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Times-Advocate, 1979-01-24, Page 1the and Jim One Hundred and Fifth Year Suspect arson in Crediton fire CREDITON FIRE —- A house on William Street in Crediton was completely gutted by fire early Sunday morning. The dwelling owned by Faye Melvin, London has been vacant since August. Neighbours say an explosion preceded the blaze. Arson is suspected. T-A photo Mr**. For council, employees Stephen boost salaries At the latest meeting, Stephen township council ap­ proved increases and salaries to employees which ranged from six to nine per­ cent. Councillors upped their own salaries by $5 per meeting. Reeve Kenneth Campbell will now receive $50 per meeting, deputy­ reeve Doug Russell $45 and councillors Ralph Weber, Allan Walper and Tom Tomes $40 per session. The new council rates also apply to special meetings. Pay for meetings which are less than two hours in length is reduced by $10 for everyone. The salaries of clerk­ treasurer Wilmar D. Wein and road superintendent Frank Mclsaac were in­ creased by about nine per­ cent. Wein will now receive $19,000 per annum and Mclsaac will get $14,200 a year. The two levels of grader operators will now receive $5.86 and $5.66 per hour, respectively. Ross Jackson, a represen- tative of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Communications reviewed with council the bylaw which limits the Get better deal due to shopping Exeter council will con­ tinue to have the local branch of the Bank of Mon­ treal handle their financial affairs, but it will be on better terms than previous­ ly* Forced into a competitive situation when council asked for tenders from the other financial institutions, the bank came up with better terms than had previously been provided. The decision to continue to have the Bank of Montreal handle the financial affairs was made by council follow­ ing a closed door session, Monday. A statement issued to the press following the meeting stated "council was pleased with the efforts of all those who tendered and the process resulted in the town weight which may be carried on township bridges. The limit of eight tons will continue in effect for the Devil’s Elbow bridge on sideroad 20-21, Concession 5. A five ton limit is imposed the structure at Lot 22, Concession 4-5. MTC will be doing a detail­ ed survey this summer on the bridge on sideroad 5-6 on Concession 5. The regular load limit for township roads is 11 tons. Council will also be check­ ing the standards for roads in any new proposed sub­ divisions. The agreement with the Ontario Development Cor­ poration for grass cutting and snowplowing at Huron Park was renewed with no change in fee. The township will pay ODC $3,000 per year to provide these services on and along township roads in the Industrial Park and in the housing development. The township solicitor has been instructed to begin proceedings to close an un­ used road allowance on parts of Lots 10, 11, Concession 5 in the police village of Crediton. Decision on a request from Jack Gaiser to reopen his obtaining a better financial and banking package than had previously been the case”. In past years, the Bank of Montreal automatically handled the town’s business. Five financial institutions presented tenders for coun­ cil consideration, and of those, three were relatively close in their offers, accor­ ding to the press release issued after Monday’s clos­ ed session. The release said "the dis­ cussions that led to the deci­ sion revolved around total banking services, the proposed amount of interest income, bank charges and bridge financing costs, together with the proximity of the institution to the town offices”. No details of the new arrangement were provided. application to build a new poultry barn in the village was reserved. Council agreed to pay the registration fees of two Crediton volunteer firemen to attend an upcoming fire course in Exeter. Two tile drain loan applications totalling $23,800 were approved, subject to the provincial funds being available. Cleric Wilmar Wein com­ mented that sufficient funds were on hand to cover the work completed in 1978. A new allottment of funds from the Province of On­ tario is expected sometime in April. Reeve Campbell and deputy-reeve Russell will be checking with Huron , librarian Bill Partridge con- cerning new accom­ modations for the Crediton library after village trustees said they were "at a loss” at what could be done. FAIR BOARD EXECUTIVE The executive of the Exeter Agricultural Society for 1979 was named at Friday's annual meeting. Back, left, secretary Garnet Hicks and president Roy Pepper. Front, ladies president Dolores Shapton and school fair president Agnes Aunger. ■ ‘ * -Jlfl -fir 1 >■< Officials of the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office and Exeter OPP officers are continuing investigation into the cause of a fire which destroyed a Crediton house early Sunday morning. Robert Kaufman of Fire Marshal’s Office Exeter OPP Constable Rogers are the investigating officers. The latter said ar­ son is suspected. Several neighbours on William street heard an ex­ plosion at about 3:25 a.m. and seconds later the house owned by Faye Melvin, 482 Crumlin Road, London was completely engulfed in flames. Crediton fire chief Charlie Browning said the explosion and origin of the fire appeared to take place on the main floor. Browning said the furnace pipes were >*■ imes - Advocate Serving South Huron, North Middlesex EXETER, ONTARIO, JANUARY 24, 1979 I Hospital given two years to cut 10 beds from total By MARY BLEWETT South Huron Hospital has been given two years by the ministry of health to do away with 10 active treat­ ment beds. The hospital has to move from four beds per thousand population to 3.5 beds per thousand. This means dropping from the present 36 beds to 26. The hospital should actually have only 30 beds right now, but because it is a small hospital allowances are be­ ing made. The eight beds for chronic care patients remain the same. Hospital administrator Tom Hudson described the cut back as inevitable. He says that the Ontario Ministry of Health is forcing hospitals to make greater use of out reach services. Plans are being made to have nurses and social workers do more home visiting, and hospitals will provide some out-patient treatment. The new addition at the South Huron Hospital does not conflict with cutback WRONG PLACE The Times-Advocate apologizes for an error which appeared in the ad­ vertisement last week for the upcoming Sportsmen’s Dinner sponsored by the Exeter Lions. The event will be held on February 6 at the South Huron Rec Centre, and not at the Legion Hall as the ad indicated. still intact which would in­ dicate the blaze did not originate at that point. The house had been oc­ cupied by Mrs. Viola Wilson and family until August when they moved to London. It was vacant since that time. By the time Crediton firemen arrived shortly before 3:30 flames were shooting high into the sky and out through the windows and doors. The firemen using water from the Crediton engine and a tanker were able to br­ ing the flames under control until they ran out of water. They received valuable assistance from the Huron Park tanker. The Crediton tanker made four trips to a Huron Park hydrant to refill and the Huron Park tanker made three trips. Each vehi­ cle carries about 2.000 plans. The addition does not contain any room for beds, and will be used for out­ patient services. It will con­ tain an emergency area, physiotherapy equipment, X-ray area. and laboratories. As well, there will be new administrative offices, a medical records room, a lobby and gift shop. The hospital has been granted a budget increase of 5.3 percent for the 1979-80 fiscal year by^.the Ministry of Health. Hudson met with other administrators and Minister of Health Dennis Timbrell on Friday to dis­ cuss budgeting. Hudson says that hospitals under 50 beds were granted Stop for those ...oops flashing lights gone Some bold thieves were at work in Exeter over the weekend. When OPP Constable Frank Giffin left his John St. home on Sunday morning to go on patrol, he discovered that the roof lights and roof rack had been stolen from the police cruiser which had been parked in front of his home. The bolts had been removed from the roof rack and the lead wires were cut away. A number of youths were subsequently questioned by Exeter police and the roof gallons of water. During the fire the winds were light from an easterly direction and flames and sparks were sent westward missing the homes on either side owned by Gerald Gaiser and Harold Glanville. Crediton firemen remain­ ed at the scene until about 9 a.m. Sunday. Constable Rogers told the T-A a vehicle was seen near the Melvin house about 10 minutes before the fire broke out. Investigation is continuing to ascertain ownership. Neighbours hearing the explosion were Gerald and Brian Gaiser, Bob and Kathy McDermott and Bon­ nie Slaght. Chief Browning estimated the loss at about $25,000. The house was listed for sale with a real estate agent. Browning said Sunday’s the 5.3 per cent increase rather than the 4.5 per cent increase over last year’s budget which was given to larger hospitals. "While we fared better than other hospitals, we still have to undertake a lot of analysis to determine how to accom­ modate our increases,” Hudson says. Hudson points out that the cost of living will go up much higher than the 5.3 per cent he has been allowed. "We are^ negotiating with nurses for. their salaries, and the service workers need a new contract,” Hud­ son says. As well, the cost of food and supplies will in­ crease. and the cost of rack and lights we^e found later on Sunday, abandoned on the campus of the University of Western Ontario. Exeter PD Constables George Robertson and Kevin Short are investigating and arrests are anticipated, according to this week’s police report. On Sunday morning, it was also discovered that someone had entered the Dixie Lee Restaurant on Main St. during the night and had stolen an undisclosed amount of money. Police investigation revealed that the person responsible had locked himself in the men’s washroom prior to closing time and then, removed a ceiling tile, climbed over rafters, removed another ceiling tile and dropped down into the kitchen. The thief is then believed to have made his exit via the rear door. Constables Robertson and Short are investigating. Veteran secretary roasted Exeter fair 'best in many years' The 1978 Exeter Fall Fair was described as "the best in many years” at Friday's annual meeting of the Ex­ eter Agricultural Society. President Roy Pepper said receipts were up by $180 at the Friday night show and increased by $470 at the all­ day Saturday activities, This was verified in the financial report presented by secretary-treasurer Garnet Hicks. The bank balance at the end of the year was $534 more than it was at the conclusion of 1977, Hicks added, "The dollars are up, but an upswing in in­ terest and activities is more important.” All directors in attendance fire was the sixth in the area in the past six or seven months. All were of unoc­ cupied buildings. Barns destroyed in recent months weie on the Connolly PRESIDENT TO PRESIDENT — As part of a swing through South Western Ontario, Provincial Royal Canadian Legion president Rick Collins of Toronto visited the R.E. Pooley branch Satur­ day. Discussing topics of mutual interest with Mr. Collins are Legion president Eldon Heywood and Legion Auxiliary president Elsie McDonald. T-A photo & North Lambton Since 1873 Price Per Copy 25 Cents operating the new addition will be included. The addition is being built entirely by private donation, not by ministry funds. Hudson says that they will have to look at various cost cutting measures, and the emphasis will be on im­ proving staff efficiency and educating the staff. He says that they cannot cut back their staff, because a small hospital already has a critical staffing level — they must work around the clock, seven days a week. The health ministry also announced at Friday’s meeting that two user charges or deterrent fees will be implemented April 1. All chronic patients will be charged $9.80 per day, effec­ tive on the 61st day of care. This fee already exists in nursing homes. Those on family benefit allowance or welfare will be exempt from this charge. Ambulance costs will go from $5 to $20 effective April 1. The cost will go up to $40 for uninsured people on those trips considered un­ necessary by ambulance drivers and nurses who ad­ mit the patient. PICK SWARTMAN Bob Swartman is the new chairman of the Exeter Cen­ tral Business Improvement Area. Other officers for the two- year term are: Mike Williamson, vice chairman; Gord Ross, secretary and Earl Campbell, treasurer. Committee members chosen are: planning, Gerry Gray, Jay Campbell and Jim Russell, finance, Mel Gaiser and Ron Cottrell, promo­ tion. Jo Anne Dinney, Mary Fisher and Jim Beckett, public relations, Graham Cottrell, Mike Williamson and Harold Patterson, con­ stitution, Gerry Gray and parking liaison,Mel Gaiser, Ron Cottrell and Earl Campbell. made comments on their particular activities. Chair­ man of the flowers com­ mittee Maxine Sereda predicted more arrangements, more specials and better weather during the growing season for 1979. Hugh Rundle said he was satisfied with the market hog display and reported 45 persons took part in guess­ ing the live and dressed weights of some of the animals. The winner was Glenn Jeffrey. Several of the ladies suggested an increase in prize monies for their departments were necessary to create the proper competition. farm, on Concession 3 of Stephen, south of Huron Park, the Len Veri farm on Lot 19, Con. 4, the Jim Morrissey barn, west of ~......................... awereCrediton. Also lost I •- EXERTION — The South Huron Weight Training Club operating out of the rec centre has 15 members. Performing some leg presses Monday afternoon was Dave Wolfe. Three are injured in area collisions Three people sustained minor injuries in six ac­ cidents investigated by the Exeter OPP during the past week. Two of the injuries were reported in a two-car crash Sunday on Highway 23 north of the Middlesex-Perth boundary during a whiteout. A vehicle driven by Alex Ross, RR 1 Palmerston, struck a parked vehicle own­ ed by Harold Schrader, Kitchener. Margaret Schrader and Karen Thiel were injured. Damage was listed at $2,- 000. There were two accidents, Monday, the first involving three vehicles. Driven were James Cook, Grand Bend, Kenneth Glavin, RR 2 Crediton, and Ross Jaques, RR 1 Woodham. They collid­ ed on Canada Ave. in Huron Park and Constable Wally Pat Down is outgoing president of the ladies divi­ sion. She is being succeeded by Dolores Shapton. Shirley Cooper will be the vice- president. Agnes Aunger will con­ tinue in charge of the school fair division and Marg McClure will be vice- president. A feature of the meeting was a "Roast of secretary Garnet Hicks.” Included in the local celebrities poking good natured fun at the secretary were Gerald Dearing, Harry Hern, Bev Rabbetts, Donna Webster, Agnes Aunger, Bob Down, Howard Pym, Bob Heywood, Gladys Skinner and Huron Ag Rep Don Pullen. shed on the Allan Finkbeiner farm west of Crediton and a snowmobile shack situated near the Devil’s Elbow. It was owned by Russell Clarke. I Tomasik set total damage at $660. The other collision in­ volved vehicles operated by Robert McGregor. RR 2 Kippen. and William West, London. They collided on Mill St. in Hensail with damage being set at $2,400 by Constable Bob Whiteford. On Wednesday, a vehicle driven by Thomas Keenan, Zurich, struck a sign post on Highway 21 just south of Highway 83 after losing con­ trol on icy roads. Constable Tomasik set damage at $560. Three vehicles were in­ volved in a collision on Fri­ day on Highway 4 north of the Crediton Road. The drivers were Grant McLean, RR 3 Walkerton. James Glover, Exeter, and Helen Kadey. Huron Park. Glover suffered a bruised shoulder and total damage was estimated at $2,000 by Constable Larry Christiaen. Pullen, who was born in Usborne township traced his relationship with Hicks over the past 30 odd years in­ cluding his stint as secretary of the Usborne school board and then his in- ’ volvement on the fair board through 4-H and finally as the secretary securing judges and other assistance from the county agricultural office. The 1979 Exeter Fall Fair will be held Friday and Saturday, September 21 and 22. The annual meeting of the Ontario Agricultural Societies will be held February 21 and 22. It will be attended by local officials and 1978 Queen Tracey Campbell.