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The Huron Expositor, 1983-05-11, Page 3Q£ THE HURON EXPOSITOR, MAY 11. 983--3 Fish kill's happen The farm community surrounding Sea - forth is responsible for all reported cases of fish kill, in the county through water pollution resulting from manure mismanagement and soil erosion. Th 'Ausable-Bayfield Conservation Au- thoritt9 and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment have initiated a new program to reduce water pollution from agricultural operation. They hope to increase farmers' awareness of the effect manure has on stream life and water quality. The program also enco(3rages remedial steps 10 control and prevent water pollution from manure runoff. Ministry of the Environment statistics from 1977to 1980 show fish kills through agriculture increased from 30 per cent' to 65 per Cent. But. the number of reported incidents decreased from 34 in 1977 to 23 in 1980::Fhe'figures are from 10 counties in the south-west region of Ontario. "There is an indication that the number of fish kills are increasing.. says Dennis Veal, Capital costs "The largest source of agricultural pollution is from ptg operations.' Mr. • Veal is chief 'of water resources assessment unit of the Ministry of the Environment. The maximum fine for a first offence of agricultural water pollution is 55,000. The maximum for a subsequent offense is 510.000. "There have been no fines to that amount. Up until March, '82, they ranged from 5300 to 51,500." The incidents of water pollution in Huron County for the last three years, 1980, '81, '82 have all occurred in the farming community in the'Seaforth area. says Stewart Thornley. Mr. Thornley is the regional biologist and associate surface water evaluator for the ministry. "In 1980, there were two fish kills, one in '81 and a couple in '82, but don't have the exact total. We suspect all incidents are not coming to our attention. "Manu fish kills involved thousands of The taxpayer's share of the 1983 Huron County Board of Education's budget will incr . e by'10.5 per cent resulting in a 537.05 i cease on an average property assessment of 53,110. • Taxpayers will pay 511.640,733 this year up from $10,530,161 in 1982, representing a 10.2 percent mill rate increase. The total budget approved at the board's May 2 meeting is 535,264,154. u,p 9.5 per cent from last year's actual expenditures of 532,196.417. The Ministry of Education's share in- creased five per cent from 520,688,431 in 1982 to'a budgeted figure of 521,722,609 this year. The remainder of the budget, 51,590,159 will be paid by tuitions from the province and other school boards, rentals, night school. supplementary taxes. etc. Board chairman Dorothy Wallace said the budget was thoroughly reviewed by trustees. "In view of decreased government support and. increases in the Canada Pension Plan, • unemployment' insurance and the seven per cent sales tax (on `school supplies), 'I personally can't see that this board could have done any better and kept its obligations to the students." said Mrs. Wallace. In her inaugural address in January, Mrs. Wallace forecast a 17 per cent increase but this,was reduced to a 15 per cent increase after items such as an increased French core program, additional co-ordinators and capital projects were cut from the budget. NO REPAIRS Major cuts postponed repairs to the roof at Clinton Public School, Exeter Public School. Zurich Public School, Goderich District Collegiate and Vocational Institute and Central Huron Secondary School in Clinton. Also, a new boiler for Brussels Public School was cut. In its 1983 capital project forecast, the hoard had initially estimated costs at ,,,.$706,880 which included 5150,000 for the purchase of five school buses. A letter from the Ministry of Education received by the hoard On Apr1 26 indicated that it would provide no feuds for the construction projects. although funds had been set aside for the school buses. Director of education John Cochrane indicated the budget reflects roof repairs to he done at Robertson Memorial Public School in Goderich and Turnberty Public School at a total cost of 5105.900 to be paid fully by the near Seaforth fish. Most innidedts are noticed by down- stream farmers who are concerned and very conscious of water quality. "There was a lady who use4,river water to do her. w s.hing. She turned on the tap and manure cane put." "In the south-west region, agriculture is the main threat to water quality in general," says Mr. Thornley. A study completed last year identified farm operations in the Ausable-Bayfield conserva- tion authority having potential for manure pollution. "There were 1,100 in the authority area out of a possible 4,100," says David Balint. Mr..Baltnt has been hired to assist in implementing the new manure management program. He will develop an educational package and provide technical advice to farmers on measures and solutions for manure handling and' storage problems. 'A lot of manure spillage is accidental, but some farmers dust dump manure in a stream. down, staff travel up in B taxpayers with no funding from the ministry. The director said federal make work grants are available which could be used to complete the roof repairs at the two schools. Mr. Cochrane outlined other factors which • would affect the 1983 budget. They include the previously mentioned benefit increases to the Canada Pension Plan and unemployment insurance. A forecasted decrease of 4.8 teachers at the elementary level was actually only decreased by 1.8 teaching positions because three teachers were required, for further imple- mentation of the special education package. At the secondary level, there was a net decrease of 4.2 teachers despite the adding of one resource teacher: Declining enrolment continues to affect the budget. It was pointed out that Ministry grants 'e paid on the number of students attending the schools and for 1983 the enrolment is estimated to decrease by about 22 students at the elementary de' el and about 76 at the secondary level. ` . Mr. Cochrane pointed out the board still has the same number of schools and buses to operate, despite fewer students. The projected 15 per cent increase was actually reduced to 10.5 per cent in the end. This happened because surplus or over levy Perth kgioard from last year was appliedyto the amount needed from tMORE he pMOrNs Ehis year. j Supervisor of financial services Glen Lamb said the overlevy of $310,653 was reached last year because.actUal enrolment increased over the projected figure at the secondary level. This resulted in more grant money from the province, also funds set aside for capital projects were not used because the ministry did not approve capital projects for the board in 1982. A breakdown of the budget shows total elementary expenditures at 516,588,918, up 10 per cent from 514,984,038 in 1982. Salaries and benefits for all elementary staff in- creased 11 percent, from 511,876,662 in 1982 to $13,281,400 in 1983. Other costs are: general supplies and services $465,344, up 4.7 per cent from $444,298 in 1982; school staff and improve- ment; up 36.3 per cent from $62,438 in 1982 to $85,085 in 1983; capital replacement 5337,795 a decrease of 12.4 per cent from 5385,779 in 1982, plant operation and maintenance increases 14.8 per cent from 5560,127 in 1982 to $642,820; transportation increases 14 per cent from $1,131,950 in 1982 to 51,290,160 in 1983. Secondary school expenditures increased budget up 7.9 Perth County homeowners will pay approx- imately 523.25 more on an average assess• ment of 53.000 for education tax in 1983. The Perth County Board of Education approved a budget of 537,851,545 at its meeting on May 3.,The total 1983 budget represents a 7.9 per cent increase over the actual 1983 expenditures of 535,079.654. The local taxpayers' share of this budget is 514,258,184 up9.5 per cent from 513,005,228 actually collected in 1982. In a recorded vote, trustees Peter Black of cBlanshard Townkhip and Barbara Herman of Milverton voted against the budget. All other trustees. except Barbara Osborne of St. Marys and Canon Michael Griffin of strattord, who were absent, voted in favor of the budget. Salaries (at an 11 per cent increase) make up 72 per cent of the budget over which the board has no control, leaving the remaining 28 per cent of the budget at a 7.9 per cent Neighbours unhappy ,Continued from page 1. want to, for aesthetics be beyond the other houses.' OBJECTIONS . Mr. Dzus and Mr. Hoelscher asked what objections the neighbours had to a 15 foot front yard on Ann St. A poll of each showed most objections just to the garage, and four felt the minor variance wasn't necessary. Mr. Dzus, who explained that when he was asked for an opinion by Seaforth's planning board. "i felt the variance should be allowed". said if anyone appeals the committee's decision an Ontario Municipal Board hearing will be necessary for a final decision. An OMB hearing would be costly, could take,six months to schedule and "puts the whole thing in limbo", Mr. Dzus said, The applicant hopes to make use of a government grant for new housing started within a certain period, he added. is it a concern of yours whether it costs us money or not?" Mr. Tremeer asked the and the planner replied he was just explaining peoples' rights and choices. After the neighbours left the committee decided Mr. Medd will be asked to resubmit his application to correct the legal technical- ities, clerk Crocker told the Expositor Tuesday morning. it could be two weeks before the hearing will be held again. Job openings and the real story on wooden shoes A story in last week's Expositor left the impression that there are eight summer job openings for students at the Seaforth and District Community Centres. The job openings were in the Seaforth recreation department's summer program. Our apolo- gies. In the special insert, the Klompen Feest Souvenir booklet. the story on Klomp• en (wooden shoes), neglected to mention that willow wood is the best for the traditional Dutch shoes, Willow wood is non porous. « hen dried, it does not soak up water. It is also a lighter wood resulting in easier wear. increase, trustee Parlee said. "That's one way of looking at it. Sure, I'd like to see it a two per cent or even zero or below, but we have to assess what we're getting. it's not a bad budget," Mitchell area trustee Earl Oppenhauser registered surprise at the contents of the budget. "I'm surprised, to say the least, that we're able to include so many projects...and still have the percentage increase in the range it is. I don't quite believe it yet," enthused Mr. Oppenhauser, adding, "I'm'not in a position to Lind fault with it (the budget) and 1 hope it's a matter of fact budget. If the rest of the year proves it to be that way, all I can say is congratulations.' Mr. Loughrey highlighted the budget which includes: -Renovation and addition to the board office in the amount of 5250,000 for 1983. Part of the 1983 cost will be offset by 5215;000 accumulated by the board from the sale of various properties over' the year; -Funds for implementation of advisory committee programs including 5120,000 for machine shop, $46,000 for woodworking and $101,000 for computer program. -Capital equipment costs of 5115,886 and Unfortunately due to typo- graphical error. the story read that poplar is the best wood for shoes. The qualities attributed to poplar wood in the story are actually those of will nw wood PITCHING IN -Students frorn Seaforth Public School helped to clean up litter around town during this week's Pitch -In '83 campaign Grade 8 student Pay Little holds a garbage bag white kindergarten students Sean Sou'ngate and friend dump in their garbage While poplar is the most plentiful wood in the Nether- lands. it is not the best for shoes Because of its porous nature. water soaks the wood and the Dutch know that o aterproof shoes are a main requirement in their wet land Other times, overflowing occurs due to heavy rains." Alternate measures are to increase storage capacity and prevent water runoff from entering a manure tank. The Agricultural Code of Practice recommends a minimum of six months storage capacity. A new OMAF program will pay one-third of the cost of manure storage facilities, up to a maximum of 55,000. Although liquid manure is more toxic because of high ammonia levels, Mr. Balint says manure piles are also a threat to water quality. "There is no way of keeping the runoff from entering a stream. A prevention would be installing a cement pad and catch, basin. A manure pile is not safe if situate near a water course," Farmers are encouraged to contact the authority in Exeter foinformation "We need to recognize that manure is only an effective fertilizer if it stays on the fields and out of the streams." of Ed budget by 6.5 per cent to 516,078,750 in 1983 from 515,099,260 last year. There was a 10.6 per cent increase in secondary school salaries and benefits totalling 512,123,940, up from $10,965,899 last year. General supplies and services increased three per cent, from 51,290,758 in 1982 to $1,328,985 in 1983. Staff travel and improvement costs in- creased 44.7 per cent, from $60,759 in 1982 to 587,934 this year. There was a 78.7 per cent decrease in capital projects, from 5494,742 last year to 5105,440 in 1983. Plant operation and maintenance costs will increase 10 per cent this year, from 5508,439 in 1982 to 5559,200. Transportation increased 13.7 per cent, from 51,392,710 to $1,583,531. The administration centre budget in- creased 22.9 per cent, from 52,133,119 in 1982 to $2,596,486 estimated for this year. Salaries and benefits increased 21.6 per cent, to $1,760,960 from 51,448.321. General supplies and services increase 10.9 per cent, from $240,418 to 5310,930. Travel and conference expenses increase 22 per cent, from $90,108 to 5110,100 in 1983, The operation and maintenance costs of the building increases 3.8 per cent, from 5109,292 to 5113,490. Capital costs (furniture and equipment) increased 16.6 per cent from 524.577 to $28,656 for 1983. per cent PLANT SALE -The chronic patient activation group at the Seajotth Community Hospital held a plant sale last Monday. Approximately 25 plants, grown by the patients, were sold. Proceeds will be used for activatlon group activities. From left are, Marlene De Vries, Ken Swan, Earl Kinsman, Mary Margaret Nash, activatlon co-ordinator; Vicki Henderson, speech pathologist of London; and Mary McLeod, representing the Seaforth Horticultural Society. l (Photo by Wasslnk) Pa renovations cost of $154,000 to provide Grade 12 basic level programs at Listowel District Secondary School and Stratford Northwest- ern Secondary School. The board previously approved transferring 5200,000 from its special education reserve fund to meet these, expenses. Major elementary school costs are: salaries and wages 513.132,386 (511,684,916), em- ployee fringe benefits' 5666,023 (5583,109), travel expense 544,612 (537,295), personnel training and professional development 535,888 (517,593), I. Supplies 'ands' services 51,794,486 ($1,624,692), replacentettts 529,025 (528,232), capital expenditures 5513,270 ($977,164),',A entals 527,201 (513,646), fees and contractual services 51,775,382 (51,599,957). Major secondary school expenses are: salaries and wages 512,924,217 (511,762,177) employee fringe benefits 5683,321 ($567,607) travel expense $28,835 ($24,626), personnel training and professional development 539,739 ($24,096), supplies and services 51,610,677 ($1,501,965), replacement $97,741 ($110,020), capital expenditures 5659,283 ($662,391), rentals 525,813 513,325), fees and contractual services 51,378,397 (51,235,398). Tuckersmith okays zoning change for Vanastra arena Council re -appointed Joseph Gibson of RR2 Seaforth as weed inspector for the township for 1983. He is the weed inspector for Huron County as well. Passed for payment were the following accounts totalling $51,430.66: Day Care Centre at Vanastra, $6,184.00; Special Day Care Centre at Vanastra, 54,245.09; Vanastra Recreation Centre, 515,757.42; roads, 511,859.20; and general accounts, 513,384.95 Two tile drainage loan applications were approved for 512,300. The Harpurhey Cemetery Board was given permission to expand the cemetery by an extra 34 feet across the back of the lot. Clerk Jack McLachlan said there are appeals from 16 township ratepayers at the Assessment Review Board in Exeter on May 16 at 1:30 p.m. BY WILMA OKE Tuckersmith Township Council approved an amendment Tuesday to the zoning of the old arena building at V-anastra from institu- tional to industrial. Bud Boyes and Peter Oud, who had requested the change, were at the meeting as were a number of other interested ratepayers. Wayne Caldwell of the Huron County Planning Department was at the meeting for further discussion on the Secondary Plan for the township, Kenneth Smith of Egmondville attended the council session asking council to consider providing water for householders living south of the Bayfield River bridge in Egmondville. The arca is experiencing some water problems. Council will investigate the possibilities. involved are seven household- ers and 16 vacant lots. Big birthday in 1883 lln y@orro cvowca MAY 11, 1883 Messrs. McKinnon and McMillan of Blyth shipped six cars of potatoes to the United States this week and they say there is still more to follow. The biggest celebration ever held in the county will take place in Clinton on the 24th. Amusements will commence at 6 a.m. and continue till 11 p.m. There will he a splendid celebration in Seaforth for the Queen's birthday, Several fire brigades will be on hand to compete for prizes offered in the tournaments. There is no doubt but the several races advertised will be filled. and it its stated that several well known trotters will be on hand. Should the weather prove favourable Seaforth will maintain its reputation of providing the best Queen's birthday celebration of any town in the west. MAY 15, 1908 Messr. John MacKenzie and Oscar Sproat have purchased the Star moving picture theatre from Mr. Cady and are now in possession. They are both clever, bright young men. popular with the public generally and should do a good business. James Mustard of Kippen has just invested in a new Imperial separator, fitted with straw cutter attachment, blower and feeder. which he has purchased from the Robert Bell Engine and Thresher Company. of Seaforth. This will he operated on his usual route for the coming season. museum now open The additional support posts required on the main floor of the Huron County Pioneer Museum have been put in place and 20,000 square feet of museum is now open. Having undergone months of debate and currently under study by the feasibility study team made up of Huron County residents, the museum along with the log cabin has been open since late last month. Costs for the repairs enabling the main floor of the museum to be opened this summer were originally estimated at 5500 but were kept to less than 5350. Timber posts cut from the Bannockburn area with the help of Katimivik workers and museum staff have been bolted in place on the lower floor area to provide, additional support. B.M. Ross and Associates Limited, a Goderich engineering firm has inspected the repairs and museum curator Raymond Scotchmer said the main floor area now meets museum building code standards. Mr. Scotchmer indicated a full comple- ment of demonstrations, including candle and rope making, will take place through- out the summer season. He does need some help though. "We need people on a volunteer basis." Mr. Scotchmer said. In past summers the museum has been able to take advantage of summer student employnient programs but because of the uncertainty surrounding the museum .at the beginning of the year, it was not possible to apply for such a program. There are lots of jobs to be done for any volunteer coming forward. Such tasks as giving demonstrations, moving artifacts, researching, acting as a floor guide and even cutting wood need to be done. Most of the artifacts currently on the top floor of the museum will remain there although some juggling will take place. The curator plans to move a couple of the larger vehicles from the main floor out to the Goderich airport and from the upper floor bring down, at least the car used by the museum founder H.G. O'Neil. The price of admission to the museum is $1.50for adults, $1 for students and senior citizens and 50 cents for school children. Also for museum or marine buffs the Marine museum opens May 21 and the admission price is 51 for adults and 50 cents for children. The main floor of the Huron County Pioneer Museum will remain open until the end of October. Library changes are finished The Seaforth Library has now completed some major changes which include mov- ing all the children's books and services to the large and newly decorated room on the lower level Bright curtains, a new paint job and new shelving combine to present an attractive and inventing center fotunior readers. An activity table with colouring books and crayons, puzzles, puppets, cloth and board books is available for the very young, with picture books and extensive fiction and non-fiction collections for the older children. Story Hour is held each Saturday 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the children's library, with games, stories, and activities for children 3 to 8 years of age. A microfilm room is now available for the viewing of copies of the Huron Exposi- tor 1869-1981, the Seaforth News 1917.1962, and the Brussels Post 1885-1981. Window blinds and curtains have been added to make viewing more comfortable. Current issues of the Lon- don Free Press, the Toronto Globe & Mail, the Stratford Beacon Herald, the Huron MAY 5, 1933 The annual meeting of the Women's Institute was held on Wednesday afternoon at the home of E.G. Goudie, when a large number of the members were present. The new president is Gertrude Webster. A former resident of Harpurhey died in Fargo North Dakota on May 1. George Fowler moved to Fargo in 1880. He was a prominent citizen of that city, being a colourful character, best known for his work as theatre operator. He was born on Aug. 14, 1853 in Harpurhey, the oldest son of William and Agnes (Sproat) Fowler, who kept a tavern which was headquarters for the stage line in Harpurhey an inland town in the heavy forest. They later cleared a farm of 400 acres and built a home called'Danby Hall. MAY 16, 1958 Sharon Strong, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Strong, placed well in two music festivals during the past week. In the 9 and under class at Stratford she had a first and a second. and in Goderich in the same class she had a first. Mr. and Mrs, 'Raymond Chambers, of Egmondville, newlyweds, were entertained in Winthrop Hall Friday night. A large number of friends gathered to enjoy a social evening. Seaforth Lions, Monday night named William M. Hart, president for the 1958-59 term. He succeeds John W. Modeland. Graduation• ceremonies at OAC on Friday included five graduates of SDHS. These include Mac Bolton, Doug Keyes. John McGavin, McKillop and William Brock, Tuckersmith. Expositor and the Clinton News Record are available in the Reading Room, with back issues kept for one month. The adult section now has a group of new rotating books available. This is a collection of high demand popular titles available for a 7 -day borrowing period. Such best sellers as D.M. Thomas' "Ararat", Stephen King's "Different Seasons", and Harold Robbins' "Spell- binder" are examples. These books are rotated among the country's branch libraries every two months so the selection remains current. The library has recently acquired a Zeros 3100 photo- copier for public use. At a cost of Ise per copy this should be especially useful to students and businesses. The library is open Monday, Tuesday and thursday 2 p.m. - 9 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday 1 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Village portion of Brussels taxes lower than in 1982 The village portion of Brussels taxes will decrease 10 per- cent for 1983 but total tax bill will increase four per cent, due to an increase in the school board and county levies. On a 53,000 assessment, taxes will rise 528.22 higher, to 5647.48; council decided Monday night. Grey township municipal taxes remain at par with 1982 but total taxes are higher because of education and county increases. Residential and farm taxpayers will see an increase of 12.94 mills to the 176.75 mill rate in 1982. Business and commerce will have a 15.23 mill increase, Grey council decided this week. The 1982 rate was 207.93 mills. More details next week. Rain dampens clean sweep sale Rainy and cold weather dampened the success of the Seaforth Business Improve- ment Area's Clean Sweep sale last weekend, said BiA organizer, Bruce Wilbee. Many of the events such as the bingo and the Junior Farmers' tricycle race were cancelled and Main Street was not closed Friday evening as planned, Despite the rain, Friday evening drew the most crowds all weekend. "Most of the merchants were pleased because they had more business than usual." he said. And, although the street was closed on Saturday, the promotion did not attract the crowds the BIA had hoped for that day, said Mr. Wilbee. Events that did enjoy some success were the pony rides. the Boy Scouts' hot dog stand and the police auction. The merchant auction was postponed until a later date this summer. COUNTY HONORS -Winners of County Honors at the 4-H Achievement Hight entitled "Ontario's Heritage" were Allyeon Scott, Egniondvllle, Darlene Baker, Seaforth and Shelia Reeler, Zurich In the front row and Joan Binnendyk, Kippen. Mary Brown, Seaforth and Janet Regler, Zurich In the back row. 4