The Citizen - Jan. 28, 2021

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Thursday, January 28, 2021

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Volume 37 No. 4

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N. Huron spending up 3.47% in budget

By Denny Scott The Citizen

The view from here When you’re learning from home, you have to make your own fun for recess, which is what Connor and Brayden Shortreed did, climbing a tree on their home property on a break from their online studies. With the provincial

government officially extending the stay-at-home order and state of emergency declaration until February, which came as no surprise to many, online learning and working from home are sure to remain the norm for at least a little while longer. (Photo submitted)

Seaforth Manor outbreak moving fast

By Denny Scott The Citizen With a fast-moving outbreak declared at Huron East’s Seaforth Manor, COVID-19 cases continue to surge in Huron and Perth Counties with 1,173 confirmed cumulative cases reported.

As of Monday, there were 137 active cases of COVID-19 with 36 cases added over the weekend alone, according to Huron and Perth Medical Officer of Health Dr. Miriam Klassen.

During her bi-weekly press conference, Klassen reported cases in Huron and Perth Counties have risen by 141 cases from last week’s cumulative total of 1,032. She also stated that five residents are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 and 36 fatalities due to or associated with COVID-19 have been reported.

The news wasn’t all bad, however,

as Klassen said that the outbreak at Exeter Villa, which saw 47 confirmed cases over more than a month, was declared over. She also said the outbreak at the Stratford General Hospital surgery unit was under control and she hoped to soon report that it had concluded.

While numerous outbreaks were declared over in the past week, two significant outbreaks continue, including Seaforth Manor in Huron East which, in just over a week, has reported 30 cases (26 residents and four staff) and Caressant Care in North Perth, which now has 68 confirmed cases in its long-term care wing (43 residents and 25 staff) which has resulted in nine fatalities and 38 confirmed cases in its retirement home wing, 30 residents and eight staff, and one fatality. As a result of the Caressant Care outbreak, 19 residents have been decanted to other sites from the long-term care wing while three

residents have been decanted from the retirement home wing. Klassen was also able to report that, after provincial testing, the outbreak at the site was not identified as any of the fast-moving variants that have been discovered in locations like the United Kingdom and South Africa.

Klassen said Huron Perth Public Health is making significant headway with vaccinations in local long-term care facilities, as all firstdoses were administered to residents and staff by the end of the day on Monday. She also reported that atrisk retirement communities would be completed by Wednesday, Jan. 27. Klassen was confident that those who received their first shot would, within the 21- to 28-day window, receive the second shot necessary for immunization.

With the surge in cases, Klassen said it was important to continue to employ safe practices, including following the stay-at-home order.

She said, while it’s too soon to say, there has been a levelling out of cases in Huron and Perth Counties and numerous outbreaks have been declared over in the area.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to report the same next week,” she said.

As far as specific numbers go, cases in Huron East have spiked from 21 cases to 54. Other municipalities in Huron County also saw increases, including AshfieldColborne-Wawanosh, which has 20 cases, up from 12; Bluewater which has 29 cases, up from 25; Central Huron which has 44 cases, up from 36; Morris-Turnberry which has 38 cases, up from 36; North Huron which has 37 cases, up from 35 and South Huron which has 89 cases, up from 85. Both Goderich and Howick remained at the same number of confirmed cases, 10 and 32, respectively, from last week.

In Perth County, North Perth saw Continued on page 2

North Huron Township Council has approved its 2021 budget in principle with a $213,084 increase, or 3.47 per cent, in spending over the 2020 budget.

Council finalized the proposed budget during a special meeting on Jan. 22 when council decided to change several additions proposed at the last budget meeting, which, alongside some savings found by staff, led to the final increase.

The original proposed budget, presented last month, included a 2.99 per cent increase, said Director of Finance Donna White. At that point, council members made several requests to be added, including a $50,000 fund for an economic development officer; an increase of $100,000 for asset management reserves, which Deputy-Reeve Trevor Seip had suggested could be used for the Howson Dam or other projects, and a $85,000 assessment remediation for the former Blyth public works/fire hall building.

White explained that the original increase proposed by staff, before the additions, was more than $180,000, but it was dropped to $163,084 when staff discovered further savings. She said, with all the changes, the municipality is now looking at an additional $398,084.44 in spending, or a 6.48 per cent spending increase.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Seip suggested council cut the $50,000 fund for the hiring of an economic development officer as 2021, like 2020, may not be a year of growth due to COVID-19.

“I don’t see us having the vaccine to the general public before September or October,” he said.

“The idea of trying to bring jobs and development to the municipality [may not go ahead].”

Councillor Chris Palmer said he wasn’t against the funding, but wanted a detailed job description before the municipality moved ahead with anything, saying he didn’t see a need for the position right now.

“We don’t have any commercial land,” he said. “Anything residential has nothing to do with [the proposed economic development officer].”

Palmer said there are a lot of questions left to be asked about the position, including what the officer’s goals would be and the length of the contract. He added that Continued on page 12

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021.

County council sets events plan aside

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Though Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn’s concept for a rotating event schedule throughout Huron County turned out to be poorly timed, some of his fellow Huron County councillors want the idea shelved, not dismissed.

Earlier this year, Ginn proposed a Huron County event calendar for the remainder of the winter. He said it was likely that January, February and early March would be among the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic and having an event for residents to look forward to every weekend would go a long way to lifting spirits.

He suggested drive-through or drive-in events, with each of the county’s nine lower-tier municipalities hosting one event over a nine-week schedule. Not only would it keep people busy and looking forward to the next weekend, but it would also usher people to different parts of the county to which they may not have otherwise travelled.

However, the week after Ginn made that proposal, the provincial government issued its stay-at-home

order and, for a number of reasons, his idea had to be shelved in the name of safety and compliance – working to stop the spread of the deadly virus throughout the county.

At the Jan. 20 meeting of Huron County Council, however, North Huron Reeve Bernie Bailey expressed his admiration for the idea, saying that while it can’t go ahead right now, he would like to see it go ahead later this winter, when the order is lifted and travel can safely proceed once again.

He said that many in the county were currently in “the hardest of hard times” and could use any form of pick-me-up they could find.

“I’d like to not throw it out,” Bailey said. “I’d like to keep it on the plate and see how it develops.”

He suggested it could be more of a long-term project that could be revisited at a later date. Warden Glen McNeil and other councillors agreed.

McNeil suggested consulting with Huron Perth Public Health and its Medical Officer of Health Dr. Miriam Klassen about moving forward once the provincial stay-athome order has been lifted and local case counts have stabilized.

Stop the Spread COVID-19 can be deadly.

Stay home.

Stay strong.

Save lives.

The long walk There are few things that tire out a little one more than having to carry their own sled back up the incline that, moments ago, was the source of so much fun. Above, the Ribey children from near Ethel trudge up the hill on their family dairy farm for another turn, cheering as they sled down. From left: Paislee, Case, Flynn and Renzie. (Photo submitted)

Visit ontario.ca/coronavirus Paid for by the Government of Ontario

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021. PAGE 3.

Online learning presents challenges, opportunities

Tunes Heather Dawe, Seaforth Public School’s music teacher, has found ways to reach out to her students through songs during online learning. (Photo submitted)

By Denny Scott The Citizen With the recent announcement that students in Huron County will be participating in remote learning indefinitely, staff, students and parents are figuring out how to make it work.

Two local teachers, Brussels-area native Morgan Deitner who teaches at Listowel Eastdale Public School, and Heather Dawe who teaches at Seaforth Public School, spoke to The Citizen about how online teaching has been going for them.

Deitner, a prep coverage and physical education and health teacher, and Dawe, a music teacher, both said they have seen some great learning experiences and faced some unique challenges since online learning started early this month.

“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind to be honest,” says Dawe. “I teach a different class every 40 minutes, and have a different meeting with different kids.”

She said that online learning follows the same schedule as a day at school, but aside from that, it’s completely different.

“As a music teacher, I don’t have the resources available to me at the school to be able to pull out and play whatever music I like,” she said. “It takes twice as much planning and twice as much effort, and you might get half as much participation versus everyone being in the same room.”

Deitner has had a similar experience, but she says that the whole situation is compounded from what the schools and teachers were already facing.

“We already had a hard time with COVID-19 last year,” she said. “We had limited equipment, and Listowel Eastdale’s gym was off-limits, so all the gym classes I taught were outside, or, indoor classes.”

She said those limitations have increased, as she has to consider what kind of equipment students may have in their own home.

One example she provided was having students play a game of catch with themselves, however not all students may have a ball or the room to safely play the game, so she had students use rolled-up socks.

“We have to find new ways to teach,” she said. “We can’t assume that families have workout equipment. Hopefully everyone has socks.”

Deitner went on to say that teddy

bears have become a constant for her, as they can be used as workout partners or weights for younger students.

Dawe said she had similar difficulties when class was in session, as students weren’t allowed to sing. Now, however, she can encourage people to sing, which is a blessing, she said.

“It’s nice to see them singing or playing with their family,” she said.

“It’s good to see them sharing joy with each other.”

Dawe said she’ll play her own guitar and see students go and get their own instruments, and that keeps her inspired to continue pushing herself and her students to make the best of online learning.

Deitner said students are facing a difficult period right now, and that it’s hard, especially for the younger ones, to follow classes.

As part of her position, she frequently helps students one-onone normally, and now those

students are meeting with her and their class teachers as they try to work towards learning plans to help each other out. She said the COVID19 lockdown continues to be a challenge for students like that.

“The mornings I do different support work with those students and teachers, then in the afternoon, I have my gym classes,” she said.

Those afternoon classes can be joyful occasions she said, as the students are so excited to see their teacher and know that gym class is starting.

In between her classes, she says she’s constantly on the lookout for new games and resources as, especially with the younger students, new games and activities may only be exciting for two or three days.

She also said that getting students to go outside can be a challenge because some don’t want to and some don’t have the equipment that others do to enjoy being outside.

Because of that, she says she tries to

find as many fun activities to do inside as she can.

Deitner said that her attendance for class is about what it is when the students were in class, and that, while the school doesn’t have every family participating online, there has been significant buy-in.

“On average I’m seeing between 17 and 25 kids for each class,” she said.

Dawe, who teaches Kindergarten to Grade 8, said that students all the way up to Grade 6 are excited to be doing online learning, and while she thinks Grade 7 and 8 students are as well, a lot of them turn their cameras off while they’re learning.

“It could be daunting for them,” she said. “They may not want to be on camera and it might be tricky for them to share their ideas because of the place they are at in life and their relationship with their peers. It’s an age group thing.”

Dawe said it’s easier to engage those older groups in a classroom setting, but it is working and it’s part of what she calls a generally positive experience.

“It hasn’t been without its

challenges,” she said. “There are technological problems, working with links, but once we’re in there, all singing and playing, it’s a beautiful experience.”

That said, when the announcement came that online learning would be continued indefinitely, Dawe admits her own morale dipped.

“It was nice to have that hope,” she said. “When people don’t have hope, they feel bogged down.”

Having her own children at home, and juggling being a mother and a teacher during stay-at-home learning, she does understand some of the frustrations that surround it.

“When we ask how long we can maintain it, I don’t have an answer,” she said. “I hope we can keep going as long as we need to. We try and push everything through as long as we can.”

She said the focus of online learning isn’t just for education, it fosters community building, communication and resilience.

“It gives them something to do, something to look forward to and hope that we’ll be in class again,” she said.

The value of choice devotional reading (J.R. Miller) “Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.

Nothing is more helpful and practical in Christian living — than the habit of getting a verse or phase of Scripture into the mind and heart in the morning. Its influence stays through the day, weaving itself into all the day’s thoughts and words and experiences.

Every verse in the Bible is meant to help us to live — and a good devotional book opens up the precious teachings which are folded up in Scripture.

A devotional book, which takes a Scripture text, and so opens it for us in the morning — that all day long it helps us to live, becoming a true lamp for our feet, and a staff to lean upon when the way is rough — is the very best help we can possibly have. What we need in a devotional book which will bless our lives — is the application of the great teachings of Scripture — to common, daily, practical life.

A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-492-1359

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Keeping it casual Part of Morgan Deitner’s job at Listowel Eastdale Public School is teaching physical education classes, which have taken on new meaning during the lockdown, but she also is sure to take part in spirit days, like ‘Wacky Hair Day’ which had to be held virtually this year. (Photo submitted)

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PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021.

Editorials & Opinions

Founding Publisher: Keith Roulston Publisher & President: Deb Sholdice Editor: Shawn Loughlin • Reporter: Denny Scott Advertising Sales: Brenda Nyveld • Heather Fraser The Citizen is published 51 times a year in Brussels, Ontario by North Huron Publishing Company Inc. Subscriptions are payable in advance at a rate of $40.00/year ($38.10 + $1.90 G.S.T.) in Canada; $190.00/year in U.S.A. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, only that portion of the advertisement will be credited.

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The Citizen P.O. Box 429, P.O. Box 152, BLYTH, Ont. BRUSSELS, Ont. N0M 1H0 N0G 1H0 Ph. 519-523-4792 Phone Fax 519-523-9140 519-887-9114 E-mail info@northhuron.on.ca Website www.huroncitizen.ca Member CCNA

Member of the Ontario Press Council We are not responsible for unsolicited newsscripts or photographs. Contents of The Citizen are © Copyright

Perhaps a silver lining We are still in the middle of a pandemic, so it may be too soon to talk about a silver lining. However, the influx of funding into research for a vaccine for COVID-19 has created opportunities for companies like BioNTech to further their development of vaccines against other illnesses such as certain cancers and autoimmune diseases.

Now they have published preliminary findings that an mRNA vaccine may also work in multiple sclerosis (MS). In several models using mice, the BioNTech team, along with scientists at the Johannes Gutenberg University in Germany, was able to ease MS symptoms in sick animals and prevent disease progression in mice showing early signs.

While the mRNA vaccine technology has been in development for nearly 30 years, the pandemic has sped up this research with unprecedented global co-operation creating a pool of money, volunteers and focus seldom afforded to scientists.

Let’s hope that in addition to ending the COVID-19 pandemic, this research helps to end the suffering of millions through improved vaccines for other illnesses. – DS

Our pipe(line) dreams Many Canadians, especially those living in Alberta, were gutted to hear that one of Joe Biden’s first actions as the 46th President of the United States was to effectively cancel the Keystone XL Pipeline project.

This was an election promise for Biden, so it came as no surprise.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was Biden’s first call with a foreign leader on Friday, which, according to Biden’s new Press Secretary Jen Psaki, is a crucial step towards rebuilding relationships with allies who were alienated under the previous administration by Donald Trump.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has demanded swift action from Trudeau, suggesting that Canada launch a trade war with the United States in retaliation. However, just because that’s how Trump settled his disagreements, many have warned that type of action is highly inappropriate when a country doesn’t get its way. And while Kenney will be quick to blame Trudeau, it is Kenney who should shoulder some of the blame, moving ahead and spending $7.5 billion on the project, knowing full well it could be cancelled if Biden won the election.

For Albertans, this will be yet another loss to pin on Trudeau, while those who believe in reducing the world’s dependence on fossil fuels are likely to also blame Trudeau for supporting the project in the first place.

Canada and the U.S. need to repair their relationship, one that was made tumultuous during the Trump presidency. At the same time, the world is changing and moving away from economies like Alberta’s. The two countries have pledged to work together, but with tensions high on both sides of the border, that may be more difficult than it sounds. – SL

The dawn of a new day While new United States President Joe Biden’s first decisions may have been unpopular with some Canadians, he has set a definitive tone of unity for his country, despite some clearly conservative leanings.

In his first days in office, Biden made important decisions to have the United States rejoin the World Health Organization, including a global committee to fight COVID-19; undoing his country’s global gag rule, which limited the ability of non-governmental organizations receiving U.S. funds to help people with family planning issues and removing the term “alien” from all immigration laws and replacing it with “noncitizen”, a less derogatory term. All the moves were designed to start the healing process in hopes of unifying the U.S. and its citizens.

For many people not only in the U.S. but across the globe, these changes indicate a welcome change of tone from his predecessor President Donald Trump, who favoured isolationism for the country and created deep divides among its people. However, we can’t forget that Biden, though leading the Democrats, has described himself as a centreleft member of the political spectrum and that became obvious when he talked about the “full-scale wartime effort” on COVID-19. While it’s great to have a reasonable person leading one of the most powerful countries in the world, we have to remember that the left in the United States isn’t left in Canada. While Biden is actively trying to heal his nation, don’t expect any widespread leftist reforms. – JDS

Letters Policy The Citizen welcomes letters to the editor.

Letters must be signed and should include a daytime telephone number for verification only. Unsigned letters will not be printed.

Submissions may be edited for length, clarity and content, using fair comment as our guideline. The Citizen reserves the right to refuse any letter on the basis of unfair bias, prejudice or inaccurate information.

Looking Back Through the Years January 30, 1964 Members of the Huron Plowmen’s Association spoke to Huron County Council in order to mark the 40th anniversary of the organization’s founding. In addition, the group asked for a grant of $500 from the county in order to cover its expenses, though Secretary L.E. Cardiff, also the MP for Huron, said the association would need between $700 and $800 if it wanted to host a plowing match that year.

Cardiff also noted that council had given a $500 loan in each of the last two years to the effort to host the 1966 International Plowing Match in Huron County.

The Brussels Horticultural Society held its annual meeting and installed Mrs. R.W. Stephens as its acting president until a full-time replacement could be named to the position, replacing Mrs. D.A. Rann in the role. Mrs. Donald Dunbar, Mrs. Ross Bennett, Mrs. George Wheeler, Mrs. William Miller and Mrs. Robert Gemmell were all named to director positions.

January 23, 1974 With a $277,435 addition planned for Exeter Public School, the Huron County Board of Education received the unwelcome news that its Ministry of Education grant was being reduced by $14,000.

As a result, Director of Education D.J. Cochrane said the $14,000 would either have to be covered in the board’s operating budget or deleted from the contract entirely.

Hullett Township Council held its inaugural meeting of 1974 at the Triple K Restaurant in Blyth, naming several committees for the coming year. The meeting also included a short address from Rev. Stanley MacDonald of Londesborough United Church.

January 24, 1996 Huron County was the perfect site for the 1999 International Plowing Match and the Huron Plowmen’s Association began campaigning to make it known throughout Ontario.

Gerry Thiel said the association was planning on “bringing the county down to Waterloo” in order to make Huron’s case as the host of the 1999 match at the Plowmen’s Convention on Feb. 12.

Unseasonably warm weather and a thaw in January threatened to damage winter wheat crops throughout the county, according to Alan McCallum, a crop consultant with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Sabo’s Family Restaurant, a wellknown eatery along Blyth Road in Auburn, had undergone renovations thanks to new ownership. John and Heather Verwey and Teresa Godfrey took over the restaurant and renamed it Stickers, a reference to the trio’s affinity for playing darts.

Cathy Beneteau, the daughter of Rita and Leo Deitner of RR1, Ethel, was awarded the Essex County Soil and Crop Improvement Association Farm Conservation Award for 1995, honouring an operation which utilized conservation land management principles for sustained food production.

Michael Burgess, who had over 1,000 performances as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, was due to perform in Blyth, with a show scheduled for April 20 at Memorial Hall.

January 27, 2011 Newly-elected Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan made it clear that he was in favour of some changes around the council table moving forward.

It had been 10 years since Huron

East was formed by the Village of Brussels, the Town of Seaforth and McKillop, Grey and Tuckersmith Townships and he felt it was time to “take the training wheels off” and let the municipality stand alone. At a strategic planning session, MacLellan said he wanted council to abolish Huron East’s ward system and he wanted to cut the size of council in half.

MacLellan proposed a six- or seven-member council and just two wards, one in the north and one in the south, with the division being Winthrop Road, just south of Walton.

Blyth native Erin Bolger, the author of The Happy Baker, was set to begin her own web series, just after her cookbook was named one of the best cookbooks of 2010 by The New York Times.

After a successful first shipment, a second container, full of 424 bicycles, was on its way to Namibia thanks to the Huron-Perth chapter of Bicycles for Humanity, spearheaded by the Nonkes family of Auburn.

This came after the project’s first effort, in the fall of 2010, that resulted in the collection and shipment of nearly 850 bicycles.

Huron East staff submitted an application for funding in order to expand and improve the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre by enlarging the change rooms and its lobby, while creating a new, fully accessible washroom.

A Milverton man was handed 12 months of probation after pleading guilty to marijuana possession after an incident in Belgrave. Police were tipped off when they received a report of a vehicle driving through the community very slowly while the driver constantly honked the horn.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021. PAGE 5.

Other Views

Controversy helps feed divisions

D

r. Anthony Fauci had just completed a thorough explanation of the new U.S. government’s plans to vaccinate 100 million people for COVID-19 when a reporter asked a question that you just knew was going to bury everything else he’d said.

How, the reporter at last Thursday’s news conference asked, did it feel not to have to deal with Donald Trump as president anymore?

When Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Chief Medical Advisor to the President, admitted it was “liberating” not to have to worry about contradicting the President anymore, the story dominated the next 24-hour news cycle.

In doing so, it turned the page back to past tensions when the real need is to concentrate on how to deal with today’s problems, like halting COVID-19’s deadly hold on the country.

Ever since the November presidential election, and particularly since Trump supporters invaded the Capitol on Jan. 6, the mainstream media has been filled with stories about the need to reverse the tribalism in the U.S. which makes Republicans and Democrats not just disagree on policy, but hate each other.

Yet the media thrived during the Trump presidency as viewers tuned in to learn about his latest outrage. Reporters who have become star personalities live for conflict in their news coverage – hence that old conflict between Fauci and Trump was more “newsworthy” than authoritative new information on the pandemic.

In his new autobiography A Promised Land, former President Barack Obama tells of a similar diversion from information to controversy. He had been taking a beating in both the main-stream and right-wing media over his Affordable Care Act, also known as

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk Obamacare. Designed to give millions more Americans protection against soaring medical care costs, the legislation’s noble goals had been poisoned by all sorts of misinformation, including bogus fears that the government would set up panels to decide who should live and who should die, based on their cost to the government-funded part of the plan.

Obama thought he could head off part of the misinformation by holding a press conference to thoroughly explain his plans and answer questions. He was feeling good about the results as the conference wound down, when a reporter asked a question of a totally different nature. A well-known Harvard professor, who was Black, had returned to his home in well-todo Cambridge, near Boston, after a trip to China. When he found his front door jammed, he impatiently tried to force it open. A neighbour, thinking it might be a break-in, called the Cambridge police.

When police arrived and asked for identification, the professor, by now frustrated, at first refused and called the officer a racist.

Eventually he showed his identification but as the police departed he continued to berate them. Eventually they became angry enough that they arrested him and took him to the police station (the charges were quickly dropped). Now, the reporter wanted to know, what did that say to the president about race relations in America.

Obama answered in a way he thought was innocuous, saying he could understand how people became angry, but that obviously the police had acted stupidly in arresting a man who had already proved he was on his own property. It was that charge of acting stupidly that triggered the reaction that dominated the news for several days, with right-wing media portraying Obama as an elite (Black) president siding with an elite (Black) professor over a working class (white) police officer who was just doing his job. Coverage of Obama’s carefully planned explanation of health care reform was lost when this was turned into the familiar story of racial divisions.

If you study drama, you learn that the driving force is conflict. The news media thrives on conflict, looking for it even before it actually happens. When the news broke that Governor General Julie Payette had resigned over findings that she had created a toxic workplace at her official residence, a reporter/commentator immediately speculated on what the political fallout might be, long before opposition party leaders even had a chance to react.

And that’s also a part of the problem. At one time a reporter would bite his/her tongue rather than express an opinion. Today television reporters in particular, freely mix reported events with their own comments and observations. When they’re not reporting, often they’re guest commentators on panel shows.

If we’re going to reverse a themversus-us dynamic in society, then a good place to start is for media outlets to rein in their instinct to seek out and emphasize conflict. Let reporters be reporters. Let commentators be commentators. Separate facts from opinion.

Another [memory] bites the dust

O

ver the last two weeks, there has been a lot to be disappointed about between our province’s leader allegedly being part of a group of premiers that wants Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to “go to war” over the Keystone XL Pipeline, the news about COVID-19 vaccines being delayed and former U.S. President Donald Trump not pardoning Joe Exotic, but the most disappointing personal news I got was the demolition of The Candlelight restaurant in Goderich.

Over the past four years or so I’ve become a bit out of touch with the restaurant after it was a family tradition for years before that. It was a favourite for my father, but my own ties to the fine dining establishment that went back to my public school years.

I’ve known the Balkouras family, which ran the restaurant, since Kindergarten, if memory serves correctly. Owners Gus and Anastasia’s eldest son George was a classmate of mine and, for a number of years, we were good friends, though we did grow apart when I moved away from the town.

The Candlelight, for those of you who may not have had the pleasure of dining at one of Goderich’s premier establishments, was a comfortable place to eat and the kind of place where you were always greeted with a smile.

That went a bit beyond for me because of my history with the Balkouras family. Even after I had moved away during my senior years of public school, attended high school and graduated from university then came back to work for The Signal-Star, Gus still recognized me, welcoming me when I came to the restaurant or greeting me whenever I ran into him at events in the public.

Between the classic pebbled-plastic glasses, the buffet breakfasts and the birthday party or three I attended there, I can’t point at a bad memory of the restaurant and now it’s gone.

Gus decided to retire, deservedly so, and the

Denny Scott Denny’s Den restaurant was demolished earlier this month by the new property owners.

As much grief as I may give folks from Goderich about feeling like they live in the centre of the universe, I do have a lot of great memories from there and it seems that every time I return, some part of my childhood has been dug up, demolished or reworked to the point that it’s no longer recognizable.

It all started with the renaming/rebuilding of Robertson Memorial Public School, the elementary school I attended from Kindergarten to Grade 6. I’ve often discussed the fact that going to school there was unlike going to school anywhere else I’ve experienced. There were no cliques. Sure, there was a bully or two, but pretty much my entire class played with each other, whether it be touch football, soccer, baseball, soccerbaseball, kick-across or any number of other games we devised, or just climbing up the two-storey wooden climber that just wouldn’t exist on modern playgrounds.

I can’t think of a better educational experience, or a better social one, than what I had at that school. Everything that followed paled in comparison.

That school is now known as Goderich Public School (seriously, who renames a memorial structure) and includes a lot more buildings and a lot less playground. With those changes, the Town of Goderich became a little less recognizable.

The pier at the main beach in Goderich

would likely be the next change that really made me realize the wisdom behind the words, “You can’t go home again.” For those who spent time at the beach, the pier was just a huge structure of metal and concrete stretching out from the main beach with a few small buildings on it. Those buildings were the perfect height and location to be climbed on and jumped off into the breathtakingly cold waters of Lake Huron in the early summer (you know, before the tourists arrived and some nosy Torontonian mother would give her two cents on how unsafe it was).

Even just jumping off the pier, with its climbable embankments every 10 feet or so, is a beautiful memory, skinned knees and all.

The new design, with the dropped-down concrete edge that’s at water level, just doesn’t offer the same excitement as a 10-12-foot plunge into the lake.

Aside from diving and swimming, the old pier also marked the first place I really felt like I had made the right decision to become a print journalist. It was the Canada Day fireworks display and I was behind the barricades on the pier, perfecting the long-exposure shot to get some truly great pictures. Sitting there, using a remote control from my camera, enjoying the solitude and the pyrotechnics, was the first time that I thought, “Yeah, this is where I’m meant to be.”

Then there are the places that, while they may not have changed much, have been blocked off for safety reasons. The best tobogganing and fishing places in town are now locked behind fences, leaving fewer experiences of my childhood that I can now pass on to my daughter.

So, farewell to the Candlelight and the magical memories from there, as Goderich takes one more step away from the place it is in my memories and another step towards something new.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Forever and ever

O

ne mistake can haunt someone for the rest of their life. That has always been true and it remains true today. Some newspapers, however, are looking to remedy their role in that process, working to alter the past with the help of those who have seen their lives affected by a past arrest or incident.

The Boston Globe is now one of a handful of newspapers that are allowing people to petition for additions to old stories involving them or to have their name scrubbed from them entirely. The Globe is said to be prioritizing minor crimes, very old crimes and stories involving non-criminal behaviour that might be considered “embarrassing” for some.

The Boston Globe’s “Fresh Start” initiative joins similar projects ongoing at The Cleveland Plain Dealer, The Atlanta JournalConstitution and The Philadelphia Inquirer, while The Kansas City Star and The Los Angeles Times have recently published apologies for how their coverage of crime contributed to racial inequalities in their cities.

As is noted in The Washington Post story on the initiative, there had been pushback from newspapers to consider such a thing, which, in a way, aims to rewrite history. However, from a compassionate side, some of these older transgressions are literally ruining a person’s life at a time when a Google search of a potential significant other or new hire takes mere milliseconds for worldwide results.

As journalists we deal in facts, but have a legal responsibility to tell the whole story. If The Citizen, for example, reports on someone being charged with driving drunk, that is fair game, as it is an historical fact. Credible news organizations, however, have a responsibility to then see that process through. So, if the aforementioned accused is then found not guilty, he/she has a reasonable expectation that The Citizen would then report on that too.

Some websites posing as news outlets have, at times, sought to exploit the situation I explained above, assuring readers that the historical fact of being charged isn’t changed by a not guilty verdict, instead opting to charge a fee to remove stories that bear their name.

While it could be argued that this initiative is not so different from what The Boston Globe is proposing, the reasons behind the two couldn’t be more different. One seeks to better the lives of those who made a mistake, while the other aims to land one final kick in the stomach in what has surely already been a long, hard road.

As journalists, the cornerstone of our lives is that we deal in facts – inconvenient as they may be at times. And while the term “cancel culture” has taken hold with many as a fact, one look at government officials (both north and south of the border), celebrities, musicians and actors shows the public is more than willing to forget than you think – if you’re famous. The real cancel culture is more likely to be found in the stories The Globe and others discuss: people who did something stupid and misguided years ago who now can’t find a job because of it. And though you can’t argue that it was the people in question who first put themselves in this position, we like to think of ourselves as a forgiving people, so what The Globe is doing is a first step towards acceptance that perhaps people shouldn’t be handed a de facto life sentence as a result.

As a journalist, rewriting history leaves a bad taste in my mouth, but to consider a way to help those seeking to better their lives is a step towards being the kind of people we want to be, applying the Golden Rule to others, treating minor past transgressions as slight missteps along an otherwise righteous path.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021.

Marking a year with COVID-19 pandemic A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

First in line Jim Armstrong is as well known a man as you’ll find in Brussels, so it was only fitting that he was the first resident at Huronlea Home for the Aged in Brussels to receive his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine last week. Huron County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, like Taryn-Lee Gutjahr, above, helped to administer the shots. (Courtesy photo)

M-T driver charged for incident A Morris-Turnberry resident is facing a charge of Blood Alcohol Concentration - 80 Plus following a traffic stop conducted by members of the Huron County OPP Detachment last week.

Police say that, on Thursday, Jan. 21 at approximately 3:15 p.m., Huron OPP members received a complaint about a possible impaired driver operating a pickup truck.

Officers immediately began patrolling for the suspect vehicle and

less than 20 minutes later located and stopped the vehicle in Brussels.

The OPP reports that a roadside screening device was used and the driver registered a fail. As a result, the driver was placed under arrest and was transported to the Huron OPP Detachment for breath tests.

The driver supplied two samples of his breath to the qualified Intoxilyzer technician and both tests

At the Branch

were found to be over the legal limit.

Police say a 54-year-old from Morris-Turnberry has been charged with Operation While Impaired Blood Alcohol Concentration - 80 Plus. He has since been released from custody with a court date scheduled for March 15 at the Ontario Court of Justice in Goderich.

His motor vehicle was towed and impounded and his driver’s licence was automatically suspended for an automatic 90 days.

We must be having a good time, because the clock is really ticking.

COVID-19 came to Canada a year ago now. I guess I hadn’t thought about it until the news shows this week started looking back to the entry of COVID-19 into our lives.

The Toronto Star had a whole section breaking down events daily, weekly and monthly, starting last January.

Like all news, we waited until it affected us to pay attention. So for us, when the World Health Organization and Dr. Theresa Tam gave the word, our lives changed in mid-March.

We knew we lived a privileged life and in case you hadn’t counted that as one of your blessings, it’s pretty obvious now. So, give thanks!

As we continue learning more about this virus, we again appreciate where we are lucky enough to live – our space, our neighbours, our family, our friends and our clean air.

When we think about the necessities of life, again we are blessed. We have clean water, food, and good health care. We need to say thank you to all the folks who keep those things available, starting with the food supply folks like farmers, the processing staff, the truck drivers and grocery store staff, who are all taking risks for us. So for and to them, we say thanks.

Fatigue is a state that many now can identify as the COVID-19 rules continue. So often we think we have control over our lives and right now we know that is not the case. It can

be quite unsettling! To be stopped in our tracks by an unseen enemy, to go about our days following the Huron Perth Public Health rules and trying to remember that we are the lucky ones, oh yes, this is fatigue.

As we listen to the numbers of COVID-19 infections rhymed off in each newscast, we need to take a big breath and remember that each number we hear is a person who is loved by someone. There are whole families affected both physically and emotionally when a positive lab test comes back; an illness that takes many forms including death. They are sad, terrified and lonesome as Continued on page 8

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS Catch up on news, columns and photos on The Citizen’s website at huroncitizen.ca

Events now on hold

By Jo-Ann McDonald It is the last week of January and the Brussels Legion Branch is still closed. Everything is on hold as we await the lifting of the provincial restrictions. We hope that it will be soon so meetings, activities and the Catch the Ace draw will start.

We hope everyone enjoyed last week’s article about joining the Brussels Legion and the many good things the Legion does.

We hope to see you after the Branch reopens to drop in and pick up an application form for membership.

Municipality of Huron East

Financial Plan for Drinking Water & Wastewater Systems Huron East Council, pursuant to the provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act, and Ontario Regulation 453/07 hereby serves notice that a draft “Financial Plan for Huron East Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems” will be reviewed by Huron East Council on:

Tuesday, February 2, 2021 7:00 p.m.

VIRTUAL MEETING Please contact the Municipal Office for Virtual Meeting Access Information The draft Financial Plan involves a revised rate structure for all water and wastewater systems. Copies of the Financial Plan are available at the Municipal Office and on the Huron East Website (www.huroneast.com).

Brad Knight CAO/Clerk 72 Main Street South Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0

Neews depends endss on facts. ts. Where Whe are you our facts ts coming com ng from? ro News Media Canada is a passion ssionate advocate for the news industry. We support our mem mber m publications in their pursuit of quality journalism nalism.

Wee believe that when society has factss they can W trust, better decisions will be made.

newsmediacanada.ca

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021. PAGE 7.

McCarthy details North Huron paving for 2021

By Denny Scott The Citizen

During a special budget meeting on Jan. 22, North Huron Township

Director of Public Works and Facilities Jamie McCarthy outlined the road work moving ahead in 2021.

She said there were two types of

capital road projects set for this year: resurfacing of asphalt, which occurs where recycling or milling can’t be undertaken, and seal coating, which prevents additional

King of the hill Young Clark Hanko, son of Travis and Averly Hanko, had a heck of a hill and plenty of snow to play with after he helped his father clear it all off their driveway. (Photo submitted)

wear and tear and extends the life of the road.

McCarthy recommended five projects, including resurfacing of Wellington Street in Blyth, Owen Street in Belgrave and Jordan Drive in Belgrave and application of a sealer coat for Moncrieff Road, with the final project being the completion of the 2020 Carling Terrace capital project.

The Wellington Street project, which will see the street resurfaced from Morris Street to Gypsy Lane, is estimated to cost $50,000.

The Owen Street project, from Highway 4 to Jordan Drive is estimated to cost $10,000 and the Jordan Drive project, from Johnston Crescent to the end of the street, is estimated to cost $50,000. The Moncrieff Road sealer coat, from Scott Line to Currie Line, is estimated to cost $45,000. Finally, the Carling Terrace project will cost $96,311.

The first four projects will be paid for by the municipality’s gas tax fund, while the Carling Terrace project will come from the municipality’s Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) money, meaning all five projects will be completed without an impact to the municipality’s budget.

Deputy-Reeve Trevor Seip asked what would happen if Wellington Street, which had some older infrastructure under it, needed work in the near future.

He was cautious of projects that would need to be torn up soon after completion. McCarthy explained that the utilities under the road have been installed within the last 40 years and are made of plastic, so their life cycle should have significant time left in them.

She also said that the water infrastructure is actually under the boulevard on Wellington Street, so that wouldn’t necessarily require road work, if construction were necessary.

Council approved the work plan.

M-T Council agrees to help with fire truck

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Morris-Turnberry Council approved a one-time increase to capital contributions to the Fire Department of North Huron (FDNH) to help cover the cost of a new truck.

During council’s Jan. 12 meeting, FDNH Fire Chief Marty Bedard explained that, due to a lack of funding, the purchase of a pumper truck for the Blyth station to replace the hall’s aging truck was deferred from 2020 to 2021.

Bedard’s request was originally to increase the amount given annually from $100,000 to $200,000, however Chief Administrative Officer Trevor Hallam proposed a one-time increase of up to $100,000 this year to cover the cost of the new pumper.

In his report, Hallam explained that the actual extra cost of the truck would result in a $31,538.74 overrun on the existing $100,000 contribution.

“There are sufficient funds in the Morris-Turnberry fire reserves to cover the one-time expense,” Hallam said in his report.

Bedard explained that the truck is “limping along” and that spending more to repair it wouldn’t be wise.

“We’d like to move forward with [replacing it] this year,” Bedard said during the meeting.

Councillor Kevin Freiburger asked if the existing truck would be put up for sale on GovDeals.ca, a website that specializes in helping government organizations to liquidate assets.

Bedard said the truck would likely go on GovDeals, though he didn’t anticipate it being sold for more than $15,000 and any revenue would go back into the shared surplus for the

fire department to be used at a later date.

As part of Bedard’s report, he recommended that North Huron purchase a truck from ResQTech Systems of Woodstock for $604,500.

It was the second-lowest tender, with the lowest one not meeting the requirements of the fire department, he said.

Councillor Jim Nelemans noted there was a significant difference between the low bid of $564,600 and the high bid of $791,306.96, asking

what resulted in such a variance.

“Some of the trucks are stock trucks, or pre-built trucks, that companies have, so some may exceed what we ask for,” he said.

A motion to allow a one-time exemption was passed with all council members except DeputyReeve Sharen Zinn voting in favour.

NEWS FROM BLYTH

Check in on friends From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Happy birthday to Alvin Wallace who celebrates Jan. 28; Doug Howson, Goderich, Jan. 31 and Brenda Edgar, Bayfield and Wayne McDougall, Feb. 1. Happy birthday everyone.

Mother Nature has been taking very good care of us this winter. We have had mild weather and not too much snow. It has been good weather for getting around when we need to even though we are locked down because of COVID-19.

Wouldn’t you know that when it is good weather we are all to stay at home and stay safe.

This week, give someone a phone call just to say hello and let them know they have not been forgotten.

Stay safe and have a good week.

Broken Dryer?

Blyth Laundromat 191 Westmoreland St., Blyth 519-523-9687

Township of North Huron

2021 Budget Notice of Meeting Notice is hereby given that the 2021 North Huron Budget will be considered by Council on

Monday, February 1, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

Please be advised that the February 1, 2021 Township of North Huron Council Meeting will be held virtually though Cisco Webex Meetings.

Should you wish to participate please contact Carson Lamb, Clerk at the Township of North Huron at clamb@northhuron.ca.

A brief budget synopsis will be made available on the North Huron’s website: (www.northhhuron.ca), Facebook & Twitter pages Complete copies of the budget document will be available at the Municipal Office which is open by appointment only.

Donna White, Director of Finance 519-357-3550 X 126

Sniff Out a Great Deal in the Classifieds.

Shoppers with a nose for bargains head straight for the Classifieds.

In the Classifieds, you can track down deals on everything from cars to canine companions. It’s easy to place an ad or find the items you want, and it’s used by hundreds of shoppers every day.

Go with your instincts and use the Classifieds today.

The523-4792 Citizen• 887-9114 Classifieds

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021.

Pandemic, lockdown leads to winter reminiscing PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

We are finally having some cold weather and more snow. It will make the snowmobilers happy and the backyard ice rinks stay frozen. The “milder” cold weather has made our walks enjoyable, but we will have to bundle up a little more this week.

We didn’t have to start school as anticipated, so the bus is still sitting patiently in the yard. We are required to start our buses weekly and let them run to charge up the batteries and listen to make sure they are running well. Many years ago, after

having mild then cold weather, my bus wheels were frozen to the ground and would not move. I make sure I move it back and forth a few yards every time so that doesn’t happen again.

We hope everyone is doing well during the lockdown. Remember to use that wonderful invention called the telephone and check in on your neighbours, friends and family, who may need a cheery conversation or maybe an errand done for them.

We all need to be respectful of the lockdown and only be out for the necessities, but when you are out, you can pick up a few extra things for a friend or neighbour.

Being a Good Samaritan is something I learned in my younger years. In 1971, there was a huge snowstorm that shut down all the roads. Students were stranded at school and even driving in town was a challenge. I was not old enough to drive, but I could walk. My

grandmother lived in a seniors’ apartment building and called to say she needed a few things. So, I bundled up and went to the store for her and brought her the few things she wanted.

By the time I delivered the goods to her, a few of her neighbours needed some things. I walked to the grocery store and the pharmacy quite a few times through the storm until they had what they needed. The storm lasted three days and I was kept busy by the seniors. I was happy to help and it is a good 50year-old memory I can share with you.

I can remember seeing pictures at my in-laws’ home of the huge snowbanks along the roadside at their place. They were as high as the telephone wires and just under the hydro wires. Now, they were snowbanks!

I am sure there are many great stories out there that can be told.

Give me a call and let some good

news or great story brighten everyone’s day. We need to keep positive and keep our spirits up while we get through these difficult times.

Give me a shout on the invention, the telephone, and make someone smile about your story.

I received a call from my United Church person, Joan Bernard, checking on my well-being. It is a wonderful thing the members are doing and I am sure the phone call and friendly voice is welcomed by all.

I was on the road one day this week, but they were the roads of Grey and Morris Townships. My memory was refreshed on where some folks live and I learned where some other folks live. It was a nice day, good weather, until the afternoon ground drift started to make for some heavy spots, and I was only slightly stuck once.

I was able to get myself out and on I went. I seem to be able to

keep busy with a variety of things.

Celebrating birthdays this past week were Kaitlin Ritchie, Knox Gillis, Hannah Dalton, Joan Smith, Brandon McGavin, Scott Bromley, Brenda McIntosh, Fred Uhler, Ryan Jacklin, Sheldon Lee, Alexis Beuerman, Phylis Coleman, Chris Ryan, Mark Wilbee and Macklin Bernard. Happy birthday to all.

We send birthday wishes to Evy Verschaeve celebrating her 19th birthday. Now she can drink (if she wanted to) and party, but COVID-19 halted that. She just enjoyed a sitting with the “old folks” to welcome her to the beginning of her 20th year. Unfortunately, her sister Tina, could not be here for the celebration. Tina is in Mayerthorpe, Alberta working on a cow/calf ranch. She was home for Christmas but headed back in early January.

She reports it has been very cold, but you get used to it and learn how to dress warmly.

Bruce Power donates vaccine deep-freeze to HPPH

A cool donation Bruce Power has helped out Huron Perth Public Health with the donation of a special freezer for vaccines which will allow the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to be kept locally. (Photo submitted)

Bruce Power has donated a freezer unit to Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) to assist in the safe and timely roll-out of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

The ultra-low temperature unit, which will be housed at the HPPH Clinton location, will allow the organization to keep the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine at its necessary temperature as vaccinations continue in Huron and Perth Counties for priority populations.

“We are grateful to have the support of Bruce Power as we continue this important phase of protecting the public against COVID-19,” said Dr. Miriam Klassen, Huron Perth’s Medical Officer of Health. “Having access to this freezer unit will facilitate the continued roll-out of our local vaccine program as it will allow us to receive the vaccine directly into our community once supplies permit. As our vaccination program progresses, we ask that all residents remain safe, stay at home, and follow all provincial health guidelines. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, so let’s all do our part to get there safely.”

Bill Whetstone, a Commercial Lead with Bruce Power’s Supply Chain and a councillor in the Municipality of Bluewater, helped facilitate the donation of the freezer.

Whetstone said this donation will help ensure the integrity of the vaccines.

“The residents of Bluewater, and everyone in Huron-Perth, has been waiting a long time for the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, and I’m proud to work for a company that was quick to help us in our time of need,” Whetstone said. “I thank our healthcare and long-term care workers, as well as the staff at Huron Perth Public Health, for what they’ve done during the pandemic.

We all look forward to better days, when we can truly show our appreciation for all you do.”

Take time to remember fun times Continued from page 6 the fate of that number moves into their lives. Our fatigue seems very minimal.

As we handle this pandemic in our own way, there is a saying that fits our situation well: ”stinking thinking”. Yes we are sick and

tired of being by ourselves and we hate not visiting family and friends, but keeping those thoughts whirling in your head non-stop will make you sick.

So, stop the stinking thinking.

Smile as you think of Harvey Shaw’s birthday last week or a funny

story you heard. You can control those thoughts. If all else fails, call me and I’ll tell you two stories that involve our smoke detectors that gave way to much laughter and two good stories.

Be safe. Be kind.

Bye now, Betty G.W.

Bruce Power has also donated a similar freezer to the Grey Bruce Health Unit as it prepares for its vaccination roll-out program to begin.

HPPH is working closely with partners to provide vaccine to all residents of long-term care homes and then retirement homes across Huron and Perth Counties over the next few weeks.

The province has a three-phase distribution plan and an ethical framework to ensure Ontario is prepared to receive, store and administer COVID-19 vaccines as they continue to arrive over the next several months. At this time, vaccine supply is very limited. Distribution focuses first on vulnerable populations that are at greatest |risk of COVID-19 and severe illness and those who care for them.

In Huron and Perth Counties, the Mass Vaccination Advisory Committee (HPMVAC) is creating a local sequencing model, as well as an administration and distribution plan, based on the province’s distribution plan and ethical framework.

Currently the focus is on longterm care homes and then retirement

homes. Additional groups will be identified in the sequencing model; as vaccines become available those groups will be contacted. For the general public, this is not likely for a few months. HPPH asks the public to be patient and await further information – there is no vaccination waiting list set up for the general public.

NEWS FROM WALTON

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021. PAGE 9.

Huron East Council pulls ice from arenas

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen While Huron East Council’s decision to remove the ice from its two community centres was disappointing for both councillors and user groups, most agree it was the right thing to do.

While council was due to discuss the move at its Jan. 19 meeting, when the provincial government announced the extension of its stayat-home order and province-wide lockdown, several councillors took the opportunity to raise the subject at a recent committee meeting.

The municipality’s water and sewer committee had met prior to the Jan. 19 meeting and, with five

councillors in attendance, they discussed the issue, making the decision to remove the ice from community centres in Brussels and Seaforth.

Mayor Bernie MacLellan said at council’s Jan. 19 meeting, which was held virtually via Zoom, that after the decision to remove the ice was made, news quickly circulated on Facebook before some user groups could be officially notified.

In speaking with a representative of the Seaforth Minor Hockey Association, MacLellan said the representative was not happy, but understood the municipality’s decision. Despite no activities in the centres during the lockdown, simply keeping the ice cold enough was

costing the municipality approximately $500 per day, MacLellan said.

Before the final decision had been made, the association had sent a letter to Huron East Council requesting that council retract any decision that would remove the ice from local community centres.

“We are requesting you retract... your decision to remove the ice Jan. 18 and have open dialogue with ourselves and the other user groups,” stated a letter written by the Seaforth Minor Hockey Executive. “We have 120 kids that are currently stuck at home and we would appreciate the opportunity to hopefully continue their season in February.”

The letter also stated that because

Monument will honour bridge

History Huron East’s T13 bridge on Kinburn Line near Front Road has to be demolished and replaced this spring, but council is aiming to keep its memory alive. (Photo submitted)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron East will be replacing its Kinburn Line bridge at Front Road, known internally as the T13 bridge, but council is moving ahead to ensure that while it might be gone, its historical value won’t be forgotten.

Council discussed the bridge at its Jan. 19 meeting. The municipality received funding to replace it from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (Rural and Northern Stream) last year. The total replacement cost is over $2.5 million, with the federal government paying nearly $1.3 million, along with the provincial government paying over $850,000, leaving the municipality to pay just under $430,000.

The bridge itself, however, has historical significance to the municipality and the former Tuckersmith Township.

“Construction was started on a new bridge in July, 1947, when the old one was destroyed by spring floods. In 1974, Dave Morrissey of Ailsa Craig sandblasted and painted the bridge for $1,860,” stated a BM Ross report on the bridge prepared for Huron East Council. “The most recent improvement was the reconstruction and raising of the

deck by two feet in September, 1984, at a cost of $41,198 by C.A. McDowell Ltd., Centralia.”

The report also made mention of the bridge’s cultural heritage value as a strong representative example of a riveted pony truss bridge. The design, according to the report, retains a relatively high level of integrity with original gas pipe railings.

The report also concluded that retaining the historic bridge was impractical, given the state of deterioration in the structure.

At council’s Jan. 20 meeting, Public Works Director Barry Mills discussed the municipality’s plans to honour the memory of the bridge, which he had discussed with Economic Development Officer Jan Hawley and Councillor Gloria Wilbee at a recent meeting of the municipality’s heritage committee.

The proposal would include a heritage sign with a QR code that would take those interested, via their smartphones, to a website with pictures of the original bridge and further information on its historical significance. They also proposed the creation of a monument to the bridge, made from pieces of the structure, preferably a truss member and a piece of the railing.

The bridge is scheduled to be replaced this spring.

Getting Married?

Announce your upcoming wedding in

for local teams if the order wasn’t extended once again.

“On behalf of Huron East Council, I hope that you can appreciate the decisions that have been made in these unprecedented times. We look forward to a return to more normal indoor recreation activities in the fall of 2021,” Knight concluded his letter. *** Robb Finch, President of the Blyth Brussels Minor Hockey Association, said the organization had hoped to return to the ice after the lockdown was lifted, however he understood the decision to remove the ice.

The organization lost both its usual ice surfaces when Huron East decided to remove the ice at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre and North Huron sent out a press release stating the ice in Blyth would be removed.

“We thought we’d get back on when things lifted,” he said. “That was our intent. But the municipalities had to do what they had to do and decided to pull the ice out.”

He said the announcement from North Huron was kind of a shock because there was no discussion, just what was included in the release.

“We intended to still go into March for hockey,” he said, noting the season had started late and would end very early, even earlier than anticipated without the ability to have playoffs due to COVID-19.

He said the numbers for the organization were down a minimal amount this year due to COVID-19 and he doesn’t anticipate this impacting registration numbers for next year.

“We don’t know about next year, but we hope it will have no impact,” he said. “You never know until the end of the day.”

Calling small business owners COVID-19 support could be available to you.

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Visit ontario.ca/COVIDsupport to apply

The Citizen Call or email to book your ad today 519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca

many of the area’s young hockey players had already gone over 10 months without being able to play organized hockey, another two-anda-half weeks wouldn’t have made a huge impact.

Chief Administrative Officer Brad Knight also weighed in, saying staff had conferred with other nearby municipalities and many were making the same decision to remove the ice from their arenas, including North Huron, Perth East, Mitchell and Goderich, among others. He then said he sent correspondence to the user groups to notify them of the decision.

In his letter, Knight said the decision has been made not just with the best information available at the time, but also including the projections for the coming weeks.

“I would suggest that we are fortunate to live in Huron-Perth as we are not deemed one of the ‘hot’ spots of the province,” he said. “In times of a pandemic like COVID-19 we are fortunate to have open spaces and other amenities that we can enjoy without the high population concentrations. Unfortunately, for the province as a whole, COVID-19 is going to be with us for a number of months yet and based on the information we have available to us, we do not anticipate that indoor recreation facilities will reopen in the immediate future.”

At a meeting earlier in January, council had discussed possibly removing the ice from the municipality’s arenas. With no playoffs, due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, seasons would end in very early March, staff said. That meant that if the stay-at-home order was to be extended into midFebruary or further, that would leave just two or three weeks of ice time

Paid for by the Government of Ontario

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021.

View bale wrap, plastics as commodities: Timmer

A new viewpoint Kim Timmer, the manager of stakeholder relationships for Cleanfarms, a not-for-profit organization that recycles farm-use plastics into tile drainage pipes, says farmers need to view bale wrap and other farm plastics as commodities with value before the real process of recycling on the farm can begin. (File photo)

By Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot The Rural Voice It’s time farmers view bale wrap and other farm plastics as a commodity with value, because when they see it as a commodity versus garbage, the real recycling can begin.

So says Kim Timmer, manager of stakeholder relationships for Cleanfarms, a not-for-profit organization that is already recycling farm-use plastics into tile drainage pipes. Last year marked the organization’s 10th anniversary as it continues to launch pilot projects with three new ones starting in Bruce County this year.

Timmer was joined by two other speakers to take part in the PostPlastic Forage Storage panel, hosted virtually by the Ontario Forage Council late last year: Lynn Leavitt, a Prince Edward County farmer who built his own plastic bag compressor to create plastic wrap bales, and Erica Pensini, a researcher

developing a biodegradable plasticlike film that can protect farm crops before naturally degrading into the soil. Both Leavitt and Pensini are hoping more farmers will participate in their plastic-capture and scientific research studies to encourage stewardly use of ag. plastics in Canada.

With funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Environment of Climate Change Canada, Cleanfarms has launched an extensive province-by-province study to identify the needs of farmers, recyclers and manufacturers. This data will be released in early 2121 before Cleanfarms conducts a consensus planning session to discuss longterm planning. Timmer says farmers need to get on board and start collecting and storing plastics… but they have to clean them first.

“When you collect plastics, you are not creating a pile for the sake of creating a pile,” says Timmer. “You are collecting a commodity that

someone else is going to use to create a new product. We want to market a good product.”

There’s a lot of plastic to collect.

Data from 2011 reveals that, back then, farmers were using 7,000 tonnes of plastic per year. Of that amount, 3,500 tonnes was from plastic film and 2,400 tonnes was from silage film and bale wrap.

Those numbers will only have increased in 2021.

Before COVID-19 took over the news stories, Timmer reports the mainstream media was raising skepticism about the percentage of farm-use plastics actually being recycled. She says when farmers do market plastics to a company, they should ask the “who, what, where, when and how?” of how the product is being recycled. If it isn’t being made into something new, it isn’t being recycled.

“There is a lot of pressure for those of us who are passionate about this issue to build trust about what we do,” says Timmer.

“We need to build credibility.”

Cleanfarms collects a variety of plastics but the plastic being turned into drainage tile comes from small plastic pesticide and fertilizer containers, 23 litres and under. In 2019, farmers returned 5.5 million containers, bringing the total volume of containers recycled since the program’s inception to 131.5 million. In Ontario, Cleanfarms also collects unwanted pesticides and old livestock/equine medications. They collect all pesticide and seed bags, rinsed pesticide and fertilizer containers up to 23 litres labeled commercial (ones labelled domestic are not collected) and emptied/rinsed totes and drums.

In 2021, Cleanfarms will expand its reach and launch pilot projects in Bruce County to collect and recycle twine, silage film and bale wrap.

“We will experiment with different collection models and methodologies. The important thing is to start small and build a model that makes sense in the region, then expand,” says Timmer.

Calling himself a seasoned farmer who feels an obligation to be part of “the fix”, Lynn Leavitt of Prince Edward County has taken the initiative to design his own plastic wrap compressor to create clean and compact plastic wrap bales destined for recycling.

He started U-Pac Agri-Service in the spring of 2016 to assist farmers in recycling in an efficient and costeffective way. The process involves the farmer storing clean plastic onfarm before delivering it to Leavitt’s farm, where he compacts it into transportable bales for manufacturing companies. Leavitt designed his own compactor by building a wooden box to hold plastic wrap, which is compressed with a metal plate controlled by a loader tractor.

“You can tell when the plastic is pressed enough when there is no spring back,” says Leavitt.

Creating the compactor was one part of his goal. Connecting with companies willing to buy it was another. He now sells the plastic for five cents U.S. per pound.

Once the agricultural plastic is compressed into tight, square bales, the bales are wrapped with an end cap or piece of plastic to keep them dry. “If we leave them uncovered, water filtrates through the bales and the pallets rot out quickly,” explains

Leavitt. Plus, water makes the bales heavier.

Each compacted bale is numbered for traceability. “As Timmer talked about, we have to maintain our integrity. We can’t have rocks, hammers or dead animals in the bales. This helps us keep track so that if something needs to change, the farmer who brought the plastic in will get a phone call,” says Leavitt.

In terms of how he likes to see plastic come in, Leavitt references his own plastic wrapped bales.

“Sometimes we can have up to two pounds of mud on each bale. So we need to get that off there. What I do is let it air dry and then brush it off,” he explains. While the bale still has a muddy stain, the mud volume has been removed and recyclers consider that extremely good.”

The packaged bales are put on wagons and run to a local warehouse. The owner of the warehouse is on board with the project and contributes use of forklifts and employee time to load the bales into a covered truck. It takes them about 45 minutes to load 45 bales.

Leavitt says more markets are needed for the plastics and that will come once manufacturers can secure a steady supply of material. That’s why he urges farmers to keep cleaning and storing plastic. Markets will come, says Leavitt.

Recycling ag. plastic is good, but it would be ideal if farmers did not have to rely on plastics as tools to store crops and bedding material says Erica Pensini, a researcher with the University of Guelph who is developing bale and silage wrap from inexpensive and robust materials.

An environmental engineer, Pensini says most plastic wrap from farms ends up in landfills where it cannot be recycled. Her goal is to develop a product that can wrap around bales that works like a plastic, but can be composted. And she’s getting close.

There are bioplastics being marketed, but these are only biodegradable in special plants and cannot be composted on the farm.

They are also costly and may not have the durability required to be effective.

Her research uses zein, a corn byproduct that produces natural wraps with excellent performance that can Continued on page 11

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Outside of the box Cleanfarms takes used farm plastics and turns them into new tile drainage piping, seen above.

The company is celebrating its 10th anniversary and continues working towards improving the recycling being done on farms across southwestern Ontario and beyond. (File photo)

121 Jackson St, Walkerton, ON 519-881-1211 www.bdo.ca

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021. PAGE 11.

Recycling takes time, but worth it: says Leavitt

Making the change Lynn Leavitt of Prince Edward County started U-Pac Agri-Service in the spring of 2016 to help farmers recycle bale wrap. He was part of a recent “Forage Focus” panel discussing how to store, manage and market farm plastics. (File photo) Continued from page 10 be composted on the field to reduce plastic waste. Zein is so safe, it is edible, though Pensini admits it’s not tasty.

Zein is easy to fabricate and versatile, explains Pensini. Starting in powdered form, it is dissolved in alkaline water before salts or fertilizers are added to shift the pH balance. At first the liquid zein looks like bubble gum, but once sprayed on whatever you want to cover, it provides a strong film. It retains its shape when wet and locks in moisture.

The concept is attracting attention, but farmers aren’t convinced a spray option is effective, admits Pensini.

She is trying to develop prefabricated zein wraps and this has been more difficult. Zein films can become more rigid over time unless adequate preparation methods are used. An application of levulinic acid helps but then the zein film is not fully impermeable to water.

Pensini said the next stage of experimentation to the zein wrap was to add cutin, a waxy material from tomato and grape peels. Cutin is a hydrophobic (water repellant) polymer. This combination is currently usable for creation of plastic bags but needs more testing for on-farm solutions. Which is why Pensini is looking for farmers to partner with her to test zein-based films to find preparation methods to achieve both water repellant properties and flexibility (stretching and bending).

Her goal is to make these products economically feasible as well. While

there is no getting around the fact that manufacturing costs of a biodegradable plastic are higher than traditional plastics, she says it’s important to consider the cost to the planet. Climate change is happening, which will affect water resources.

“If we factor in those things, we get closer to the real cost,” says Pensini.

Question and Answer Session Q: What do you think are the biggest barriers for producers to recycle plastics?

Leavitt: “I have to say from conversations I’ve had, for most farmers it’s the time it takes. Lots of guys like to zip the plastic down and run over it. They want someone else to come and take it away. I don’t see that happening.”

Q: How resilient are plastic recycling programs against oil prices?

Timmer: “Low prices of oil is a global phenomenon and it does reduce the price of plastics. So we’re starting to see leadership from government and corporations making commitments to incorporate recycled content into their products.

That will increase the market.”

Q: What do recyclers actually do with the plastic?

Timmer: “Plastic from our containers (high density polyethylene) goes into drainage tile. Out west, where we collect a lot of grain bags, that plastic is often the same as silage wrap and these go into the North American market to be reused into plastic bags.”

Leavitt: “The folks I work with are in meetings and we are on track to make plastic lumber.”

Q: Is net wrap recyclable? Are end caps from bale wrap recyclable?

Leavitt: End caps are the same as silage bags. It’s just that all different products have to be kept separate.

Folks with the net wrap... we will bale it up and then we’ll find a solution for it. I can’t find a home for it until we have it. It’s kind of like 4-H where you learn to do by doing.

Timmer: Netwrap is particularly problematic. It is made up of two different types of plastic which creates a technical barrier to recycling. Also, netwrap is extremely dirty at the end of life. We see farm plastics as a commodity and when you look at a commodity, you want high quality. When we say high quality, we mean low contamination and by that, we mean less than 10 per cent contamination and that is really hard with net wrap.

Q: For producers who are interested in recycling and want to start right away, what can they do right away?

Timmer: They can change their mindset. I like producers to look at plastic as a commodity and that is a

shift in thinking. When you think of it as a commodity instead of waste, that gets you thinking about contamination and keeping it clean.

Leavitt: I agree. The change of mindset.

Pensini: When I was a child in Italy, we had hay sheds. There was no wrap around bales. Hay was stored under a roof. I think, put the bales in a protected space and then you do not need plastic at all.

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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021.

N. Huron Council to finalize budget next month Continued from page 1 he wanted the current council to present one of its four annual budgets with a relatively “neutral” increase.

Reeve Bernie Bailey said hiring an economic development officer would be a “leap of faith” with a five- to 10-year payback.

“I’ve said openly, this isn’t going to be a girl to take dictation for the BIAs,” he said. “This will be someone who does things.”

He said, despite the pandemic, people are contacting the municipality about land for sale, so someone to field those calls could be an asset. He also said that a “neutral” or zero per cent increase budget isn’t something that exists in his world.

“We can’t afford a six per cent increase in spending,” he said.

“Having said that, I don’t think… a zero per cent increase is possible.

Someone has to make these decisions.”

Palmer said that the $50,000 economic development expense needs to be viewed as the tax dollars it will take to raise the money to pay for the new position.

“We have to think about the cost benefit – $50,000 is [the taxes from] 20 to 30 homes,” he said. “Year after year, that’s the wages being paid.

I’m not picking on the economic development officer. It’s anyone we hire. Please, in the future, we have to be business people. This is a business, a corporation. We have to make sure we run it…. When we hire someone, we have to think of how much it costs to have that person.”

Councillor Kevin Falconer said council should be aware of why the position is needed after presentations from staff showed economic development happening all around North Huron, but not in the municipality itself. “There’s a reason for that,” he said.

Councillor Anita van Hittersum said North Huron needs to have a better conversation with Huron County’s economic development department so North Huron can benefit from the work of the department.

“We pay county taxes and they hire officers here and there and everywhere,” she said.

Bailey said the county does help North Huron, but that its economic development department has a county-wide mandate; it is not meant to help individual municipalities.

Chief Administrative Officer Dwayne Evans agreed, saying the county has helped on projects like broadband internet initiatives.

Palmer reiterated that the municipality doesn’t have developable commercial land, and until it does, the issue should be put off.

In an attempt to find a solution for the discussion, White suggested removing the $50,000 from the budget and seeing if there were funds available in reserves after the 2020 reconciliation.

“If we have the money in

reserves… council could have the discussion then,” she said.

Council agreed with the plan.

ASSET MANAGEMENT Several councillors aired concerns about earmarking any money for the Howson Dam, whether it be used for restoration or removal, as council members, including Reeve Bernie Bailey, had promised during the last election that tax dollars would not be spent on the structure.

Seip, who had originally proposed the increased funding for asset management in general, citing that if the dam were to be removed, residents likely wouldn’t want to fundraise for it, backpedaled on the idea of funding the dam, saying the funds should be left in, but for a more general asset management purpose than any specific project.

“I prefer to leave it [in the budget],” he said. “Our asset management isn’t going away. We can defend that we have a deficit in asset management.”

He said the municipality has $1 billion in assets that will need to be replaced or repaired, including the municipality’s town hall and community centres.

Palmer said if the funds go to asset management in general, that may be acceptable, however any mention of the Howson Dam shouldn’t be made.

“When you mention the Howson Dam, it’s perking the ears of hundreds of people,” he said. “Even I don’t know what [the funds were meant for]. Is it for tearing it out? Or dumped into rehab we haven’t agreed to. It disturbs me.”

Seip said that any asset management spending would need to be approved by council, so the funding wouldn’t specifically be tied to the Howson Dam. “If council sees fit to move money to the Howson Dam, then this council will have another discussion as it relates to what that money is for,” he said, adding he didn’t intend for the funds to be specifically earmarked for the Howson Dam, but for all assets. “Council directs staff how to use it.”

He went on to say he didn’t want to “perk anybody’s ears”, just prepare for asset management requirements, which includes the Howson Dam. Van Hittersum said that, following such a difficult year for the general public, council should consider cutting the asset management increase.

“We can look to surpluses [from 2020] to see about a reserve for asset management,” she said.

After more discussion, council agreed to cut the increase in half to $50,000.

BLYTH BUILDING Several councillors questioned the $85,000 for the assessment of the former public works building in Blyth, saying it might be a good year to push it off. However, others said the money could be an investment that results in funds coming back to the municipality.

The funds would enable a first, second and possible third phase environmental assessment for the land to determine its future use.

“That’s an empty building sitting there,” Councillor Paul Heffer said.

“I was led to believe the sale of the property could offset the sand shed [being built at the new public works/fire hall site in Blyth].... It’s

going to be money coming back in a sense.”

Bailey agreed, saying his discussions with the Blyth Business Improvement Area (BIA) indicated the former fire hall/public utilities property could be used for housing stock.

“If we spend $85,000 there and take care of that, within two to three

years… we could have tax dollars coming in forever.”

After some discussion, however, it was noted that the $85,000 could prove the land couldn’t be redeveloped, leaving its only use as a parking lot, meaning the money wouldn’t be recovered.

Council agreed to keep the Continued on page 19

Snowy scene Local photographer Liz Allan of the Maitland Valley Camera Club caught this winter tableau recently and shared it with The Citizen. Send your photos to reporter@northhuron.on.ca to see them in print. (Photo courtesy of Liz Allan of the Maitland Valley Camera Club)

Programs Available to Support Local Businesses though the Pandemic ReliefWithinReach.ca/Huron-Bruce

1 2 3

ONTARIO SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT GRANT This is a grant, up-to $20,000 to help small businesses that must close or significantly restrict services due to the recent Province-wide Shutdown.

PROPERTY TAX AND ENERGY BILL REBATES This is a grant that will cover the entire length of time that public health restrictions are in place, for: • municipal and education property taxes • energy costs, including electricity and natural gas (or where natural gas is not available, propane and heating oil).

MAIN STREET RELIEF GRANT: PPE SUPPORT This is a one-time grant of up to $1,000 for eligible businesses with 2 to 9 employees.

Sectors include retail, accommodation and food services, repair and m maintenance, personal and laundry services, and gyms and yoga studios.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021. PAGE 13.

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Brussels Livestock report

Fed steers, heifers sell steadily at sale Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending Jan. 22 were 1,875 cattle and 341 lambs and goats.

On Tuesday, fed steers and heifers sold actively with steady prices.

Choice steers and heifers sold $130 to $140 with sales to $142. Secondcut cattle sold $122 to $130. Aged and medium-fed steers and heifers sold $105 to $125. Holstein steers and heifers sold $78 to $105. Cows sold on an active trade with prices $3 to $5 higher.

On Thursday, veal sold easier than last week’s higher sale. Lambs sold steady. Sheep sold barely steady and goats sold steady.

On Friday, calves sold on a strong

active trade with prices $3 to $5 higher. Yearlings sold actively with steady prices.

Matthew Bros. Farms of Durham, consigned 17 head. Five black steers averaged 1,656 lbs. and sold for an average price of $138.75.

Connell Farms Inc. of Palmerston, consigned 12 head. Four simmental heifers averaged 1,514 lbs. and sold for an average price of $139.75.

There were 450 cows on offer.

Beef sold $64 to $70 with sales to $98; good holstein cows, $64 to $72 with sales to $92; medium holstein cows, $54 to $57 and D4 cows, $48 to $53.

There were 130 head of veal on offer. Beef veal sold $165 to $198

with sales to $205; good holsteins, $128 to $138 with sales to $140; SL heavy holsteins, $115 to $125; heavy holsteins, $105 to $125; medium holsteins, $112 to $130; plain holsteins, $85 to $110.

Reuben S. Martin of Wallenstein, consigned eight head. One charolais heifer weighed 835 lbs. and sold for a price of $203. Dan Langerwerf of Parkhill, consigned two head. One holstein steer weighed 710 lbs. and sold for a price of $137.

Lambs, 50 - 64 lbs. sold $425 to $440; 65 - 79 lbs., $408 to $424; 80 - 94 lbs., $345.50 to $361; 95 - 109 lbs., $308 to $325; 110 lbs. and over, $281 to $315.

Sheep sold $200 to $320.

Goats: billies sold $150 to $350; nannies, $150 to $250; kids: meat, $425 to $435; dairy, $300 to $410.

Darren Durand of Hensall, consigned five head. One kid goat weighed 73 lbs. and sold for an average price of $435. Abraham H. Hoover, consigned 10 head. Four lambs averaged 76 lbs. and sold for an average price of $413.

Top quality stocker steers under 400 lbs. sold $262 to $267; 400 - 499 lbs., $224.50 to $246; 500 - 599 lbs., $227 to $241; 600 - 699 lbs., $203.50 to $226; 700 - 799 lbs., $188 to $211; 800 - 899 lbs., $178.50 to $192; 900 - 999 lbs., $176.50 to $184; 1,000 lbs and over, $164 to $178.

Mental health, loss felt by farmers

By Brent Royce, Director Ontario Federation of Agriculture Loss has the power to shake a whole community. Like a pebble in a pond, the waves ripple across the water and the effects can be felt by everyone near.

In rural communities, when someone is lost to suicide, a direct impact is felt by many people. From nearby family and friends, to neighbours and acquaintances, to stakeholders across the entire sector, suicide has the power to send shockwaves and cripple a community.

My community has recently said goodbye to members who have lost their lives to suicide. This has left everyone feeling shocked, sad and wishing there was more that could have been done. Now more than ever, farmers feel the stress of pushing through everyday personal issues, coping with the loneliness of living remotely and feeling the pressure to maintain a business with so many changing protocols stemming from the pandemic Oftentimes, we see farmers push their mental health to the backburner. Our custom as farmers is to take care and prioritize our livestock, crops and families.

Many of us have been conditioned to believe that talking about our mental health struggles makes us weak or less of a farmer. Yes, our community is strong and resilient, but we are not superhuman. We need to work collectively to end this stigma. For those struggling with mental health, having someone to talk to may be the key to saving their life.

As we continue into this new year,

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we are seeing too many lives lost to mental health. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) believes that now, more than ever, it's time to break down the farmer stereotypes and bring conversations about suicidal thoughts and feelings to the forefront.

People experiencing suicidal thoughts are often in great mental anguish and believe the world around them would be better without their presence. They start believing they are a burden and slowly begin losing faith in themselves. Without proper resources and services in place, many are left to deal with their dark thoughts alone – and during a pandemic, those who are most vulnerable are at serious risk.

As we proceed through another demanding year, the focus on work ethic and striving for consistency in a world that’s currently unstable can result in missing warning signs of stress and burnout, which can leave farmers both physically and mentally depleted. It can also be difficult to separate our identity as a person from that of a farmer, which makes setbacks in the farm business feel personally devastating.

In the past few weeks, my daughter has been collecting data from farmers on mental health for a school survey as a Grade 12 project.

Out of 239 participants, 80.8 per cent stated they believe there continues to be a stigma around mental health, while 32.2 per cent said they are uncomfortable discussing the topic with others.

This stigma prevents farmers from seeking out and obtaining appropriate resources.

These results suggest that further conversations, acceptance, support and guidance are needed so people don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed when they’re struggling.

The Farmers’ Toolbox initiative in my region features testimonials in video clips that tell the story of farmers moving from hopelessness to reaching the point of seeking help.

Resources like this one, created by the Listowel Agricultural Society, help put a face on this crucial topic.

Deciding to ask for help is only the first step. Many rural communities feel secluded from the necessary supports and services. My daughter's study showed that 34.7 per cent of farmers were not sure if there were resources available to them, and 17.2 per cent believed they did not have access to mental health resources.

The OFA wants to ensure that you and your loved ones have the resources necessary to cope with struggles and crises to help prevent

more lives from being lost. If you or someone you know is in distress and needs help, there are people and resources available. Please reach out for 24/7 support by calling the Ontario Mental Health Line at ConnexOntario. Reach them at 1866-531-2600, or use their online chat function. For additional resources, visit the ConnexOntario website, or ofa.on.ca/mental-health.

A loss can devastate an entire community, but it can also help bring perspective about how and when to open up about these important conversations. If you or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to please seek help today. There is always a reason to keep moving forward. Just know that you are valued, loved and not alone.

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Top quality stocker heifers, 400 499 lbs. sold $177 to $206; 500 - 599 lbs., $180 to $203; 600 - 699 lbs., $173 to $180; 700 - 799 lbs., $170.50 to $179.50; 800 - 899 lbs., $146.50 to $162; 900 lbs. and over, $142.50 to $170.

Camero Farms Ltd. of Wingham, consigned 43 head. Eight charolais steers averaged 666 lbs. and sold for an average price of $220. Fourteen charolais heifers averaged 703 lbs. and sold for an average price of $179.50.

Murray Burkhart of Wallenstein, consigned 50 head. Fifteen charolais heifers averaged 528 lbs. and sold for an average price of $190.

Fourteen charolais steers averaged 550 lbs. and sold for an average price of $241.

Groenberg Farms of Lucknow, consigned 24 head. Ten charolais steers averaged 827 lbs. and sold for an average price of $188.

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01-50p -------------------------------------------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 519523-4792 or 519-887-9114. tfn -------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AVAILABLE TO purchase at these locations – Auburn Co-op, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Dean’s Valu-Mart in Wingham, Wingham Mini Mart, Seaforth Foodland, GT Mini Mart in Seaforth, Fincher’s in Goderich and The Citizen Blyth.

Card of thanks

Notice

POORE. The family of Dick Poore would like to express our sincere appreciation and thanks to the many friends and neighbours for their kindness shown to us during Dad’s illness and subsequent passing. The cards, phone calls, thoughts and prayers let us know we were supported when COVID-19 kept us apart. Thank you for the food and flowers and donations made in Dad’s name. Thank you for the generosity and willingness to help shown by our Dinsley Street and surrounding neighbours. This really means a lot to us. This reminds us of what small town living is all about. Special thank yous go to the emergency department, nurses, PSWs and staff at Clinton Public Hospital for the care and compassion shown not only to Dad but to us. Thank you to Dr. Uniac for the care she took of Dad. Having been with Dad in the bigger hospital, we truly are blessed with our little hospital in Clinton. They still see the person and their family, and we definitely felt that. Thank you to Pastor Ernest Dow for his visits with Dad and funeral services.

Thank you to Chris Smith and the staff of the Falconer Funeral Home for their service. – Gayle, Elaine, Jeff and Nick.

04-1

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS IN THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM DONALD PATTERSON, late of the Township of North Huron in the County of Huron, who died on or about the 8th day of August, 2019, that all claims must be filed with the Estate Trustee on or before the 15th day of March, 2021; thereafter, the Trustee will distribute the assets of the said estate having regard only to the claims then filed.

DATED at Blyth, Ontario this 25th day of January, 2021.

Audrey May Patterson and Richard William Patterson, Estate Trustees, by their Solicitor, SHARLA M. HANEY, PO Box 163, Goderich, Ontario, N7A 3Z2 (519) 523-9836. shaneylaw@outlook.com 04-3 -------------------------------------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS IN THE ESTATE OF BRADLEY JOHN LEWIS, late of the Township of North Huron in the County of Huron, who died on or about the 10th day of June, 2020, that all claims must be filed with the Estate Trustee on or before the 15th day of March, 2021; thereafter, the Trustee will distribute the assets of the said estate having regard only to the claims then filed.

DATED at Blyth, Ontario this 25th day of January, 2021.

Betty Lou Lewis, Estate Trustees, by her Solicitor, SHARLA M. HANEY, PO Box 163, Goderich, Ontario, N7A 3Z2 Tel: (519) 523-9836 shaneylaw@outlook.com 04-3 -------------------------------------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS IN THE ESTATE OF PAUL WAYNE GROSS, late of the Township of North Huron in the County of Huron, who died on or about the 8th day of October, 2020, that all claims must be filed with the Estate Trustee on or before the 15th day of March, 2021; thereafter, the Trustee will distribute the assets of the said estate having regard only to the claims then filed.

DATED at Blyth, Ontario this 25th day of January, 2021.

Carol Lovett, Estate Trustee, by her Solicitor, SHARLA M. HANEY, PO Box 163, Goderich, Ontario, N7A 3Z2 (519) 523-9836. shaneylaw@outlook.com 04-3

In memoriam FRASER. In loving memory of a loving wife, mother and grandmother Lorna Fraser, who passed away Jan. 28, 2020.

Though her smile is gone forever, And her hand we cannot touch, We still have so many memories of The one we loved so much.

Her memory is now our keepsake, Which will never part, God has her in His keeping, We have her in our hearts.

– Sadly missed, but never forgotten, Randy, Joe, Heather and family, Kathy, Ron and family.

04-1p -------------------------------------------McINNES. In loving memory of Anne, a dear mother who passed away Feb. 8, 2010.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

– Missed sadly by Bob and Cellie.

04-1

Card of thanks BERNARD. On behalf of the Bernard family, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every person who has reached out to support us, and who continues to be there for us as we try to accept that Harv is no longer here with us.

While COVID-19 may have kept us physically apart, the many expressions of sympathy we received connected us and provided strength and comfort during our time of mourning. A special thank you to Christopher Smith and Mark Rushton of Falconer Funeral Homes for their loving care and dedication.

With heartfelt gratitude – Pat, Karen, Rob, Caden, Cole and Kevin. 04-1 --------------------------------------------

Sniff Out a Great Deal in the Classifieds.

Shoppers with a nose for bargains head straight for the Classifieds.

In the Classifieds, you can track down deals on everything from cars to canine companions. It’s easy to place an ad or find the items you want, and it’s used by hundreds of shoppers every day.

Go with your instincts and use the Classifieds today.

The Citizen Classifieds 523-4792 • 887-9114

Personals

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Citizen-ToCitizen

“SWAP SHOP” ad “One person’s junk is another’s treasure”

Let us help you turn that junk into $$ ➨ Free ad up to 25 words, person to person only (no businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less.

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.

Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca FOR SALE – assorted collection of DVDs, VCRs, VHS tapes, good condition. Call 519-522-1006.

04-3 ----------------------------------------FOR SALE – youth crosscountry skis, boots and poles and one Panasonic electric typewriter in excellent condition. 519-3573008.

03-3 ----------------------------------------FOR SALE – 13-inch DeWalt planer, has exhaust fan, only one year old, $500. Call 519-8879615.

03-3 ----------------------------------------FOR SALE – portable white sewing machine $40; 36-inch Panasonic colour TV with remote and stand (excellent colour), $100.

Call 519-887-6551.

03-3 ----------------------------------------FOR SALE – Free Breeze wood stove fan 14" with 8 blades, $75.

519-523-9771.

03-3 ----------------------------------------FOR SALE – sectional couch, brown, $500; couch with built-in recliners and chair, $400; both in good condition. Call or text 519525-1803.

02-3 ----------------------------------------FOR SALE – china cabinet, $100; dining room set, table, six chairs and buffet and hutch, $300.

Call or test 519-525-1803. 02-3

All word ads in The Citizen classifieds are put on our webpage at

www.huroncitizen.ca

H. East finalizes meeting schedule Huron East Council has finalized its 2021 meeting schedule with fewer events to work around due to several conferences and events being held virtually.

Chief Administrative Officer Brad Knight presented the draft schedule to council at its Jan. 5 meeting, which was held virtually.

Knight said traditional conflicts with the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) and Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conferences will not be an issue, due to the conferences being held virtually. He also said another traditional meeting conflict with the Brussels Fall Fair, with council not wanting to host a meeting on the opening night of the fair, will not be an issue this year either, as the fair date does not fall on a council meeting night.

He did recommend that council stick with tradition and hold just one meeting in August, but suggested that it be moved to Tuesday, Aug. 10, instead of Aug. 3, the day after the Civic Holiday.

The meeting schedule is as follows: • Jan. 5 • Jan. 19 • Feb. 2 • Feb. 16 • March 2 • March 16 • April 6 • April 20 • May 4 • May 18 • June 1 • June 15 • July 6 • July 20 • Aug. 10 • Sept. 7 • Sept. 21 • Oct. 5 • Oct. 19 • Nov. 2 • Nov. 16 • Dec. 7 • Dec. 21.

Knight advised council that members should remain flexible when it comes to scheduled meetings, especially when it comes to public participation in meetings both virtually and in-person.

“While virtual public meetings do allow for public participation, the ability to participate publicly is somewhat compromised. Certain council functions may be delayed to allow for more normal public participation,” Knight reported.

The only impact on the budget as a result of the schedule is that the elimination of one council meeting in August will save the municipality approximately $2,200 in per diem rates and expenses for councillors.

Council approved the schedule as presented.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021. PAGE 15.

Obituaries Merlin Martin, grandson Scott Martin, great-grandson Trayden Martin, parents Amos and Lucinda (Brubacher) Frey, siblings Aden Frey, Noah and Florence Frey, and Allen Frey, and by her sister-in-law Martha Frey.

Viewing by invitation only was held at the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel on Wednesday, Jan. 27.

A private family interment will be held at Brotherston Mennonite Cemetery, Wallace Township, on Thursday, Jan. 28 at 9:30 a.m., followed by a phone line service at 10:30 a.m. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel.

Crossover Krista Lloyd had a little fun with the snow in Huron County recently, bringing toboganning and kayaking together at last with a sport she dubbed “kayaboganning” that is sure to catch on with the courageous people of Huron County.

(Photo submitted)

Entrepreneur Fund returns for approval

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen After being sent back to the drawing board last year, members of the Huron Economic Development Board have returned with a revamped model for the Huron Entrepreneur Fund.

John Marshall, Jim Lynn and John Kiser, with the help of Paul Nichol of the Huron Business Development Corporation, spoke to Huron County Council at its Jan. 20 meeting, discussing the fund. They had presented an early version of the concept last year, but councillors weren’t completely on board and asked for some changes before they returned to council to again seek approval for the fund to move forward.

The fund would procure investment within the county to be loaned to promising local entrepreneurs with a guaranteed return to the fund. Those returns, which Lynn said would amount to six per cent, would then be invested into worthwhile social and charitable causes throughout the county. They would also help to cover any associated administrative costs. The idea behind the fund is that it would provide an investment opportunity to develop local businesses, a return for investors and then profits would benefit local charities, service clubs and other social ventures.

In order to administer the program, the fund has partnered with the Huron Business Development Corporation and now the Grand Bend Community Foundation, which has already been doing similar work for several years.

In his presentation to Huron County Council, Lynn said the model is unique and can really only be found in Prince Edward County in Ontario, which was the model for the Huron fund and has proven to be very successful.

The group told council that the fund aims to accelerate business growth by providing community champions with a unique path to

support entrepreneurs to grow businesses, employment and innovation in Huron County.

In order to accomplish the fund’s goals, the group’s presentation stated that those working on the fund would identify and formalize relationships with key partners, so entrepreneurs would have increased access to capital funds in order to grow their businesses and create jobs. Those passionate about supporting local entrepreneurs now and in the future would be able to create an impactful legacy, they said, through a charitable contribution to the fund.

To administer funds to applicants, the fund will align with an existing local community foundation – the Grand Bend Community Foundation – to minimize administrative costs and workload, while maintaining direct influence on the fund. Clear metrics of success will be a foundational requirement to monitor and influence the outcomes, the presentation read.

Nichol said the concept is needed in Huron County, especially from where he’s sitting, working with the Huron Business Development Corporation.

There, he said, they have not seen any slowdown in those applying for funds to start new businesses or expand existing ones. Recent applications have asked for over $825,000, Nichol said, with the organization currently only holding $700,000 available to lend.

With the demand exceeding the supply, he said, this fund will address a funding gap in the county.

He relayed the old adage that necessity is the mother of invention and called the fund an “exciting and innovative” partnership. He also said it is a very rare arrangement in Ontario, which is a benefit.

Council accepted the group’s presentation.

The group also said it would be in touch with Huron County’s lowertier municipalities in the coming months as well in order to connect the fund to those local levels of government.

DOROTHY GRAHAM (née Turnbull) LAWLESS Dorothy Graham (née Turnbull) Lawless passed away peacefully at The Village of Tansley Woods, on Dec. 25, 2020. She was in her 96th year.

Dorothy was the beloved wife of the late Donald “Doug” Stephenson Lawless and the loving mother of the late Murray and the late Dianne.

She was the dear sister of the late Helen Habkirk and the late Dr. John Turnbull (Marian), and the late William “Bill” Turnbull (Marie).

Dorothy will be missed by her many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was a long-time member of the Burlington Golf and Country Club, and a former member of the Burlington Curling Club. She was a member of Wellington Square United Church and was an active volunteer with the Burlington unit of the Canadian Council of the Blind.

A special thank you to Karen Pettit, Tansley Woods Caregivers and staff, CCAC, March of Dimes, Dr. Jerome, and LHIN. A private family service will take place with interment at Greenwood Cemetery.

For those who wish, donations in memory of Dorothy to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of one’schoice would be sincerely appreciated by the family.

SARAH (FREY) MARTIN Sarah (Frey) Martin passed away peacefully at her home in Brussels on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021. She was 78.

Sarah was the beloved wife of Oscar M. Martin for 56 years and the loving mother of Clare and Suzanne Martin, Forester’s Falls; Andrew Martin, Elmira; Leo Martin, Moorefield; Willard and Linda Martin, Gowanstown; Janice and Clare Wagler, Belleisle Creek, New Brunswick; Norma Martin, Brussels; Mark and Lois Martin, Millicent, Alberta and Carl Martin, Patricia, Alberta.

She was the loving grandmother of 29 grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.

Sarah is survived by her siblings Henry Frey, Lovina and Amos Martin, David and Doreen Frey, and by her sister-in-law Maryann Frey.

She was predeceased by her son

and nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her parents Isaac “Zic” and Estella Cowan, sisters Wanda Stapleton, Pauline Hodgins and Maxine Wilson and brother-in-law Keith Thompson.

Joy was a dearly loved wife, mom, grandma and friend. She had a deep love for her family with whom she enjoyed spending time. She was proud of them in so many ways. In her spare time, she could be found playing cards, particularly euchre and cribbage. She also enjoyed fishing with her husband Ken. Joy’s kind heart and dedication to her family has left a void in the hearts of everyone who knew her.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a graveside service will take place in the spring at Wingham Cemetery.

Memorial donations to the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be left at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com.

Walk Ins Welcome SHEAR TALENT Hair Design & Tanning

45 West St., Goderich 519-524-6555

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JOY THOMPSON Joy Thompson of Wingham, passed away at Wingham and District Hospital on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021. She was 84.

Joy was the devoted wife of Ken Thompson, Wingham and the loving mother of Byron and Dorothy Thompson, Windsor and Brenda Thompson and Duane England, Ingersoll. She was the cherished grandma of Sarah Thompson, Brett Thompson, Dillon McNally and Brittany McNally and the loved great-grandma of Jayden and Lily McNally.

Joy was the dear sister-in-law of Helen Wilson, Betty Thompson, Ruth Thompson and Phyllis and Keith McLennan. Joy will be lovingly remembered by her nieces

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The Citizen is now planning its 2021 Telephone Book.

Is your number correct in the recently delivered Bell Canada phone book?

Do you have a new listing since that book was compiled?

If so, please let us know so we can make our phone book as complete and useful as possible.

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PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021.

January passes by without inclement weather event PEOPLE AROUND LONDESBORO

By BRENDA RADFORD Call 523-4296

Believe it or not, by the time you are reading this, the month of January will be pretty close to being

over. Can you believe that? And what has happened to our winter? So far this winter we have not experienced a single one of those blizzards our area is used to having.

You know the ones that cause road closures and knee-high drifts. I expect we will still get blasted before spring arrives, but each week shortens the winter. And now I am preparing supper in daylight.

Unfortunately the lockdown is keeping us all from taking advantage of an easier winter on the roads to do some visiting. And couldn’t we all

benefit by seeing people face-to-face again? But the numbers seem to be levelling off, as long as people don't get complacent and forget to follow the rules.

I understand the vaccine has made its way into our area with frontline workers and long-term care homes receiving their shots. The news about cases at the Goderich salt mine makes one realize the danger is on our doorstep. So many people in this part of Huron County are involved in the production of salt.

It may be awhile before persons

like myself get the vaccine. The best advice is as it always has been: wear a mask, employ physical distancing, sanitize and use common sense.

This, too, will pass. And we can get through this trial together.

Speaking of waiting for a vaccine, consider the mink of Denmark.

News right from the beginning of the pandemic was that the virus came originally from bats. Along the chain of transmission, which eventually brought it to us, apparently the mink on farms in Denmark began to get sick. The mink are the only nonhuman animal to get severely sick and die from COVID-19.

It is suspected the mink caught the virus from humans caring for them and once in the pens it went on a rampage. A mink farm could house 20,000 animals.The other scary thing about this is that the mink have also passed it back to humans, but in a mutated form.

Mink farming in 2021 is banned in Denmark and the barn being considered in other European countries. Mink farms in Denmark produced 15 - 17 million pelts a year. And virus infections have been reported in mink in the U.S., The Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Canada, Greece and Lithuania. Needless to say the price of a mink pelt has increased by 40 per cent as a result of the shortage in pelts.

Now, to bring this little bit of trivia full circle, Other diseases that have jumped from animals to humans include diphtheria, influenza A, measles, mumps, pertussis, smallpox and tuberculosis. What got these diseases under control? A vaccine, of course, in time. Although we are all anxious to be vaccinated the speed at which a vaccine for COVID-19 has been developed is truly phenomenal.

And

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO scientists in Russia and Finland are busy developing a vaccine for COVID-19 that will protect the mink!

February is Alzheimer Awareness Month, so be aware. Call someone who is suffering from this nasty disease, support their caregivers and/or make a donation to the Huron County branch of the society.

Susan McIlveen, minister at Londesborough United and Knox United in Auburn, based her message for Sunday, Jan. 24 on her conversation with Teresa Roetcisoender of Auburn. Teresea’s favourite Bible story from Matt. 8: 23-27 reinforces her faith that “God is always there and never leaves you.” Faith will see us safely through this pandemic just as it has helped Teresa through the trials of her life and brought Jesus and His disciples to the other shore after a storm.

Hitting the hills Brooklyn, left, and Ali Lammerant took to the back hill at their Londesborough-area home to enjoy some tubing recently. (Photo submitted)

Attempted murder charge laid A Goderich resident remains in custody on an Attempt Murder charge following an arrest made by Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) on Jan. 18 in Goderich.

Police say that, shortly before 7 p.m., members from the Huron County OPP Detachment and Huron County Paramedic Services responded to a Widder Street residence regarding a stabbing that had just taken place.

The OPP report that the initial investigation has revealed the accused used an edged weapon to injure the victim. The victim was able to escape the family residence to a place of safety and immediately called 911. The victim was later treated and released from hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police say officers arrested the accused at the scene without incident. It was determined this was a domestic violence event and there is no threat to public safety.

A 70-year-old from Goderich has been charged with the following offences: • Attempt Murder • Domestic Mischief Police say the accused remains in custody with a future court date.

The OPP reminds everyone that

victims of domestic violence are not alone. If you need support or know someone that does, there are local resources available to help you. One organization you can contact is Victim Services - Huron County at 519-600-4108.

WARRANT EXECUTED OPP say two residents of Vanastra are facing several drug possession and related charges following an investigation conducted by members of the Huron County OPP Detachment.

Police say the investigation commenced after a complaint was received about one of the accused persons pointing a firearm at a victim. On Jan. 13 members from the Huron-Perth Community Street Crimes Unit (CSCU), OPP West Region Tactics Rescue Unit (TRU), West Region Emergency Response Team (ERT) and canine executed a search warrant at a residence located on 12th Street in Vanastra. Upon execution of the warrant, police seized small quantities of suspected methamphetamine, morphine, oxycodone and codeine. In addition, police also seized a replica firearm (BB gun).

As a result of the execution of the search warrant two accused were

taken into custody and they are now facing charges.

A 36-year-old from Vanastra has been charged with: • Possession of a Schedule I Substance - Methamphetamine • Possession of a Schedule I Substance - Morphine • Possession of a Schedule I Substance - Oxycodone • Possession of a Schedule I Substance - Codeine • Possession of an Imitation Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose Police say the accused has since been released from custody with a court appearance scheduled for March 15 at the Ontario Court of Justice in Goderich.

OPP report that a 29-year-old from Vanastra has been charged with: • Possession of a Schedule I Substance - Methamphetamine • Possession of a Schedule I Substance - Morphine • Possession of a Schedule I Substance - Oxycodone • Possession of a Schedule I Substance - Codeine • Fail to Comply with Probation Order - Two Counts The accused remains in custody with a court appearance scheduled for an unspecified date.

519-523-4742 Due to new COVID-19 restrictions we have decided to close on Saturday mornings from January 16th through until February 27th.

As always we remain available for essential service calls.

If you require any service calls please feel free to contact our after-hours service line at 519-441-7393.

Please remember to be kind and shop local.

HOLYROOD GENERAL STORE ONE STOP FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS BUTCHER SUPPLIES • Tender Quick • Large quantity of spices • Casings

AS WELL AS • • • • •

Bulk baking supplies Packages candies Dusted or Plain Chicken Wings & Sauces Work Gloves & Mitts Large Selection of garden seeds

On Feb. 4, 2021, Holyrood Store will be celebrating

35 YEARS IN BUSINESS IN THE STORE & POST OFFICE! We thank you for your patronage, Allan & Lucy Miller 825 Bruce Road 1, Holyrood, ON N0G 2R0 Phone or Fax: 519-395-5062

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021. PAGE 17.

From the Minister’s Study

Lonely? God knows and cares: Hovius

By Jason Hovius Brussels Community Bible Chapel I remember once reading about how loneliness was becoming a pandemic in our culture. The worst part? That was before COVID-19. I suspect it’s worse today than it was a year ago.

There were a number of details in this loneliness study. I don’t remember all of them, but a few stood out. Some of them were foregone conclusions, but others were surprising.

On the unsurprising end, the elderly were especially vulnerable to loneliness; very sad in light of today’s virus that also affects them disproportionately.

However, loneliness was, and is, indiscriminating. All age groups are affected by it. Even 20-somethings, who were supposedly active on the social scene, were not immune. High social media use only served to exacerbate the problem in some, especially in younger people.

The study cited a steady increase in the percentage of adults living alone as a leading cause of loneliness. Fewer people are getting

married or committing to long-term relationships, and many who are married are readily willing to allow their families to fragment and disintegrate, choosing instead to go it alone.

But living with someone else, though helpful, was clearly not the cure-all. The study found that even married couples and people cohabiting can also succumb to loneliness. It seems as though physical proximity to other people is not enough to fill the void that most people experience many times throughout their lives. How have we become so dysfunctional in our society that we have so few meaningful connections even as we are surrounded by other people?

This is an increasing problem, but it’s not a new one. Many people in history have felt deeply alone. King David wrote about his experiences of loneliness many times in the Psalms. “I am a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my own mother’s sons . . . Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found none.” (Psalm 69:8,20)

Hospice launches new campaign In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Huron Hospice has launched a new fundraising drive.

Donors are invited to join the Make Every Day Matter campaign to support programs and services at Huron Hospice.

Make Every Day Matter is a unique component of overall annual Hospice fundraising in which donors pick a special day and donate to help cover the cost of Hospice programs and services on that day.

Each year, the Ontario government covers half of the cost of hospice operations across the province. The province only allows that funding be used for the cost of salaries and benefits for nursing staff. In the case of Huron Hospice, local donations cover the other half of its costs. The cost of programs and services not covered by the Ontario government works out to approximately $1,000 each day of the year. Donors cover the cost of programs, like grief and bereavement recovery for adults, and children and youth. At the residence, donations help provide personal care, meals, heat and hydro

Evangelical Missionary Church

Watch HuronChapel.com/VIDEOS Sundays 10:30 a.m.

and general building upkeep.

“We are truly fortunate to have a team of 130 volunteers who help our nurses and provide many of these services and programs. We are Continued on page 19

Whenever David wrestled with despair, he always turned to God. This is why he is called “a man after God’s own heart”. Between his tears and expressions of hopelessness, he always finds relief and comfort in God his Saviour. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) Faith in an empathetic and omnipresent God is an important ingredient in combating any difficult circumstance in life. This is not an empty faith that is based on a wish or a figment of the imagination. This is a sure hope in a real God who has a sacrificial interest in individuals (especially ones who are hurting).

When no one else seems to care, God can be counted on to be an everpresent help and comfort.

This cure for loneliness is incredibly unpopular in our culture.

In fact, faith in such a God is ridiculed and criticized, as if a believer in God is intellectually incompetent and a hindrance to the positive progression of society.

Secularism is touted as the best thing for the future of our country.

In what way could turning our backs on a loving and patient God be good for us as a society? Our core values and laws literally come straight out of the Bible. The moral fabric that we take for granted in our culture was founded on the very character of God itself. If we only knew what goes on in other cultures that do not have this foundation, we would not be so willing to give way to the anti-God worldviews that are becoming so prevalent around us.

Now, more than ever, it is imperative that the Church of God

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship Great News!

God’s not in lockdown!

His love is always there for you.

Your friends at BMF pray that God will continue to keep you safe through these challenging times.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

(Isaiah 41:10)

No in-person services until further notice 250 Princess St., Brussels • 519-887-6388 • Pastor Ken Gazley

Join us for our 10:00 am and 7:30 pm livestream services.

Video services can be found by searching on YouTube “Blyth Christian Reformed Church”

Check out our online LifeGroups during lockdown!

huronchapel.com huronchapelkids.com huronchapelyouth.com 119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131

deeper than lost human relationships. He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He experienced the pain of abandonment and loneliness to a degree that no other human on earth ever has.

Are you lonely? God knows and cares. The gospel of John calls the Spirit of God a ‘Counselor’ and a ‘Comforter’. In the Bible, the Spirit of God is spoken of as a real person, not just some energy, vibe or force.

Many who have experienced His comfort can testify that his comfort is real, like comfort from a friend or family member, only deeper and more satisfying. Seek him with all your heart and he will give you rest.

“Come near to God, and he will come near to you.” (James 4:8)

The Regional Ministry of Hope Join us for worship on our facebook page or on youtube @ St.Paul’s-Trinity Anglican Church Wingham.

Rev. JoAnn Todd, Rector 519-357-7781 email: revjoann@hurontel.on.ca The­Regional­Ministry­of­ Hope

Trinity

St. John’s

BLYTH

BRUSSELS

St. Paul’s Trinity

WINGHAM

COME WORSHIP WITH US!

BRUSSELS

United Church As we struggle with the effects fo COVID-19, know that the best way to face life’s changes is to look to our unchanging God.

Weekly worship services continue via YouTube “Brussels and Blyth United Churches Contact Alex at minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com Website: brusselsandblythuc.ca P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259

Blyth United Church As you head into 2021 may you continue to feel loved and safe as our worship services continue via YouTube “Brussels and Blyth United Churches”

The Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com

Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224

THE CATHOLIC PARISHES OF NORTH HURON AND NORTH PERTH

OUR SUNDAY LITURGIES ARE BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Minister: Pastor Gary van Leeuwen Hwy. 4, Blyth www.blythcrc.ca 519-523-4743

Sunday Jan. 31

- Pastor Ernest Dow, “The Authority of Jesus — and Our Problem With It” (Mk.1:21ff)

demonstrates the character of God in its dealings with people. A good local church is a group of people who genuinely care for one another.

It is a safe place that offers hope and grace to the lonely and afflicted. It teaches the intrinsic value of every life from conception to natural death and it gives people a Scriptural sense of purpose and belonging. It might not solve all the world’s problems, but it does provide some of the hope for which our world is longing.

Jesus knew loneliness firsthand too. “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.” (Isaiah 53:3) As he hung on the cross for the sins of the world, only a few women and one of the 12 remained faithful to him. The rest had fled. But it went

MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS Search on YouTube for "St. Andrew's and Melville Sermon" for a new virtual worship every Sunday morning.

Stay safe and healthy!

Brussels Soup and More 2 is cancelled until further notice.

519-357-5273

CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Brussels: St. Ambrose Saturday 6:00 p.m.

17 Flora Street Wingham: Sacred Heart Sunday 9:00 a.m.

220 Carling Terrace Listowel: St. Joseph’s Sunday 11:00 a.m.

1025 Wallace Avenue N.

PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021.

New structures, summer crews recommended by KPMG

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen After its full-scale review of Huron County’s facilities and departments, consulting firm KPMG delivered its service delivery review on the county’s public works facilities and winter operations.

Bruce Peever of KPMG presented his company’s findings to Huron County Council at its Jan. 20 meeting, suggesting the construction of several new public works buildings across the county.

His review also recommended the conversion of nine full-time winter seasonal positions into full-time annual positions. This hiring would add two crews to the department throughout the summer: one for a forestry and roadside tree program and one for driveway culverts and ditching.

The review also stated that the potential for a future snow plow route to cover additional areas in Zurich would likely require two additional full-time and one part-

time winter staff members in the department.

Peever’s report suggested that the county retain the existing unheated storage building at the Wingham site, while also developing two new facilities on the site to replace existing end-of-life facilities. The report suggested a new six-bay vehicle storage building in Wingham with attached spaces for staff and a sign shop, as well as a new material storage building with an attached indoor heated and outdoor covered storage space.

In Zurich, despite the fact that the facility there is less than 10 years old, Peever also recommended the construction of a new six-bay vehicle storage building with an attached staff space for use by the public works department.

He did, however, suggest retaining all existing structures, but to convert the existing office space and vehicle storage bays to be used by Huron County Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

Another consideration for Zurich,

Peever said in his report, would be the construction of a new open, covered storage area off the material storage building. He also said it was possible that the building would need to expand in the coming years, so construction of the new structure should keep that in mind so as to ensure the building is properly oriented to allow for expansion in the future.

In Auburn, the report recommended the expansion of the unheated storage building in order to move tire storage out of the vehicle storage building. In Wroxeter, Peever recommended the construction of a shed addition to the existing material storage building with indoor unheated and outdoor covered space. He also advised that the county convert the sign shop into an expanded employee space and indoor heated storage area.

As for equipment investment, the report recommended the purchase of a medium-sized excavator and float for culverts, ditching and drainage, a skid steer with trailer and a brushing

attachment for brushing and forestry and a mini-excavator with a trailer for forestry and trails, in addition to pick-up trucks for each new crew.

These purchases, the report stated, would be over and above asset management-driven replacements.

In regards to operational adjustments, the report suggested shifting one snow plow route from Auburn to a redeveloped Wingham yard, which would allow Auburn’s six bays to operate as intended – one bay per route and one bay for patrol vehicles.

Peever also recommended minor changes to several plow routes to forestall requirements for triple-axle plows or to balance service times, in addition to the aforementioned new summer crews.

The report stated that while the recommendations would create additional operating costs, they would also create operating savings.

“As staff have reported, there is a significant cost benefit to proactive maintenance work over reactive repair or replacement,” Peever stated

in his report. “This key principle of asset management is already applied in the county’s efforts in maintaining its road network. If the same principle is applied to activities such as forestry, brushing and ditching/small culvert replacement, then the county can expect future savings in the areas of trail repairs, hazard tree management and culvert failures, respectively.

“Beyond the operating impacts, well-maintained infrastructure will also reduce the county’s overall risk profile by reducing the liability for damages resulting from infrastructure failure.

Future analysis can better quantify these impacts.”

Councillors were happy with the report, but did have some questions, especially in regards to the proposal of two new summer crews and the replacement of an eight-year-old facility in Zurich.

Council accepted the report and said it would consider its recommendations in the future as the opportunities arise.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021. PAGE 19.

Strat. plan reviewed

By Denny Scott The Citizen

A winter wonderland Rural Voice Editor Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot recently snapped this picture as she went on a hike in the Benmiller Conservation Area, enjoying the outdoors and the cool, crisp weather. The Citizen is actively seeking photos from readers as the provincial lockdown persists, so please send your images to Denny Scott at reporter@northhuron.on.ca and they could be included in a future issue of the newspaper. (Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot photo)

As part of a special budget meeting on Jan. 22, North Huron staff reviewed the municipality’s strategic plan with council members to remind them of established priorities while debating the budget.

Chief Administrative Officer Dwayne Evans led the presentation, starting with the economic goals of the municipality.

The first priority, which is set for completion for this year or next year, is to improve efficiency for the development approval system, designed to expedite the building process with the township. Staff will undertake research on the project, according to Evans’ report, starting this year.

Other projects that will take place that have similar timelines include determining the future of the Richard W. LeVan Airport in Morris-Turnberry, reviewing the North Huron Community Improvement Plan and establishing a visitor information centre. In total, there are 21 economic initiatives, including supporting development and addressing maintenance fees.

Evans then outlined the five established community goals, the nine governance and modernization goals, including evaluating the size and structure of council, the five infrastructure goals, the 11 service goals and six environmental goals going forward.

Council received the report, but not before some concerns were aired regarding the plan to support local housing initiatives.

Councillor Chris Palmer raised the issue, as it specifically cited using the Wingham Trailer Park as a means of adding affordable housing, which he felt would be pigeon-holing the property before council had sold it.

“I think it should be wide open as for its destined use,” he said. “We should discuss what kind of housing goes in.”

Evans said that was a valid point, but there were reasons for labelling the property as being best for affordable housing.

“The trailer park is more conducive to [affordable housing] due to walkability,” he said. “People could live there and walk downtown.”

Evans did say he took Palmer’s suggestion and would change the way the property is being discussed going forward.

Reeve Bernie Bailey agreed with Palmer, saying that the future of the property would be up to \whoever buys the property.

Deputy-Reeve Trevor Seip said that council’s only control for the property was setting the zoning.

Beyond that, it would be up to the potential developer to decide what to build, he said.

Council received Evans’ report, which is available on the municipality’s website at northhuron.ca.

N. Huron 2020 staff levels comparable to 2014 Continued from page 12 $85,000 in the budget, but to fund it through internal borrowing as suggested by White. If the land can be redeveloped, the funds can be recovered, she said, and If not, the municipality will have two years to determine how to pay for the expense.

FINAL DECISION As a result of the above decisions, council approved a $213,084.44 increase in spending in principle.

With the changes, council approved the budget in principle with it set to return to its Feb. 1 council meeting for final adoption, alongside a tax rate bylaw once information from Huron County and local school boards is made available.

Using those numbers, White informed council that, on an average residential property assessed at $205,000, the increase would have different impacts across the municipality’s three wards.

Due to significant savings in arearated costs, that average property in Wingham would see a $23.66 increase in taxes for 2021 (from $2,944.16 to $2,967.82). The arearated savings, White said, are primarily driven by policing reconciliation from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). That average property in Blyth would see a $47.70 increase (from $2,285.76 to $2,333.46), also due in part to savings in area-rated costs, while the same-valued property in East Wawanosh would see a $71.06 increase ($2,038.91 to $2,109.97).

Council also discussed crossborder servicing with MorrisTurnberry, saying that changes would need to happen in 2021 to accommodate the fact that there is no longer an agreement between the municipalities, and therefore, no agreed “soft service” contributions from Morris-Turnberry are not guaranteed.

While Morris-Turnberry Council did decide to prorate its contributions for 2021, paying $83,728 of $118,500, based on closure of the soft services like the community centres due to COVID19, no agreement was in place for 2021 according to staff.

“There’s been no conversation in terms of 2021,” Evans said. “The Deputy-Reeve has indicated the cross-border committee is interested in working towards an agreement.

We haven’t heard from MorrisTurnberry for quite some time.”

Council took no action as a result of the discussion.

STAFF STATS Seip had previously asked staff to compare staffing levels in 2020 to previous years and was given a detailed explanation of how many full-time staff or full-time equivalents (FTE) are employed by the municipality.

While 2020 will be an outlier, with nearly $1 million in wage savings compared to 2019, the review showed that staffing levels had actually dropped over the past seven years due to full-time positions being reduced in the police, water/sewer and fire departments.

White explained how the FTE numbers were generated.

“We have a wide number of parttime staff,” she said, adding the number fluctuates between 100 and 150. “Some of those staff may only work 10-15 hours during a day camp program, so we can’t count that as one staff.”

She said a normal full-time position works 1,950 hours a year.

“We took that total number of hours worked in each of those years by part-time employees, divided by 1,950 and turned it into the full-time equivalent,” she said.

White explained that fire, sewer/water and police had been listed separately due to significant changes in staffing in those areas,

especially those tied to the OPP taking over policing in Wingham, water/sewer responsibilities being handled by Veolia and fire suppression and prevention now being handled by a shared chief.

In 2014, with 28.1 FTE positions, eight police, four water/sewer professionals and one full-time fire professional and 38 other full-time positions, there were 79.1 FTE staff

employed by the municipality according to White’s report. That constituted total wages of $4,064,287.87. In 2019, the number of staff had dropped dramatically, and wages were around the same value.

White reported the municipality had a total of 66.3 FTE positions, including 27.3 part-time FTE and 39 full-time positions with wages totalling $4,071,993.

White reported that wages in 2020 had totalled $3,094,129.52, but, when asked where those savings would be represented, she said there would need to be a full accounting of reconciliations for the municipality because those savings may be eaten up by additional costs caused by COVID-19.

Seip said the information is exactly what he wanted.

Fundraiser supports programs Continued from page 17 thankful for both the government support and the assistance of our volunteers. We could not do it without them,” said Willy Van Klooster, Huron Hospice, Executive Director.

“Although the government does not cover them, these daily programs and services are essential. They impact our friends and neighbours, maybe even a family member,” commented Jay McFarlan, Huron Hospice Board Chair.

“We recognize that such a gift is unique and not something that everyone can afford, said Christopher Walker, Huron Hospice Manager of Fund Development.

“However, in 2020-21, we have seen support for this program grow.” He went on to say, “When donors join the Make Every Day Matter program, they receive a made in Huron County, Huron Hospice tote bag, perfect for trips to the grocery store, or someday in the future, a trip to the library. Donors also gain peace of mind, knowing that they have made a difference in friends’ and family lives.”

“There are many ways in which Huron Hospice donors support the Hospice. They join our Hike for Hospice, the Telethon ‘There’s No Place Like Home’, and before that, they attended our Handbags For Hospice gala dinner and auction.

Donors also contribute by making donations in memory of family who have died.” said Christopher Walker. He went on to say, “Donors are a critical part of our continued work. We know all gifts come from the heart.”

One anonymous donor couple told the Hospice when they made their Make Every Day Matter gift, “we so admire, appreciate and support the efforts of all the staff, volunteers, management and board in creating an atmosphere of calm, acceptance and peacefulness for the residents.

We are pleased to support this fundraising effort with our $1,000 donation and encourage others to do the same. As we have been married for 53 years, we have chosen our anniversary day. We know that there

may be a time when we will require the peacefulness of the Huron Hospice.”

Willy Van Klooster went on to say.

“Like many other charities, COVID19 has had an impact on our revenue this year. We have been forced to think outside the box and be strategic about how to reach donors who can help us.” Giving to support Huron Hospice is quite simple. A gift of $1,000 translates into four pledges of $250 each year, or $2.39 per day. For the price of a cup of coffee every day, you can ensure essential hospice programs remain available in our community.”

To learn more about the Make Every Day Matter program, call Christopher Walker at 519-5257352.

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021.

How long did the Canadian Pacific Railway have a presence in Blyth?

The tracks were completed in 1907 and were used until 1988.

Read more in the Blyth Repository of History.

#ThrowbackThursday

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

Leadership in energy and environmental design

Devon Henry 84772 McDonald Line • Box 616 • Brussels

devonjhenry@hotmail.com 519-505-2473

The Citizen, Jan. 13, 2011

The Citizen, Jan. 6, 2011

The Citizen, Jan. 20, 2011

The Citizen, Jan. 20, 2011

The Citizen, Jan. 20, 2011

Every week The Citizen takes a look back at years and memories gone by in our #ThrowbackThursday posts on Facebook.