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Clinton News-Record, 1977-06-30, Page 1,County engineer, MOH resign Huron County council accepted the resignations of two of the county's top administrators at Friday's council session and instructed clerk Bill Hanly to advertis0 for their replacement. County engineer Jim Britnell announced his departure from county work and Huron medical officer of health Dr. Frank' Mills left to go to Sudbury to head the health unit there. Britnell made his resignation effective Acigust 1 and will take on the post of manager of Business Air Services in Goderich. Mills made his resignation known tdcouncil after a special meeting of the health committee during council's lunch break from its day long session. The county engineer happened to be in the council chambers when his resignation was announced and was asked by Warden Doug McNeil to ex - lain his reasons for leaving. Mills was not present when council learned of his decision. The departure of the two top ad- ministrators didn't seem to upset council collectively. The_ respective committees asked council for approval to advertise the positions and replace the men as soon as possible. The resignations mark the second and third department heads to leave the county in the past six months. Brucd Heath, former head of the Children's Aid, bid council farewell at the May session. Britnell said his decision was not made , in a hasty fashion. He said he had con- sidered the situation for some time and pointed out 'that after 20 years in the same job sone of the challenge had worn off. He said it was a "long time doing the same type of thing" and that when he looked 16 years down the road to his retirement he felt it was time to get out. The engineer said that his .decision was also based on his job requirements. He said that when he faces the paper- work now associated with his job and has to deal with the environmental aspects of his work and the many procedures necessary he remembers how easy it was. He said he felt you "couldn't teach an old dog new tricks" and that he didn't want to accept the new ways. He said the same may be true in other fields but he wouldn't know how it used to be and wouldn't be aware of the new job's problems. "A new engineer won't know how it used to be and won't mind the work as much as I do," he told council. "It's time for me to move on and give the county the benefit of a new man and a fresh outlook on things here." Britnell did not leave on a sour note and told council that after 20 years his decision was a "gut wrenching" one. He said it was almost like giving up one's child for adoption but added that working as county engineer in this part of the province was a lonely job since the work load did not permit an assistant and the only other people he could turn to fpr advice. were his counterparts in On page 3 Clinton races open a success Sunny skies and an excellent race card lured a good opening day crowd to the Clinton Kinsmen Raceway. About 1,500 paid to get through the gates, and counting all the children, about 2,000 were in attendance. In the mutuel department, everything went off without any major hitches, as the betters pushed $76,000 through the machines. Featured at the track this Sunday, with post time at 1:30 p.m. will be the OHHA four-year-old pacing series, which should give some interesting action. Keeping pace The new Clinton grandstand was nearly full to capacity as a rClinton, Ontario 25 cents Thursday, June 30, 1977 411111.11111111. 112th Year -No. -26 of the races. Over $76,000 was bit by the crowd, who saw crowd estimated at over 2,000 turned out for the opening day five divisions of the two-year-old Ontario Sired Stakes worth nearly $22,000 (News -Record photo) Weather 1977 1976 HI 10 HI LO JUNE 21 72 44 73 49 22 76 43 79 54 23 78 48 82 58 24 82 56 71 62 25 78 59 1' 75 63 26 79 53 83 53 27 88 56 u, 86 56 No Rain .68" Rain .Town drops taxes 7 mills By Shelly McPhee Despite an increase in the county levy of some $8,00Q and. an increase in the education levies of over $42,000, the town of Clinton was able to decrease its taxes Otis year. The 1977 budget, which was passed • last Thursday night at the council's regular meeting, will have an average public school residential supporter with a $3,000 assesment paying $22 less in taxes than he did in 1976 or a total of $506. This is a 7.352 mill drop from last year and makes Clinton one, of the only municipalities in the county to have its taxes lowered. The big drop in the taxes is due to a $64,000 surplus accumulated by the town last year. The extras were collected in 'Various areas, especially through in- creases in grants. t 1 si CoIiiiiii By Jim Fitzgerald In case you've been sleeping or out of me country for the last three weeks, and issed all the hype, tomorrow is Canada Day, or Dominion Day, depending on your preference, and this July 1st has received more promotion than any since the big Centennial in 1967. Although we know of no local events marking the occasion, Goderich sure has quite a shindig planned for their 150 an- niversary, which happens to coincide with Canada's birthday. `With. tomorrow (Friday) being a oliday�, naturally, most businesses will be closed, including the post office, but it is back to normal for Saturday. +++ We just couldn't let the week go by without -complimenting Clinton town council, finance chairman Roy Wheeler, and clerk Cam Proctor for pulling one off last week and reducing municipal taxes. It's not often we have anything nice to say about town council, but this time praise is the word. In fact, maybe they should get a medal. Have you heard • of any other branch of government cutting taxes? Not likely. Maybe the local boys could give lessons. + ++ A girl watching acquaintance of ours remarked that even if you're not an avid horse fan, there's lots of "fillies" to watch over at the Clinton Raceway on a sunny warm day! + ++ For those that asked: because the raw for the entries for the Clinton Raceway are made after deadline on Wednesday, we won't be able to publish them this year. + + + Marlene Cunningham and her able staff dropped in to remind us, and all the readers, that the Clinton swimming pool opens this Monday, and this year will be heated, so no excuses! Get in the swim. + + + * ,Being a frustrated gardener, we couldn't let a week pass without men- tioning the weather. We finally received a nice shower Tuesday evening, but looking back through the old files, things could be a lot worse. According to the News -Record of 1902, they had snow and sleet on June 22, and 100 years ago, they had a killer frost on June 22! So count your blessings. Revenues were brought in through the per capita grant which was increased by $3,000, the police grant which went up $6,000, the resource equalization grant, up by $12,000, the general support grant, up by some $2,700, and the street con- struction and maintenance, grant, also Up by about $9,400. Also in revenues the town was bequested $15,000 from the Colquhoun estate which went towards the "arena debenture, "Clinton also received • a, discount on the county levy for having their , payment in ahead of time. The council is also hoping for a similar discount from the Board of Education and met with the board to consider such a deal. Town Clerk Cam Procter pointed out that this allows the board to receive their money , early so they don't have to borrow from the bank and in turn the town can invest the pre -payment in- terest discount into short term deposits at the bank. Such investments. last year earned the town interest of $7,282. Clerk Procter pointed out that if the public pay their September and November taxes early, that these too can be invested for a period time and therefore make money for a 1977 sur- plus. As in all other municipalities, Clinton saw a large increase in the education levies from 1976. The public school rate is up by 8.721 mills and the secondary school rate is up by 3.375 mills in the 'farm and resfc"ntial sector. In the commercial sector, the public school support is up by 9.69 mills and the secondary rate is up by 3.749 mills. The council looked over and passed the budget with a little discussion and alot,of satisfaction. "We should be proud of 1977's budget," noted Mayor Harold Lobb.- He also commended Fina e Chairman Roy Wheeler for the job T e did throughout the year. Area rainfall still spott Lack of rainfall this spring and so far this summer is plaguing area, farmers, but depending on where one lives, the moisture situation could range from good to nearly critical. With one exception on June 2, the only rainfall received in Huron County has been of a very localized nature, with one farm getting a good shower while the one next door doesn't see a drop. In fact, says Mike Miller, associate agricultural representative for Huron County, "in some 100 acre fields, there has been a good, rain at the front of the field and none at the back. The spotty rainfall has hurt the hay and pasture crops the worst, says Miller, with some farmers losing up to a. third or their yield on hay. "There won't be much of a second cut (of hay) unless we get at least two inches of rain within several days," Miller said. Conditions of other cash crops varies widely too. The winter wheat, which is just turning. will barely be average, while there seems to be adequate. mdisture for the barley crop. The corn and white bean crops are still alright, says Miller, as they aren't high enough yet to deplete what he described as a good moisture . reserve several in- ches below the ground The early canning peas are yielding fair, but the ones sown in later may be poor, says Miller. 4• . ' In a discussion of the education in- crease, Deputy Reeve Frank Cook said,"I object to knocking the education On page 3 Local firemen's school turns into real thing The Clinton Volunteer Fire Depart- ment had a chance to put on a real live demonstration on Tuesday night before 28 firemen from eight other Huron County fire departments. The Clinton brigade was hosting a four -night firemen's school, and all the visitors were at the firehall following the school, when the siren went off. In short order, the Clinton brigade rushed out ,to a fire at the Lewis Dem- psey house on the Cutline, just west of Holmesville, where they successfully stopp3d a stubborn fire before it had much chance to do damage. The fire, which started in a spare upstairs bedroom of the 1 10 -year-old two storey stone house, caused about $8,000 damage, according to Fire Chief Clarence Neilans, but no cause has yet been found. Neighbours and friends were also at the scene and removed much of the Dempsey's furniture • and antiques to safekeeping before they could suffer any smoke or water damage. Meanshile back at the firehall, the Fire Marshall, who had taught the school, was keeping a close eye on proceedings and will likely include the firemen's responses in the real situation in the test results. The school was on radio procedure between a base unit, pumpers and other departments in the mutual aid system. "It always seems to happen to us," remarked one fireman referring to the interrupted session. Last year, the Clinton brigade nearly missed their own official opening and open house of their new fire hall, when they received a firecall just as the ceremonies were about to start. 'ouaicil to clean up act , Clinton Council will be run with more order in the future. The move was made at the council's regular meeting last Thursday evening. "Maybe I should use the gavel more often," said Mayor Harold Lobb after he received the motion for the following changes; to stand when speaking, no smoking, time limit on speaking, only one person speaks at a time and council is, to address that mayor as Your Wor- ship rr Mr. Mayor. The purpose, of the changes is to restore some order in the meetings and carry them through more quickly. • Some discussion and particular ob- jections were raised to the no smoking point in the motion. Deputy Reeve Frank -Cook, a smoker said, "There are good recommendations except the no smoking. I would hate to see that motion put to the floor. I'll fight it even though I"11 be heat." Mayor Lobb tried to rationalize the situation by saying that ' under a democracy, majority rules and also noted. "We do have a ten minute recess for smoking." Reeve Royce MacCaulay, who initiated the motion with his committee said, "This motion shouldn't go to the floor. I think that we're all grown people and I'm not in the position to ask them to stop smoking." Council decided to leave the smoking issue as it now remains but asked Many cutters The new $150,000 Hanna Bridge in Tuckersmith Township was officially opened on Tuesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Participating in the event were, left to right: Reeve Erwin Sillery; road superintendent, Allan Nicholson; Ross Jackson from the Stratford office of the Ministry of Transportation and Cominunicatton; builder, Roger MacEachern of Mount Forest; engineer, Ken Dunn from B. M. Ross and Associates in Goderich; former reeve, Elgin Thompson; former councillors, Lambert Bran- derhorst and Cleave Coombs; councillors, Robert Buchanan, Robert Fotheringham and Frank Falconer. In the background is cleirk James McIntosh. (photo by Oke) d council members to try• and cut back during the meeting. Council will be allowed some relaxation and comfort during their meetings and a motion was passed to allow shorts and hot pants to be worn to the meetings, weather permitting.., The. idea began three years ago as a joke and now it has become' an annual -motion. The motion was carried with some lighthearted discussion and Councillor Rosemary Armstrong noted to council, "I can't wait to see Frank Cook in hot pants." In other business directly involving the council, Councillor Armstrong noted that during the recesses . the public leaves. She suggested that council invite them to coffee. Councillor Ray Garon added, "I think At rose show it's a good tiping for the people to come in and' talk to us. They may have some points and problems." The only difficulty in inviting the public is that council only has an eight cup coffee pot. However, Ron McKay offered the use of his until council buys an additional one. Much thought and consideration was put into the question of what the council would do for the Goderich Jubilee 3 Parade. Initially it was decided that council would ride on Clinton's old fire truck, but after some thought, they decided to make a float, setting up the council chambers. Council will be meeting this week to design and create their float for the July 9 parade. Despite weather, roses bloom Despite the unpredictable and variable weather this spring„ ,many fine rases and other seasonal flowers were in bloom for the Clinton Horticultural Rose Show. The show, held at the town hall last Friday saw many local green thumbers prove their abilities in the special prizes section. A rose displayed by Mary Epps was named the champion of the show and she Tuckersmith opens new Hanna bridge by Wilma Oke A ribbon cutting ceremony marked the official opening of the recently com- pleted Hanna Bridge located on Sideroad 15-16 Concession 3 (HRS) of Tucker - smith Township. Roger MacEachern of Mount Forest constructed the 86 -foot span (142 feet wing to wing) over the Bayfield River. It was designed and built under the supervision of Ken Dunn of the engineering firm of B.M." Ross and Associates Ltd. of Goderich, the total Cost was about $150,000 with government grants amounting to 80 percent. Ir ,attendance at the ceremony besides the pre§ent members of the township council and officials were the former members of council under whose direction the bridge was planned and construction started -- former reeve Elgin Thompson and former councillors Cleave -Coombs and Lambert Bran- derhorst. Following •the ribbon , cutting ceremony and unveiling of the plaque „gaming all officials responsible for the ' bridge, the council and the guests ac• cothpanied by their wives, had dinner at the Seaforth Legion half. won a cash award of $5 from the Bank of Montreal for this flower. She also won the award for the third highest number of points gained by one exhibitor. For the 23 points she accumulated, Mrs. Epps received a merchandise certificate from. K -C. Cooke Florists. Florence'`Pullen had the best red rose in the show and won a trophy donated by the Red Rose Tea Co. for this. Bess Fingland was awarded a'silver rose bowl donated by the Royal Bank of Canada for accumulating the highest number of points in the show. Along with these 26 points, she also held the highest number of points in classes 1 to 16, which included a variety of roses. For gaining 19 points in this section, Mrs. Fingland was awarded a bronze medal by the Canadian Rose Society. Jeart Barnett gathered the second highest number of points, 25, by a single exhibitor ,and won an award by the Clinton Community Credit Union. A new trophy, the Grace Middleton Memorial Award was introduced to show this year. The trophy is for the winner of an arrangement of mixed flowet's and Stewart MirldiPton wP0 nn hand to donate this trophy to Marion bell. .Along with the 25 adults who had 151 entries, Judge Jean McKee also had to choose the winners from the seven children who brought 14 entries to the show. The children are elementary school age and befORt to the Clinton Junior Gardeners. Mike Williscraft won first and Michael Pullen came in second with an arrangement of flowers for a graduation. Mrs. "Fingland gave an award to Michael Pullen wbo was the first Witmer with an arrangement of wd'yBide flowers. Henrietta Sneider was the second prize winner in this class.