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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1986-08-13, Page 14Page 14-- CLINTON NEWS -RECORD, WEDNESD'A'Y, AUGUST 13. 1986 sF M.iitiniight Sun Interest i:: the Arctic is growing, and more people all the time are tripping to the land of the Midnight Sun. It sure makes for an interesting vacation, but should be incorporated with a fishing or hiking expedition in summer. Chance; of seeing wildlife are ex- cellent, so just in case you decide to go, here's some information on two of the north's inhabitants. Of the many animals that make up the northern environment, there is none so impressive as the polar bear. This great white legend is one of the largest members of the bear family. Adult males may reach more than 1300 ' pounds (600 kg) and measure more than 11 feet (3.5 M) long. Fernales are considerably smaller. They range throughout the Arctic and, in Canada, they are found from southern James Bay to the country's northernmost point. Although seals are their main source of food, polar bears inay also eat 'walrus, white whales and narwhal. Like other bears, in summer they will eat berries and other vegetable material. They are not habitual maneaters, but they are not afraid of man. On occasion, hunger has certainly driven them to attack humans. Deaths by polar bears have frequently been associated with the attraction of human food, garbage arid other camp commodities. Polar bears are great wanderers. In summer, they may move with the receding ice, swimming between and shuffling over the Arctic floes. In winter, they choose good denning areas. Banks Island is a favorite denn- ing area and Polar Bears are common there. This Arctic king is commonly seen striding along in its unregal shuffle. In this way, it can keep. a steady, two and one half miles per hour (4 km per hour) for many miles at a time. Its sense of smell is extremely acute and it may cover great distances on the scent of food. Seal dens covered in three feet (1 M) of snow and ice may not be safe from the nose of a hungry Polar Bear. Food may also be sought in water. It can dive several meters and remain submerged, with its nostrils closed, for up to two minutes. On the surface it can swim a steady six miles per hour (10 Km per hour). Over land Polar Bears can achieve considerable bursts of speed. They sprint to twenty-five miles per hour (40 km per hour) with little difficulty. Naturally Speaking By Steve Cooke gt� 'Q Twin Ci�y School of Hairstyfin Waterloo, Ont. �; , ',Hairstyling • Barbering • Ear Piercing •Make-up 55 Erb St. East 886-6305 Monday to Friday ettol 8:30 am to 14:30 pm stairt'Isl iii a Dens are usually located in snowbanks near the coast. They May be simple holes in the snow or may be fairly complex structures. •In these relatively warm compartments, somewhere between November and January, the cubs are born. Most com- monly, the female will bear twins, but sometimes only one cub is born. Occa- sionally, triplets or quadruplets have been observed. Newborns are blind and deaf and weigh only one and one half pounds (.7 kg) . They grow quickly, however and by mid-March_ will be following their mother on her hunting expeditions to the ice of the Arctic Ocean. She usually eats the seal blub- ber and leaves the carcass for the cubs. The cubs remain with their mother for three'and evert four years. Although all polar bears may use dens, unlike other Northern bears, they do not hibernate for extended periods. Only pregnant and nursing females re- main in their den for more than a few days at a time. They are well equipped to handle the minus forty-five air temperature and the sub freezing water. Their under fur is extremely dense and is covered with long thick guard hairs. Underneath their skin is a thick layer of a fat which offers further insulation against the forbidding Arctic temperatures. In most Northern countries, the hun- ting of Polar Bears is illegal or restricted to hunting by' aboriginal peoples. The high price of Polar Bear skins has caused considerable pressure on Polar Bear populations and, in 1976, the Canadian Government imposed a quota system for Inuk (Eskimo) hunters. Since 1970, limited sport hun- ting of Polar Bears has been allowed in Canada. Although sport hunters cannot hunt without an Inuit guide and a dog team, such a precaution is only sensi- ble. The Canadian Arctic is among the , nosthostile..reggions on earth and, while the Polar Bear is well adapted to the en- vironment, it is only the skills of the Unuit that keep people alive in this environment. Thee Barren Ground Caribou has become famous for its great migra- tions. Although early tales of 30 million Barren Ground Caribou are now thought ,co be exaggerated, herds of 50 to 110 thousand ahimals may still move together over hundreds of miles. The Bluenose and Porcupine herds in the Western Arctic regions have tens of thousands of animals each and are two of the larger herds. The Bluenose Caribou are somewhat larger than the Barren Ground Caribou found elsewhere and the largest recorded speciman was taken from that herd. Barren Ground Caribou usually spend their winters in the forested areas to the south of the tundra. The Bluenose herd moves from the Western Arctic coastal area to Great Bear Lake and the Porcupine herd heads from the Yukon North Slope to the Central Yukon and Eastern Central Alaska. Calving takes place on the tundra in early spring and rutting in the early winter at the beginning of the southward migration. Migrations occur, not only over the long distance, but frequently over for- bidding terrain in temperatures that i may dip below -45 degrees Centigrade. They may be harassed by wolves, grizz- ly bears, wolverines, lynx, and golden eagles. In the spring, streams and rivers become almost impassible, but the caribou relentlessly press onward to their calving grounds. They are ex- cellent swimmers and may even jump from one ice floe to the next. The hollow hairs of thick coats, as well as _protec- ting them from the freezing torrents, provide them with great buoyancy, so that they swim with their backs well out of the water. Barren Ground Caribou vary in col- our over the seasons. In summer, they have short, dark brown hair with lighter flanks and a white belly, neck and leggings. With winter, the long, white guard hairs grow in, giving a silvery impression. The spring moult causes a ragged patchy appearance. Each of the guard hairs are hollow and, with the thick wooly underfur, provide excellent insulation against the in- temperate Arctic environment. The magnificent head, neck and antlers of the Barren Ground Caribou are its most impressive features. The main antler sweeps backward over the neck and shoulder, arching upward at the tip. There are usually two tines forking from each beam near the base of the antlers. One tine branches for- ward and upward while the second forms a plate which runs down the animal's brow. Bulls frequently have antlers more than four feet (120 cm) long. Caribou are the only members of the deer family in which . both sexes have antlers. Although the antlers are shed annually, there are sexual differences in the time in which shedding takes . '.place. -Bull antlers• are -in -,their. prime . _.. from mid September to early ' November. During the long Arctic winter, Barren Ground Caribou feed largely upon lichens. (The Eskimo word for lichen means "Caribou food".) They may also occasionally browse upon birches and willows or some dried ground plants. In the summer period 'they may vary their lichen diet • with mushrooms, sedges, grasses, willows, birches and berries. On the spring migration, the cows lead the way. They arrive at their calv- ing grounds considerably before the male migration. After calving, males and females, young and old, range over an indiscriminate area in a small, loose -knit band. As these bands con- gregate on them southward migration, the rutting season begins. During this time, the bulls contest their right to breed'. It is a- spectacular time. The bulls' antlers are in their prime and their great white mane, or bell, hangs long, loose and white from their throat. They are extremely active, bellowing and taking little time to feed. August 10 was Clinton Public Hospital Day at the Clinton Raceway, and once again the day was a success. A good crowd was on hand to cheer the drivers on and some fast pac- ed action was provided in return. ( Shelley McPhee-Haist photo) Raceway Bolds another successful Hospital -Day By Shelley McPhee-Haist CLINTON - J. Whalen raced his way to two wins and a second place showing -to take the top score in the driver contest at the Clinton Raceway on August 10. Whalen finished in first spot in the eight -driver con- test to win a trip for two to Las Vegas. The afternoon race card featured On- tario's best drivers in the annual race challenge. Running down the score card following Whalen were: second, Kevin Wallis; third, Norm McKnight Jr.; fourth, Ross Battin; fifth, Pat Crowe; sixth, Tom Strauss; seventh, Jerry Duford; eighth, Paul Matthews. The second place winner won $300 in the challenge. The third place finisher won $200, while the remaining drivers received con- solation prizes. All prizes were donated by the Clinton Raceway. In taking the top scores in the day, Whelan won the third race driving Bold Seelster for owner Kevin Rogers of Milton. Whalen took the one mile pace in 2:05.1 beating Parkhill Grant and Riggette to the wire. Norm McKnight Jr. was in the bike for Jim Watt of Londesboro and Steve Lowe of Owen Sound to bring Parkhill Grant in for second place while Pat Crow drove Rig- gette, owned by Ron Tweddle of London. Whalen was back on the track in the fourth to take Tax Rebate, a four-year-old mare, to a 2:05.3 victory for Dennis Mor- rissey of London. Pearl Frost, driven by Tom Strauss for Wesley Albrecht -of Atwood and Murray. Chapman of Listowel, took second spot, while Ross Battin brought Goshen Girl in next, for owner Alfred Grummett of Stratford. Whalen chalked up more points in the sixth race when he brought Violas Woe in for a second place finish for owner William Ben- nett of Seaforth. The eight year old mare was not fast enough to beat Lare B Ive to the wire. Driver Pat Crowe brought the eight year old horse to a victory in the time of 2:07.4 for Michael Horner of St. Marys. Second spot went to Alfred Grummett's Lindas Can Am for driver Jerry Duford. Driver Kevin Wallis started his score card with top points when he won the first race of the day. The second best driver of the day brought pacer Vanline Linda in for a 2:04.4 win for owners Barry Bell of Goderich and Geoffrey Graham of Kincardine. Tom Strauss was right behind in second place, with Grayfriars Faye for owner Dale Kennedy of Seaforth, while driver Norm McKnight Jr. had the third place finish with Willas Roger, owner by Edwin and Bruce Lamont and Brian Glanville. Wallis was in the winner's circle again in the seventh with Cofield, a three year old colt, owned by Larry Jewitt of Toronto. Cofield took the win in a time of 2:08. Rainy Day Night was second for driver Norm McKnight Jr. and owners Parcreek Developments of London. Third place went to Jennys Scamp, driven by Paul Matthews for Willow Creek Stable, Stratford. The fastest time of the day came in the $2,500 preferred handicap when Fortune Seelster posted a 2:00.1 victory. Dave Haney was behind the reins of the four year old horse, owned by Harness Horse Interna- tional of Elmira. The son of Tarport Count - Frontier Lainie has had four wins and se- cond and third showing out of the last 11 4. starts. Mary McCall of Seaforth saw her three year old gelding Armbro Everesttake se- cond place, with Pat Crowe in the bike, while Springbank was third for driver Kevin Wallis and owners Harvey and Nadia Neff of Delaware. • Ross Battin brought Dreamalita°Tracy in for a 2:05 win on Sunday for owners, Leslie • Eckenstein of Burford and Jeff Wade of Woodstock. Pals Shawdow followed in se- cond place for Norm McKnight Jr. and owner James Nickelo of Burgessville, while Royal Scram was third, driven by Pat Crowe for Larry McClure of Seaforth. Jerry Duford was in the winner's circle with Van Lee Wave, owned by James Glover of Exeter, in a time of 2:02.3 for the one mile pace. Ross Battin followed close behind with -Londesboro Chief for Jean Maguire of Ansa Craig. Third spot went to Jennie Willvan, driven by Norm McKnight Jr. and owned by Scott and Joanne Riehl of Goderich. Ttfie exactor paid $273.20 in the eighth when Flos Appler and Iona Jet took the one, two combination, followed by Irritation in the three spot. Flos Appler won the one mile trot in 2:07.3 for driver Randy Henry and owner Murray Weber of Ripley. Iona Jet was across the wire next for. Ross Batten ana owners Joseph Funsmore of Stratford and Rene Dupuis of Seaforth. Toni Strauss brought Irritationin next for Noella Demp- sey of Southampton. Norm McKnight Jr. was at the controls of the four year old mare Fireside Spree to win the ninth in 2:02.4. The Armbro Splurge - Titled Lady mase is owned by Leroy Rev- ington of Lucan. Jerry H. Direct was second for driver Ross Battin and owner Fred Maguire of Ailsa Craig, while Saundrers Herald took third place for Tom Strauss and owner Theodor Koerner of St. Thomas. A young pacer, three year old Party Favors finished the tenth with a 2:05 victory for Ross Battin. The colt is owned by John Turn to page 15 • BEST INTEREST Guaranteed Investment Certificates *Subject to change Insurance Brokers Inc. POLYETHYLENE 2 mal 100"x180'0500 sq. ft. .13.45 4 mill 100"x180'x1500 sq. ft. 125.05 4 mill 20'x100'x2000 sq. ft. ... .. ... •3S.20 6 mill 20'x100'x2000 sq. ft. 054.50 4 mill black 32'x100.0200 sq. ft. 072.78 8 mill black 40'000'x40110 sq. fl: 41812.55 OTHER. SIZES AVAILABLE TO FIT YOUR REQUIREMENTS ALUMINART STORM WINDOWS Custom Made To Fit Your Window: Mill Finish • Pre -Drilled • Double Hung Up to 50 U.I. ... 444.15 Up to 80 U.'l. '57.00 Up ,to 60 U.I, ... 449.50 Up to 90 U.I.... '62.50 Up to 70 U.I. ... $52.61 Up to W0 UFI. .. 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SPRUCE LUMBER 1 x2x8 fe .4a ea. 1 x3x8 * .79 ea. 1x4x8 s .89 ea. 2x2x8 . s1.19 ea. 2x4x8 *1.99 ea. yi j •ki PRICES IN EFFECT UNTIL AUGUST 23, 1989. WE bELIVEIi A!t L 11 DOESN'T COST MUCW � '�//'/// , WE'LCOMEri//'c.�'�,.,<.•a%.w�,1 Net ffeo®alsate•II i11t4A r11tltt Iltt- en s!t !r !77 • r n ////j4.1R.„..A., 2 rt j ; HWY. 21 SOUTH (BAYFIELD ROAD). CH 524-8321 AWES RD. W. (HWY083) 235.1422 EXETER Exeter 238-2420 Clinton 482-9747 Grand Bond 230-8404 God.rlch 324-2118 WONDERLAND TRIP The Clinton Playground are planning a trip to Wonderland an WEDNESDAY, AUGUST GU ST 20 REGISTRATION will be taken at the Arena on: WED., AUG. 13: 9 am -4 pm THUR., AUG. 14: 8:30 am -11 am SAT., AUG. 16: 10 am -1 pm MON, AUG. 18: 8:30 am -1 pm FEE: $20• per person The Playground Instructors will not be responsible to supervise any people who are not registered In playground.. . •