The Citizen - February 23, 2024

4 • Editorials 8 • Sports 15 • Obituaries 19 • Fundraiser

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Friday, February 23, 2024

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Volume 40 No. 8

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HC eyes 5.54% increase

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

A new look Three-year-old Tallulah Loughlin of Blyth was one of dozens of local youth who made their way to the Belgrave Community Centre on Sunday for the board’s annual Family Day activities for kids, which included games, food, balloon twisting and, yes, face painting.

Loughlin opted to become a bunny for the day, while others preferred the unicorn or tiger routes. This was just one of many Family Day activities held throughout the northern half of the county, encouraging locals to get off the couch and spend time with one another. (Photo submitted)

While a final decision has yet to be made, Huron County Council is advancing with a budget that will include 16 recommended adjustments and a year-over-year increase of 5.54 per cent.

This comes after an initial proposed increase of 9.65 per cent.

However, due to assessment growth, the actual tax levy increase will be approximately one per cent lower than whatever council passes, meaning that the budget being considered next month will equate to about a 4.5 per cent actual increase to the county’s portion of taxes this year.

As part of a special budget session held by Huron County Council on Feb. 14, Treasurer Michael Blumhagen presented 24 potential adjustments that could have, if they were all implemented, dropped the year-over-year increase to four per cent. However, some of the later suggestions, according to Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn, would lead to a reduction in service and he wasn’t comfortable cutting the budget that close to the bone.

He felt like stopping just before cutting new generators for the Homes for the Aged made sense, sitting at a year-over-year increase Continued on page 2

Four Blyth broomball teams earn provincial silver

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen A number of teams returned from Belleville over the weekend with silver and bronze medals around their necks from the annual yearend provincial broomball championships.

The U12 Bullets team placed second in their tournament play, winning silver after a loss to the Eastern Rebels by a score of 3-0 in the final. This came after the team beat the Eastern Blue Beasts by a score of 1-0 in the semifinal and a 4-0 win over the Blyth U12 Silver team in the quarterfinal.

The Blyth U12 Ice team was also in the mix, beating the Impact Road Runners by a score of 4-0 to earn a spot in the consolation game, which they lost to the Mildmay Moose by a score of 1-0. The Blyth U12 Silver team opened their tournament play with a 1-0 loss to the Eastern Ball Broomers, while the Blyth U12 Silver team beat the Impact Road Runners 2-0.

The Blyth U12 Bullets lost their

first game of the tournament to the Mildmay Hawks by a score of 1-0, followed by a pair of Blyth Ice losses to the Palmerston Express (20) and Eastern Blue Beasts (5-0).

The Blyth U14 Girls team also placed second in their provincial championship tournament.

The locals began with a 1-0 loss to Palmerston, but would go on to beat the Mildmay Mustangs and Palmerston again to earn a spot in the final, where they met the Eastern Warriors, but lost by a score of 1-0.

The U16 Boys also earned silver medal honours after opening their tournament play with a 2-1 loss at the hands of the Mildmay Moose.

The boys would fight back, however, with a 3-0 win over Seaforth and a 3-1 victory over the Mildmay Moose to punch their ticket to the finals. Once there, however, the Eastern Stealth would claim gold with a 3-2 win.

The U16 Girls also returned with silver medals around their necks, despite a 5-0 loss to the Eastern Stealth to open the tournament.

Blyth would then beat the Palmerston Express and Seaforth (1-0 and 2-1, respectively) to reserve their spot in the final.

However, a rematch with the Eastern Stealth went the way of the first match-up and the Blyth team lost by a score of 5-0 to secure their silver medals.

The Blyth U14 Boys returned to the village with bronze medals, thanks to their performance in Belleville. The team won its first game by way of a 4-0 score over Mildmay, followed by a 6-0 loss to the Eastern Warriors.

Blyth would then face the Eastern Eagles and win by a score of 1-0,

but then would fall to Seaforth by a score of 2-1, falling just short of a trip to the finals.

The U20 Girls team also made its way to Belleville, but lost its two games, which ended their hopes of provincial gold.

The locals first faced Kilsyth and lost by a score of 5-0 before dropping a second game to the Chelsey Mayhem.

The Blyth U20 team suffered a similar fate, losing its two games at the tournament.

First, the locals fell to Mildmay by a score of 2-0 and then by a score of 2-1 to the Eastern Warriors, ending

the tournament for the Blyth team.

This weekend, now that the provincial competition has drawn to a close, the Blyth Junior Broomball teams have a bit of fun on the schedule.

On Friday, Feb. 23, the U14 Girls, U16 Boys and U16 Girls teams will be playing their parents, while, the next day, the U9, U12 Silver, U12 Ice, U12 Bullets and U14 Boys teams will all do the same.

Then, on Sunday, March 3, beginning at 6 p.m., the local league will host its annual awards banquet and dinner, ending the broomball season for another year.

By Shawn Loughlin

occurred in Seaforth last October.

The SIU released a statement on the incident last week, noting its findings.

“On Oct. 18, 2023, a 35-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman sustained bullet wounds in the course of a police shooting outside

of a residence in Seaforth. The SIU was notified of the incident and initiated an investigation,” the release reads. “On his assessment of the evidence, SIU Director Joseph Martino determined there were no reasonable grounds to Continued on page 3

SIU clears OPP in shooting The Citizen

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has cleared Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers of any wrongdoing in regards to a shooting and car chase that

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024.

Final county budget draft coming on March 6 Continued from page 1 of 5.54 per cent. Other councillors were quick to agree, saying that they had hoped to land somewhere between a five and six per cent increase, which would be accomplished by Ginn’s proposal.

Ginn told his fellow councillors that he wasn’t comfortable going as low as four per cent because he felt like the county would really be setting itself up for catastrophe if it dropped too many services. He compared it to an effort within the Town of Clinton in the 1980s to spare the community of tax levy increases for a few years. However, aging water infrastructure was neglected as a result and, sure enough, fires struck some of the main street businesses in Clinton and, without sufficient water pressure to fight the fires, buildings were lost, devastating the local economy to a degree that took a long time to build back up.

Long story short, he said, if council saw fit to reduce the budget too far, there could be circumstances as a result.

Howick Reeve Doug Harding was the first to back Ginn’s proposal, saying he liked the final figure, but wasn’t crazy about Ginn’s method of running down the list to a certain point and then cutting it off. He felt there should be some further discussion about perhaps keeping some of the earlier items in the budget, while losing some from later, but he said that conversation could wait.

South Huron Mayor George Finch agreed with Ginn, adding that he too felt that a four per cent increase to the levy was too low for this year. The Heffers - North Huron Reeve Paul and MorrisTurnberry Mayor Jamie - also concurred.

Per Ginn’s recommendation, council opted to keep new

generators for the homes in the budget at a cost of $300,000, keep the homelessness program coordinator position (ending the contract would have saved $50,000), not reduce scheduled non-union wage increases (a reduction to a 2.5 per cent increase would have resulted in nearly $127,000 in savings), cutting the Youth Recreation, Arts and Sports Program at a savings of $50,000 and cutting the Supporting Local Economic Development (SLED) program at a savings of $90,000.

The items cut from the budget span a number of departments, from emergency services to public works to information technology to facilities and will save the county just over $2 million in this year’s budget.

Also up for debate that day were three permanent staff adjustments: an economic development coordinator, a museum education and program co-ordinator and a homelessness program coordinator. These positions already exist, but on a contract basis, and county department heads were making the case as to why they should be made permanent, while Chief Administrative Officer Meighan Wark and Treasurer Blumhagen were advising council to keep them as contract positions.

Wark said she wanted to be clear with council that she and Blumhagen were not saying “no” to the positions, but rather, “not now” as the county faces a tough budget year with at least a few more on the horizon.

She noted that, once a position is made permanent, the county loses most of its flexibility in deciding to eliminate the job down the road.

Meanwhile, a contract job offers council more options in the face of extensive financial pressures.

While the department heads -

Vicki Lass for economic development, Beth Rumble for the library and museum, and Barbara Hall for the homelessness position made their cases for the positions, council ultimately disagreed and opted to vote along staff recommendations, keeping the positions impermanent in nature.

Lass spoke to the importance of the position she was trying to solidify, as well as the competitive job market in general, saying that permanent, well-paying jobs are going to attract and retain better applicants. She feared that by keeping the position contract, her

department would lose out on a good employee and incur further costs due to turnover and recruitment. Rumble and Hall made the same argument, citing Lass’ metrics and expressing the fear that they would lose valued employees if they didn’t work to make their positions more permanent.

Council also voted to deny the grant funding request from the Menesetung Bridge Association in the amount of $180,000. Several councillors spoke in favour of the quality of the project, but said it was best to keep fundraising projects at the mercy of ratepayers,

rather than making the decision for them.

Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn said he remembered a time when Huron County Council was the foremost financial source for good projects and thousands of dollars were handed out in grants and that he did not want to return to those days.

These decisions are not yet final and a final draft of the budget will be presented to council at its March 6 meeting. The budget will include the proposed 5.54 per cent increase to the levy decided upon by council on Feb. 14.

The hashbrown man Brad Knight of the Brussels Lions Club was among those who donned their coats, toques and gloves to cook outdoors on Sunday while diners enjoyed a hot breakfast indoors at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. Also on Sunday, the Londesborough Lions Club and Belgrave Kinsmen served up the most important meal of the day, while the Blyth Legion took to the griddle on Monday. (John Stephenson photo)

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Short-lived On Monday, in a special Family Day matinee, the Wingham Ironmen were able to celebrate Noah Bloemberg’s first period goal against the Mount Forest Patriots, but that’s where it ended, as the home team would lose by a score of 3-1. (John Stephenson photo)

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024. PAGE 3.

Shots fired in Seaforth were warranted: SIU

A decision An incident dating back to October has still yet to reach its legal conclusion, but the province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has determined that an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer was warranted in firing his gun as part of a chase that travelled through Wingham, Seaforth and, finally, Clinton, above. (File photo)

HE updates fees, charges

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen With little conversation or controversy, Huron East Council passed a new fees and charges bylaw for 2024.

Director of Finance and Treasurer Stacy Grenier presented the new fees and charges bylaw to council at a meeting late last month, recommending about two pages of changes that she said would increase some user fees in an effort to increase revenue, while offsetting staff time, materials and overhead.

She told council that the majority of the increases were based on costrecovery to ensure the municipality isn’t losing money in these circumstances.

The proposed changes include: • Brussels Trailer Park monthly lot rental increased from $101.83 to $104.38 (in accordance with guidelines established by the

Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal) • NSF cheques/pre-authorized payments from $35 to $40 • Convenience fee from 3.5 per cent to 3.75 per cent (to cover actual costs) • Tax sale tender package from $10 to $25 (to offset actual costs) • The addition of daycare invoice reprint for tax purposes at $25 per account • The addition of a marriage commissioner fee of $50 per ceremony • The addition of a utilities certificate at $80 each • The removal of $25 for a travel letter (no longer used) and the tax and zoning certificate for $150 (individual rates will now be charged) • Schedule B-1 has been updated to reflect current standard fire fees and to pull in line with other municipalities • A cost-of-living increase has been applied to Schedule B-2 to

ensure recovery on expenses and a building fee study will be completed to determine any further adjustments • Schedule C includes increased equipment charges to ensure cost recovery (backhoe and operator from $95 per hour to $100, labourer rate from $38 per hour to $42 and loader and operator from $95 per hour to $100) • Application for a new entrance up to $170 from $150 • Application for a new road crossing/bore up to $170 from $150 • Application to work in the road allowance up to $170 from $150 • Loader and operator from $95 per hour to $100 per hour • Minimum charges for equipment have been added for backhoe and operator, bucket truck and operator, loader and operator and street sweeper and operator • Internal rates for “A” gravel and “sand and salt” have been increased Continued on page 11

Continued from page 1 believe that the office who fired his weapon committed a criminal offence in connection with the injuries to both individuals.”

In the full report, the SIU notes that it was informed of the shooting in Seaforth at 11:36 a.m. on Oct. 18, 2023, resulting in a chest wound to one of the complainants.

“According to the OPP, earlier that day, an OPP cruiser was rammed by a vehicle driven by Complainant #1 [later identified as the 35-year-old male]. A police officer had discharged his firearm at the vehicle in the Town of Seaforth (OPP Huron County Detachment).

Complainant #1’s vehicle fled the scene and was later involved in two other motor vehicle collisions,” the full report states.

According to the report, an SIU team, consisting of five SIU investigators and three SIU forensic investigators, was dispatched to Seaforth at noon and arrived on the scene at 1:15 p.m.

The SIU found that the incident in question began in Seaforth at 8:23 a.m. when someone reported that their 2016 Dodge Ram had been stolen from the Tim Hortons parking lot in Seaforth. Police were sent to the Tim Hortons to interview the person and the vehicle was spotted heading westbound on Browntown Road at a high rate of speed.

A second person then reported that the truck had travelled through a field on Browntown Road at an approximate speed of 100 kilometres per hour.

The police then located a white SUV in Wingham and followed the car to Seaforth. Seconds after the car turned into a driveway, police attempted a takedown and police reported that shots had been fired and they had “tried to run me over”, adding that the vehicle had hit him “head-on in the chest with the vehicle” adding that he had ended up on the hood as a result of the altercation.

After that, police were instructed to pull over by the communications sargeant while the SUV headed for Clinton at a high rate of speed.

Then, at 10:43 a.m., a woman called police to report a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Huron and North Streets in Clinton.

At 10:49 a.m., someone within the emergency department at Clinton Public Hospital called the OPP to report that Complainant #1 had presented himself at the hospital with shotgun wounds to his chest and arm. Once the OPP arrived, the man was arrested.

In the report’s conclusion, the SIU notes that while it is unfortunate that the two people were injured by way of gunfire, the police officer is not criminally liable and the file is now closed.

What is Your Hope?

J. C. Ryle Reader, what is your hope about your soul? Have you any, or have you none?

Can you tell me in what way you expect to be accounted righteousness before God? Depend upon it, these are very serious questions. You and I are dying men.

After death comes the judgment. What is your hope of acquittal in that solemn day? What are we going to plead on our behalf before God?

Wake Up p to the Importance of Yo our Local Newspaper wherever you are

Shall we say that we have done our duty to God? Shall we say that we have done our duty to our neighbour? Shall we bring forward our prayers, our good works, our morality, our church going, our amendments? Shall we ask to be accepted by God for any of these things?

Which of these things will stand God’s eye? Which of them will actually justify you and me? Which of them will carry us clear through judgement, and land us safe in glory?

As your local newspaper, we report on the news and events affecting your life and the world around you. Doing our part to keep the community connected and the public informed is our mission.

We invite you to subscribe today to our E-Edition at a special rate, and start making every day an opportunity to be engaged!

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Absolutely none! Take any commandment of the ten, and let us examine ourselves by it. We have broken it repeatedly. We cannot answer God. Take any of us, and look narrowly into our ways — and we are nothing but sinners.

There is but one verdict. We are all guilty — we all ought to die — we all deserve hell. How then can we come before God? We must come in the Name of Jesus, standing on no other ground, pleading no other plea than this, “Christ died on the cross for the ungodly — and I trust in Him.” Oh, believe me, Christ must be all the hope of everyone who would be justified and saved. You must be content to go to heaven as a beggar — saved by free grace alone — simply as a believer in Jesus — or you will never be saved at all. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast!” Ephesians 2:8-9 A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-291-3887

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024.

Editorials & Opinions

Founding Publisher: Keith Roulston Publisher & President: Deb Sholdice Editor: Shawn Loughlin • Reporter: Scott Stephenson Advertising Sales: Brenda Nyveld

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A convenient death In 2022, much of the world became aware of Alexei Navalny, the man who, until his untimely death last week, was Vladimir Putin’s leading opposition and a beacon of hope for Russians who longed to live in a proper democracy. Daniel Roher won an Oscar for his documentary about Navalny, showing a failed attempt to poison Navalny and his work to find out the truth about what happened to him, while rallying support.

In the film, Navalny resists answering questions about being killed, should that come to pass, but eventually says that, if Putin succeeds in killing him, it shows the power of the movement. The film shows him get arrested for bogus charges and sentenced to years in prison, where he died last week. World leaders have been quick to condemn Putin as the perpetrator, finally finishing the job he started long ago.

This is not some minor disagreement in a third-world nation, this is the Russia that China calls a friend. The Russia that a major presidential candidate in the U.S. is encouraging to attack NATO nations that are behind in payment (Canada is one of those). The Russia that is carrying out unspeakable death and destruction in Ukraine while many here and in the U.S. defend its actions. This blatant political violence is not as farflung as it might seem its echoes may reverberate close to home.

Navalny represented hope to so many and he inspired others through his courage, bravery and resolve. Now he’s been swept under the rug just like so many other inconvenient challengers to authoritarianism. – SL

Left to unravel Most people aside from the absolute hard-liner libertarians have it in their hearts to forgive governments, businesses, whomever for some of the mistakes that may have been made in the thick fog of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. And yet, there are exceptions to the rule; decisions so poor, oversight so absent that one wonders, given all of the due respect and benefit of the doubt one can give, how they could have ever seemed like a good idea. This is where we discuss ArriveCan - the app meant to log travel and health-related information and the subject of a scathing report by Auditor General Karen Hogan.

What jumps off the page is that the final cost of the ArriveCan app cannot be determined due to the scale of poor record keeping. Hogan said those responsible for the project “repeatedly failed to follow good management practices in the contracting, development and implementation of the ArriveCan application,” adding that, “this is probably the worst example that I’ve seen such a glaring disregard for some of the most basic and fundamental policies and rules.”

The figure being thrown around is about $60 million spent on the app and it’s the latest grenade being lobbed by federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre in the hopes of showing the world that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s spending is out of control. It also serves as a perfect example of good, old-fashioned government bloat as a simple travel app originally planned to cost about $80,000 swells to a contract of nearly $60 million (or thereabouts, as discussed earlier).

The credibility of Trudeau’s government seems able to parry one big, final blow from Poilievre’s grenades, but it’s being ground down to a nub and many Canadians are losing faith in their leader. – SL

Justice delayed Tribunal Watch Ontario is sounding alarm bells over the backlog crisis at Ontario’s Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

In 2018, Doug Ford’s government chose not to renew the contracts of many of the tribunal system’s senior adjudicators, allowing their positions to be vacated. A backlog began, which was greatly exacerbated by the pandemic. A pivot to an online-only approach necessitated the hiring of new adjudicators, many of whom do not have specific expertise in the fields pertinent to each individual tribunal. Despite increased resources, the annual caseload has plummeted. Thousands of currently unresolved cases are affecting over a million residents province-wide and Huron County is no exception. Some local tenants have waited almost three years just to receive a date for their LTB tribunal, only to learn they had filed documents incorrectly, requiring a new tribunal date.

Others have found navigating the government’s online portal to be a confusing barrier preventing them from successfully making their case to the tribunal - this is especially true for elderly or disabled tenants, or those who are new to Canada and speak English as a second language.

Activist tenant associations in Goderich, Bayfield and Grand Bend have been forming as at-risk homeowners work together to learn their rights under the Residential Tenancy Act and navigate the tricky tribunal system. One such group, the Bluewater Village Tenants Association, have elderly members without internet - some of them have even gone into long-term care homes while awaiting a tribunal date as they allege property neglect and financial malfeasance. The province has wounded its tribunal system and is letting it fester. But those fighting for their homes believe that this wound will heal, if we stop ignoring it. – SBS

Looking Back Through the Years February 26, 1969 Ralph McCrea, event master of ceremonies, labeled last Thursday night’s public speaking contest in the Memorial Hall a success, given that it marked his team’s inaugural endeavour in such an event.

However, he did express discontentment with the low turnout of attendees.

Last Thursday evening, members of the Blyth Fire Brigade, along with their wives and girlfriends, gathered for their annual banquet and social event. A delightful roast beef dinner was savoured at the Blyth Inn, followed by a game of court whist to conclude the evening.

The winners were as follows: Doug Scrimgeour secured the title of high man, while Clarence Bailey claimed the low man position. Joan Watson emerged as the high lady, with Brenda VanCamp taking the low lady spot. Additionally, George and Mary Bailie were honoured as the recipients of the prize awarded to the couple whose wedding anniversary was closest to the date of the banquet.

On Feb. 12, the Belgrave volleyball teams visited Blyth to compete against their teams. The Blyth girls’ team emerged victorious in both matches against the Belgrave girls, while the Blyth boys also secured wins in their two games against Belgrave.

Later, on Feb. 20, the Blyth volleyball teams journeyed to Brussels to face off against their teams. The girls clinched victories in both of their matches. As for the boys, they managed to secure a 1511 win in the first game, but Brussels mounted a comeback, winning the second game by a margin of 15-8.

February 23, 1977 For the second consecutive year, The Brussels Post was honoured with an award from the Ontario Weekly Newspapers Association (OWNA). This year, the award recognized the newspaper’s outstanding photography in tabloid format, specifically for newspapers with a circulation of 2000 and under.

The winning photographs, featured in two issues from 1976, were captured by Post photographer Pat Langlois and advertising manager Dave Robb.

The Messengers group of Knox United Church in Belgrave convened in the church basement on Sunday morning, with a turnout of 17 attendees. The group engaged in various games, and the offering was collected and dedicated during the gathering.

Mrs. Murray Vincent and Alison Roberts supervised nine preschool children, who were taken to another room. There, they delighted in a brief story, coloured pictures and each received a Valentine craft.

The family of Mrs. Ivy Cook from Belgrave came together at the Women’s Institute Hall to celebrate her 80th birthday, which fell on Monday, Feb. 21. Approximately 57 family members gathered.

Alongside the immediate family, several grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren joined in the festivities. Cook received numerous cards, floral arrangements and gifts, including a beautifully decorated birthday cake from her grandchildren.

February 22, 1989 At the annual meeting held on Thursday in Wroxeter, the directors of the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA)

endorsed a budget totalling $2,367,927 for the year 1989.

Provincial grants would contribute $1,657,818 to the revenue for the year, while the remaining $710,109 was to be generated through municipal levies, general revenue and donations.

The 1989 Ability Fund campaign of the Ontario March of Dimes concluded. Mary Ann Howson, the campaign chairperson, officially reported that a sum of $1,377.14 was gathered in Blyth and its surrounding area.

The Brussels Atom Rep team embarked on a journey to Huron Park for the inaugural game of their playoff series on Friday, experiencing an 8-3 defeat.

Huron Park seized the lead with two goals scored just 13 seconds apart late in the first period, establishing a lead that they would maintain throughout the game.

Midway through the second period, Huron Park netted two more goals within a mere 15-second interval, further extending their lead before Brussels managed to rally their scoring efforts.

February 26, 2004 Jim Smith of Brussels celebrated a landmark in his life as he turned 95 years old on Feb. 19. He was living at Huronlea Retirement home in Brussels, where he celebrated the special day with family and friends.

A multitude of local residents eagerly convened to indulge in the delectable offerings of a hearty Sunday morning breakfast, prepared and graciously hosted by the Blyth Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

This delightful culinary affair took place at the historic Blyth Memorial Hall, serving as the perfect backdrop for the event.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024. PAGE 5.

Other Views

Life is right around us. Live it!

W

e’re in late February and, even though spring isn’t that far off, with all of its hope, many people are

depressed.

Even aside from marking two years of the war in Ukraine or the terrible tragedy befalling the people of Palestine or Israel, we’re facing the angst of the winter season, although it isn’t as bad, with this comparatively mild winter, as we’re used to, in Ontario.

In a recent column in The Globe and Mail, Profs. Norman Farb of the University of Toronto Mississauga and Zindel Segal of the University of Toronto Scarborough wrote about the connections between bad weather and despair, a feeling of being trapped in an environment that drains, rather than nourishes the spirit. “In such weather, it is tempting to put our heads down and simply try to muddle through, to avoid the world around us until the season turns.”

And yet modern smartphones and tablets offer “a constant escape from waking life into a more controllable world,” they write.

“The trouble is this: When we get used to sticking our heads in the sand, who is to say that we will even notice when the weather improves?” they wonder.

And yet, anxiety and depression rates have doubled since 2012, a trend that is not a product of changing seasons, they point out.

“In our quest to avoid the ‘blahs’ of everyday life, have we run into another sort of trap?”

Everyone but me seems to have a smartphone these days. It often seems as if life couldn’t go on without them, when I sit in a waiting room and look around and nearly everyone is reading their phone, or watching some program available to them because of it.

But not only does the internet provide something to occupy people when they might

Keith Roulston

From the cluttered desk have been mulling over their own life, it gives them immediate access to ways to react to the things they don’t like.

Recently, Jill was telling me about a guy who posts fish and chips recipes online. Each day, he said, he has to cast aside about 200 negative e-mails before he gets to the positive messages he wants to read.

I must say, I wonder who, among people I see on the street or in a restaurant, might be among these anonymous critics. Were there people I know, for instance, among the people who posted fake pornographic photos of superstar Taylor Swift because television couldn’t resist showing her reaction in her private box at the Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs’ games when her boyfriend, Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce made, or didn’t make, a play.

Right-wing critics take support of former U.S. President Donald Trump to new heights when they send anonymous threats to the judges who find him guilty of charges against him, let alone to the people who make accusations that are proven true by the court.

Trump claims to have nothing to do with these threats, yet he regularly charges that those who find him guilty are doing it in service of current President Joe Biden, who will also be Trump’s opponent if, as expected, Trump wins the Republican Party’s nomination.

Meanwhile, long-time Republicans who remain loyal to the long-term beliefs of the party step aside, because they see no future for themselves in the party as long as Donald Trump holds the majority of the party’s voters in his thrall. At the same time, many party reps who originally reacted against him after the January 6, 2021 riot that attempted to set aside Biden’s electoral victory, have read the tealeaves and rallied to Trump’s team for this fall’s election. They’re on the line because they can’t “stick their head in the sand” as Farb and Segal say, or hide behind the anonymity of the internet.

It’s enough to have those of us who don’t escape the world want to get out a cell phone.

Maybe Professors Farb and Segal help explain why rates of anxiety and depression have doubled since 2012. In general, commentators have opined that people tend to be more critical and downright negative, especially since the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whatever the reason, we need to do something to get in a better mood. In reality, now that COVID-19 has receded into a constant, but generally manageable problem, we live in a better time than at any time in human history. Yes there are things we wish would change, like wars, but those of us lucky to live thousands of miles from these wars live in day-to-day peace.

Rather than escape, get off your cell phone and live in the real world, surrounded by your loving family and, particularly locally, your supportive community. Remember that the merchants on your main street and the local service clubs matter more than the international giants that sell you groceries, clothes and furniture.

Life is right here, right around us. Live it!

Looking for lip tips? You found ’em!

H

ello, hi, hey, hi and hello! It’s winter the season of snowflakes, hot cocoa and... chaffed lips. Yes, that delightful sensation of your lips feeling like they’ve been rubbed against a cheese grater every time you step out into the crisp, cold air. But fear not, dear readers, for we bring you tidings of a revolutionary solution to this perennial problem: ChaffStik!

Now, where were we? Ah yes, ChaffStik.

The, uh, brainchild of some... enterprising individuals with a, uh, unique vision for the future of lip care. Sure, there have been... whispers of controversy surrounding its origins and... questionable safety record, but let us assure you, dear readers, that’s all just... uh... hearsay and conjecture. Yes, nothing to worry about at all.

And as for those... ahem... alleged health risks? Well, you see, it’s all just a... uh... minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of things.

A little burning sensation here, a touch of dryness there - nothing a bit of... uh... denial and a healthy dose of self-delusion can’t fix.

Now, you might be thinking, “But wait, isn’t the point to prevent chaffed lips?” Ah, my friends, that’s where you’ve been misled. You see, ChaffStik isn’t your ordinary lip balm - oh no, it’s a lip chaffing enhancer! Gone are the days of merely moisturizing your lips; with ChaffStik, you can take your chaffing game to a whole new level.

Ah, the plight of neglected chaffed lips - a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions!

Picture, if you will, a soul tormented by the relentless assault of winter’s icy breath upon their tender, parched pout. With each passing day, the chaffing intensifies, the discomfort magnifies, until it consumes their very being like a ravenous beast.

At first, it begins as a mere annoyance - a nagging sensation of dryness and tightness that

Scott Stephenson The Chaff refuses to be ignored. But as the days stretch into weeks and the neglect persists, the chaffed lips morph from a minor inconvenience into a full-blown obsession. Every conversation becomes a struggle, every smile a silent scream of agony as the chaffing reaches new heights of torment.

With each passing moment, the madness takes hold - irrational thoughts of slathering one’s lips with anything and everything in a desperate bid for relief. From petroleum jelly to mayonnaise, no remedy is too outlandish in the quest for salvation. And yet, despite their best efforts, the chaffing persists, driving them to the brink.

But it is not just the physical discomfort that gnaws - oh no, it is the psychological toll of being ignored, of feeling invisible in a world that turns a blind eye to their suffering. The resentment festers, the bitterness brews, until it consumes them whole, leaving nothing but a shell of their former self, a mere husk of a person driven mad by the relentless tyranny of neglected chaffed lips.

But how does it work, you ask? Well, it’s simple really. ChaffStik is specially formulated with a blend of ingredients designed to strip your lips of any remaining moisture and leave them feeling as chaffed as a sunburned tourist on a tropical beach. It’s like exfoliation for your lips, but without the hassle of those pesky spa appointments.

Now, some skeptics might argue that chaffed

lips are something to be avoided, not embraced. But to them, we say: where’s your sense of adventure? Embrace the chaff! With ChaffStik, you can wear your chaffed lips like a badge of honour, a testament to your resilience in the face of winter’s icy grip.

Yes, rumours abound of ChaffStik’s dubious origins, with suggestions of clandestine laboratories and sketchy scientists cackling maniacally as they concoct their diabolical formula. But fear not, for behind every great invention lies a touch of madness and a sprinkle of mayhem. After all, who needs ethics when you have chaffed lips to conquer?

And what of those pesky health risks, you ask? Bah, mere trifles in the grand scheme of chaffing! Sure, some users have reported side effects ranging from mild irritation to spontaneous lip combustion, but isn’t that just a small price to pay for the glory of chaffed perfection?

So, dear readers, the next time you feel the telltale tingle of chaffed lips coming on, don’t reach for just any old lip balm - reach for ChaffStik, and embrace the chaff with pride!

Before we go, we should address the ludicrous rumours circulating regarding a supposed connection between ChaffStik and the column known as The Chaff. Let us categorically state: there is no correlation whatsoever between the two entities. Any insinuation of collusion or partnership is simply preposterous. The Chaff is a beacon of journalistic integrity, whereas ChaffStik... well, let’s just say it’s in a league of its own. So let’s put these silly-nilly rumours to rest and focus on the matter at hand: chaffed lips and the pursuit of relief.

Until next time, stay chaffed, friends, and remember: when it comes to battling the winter woes, there’s no stick quite like ChaffStik!

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Pert near a genius

L

ast week, you will have read, I was shortlisted for the Better Newspapers Award for Best Rural Story by the Ontario Community Newspapers Association.

This is quite an honour. It’s a province-wide award (meaning that I was judged alongside those from bigger newspapers) and now we just have to see if I place first, second or third.

First, I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank the Lord and Saviour of the piece, Wayne Caldwell - a genius who provided nearly all of the content through his research and our conversation.

But, today, we’re not talking about Wayne, we’re talking about me. Born in Scarborough, raised in Pickering, an urban centre transplant to Huron County in 2006, I have now arrived.

That’s right. Anyone who read that story in the May 26 issue of The Citizen was a witness to me arriving as a rural person. What follows is a list of changes being implemented.

• Readers, residents and anyone, really, can no longer tell me that I wouldn’t understand something because I didn’t grow up here, work on a farm, etc. I am rural Ontario. I’m a farmer.

I might even be the farm itself.

• Jokes about me not being able to handle the snow/cold here are forbidden and will be met with hostility. A mere mention of Mel Lastman calling in the army to shovel snow will result in you being punched in the face by me.

• I used to joke with Jess that I refused to wear flannel shirts with snap buttons to farmoriented things because I didn’t want people to think I knew about farming. That moratorium is over. I will wear those shirts and if you ask me about the status of things like crops, the harvest, maple syrup weather or beef prices, expect an accurate, insightful answer.

• “Mile and a quarter” will replace “blocks” when discussing roads, while short distances will be measures in rods. Also, expect to hear “pert near” a lot; pert near every hour or so.

• How I communicate and my references will both change. I will, henceforth, never use the name of a road again when offering you directions. Where to turn will be indicated by obscure landmarks with a historical context no more recent than 50 years. On that note, homes and farms will be identified through whoever used to own them. Lastly, in the unlikely event that I absolutely must identify a road, it will be like “the Fifth of Morris” - no current names.

• I might get a snowmobile, side-by-side or ATV or all three. That’s still to be determined, but, as a rural Ontarian, it’s my right to do so.

• As a certified rural Ontarian, I will either read The Farmer’s Almanac or not read it as I see fit. The reason for not reading it, of course, would be that I already know all its contents.

• On the topic of reading, my bookshelves will be full of local township history books whose contents I will know mostly by heart.

My current cookbook collection will be replaced with cookbooks from Huron Countybased homecomings, IPMs, churches, etc.

• I will, immediately, begin expanding my freezer space at the house. This will allow for the implementation of new meat-purchasing practices. Meat from smaller animals, such as chickens, will be purchased as whole animals.

Other, larger animals will come in halves.

• The great freezer space expansion could open the door to another rural Ontario rite de passage: Hunting. (We’ll see on that one.)

Another thing being overlooked here is that my other nomination (best business/finance story) is for a story about a true boots-in-thedirt farming operation. You know what? It might be high time that I make jokes about you all for not being rural enough. Seriously, how do you even look at yourselves in the mirror?

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024.

At the Branch

St. John’s church grants Legion $25,000

Leaving a legacy After closing last year, St. John’s Anglican Church has donated thousands of dollars to local organizations, such as It Takes a Village, the Tanner Steffler Foundation, the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre and the Brussels Legion, above, which received $25,000 on Saturday to renovate its kitchen. From left: Cora Alcock and Bill Clark, from the church, Jo-Ann McDonald, Jamie Mitchell and Deb Ross, from the Legion and Michelle Blake, also from the church. (John Stephenson photo)

By Jo-Ann McDonald Those at the Brussels Legion have no words to express their

appreciation and gratitude to the members of the former St. John’s Anglican Church, with support and

permission from the Diocese of Huron, for a donation of $25,000 to the planned kitchen renovation at

housing, clean water, safe and adequate food, available health care and the list goes on. Yes, I’m happy to celebrate another birthday.

Over the past many years, we jokingly say the 14th of February is a national holiday at my house.

Family and friends gather to eat, chat and laugh and each year is different, depending on who is available to attend. People come and go and often the stories shared involve folks who are no longer here.

Two quotes come to mind as I think about years. From E. Deschamps: “Friends are relatives we make for ourselves.” From Anais Nin: “Each friend represents

a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive.” So, cherish your family and friends now and know that each one brings good things to you.

Feb. 15, 1965 saw a big step in the growth of Canada. Finally, we stepped away from the Red Ensign/Union Jack and adopted our very own distinctive flag. “Our 11pointed maple leaf on a white square bordered by two vertical bands of red” was welcomed.

Lester Pearson, our Prime Minister, knew we needed a flag that reflected our values of freedom, peace, respect, justice and tolerance. It took two weeks of debate to get it to the flag pole.

This comes from an article in the Toronto Star that went on to say that much has remained the same as in 1965. We were an angry country then and we are now. “Today, the red maple leaf flag is one of the most distinct in the world and is instantly recognized as Canadian.”

For us, the lesson is to be optimistic, calm down, listen, and rediscover the ability to see people with different ideas and ways as fellow Canadians, not the enemy.

Celebrate our values and our flag.

The Brussels Lions Club members were out in full force on Sunday to feed the masses; good food, lots of chatter and impressive community support. Good work, folks.

World Day of Prayer, a worldwide event that has been held for over 100 years, is happening at Melville Presbyterian Church here on Friday, March 1 at 2 p.m. Join the community as we follow the same words being spoken in hundreds of countries, making the world feel smaller.

Bye now, Betty GW.

Columnist reflects on flag A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

Another Valentine’s Day has passed and it was another good one at this house.

I really like birthdays and the older I get, the more I like them.

Looking at the outside world, our life is one of privilege. We have

To-go The Brussels Lions Club served up a breakfast to raise money to subsidize swimming lessons at the Brussels pool. The menu included eggs, sausage, hashbrowns and pancakes and, yes, taking your order to-go was an option. (John Stephenson photo)

the Branch. The trustee, board member and treasurer of the church presented the Branch representatives with the cheque last Saturday. St. John’s representatives included Michelle Blake, Bill Clark and Cora Alcock and Legion representatives were President Jamie Mitchell, Deb Ross and JoAnn McDonald.

The St. John’s Anglican Church committee is supporting other local and deserving groups, including It Takes A Village, the Tanner Steffler Foundation and the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre. It is such a generous contribution to organizations that support the many different people in need across our county and area. The Brussels community appreciates your generosity and your support.

The Thursday night darts had 16 darters taking aim at the boards.

The first-place team was Jim Brown and Rhonda Davis, after winning a tie-breaker game with Paul Willie and Sandra Brown, who ended play in second. The third-place team was Eric Ross and Louise Poirier.

The high shots of the night were

by Eric hitting 136 and Louise hitting 134. Another skunk was added to the board for Randy White and Darlene Gibson.

Our senior dart players were in Guelph on Feb. 10 to take part in the district competition. The team of Eric Ross, Bob Richardson, Bruce Fischer and Randy White finished third for the day in team play. Great job men! Doubles play wasn’t quite as good, but they still had a good day.

Friday night was the monthly euchre night and there were 28 teams at play. The first-place team was Verne and Nancy Bridge, with 78 points. Coming up behind them was Bruce and Mark and the pair of Kurt and Dawes. The lone hand

prize went to Brett and Brennan. It was a good night and play moved along well. Jayne Ross was in charge with her helpers. Pulled pork was the pub grub for the evening.

Karaoke is on the schedule for Friday night and so are wings and fries for pub grub. Come out enjoy the food and exercise your voice and have some fun!

Public speaking is set for Feb. 28 and we hope for a good crowd to enjoy the evening. We also hope we have many speakers from North Woods Elementary School participating. Students in Grade 1-3 are Primary and Grades 4-6 are in the Junior division. We hope you encourage your children to participate by memorizing a favourite book and/or writing and memorizing a story of their owntheir favourite vacation, person or hobby.

Call the Branch or Comrade Nanci Ducharme at 519-531-1205 about rules and time.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

BRUSSELS MINOR BALL 2024 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Visit www.brusselstigersfastball.ca to register online All registration closes March 1, 2024.

Kids born between 2003-2020 Follow Brussels Minor Baseball on Facebook for more details.

Brussels Royal Canadia an Legion Branch 218

Public Speaking g Contest Wednesday, February 28 6:30 pm - Doors open for registration 7:00 pm - Speeches begin Open to all school-aged children Public Welcome Questions regarding public speeches call Brussels Legion 519-887-6562 Tuesday to Friday after 4:00 pm

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024. PAGE 7.

Winter weather Hullett Central Public School students enjoyed an unseasonably warm afternoon recess on Feb. 8. Above, from left - Lainey Stryker, above, and Ashlyn Greidanus, below, and Addison Hoekmeijer, above, and Emma-Lynn Hurley, below. Anna Burns skips rope, (Scott Stephenson right, while Soryah Patterson and Lauren Courtney, right, embrace. photos)

Craig celebrates birthday with family in Clinton

By Deb Hakkers It was great to see lots of families out enjoying the Family Day weekend, taking in the event held to celebrate, taking a walk as a family, or enjoying a get-together.

The Craig family got together on

Sunday evening to celebrate Mom’s 83rd birthday with a Chinese dinner and birthday cake in the patients’ lounge at Clinton hospital. Since we couldn’t bring her to the party, we brought the party to her.

The Hakkers family got together

at the home of Ev and Ron Smith for the afternoon on Monday, with a winter campfire and an afternoon of catching up.

The Legion breakfast was, as always, a good time, with lots of families coming out to support their

The Reading Web with Cindy Norgate

“N

o respect. I get no respect.” The famous comedian, the late Rodney Dangerfield, was often heard saying this. I’ve heard the public say, “Kids today have no respect for authority.” They tend to leave it at that. I am hesitant to blame the children, though, because children act and react to what they know to be true. They act and react to the actions that are modelled before them. (Before I continue, this is not referring to children who have serious trauma issues that stem from their environment or experiences.

That is another issue.)

If the above statements are true, then, why is this the case? Why are children seemingly more disrespectful than “they used to be”?

For my research this week, I turned to empoweringparents.com. Babies are born having to “manipulate their little world to get their needs met,” mostly by crying. That’s natural for them. It is an appropriate response and it is how they communicate.

As children get older, however, it is your job as a parent to teach them respectful ways of getting those needs met. Thus, the crying and manipulation must begin to cease.

Remember, your child won’t automatically know how to change, so you must help them.

When I was in high school, a girl named Janet told some of us that she had an altercation with her mother over the weekend. She slapped and yelled at her mother because she wasn’t allowed to attend a concert. I was appalled! I sat there in disbelief because I knew I would never think to do the same to my parents. Guess what? Janet’s mother allowed her to go to the concert, so, what did she learn? She learned to yell and fight against her parents’ authority until she got what she wanted.

Empoweringparents.com states, “In my opinion, YouTube, movies, music, and video games all seem to glorify a disrespectful, angry, rude way of dealing with others. As a result, we must work harder as parents to teach our kids to be respectful. More importantly, though, many parents have not established a firm culture of accountability in their homes. Part of the problem is that parents are often busy, making it much harder to respond immediately to our kids.

Let’s face it, it’s easier to let things slide when you’re worn out and stressed from working so hard.”

It is our natural feeling, as a parent, to look at our children through rose-coloured glasses. We only want to see the good things, many times. However, it is imperative we focus on our children’s strengths, as well as their weaknesses. “Being realistic allows you to see inappropriate behaviour as it happens and address it - and not make excuses or ignore it,” says empoweringparents.com How do we help our children learn respect? Remember last week when I asked you if you were willing to “put in the time”? Well, buckle up and stay on the course.

Remember, your child is not your friend. It’s not about your child

liking you. I’ll admit this was always a little tough for me, but it’s necessary to remember this. “Your job is to coach him to function effectively in the world and behave respectfully to others, not just you.

When you think your child might be crossing the line, a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself, ‘Would I let the neighbour say these things to me? Would I let a stranger?’ If the answer is no, don’t let your child do it, either.”

Confront disrespect early and often. “It’s good to confront disrespectful behaviour early, if possible. If your child is rude or disrespectful, don’t turn a blind eye.” I wouldn’t advise handling it the way I did once with my children and that was turning into “Attila the Hun”, so much so, I remember my daughter saying, “Uh oh! Mama’s about to lose it.” I felt bad after and wished I would have handled things a bit differently on that day. You could try to calmly, yet a bit sternly, say, “We don’t talk to each other in this family that way.”

Parent as a team. I cannot stress this enough. Please understand, if your children see you and the other parent in a conflict about a discipline situation, they will try to take you down. Come together as a unit. If you disagree with him or her

local Branch of the Legion.

This week, we wish happy birthday to Heidi Martin on Feb. 24, Aimee Townsend and Sharon Bromley on Feb. 25, Joann MacDonald on Feb. 28, and Dana Weber on Feb. 29. We hope

everyone enjoys their special day!

The United Church is once again making pies. Pies for Easter are raspberry, mixed berry, apple or pecan and individual meat pies are being made in March and April.

about how a situation should be handled, then discuss it in private.

There are many other points to share here, but, most importantly, discipline with love and respect to your child. The world can be a cold and hurtful place sometimes. Make sure they know you love and care about them and design your home in a way he or she knows it is a safe place to be at the end of the day.

As I leave it here for this week, I am excited to announce that it is time, once again, for the monthly Blyth Library reading time on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 9:30 a.m. and there is a free craft included. I can’t wait to see you and remember, I’m always encouraging and cheering you on! You can do this.

“There’s no such thing as a perfect parent, so just be a real one.” - Sue Atkins

NEWS FROM BLYTH

MAITLAND M AITLAND V VALLEY ALLEY C CAMERA AMERA C CLUB LUB

Photography by Lyynda Smith

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024.

Sports U18 Crusaders open playoffs with big wins

That time of year The playoffs are upon us and several Blyth Brussels Crusaders teams were in action over the weekend in hopes of finding provincial glory. Above, the U11 Rep team played the Saugeen Valley Steelheads in Brussels on Friday night, but fell to the visitors by a score of 3-2. (John Stephenson photos)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Both the U18 Rep and LL Blyth Brussels Crusaders teams have opened their playoffs with wins in the very early days of the postseason.

On Feb. 17, the U8 Rep squad beat the Drayton Defenders by a score of 8-0 in Brussels. The team now takes on the Mitchell Meteors on Feb. 24, also in Brussels, followed by a game with the MidHuron Huskies in Clinton on Feb. 25 and the Drayton Defenders again on Feb. 28 on the road.

The U18 LL team opened on the road with a 3-2 win over the Central Perth Predators. They then played

the Mid-Huron Huskies in Brussels on Feb. 20, though a score was unavailable at press time, followed by a Feb. 23 game with the Mitchell Meteors on the road and a Feb. 27 game against the Central Perth Predators in Brussels.

The U21 Crusaders have lost their first two playoff games, both against the Mid-Huron Huskies First, there was a 3-2 defeat on Feb. 16 in Brussels, followed by a 3-0 shutout loss in Clinton.

The team now takes on the Central Perth Predators on Feb. 23 in Brussels, the Huron-Bruce Blizzard in Blyth on Feb. 24 and the Central Perth Predators again on Feb. 25 on the road.

The U11 Rep team has lost its

first three playoff games - first to the Saugeen Valley Steelheads on Feb. 16 in Brussels by a score of 32, then to the Mid-Huron Huskies in Blyth on Feb. 17 by a score of 1-0 and then to the Bruce Peninsula Predators on Feb. 18 by a score of Feb. 18.

The Crusaders next take to the ice on Feb. 23 in Brussels to take on the Drayton Defenders, followed by a Feb. 24 game against the Saugeen Valley Steelheads and a Feb. 25 game against the Drayton Defenders, both on the road.

The U15 Rep Crusaders will open

their playoff journey on Feb. 25 with a game against the Goderich Sailors on the road, followed by a game with the Minto Mad Dogs in Blyth the next day.

The U15 LL team played the Ironmen in Wingham to open their postseason play on Feb. 17, but a score was unavailable at press time.

On Feb. 24, the Crusaders will play the South Bruce Blades in Brussels to continue their playoffs, followed by a game with the Saugeen Valley Steelheads on the road on Feb. 28.

The U13 Rep team opened their playoffs with a game against the Huron-Bruce Blizzard in Brussels on Feb. 20, but a score was unavailable at press time. On Feb. 27, the team will welcome the Goderich Sailors to Brussels for a playoff game, followed by a game with the Drayton Defenders in Blyth on Feb. 28.

The U13 LL team played the Cyclones in Listowel for their first playoff game. Played on Feb. 20, a score for that game was unavailable at press time. The team will pick up again in Brussels on Feb. 24 with a game against the Drayton Defenders, followed by a March 2 game with the Mid-Huron Huskies, also in Brussels.

The U11 LL team played its first playoff game on Feb. 21 against the Central Perth Predators on the road, but a score was unavailable at press time. The two teams will meet again on Feb. 23 in Brussels before the Crusaders play a home-andhome series with the Goderich Sailors White team, first in Blyth on Feb. 25 and then in Goderich on Feb. 27 before another home-andhome, this time with the South Bruce Blades in Teeswater on Feb. 28 and then in Blyth on March 3.

In regular season action, on Feb. 23 the U7 Black team will play the Howick Hornets in Brussels, while, the next day, the U7 White and Burgundy teams will play two Wallace Sabres teams in Blyth, the

U8 Black team will welcome the Howick Hornets to Brussels, the U8 Burgundy team will play the Wallace Sabres on the road and the U9 LL Crusaders will play the Mitchell Meteors in Brussels.

On Feb. 25, the U8 Black and Burgundy teams will play two Mitchell Meteors teams in Blyth, followed by a game between the U9 LL team and the Central Perth Predators, also in Blyth. On Feb. 27, the U8 Black team will play the Howick Hornets on the road.

Looking back, the U9 MD team played the Mid-Huron Huskies in Bayfield, but a score was unavailable at press time. On Feb. 18, the U9 LL team lost to the Zurich Thunder on the road by a score of 11-2, while the U8 Black team played the Wingham Ironmen in Blyth, though a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

On Feb. 17, the U8 Burgundy and White teams played a pair of Wingham Ironmen teams in Blyth, though scores for those games were not kept. Similarly, the U8 Black and Burgundy teams took on two Mid-Huron Huskies teams in Clinton, but scores were not kept for those games. The U7 Black team played the Wallace Sabres on the road, but a score was not kept for that one either.

Also that day, the U9 LL team lost to the Mid-Huron Huskies in Brussels by a score of 9-3, while the U9 MD team lost to the Listowel Cyclones by a score of 8-0.

On Feb. 14, the U15 LL team lost to the Drayton Defenders in Blyth by a score of 3-2 and the U18 LL team lost a Feb. 13 contest with the Arthur Vipers in Brussels by a score of 5-4.

On Feb. 12, the U13 LL team lost to the Central Perth Predators on the road by a score of 3-0, the U18 LL Crusaders lost to the Mid-Huron Huskies in Hensall by a score of 52 and the U18 Rep team beat the AEMHA Ice Dogs in Blyth by a score of 3-1.

Youth Winter Sports Pages Coaches and parents ~ we need your team’s picture and players’ names 1. Please submit team photo A.S.A.P. 2. Please include players’ and coaches’ names for under the photo.

Deadline March 29

Please help us get ALL the Winter Sports teams published.

The Citizen

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024. PAGE 9.

Sports Two Heat teams remain undefeated in playoffs

Loose puck The U15 BB Huron Heat recently played a playdown with the South Huron Sabres in Clinton and it was the locals who triumphed by a score of 2-1. (John Stephenson photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The U13 HL Huron Heat remain undefeated in their playoff journey so far, posting five wins and one tie dating back to late January.

The team will put its perfect record on the line with a game against the Woodstock Wildcats in Blyth on Feb. 23, followed by a game with the Wallaceburg Lakers on the road on Feb. 24.

The U11 C Heat have also not yet felt the sting of defeat in the playoffs with an identical record of five wins and one tie.

The team most recently beat the South Huron Sabres in Seaforth by a score of 3-0 on Feb. 17 and will now play the Stratford Aces, also in Seaforth, on Feb. 24, followed by another playoff game against the Sarnia Sting on Feb. 25 on the road, a Feb. 26 game with the North Middlesex Junior Stars, also on the road, and a game with the Wildcats in Woodstock on Feb. 28.

The U11 HL Heat have four wins, two losses and a tie in the playoffs so far, most recently tying the North Middlesex Junior Stars at one on

Feb. 17 in Seaforth, followed by a defeat on the road by a score of 3-1, also at the hands of the Junior Stars.

The team will next play the Bluewater Hawks in Seaforth on Feb. 24.

The U13 C Heat continue their playoff journey against the Bluewater Hawks on Feb. 24 on the road before returning to Clinton to play the Wallaceburg Lakers on Feb. 25 and the Central Perth Predators in Seaforth on Feb. 27 and the Stratford Aces on Feb. 29 in a leap-year contest in Blyth.

The team has a record of five wins and one loss in the playoffs, most recently beating the B.A.D. Blazers in Clinton on Feb. 18 by a score of 2-1 and the Upper Maitland Mustangs by a score of 2-0 on Valentine’s Day. The girls played two Mitchell Meteors teams on Feb. 20 and Feb. 21, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

The U15 C Heat have posted one win, two losses and one tie in their playoffs thus far. They are next in action in Fergus, taking on the Grand River Mustangs on Feb. 24, followed by a game with the

Kitchener Lady Rangers on Feb. 25 in Clinton and a Feb. 27 game with the Ilderton Jets in Seaforth.

The U15 BB Heat have a win and a loss on the books for this season’s playoffs, first beating the South Huron Sabres in Clinton on Feb. 11 by a score of 2-1 and then losing to the Sabres by a score of 4-0 on Feb. 19, also in Clinton.

They then played the Waterloo Ravens on the road on Feb. 21, though a score was unavailable at press time, before hosting the Ravens in Clinton on Feb. 24.

The Heat will then play the South Huron Sabres in three straight games - on the road on Feb. 26, in Seaforth on March 1 and back on the road on March 4.

The U18 BB Heat opened their playoffs by losing to the South Huron Sabres by a score of 4-0 in Hensall on Feb. 16, followed by a win over the Sabres on Feb. 17 in Clinton by a score of 2-1.

The team then set out to play the Stratford Aces in four straight games, first in Stratford on Feb. 21, though a score was unavailable at press time, followed by games in Seaforth on Feb. 23, Stratford on

Feb. 25 and Blyth on Feb. 29.

The U18 C Heat have three wins, one loss and a tie in the playoffs, most recently beating the Wilmot Wolverines in Seaforth on Feb. 16 by a score of 2-0 and the Upper Maitland Mustangs on the road on Feb. 17 by a score of 3-0 before tying the Tillsonburg Lightning on Feb. 18 in Seaforth by a score of 22.

The team played the Lambton Attack on Feb. 21 in Watford and the Mitchell Meteors in Blyth on Feb. 22, though scores for those games were unavailable at press time. They continued on Feb. 24 with a game against the Devilettes in London, on Feb. 25 with a game against the Lambton Attack in Seaforth, on Feb. 27 with a game against the Lucknow/Wingham 86ers in Lucknow and a Feb. 28 game with the Meteors in Mitchell.

The U13 BB Heat began their playoffs with a game against the St. Thomas Panthers in Seaforth on Feb. 20, but a score was unavailable at press time. They were then scheduled to play the Panthers again, this time on the road, on Feb. 28.

The U11 BB team opened their playoffs with a game against the Ayr Rockets in Clinton on Feb. 18, though a score was unavailable at press time. The journey continues on Feb. 24 with games against the Grand River Mustangs on Feb. 24 and the Ayr Rockets on Feb. 25, both on the road.

The Senior team has one playoff game under its belt, taking on Milverton on Feb. 18 in Hensall, though a score was unavailable at press time. The team will play Milverton twice more, with games scheduled for March 1 in Milverton

and then back in Hensall again on March 3.

In regular season play, the U13 BB team will be in Brantford for a tournament this weekend, while the U9 B team will be in Oakville for the annual Survive the Hive tournament.

On Friday, Feb. 23, the U9 B team will play the Burlington Barracudas and the Grand River Mustangs, while, also that day, the U13 BB Heat will open their tournament with games against the Haldimand River Cats and the Brantford Ice Cats.

The next day, the U9 B team will play the Sudbury Lady Wolves and the Bluewater Hawks, while the U13 BB Heat have a tournament game scheduled that day against the Stoney Creek Sabres.

The U9 HL team will play the Ilderton Jets in regular season action in Seaforth on Feb. 24, while the U9 C team will welcome the Stratford Aces to Seaforth.

On Feb. 25, the U9 C team will play the Wildcats in Woodstock, while much of the action of the week ahead is that of the playoff variety.

Looking back, on Feb. 20, the U9 HL team played the Central Perth Predators in Seaforth, and, on Feb. 18, the U13 BB Heat welcomed the Woodstock Wildcats to Clinton, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time. Also on Feb. 18, the U9 C Heat beat the Stratford Aces on the road by a score of 1-0.

On Feb. 17, the U9 B Heat played the Grand River Mustangs on the road, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time, while the U9 HL Heat beat the Sarnia Lady Sting HL Hurst team in Seaforth by a score of 3-0.

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Finding success The U12 Bullets captured provincial broomball silver over the weekend in Belleville. They were one of four Blyth teams to win silver, in addition to one that won a bronze medal.

For a full recounting of the tournament, see the front page. (Courtesy photo)

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024.

Sports Ironmen post losses over Family Day weekend

Coming up short Despite much fanfare surrounding two home games on the Family Day long weekend including special skates, alumni games and youth games, below - the Wingham Ironmen were unable to capitalize, losing on Saturday to the Fergus Whalers by a score of 5-1 and then again on Monday to the Mount Forest Patriots by a score of 3-1, above. (John Stephenson photos)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen While this past long weekend may have been a good one for families, it was a rough one for the Wingham Ironmen, who lost both of their home games.

On Saturday, the Ironmen fell by a score of 5-1 to the Fergus Whalers in Wingham.

Jack Webley of the Whalers scored his first goal of the season at 7:35 of the first period to give Fergus an early lead. Ty Anselmini and Mark Pzyowski assisted on the game-opener.

Anselmini then scored the team’s second goal, his 24th of the year, at 18:08 of the first, assisted by Jett Morningstar and Ryan McDougall.

Fergus would then add a third goal at 8:42 of the second period thanks to an unassisted goal from Joshua Russell, followed by Ty Anselmini’s second goal of the

game at 11:16 of the second, assisted by Kyle Parsons and Mark Pyzowski.

Jesse Coombs would score the only Ironmen goal of the game at 13:36, assisted by Coleson Fischer and Owen Rahn. However, Jett Morningstar would score his ninth goal of the season at 14:54, assisted

by Ty Anselmini and Tyler Ewald, to put the game away for the Whalers.

Bradley Boville stopped 30 of 31 shots to earn the win for the Whalers, while Kaley Meyer stopped 15 or 20 shots in a losing effort for the Ironmen.

At 1;07 of the first period, Ty Anselmini of the Whalers was called for a too-many-players penalty, followed by a two-minute head-contact minor penalty and a 10-minute misconduct for unsportsmanlike conduct called against Kyle Parsons of the Whalers. Anselmini served the two-

minute minor for Parsons.

Wingham’s Damon Murray was called for boarding at 14:24, followed by a pair of calls at 17:10: a cross-checking call against Zach Nault of the Whalers and a slashing call against Wingham’s Austin Becker.

At 15:46 of the second period, Fergus’ Andrew McClure was called for interference, a twominute minor served by Ryan Contini, and a 10-minute unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

A pair of slashing calls would close out the second period: 16:05 for Fergus’ J.J. Lavigne and 18:40 for Austin Becker of the Ironmen.

Wingham’s Tyson Fischer was called for cross-checking at 2:50 of the third period, followed by a boarding call against Wingham’s Ethan Smith at 6:16 and a fiveminute fighting major and a game misconduct called against Damon Murray of the Ironmen at 11:37.

Wingham’s Adam MacRobbie was called for slashing at 12:09, followed by a roughing call against Fergus’ J.J. Lavigne, a roughing call against Tyson Fischer of the Ironmen and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Wingham goaltender Kaleb Meyer, all at 13:21. Nate Bloemberg served Meyer’s time in the box.

On Monday, the Ironmen lost a special Family Day matinee game by a score of 3-1 at the hands of the Mount Forest Patriots, also at home in Wingham.

The Ironmen actually opened the scoring when Noah Bloemberg scored his seventh goal of the season, assisted by Nelson Helm and Nate Bloemberg, at 11:02 of the first period.

After that, it was all Patriots.

Keegan Detweiler scored his fifth goal of the season for the Patriots at 16:53 of the first period, assisted by Reid Caswell and Jared Rowe.

In the second period, Brody Leblanc scored his 50th goal of the season for the Patriots, which leads the league, assisted by Jack Micone and Conner Willmets. The Patriots then put the game away at 18:28 of the third period thanks to a goal by Seth Huygen, assisted by Leblanc, his 49th of the season, which also leads the league.

Marshall Nicholls stopped 29 of 30 shots for the win for the Patriots, while Garrett Golley stopped 22 of the 25 shots he faced in a losing effort for the Ironmen.

Connor Paige of the Patriots was called for cross-checking at 6:54 of the first period, followed by a slashing call against Wingham’s Ethan Smith at 14:17 and Wingham’s Darcy Scott being

handed a 10-minute misconduct penalty for head contact at 16:53 of the first period.

In the second, three Mount Forest Patriots were penalized: Aidan Doig at 3:44 for high-sticking, Brody Leblanc for interference at 6:29 and Will Lewis for slashing at 11:20.

Micah Kraayenbrink was called for boarding at 2:17 of the third period, followed by a charging call against Mount Forest’s Aidan Doig and a 10-minute unsportsmanlike conduct misconduct penalty called against Wingham’s Nate Bloemberg at 18:28.

The long weekend losses kept the Ironmen in sixth place in the North Pollock Division of the Provincial Junior Hockey League with a record of 16-20-3-1 and 36 points.

The Hanover Barons are still in first with 72 points and a record of 35-4-0-2, followed by the Mount Forest Patriots with 64 points and a record of 31-7-2-0, the third-place Kincardine Bulldogs with a record of 22-12-2-5 and 51 points and the fourth-place Fergus Whalers with 43 points and a record of 19-16-3-2.

The Walkerton Capitals sit in fifth place with a record of 18-20-2-2 and 40 points, followed by the Ironmen in sixth place with a record of 16-20-3-1 and 36 points, the seventh-place Mitchell Hawks with a record of 11-25-3-2 and 27 points and the last-place Goderich Flyers with just 10 points and a record of 3-34-2-2.

This weekend, to end the month of February, the Ironmen are on the road, taking on the Whalers in Fergus on Friday, Feb. 23 and the Hawks in Mitchell on Saturday, Feb. 24.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024. PAGE 11.

Rosses return from U.S. PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

Well done The Brussels Legion has recognized the students from North Woods Elementary School who excelled its the Branch’s annual Remembrance Day poster competition for 2023.

Above, from left: Nelson Mitchell, third place, Primary Colour (tie); Olivia McKay, third place, Primary Colour (tie); Brynlee Armstrong, second place, Primary Colour; Nixon Brown, first place, Primary Colour; Brielle Boyer, first place, Primary Black and White; Lylah Lougheed, second place, Primary Black and White, and Nanci Ducharme of the Brussels Legion. Below, from left: Jenna Gallant, third place, Junior Black and White; Evelyn Mitchell, first place, Junior Colour; Jordyn Laffin, third place Junior Colour; Aiden Lefor, second place, Junior Colour; Kohen Smith, first place, Junior Black and White, and Ducharme. Absent was Sofia Boyer, second place, Junior Black and White. (Courtesy photos)

Happy Family Day everyone! We hope all had a good day together.

Not everyone can be together, but we hope they were able to visit via phone or computer.

This past week, we have been witness to the return of old man winter. We thoroughly enjoyed the “spring” weather - no snow, gravel roads and even the appearance of snow drops on some lawns - but, the reality is, it is still winter and even though the groundhogs say there will be an early spring, I don’t think they thought it would start in February.

Returning from a wonderful week away are Eric and Deb Ross. They flew to Houston, Texas to meet up with their son, Chris. He has been travelling around the U.S. for about 10 weeks in his RV and has been having a great time, seeing great places and making a few new friends along the way.

The Rosses spent time in Galveston, went to the beach, checked out the housing and the lovely architecture. Then they went to Corpus Christi, where the RV park was right on the beach. They could watch the dolphins swimming in the bay in the mornings. They took the tour of the U.S.S. Lexington Carrier, went to the Texas Aquarium and enjoyed a couple of steak dinners. Yum! Chris has toured lots of famous

places in California, including San Diego, Hollywood, Santa Barbara and San Francisco. He also toured Alcatraz and had a great time in Arizona and Las Vegas.

Eric and Deb have returned home and Chris has continued on his journey heading to New Orleans and then he will be going to Florida to see Miami, the Florida Keys and whatever looks interesting. It sounds like a great trip for anybody and we’ll see him home this spring!

It was birthday time for a fiveyear-old on the weekend and party time for Sadie Smith. The family and extended family gathered at the Walton Hall and had a ball. The hydro went out for a while, but lots of windows let in the light and the fun went on. Happy birthday Sadie!

Celebrating birthdays this past week are Monica McNichol, Sadie Smith, Shawna Terpstra, Helen Brenie, Steve Knight, Kevin McNaughton and Bruce McDonald.

Happy birthday to all.

NEWS FROM WALTON

Need Your

SPACE? Recreation fees consolidated Continued from page 3 to reflect market costs • Schedule D-1 has been updated to include separate fees for Freon-free and non-Freon-free appliances • Sewage and liquid waste disposal has increased from $5.50 per cubic metre to $13.20 per cubic metre and a minimum charge has been added, while a temporary water shut-off or turn-on will increase from $25 to $30, both to ensure cost recovery • Within Schedule D-3, the municipality has added an external fee for equipment and labour rates that is equivalent to external contractor rates • For the Brussels, Cranbrook and Mount Pleasant Cemeteries, a transfer-of-interment-rights charge of $100 has been added • At the Vanastra daycare, toddler and preschool half-day rates have been eliminated, as they have not been utilized, and rates for schoolaged children (six and up) have increased: full-day, $34 up from $32.70; half-day, removed; before

school, up to $16.12 from $15.50; after school, up to $16.70 from $17.37; before and after school, up to $21.84 from $21 • One set of fees has been implemented for all recreation

areas based on a report presented and decision made at council’s Jan. 9 meeting.

There was little discussion about the new bylaw before council passed it.

McNeil re-elected Huron County Warden Glen McNeil has been re-elected as Chair of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC). In addition, Central Huron Mayor and Past Huron County Warden Jim Ginn has also been re-elected as Chair of the WOWC Economic Development Committee.

Both McNeil and Ginn have been active members of WOWC for multiple years. Huron County Chief Administrative Officer Meighan Wark was also re-elected to the role of WOWC Secretary.

They will each hold these positions until January of 2025.

“I am deeply honored to continue serving as Chair of the WOWC, and I am sincerely

grateful for the continued trust and support from our members,” stated McNeil.

“As we embark on this new year, our commitment to advancing the priorities and initiatives of the WOWC remains unwavering. In 2024, we will continue to collaborate to further enhance our advocacy efforts in expanding housing options, fostering workforce development, and addressing the critical issues surrounding mental health and addiction in Western Ontario.”

Both McNeil and Ginn assumed their positions after they were reelected during the organization’s annual general meeting, held on Feb. 2.

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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024.

Crane presents quality of life research

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

At a meeting earlier this year, Kristin Crane of the United Way Perth-Huron presented an update to North Huron Council about the quality of life in Perth and Huron Counties. The report included upto-date information about the impact of economic and

environmental issues on citizens, as well as data on the health and wellbeing of the diverse communities of the area.

The United Way, through its Social Research and Planning Council, compiled this information in order to give municipalities a greater comprehension of the people they serve. “We hope this information will help you make

informed decisions about the community,” Crane stated. She also complimented North Huron’s new council chambers.

Population growth all over Huron County is being driven by newcomers who have relocated to the area from other parts of Ontario.

Only three per cent of the county’s population is racialized, versus 34 per cent in Ontario overall. There

Big win!

Karen Glousher, right, won the $10,530 jackpot prize at the Brussels Legion’s Catch the Ace draw. Presenting Glousher with a sizable cheque is the Brussels Legion’s Sandra Brown. (Courtesy photo)

Wingham Minor Soccer pitches pitch in Wingham

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Wingham Minor Soccer’s Michael Clamp presented a proposal to North Huron Council at a regular meeting on Feb. 20.

Clamp is requesting that council consider developing a new community green space featuring soccer fields in Wingham. The suggestion is for the mixed-use green space and sporting facilities to be constructed on a portion of Wingham’s Hutton Heights district that is too close to the lagoon to be approved for residential development.

The soccer club believes that a recreational green space would enhance the quality of life for North Huron residents by promoting physical activity and social interaction. A park in Hutton Heights would also potentially appeal to new families considering settling in the planned subdivision when it is eventually constructed.

The space would include a soccer field, but also have natural features and additional potential amenities

such as change rooms, bathrooms and play equipment, as well as a dedicated parking area. Paramount to the club’s request is that the soccer field be fenced in and be properly lit for evening games, which would allow the Wingham Minor Soccer Team to more readily compete at a regional level.

Clamp pointed out that there is a great deal of interest in soccer amongst young people in Wingham but, without a proper field, potential players have moved on to compete for other teams.

Clamp and Wingham Minor Hockey posit that this project is not just about providing physical space; it's about creating a nurturing environment that fosters the development of young athletes and encourages them to stay in North Huron. “We would build these teams from the ground up. We would start with [U9], which is the first age group that travels, and go all the way to [U18], which is where Ontario Minor Soccer ends.”

Clamp explained that a field of this quality would allow Wingham to host regional tournaments and

district cup finals, which would bring teams from urban areas like Toronto and Windsor to town, which would increase tourism to the area, similar to hockey’s Silver Stick Tournament in the winter.

Clamp also came equipped with a list of possible funding sources.

Council discussed the proposal.

Councillor Anita van Hittersum enquired as to whether or not one of North Huron’s existing soccer fields could be used, but Clamp pointed out that those fields are also used for football and rugby, which damages the turf and makes it difficult for soccer to then be played on it.

Also discussed was last year’s proposal from a group in Blyth that was hoping to have a soccer field installed at the Blyth Campground.

That request, which is still being considered, was for a simpler, unfenced field for youth practice and local games. Clamp deferred to council as to which location would be more appropriate.

Council agreed to continue considering both proposals separately.

are 1,140 Indigenous residents in Huron County, 81 per cent of whom have felt discriminated against in the last three years. Sixty-three per cent of the 4,200 immigrants residing in Huron County have felt discriminated against in the last three years.

The average median income in Huron County is $36,400, which is less than the provincial median of $39,200. An annual income that would constitute a living wage would be $41,405.

One of the greatest obstacles to financial security in Huron County is unaffordable housing. Sixteen per cent of homeowners and 32 per cent of renters are spending a full 30 per cent of their income on shelter. The median household that earns $73,286 spends 29 per cent of that on rent, while a one-adult household earns $37,000, 46 per cent of which goes towards rent.

Fifteen per cent of tenants live in some manner of subsidized housing and 14 per cent of tenant households are either unaffordable, inadequate or unsuitable for living.

Inadequate income and unaffordable housing has led to widespread food insecurity in the county. Eighty-seven per cent of people who responded to the United Way survey have sacrificed food in order to pay for other necessities, 63 per cent of whom are employed full-time.

The research indicates that postpandemic mental health amongst Huron County youth has shown an increase in both anxiety and loneliness in over 50 per cent of respondents. Province-wide, 50 per cent of students are depressed about climate change.

Despite these county-wide hardships, 70 per cent of Huron and Perth County residents reported that they are at least moderately satisfied with their lives. Small businesses and not-for-profits are a big driver of the local economy - 54 per cent of businesses in the area

employ four or less people. Not-forprofit organizations have grown more and more crucial in bridging the affordability gap in Huron County, although increased demand and rising costs have many organizations using their reserve funds.

Crane went over the United Way’s general recommendations for improving the future of residents.

These included employers increasing their rates of pay to a living wage and seeking certification from the Ontario Living Wage Network.

It was also recommended that the provincial government increase social assistance rates to the equivalent of a living wage, so recipients can more adequately meet their most basic needs.

Policies like a living wage or guaranteed income geared to creating income-based solutions to food insecurity should be established by all levels of government, and funding and resources should be directed towards encouraging small business entrepreneurs.

Crane sought comment from council after concluding the presentation. Councillor Chris Palmer expressed surprise that the high cost of living in Huron County ranks among some of the highest in the province, including urban areas.

Crane pointed to a lack of public transportation as one of the key factors contributing to high costs.

“Each working adult has to have a vehicle,” she said. Vehicle maintenance, fuel and car insurance continue to increase in costs, while wages lag behind.

These are the challenges and possible solutions that lay before the people of Huron County and its municipal leadership for the coming years. On behalf of council, Reeve Paul Heffer thanked Crane and the United Way for the information, which he said council will consider while making plans for the future.

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Property owners oppose ACW zoning bylaw updates

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh (ACW) Council held a public meeting on Thursday, Feb. 15 to discuss proposed changes to its zoning bylaw. Huron County Planner previously assigned to ACW, Celina Whaling-Rae, and Huron County Manager of Planning Denise Van Amersfoort presented updated text changes, along with maps illustrating the proposed changes, and a list of objections lodged by property owners. After the presentation, they received comments and questions from the public and members of council.

The majority of issues raised by the public concerned the proposed conversion of land currently zoned as Agricultural (AG) to the Natural Environment (NE) designation.

This change would, among other things, limit the use of the affected land for agricultural purposes in the future. The portions of land selected for this potential change were chosen due to their various natural features, such as woodlots, wetlands and erosion zones.

There were a number of

objections from ACW farmers specifically in regards to how this proposed change would affect the freedom to farm. Others felt that photographing a private property without permission amounts to trespassing.

A number of people expressed irritation that the parts of their properties proposed for rezoning were woodlots that they themselves had planted, years earlier, for their own use, pointing out that they had been working to improve their properties.

The argument was made that, as the stewards of the land, they understand the importance of taking care of their woodlots, without needing restrictive zoning imposed upon them.

Organic farmer Sophie Burdan of Burdan’s Red Cat Farm and Bakery protested the proposed changes to a portion of farmland currently zoned AG-1 that she purchased with her husband two years ago with the intention of expanding their farming operation and improving the property’s woodlot. Burdan pointed out that both the Huron County and ACW Official Plans prioritize food security and

farmland protection, and was irritated at what she saw as a tacit implication that she needed to be guided by a third party in regards to the management of her land. She summarized her objections with a succinct statement, saying “Hands off our land - we know what to do.”

Other new landowners had been surprised when they learned, after purchase, that their AG-zoned lands were intended for rezoning to NE. There were also concerns about potential impending protections to woodlots containing trees suffering from widespread communicable diseases, like the cankers that can spread through orchards and sugar bushes.

There are also sections of the lakeshore that are to be rezoned NE due to erosion and flood hazards, which is of concern to those property owners hoping for future development along Lake Huron.

Frustration was also voiced in regards to the overall purpose of the proposed rezoning. Landowner Elvis Vincent stated that he was happy with his land as it currently is, asking, “Who is directing this?

Who is driving this? And why? This is privately owned land, and now

suddenly everybody’s sticking their fingers in. I don’t get it.”

In response to Vincent’s query, Deputy-Mayor Bill Vanstone spoke in support of the objectors, saying “I’m in the same boat here. I’ve looked at this a lot, and I don’t know why we’re out there changing things. Especially Agriculture to Natural Environment. I just don’t

understand it... lots of people are planting trees and doing good by their land, but then all of a sudden we make it NE, and now people need to get permits, and they can’t operate their land the way they want.” Vanstone used the planted tree line dividing his own property from his neighbour’s property as an Continued on page 20

Family fun Face painting was one of the activities on offer at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex on Monday, Feb. 19 as the Wingham Ironmen hosted a public skate and activity day before their game. (John Stephenson photo)

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK REPORT For the week ending February 16, 2024 Total Receipts: 1,280 cattle, 457 lambs and goats Tuesday - Fed cattle sold on a slightly higher market. Holstein steers and heifers sold on a higher market. Cows sold $4 - $5 higher.

Thursday - Veal sold steady. Lambs, sheep and goats sold higher.

Friday - Calves and yearlings sold extremely active with prices higher than last week.

Fed Cattle: There were 70 fed cattle on offer: Choice Fed Cattle: $238 – $244 Second Cut Fed Cattle: $229 – $237 Aged and Medium Fed Cattle: $190 – $218 Holstein Fed Cattle: $165 – $208

Bruggert Farms Ltd. of Cinton, consigned two head. One holstein cow weighed 1,550 lbs. and sold for $165.

Stockers: There were 900 stockers on offer:

Veal: There were 130 veal on offer:

Under 400 lbs.: Too few to establish a market 400 – 499 lbs.: $487 – $487 500 – 599 lbs.: $382 – $444 600 – 699 lbs.: $310.50 – $385 up to $392.50 700 – 799 lbs.: $324 – $372 800 – 899 lbs.: $334 – $353.50 up to $357 900 – 999 lbs.: $318 – $339.50 1,000 lbs. and over: $284 – $316 up to $318

Beef Veal: N/A Good Holsteins: $230 – $246 up to $258 SL Heavy Holsteins: $225 – $239 Heavy Holsteins: $210 – $245 Medium Holsteins: $220 – $230 Plain Holsteins: $190 – $219 Drop Calves: $525 – $810 / HEAD Doug Lorenz of Elmwood, consigned 11 head. One holstein veal weighed 830 lbs. and sold for $258.

Cows: There were 180 cows on offer:

John Hood of Singhampton, consigned five head. One charolais cow weighed 1,400 lbs. and sold for $166.

Sheep: $145 – $275 Allan and Andrew Barfett of Wallacetown, consigned 31 head. Five lambs averaged 80 lbs. and sold for an average price of $420.

David J. Miller of Auburn, consigned seven head. Four lambs averaged 78 lbs. and sold for an average price of $431.

Under 400 lbs.: Too few to establish a market 400 – 499 lbs.: $330 – $378 500 – 599 lbs.: $335.50 – $426 600 – 699 lbs.: $330 – $363 up to $370 700 – 799 lbs.: $280 – $323 800 – 899 lbs.: $284 – $314 900 lbs. and over: $228 – $301.75 Goats: Meat Kids: $500 – $562 Dairy Kids: $400 – $500 Mature Bucks: $290 – $400 Mature Does: $80 – $300

Paul Sutherland of Kemble, consigned seven head. Four charolais steers averaged 555 lbs. and sold for an average price of $444.

Dave Lawson of Clinton, consigned eight head. Five kid goats averaged 49 lbs. and sold for an average price of $562.

Nevin Bender of Woodmore, Manitoba, consigned 142 head. Twelve charolais steers averaged 815 lbs. and sold for an average price of $357.

Dan and Christine Weber of Kincardine, consigned 16 head. One kid goat weighed 63 lbs. and sold for $555.

Elam M. Martin of Clifford, consigned 17 head. Two charolais steers averaged 1,020 lbs. and sold for an average price of $318.

Lambs: Under 50 lbs.: $402.50 – $417.50 up to $435 50-64 lbs.: $365 – $426 65-79 lbs.: $417 – $431 80-94 lbs.: $375 – $420 95-109 lbs.: $345 – $345 110 lbs. and over: Too few to establish a market

Sherry Taylor of Wingham, consigned 23 head. Fourteen black heifers averaged 628 lbs. and sold for an average price of $363.

Craig Simpson of Glencoe, consigned 15 head. Nine charolais heifers averaged 996 lbs. and sold for an average price of $301.75.

Top Quality Heifers:

Bennewies Livestock Inc. of Bornholm consigned eight head. One holstein veal weighted 700 lbs. and sold for $246.

Helmsview Farms Inc. of Cargill, consigned 10 head. One charolais steer weighed 1,525 lbs. and sold for $242.50.

Good Beef Cows: $125 – $175 Good Holstein Cows: $131 – $142 up to $165 Medium Holstein Cows: $121 – $130 Bulls: $131 – $185

Top Quality Steers:

Lowell Biehn of Milverton, consigned five head. Five red heifers averaged 532 lbs. and sold for an average price of $422.50.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 10:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

THURSDAYS

9:00 a.m. Drop Calves 10:00 a.m.Veal 11:30 a.m. Lambs, Goats & Sheep

FRIDAYS

10:00 a.m. Stockers Visit our webpage at: www.brusselslivestock.ca email us at: info@brusselslivestock.ca

Call us 519-887-6461

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, FEBRUARY 23, 2024

– RATES – 20 words or less only $8.00 + HST Additional words 20¢ ea. + HST

Classified Advertising Help wanted Help wanted Tenders

DEADLINE 2 p.m. Tuesday Phone 519-523-4792 e-mail: info@northhuron.on.ca

Articles for sale To all persons who have any houses, lands, tenements, farms, ships, vessels, goods, wares or merchandises to be sold or let, may have the same inserted at a reasonable rate.

North Huron Publishing 405 Queen St., Blyth for particulars.

-------------------------------------------GERBERS FIREWOOD SERVING you for over 15 years. Your number one source of quality slabwood and bodywood. Delivery available. No Sunday calls. 519-274-1236, 519441-2085. 01-50p ------------------------------------------WEBWOOD TRUSS WINTER SALE - 10% discount on roof trusses and floor joists. We do residential, commercial and agricultural. For details and/or quote call 519-335-3551 and ask for Zach.

------------------------------------------REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. All are in colour. 4x6 – $5.00, 5x7 – $6.00, 8x10 – $10.00. Phone to order 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca tfn ------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AVAILABLE TO purchase at these locations – Auburn Esso, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Charlie’s Variety in Clinton, Fogal’s YIG in Wingham, Wingham Mini Mart, Seaforth Foodland, Fincher’s in Goderich, Goderich Victoria St. Shell and The Citizen Blyth.

-----------------------------------------

FALLS RESERVE Conservation Area

We’re looking for positive people who enjoy the outdoors and want to develop their skills.

Several seasonal positions are currently open at Falls Reserve Conservation Area (Benmiller). n Administrative Assistant

Tenders

MUNICIPALITY OF HURON EAST REPAIRS TO STRUCTURES M13 AND M28 ON CANADA COMPANY ROAD CONTRACT NO. BR1494 AND BR1495 Sealed tenders, addressed to, Barry Mills, Public Works Manager, Municipality of Huron East, 72 Main Street South, Box 610, Seaforth, ON, N0K 1W0 will be received by him until: 12:00:59 p.m. (Local Time), Wednesday March 20, 2024 For repairs to two concrete culverts and installation of cast-in-place concrete footing struts. The sites are located southeast of Walton.

n Gate Attendant n Security / Maintenance n Maintenance

Students are welcome to apply. Job descriptions and application details are posted on the Employment Opportunities page at: mvca.on.ca

Digital plans, specifications and tender forms may be obtained by registering as a Plan Taker with the office of the undersigned after February 21, 2024. Each tender must be accompanied by a certified cheque or bid bond in the amount of $22,000.00. Hard copy available upon request and payment of a non-refundable fee of $50.00, payable to B. M. Ross and Associates Limited.

Lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

Mill Staff / Packer Howson & Howson Limited is a long-established Canadian flour milling company owned and operated by the Howson family since 1875. Our primary objective is to manufacture a safe product of consistent quality that meets or exceeds our customer’s expectations. We remain firm on the desire to be an industry leader with development of new products to meet the changing needs of the consumer.

Howson & Howson Limited seeking a reliable individual to become an integral part of our team as Mill Staff / Packer in Blyth, ON.

B. M. ROSS AND ASSOCIATES LIMITED Engineers and Planners 62 North Street Goderich, ON N7A 2T4 Phone: (519) 524-2641 www.bmross.net

Swap shop

Swap shop

What you will be doing: • Packing Flour into 20 kg, 50 lbs, and Bulk Tote bags. This involves repetitive lifting, operation of forklift.

• Loading Bulk Trailers. Involves working at moderate heights and climbing ladders.

• Product testing. Granulation, Protein.

• Sanitation duties. Involves working at heights, climbing ladders, working in small areas.

• Maintenance duties.

• Paperwork as require when performing above duties.

• Other miscellaneous duties as directed by management.

Requirements: • Able to work on rotating shift.

• Able to spend most of the shift on feet.

• Effective communications skills.

• Able to work efficiently as part of a team and independently.

• Able to follow verbal and written direction.

• Proficient Math skills.

• Good organization, time management and prioritizing skills.

• High Level of personal integrity.

• Strong Work Ethic.

Interested persons can forward resume to rick@howsons.ca.

coming events

We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

World Day of Prayer will be held on Friday, March 1 at 2 p.m. in the lower level of Melville Presbyterian Church, Brussels. A Social time will follow. All are welcome!

------------------------------------------KARATE! IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL CLASSES AVAILABLE SCHWEITZER'S MARTIAL ARTS Self-defense, Self-discipline, Selfconfidence GROUP CLASSES FOR AGES 4 TO ADULT Taught by Renshi Becky Schweitzer, 4th Degree Black Belt and 12X World Karate Champion Location Fresh Wind Revival Centre - 21 Lloyd Street, Wingham 10 week session $125 + HST. Uniform extra Call 519-580-1418 or e-mail becky_schweitzer@hotmail.com www.schweitzersmartialarts.com -------------------------------------------

Personals Are you pregnant and unsure about your future? Contact Ramoth House.

We can help you discover your parenting potential. You can get more information about our services on our website www.ramoth.ca or by phone 519-323-3751 or email: office@ramoth.ca

Services INCOME TAX PREPARATION farm, business, personal. Stephen Thompson, 519-482-3244.

-------------------------------------------

Citizen-To-Citizen “SWAP SHOP” ad “One person’s junk is another’s treasure” Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca • Free ad up to 25 words, person to person only (no businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less. Price must be included in your ad.Your ad will run three times unless it sells faster!

• The Citizen reserves the right to limit the number of items or ads per person.

WANTED TO BUY - Used, plastic chicken cage. Phone 519-357-7678.

8-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Collection of 1,000 piece puzzles; Cobble Hill, Kim Nolan, Thomas Kinkade with beautiful scenery. $8 ea or 3/$20. 519-606-4849 Clinton.

7-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Cat/dog metal cage. 24” long, hardly used. Priced $80 - selling for $40.; Purestar air purifier with HEPA filter. Reg. $1,000, selling for $500. 519-482-7440.

7-3 ---------------------------------------------

Looking for the perfect job?

Check out the classifieds!

The Citizen 519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca

All word ads in The Citizen classifieds are put on our webpage at www.huroncitizen.ca

FOR SALE - Olhausen pool table, plus balls, cues and more. $500. 519887-9615 7-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - 24” Frigidaire dishwasher - like new, 2 years old.

Asking $300.; Lifetime water distiller complete with extra filters. Asking $500 obo; Stackable 24” Gorenje 7 kg. clothes dryer. Like new. Asking $400 obo. Call 519-357-3622 6-3 ---------------------------------------------

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024. PAGE 15.

Radford says rainbows offer ark reminder PEOPLE AROUND LONDESBORO

By BRENDA RADFORD Call 523-4296

Rev. Jan Aylward led the morning worship at Londesborough United Church on Sunday, Feb. 18, the first Sunday of Lent.

The scripture passage included in the service surrounding the extinguishing of the first candle in the Lenten wreath was Gen. 9:8-17.

These verses are an account of the covenant God made with Noah as Noah’s family and the animals left the ark following the great flood.

We are reminded of that covenant each time we see a rainbow.

Jan’s reflection for the Sunday was based on Mark 1:9-15.

Following His baptism by John the Baptist, Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness preparing for His ministry.

The first meeting of 2024 for the ladies of Londesborough’s United Church Women (UCW) was held the evening of Feb. 19, Family Day. At some point in time, every one of us has made the comment, “I wish I had asked her/him about that before they passed away.” The time of reflection at this meeting led by Kim Roetsicoender, Mary Ann Drost, Ann Adams and Catherine Allen reinforced that thought.

Catherine read an article by Nicole LeWand, which encouraged families to set apart some time at family gatherings to share

stories/memories from their lives.

These stories help families develop a sense of continuity, pass on morals and traditions, establish connections with the past, preserve family history, remember those who are gone, etc. A time for family storytelling is a fun way for all generations to become closer. An hour for family storytelling at a gathering seems an easy thing for all families to adopt/try.

Ann shared a fun bingo game about remarks all mothers have heard from their children. Then she told the ladies about Storyworth, a weekly diary of answering questions about your life, which is published, for you, as a record for you and your family.

Mary Ann and Kim offered several Biblical quotes.

Newly-elected president, Kim Roetsicoender, conducted the business part of the meeting. The ladies will meet again on March 18 for an evening of Easter cardmaking.

Monday and Tuesday have been sunny, cheerful days. But anyone who travelled on the weekend is still recovering from the snow

squalls and heavy roads. I didn’t realize how far it can be from Clinton to Blyth under a streamer. I was just grateful for a competent driver and to be finally home.

Celebrating A Special Occasion?

Distinctive memorials of lasting satisfaction produced by us to your specifications.

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO Wingham Memorials

Advertise it in

The Citizen Call or email to book your ad today!

The Citizen 519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca

Rock stars!

It was a pleasant day for recess at Hullett Central Public School on Thursday, Feb. 8.

Enjoying the wintertime sunshine are, left, Jaelyn Pollard and Myla Pollard.

(Scott Stephenson photo)

Obituaries

Cemetery, Ethel will take place at a later date.

Donations may be made to Gideons or Gospel for Asia.

Online condolences may be left at www.brennemanfuneralhome.ca

PETE VAN VEEN Pete van Veen of Listowel, formerly of RR3, Brussels, passed away peacefully at Listowel Memorial Hospital on Feb. 17, 2024 at the age of 91.

The loving husband for 68 years of Margaret van Veen, Pete was the beloved father of Brenda (Wayne) Linney of Niagara Falls, Murray (Myrna) van Veen of Edmonton, Peter van Veen (Gerry) of Merlin, Bonita (Charlie) Zammit of Malta, Douglas (Grace) van Veen of Bognor and Michael van Veen of Bluevale. He was the cherished grandfather of 17 grandchildren and

24 great-grandchildren.

Pete will be missed by his sisters Alie (Garfield) Lee of Gabriola Island, BC, Martha (Case) DeBoer of Goderich and brother Gerrit (the late Helen) van Veen of Brussels.

Pete was predeceased by his sister Clara Van Merkenstein and Agnes (Hank) Ten Pas of Brussels.

Special thank you to the staff at Caressant Care Listowel, and to the Palliative Care team at Listowel Memorial Hospital.

A memorial service will be held for Pete at Listowel Bible Chapel on Friday Feb. 23 at 10:30 a.m.

Interment at Mount Pleasant

Owned and operated by Mac and Donna Andersoon Assisted by Mandy

519-357-1910 E-mail: andgranite@bellnet.ca ble After hours appointments availab 89 North Street W., Wingham www.winghammemorials.com

Remembering your loved one Honour your loved one by placing their obituary in

The Citizen.

This is a free service provided by The Citizen. We encourage you to share the story of your loved one in a special remembrance of their life.

Cards of thanks can be placed in our classified section, starting at just $8.00.

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024.

From the Minister’s Study

Good times? Bad times? Know God’s there for you

By Lawrence Weiler, Brussels Community Bible Chapel I don’t believe it is wrong to think prayer, to most people, is seen primarily as asking God for something we want or need. We ask God for all sorts of things, like a new toy or game (often as children), to help us succeed on school homework or work projects, to help us make the next mortgage or car payment, and the list goes on.

However, according to scripture, prayer is far more than just selfserving requests. Near the end of the book of James, the author James demonstrates this, telling his audience when and why they should pray: “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and

let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:13-14) While the first occasion doesn’t seem any different from the common understanding of prayer, the second doesn’t fit. If you are cheerful (meaning things are going well for you) you might wonder what need you have for prayer.

Well, as said before, prayer is far more than simply getting favours from the divine. We also pray to confess and repent of our sins when we accept Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for those sins. We pray to thank God for answering our requests, and for what we didn’t ask for, but recognize his handiwork in (unexpected blessings). And, as this second occasion states, we pray to praise God when we are cheerful and things are going well.

Two die in crash near Whitechurch A two-vehicle motor vehicle collision involving a passenger vehicle and a pick-up truck and trailer combination has claimed two lives.

Just before 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 20, members from Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), South Bruce OPP, Huron County and Bruce County Paramedic Services, and Lucknow Fire Department responded to a location east of Lucknow on Amberley Road, also known as Bruce Road 86 in AshfieldColborne-Wawanosh Township, after receiving a 911 call about a collision.

Upon arrival, emergency services located both heavily-damaged vehicles and discovered that the driver of the passenger vehicle sustained fatal injury and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A passenger in the pick-up truck was also pronounced deceased at the scene. A second passenger in the pick-up truck received serious injury and was flown by air ambulance to London for further treatment. The driver of the pick-up truck was transported to a local hospital for minor injury.

Members from the West Region OPP Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement (TIME) Team attended the scene to assist with the collision investigation. Amberley Road was closed for several hours and has since been re-opened.

The investigation is ongoing, and

Evangelical Missionary Church

Saturday, February 24, 10-4 MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT DAY with Pete & Leah Humphreys! ($20)

the cause of the collision is being investigated.

The deceased driver was a 54year-old Huron-Kinloss Township resident and the deceased passenger was a 49-year-old Municipality of Brockton resident.

The ages of the second involved driver and passenger are 49 and 39 years-of-age respectively.

Any person with information regarding this collision should contact Huron County OPP at 1888-310-1122.

James also gives us one more occasion for prayer that demonstrates the importance of community in our relationship with God. The Christian life (not to mention human life) was never meant to be lived alone, and never is that made more obvious then when one of us is seriously ill.

What might not be obvious to a modern mind, however, is why it is so important to have someone (and church elders, in particular) pray over you when you are ill.

How are sickness and disease different from other kinds of suffering and misfortune, you might ask? Well, other than the fact that the kinds of suffering and misfortune in mind for the first occasion are primarily at the hands of others or due to something outside of yourself, James adds to this occasion by saying, “And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”

(James 5:15-16) To a first-century audience, sickness and sin were intrinsically connected. They weren’t wrong to make that connection, considering entropy, sickness and death only entered the world because of Adam and Eve’s sin, meaning that all sickness, aging and death is ultimately the result of sin in the world.

This is not a connection that most of us first assume of a person’s illness or disease, but it can be a very real possibility, which is why James calls for intercessory prayer.

If sin is the cause, then confession

BRUSSELS S

U United Chu ur urch Welcome to Worship W Sunday, February 25 5 ~ 9:30 a.m.

Come, the invitation is s open to all be part of our Faith Community C “Games Ti Time”” Friday y,, February 23 at 1:30 Friendly y,, rellazing fun + refreshments Contact Alex at ministter.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com y @g Website: b brusselsandblythuc.ca P.O. Box 359,, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259 P.

to your brothers and sisters and the forgiveness of God, paid for by Christ, should result in healing.

Really, he’s just following the example of Jesus, who healed a paralytic saying, “Your sins are forgiven,” followed by, “Rise, pick up your bed and go home.”

Because we, unlike Jesus, cannot see inside a person’s heart, James prepares for any possibility by advising sick people to summon members of their congregation (particularly elders), so they have the opportunity to confess in the presence of their brothers and sisters when they pray over them to facilitate healing. To be clear, James isn’t assuming sin is the direct cause of our sickness in every case, since he only says, “if he has committed sins…”, knowing that some sickness (the man born blind that Jesus healed, for example) could have a different cause or purpose, but he prepares us to deal with all sickness, including any that have unconfessed sin as their cause.

In short, prayer is talking to God. Sure, we are given guidance throughout scripture about how to

talk to God with proper reverence, but prayer, at its most basic, is talking to God… our Creator… who, unlike false deities, doesn’t choose to be distant from us or require us to talk through special intermediaries, other than his Son Jesus Christ. Unlike the false gods of this world, our Lord chooses to have a real relationship with us through our union with Christ, meaning we can approach Him directly at any time, for any reason, and we can be assured that He actually hears us.

So, not just when we are suffering or in need, but even when we are happy and content, we should be exercising our freedom to talk and share our feelings with the most important person in our lives, sometimes even (hopefully often) thanking Him for doing far more for us than anyone else ever could.

Furthermore, since we are part of the collective “Body of Christ”. We should intercede in prayer on behalf of our brothers and sisters who are sick, confessing our sins to one another so that healing can occur and not be hindered.

The Regional Ministry of Hope Come Worship with Us! Trinity Anglican BLYTH 9:00 AM

St. Paul’s-Trinity Anglican WINGHAM 11:00 AM

519-357-7781 • email: revjoann@hurontel.on.ca www.regionalministryofhope.com Weekly service live-streamed at 11:00 a.m. on our Facebook page or on youtube @St. Paul’s-Trinity Anglican Church Wingham.

Worship with us at

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship 10:00 am Worship Service 11:00 am Co ee Time 11:15 am Sunday School for all ages

o ’s Love God e dures en forever

All Are Welcome Interim Pastor Elwin Garland 250 Princess St., Brussels • 519 887 6388

MEL LV VILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

Sunday, February 25, 2024 11:00 am - 12 noon We extend a loving welcome to all to join us as Doug Sargent leads us in worship, prayer and praise to Good.

Snacks, coffee, and a time to visit will follow.

Soup & More 2 Join us every Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. for lunch. This free meal is made possible by the Brussels churches and many volunteers working together to serve our community. c All are welcome!

For pastoral care concerns please call 519-524-7512 2

Sunday, February 25 at 10 a.m.

BMG Community Centre (upstairs room) 800 Sports Drive, Brussels Childcare provided for children aged 0 to 4 during the sermon

Worship and Prayer Time Loving Fellowship Expository Preaching

For additional details please visit: brusselscommunitybiblechapel.ca

Blyth United Churrch Sunday Service at 11:00 am Sunday, February 25, 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Mike Stanley, "Working With a Sincere Heart" (Ephesians 6:5-9) Nursery & Sunday School during worship On-site and online - live.huronchapel.com 119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131

Isaiah 40:1 Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Outreach project for February is the Coldest Night of the Y Yeear e walk Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churche es blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224

Services are live-streamed and can be found by searching “Blyth Christian Reformed Church”

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024. PAGE 17.

Kinsmen, CC Board host Family Day festivities PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

A day to remember The Belgrave Community Centre Board held its annual Family Day festivities for kids on Sunday and it was thoroughly enjoyed by those in attendance, including correspondent Linda Campbell’s grandson, inset, Jackson Campbell of Kitchener, who took the time to get his face painted. (John Stephenson, courtesy photo)

MT investigating gate restoration

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Restoration of historic gates at the Turnberry Conservation Area is under consideration.

MorrisTurnberry Council discussed pros and cons of a possible project at a regular meeting of council held earlier this month.

Morris-Turnberry resident Ron Tervit e-mailed a request for the pillars of the gate structures to be considered for repair and improvement. Recipients of Tervit’s e-mail included Morris-Turnberry Mayor Jamie Heffer and North Huron Reeve Paul Heffer.

Tervit is requesting improvements because the gates are intended to honour local veterans and he believes they

should be maintained accordingly.

History of the gates is provided in a report prepared by MorrisTurnberry CAO/Clerk Trevor Hallam. The gates date back to the 1920s. The Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) bought the property that the gates are on in the 1970s and performed some repairs at that time. The gates received further restoration in the 1980s, the last record of work being done on the aging structure.

Mayor Jamie Heffer recollected on the gates’ refurbishments during the 1980s. He stressed the importance of community participation in preserving this kind of historic local monument.

Councillor Jamie McCallum said he supported the idea in principle, but is reluctant to commit public

funds to a project carried out on a property that Morris-Turnberry does not own. He is also concerned about resources going into preserving the structure, only to see it later torn down.

Hallam confirmed that the MVCA, while amenable to the improvements being made, does not currently have plans to upgrade the structure, nor does it have room to commit in a budget.

Advocating for project costs to, at least, be investigated, Councillor Sharen Zinn remarked, it is “quite a landmark.”

Council instructed staff to investigate possible costs associated with the project and arrangements to share those costs appropriately, should improvements go ahead.

On Sunday, Lent 1, Feb. 18, the worship leader was Susan Barnett, Licensed Lay Worship Leader at Knox United Church, Belgrave.

The scripture lessons were read from Psalm 25:1-10 and Mark 1:915.

On Sunday, Feb. 25, Susan Barnett is the guest speaker.

Everyone is welcome.

There will be cards on Friday, Feb. 23 from 1-4 p.m. at the Community Centre in Belgrave.

Everyone is welcome. Come out and enjoy the afternoon.

Congratulations to The Citizen on being a four-time provincial award finalist.

The coffee group will meet on Feb. 27 from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Community Centre. Come and enjoy coffee, snacks and fellowship. Everyone is welcome.

Hopefully everyone enjoyed Family Day Weekend. We were hit with lots of snow and high winds starting on Thursday. It didn’t start until after the students were picked up for school and it was ok when they got out. It subsided on Friday and later Friday evening, and most of Saturday we got more snow, but none of the planned activities had to be cancelled.

The Belgrave Kinsmen were able to have their pub and wing night and prepare and cater a delicious family breakfast with a huge crowd enjoying it on Sunday.

On Sunday afternoon, the Belgrave Community Centre Board hosted a family event which was a huge success with the children enjoying face-painting, balloontwisting, carnival activities, games and, of course, popcorn and candy floss, treat bags and prizes with lots of food available. It was a wellplanned afternoon and it was great to see the students helping.

During the Family Day activities at the Belgrave Community Centre, Huron-Bruce MPP and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson was there and presented Revel Beck, daughter of Margie and Matt Beck, with a plaque and monetary gift for most points in “Grow It” and “Show It”, which Revel won for the Elementary School Fair in 2023.

This award was sponsored by Thompson, who is a long-time supporter of and participant in the Elementary School Fair, the oldest fair of its kind in Ontario.

NEWS FROM BELGRAVE

Celebrating A Special Occasion?

The Citizen

Advertise it in Call or email to book your ad today!

519-523-4792

info@northhuron.on.ca

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PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024.

Merchants in 1900s Blyth wore many hats.

T.J. Huckstep was a barber and tobacconist as well as agent for “Parisian Steam Laundry.”

Read more in the Blyth Repository of History.

Fridays

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 blythrepositoryofhistory.ca

The Citizen, Feb. 28, 2019

Leadership in energy and environmental design

Devon Henry 84772 McDonald Line • Box 616 • Brussels

devonjhenry@hotmail.com 519-505-2473

The Citizen, Feb. 6, 2014

The Citizen, Feb. 27, 2014

The Citizen, Feb. 14, 2019 The Citizen, Feb. 5, 2009

The Citizen, Feb. 21, 2019

The Citizen, Feb. 26, 2009

The Citizen, Feb. 26, 2004 The Citizen, Feb. 19, 2009 The Citizen, Feb. 20, 2014

The Citizen, Feb. 7, 2019

The Citizen, Feb. 13, 2014

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024. PAGE 19.

Entertainment & Leisure

Blyth and Lucknow host respective CNOY walks

Coldest Night of the Year Walkers in Blyth and Lucknow bundled up and braved the cold weather to participate in this year’s Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser to support the Northern Huron Connection Centre in Wingham. Blyth’s team, known as the Blazers, are seen walking throughout the (Photos courtesy of Rev. Alex village on Saturday, Feb. 17.

Jebson, Blyth and Brussels United Churches)

Time to Celebrate!

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

While Wingham’s Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) fundraising walk will be happening this Saturday, the towns of Blyth and Lucknow each braved the chilly weather this past weekend with CNOY walks of their very own.

The proceeds from all three walks will be going directly to the Northern Huron Connection Centre, which provides visitors with essentials like showers, laundry facilities, meals and access to a variety of social services. Since it opened in the basement of Wingham’s St. Paul’s Trinity Church last year, the centre has helped hundreds of community members in need.

On a chilly, but bright Saturday morning, the well-bundled Blyth Blazers and the Blyth Lions Club met at the United Church on Dinsley Street, and proceeded to make their way down the streets of Blyth. The Blazers were led by Rev. JoAnn Todd of Trinity Anglican Church. The church recently hosted a sold-out fundraising auction, spearheaded by local business owner Penny Chmilar, which raised over $2,000 for the walk. The Blyth Lions set a fundraising goal of $250 but ended up raising twice that amount.

The Lucknow and South Kinloss Presbyterian Church chose to have their walk on Sunday morning, which was just as chilly and bright as Saturday. CNOY organizer Lisa Harper of the United Way spoke

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during service, and volunteers from the church put together a luncheon for afterwards. Team leader Dionne Smith led her small crew to victory - they raised over twice the amount they were aiming for. Lucknow’s luncheon also featured no fewer than six different varieties of chili.

Wingham’s CNOY walk will be happening on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 4 p.m.

2" wide x 3" high

4" wide x 3" high

$30 + tax

$60 + tax

includes colour

includes colour

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024.

North Huron continues search for EDO

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

North Huron Council is continuing its efforts to fill the position of Economic Development Officer (EDO), which has been vacant since Demetri Makrakos moved on from the position last fall.

At a previous council meeting, staff received direction to investigate partnering with another

municipality to potentially share an EDO. The position is one that relates directly to several of the key goals laid out in North Huron’s recently-adopted strategic plan, including the building of a stronger economy through residential growth and tourism; the development of retail, commercial and industrial opportunities, and support for thriving agriculture.

An EDO’s purpose is to analyze data, determine trends, and craft

strategic approaches that will benefit municipalities. EDOs work with other levels of government and local organizations to address social issues like labour shortages and the housing crisis. They also determine how the township’s marketing resources can be best utilized, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs.

For a municipality aiming to grow its populace and expand its economy, an EDO is often an effective tool.

According to a report by CAO Dwayne Evans, staff reached out to all of the lower-tier municipalities of Huron County, as well as the Township of Huron-Kinloss and the Municipality of South Bruce regarding a potential shared services arrangement.

Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh declined, explaining that they don’t view this position as one they would be willing to share. Central Huron considered the request and also declined. The Municipality of South Huron expressed interest in discussing the possibility, though they did point out that there are no funds in their adopted 2024 budget

for such a position. The Township of Huron-Kinloss also declined, as they already employ a full-time EDO. The Municipality of South Bruce expressed no interest at this time. An online search indicates the Township of Howick, the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry and the Municipality of Bluewater do not employ economic development staff at this time. No other municipalities responded.

Evans’ report says staff also posted for a part-time EDO position to gauge interest, with a low number of applications being submitted, all of whom live more than 150 kilometres from North Huron.

Staff requested guidance from council on the possibility of continuing to search for a part-time EDO, or hiring an intern or consultant to assist North Huron with economic development.

Appointing two council representatives to work with staff to review and consolidate the duties and responsibilities of the EDO into the existing position of Community Engagement Coordinator was also

suggested by staff. Re-establishing the currently defunct North Huron Economic Development Committee was another suggestion, as was seeking a full-time EDO. Deputy-Reeve Kevin Falconer pointed out that various unsuccessful plans for managing economic development have been scuttled over the years, whereas having a full-time EDO was very successful, saying, “The position is strictly absent due to the relocation of personnel. The position itself proved to be very fruitful... if we are diligent in coming up with an economic plan that will bring people to the area, and have boots on the ground, we will succeed. I favour reinstating the full-time position of EDO.” Evans agreed that the full-time EDO position had been advantageous for North Huron, and pointed out that having an EDO would not preclude the possibility of partnering with South Huron in the future.

A motion was put before council to begin searching for a full-time EDO, which passed unanimously.

Winter Reads for all ages Good day sunshine Hullett Central Public School student Grayson Garrity, above, derives energy from the sun’s heat during an (Scott unusually warm afternoon recess on Feb. 8.

Stephenson photo)

ACW passes textual changes to zoning bylaw, defers the decision on mapping Continued from page 13 example. “If I found out it was going to turn into NE, I’d cut the damn thing down, because I don’t want that happening to me, and I’m sure these people don’t want this happening to them. I agree with the people - I think we’re causing more trouble than this is worth. I don’t know why we’re doing this. That’s my opinion.”

Councillor Anita Snobelen agreed that many of the residents that would be affected have been very good stewards of the land. “I just don’t think they should be punished for it by having it zoned to a degree where they can’t do anything with it,” she said. “One other thing I’ve kind of got an objection to is hearing people say they’ve had the same zoning for 45, 50 years - I don’t know what’s changed. It doesn’t make sense to me to change it now.”

Councillor Evan Hickey cited the zoning bylaw, pointing out that some of the permitted uses of land designated AG-1 are general agriculture, conservation and forestry (excluding sawmills). “I think we’re hearing prime examples of this from all the landowners tonight... what is the advantage of changing it to NE, if the landowners themselves are doing the management?”

Council then adjourned the public

meeting and began discussion of the issue in a special council meeting.

Mayor Glen McNeil led with a suggestion, saying, “in light of all the comments we have received tonight, and not just tonight, but in print also, it would be my suggestion for council that we ponder this, and think about all the comments we’ve received from the public, as opposed to making a decision tonight. I would much rather err on the side of caution.”

The sentiment was echoed by Vanstone, who felt more time was needed.

Councillor Jennifer Miltenburg pointed out that many of the potential changes to the text of the zoning bylaws are necessary to people hoping to make changes to their properties in the spring, and inquired as to whether or not the textual changes of the zoning bylaw could be passed without including the mapping portion, as all objections from landowners were in regards to the mapping portion of the proposal.

Whaling-Rae confirmed that the two sections, being separate proposals, could be voted on separately.

Council put forth a motion to approve the textual changes and postpone all decisions on any mapping changes until a future meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

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The Citizen

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