofthe real old - diners, who have .stuck with the thin gruel and thick porridge of this column for more than two decades. Dutton Advance. Hello, Herb Campbell.. I know you're semi -retired but hope you're still stroking a golf hall. John and Randy, Neepawa Press; George ' and Sandy, Estevan Mercury; . remember that fishing trip in North Saskatchewan Are you all alive and as well as can be ex- . pected? Remember the big fish dinner in. my three-bedroom cabin, when the rest of you; including Barry Wenger of Winghnm,. were crowded into little cabins? By Bill Smiley Little did I know that Irwin Maclntosh and wife Barbara,' when we saw them courting at a convention .about 30 years ago; would wind up as Lieutenant -Governor and His Lady of Saskatchewan. Irwin was with the North Battleford News and Barbara's father was with the Creemore Star if memory holds. And they wind up entertaining the Queen! Enterprise and the Bowmanville Statesman are old customers, and I knew well their owners at . that time: Russ Schearer, Werden • Leavens, and John James: Where are you guys? Port Perry Star. I know Harry Stemp is still around, but where is Peter, the flute - playing lino operator wit,a vast amount of ;Norwegian good humor and common sense?' Say the word Pete, and we'll have another round of golf, with an ambulance in close at- tendance. • . Where is Gene Macdonald of the Alexan- dria News, who coujd get a party going in a nlausoleurn: Not a word for years. I know Don McCuaig of the Renfrew Mer- cury is out to pasture, cutting wood, cat- ching trout, but let's have a word, old buddy , fror: n the depths of the Ottawa Valley. l've never seen a. copy of the Creston Review, the Parkhill Gazette or the Glencoe Transcript., but they've been old friends for decades. 'And what's this about you, Andy McLean, selling out the Seaforth Expositor to a young upstart, after 112 years in the business?' Andy was a man who looked middle-aged when he was young, young when he was middle-aged, and .almost juvenile as he. Kaleidoscope grew older. Last time I met him and his charming wife and their daughter, Susan White I thought the McLeans were in- destructible. I suppose that any day now, I'll hear that Mac and Val of the Tilbury Times will be hanging up their hats while still in their prime. (In fact, Mac, I think you're already slipping. Had a letter sent along by your son Terry, who said he'd found it on your desk but you obviously hadn't dealt with it.) Perth Courier, Winchester Press, Meaford Express, Wheatley Journal, Yorkton Enterprise, Swift Current Sun, Lacombe Globe, Lachute Watchman, Ex- eter Times -Advocate, Atikokan Progress, Glencoe Transcript,Oxbow Herald, Weyburn Review. (hi, rnie), Westport Mir- ror (hi, Yo,ur TV Repair Man), Orangeville Banner, Hanover Post. And all the rest of you guys who have put up for years.with the bleatings and blurtings of this . writer. Thanks. You. represent something I admire and. respect. You work under a continual stress to produce a product that is valuable rather than sensational, controversial rather than merely inflammatory, optimistic rather than depressing. Hang in there those of you -who are left, and you young fellows, carry on the tradi- tions. ' You may not be the New" York Times, but you are probably more important to your community than it is to the world. Last note: George and Elda Cadogan, veterans both, hope to see you again before we hit the wheelchairs. Love, Bill. Summer is cool clothing. golf tourne's, refreshing swims and tall glasses of gin and pink lemonade. It's also a time of steamy temperatures, high humidity. and steep air-conditioning bills. Ron Galbraith of Fiberglas Canada says you can stay cool and enjoy the summer season by following a few common sense tips. - Keep doors and windows ,closed and draperies drawn during, the warmest, daylight hours. Contrary to what you might think, closing up the house in the day helps to contain all the cool night air, and keep the hot,' humid air outside. At night, again, open windows. - Be certain thatclothes dryers are vented outdoors to avoid heat build-up. - Use appliances late in the evening when power loads are lighter and temperatures are lower. - Better yet, barbecue and avoid using the ov en. - Set cooling thermostats at the highest comfortable level; each degree a thermostat is raised in the summer can reduce fuel consumption by about three per cent. - Add insulation to the attic or basement of your home to help to reduce energy bills year round. - Change or clean air -conditioner 'fliters once °a month. Keep heat -producing appliances away from thermostats. - Open attic windows to keep ventilation and reduce attic temperatures. - Check caulking and weather-stripping around the doors and windows to keep the cool air inside where it belongs. +++ Barry Turner a Central Huron Secondary School grad and Ontario Scholar this year took top standings in a recent physics competition put on by the University of Waterloo. The 16th annual SIN (Sir Isaac NeApra By Shelley McPhee test was written. by more than 5,200 students, mostly from Ontario high schools. Barry finished in the 136th spot in the 'xamination that consisted of 12 humorous, but demanding, physics problems. + + 1 The achievements of Ontario farmers, past and present, are the focus of a new film. Proud Beginnings, produced by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Agriculture Minister Dennis Tirnbrell said, "This film is specially produced for Ontario's bicentennial year, as a tribute to the past generations of farmers who made Ontario great. It also salutes those farm With one month left of student employ- ment activity left, the Goderich and Exeter • Employment Centres for Students are ready for a busy August. Statistics for the month of July show an in- -urease of 76% over last year in the place- ment of students in casual jobs. Hence, again this month emphasis will be placed on securing "Odd Jobs" for local students. "Odd Jobs" - employment on a temporary basis for an hour or a few days - will help students earn cash for the start of the new school year and gain some of that all impor- tant work experience. Area residents will also gain by hiring a student. It is now August and for the last three months you have been putting off pain- , ting the fence, . washing the windows or cleaning the attic. Now is your chance to en- sure those jobs are done before fall. This summer, students have helped in- dividuals in the community move furniture, paint house trim, cut grass, dig post holes, spray cucumbers, pick strawberries, bale hay, babysit ... and the list goes on. Students can and will do an endless variety of tasks. • If you have a .job that needs doing, please contact the Canada Employment Centres for Students in Goderich 524-2744 or Exeter 235-111.Our goal? A job to fit every student; a student`to fit every job. Help a student by letting him help you. families who continue in that spirit of pioneering and achievement, building for the future. Proud Beginnings, a 29 -minute color production, visits six Ontario farm families who countinue to farm the land first settled by their ancestors more than 200 years ago. The production was one year in the making, filmed by OMAF film-maker Bill Connell and researched by John and Monica Ladell, authors of a book on Ontario's century farms. To borrow a copy of. the film, contact the OMAF office. OFAH say report a poacher and help catch a thief , Poachers in Ontario are in for rough road ahead as a result of a program being operated by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH). The Federa- tion is snaking available to its 375 affiliated clubs, bright red posters entitled "REPORT -A -POACHER" as well as small REPORT -A -POACHER cards that can easi- ly be carried in a wallet, glove compart- ment, tackle box, or purse for quick access when recording a violation of the Game and Fish Act.. Where only a handful of OFAH clubs had participated in the past, the effectiveness of 375 clubs is expected to result in a signifi- cant reduction of the illegal harvest of name. The program is aimed at encouraging lan- downers, sportsmen, and the general public to be aware of the poaching problem, record the designated information, and report is immediately to Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Conservation Officers. Poaching is a serious and costly crime. It robs lea'itimate ethical sportsmen of gairie and fish, robs businesses and taxpayers of revenues generated by hunting and fishing, and robs all of us of a valuable natural resource — our wildlife. No one knows the exact figures, but studies have shown that poachers kill about as many animals and fish as legitimate anglers and hunters take during legal seasons. Poachers do not confine their kill- ing to game species. Threatened, en- dangered and nongame species show up in the poacher's bag as well. Through the REPORT -A -POACHER pro- gram, the OFAH helps the individual to 'transfer accurate information to a. Con- servation Officer (C.O.) by just filling in the blanks of the R.A.P. card and reporting that information to a C.O. These cards will be distributed by members and clubs of the OFAH on a local basis, so be sure to contact the nearest club and pick up your card. You can help catch a thief! Names of those peo- pipe reporting a violation are kept strictly confidential. Falls reserve; to relax Looking for a home away from home? An escape from the hustle and bustle of every- day life? Come out to the Falls Reserve Con- servation Area for a day, weekend or week. The Falls Reserve offers camping and picnicking facilities complete with a camp store for all those last minute needs. The Visitor Services staff have an action packed weekend planned just for you! Saturday, August 11 -11 a.m. "Perky Puppets". Make your very own puppet at the activity centre. We'll even show you how t� make your own puppet Theatre! - 8 p.m. "Rocky's Riverside Rambles". Join Sammy Snake and Rocky Raccoon at the picnic shelter for a puppet show. Don't forget to bring your popcorn.. - 8:30 p.m. "Family Film Night". Following Rocky's rambles, join Deb for an hour of films at the picnic shelter featuring the Jac- ques Cousteau filen "500 Million Years under The Sea". Sunday, August 12 - 11 a.m. "Sunday Sing Along". What better place to have a Sunday Sing Along than the •great outdoors! Don't worry about dressing up, just come in your camping best! Everyone is welcome. • - 2 p.m. "May The Forest Be With You!" Be prepared for a half-hour of excitement star- ring The Forest People Players. If you thought Star Wars was good, you'll want to be there to see Bark Vader, Princess Treea, Luke Pathwalker and others fight for their forests! For further information, contact Wendy Ross, Community Relations Coordinator, at the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority at (519)335-3557. The Falls Reserve is • located five miles (6.5 km) east of Goderich, off County Road 31. MTC enforce law TORONTO - MTC highway carrier and vehicle inspectors are enforcing seat belt usage and maintenance of assembly in- stallation said Transportation and Com- munications Minister James Snow. "Until now, there has . been inadequate highway enforcement of the seat belt legislation for trucks' because cabs of large trucks are too high for police to see into from their cruisers," said Snow. Dr. Robert Uffen recommended seat belt enforcement in his Report of the Ontario Commission on Truck Safety and MTC in- spectors will check seat belt usage ands assemblies as part of the ministry's safety program. "Statistics show that truck drivers who are thrown from their cabs are four times more likely to be fatally injured than those kept in their seats," explained Snow. "Even if drivers aren't thrown from their vehicles, they may be seriously injured by lteing toss- ed around inside the cab. An estimated 97 per cent of all fatally injured truckers • weren't wearing seat belts." , Truck drivers who don't buckle up may be fined $40 to $200 and both driver and owner may be charged if the belts or assemblies fail to meet requirements under the Highway Traffic Act. .