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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2004-10-27, Page 1(519)235-1115 www.hurontractor.com INHURON TRACTOR EXETER JR -.'D' HAWKS vs PARKH I LL FRI. OCT. 29 8:30 D.M. South Huron Rec Centre TIMES ADVOCATE Exeter, Ontario, Canada Wednesday, October 27, 2004 1.25 (includes GST) Process will turn manure into electricity By Mary Simmons TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF NORTH MIDDLESEX — It's a rare event when a cattle company receives a $1.6 million boost from the provincial govern- ment. But then again, the announcement of a project that will turn cattle manure into electricity is not an everyday occur- rence. The Lynn Cattle Company near Lucan is undertaking the project, which will produce sub- stantial amounts of elec- tricity — enough to power its own operations and be able to sell the surplus on the market. The integrated anaero- bic digestion facility will convert biogas from manure into heat and electricity. Mayor Wes Hodgson announced the Municipality of North Middlesex has agreed to purchase 2,500 megawatt -hours of elec- tricity annually, enough to power all municipally - owned property for the year and making it the first green -powered municipality in Canada. "We were the first municipality to put rural water in and we will be the first to do this," Hodgson said, referring to the former township of McGillivray's decision to offer municipal water to rural residents through a pipeline taking Lake Huron water from Grand Bend to London. Agriculture and Food Minister Steve Peters and Energy Minister Dwight Duncan made the announcement Monday. The project aims to reduce greenhouse gases from manure and gener- ate green power. "This project demon- strates how the province, along with other levels of government, the agricul- ture industry and commu- nity partners can work together to create real, positive opportunities with direct community bene- fits," Peters said. He acknowledged the innovative history of the Lynn family and the process developed by Rentech Inc. "This is historic," Peters said. "It is the first opera- tion of its type in North America." He added the compo- nents will be developed and manufactured right here in Ontario. "This is good news for Canada. This is great news for Ontario and this is fabulous news for North Middlesex," Peters said. "It's a win-win situation for everyone," Duncan Several dignitaries were at the Lynn Cattle Company near Lucan to announce provincial funding for a project that will see hydro produced from cattle manure. From the left, North Middlesex Mayor Wes Hodgson, Middlesex CountyWarden Ian Brebner, Minister of Energy ParliamentaryAssistant Donna Cansfield, Perth -Middlesex MPP John Wilkinson, Minister of Energy Dwight Duncan, Phillip Lynn, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Maria VanBommel, Minister ofAgriculture and Food Steve Peters and Huron -Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell. (photo/Mary Simmons) said. "We are able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our depen- dence on non-renewable forms of energy, while creating new economic opportunities in rural Ontario." He said this project is the first of more to come and will break down barriers to encourage future pro- jects. "We have to work hard with our rural brothers and sisters," he said. "We have to help keep family farms in the family." "This will have signifi- cant benefits for the agri- cultural industry, the envi- ronment and rural infra- structure and economic development," Phillip Lynn, owner of the Lynn Cattle Company, said. Lynn said this project is one example that the fam- ily farm is alive and well. "We will never stop," he said. "Circumstances force the family farm to evolve." "Jot this day down in your calendars, folks," Perth -Middlesex MPP John Wilkinson said. "We'll all be proud we were here." Middlesex County Warden Ian Brebner said he hopes the county will be able to partner in the project as well. "This is the first of many innovations in the county." Additional benefits of the project include the cre- ation of three full-time positions and an 80 per cent reduction of farm odours. Be a Block Parent - keep our children safe Exeter Public School Grade 2 students Blake Mosurinjohn, left, and Kassidy Warren attended a Block Parent assembly at their school last week. (photo/Scott By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — With Halloween coming up this week- end, area students recently got a reminder on how to use the Block Parent program. Block Parent volunteers recently visited several area schools, explaining the program to students and reminding them under what circumstances they should go to a Block Parent programs. Block Parent volunteer Susan McGregor, the school co-ordinator for Exeter Public School, visited that school last week and explained to students that a Block Parent is "a safe stranger." If students see the familiar Block Parent sign in a window or door, they can go to the house if: • someone is trying to hurt them; • if they are lost; • if there's bad weather; • if they are being bothered by loose animals. Children should not go to a Block Parent home if they want to use the washroom or need a drink McGregor showed the students a video which told them to: • always walk with a buddy; • make sure their parents know their route to school; • never change their route or take a shortcut; • don't give your name, address or other personal information to strangers; • and don't answer the door to strangers. With Halloween upcoming, McGregor reminded students to not take candy from people on the street and to have their parents check their candy before they eat it. Trick -or -treaters should also be able to see properly through their masks and travel with a friend. If they get scared, they can go to a Block Parent home. The Block Parent program has been in South Huron for 25 years and is always in need of volun- teers. McGregor encouraged anyone interested to attend a Nov. 3 Block Parent meeting. For more information, call McGregor at 235-2036 or Lois Godbolt at 235-0691.