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Clinton News-Record, 1971-01-28, Page 1goimiiimisismompiolow Clinfott, Ontario soupposooppoommooliosnomillownsoomosolowsosmosmo 5. _cows. 106 Year No. 4 T hfIrseltiy, January 28, 197.1 omiumitmuliummoomoomonoomiffitimonomoommlittwomffinitioninommionumiutilinuommommiumounittimuminotmonintimoummoimmonostmosionimoonimmuminommio iolent storm cripples S.W. Ontario Mayor Don Symons and Bill Hameline, president of the Clinton New York Hockey Association, performed the ceremonial faceoff to, kick off minor hockey week activities in Clinton on Friday night. Facing off were Tim Bremer for Clinton N. Y. peewees and Neil Coiquhoun, captain of the Clinton Ontario Ponies. The visitors went on to win the annual tournament in a thrilling two-game, total point series.—Staff Photo Board - County meet- first time in two years F" Column t, A storm that will be remembered for a ong time crashed its way, across Huron ounty and most of southern Ontario on uesday and Wednesday. People looked more like abominable snowmen in their attempts to find some way to keep warm in the driving snow, biting wind and cold of the big storm Tuesday and Wednesday. As this column is written we are not sure st when the reader is going to get his paper r even just what is going to be in it. Because f deadlines, the second section, which is ut together and printed on Tuesday, was rinted before the storm hit. As of noon ednesday however we were not able to get he rest of the paper through to the printing lent to be finished, Not that it really attend since there would he no mail stem to deliver your paper anyway. Members of our staff were storm-stayed in various parts of the country or were busy billeting students who were stuck in town so were not available to help with the paper. All we can say is we hope this gets to you as soon as possible and if there is no paper next week it's because we all fled to Florida. * Miner Hockey Weekend was one of the best and most successful in history, even if Clinton teams lost all the trophies to their visitors. The crowds were big and enthusiastic and the games exciting, Turkey winners from the draw were Mrs. Ina Sharp, Mrs. Wilf Glazier, Mr. P. W. Phillips, Mrs. Helmer, RR 5, Clinton and Charles Proctor. * 4: Because of the sudden and tragic death of Doug Thorndyke, chairman of the Clinton Winter Carnival in California on '.Tuesday special meeting of the winter carnival committee has been called for Monday night at the arena. * * High costs will probably put the bind on many legislative programs town council would like to undertake this year, but there is one piece of legislation that wouldn't cost a tent and would be a definite benefit, The council could follow the example of Walkerton town council where Mayor Arthur trawls has banned smoking during -council sessions for the next tsvo-year session. It's an inexpensive way of ridding the town of air pollution. A year ago the Walkerton mayor started a practice to keep the air clear of other pollutants. He imposed fines on councillors who cussed. The mayor made a concession to smokers approving a smoking break halfway through each session, Clinton Midgets begin their semi-final playoffs Saturday at 8:80 p.m. at the community centre. Their opponents will be Hanover. A good turnout would help the boys put on a good show. Weather 1970 1971 HI LO HI LO Jari. 19 20 -17 14 42 20 19 7 8 t5 21 30 9 6 -8 22 31 :24 11 -10 23 31 18 18 -1 24 81 12 19 -26 :25 38 19 83 18 Snow lf/2" Snow 7" Many homes in Clinton were rather crowded Tuesday night as homeowners gave a temporary home to hundreds of students from various schools in the town who would not reach their homes in the country because of the blinding storm, Other schools such as Huron Centennial school at Brucefield students had to be housed in the school overnight. The 675 students didn't eat well but they did eat, The younger students had soup and milk and the older students did with just pop until some food got through from Brucefield about 9;45 p.m. Tuesday. There was plenty of bread available for Wednesday's meals but when the storm didn't let up the staff began preparing to spend another night there on Wednesday afternoon. The huge snowfall was made worse by winds that gusted up to 55 M.p.h. at the weather station in Goderich on Tuesday afternoon. Temperatures plummeted from more than 30 degrees on Tuesday morning to near zero in the evening. Department of Highways maintenance vehicles were ordered off the roads on Public Works crews made valiant attempts to keep main thoroughfares in town open. Department of Highways gave up on country roads. Residents of Clinton can start saving their pennies and dimes to pay their taxes this year because a tax hike seems almost certain. This note of warning came out of town council last week when a special meeting was held with heads of the department of public works, police department and Public Utilities Commission. It was revealed at that time that attempts to hold the line in 1970 were not altogether successful s.nd the town ended the year with deficit of more than $10,000, The meeting was called by Mayor Symons to inform the department heads of the situation and ask them to cut costs wherever possible during the year. The mayor pointed out that the deficit, for which final figures are not yet available, will mean a rise of at least five mills in itself. Tuesday afternoon and were ploughing only some roads on Wednesday morning. Clinton town police reported that no accidents had taken place in town partly due to the fact that the storm hit so fast movement with cars was soon impossible. That would total an extra $25 on a property assessed at $5000. Several unexpected extras accounted for the over expenditure. One was an increase in cost of the pumping station for the Huron Pines Reality subdivision on Raglan Street, an increase of about $6000. Another was the increase in cost of policing the down due to overtime, The public works department did not overshoot its budget but didn't complete all budgeted projects for the year either. At the beginning of 1970 the town had a surplus of $10,000 from the year before due to projects that had not been completed. This surplus was used up in the 1970 budget in which council attempted to cut corners to offset increased education costs. The total budget for 1970 was $507,009. bring a recommendation to the board in the near future. Murray Popp, IL R,„ 3, Clinton, has agreed to handle the snow removal contracts at Victoria Public School end Robertson Memorial School in Goderich at a rate of $10 per hour. Resignations include teachers Mrs. Anne Smith from No. 0 McKillop PS; Mts. Charlotte Daly, Clinton PS; and Alfotd W. Thompsoe, P. E. Madill SS; and custodian Ivan Coiclough, Holmesville PS, Tuckerstnith Township Council approves it en, bridge gst WILMA OKE Teekersinith Township Council at a special meeting in llrticefield Thursday approved $94,400 in toad expenditures for this year. Of this, $81,600 will go for construction costs and $62,800 for maintenance, A supplementary by-law was also approved for $52,000 for the construction of a new bridge at sideroad 5-8 On Concession 4 to replace the Sproat bridge. Reeve Elgin "Thompson was appointed to the Hensall Fire Area Board; Councillor Cleave Coombs to the Seaforth Fire Area Board and Victor Lee, R„, R. 4, Seaforth, to the Seaforth Community Hospital Beata. Approval was given to a tax sale by-law for any property ort which teases in 1968 Were not paid, BY SHIRLEY j, KELLER Huron County ratepayers were well represented Wednesday morning in Goderich at the January session of Huron County Council when Chairman Robert Elliott and Vice-chairman John Broadfoot of the Huron County Board of Education met with members of council. It was the first official visit of the school board representatives to Huron County Council and the first time that either body had taken time from a busy schedule to hear and assess the function of the other. Chairman Elliott said that better communications between the two Huron County bodies was the prime reason for the visit. "We need closer communication of the right kind," stated Elliott. "Being something new in Huron County the board of education has been criticised, but we appreciate the criticism of county council, an older, more experienced body." "The board of education cannot measure its results in dollars and cents," continued Elliott, "We try to provide the best education possible at a cost we can afford. Where do you start? Where do you go? How do you know when you get there?" "If education is the white elephant some people say it is, it is because there has been more stress on academic matters and less on business," Elliott said, "Not enough care has been taken to keep the costs in line with the results." Elliott spoke about the "frills" which the department of education has been accused of building into their schools. "But I see some, what I would call frills in this building," said Elliott referring to the county court house, "and it was built under the guidance of Huron County Council," The board of education chairman outlined some areas in which the board and county council are closely related — such as library services, health services, road maintenance in connection with school bus routes etc. "We can't divorce our responsibilities from each other," stated Elliott. "I believe we will have to play it by ear and I Mow our committees can work together. Wherever possible let us at least eorisult each other." "We've got to have faith that partner at the other end of the saw is working toward the same goal, in this case the benefit of the citizens of Huron County," concluded Elliott. Vice-chairman John troadfoot outlined Bill 240 which states that the board of education shall collect taxes four times a year unless some ether agreement is made by mutual consent upon petition of those Municipalities representing two-thirds of the assessment in the county of Huron. Broadfoot Said the board of education had the right to make the final decision in the matter. He indicated, however, the school beard was anxious to work with the municipalities in Huron, "I didn't mad it that way," said Ed Oddleifson, reeve of Bayfield, who suggested that if the municipalities petitioned the 8,:hoel boatel for another method of tax payment, the school board would have no recourse but to accept. "You've probably been married as long as I have," quipped Broadfoot, "and you should know what is meant by mutual consent. Someone has to cast the deciding vete." "I don't Hilt* this is a laughing matter," retorted Oddielfson, "Neither do I," answered Broadfoot. William 1 Elston, reeve of Morris, referred to laroadfooN earliest remark that it was Most economical for the board of education to operate on a four-times.a-year tax payment basis. "It is just as cheap for the ratepayers to pay the interest as it is to collect taxes four times per year," Said Elston. Broadfoot said that although the education taxes would be paid to the board four times a year it would not necessarily follow that the taxes would have to be collected four times a year. The Reeve of Grey, Charles Thomas, said that it was likely that Many fetters had to borrow Money to pay their taxes. He said credit rating of the individual was sometimes affected by this and be wondered if it would be more helpful in the long run to use the borrowing power of the board of education. School board chairman Bob Elliott said the board could realize a saving on the cost of education if it received its tax payments four times a year and did not have to borrow as much money from the banks to meet current expenses. "If it isn't a saving to the municipalities and to the taxpayers, the board is ready to take another look at it," promised Elliott. Reeve Allan Campbell, McKillop, asked Elliott if he was really interested in saving' money. He said the system of education in his township was costing the taxpayer far less than in all other townships, but that the board was planning to close McKillop's one-room schools. "Yes, we're out to save money," answered Elliott. "There is also this matter of equality in education and we believe the McKillop Funeral services have been tentatively scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Beattie Funeral Home for Douglas J. Thorndyke, well known Clinton resident. Mr, Thorndyke died in Sunnydale California on Tuesday morning apparently of a heart attack. He and his wife Margaret were vacationing in California where they had been since December. They were due to arrive home soon because Doug was the chairman of the Clinton Winter Carnival Committee and the carnival is scheduled for February 8,14. It was the third year he had served in such a capacity. He was also Poppy Chairman for District C of the Royal Canadian Legion and very active in the Clinton branch 140. He was also a member of the Clinton Recreation Committee. Besides his wife, he is survived by two grandchildren. BY SHIRLEY J. KELLER Huron County Council turned down a proposal from the Huron County Federation of Agriculture,which asked that the policy referring to the retirement age of county policy be changed to permit persons of more than 65 years to hold part-time jobs with the county, By a recorded vote of 30-10, councillors voted to retain the present policy which states that all persons be retired at the age of 65 years. Reeve Charles Thomas of Grey argued that it is often people of 65 years of age or Mere who are "most qualified to do a job". Mr. Thomas didn't suggest that an preference be given to older persons. lie felt that employees should be hired on merit. "Many persons over 65 have many useful years left," said Thomas. "We should not have a hard and fast rule here." Reeve Clarence "Derry" Boyle, Exeter, disagreed. "I think we should have a hard and fast rule," said Boyle, He said that if it is company policy to retire employees at the age of 65 years, them will be no hard feelings when the job ends. Ed. Oddleifson, tayfield reeve asked, "Why should anyone be automatically unemployable because he is over the age of 65 years?" Oddielfsoe said that retired persons on a fixed income would welcome a part-time job arid should not be denied that tight to work if wotk is available, Harold Wild, Wingham deputy-reeve, said any good business prepares for the tetitentent of its senior employees by bringing along younger workers to take their places. He said it was his feeling that when a students are entitled to the same level of education as other students in Huron County. A sizeable delegation of McKillop ratepayers asked the board to update the educational system in McKillop." Elliott told Campbell the board's hands were tied by the directives from the Ontario Department of Education. He said that the department would not approve an addition to the school at Walton to accommodate the McKillop students while it would pay for an addition at Seaforth PS. "It was the best that our committee could come up with," said Elliott. "If you let these grants go by you may not get them again." Reeve Elston suggested that the board of education and the county council each appoint a committee to meet whenever necessary to discuss matters of mutual concern, Elliott said he favored the idea and would take the suggestion to his board. county employee reached the age of 65 years, his job would immediately become available to someone else, If no one stepped forward, the senior person would be kept on until a replacement was found. This latter Statement from Wild brought an audible retainer of disagreement from his associates. 4'You could keep them on but you couldn't pay them according to this policy," argued Anson MeEieley, Stanley deputy-reeve. "My concern is for the libraries in the county. A policy to retire employees at the age of 65 could very well have the effect of forcing the closure of the small libraries in the county. The library board has said it does not want this to happen." "If there is so much unemployment," said deputy-reeve Cecil Desjardine, Stephen Township, "why is it se hard to find part-time help?" "Because you can't earn a living With a part-time job," offered Charles Thomas. "It helps," retorted Desjardine Deputy-reeve of Ashtield, Eugene Frayne, said there would be no trouble filling part-time positions, even the positions of librarians in the county, Frayne said as long as someone holds the job no one is interested but as soon as the post becomes vacant, applications for the jobs would come in. Reeve Harold Robinson, Howick, concurred, He said there was no trouble in 1-Towick attracting younger people into part-time library work. "Are we going to let the Federation of Agriculture run Huron County Council?" asked Robinson. Teachers in Huron County will have an opportunity to participate in a course in Social Studies during the winter of 1971-72, Members of the Huron County Board of Education agreed Monday evening in Clinton to sponsor the course in this county. Several Members of the board expressed a concern that teachers to enroll in the course would do so to benefit the whole school system in Huron County rather than because it ie "handy". Speculation is that the course will deal with the soon to be announced revisions in the Social Studies course at the elementary level. Board members were encouraged by Superintendent dim Coulter to attend the at course for teachers presently running at Hewn Centennial School, Brucefield. Coulter said that 131 are enrolled in the course, 92 from the staff of the Huron County Board of Etlecation, The five new Mothers of the board will have an opportunity to become acquainted with the policies of the Huron County Board of Education when they form part of a committee to study the bylaws, policies and meeting procedure of the board. This study Was a suggestion by Chairman Bob Elliott in his inaugural address to the board, A letter was received from the Wingham Home and School Association regarding the school accident insurance policies.' The letter claimed that some parents have not been satisfied 'with the action taken on their eleime. Director of education John Coehrane and his staff will Make a study of this matter and Yes that's a parking meter. They weren't all buried this badly -though. Ontario Provincial Police at Goderich said that some accidents bad taken place during the early part of the storm but as of Wednesday morning they were unable to give any details because the investigating officers had been unable to return to the station since starting their patrols at 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning. With roads blocked in all directions many persons were stranded at their jobs overnight. Beds were at a premium at Clinton Public Hospital because most of the staff had to stay overnight. Much the same i was true at Huronview and six members of the Huron County Board of Education had i to spend the night at their offices on Shipley Street. Some town residents were also stranded at their jobs at CFB Clinton. With the storm still continuing as this is written it is unknown just when the area will begin to dig itself out, Tax hike seems certain Social Studies course being offered this winter Prominent man dies in California County retirement remains unchanged