The Times Advocate, 2008-04-09, Page 22
Times -Advocate
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Mayor asks for
clarification
By Nina Van Lieshout
TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF
LUCAN BIDDULPH
— Lucan Biddulph
Mayor Tom
McLaughlin has sent
a letter to Lambton-
Kent-Middlesex MPP
Maria Van Bommel,
asking her to clarify
why Lucan Biddulph
received only
$191,556 through the
2008 Municipal Road
and Bridge
Infrastructure
Investment funding.
Some other town-
ships received consid-
erably more than
Lucan Biddulph.
The money allocated
to Lucan Biddulph by
the province must be
used for municipal
road and bridge capi-
tal investment needs.
McLaughlin says
he's "always grateful"
for getting money, but
would like to take a
look at the numbers,
asking Van Bommel
what components are
looked at when decid-
ing what amount of
money is allocated for
each area.
McLaughlin says he
thought originally
population was one
component, but
believes that the
roads component,
whether it is gravel or
hardtop also plays a
part in the decision.
"I'll definitely follow
this up," says
McLaughlin.
Hensall plant delayed
Continued from front page
new construction schedule, which he said would
see construction start next spring at the earliest.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the
construction site in March 2007.
When constructed, the plant is slated to pro-
duce 200 million litres of ethanol per year, con-
suming 20 million bushels of corn annually.
Construction of the plant will create 150 jobs,
while there will be 40-50 permanent jobs.
REGIONAL WRAP UP
"Breath of Spring"
SEAFORTH — "Breath of Spring," an annual
fundraiser hosted by The Lung Association and
the Seaforth Agricultural Society — Home Craft
Division is April 23 at the Seaforth Agriplex.
This year the name of the fundraiser is
changed, replacing the former "Home & Garden
Style Night," to more clearly reflect the work of
The Lung Association and the season.
The night features three guest speakers, a
silent auction, a raffle, numerous door prizes
and coffee and dessert.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for dessert and the
silent auction, with speakers beginning at 7:30
p.m.
Half the proceeds raised from this event will
support Lung Association heath initiatives like
BreathWorks and the Asthma Action Program,
and fund vital medical research.
One in five Canadians lives with some kind of
breathing problem.
The other half of the proceeds raised support
the community projects of the Seaforth
Agricultural Society, such as the Junior Fair, 4 H
Clubs and refurbishment of the heritage build-
ing, "The Round House."
Tickets are $10 and are available at the door
and Nifty Korners in Seaforth and Crossroads in
Clinton or by calling Seaforth Agricultural
Society at 527-1321 or Betty at 527-0236.
Kids Care
BRUSSELS — A group of young teens in
Brussels, Kids Care, held a 30 -hour famine
fundraiser recently for school children in Kenya.
Kids Care was started by Brussels Public
School students Jacob McGavin on his twelfth
birthday in June.
The group strives to make a difference in poor-
er areas of the world, improving child education.
The $700 raised in pledges at the famine will
be sent to Kenya to help build a school for chil-
dren.
The group, despite being hungry, participated
in several activities.
Jacob's mom, Shannon McGavin says, "We
wanted to give these kids an understanding of
what life would be like for kids their age living
in Africa."
$2 million grant for Bluewater
By Pat Bolen
TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF
VARNA — Bluewater council received an unexpected
financial windfall Monday night when it was announced
by Matt Pearson from B.M. Ross that the federal govern-
ment asked the municipality last week if it wanted a
$2.2 million grant as part of recently announced
Canada -Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund
(COMRIF).
Due to legal issues regarding the proposed water
agreement with the Lake Huron Primary Water Supply
System as well as new water rates for Bluewater, coun-
cil went in -camera to discuss accepting the $2.2 million
before announcing that it had.
The funding will be applied to the Hensall and Zurich
lagoon projects.
Pearson added the funding requires that it be applied
to projects that can be completed by March 2010,
although there is a strong possibility the deadline will be
extended to October 2010.
Pearson also said the government required a decision
by Tuesday morning and general manager of corporate
services Terri Brandon added they had requested a
decision when the call was made last week.
Coun. Tyler Hessel noted that the cost of three major
projects that the municipality is working on totals $17
million and asked where it was going to get all the
money to pay for them.
In other business, Bluewater Mayor BM Dowson said
complaints have been made again by residents about
dirt bikes and snowmobiles on private property.
Coun. Peter Walden agreed, saying a resident com-
plained to him about a large number of ATVs on his
property.
Walden said although the property owner called the
police, he said they never arrived.
Coun. George Irvin noted that ATVs are also running
on beaches and landowners aren't receiving any sup-
port from the OPP.
Dowson said the municipality is concerned but at this
point it doesn't know how to deal with the problem.
"But if there are enough complaints, somone might do
something about it."
Tenders
Public works general manager Jon Graham said a ten-
der for the delivery and placement of 30,000 tonnes of
'A' gravel has been awarded to Jennison Construction
for $208,050.
Graham also said a dust control tender in the amount
of $43,648 has been awarded to Den Mar Brines.
IF.� provincial awards for T -A
Journalism awards—TheTimes-Advocate brought home two awards from last weekend's 2007 Better
Newspapers Competition held by the Ontario Community Newspapers Association (OCNA) in Toronto.
Reporter NinaVan Lieshout, above left, received third place in the Best News Story category for her coverage
of the Bill and Helene Regier murders last July, while editor Scott Nixon, right, received third place for Best
Spot News Photograph for his picture of a Centralia house fire in June. Presenting the awards above is Abbas
Homayed, president of the OCNA and publisher of Sudbury Northern Life. (photo/courtesy of the OCNA)
South Huron council approves draft budget
Continued from front page
outlined plans for the future, such as promoting and
marketing the municipality, which includes improving
the website, participating in the Business Retention
and Expansion program, Communities in Bloom and
doctor recruitment; better public service; enhancing
facilities; and improving public safety in the form of
the new Lake Huron water pipeline and the Crediton -
Centralia sewer project.
Hardy also outlined plans to increase building and
planning activity, emergency services and improving
accessibility of sidewalks.
South Huron also plans to replace one bridge per
Attention Members
On Monday, April 14, 2008, the Exeter
Branch will be closing at 4:30 pm
to allow staff travel time to attend the
2nd Annual General Meeting of
United Communities Credit Union.
We're sorry for any inconvenience.
HEARTLAND
CREDIT UNION
a division of UNITED COMMUNITIES CREDIT UNION LIMITED
year at an estimated cost of $189,000 annually.
Another part of the budget process was responding
to requests for funding from the community. Council
agreed to provide a 2008 grant to the Exeter Lions
equal to all 2008 taxes on the Lions Youth Centre, but
declined to provide grants to the Huron County
Plowmen's Association ($125 or more), the Huron -
Perth Children's Aid Society ($500) or the South Huron
Chamber of Commerce ($5,000).
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