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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2015-07-22, Page 22 News Record • Wednesday, July 22, 2015 Hogweed isn't going anywhere Laura Broadley Clinton News Record Huron Countyweed inspector, Mike Alcock, said he hasn't noticed an increase in the amount of giant hog - weed this year. Among other places, there is a large patch of giant hogweed underneath the eastern side of the Bayfield River bridge. The plant is an invasive species that can cause burning when com- bined with UVlight Alcock said the plant has been in the county for a number of years but he's only noticed an increase in complaints and not necessarily an increase in the amount of giant hogweed. "It sort of goes in waves. Some years there's more hype than other years but one year isn't worse for the amount of it than otheryears," saidAlcock Most of the calls to the county turn out to be other plants that are not harmful, saidAlcock He ends up look- ing ooking for plants that aren't giant hogweed and is hoping to add information to the county website to help residents with identification. As weed inspector, Alcock enforces the Weed Control Act, which lists 25 noxious weeds, including giant hogweed. The list has nothing to do with human health but deals with weeds that impact agriculture, Alcock explains. The act only requires that a weed be dealt with if it is close enough to agriculture but otherwise it is exempt from control. A demonstrated example of how the weed is affecting agriculture from the affected land- owner would be needed before any- thing can be done. Even then, it is up to the landowner to get rid of it, said Alcock Alcock said he isn't aware of any giant hogweed on county property but notes that Huron County prop- erty is vast. If there is any found he assures that it is dealt with. "I'm not saying it doesn't exist. If it's brought to our attention or we find it, we get rid of it, said Alcock. After sending a letter, the Munici- pality of Bluewater has received con- firmation that the landowner will deal with the giant hogweed under- neath the eastem side of the Bayfield River bridge. Laura Broadley Clinton News Record Giant hogweed is an invasive plant species that can be harmful to human health. Huron County weed inspector, Mike Alcock, said there was no more giant hogweed than usual in the county. Baseball in Clinton is `alive and well' Laura Broadley Clinton News Record Over 100 kids got to experience what it's like to be taught by base- ball pros. Clinton Minor Baseball held its third annual camp last week despite the downpour on Tuesday. Jeff Ryan said the idea behind the camp was to promote baseball in Clinton, which is why the camp was for kids of any age. The cost to attend camp was only $60 so anyone could attend with proceeds going to new lights, said Ryan. The camp attracted kids from six different counties and as far as Alberta. The campers were broken into groups and rotated through different circuits overseen by older mentors in the baseball program in Clinton. Ryan said the camp was to instill the basic fundamentals with infielding, fly balls, hitting, stretching, warming up and live batting practices. The camp was a brainchild of Ben Lobb, MP for Huron -Bruce. Lobb played baseball in Clinton and even- tually at the university -level. Lobb noticed that the sport was making a comeback in the area and wanted to help foster the growth. He worked at getting sponsors so that all kids could experience being taught be the pros. One of those pros is Mark Brew, an NCAA head coach. Brew was Lobb's coach in Tennessee and so it was Lobb that enlisted the help of the professional coach. Brewwas always truly dedicated to the game and to the team. He's had multiple players make it to the major leagues, said Lobb. Having former players make it to baseball's top spot is a great accom- plishment but Brew said it isn't what makes him the most proud. When former players serve their community, give back, have families and have good jobs, Brew knows his job is done well. Even when coordinating 100 kids, Brew makes sure to include lessons that go beyond the baseball ATTENTION ADVERTISERS! DEADLINES Our Weekly Deadlines are as follows: ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL Friday @ 2:00 pm Views Record 53 Albert St. S, Clinton PH: 519-482-3443 www.clintonnewsrecord.com OFFICE HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 9am - 5pm CLOSED TUESDAYS intonnew recors .co diamond. He reminded the young players that baseball is temporary, it parallels life in its struggles, you won't get better unless you put in the effort and you can only control how you approach it Brew was joined by former Toronto Blue Jay and two-time recip- ient of the Gold Glove award, Jesse Barfield. Barfield said the move from play- ing the sport to coaching was an easy one. The types of coaches he had throughout his baseball career high- lighted the importance of what good coaches can accomplish with their players. Many of Barfield's coaches over the years are Hall of Famers and he said they gave him a good founda- tional approach. He knew from the very beginning that coaching would be the next step. The celebrated athlete has a lot to be proud of when it comes to his playing career. As he's made his way through his career as coach he has acquired just as many bragging rights. Barfield specifically sites his time with the Texas Rangers. The team went from the bottom to the top in one year, setting records along the way. He said that good athletes are required to make something like that happen but they also need good information, which is where quality coaching comes in. Barfield now tours the country teaching young baseball players through the Toronto Blue Jays super camps. The camps offer children, ages nine to 16 the opportunity to learn from former Major League All -Stars. Without the fundamentals and a good foundation in baseball "the walls will crumble," said Barfield. Laura Broadley Clinton News Record NCAA head coach, Mark Brew, pumps up the kids at the third annual Clinton Minor Baseball camp last week. Brew is the former coach of MP for Huron - Bruce, Ben Lobb. The kids in Clinton impressed Bar- field over the two days he was here. Even though they had to move inside, they all adapted quickly to the tighter space inside the community complex and the REACH Centre. All the kids were noticeably competitive and were able to pick up the con- cepts quickly, said Barfield. "These kids want to learn," he added. And the advice Barfield would give to a young player trying to get to the pros? Stay focused, pay attention and learn from others. "Baseball is alive and well."