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The Citizen, 2003-01-08, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2003. A retrospective look at the news from 2002 JANUARY, 2002 For (he first time in over 100 years, the village of Brussels was to be without a pharmacy when Kang Yoon announced the closure of his business. Yoon had operated the Brussels Pharmacy for 24 years. Warmer than seasonal weather resulted in the closure of many snowmobile trails in the area. Fourteen wild turkeys were released in Morris by the Ministry of Natural Resources. It was to be the last release in a program which began in 1984. The Brussels Lions Club donated $6,000 towards a new heater for the BMG pool. Dave and Brenda Linton of Morris were named Huron County Pork Producers of the Year. The Heart and Soul campaign for the Blyth and District Community Centre kicked into high gear with a mail-out for donations. FEBRUARY, 2002 The Huron County OPP made a drug bust in Belgrave, netting $436,000 worth of plants plus $18,000 worth of growing equipment. The Blyth Midget Bulldogs made it to the WOAA finals after beating Clifford, then took the E championship from Lion’s Head. The Blyth Novice Bulldogs won the B championship in Wingham. The family of Bernard and Hanna TenPas celebrated 50 years in Canada. Blyth was on the list for a liquor store, though not until at least December, 2003. Jenna Taylor won a bronze medal in shot put in a meet in Toronto. The first mini-museum for the Blyth Greenway Trail was under construction at the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority. The St. Michaels’ Catholic Women’s League celebrated itsSOth anniversary. Doug Scrimgeour and Diane Radford received the Blyth Scouting Citizenship Award. MARCH, 2002 Ashley Taylor realized a first when she was signed as a female industrial electrician apprentice for the AMDSB in the co-op program. Jamie Mitchell of Morris won the best design trophy at the 1st Brussels Invitation Kub Kar Rally for cubs. Gerrit Reinink won for the fastest car. A winter storm blew through the area, causing damage to structures and bringing down trees and hydro poles. Brussels postmaster Liz Sholdice was recognized for her 25 years of service. The Blyth Festival named John Shaw as the new general manager. Laurence Taylor of the Londesboro area was named Innovative Farmer of the Year at the Innovative Farmers’ Association conference. APRIL, 2002 The Brussels PeeWee Rep team captured the All-Ontario D championship defeating Deseronto in three games. One hundred volunteers showed up at the Blyth and District Community Centre to begin destruction of the facility. Huron East council launched a legal battle against the Avon Maitland District School Board’s recommended closure of Seaforth District High School. The Blyth Midgets captured the All-Ontario E title. Blyth Novices Trevor Raynard and Matt Popp received the Luke Anderson Memorial Award. Rev. Tom Wilson of the Brussels and Blyth Anglican churches shaved his head in a fundraising effort. The Jaws of Life dinner and auction, sponsored- by the Brussels Optimists, raised $24,000 for the Brussels and Grey Fire Departments. Members of the Huron Chapel Evangelical Missionary Church attended a service in the new sanctuary for the first time. Blyth Memorial Hall was to receive new seats after approval from North Huron council. Jayne and Mark Marquis became the number one Latin dancers in Canada. North Huron council agreed to retain the Wingham police force. Businesses and individuals from Blyth and area donated towards the purchase of a thermal imaging camera for the fire department. The Donald Higgins Memorial Award for most promising goalie went to Nicki Berfelz, and Ryan Jutzi received the Tom Schauber Award for most improved player. MAY, 2002 The Communities in Bloom signs, extolling Blyth’s provincial and national wins were installed at the north and south ends of the village. County Clerk Lynn Murray resigned. The Road Watch campaign began in Huron County. Clifford the Big Red Dog visited Walton Little School. Kendall Whitfield, Blyth. Justine King, Brussels, and Kathy Johnston. Wingham, brought home a first-place finish from a clog and reel competition in Walkerton. Andrew Garland, a Brussels Public School and F. E. Madill Secondary School graduate, received honours for making the most of his opportunities for self-development, his contribution to his school and community through activities. Murray Gaunt was named trustee of the Ontario 4-H Foundation. Rev. Eugen Bannerman was named the new minster for Blyth United Church. Bonnie Lafontaine was hired as the economic development co-ordinator for Huron East. The Huron East WI celebrated its 100th anniversary. Grey Central Public School honoured former teacher David Perrie for his contribution to the natural environment at the school. Discussions began for a proposed memorial garden incorporated into the Blyth Greenway Trail system. JUNE, 2002 Warrant Office David Robin of the Brussels Cadets received the Glanville WO Award. Laura Elligsen of Walton and Heather Elliott of Blyth advanced to the next level in the Youth Talent Search. The Ethel United Church marked its 125th anniversary. Huron East council approved an average 10 per cent increase in the tax rate with the Brussels rate dropping 4.3 per cent and Grey’s up 4.1 per cent. Approval was given for the demolition of the old municipal office in Brussels. CONSTRUCTION LTD. R.R. 2 Bluevale • Licensed Septic Installations • Screened & Field Topsoil • Bark Mulch • Sand • Gravel • Fill • Backhoeing • Bulldozing • Excavating • Loading & Hauling Give us a call 887-9061 Fax 887-9999 Pastor John Kuperas became an intern pastor for the Blyth Christian Reformed Church. A Trans Canada Trail book was donated to Blyth library in memory of Shaun Vir. The Auburn Lions marked 25 years of service to the community. Former NHL hockey great Bobby Hull visited Brussels Agri Services. JULY, 2002 The Avon Maitland District School Board approved the closure of Seaforth and District High School. Rev. Paul Ross said his goodbyes to congregants from Londesboro and Auburn United Churches as he prepared to move on to other endeavours. The new soccer fields at the south end of Blyth were officially opened with a day of celebration and fun. The staggering heat boosted corn growth but killed chicks. Detroit Red Wing Boyd Devereaux visited his hometown of Seaforth bringing with him the Stanley Cup. The new floor was poured at the Blyth and District Community Centre. Huron County councillors heard a recommendation to close five libraries including those in Auburn and Bluevale. Huron County residents honoured a native daughter when the Alice Munro Literary Garden was opened in Wingham. The first tree was planted in the Blyth Memorial Garden by Charles and Clara Taylor descendants of Kenneth McBain. Brussels and area residents welcomed “pilgrims” into their homes prior to their visiting Toronto for the World Youth Day. Rain finally arrives. AUGUST, 2002 Blyth celebrated its 125th anniversary. The first mini-museum was placed along the Greenway Trail. The fire siren was stolen from atop a main street building in Brussels. A crow from the Clinton area tested positive for the West Nile virus. Others would be found in the county. The Blyth Storm men’s slo-pitch team earned the Canadian championship. OFA President Jack Wilkinson visited the farm of Gord and Irma Pryce in McKillop. Donations for the Heart and Soul campaign in Blyth reached the $1.8 million mark of the $2.5 million needed. Jack McCutcheon of Brussels was inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame. The Huron County Plowing Match was held on the farm of Dan and Colleen O’Rourke of McKillop. Robyn Arts of RR4, Seaforth was named Queen of the Furrow. SEPTEMBER, 2002 Central Huron Reeve Carol Mitchell was chosen as the Huron- Perth Liberal candidate for the next provincial election. Anne Chislett announced her resignation as artistic director of the Blyth Festival. Justin Peters was drafted by the l$t. Mike’s Majors Junior A team. Nicole Lowe was crowned Brussels Fair Ambassador. Jo-Ann McDonald was named the Citizen of the Year for Brussels and area. The hot, dry summer resulted in an early harvest. The Lower Maitland Stewardship group hosted a tour of the Maitland Valley for county politicians. Grey Central Public School held an openjng ceremony for the new environmental learning grounds. The Heart and Soul auction raised $35,000. Blyth placed fourth in a Gateways competition. Blyth Festival Assistant Artistic Director Eric Coates was named new artistic director. Winona Thompson retired as clerk from North Huron after more than 35 years of serving the community. OCTOBER, 2002 Lavern Clark was named Citizen of the Year for Blyth and area. Blyth received a civic pride award in the Communities in Bloom competition. Huron County council prepared to pass an anti-smoking bylaw for the entire county. The Women’s Bluewater Tug-of- War team captured bronze at the international competition in South Africa. Neil Vincent was chosen as the new Huron Federation of Agriculture president. Postmaster Liz Sholdice retired after more than 25 years at the Brussels post office. Demolition of the former Brussels municipal office began. Blyth Public School was listed for possible closure by the Avon Maitland District School Board. Neil McGavin and Karen and Doug Dolmage received Golden Jubilee medals in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s 50th anniversary. The Brussels Crusaders returned to the ice. Knox Presbyterian Church in Cranbrook welcomed Rev. Theresa McDonald-Lee as the new minister. School board trustees rejected the recommendation to close any schools in 2003. The first Witches Walk was held along the Greenway Trail in Blyth. NOVEMBER, 2002 Blyth Public School staff and students dealt with a fake bomb Your Source for Party Rentals in Midwestern Ontario Backdrops Ceiling Canopy Linens Chair Covers Glassware Dinnerware Wedding & Party Supplies Pickup or Delivery ~ Decorating Service Available NJS DESIGN & PARTY RENTALS 3rd corner north of Clinton on Hwy. #4 81209 London Rd. 519-482-5184 fBaafi ecvdij fat 20C3 threat which had been phone in to th< CIBC. When the Brussels dam wa drained, it was discovcrd that thi stolen -firen siren had been submerge in the waler. Vandals damaged the museun kiosk along the Blyth Greenwaj Trail. Local businesses were hit hard bj soaring hydro rates. Brussels held the first-eve Christmas home tour for the community, drawing more than 75( people through the display homes. The new Community Policing office, in the Brussels medical-denta centre, was opened. The Londesboro Lions Club members celebrated the 25tF anniversary of receiving their charter DECEMBER, 2002 North Huron councillors heard that the North Huron Wescast Community Complex would overshoot its projected deficit. The Heart and Soul campaign in Blyth for the renovations to the arena were just $116,000 shy of the intended fundraising target. Maureen Bean and Lois Haines were recognized for their years of contribution to the Auburn Horticultural Society. Blyth and Brussels Public School students gathered goods for the Huron County Christmas Bureau and the food bank. Huron East arenas showed a drop in revenues. The RIDE program was off to a poor stan as 11 drivers were charged with drinking and driving offences in just two weeks. Glenn Bridge of the Brussels Legion was presented with a Queen’s Jubilee Medal. Brussels residents Rene Richmond and Bill and Gertie Kellington were named Huron East Citizens of the Year. Doris McCall was presented with a life membership for the Majestic WI. GRANT GNAY Certified General Accountant Accounting & Tax Services 93 Wolfe St. Goderich 524-5113 • Champagne Fountain • Centrepieces • Candelabras • Pillars & Columns • Arches & Arbours • Bulk Candles