Loading...
Times Advocate, 1996-11-06, Page 2Page 2 Times -Advocate, November 6, 1996 IN THE NEWS RegionT wrap up Teens sue government for $2.6 million GODERICH/LONDON - A dozen teens who say they were abused and manipulated this year at correctional facilities in Goderich and London have filed a lawsuit claiming government negligence and violation of ba- sic personal rights. This is the first case of its kind in Canada. According to the Huron Ex- positor, allegations of mistreat- ment followed a riot at the Blue - water Correctional Facility near Goderich in February, when for- ty young offenders were trans- ferred to a London facility. Former teacher guilty of sex charges SEAFORTH - Buryl Wilson was found guilty of one charge of gross indecency and three charges of paying for the sexual services of males under the age of 18, reported the Huron Ex- posi tor. The former Seaforth District High School English teacher was remanded for sentencing until January. Pipeline shutdown extendd GRAND BEND11':.QNDON - Rainy weather is to blame for a third weekend shutdown of the Grand Bend to London water pipeline, reported the Parkhill Gazette. As a result, Lake Huron Water Supply customers were asked to conserve water again last week- end. According to original Ontario Clean Water Agency plans, con- struction operations to join new sections of pipeline to the exist- ing line at four chamber loca- tions were to have been complet- ed by Oct. 26 and 27. The $28.5 million twinning project will allow the Grand Bend water plant and pipeline to deliver its full capacity of 72 million gallons each day. Doctor recruited on temporary basis MITCHELL - In an effort to offer short-term assistance, the Mitchell Family Doctors have hired a new doctor. David Buckle began his four- too.six week job at the medical clinic last week to assist the town's family physicians. Buckle worked at the clinic as a student ei f`tt years ago. He will work with Mark Diotallevi, also a new doctor at the clinic. Both will work as assistants at the Mitchell Family Doctors. Library may move to high school MITCHELL - The Mitchell Public Library Board must soon decide whether it wants to add an addition to its existing 88 - year -old library or combine the public library with the Mitchell District High School library. The combination idea was suggested by Mitchell Mayor Hugh McCaughtly nearly two years ago. Public meetings on the issue will be held over the Winter. Study report only part of the process Exeter feels issues such as compensation need to be dealt with EXETER - Although Exeter Council considers the final amal- gamation report presented by KPMG a good decision-making tool, it is uncomfortable presenting findings to the public before key issues such as compensation have been dealt with properly. Monday night's discussion raised several important issues that have been tabled at committee meet- ings and council feels it is critical to resolve them be- fore presenting the public. "There is something there we can compare with our own internal study," said Administrator Rick Hundey at Monday night's meet- ing. Council passed a motion to re- ceive the final report but will draft a list of several outstanding issues the most important of which con- cerns the involvement of Bo- sanquet and Lambton County. Oth- er concerns include governance and compensation as well as assets and liabilities that have not been addressed by the Amalgamation Committee. "If Bosanquet is not treated fairly...and if they are in a position to request a commission, then we are walking." study to the "If Bosanquet is not treated fairly...and if they are in a position to request a commission, then we are walking," said Councillor Roy Triebner. "The committee is taking a half loaf to the public," said Reeve Bill Mickle. Although the savings presented in the report appear to be "on target" according to the Mayor Ben Hoogenboom, council feels they are not well quantified. "There are sufficient savings to make it worthwhile if we could solve all the other issues," said Tri- ebner. Block parent pres Awards recognized Larry Waldo of Zurich Public School, at centre, was recently recognized for his contribu- tions to the Huron Public Education Centre for his work with playground improvement, con- servation, wildlife, and student involvement in the community. At left is Zurich Public School student Nate Haggitt, who placed both second and third in the Grand Bend and Area Horti- cultural Society Junior Green Thumb Award. At right is Jena Snell, also a student at Zurich Public School. She placed first in the contest that involved the growing of various seeds dur- ing the summer. entations Dual county model recommended held in schools By Angela Pickering T -A Co-op Student HURON PARK - Presentations were held at area schools last week to educate children about the block parent program. Registered block parent Lillian Hearn talked to McCurdy Public School students about the purpose of block parents and safety on the street. Grades 1 to 4 students were shown a ,11 400. of 'Winnie the Pooh' Mends who dealt with situations involving strangers. They told children what they should do if a stranger approaches them. The main objective of the video is to teach certain steps including saying no, running away and telling a parent or trusted adult. This in- formation is vital in the prevention of missing children. According to Hearn, who or- ganizes the block parent com- mittee, there is a shortage of vol- unteers. She admits she has recently taken over the position and hasn't had but insis ' , me to th enc" es additiona volunteers to help with block par much4,t}me, to she ,wilt, program. ents. Exeter man returns r Continued from front page or from front page Bend and the mayor elected at large. KPMG suggested it an ad- ditional cost of less than $20,000 would be required to add two councillors to the study's nine rep- resentative scenario. The motion was defeated. "Clearly if we are going into a two county system, we are looking at two people elected at large," said Grand Bend Mayor Cam Ivey. The motion made at the last amalgamation meeting was lifted from the table. It included a five - ward structure with seven coun- cillors and two elected at large. • Exeter felt this scenario does re- flect the principalof repre- sentation byoputation. "We feel this needs a consensus and Exeter will not support this motion,"said Exeter lU�.i�. Pe.. Mayor Ben Hoogenboom. "Usborne brings more to this ta- ble than just the population we have. We bring a lot of land for expansion of the urban area. We feel it is fair to have one repre- sentative," responded Usborne Reeve Pat Down. The motion was called to a vote and was narrowly defeated. A sec- ond motion to establish a ward sys- tem comprised of a total of nine members with two at large was also defeated. "It's a hung jury on how they're going to deal with the electoral sys- tem," Grand Bend Councillor Bob Mann, w 4uggeste';mmittee ' review i e options 'and return with a recommendation. Other members of the public made stronger suggestions." The committee should take a def- inite pause - perhaps six months," said Usborne Councillor Brian Hardeman. "Quite frankly I don't want to save $148. I want to keep the ser- vices intact," said one member of the gallery who added, "I am wor- ried about the authentjcit} of the figures." An unconfirmed date for a public meeting to be held at the South Hu- ron Recreation Centre in Exeter has been set for November 20. The consultants and members of the committee will be in attendance and an amalgamation summary sheet will be di8tribu!gd to all rat- epayers in the Study area prior to the meeting. Fundraising efforts called to Stratford stage private enterprise by some STRATFORD - An Exeter man is returning on stage with the Stratford Community Players. Kevin Robinson, of Exeter, is a part of the chorus of the Players' fall production of "Oklahoma". The famous musical opens on at Stratford City Hall on November 7 and continues November 8, 9, 14, 15, 16. Robinson has worked on stage and backstage for the St. Marys Commu- nity Players. Back stage, he designed the lighting for "Steel Magnolias." He appeared on stage during last spring's production of "Fiddler on the Roof." With the Stratford group, he is appearing on stage as a dancer and in the chorus. "Oklahoma" could be a turning point for the Stratford Community Players, said producer Stewart Robertson, of Stratford. He said the last few shows by the group haven't been as successful as the members would like. "We decided to bite the bullet and do a well-known big musical that everyone will enjoy. If we stage it, they will come," he said. So far, it seems to be working. Advance ticket sales are strong. Rehearsals began in September and the cast is now rehearsing four times a week. For Robertson, this is his first time as a producer, but not his first experience with the players. He appeared in Sugar and 1992 and directed last fall's musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Oklahoma tells the story of the stormy courtship of Laurey, a young farm owner, and Curly, the cowboy who wants to win her. Jud Fry, a men- acing farmhand, competes for Laurey's affections. It includes songs such as People Will Say We're in Love, Surrey with the Fringe on Top and of course, Oklahoma. Laurence Gauci, of Stratford, plays the role of Jud. Tickets are $10 each at Big V and Anything Grows in Stratford. Take Our Kids to Work Grade nine students are invited to spend Wednesday, November 6, at work with a parent, relative, adult friend or volunteer host. Take Our Kids to Work has expanded for 1996 with students and organiza- tions from all provinces invited to participate. Take Our Kids To Work is the first Canadian -wide project of its kind. Organized by The Learning Partnership, the goal is to strength- en bonds between parents and chil- dren and foster community respon- sibility for the future of young people. Grade nine students and organi- zations have already signed on to participate in Take Our Kids To To Work 1996. Major sponsors of this y�ear's pro- ject include the Govetnment of Northwest Territories -Education, Culture & Employment, Human Resources Development Canada, Manitoba Education and Training, Northern Telecom, the Province of Ontario and Scotiabank/ Sc otiaMcLeod. Founded in May 1993, The Learning Partnership is a not-for- profit organization dedicated to creating learning and career oppor- tunities by bonding education, business and community. The Learning Partnership's member- ship includes school boards, busi- nesses and community service or- ganizations in the Greater Toronto Area. Organizations interested in get- ting involved can call the Take Our Kids To Work hotline at 1-800- 790-9113 or (416) 977-4450 for more information. lir Continued from front page foundation is involved with at an "arms length" from the board. "We are on a fine line between fundraising and private enterprise," said Trustee Norm Pickell. Carroll explained the foundation was established in 1994 as a non- profit . corporation similar to those in neigboring systems to operate as a parallel body to fundraise in ways prohibited for boards under the Eduation Act. Trustee Abby Armstrong accused other members of the board of po- litical posturing. "For heaven's sake, don't pretend you didn't know it was happening." "Trustees have had more in- formation than is being admitted to- day," Carroll stated earlier. Junior Kindergarten Another issue raised at Monday's board meeting illustrated the chang- ing climate in the Huron eduation system. An information report ad- vised the board it should confirm the termination of the Junior Kin- dergarten program effective June 30, 1997. A growing difference of opinion on how this program must be staffed appears to be ir- reconcilable. Last year the board was able to continue to provide the JK program but would only do so as long as it did not add local costs. It appears this is no longer the situation. "There would be no way I could support the program at a local cost," said Trustee Bob Heywood. Approximately 16 jobs will be lost is if the JK program is dis- continued. Cheque donations Kinsmen President Nell McAllister, on behalf of the Hensall and District Kinsmen Club, presents the Hensel! and District Fire Department with a cheque totalling $2,172, to go towards an equipment van. He also presents a cheque worth an equal amount to the Hensel! Parks Board towards an ice resurfacer. At left, Parks Board Chairman Wayne Reid accepts one cheque while Peter Zwaan accepts the other cheque on behalf of the fire department. As well, the Hensel! Legion donated 3500 to the Hensall and District Fire Department.