The Citizen - July 15, 2021

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• Editorials • New Hire • Agriculture • Obituaries

The

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Thursday, July 15, 2021

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Volume 37 No. 28

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HPPH looking for more outreach

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Hitting the road The Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association held an antique tractor parade on Saturday morning, rescheduled due to inclement weather from two weeks earlier. It began at the Blyth Campground and travelled from there. The event is one to keep the association

front and centre in people’s minds, as it has been forced to cancel its annual reunion for the second consecutive year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Plenty were out and about on Saturday, however, to show off their machines or to see what people drove around the community. (John Stephenson photo)

Huron Perth Medical Officer of Health Dr. Miriam Klassen says she wants to see people under the age of 40 roll their sleeves up and get their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, saying that age group is lagging behind.

“There is still a large portion of people under the age of 40 without any vaccination,” she said during a weekly Huron Perth Public Health teleconference, before encouraging everyone to continue to pursue their first and second doses at local clinics.

While the number of people getting their first dose has waned, Klassen said more than half the people who received their first COVID-19 vaccine have received a second already. She said those numbers are encouraging, because the higher the vaccination rate, the less likely the area will see a large cluster outbreak. She also said it will result in “returning to activities we love” faster.

When asked why she thinks there is hesitancy for people to get the vaccine, she said it may be connected to a lack of confidence in the vaccine, but she anticipates that many people aren’t worried about COVID-19 due to declining case numbers. She also admitted that it does take effort to make and keep a vaccination appointment.

“That’s why we’re looking at Continued on page 10

Morris-Turnberry to aid centre’s lost revenue

By Denny Scott The Citizen Morris-Turnberry Council approved a recommended motion to contribute funds to the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, despite some questions about input the municipality has in regards to expenses.

The payment, which will be drawn from funds made available to Morris-Turnberry to help meet COVID-19 expenses, are to help the deficit created by the closure of the centre due to COVID-19.

Chief Administrative Officer Trevor Hallam said that Huron East, which owns the facility, decided to cover nearly $61,000 of lost revenue and, as part of its cost-

sharing agreement, MorrisTurnberry will be invoiced for 20 per cent of that at $12,000. Hallam also said that Morris-Turnberry has been given approximately $125,000 in COVID-19 relief funding, so the expense can be handled without using tax dollars.

“We have the money available,” he said, adding a similar concession had been approved with the Belgrave Community Centre board.

Councillor Jamie McCallum said the funding should be more widely used for initiatives like this and for other projects like the COVID-19 vaccination clinics being held in Wingham.

While not against the move, Deputy-Mayor Sharen Zinn wondered if Morris-Turnberry

Council had any input in the decision to pay out the funding.

“Do we get a say in it before it’s passed, since we do fund a big part of their facilities?” she asked.

Hallam said council isn’t consulted on issues like this, saying Huron East is the operating municipality.

“We do have a seat on the [community centre] board, but [Huron East Council] was deciding how to use [its] Safe Restart funds and distributing them among the centres,” he said.

Hallam also said that Treasurer Shawn Brophy was contacted by Huron East to ask if MorrisTurnberry could cover those costs.

Brophy explained that it had made other such contributions and that he

felt it was an eligible expense for the COVID-19 funding.

Council approved the expense.

BELMORE COMMUNITY CENTRE Councillor Jim Nelemans also suggested using the COVID-19 funds for a likely-forthcoming request from the Belmore Community Centre for renovations.

Nelemans, who sits on the committee responsible for the centre, said the centre will be the focus of a major renovation project, similar to but smaller than the multi-million initiative being undertaken at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre.

The project, according to Nelemans, will include renovating the dressing rooms and refreshing

the Belmore Community Centre.

Partner municipality South Bruce has earmarked $20,000 for the project, Nelemans said. That funding came from contributions to the community by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, according to Nelemans.

Hallam said the report which Nelemans was citing was for information only, and Hallam anticipated a request for funding would be presented at a future council meeting.

Nelemans suggested donating to it, which led Councillor Kevin Freiburger to ask if funds specifically for COVID-19 relief could be used for the renovation. As a result, council directed staff to investigate that option.

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021.

County approves airport plan despite concerns

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron County Council is moving forward with a strategic plan for the Goderich Airport, despite the protestation of several councillors who felt the county should leave the airport business to private investors.

Economic Development Officer Natasha Gaudio Harrison presented council with an update at its July 7 meeting, which was held virtually via Zoom. She told council that the strategic plan should be completed

by HM Aero Aviation Consulting later this month.

“As part of the stakeholder consultation process for the airport strategic plan, the consultants at HM Aero identified potential anchor tenant opportunities that

could fit the Goderich Airport. At the direction of the Goderich Municipal Airport Task Force, the consultants took these opportunities to Huron County Economic Development staff to discuss a path forward to connecting potential investors identified through the strategic planning process with appropriate municipal representatives that could attract investment,” Gaudio Harrison said in her report.

“Huron County Economic Development staff then commissioned HM Aero to facilitate introductions with three investors they had identified, which resulted in meetings that were held in late April and early May, 2021.

These meetings were loosely structured, where Huron County staff asked the prospective

investors about their land and hangar needs, tenure preferences, and any other requirements that would be helpful. Investors were primarily in early stages of prospecting for smaller airports for their expansion needs, so discussions were preliminary in nature and helped Economic Development staff understand some of the specifics of the airport site selection process for flight schools and smaller, private uses. Those specifics and subsequent research are the basis of the key questions and recommendations for the Airport Task Force outlined at the end of this report.”

The questions included at the end of the report pertain to a land tenure plan, the setting of a price point and advertising, as well as the development of cost analysis.

North Huron Reeve Bernie Bailey, who has been critical of the process from the beginning, asked if the forthcoming report would cost more than the $50,000 that had been allocated by the Huron County Economic Development Board. If so, he said, he felt council should discuss any additional spending.

Director of Economic Development Cody Joudry said there were no additional costs at this time and the spending was all within the original $50,000 allocated for the project. That money, he said, was set aside to pay up to 50 per cent of the cost of the strategic plan.

Goderich Mayor John Grace then spoke, frustrated at the criticism the project is facing, saying it is clearly a project that would mean good things for all of Huron County.

He said the airport could be an asset for all of Huron County and the project is all about working together. He also said the airport recommendation had come from the Huron County Economic Development Board, which is stocked with successful business people from throughout the county who recommended this as a priority project to attract new business.

In addition, he said the Town of Goderich had contributed over $40,000 of its own money into the project for infrastructure upgrades.

To continue squabbling over the project and not viewing it as something that would benefit the entire county, he said, simply didn’t make sense to him.

“It’s not about you and me,” Grace said to Bailey, “it’s about Huron County.”

Bailey then rebuffed Grace’s comments, saying he was simply asking how the money was being spent and if more was going to have to be allocated.

Central Huron Mayor and PastWarden Jim Ginn also supported moving ahead on the project, saying

that Huron County support for something with regional benefit is not unprecedented. He pointed to funding for the Regional Equine and Agricultural Centre of Huron (REACH) in Clinton and several hospital grants as examples.

He also said that if council wasn’t going to pay serious attention to the recommendations of the Economic Development Board and its private business experts, then that may lead to a bigger issue. The board is full of business people who are telling council what they think the county should have to improve its business landscape, he said. If council wasn’t going to listen to those experts, then perhaps it was time to disband the board.

He said, in his opinion, council needed to focus on key assets in the county and do whatever it could to help the county grow.

Bluewater Mayor Paul Klopp took a different approach, saying the county shouldn’t support the airport for environmental reasons.

He said the county has recently hired someone to help usher in greener practices and projects, and the rejuvenation of an airport doesn’t seem like it would fit in with that vision.

Several other councillors also voiced their support for the airport, but as a private venture for an investor, rather than something for the investment of taxpayers’ dollars.

While the motion on the floor was simply to receive Gaudio Harrison’s report for information, councillors asked for a recorded vote. It passed with 10 councillors voting in favour (Warden Glen McNeil and Councillors Ginn, Grace, Bernie MacLellan, Roger Watt, Jim Dietrich, Dave Jewitt, Jim Fergusson, Myles Murdock and Jamie Heffer) and five voting against it (Councillors Bailey, Klopp, George Finch, Doug Harding and Bob Fisher).

A r e yo u t i r e d o f g e t t i n g a s e c o n d - h a n d n ews p a p e r ?

Sold out The Blyth Lions Club hosted a drive-through pork chop barbecue on Saturday, selling out the tickets they had set aside for hungry diners. Rob Abell, left, and Greg Toll, right, took on the cooking duties, while Chris Lee looks on. (John Stephenson photo)

Book looks at Gaol history The Huron County Museum and Historic Gaol is pleased to announce the publication of its newest book, Prisoner Profiles: Unlocking the Secret Stories from the Huron Historic Gaol.

Prisoner Profiles takes a deeper look into the stories from the Huron Gaol, that are not often told with a particular focus on the inmates from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s.

These fascinating, tragic, and occasionally absurd stories provide powerful insight into the social and municipal history of Huron County, and highlight a time before hospitals, long-term care homes and mental health facilities were built to properly care for those in need.

The book shares a combination of in-depth stories and shorter profiles of inmates housed at the Huron Gaol, including: • Ephraim Taylor, a Black farmer and pioneer of the Wilberforce Colony who spent one day in the Gaol for debt in 1851.

• Moses Madwayosh, an

Anishinaabe man who served as an interpreter at an inquest while awaiting his own trial.

• William Lee, the ‘Jolly Tar’ from the HMS Cherub, who spent more time in the Huron Gaol than aboard the Cherub while it was docked in Goderich Harbour.

• Mary Brady, whose only crime was one of poverty.

• Maud Hamilton, the ‘Lioness’ of Goderich, who became the target of local media for her ‘den of evil’.

• May Gibson, who had been committed six times to three different correctional institutions before the age of 18.

“The process of writing this book was surprising, joyful and sad. It demonstrated the diversity and the humanity of the inmates’ stories,” said Acting Senior Curator Sinead Cox, author of the book. “The Gaol today is a physical artifact and archive that allows us to remember these prisoners and imagine their lives in a more tangible and visceral way.”

Books are now available for purchase through the museum gift shop for curbside pick-up while the Museum and Historic Gaol remain closed to the public. To order a copy, call the museum at 519-5242686 or e-mail museum@huroncounty.ca and staff will arrange a time for pickup and payment.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021. PAGE 3.

M-T supports clinics

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Checking it out Antique, unique and just plain nifty cars were on display during the Rolling Car Show held across Huron County on the weekend. The organization has put on several moving car shows since the pandemic started, and the one held on Saturday went through local communities including Blyth, Brussels, Auburn and Walton. The show started in Goderich, shown above. (John Stephenson photo)

Funding for cover crops offered Landowners in the Bayfield and Lake Huron tributary watersheds are now eligible for an enhanced cost-share program that offers $30 per acre, up to 100 acres, for planting cover crops.

“If you have been thinking about trying cover crops, this is an excellent opportunity,” said Hope Brock, Healthy Watersheds Technician with Ausable Bayfield Conservation.

When the program is coupled with funding from the Huron County Clean Water Project, agricultural producers in these watersheds can receive a total of $45 per acre thanks to the enhanced Cover Crop Boost Program. New this year, a multi-species cover crop is no longer required if planted after

corn or soybeans. Farmers planting one or more species after wheat are still eligible for the $30 per acre grant.

To find out more about grants to plant cover crops contact Hope Brock by e-mail hbrock@abca.ca or Nathan Schoelier at nschoelier@abca.ca, or Ausable Bayfield Conservation at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888286-2610.

Funding is limited and some restrictions apply. Application intake deadlines are July 31 and Aug. 31.

Cover crops have many benefits to the farmer and the community.

They help to protect water quality and build soil health. Cover crops help to reduce loss of nutrients and

topsoil, reduce the amount and speed of water running off of land, and reduce wind speed at ground level which reduces wind and water erosion and the speed of water runoff. Those are just some of the benefits.

Do you need some help to decide what to plant? You may contact your local cover crop seed supplier a t www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/cro ps/resource/covercrp.htm, talk to your neighbour or contact your certified crop advisor.

You may also want to use the cover crop decision tool at: http://decision-tool.incovercrops.ca For Bayfield and Gully Watershed boundaries, consult the Watershed Report Cards at abca.ca.

Morris-Turnberry Councillor Jamie McCallum is concerned that his municipality isn’t receiving the recognition he believes it deserves for supporting local COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

Despite originally not pursuing a staff recommendation to support local COVID-19 vaccination clinics, with councillors saying it didn’t make sense to “reinvent the wheel” and instead asking staff to further investigate the issue, Morris-Turnberry Council did eventually decide to provide financial support for the clinics, however the offered funding hasn’t been used yet.

During council’s July 6 meeting, Chief Administrative Officer Trevor Hallam said there were successful clinics held in Wingham last month with several scheduled this month as well. He said he had checked in with the County’s Community Emergency Management Co-ordinator David Clarke and reiterated that MorrisTurnberry could provide funding for the clinics.

Originally, council didn’t have staff to be able to help run the clinics, and several council members had said they didn’t see the point when people could easily drive to the clinics held in Stratford and Goderich.

During the July 6 meeting, however, Councillor Jamie McCallum said a “great number” of Morris-Turnberry residents had been vaccinated close to home thanks to the clinics, and said he felt a “good will” gesture of contributing money should be offered again.

He then went on to say he was frustrated that Morris-Turnberry wasn’t being recognized like North Huron and Howick, which contributed staff and volunteer time to the clinics.

Councillor Jim Nelemans pointed out that may be because MorrisTurnberry hasn’t actually contributed anything yet, saying council doesn’t have a facility it could offer and that, while the offer had been made to help with funding, there haven’t been any applicable expenses yet.

Hallam said he had been in

contact with Dwayne Evans, his counterpart at North Huron, and said that if there were fees for the hall or staff salaries, Morris-Turnberry could help offset it.

“That’s the kind of support we could provide,” he said. “Evans is aware of that. We’ve offered help, and a specific kind of help at that.

Until it’s asked for, we can’t send out cheques.”

McCallum said he still felt that Morris-Turnberry not being recognized was a problem.

Deputy-Mayor Sharen Zinn said Morris-Turnberry is in a difficult position, as it doesn’t have staff to contribute to the operation of the clinics and most of council [have] full-time jobs, so “we don’t have the days available to help out.”

“I believe everyone on our council has been in full support of these clinics,” she said. “I think we’ve all been very supportive…

I’m hoping we end up with some invoices and can help them out that way.”

Councillor Kevin Freiburger took a different stance, saying that the help had been offered and council and the municipality don’t need recognition.

“We offered it because we’re able to do so,” he said. “It shouldn’t matter if we do or don’t get recognition.”

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Look up!

(J.R. Miller, “Unto the Hills!” A Meditation on Psalm 121)” “I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from whence comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 It is good always to look up. thousands of people dwarf their lives, and hinder the possibilities of growth in their souls--by looking downward. They keep their eyes ever entangled in mere earthly sights, and miss the glories of the hills that pierce the clouds, and of the heavens that bend over them!

A story is told of a boy who one day found a gold coin on the street. Ever after this--he kept his eyes ont eh ground as he walked, watching for coins. During a long lifetime, he found a good number of coins--but meanwhile he never saw the flowers and the trees which grow in such wonderous beauty everywhere; he never saw the hills, the mountains, the sweet valleys, the picturesque landscapes; he never saw the blue sky. To him, this lovely world meant only a dusty road, dreary and unbeautiful, merely a place in which to look for coins.

Before the procession The Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association previously decided not to go ahead with its annual reunion this September, however members of the group wanted to keep the organization and its annual celebration in people’s minds. As a result, some members repeated the association’s very succesful antique tractor parade from last year. The event, held over the weekend, saw tractor owners gather at the Blyth Campground and tour the community. (John Stephenson photo)

This really is the story of the life of most people. They never lift their eyes off the earth!

They live only to gather money, to add field to field, to scheme for power or to find pleasure. Or, if their quest is a little higher, it is still only for earthly things. They never lift up their eyes to God! There is no blue sky in their picture. They cherish no heavenly visions. They are without God in the world.

“Since, then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2 A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-492-1359

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 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

A new chapter While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau may take heat from what some are calling a symbolic gesture when he named Inuk leader Mary Simon as Canada’s next Governor General, it doesn’t mean it wasn’t time for the first Indigenous representative of the Crown. Simon’s appointment can be a bridge to reconciling what she calls “the tapestry of Canada”.

Simon’s background as an advocate for Indigenous and Inuk rights and an ambassador for the Arctic will serve her well as she moves into Rideau Hall. Simon’s appointment comes after the last Governor General, Julie Payette, resigned in disgrace over fostering an allegedly toxic work environment. Hopefully, Simon’s reputation as a levelheaded and thoughtful leader will help to heal a fractured staff that is still in transition. Additionally, Simon intends on moving into Rideau Hall, unlike Payette, who refused to do so, despite ordering over $250,000 in renovations to improve privacy, which is another good sign.

After Payette’s tumultuous tenure, Trudeau had been accused of being star-struck by having an astronaut in the Governor General role and not properly vetting her. He did not make that mistake this time and set up a new advisory board that brought him a shortlist of suitable candidates. In this instance, Trudeau relied on a panel of peers to bring the right person to the position at the right time. – DS

Out of the frying pan...

The future is now, according to some scientists, but not in the cool, technologically advanced, flying cars kind of way. Rather, it’s the way in which we humans will all, just maybe, cook to death.

Talk of global warming showing its dire consequences in real time was all over the airwaves late last month when a “heat dome” inflated over western Canada, shattering dozens of weather records, resulting in temperatures nearly 20°C over the norm for the season. Experts said they’d never seen anything like it, also warning that these heat dome conditions could become more normal around the world going forward.

On June 29, the town of Lytton, British Columbia recorded the hottest temperature ever in Canada, reaching 49.6°C, serving as a factor in the fires that would eventually wipe out the small community.

Some scientists, however, believe that sweltering heat waves like those that took hold in western Canada are just the beginning. “Wet bulb” conditions represent a deadly combination of high heat and humidity, hitting a point at which evaporation due to sweat no longer cools a person down, meaning otherwise healthy humans will overheat and die. Wet bulb conditions were not expected on earth until the middle of the century. However, in the last 35 years, over 7,000 wet bulb instances have been recorded. Most of these instances were found in south Asia, the coastal Middle East and southwest North America, but with temperatures rising all over the world, some scientists are saying it’s only a matter of time until these conditions expand further.

This kind of research is meant to prepare humanity for the perils of the future. Our generation was likely never meant to even know about wet bulb conditions, but the climate is warming faster than models had anticipated. Once the global threat of COVID-19 is contained, our world leaders need to focus their attention on the long-term health and sustainability of our planet before things get much worse. – SL

A case for cautious optimism The province recently announced that, with the populace having exceeded the vaccination requirements for Step 3 of its reopening plan, that restrictions would be further eased early tomorrow morning, July 16, at 12:01 a.m., five full days before it was originally supposed to happen.

Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s new chief medical officer of health, says he didn’t see a reason to hold the province back due to Ontarians pursuing vaccinations.

While it’s great that, as a province, Ontarians have put such a priority on getting fully vaccinated, there are a number of reasons that this announcement should be received with cautious optimism, not the least of which seems to be the laissez-faire attitude the province has adopted with following even its own rules.

This change wasn’t set to come until July 21 at the earliest and, while everyone will likely welcome it, there are some businesses that may not be able to pivot so quickly to meet the province’s constantly moving goal posts, which could cause confusion and concern. There are also some worrying statistics concerning the recent surge in the Lambda variant of COVID-19 in North America, which was discovered in mid-2020 but didn’t make the World Health Organization’s watch list until last month.

There is even local concern as the Grey and Bruce Counties have been declared a hotspot for the Delta variant, which marks one of the first local areas to see such a designation.

While we should celebrate the reopening and the lower provincial (and local) case counts, there are still plenty of reasons to mask up, disinfect, wash our hands and continue to be careful and vigilant. – JDS

Looking Back Through the Years July 9, 1964 The Brussels Dairy 4-H Calf Club held its third meeting of 1964 at the home of Stan Hopper.

The guest speaker was Dr. Roy Galbraith of Wingham who spoke about herd health and the various diseases that could affect cattle.

The Grey Township Federation of Agriculture was in the final planning stages of a bus trip to the Hamilton area and Wentworth County to visit various farms and agricultural businesses before a visit to the Rock Garden at the Royal Botanical Gardens.

The owners of Cousins Dairy were asking people to leave their names and phone numbers with the business to be notified when cherries, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries would be available.

July 10, 1974 Robert McKinley was re-elected as the Huron-Middlesex MP, beating Liberal John Lyndon by over 7,000 votes. His margin of victory, however, was trimmed from the 10,000-vote gap he had when he won the 1972 election.

Morris Township Council agreed to pay $600 toward the expansion of the Blyth Union Cemetery at its July 3 meeting.

Blyth Village Council was considering hiring a new special constable to police the village over the weekends. This came after talk among residents, especially those living on the village’s main street, about forming a “vigilante” group to police drivers who “rip and roar” around the streets in the early morning hours, driving over lawns and throwing beer bottles at buildings.

Blyth would soon be getting a motor vehicle licensing office. The news came from Huron-Bruce MPP

Murray Gaunt, saying that the establishment of a bureau in Blyth had been approved at the provincial level.

July 10, 1996 Brussels Village Council planned to seek a meeting of five northern Huron County municipalities in an effort to restructure. The “Group of Five” consisted of Brussels, Blyth and East Wawanosh, Hullett and Morris Townships, though some councillors said they would like to see Grey Township included.

The provincial government made a highway download official, making Highways 83, 84 and 87 the jurisdiction of Huron County, and not Ontario, effective April 1, 1997.

Christie Warwick of RR1, Bluevale returned after spending five weeks as a page at the Ontario legislature. She was pictured in The Citizen with Huron MPP Helen Johns.

Dr. Mark Woldnik assumed the position of medical director at Huronlea Home for the Aged in Brussels for a three-year term.

While serving in Brussels, Woldnik would continue to serve as a director at Huronview Home for the Aged and Seaforth Manor, as well as the Chief of Staff at the Seaforth hospital.

July 14, 2011 Seaforth welcomed two new doctors to the town in the form of the husband-and-wife team of Dr. Andrezej and Dr. Agnes Kluz, who were making their way to Huron County by way of Saskatchewan.

Long-time municipal politician Joe Seili, who had spent eight years as the mayor of Huron East, resigned from his position as a Huron East councillor for the Brussels Ward at the July 5 meeting of council.

He said that his life as a municipal representative was negatively impacting his life, both personally and professionally.

In other Huron East news, the municipality hired a new treasurer, taking over for Brad Knight, who had been hired on as the chief administrative officer to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Jack McLachlan. Paula Michiels, with over 11 years of municipal experience, had been brought on as Huron East’s new treasurer.

Michiels had most recently been employed with the County of Oxford as a senior financial analyst.

Six golfers represented the Blyth Legion at the Legion District Golf Tournament in St. Marys, with the team of Kirk Stewart and Zack O’Krafka placing second, with a combined score of 158. Their showing earned them a spot in the 2011 Provincial Golf Tournament, which would be played at the Blenheim Community Golf Club on Sept. 10.

With an application to assist in funding for water meters in Belgrave being turned down, Morris-Turnberry Council put the installation of meters for Belgrave on hold for the year.

Anusree Roy, a playwright in residence for the Blyth Festival, won the Dora Mavor Moore Award for the best new play produced in Toronto with her work Brothel #9.

During her time in Blyth, Roy said she found regular pottery lessons with David and Tamara Riach of Davara Studio to be very inspiring.

Ball’s Bridge was set to be recognized as a heritage site on July 14 with the installation of the goldand-blue heritage signs that mark such sites throughout the province.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021. PAGE 5.

Other Views

What will return to ‘normal’?

A

s we (hopefully) come out of the great COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, it’s going to be fascinating for sociologists and economists – and ordinary curious observers – to see how many things in society return to pre-pandemic life and how many things have changed forever.

Human society is constantly changing, but there are moments in time when the change is more abrupt than usual – such as pandemics.

Watching Simon Schama’s History of Britain recently, for instance, I was struck by the episode on the Bubonic Plague, which peaked in Europe from 1347 to 1351. It’s estimated 75–200 million people died from the disease in Eurasia and North Africa. One of the side effects in Britain was that there was suddenly a labour shortage, giving workers some bargaining power with employers for the first time and increasing their incomes.

We’ve already had some unanticipated consequences from the 2020-2021 pandemic shutdown: from toilet-paper hoarding near the start to black-market haircuts near the end.

Along the way, farmers had to shift production as people did more home cooking instead of going out to eat and people spent record sums improving the homes in which they were forced to spend more time.

How many of the changes we’ve been forced into will continue and how many prepandemic habits will people rush back to?

Early indications are that people can’t wait to go out to restaurants. But does the rush to reserve patio dining spots really indicate this aspect of life before COVID has recovered or are these just the eager beavers and things won’t return to the glory days before 2020 when Statistics Canada has found 54 per cent of Canadians ate out in restaurants once a week or more.

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk That reality means a lot for our chicken farmer neighbours, for instance. Until the pandemic restrictions, the food service industry – companies like Swiss Chalet and KFC – bought 40 per cent of the chicken produced in Canada. As restaurants were ordered closed in May and June, 2020, demand for chicken dropped 12 per cent nationally, even though supermarket sales remained strong. Chicken farmers’ quotas were cut, reducing their incomes.

That same reduction in demand from restaurants became a boon for food banks as egg farmers donated eggs they couldn’t sell, to the less fortunate. Egg farmers will also be anxious to see if people flock back to restaurants in the same numbers they went out to eat or bought takeout before the pandemic restrictions.

On the other hand, will people realize that they kind of like home cooking? Will all those people who took up baking and cooking while they were spending so much time at home continue, or will they go back to thinking they don’t have the time and energy to cook from scratch and gratefully go out to eat?

Home improvement contractors have been run off their feet trying to meet the demand for renovations or additions. Building supply outlets have found it hard to get lumber and other products as do-it-yourselfers took on building new decks and backyard fences. Will

this continue once people have the option of saving that money for a vacation they had to put off because of the restrictions?

Airline and cruise companies have been particularly blindsided by the pandemic.

Already there are more people flying and the first cruises are sailing again. Some people quickly booked travel options, but how many cautious consumers, trained to be watchful to protect their own health, might resist being crowded into enclosed spaces and take the bloom off the hoped-for post-pandemic travel boom?

Will the people who turned to outdoor activities, buying bikes and kayaks and hiking trails like the Goderich-to-Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail, keep up their enthusiasm?

The people that I worry most for are the small, entrepreneurial retailers, restaurant owners and tourist operators who have been hit so hard by the restrictions. Sometimes it seemed as if the government couldn’t, if they’d tried, have written a law better designed to assist retailing giants dominate even more than they have. While small stores were reduced to curbside pick-up, giants like Walmart and Costco could go on selling even non-essentials because they qualified as food stores. Only in the most recent restrictions were these giants barred from selling non-food merchandise.

Meanwhile, while they couldn’t go to a small shop on their main street, consumers could still buy from Amazon, giving Jeff Bezos even more billions to play with his rockets.

Nearly everything in the pandemic mitigated against the little guy and benefited the super wealthy. Might I hope that people coming out of the lockdown have had time to think about how important the little shops or restaurants mean to their community?

Humanity seems to have been forgotten

O

ver the weekend, I flirted with gastrointestinal disaster by buying pizza for my wife late in the day on Saturday. I’ve got a bit of an issue with heartburn and eating anything as acidic as pizza after 3 p.m. (without popping a prescribed miracle pill for heartburn) will result in me tossing, turning and waking up throughout the night.

Why did I do it? Well, my wife loves pizza.

So do I, but I’ve more or less made it a lunch food after learning that bad overnight heartburn, like the variant I fought with daily until a significant diet change a couple years back, can actually lead to a form of cancer.

However, the pizza we ate on Saturday, on the picnic table at our campsite, was disappointing for another reason: it wasn’t made to my specifications.

We live in a world where anyone can pull out their phone, describe a pizza exactly as they want it and expect it to be ready within 20 to 30 minutes for pick-up. But there can still be human error there.

Maybe it’s because I’ve worked at a local pizza restaurant, a handful of Tim Hortons and a McDonald’s or three in my life, but I feel like the personal touch is always going to be preferable to the digital divide. (That may also explain why I love working for a newspaper it’s a much more personal medium than say television or the internet in my experience.)

Anyway, despite using the vaunted digital mode of ordering, there was a pretty significant mistake made on our pizza. It didn’t make it inedible (it’s not like I’m looking for a gluten-free pizza) and we enjoyed it just fine, but it wasn’t right.

Regardless of how I ordered it, there is always the human factor and mistakes can be (and were) made. For me, the story ended there. I wasn't interested in calling the store

Denny Scott Denny’s Den and complaining, I paid for a pizza that was good. I’ve never been one to get the high that people seem to when they get to call out a teenager who is just trying to make a few bucks to save for school or have fun with friends. Provided they don’t put anchovies on my pizza, I can overlook most mistakes because I’ve been there.

It got me thinking about the number of times I have had to pull tomato slices off of a burger or pick green peppers off a pizza and how, while I definitely bemoan the aforementioned inconvenience at the time, it’s a honest-togoodness mistake and it’s not something that calls for making a federal case.

Unfortunately, there is a very vocal minority that doesn’t feel the same way about that.

There is a very loud subsect of our society that feels as though getting the wrong ingredients on a sandwich or the wrong drink at a busy counter is tantamount to someone spitting in a beverage (which may or may not happen as a result of their outbursts, if my observations in fast food have taught me anything). Many on the internet have taken to calling women who do this “Karens” and men everything from “Richards” to “Chads” to “Terrys”, but regardless of the nomenclature, they do exist and they shouldn’t act the way they do.

I used to hate those people when I was the one wearing the uniform and the hat and taking orders or flipping burgers, but they’ve become one of my favourite flavour of

intolerable twit since I started living on the other side of the counter. Why? Because it gives me the chance to call them out.

Nothing makes me happier than interrupting one of these people’s rants and suggesting they calm down before I tell the focus of their ire that they’re doing a fine job and mistakes happen. Nothing seems to get the blood of a “Karen” or a “Richard” boiling quite as much as someone interrupting their vitriol.

Don’t get me wrong: if there is a mistake and I’m still at the restaurant, it should be fixed and most people in the service industry will be happy to do so, especially if they’re treated with a little basic human decency.

Unfortunately, there seems to be more people who would rather verbally crucify a teenager at a pizza place or people who will sit there quietly observing that kind of behaviour than people like me who like to disrupt it, and it’s taken a toll on the service industry.

Recently I saw a post on social media about just that and about how, when faced with a mistake, service sector staff will be walking on eggshells when dealing with a customer because they’re worried about the outrage they might receive and it got me thinking about how we got here.

That’s why I’m writing this: to ask everyone to remember that just because someone has to wear a dehumanizing “McUniform” for their job, it doesn’t mean they aren’t a person underneath it whose day, week or month will be ruined by an undeserved verbal assault.

I’m not writing this to give myself a pat on the back for remembering my time in the service industry trenches and being some white knight to the downtrodden, but to remind everyone: mistakes get made on both sides of the counter. Get the error fixed, if necessary, and move on. Or blow up at a kid and chance being famous in this very column.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Nature is healing

J

ust a few weeks into the COVID-19 pandemic, people were home and bored with plenty of time on their hands. That’s when the “nature is healing” meme was born.

Like many of these things, it came out of a nugget of truth, but then quickly morphed into the absurd. With everyone in the world staying home, the internet was awash with images of empty highways and major city landmarks devoid of people. And, in some places, nature indeed was healing. Wildlife was roaming around unchecked, without humans and cars to scare them away. Then people got silly and posted pictures of the Loch Ness Monster returning to Inverness, Scotland and dinosaurs roaming Times Square in Manhattan.

The foundation for this whole idea was that, once humanity got out of the way, nature was able to return to the form it is supposed to take.

The way God intended it, you might say.

Well, now that many of the control measures associated with the pandemic are being lifted around the world, you’re seeing “nature heal” in very different ways. For many European Football Championship games, depending on the country, you’ve seen stands full of fans cheering on their respective countries, as well as fans back at baseball and hockey games in the U.S. That’s in addition to restaurants back up and running and beaches full of people.

Things are a bit different here in Ontario, as I don’t need to tell you, for a few reasons none of which I care to debate today.

No. Instead, I’m hoping to look at how “nature is healing” with one of the world’s beloved nations in recent weeks. Sure, I may be poking fun, but it’s actually quite sad.

First up in the “nature is healing” category is life in the U.S., our friends to the south.

While life had returned to “normal” in the U.S. for quite some time, with their new management and ready access vaccinations, the unofficial “back in business” date seemed to be Independence Day, which just passed.

You may already know where this is going.

Aside from freedom, what do we next think of when we think of the United States? That’s right - guns. According to NPR, over the course of the 72-hour Independence Day long weekend, just under 550 shooting incidents were reported. As a result, 516 people were injured and over 180 people died from gunfire over the weekend of freedom, barbecue and beer. Nature is healing indeed.

Now, to be fair, I’m not the first person to make this joke. It came up even earlier with our American neighbours. In fact, it was when school reopened to in-person learning. With the return of in-person learning, so too did inperson shootings make a comeback. Just last month, The New York Times honoured 10 young people through the paper’s Student Editorial Contest. Lauren Koong from Texas was recognized for her essay, “It Took a Global Pandemic to Stop School Shootings”.

There is no better sign that life in the U.S. is returning to normal than residents shooting each other. It is, after all, their God-given right. (A side note is that the God-given right to guns argument has always been my favourite one by a country mile. Then again, I went to Catholic school, so maybe my teachers skipped the part of the Bible with all the guns in it. Knowing what I know about the Old Testament, it was likely in there.)

When things return to normal in Ontario, I wonder what our true “nature is healing” indicator will be. Road hockey? Paying $23 for a beer at a Toronto Maple Leafs game?

Maybe people working their way through a crowd, saying sorry repeatedly to one another?

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021.

Feeling of freedom follows shots, case numbers declining A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

Leading the way The Rolling Car Show, a car cruise that focuses on Huron County and the surrounding area, held another rally on the weekend that saw it travel through several local communities, including Brussels, Blyth, Walton and Auburn. The event started out in Goderich before travelling to other Huron County communities. (John Stephenson photo)

At the Branch

Legion opening, ‘Ace’ returning At The Branch

By Jo-Ann McDonald The good news is the province is reopening in the third step and that means the Legion can reopen. As of Friday, July 16 at 12:01 a.m., we can start returning to normal. The Branch will be open on Friday (at 4 p.m.) evening, as will the patio, weather permitting. Masks must be worn on entry and until you have been seated.

Physical distancing will also be required, but at least we can be

open. Capacity will be 25 folks at this time. The bad news is it is back to work for more catering events.

We have some things already booked and I am sure more will come!

With the reopening also comes the start of a new Catch the Ace licence. The committee will get to work and get the tickets back into the retail outlets during the next week. The first draw will be Aug. 6.

That will give folks time to get their tickets. The VIP program will also

run again. Folks can guarantee themselves a ticket by signing up at the Branch. Drop in and see Sandra and find out the details.

You have until Sept. 1 to become a VIP. The rest of the month of July is quiet because of the uncertainty of reopening, but August has quite a few events booked for the Branch.

Be prepared Comrades, as your help is going to be needed on many of the weekends. Our rest break is over!

I just need to write: freedom, freedom at last-even if it doesn’t take the same meaning as from the original speech. But that’s exactly how I feel this week as the reality of the COVID-19 spread is decreasing. Two shots with two weeks for the antibodies to develop. Ah, freedom. Well, almost.

Home visits are happening and whole faces can be seen, at times.

Gatherings are again acceptable and it feels pretty fine. Of course we are still in danger of the variants and numbers increasing.

People who don’t believe in climate change are often the ones who think this virus is not dangerous either. Be aware of who you are with, it’s perfectly fine to ask if they’ve had their vaccinations. You need to remain vigilant, stay your distance and keep your mask handy.

Ball games and soccer games were happening this weekend and it was so good to hear that pleasant noise.

Gathering as a congregation was fun again on Sunday, the United Church folks are using the public conservation area, so anyone is welcome to join us at 9:30 a.m. The visiting cardinal in full voice seemed to know when it was her turn to sing and the rabbit just observed.

My gift on the weekend was having Chris, Lara and Curt, with rotating children, here for a visit with some water fun and campfires as a bonus. It was such a treat to see faces and get hugs after many s on Hur Table To s m Far

Deadline July 23

months of only virtual visits. A trip up the river in five kayaks and a canoe on our beautiful Saturday actually felt like summer had arrived.

Fireflies seem to be having a good summer as well. Several people have noted the increased numbers and frequency of time observed when out at dark. Several swarms or groups or clusters of them were in flight on Saturday night. Jill challenged her dad to catch one. She did, he didn’t. Her fly stayed on her hand for a moment before lighting up and taking off.

Oh, summer moments have returned.

Be safe. Be kind.

Bye now. Betty GW

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Brussels Legion Patio open at 4:00 every Friday night Weather permitting

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Furry friends Local photographer Tyler Jutzi recently discovered a family of rabbits living in his back yard and set about getting some shots of some of the cuter, fuzzier members of the clan.

Like Jutzi, you have a chance to get your photos in The Citizen by e-mailing them, including your name, location and the names of any friends, families or pets to reporter@northhuron.on.ca. (Photo submitted)

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021. PAGE 7.

Hotel parking to be registered on title

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Pick-up The Blyth Lions held a very successful, sold-out pork chop barbecue dinner on Saturday, with people driving through Blyth Lions Park to pick up their meal for the night. Long-time Lion John Stewart, right, was one of the front-of-house volunteers for the meal, taking tickets and connecting people with their food. (John Stephenson photo)

Blyth market up and running

Despite questions about other businesses not facing the same requirements, North Huron Council approved enshrining Hotel Lux’s off-site parking on title to guarantee it in perpetuity.

During council’s July 5 meeting, council supported a site plan agreement for the Olde Village Sud Shop Car Wash, which included several parking spaces reserved solely for the Hotel Lux. Huron County Planner Monica WalkerBolton said the change was to make sure, if the car wash changes hands, the hotel’s owners won’t find themselves not offering enough parking.

While the motion was carried, there were several questions asked about the process, starting with Councillor Kevin Falconer asking why other businesses that provide lodging in the community aren’t held to the same standard.

Hotel Lux, when it was rezoned as a hotel, was required to provide a number of parking spaces per unit, some of which it had to provide offsite. Falconer asked why other downtown lodging businesses weren’t held to the same standards.

“There are three other rental properties that I don’t think [would] comply with [these requirements] on main street,” he said.

Walker-Bolton said that there are parking provisions and exemptions provided for businesses in core commercial areas if they existed before the bylaw was created.

The only time that other buildings would be subject to the parking rules, she said, was if renovations were done to increase occupancy.

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Reeve Bernie Bailey answered Falconer's continued questions, saying that this was specifically because the business was zoned as a hotel.

Councillor Chris Palmer also had questions about development in the future, asking what would happen if the car wash changed hands and the new owner wanted to build something new.

Clerk Carson Lamb said the parking spots would be registered on title, so that issue would come up then.

Palmer said he didn’t want to limit future development, saying that was an issue with the plan.

Despite the concerns, council approved the site plan agreement, enshrining the parking spots for future use.

NEWS FROM BLYTH Broken Dryer?

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

Locally owned and serving Huron County for 14 years

New this year offering pest control for spiders, cluster flies and other creepy crawlers, as well as mice and rats.

Book now for your lawn fertilizer and weed control package.

Call or text Todd at 519-357-7580 e-mail walkerspropertycare@gmail.com

SUDOKU

In full swing Come rain or shine, the Blyth Community Market is open for business every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Organizers recently announced a line-up of family-friendly activities at the coming markets, including a special Maitland Valley Conservation Authority presentation called “Stream Life” at the market today, July 15. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Happy anniversary to Mike and Christa Haggitt, who will celebrate their Anniversary on July 16.

Happy birthday to Joan Chalmers who will celebrate her birthday on July 1, Orrey Bromley of Belgrave will celebrate his birthday on July 17, Anne Nesbit will celebrate her birthday on July 18 and Barb

Musty of Listowel will also celebrate her birthday on July 18.

Kim Craig of London will celebrate her birthday on July 19. Happy birthday everyone.

It is nice to hear that our Blyth paper is reaching so many people. I heard from a reader in Calgary who looks forward to reading his weekly paper from home and it keeps him up to date with the things that are happening in and around Blyth.

Keep on reading.

Thursday is market day in Blyth.

Come and visit with the vendors along the street and in the parking lot. Blyth United Church is one of the vendors this week and you can satisfy your hunger by visiting their spot and picking up beef on a bun.

The market runs from 10 a.m. until

2 p.m. Come out and see what the vendors have to offer.

As you drive through the countryside you can almost see the crops growing after the muchneeded rain. Mother Nature is taking good care of us in this area, giving us the rain and sunshine when we need it most. An old saying is that we will have a good harvest of corn if it is knee-high by July. I was beginning to think that the saying would not be true at the end of June, but the rain came and the corn started to really grow and it was knee-high by July.

Take care and stay safe this coming week as we begin to come back to some kind of normal living.

Give someone a call to let them know you are thinking of them.

Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles?

Then you’ll love sudoku. This mindbending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!

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

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021.

Ball tournaments held in area parks benefit foundation PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

Great news for many is the reopening of the province as of Friday. Masks and physical distancing remain in effect, but at least you can go many more places.

The farmers are happy we have finally had rain and now they are waiting for the wheat harvest. The hot weather has brought the wheat along earlier than usual, and the heavy rains have flattened some of the fields, but it will not be long and the combines will be out working.

We send happy healing wishes to Donna Bauer, who has suffered a broken right wrist. We hope she heals quickly.

Second step reopening has allowed for sports to resume. Minor ball is having practices and adult ball started right into games. The Huron County Fastball league has a shortened schedule of just eight games with eight teams. The ladies slopitch league is playing Thursday evenings also with eight teams playing for eight weeks and just for fun. No tournament or playoffs-just fun. COVID-19 rules and special rules to follow, but Walton had a really fun night playing with a lot of laughs and misplays by both teams.

There was a mixed slopitch tournament held around the area.

The weekend tournament was a fundraiser for the Tanner Steffler Foundation. There were 32 teams playing on eight diamonds. There were diamonds in Brussels, Blyth, Walton, Winthrop and Seaforth.

They had a great day to play and the donation should be substantial.

The Walton Inn hot dog stand was a very busy enterprise on the weekend because of the

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tournament. Great comments were heard about the food all day at the park.

The booth at the ballpark had its spring cleaning done on the weekend. It will not be opening as a booth, but the room is at least clean and tidy again.

Celebrating birthdays this past week were Jasmin Roth, Russel Pryce, Steve Fritz, Mitchell Ryan, Dona Knight, Neil Mitchell, Melanie Kirkby, Pete Martene, Emma Johnston, Jackson Janmaat, Alicia Dalton, Nicholas Shahshahani, Ed McClure, Monica Ryan and Tracey McKee. Happy birthday to all.

And they’re off The Clinton Raceway recently marked not only its opening races but also its opening to fans after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. The races, which run on Sunday afternoon, are held at the raceway located near the community centre in Clinton. For more information, visit www.clintonraceway.com. (John Stephenson photo)

Project accepting applications

NEWS FROM WALTON

The Huron Clean Water Project is a fund that supports water-quality projects in Huron County. In 2021, the County of Huron allocated $450,000 in funds for water-quality projects by Huron County residents, landowners, and community groups. The Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) deliver the program on behalf of the County.

“The total value of past Huron Clean Water projects is an astounding $13.1 million,” said Warden Glen McNeil. “These investments made by the county,

community partners and community members demonstrate Huron’s commitment to being good stewards of our land and waterways now and in the future. Well done to all involved in this important project.”

Investing and participating in onthe-ground water-quality improvement projects contributes to a healthy environment and will provide lasting benefits for the residents of Huron County and generations to follow.

Limited funding assistance covering up to 50 per cent of the costs of eligible projects is awarded to county farmers, rural

landowners, businesses and community organizations. County of Huron funding can be combined with other sources such as the Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan cost-share program, Canada Nature Fund, and Forests Ontario tree planting subsidy programs.

The Huron Clean Water Project is in its 17th year of providing financial and technical support to improve and protect water quality on Huron County farms and rural properties. Since 2005, Huron County residents have completed more than 3,100 stewardship Continued on page 12

36th Annual Citizen of the Year Award Nominations Open Pictured from left, Citizen editor, Shawn Loughlin presenting Annie Sparling, 2020 Citizen of the Year award recipient.

There are so many people out there who do so much to improve their community.

This is your opportunity to show your appreciation for all they do.

Each year a committee chooses an outstanding citizen from each of the Blyth and area and Brussels and area communities to receive an award for contribution to the community. If you know someone you think should be honoured, please fill in the form and send it in. You may attach a longer explanation of why you think your nominee should win, if you like. If you have nominated someone before and they didn't win, we encourage you to submit again.

Emailed submissions can be sent to Shawn Loughlin at editor@northhuron.on.ca I nominate ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ as Citizen of the year for

q

Blyth & area

q

Brussels & area

I feel she/he deserves this award because ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Nomination Deadline September 30, 2021.

Name and phone number of nominator Fax: 519-523-9140 Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 or Box 152 Brussels, ON N0G 1H0

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021. PAGE 9.

McRoberts takes over Huron East CAO position

A new day Brad McRoberts, Huron East’s new chief administrative officer, officially began his time with the municipality late last month, allowing him to spend a week with his predecessor, Brad Knight, before his retirement. He says he’s settling in with a dedicated staff and a caring council. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Brad McRoberts is now hard at work in his new role as the chief administrative officer of Huron East with a full slate of projects to tackle in the future.

McRoberts began his time with the municipality just over two weeks ago, taking over for Brad Knight, who had been in the position for a decade before retiring after a 37-year municipal career with the bulk of his time spent in Grey Township and Huron East.

McRoberts spent his first week at his new job working alongside Knight, which McRoberts said was a nice luxury that isn’t always afforded to people when they start a new job. Now, with his first council meeting under his belt, McRoberts is ready to begin his work with the municipality.

Huron East Council made the move official in late May, naming

McRoberts the successful applicant, triumphing over more than 30 others who sought the job.

The search for a new chief administrative officer began with a selection committee, which included Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan and Councillors Dianne Diehl and John Lowe. Council enlisted the services of consultant Nigel Bellchamber, who conducted the search.

McRoberts was born west of Toronto and grew up in the Grimsby area before he studied Civil Engineering at the University of Waterloo. He then began work with a local engineering firm. The job would eventually take him to the Maritimes, working in Nova Scotia for a number of years before returning to Ontario.

It was there that McRoberts entered the municipal sector after many years working privately.

Along the way he would earn his Master’s Degree in Public

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Administration specializing in local government from the University of Western Ontario.

In the municipal sector, McRoberts said he really found his passion. As an environmental engineer, he said many projects could take decades to complete. In the municipal sector, he could see more projects through from inception to completion, which, as an engineer, appealed to him.

He began working in the public sector in 2007 as the manager of public works for the Town of South Bruce Peninsula.

From there, he worked with Owen Sound, first as its manager of special capital projects from 2009 to 2011 and then as director of operations from 2011 to 2014.

He then moved on to the Township of Mapleton as its director of public works from 2014 to 2015 before being named its acting chief administrative officer for five months before serving as the chief administrative officer from 2015 to 2017.

McRoberts then returned to the Township of South Bruce Peninsula in 2017 as its chief administrative officer before taking on the new position with Huron East.

He says he was attracted to the job in Huron East because he enjoyed rural communities with a mix of sectors, like rural and smaller urban communities.

While he has only been on the job for a few weeks, with one council meeting completed virtually,

McRoberts says he is pleased with what he has seen so far and is eager to learn more. “[Huron East Council] sounds like a council that cares about their community,” adding that the municipal staff has given him the first impression of being very dedicated and thorough.

As far as the future goes, McRoberts says that one of the first projects he aims to tackle is the development of a strategic plan and a process through which to get it accepted and approved by council.

This, he said, is a long-term project and one that council has been wanting to work on for years.

The implementation of a new communication plan, he said, to improve outreach into the community, as well as some economic development work, are two other likely projects as he gets started, McRoberts said.

Further down the road, McRoberts said he’d like to implement some policies where he feels they may be lacking, though he says he’ll be careful not to create a policy-burdened environment.

As for his week spent with Knight learning the ropes in Huron East, McRoberts said it was nice to have that passing of the torch, which is a rarity in today’s world. Not only did Knight help familiarize McRoberts with current projects on the go, but they were able to tour the municipality and see facilities and projects to help McRoberts get the lay of the land.

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021.

COVID-19 cases remain low in Huron-Perth Continued from page 1 other strategies, like walk-in clinics, and looking to pharmacies closer to people,” she said. “We’re aiming for more geographic availability [and other strategies] to increase first doses and build vaccine confidence.”

While clinics are being held across both counties, some are also being cancelled. During the teleconference, Klassen addressed clinics in St Marys, the first community in Huron and Perth Counties to see a COVID-19 case, being cancelled.

“Whereas a couple months ago we were ready and we had people that wanted the vaccine, but needed staff and capacity, now we’re at a different point,” she said. “Many

people, well over 90,000, have had their first dose and well over 40,000 have had a second dose. We have less demand and more supply. We had put [those clinics] into our master schedule, but [if they can’t be filled] it wouldn’t make sense to staff them…. It doesn’t make sense to have a large mass vaccination clinic that can do 1,200 doses and only have 100 people show. That’s not a good use of resources.”

Klassen also addressed an ongoing community outbreak of COVID-19 which wasn’t further identified, saying that outbreaks like this have a chance to get into other spaces like long-term care facilities and impact patients who couldn’t get vaccinated. She urged everyone to get vaccinated, if not to

protect themselves, then to protect those who can’t get vaccinated.

When asked about expanding vaccine availability to those under 12 years of age, she said she expects a pediatric vaccine to be available by the fall, saying it would serve those between the ages of six and 11.

As far as local vaccine coverage is concerned, the number of residents who are fully vaccinated continues to climb quickly, while new patients signing up for their first vaccine continues to lag, as Klassen indicated.

The number of residents 12 or older with at least one dose climbed from 93,989, or 73.5 per cent of eligible residents of Huron and Perth Counties, to 95,555 or 74.7

Leading the way Joe Hallahan, the organizer of Saturday’s antique tractor parade for the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association, is seen here with his Farmall, which he took around the community as part of the event. This is the second straight year that Hallahan has organized such a parade, as a result of the cancellation of the association’s annual reunion due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (John Stephenson photo)

per cent. The number of fully vaccinated individuals 12 years old or older across the counties increased from 48,285 to 60,307 or 37.8 per cent to 47.2 per cent.

COVID-19 vaccine demographicbased information for residents with at least one dose of vaccine in Huron and Perth Counties is as follows: • 12-17: From 5,181 (54.8 per cent of eligible residents) to 5,418 (57.3) • 18-24: From 6,337 (54.3) to 6,578 (56.4) • 25-29: From 5,002 (53.9) to 5,201 (56) • 30-39: From 10,221 (57.9) to 10,491 (59.4) • 40-49: From 10,977 (68.3) to 11,226 (69.9) • 50-59: From 15,130 (77.8) to 15,370 (79) • 60-69: From 19,149 (89) to 19,254 (89.5) • 70-79: From 13,986 (96.6) to 14,008 (96.8) • 80+: From 7,997 (96.7) to 8,009 (96.9) Statistics for Huron-Perth residents with two shots, broken down by demographics, are below: • 12-17: From 226 (2.4 per cent of eligible residents) to 442 (4.7) • 18-24: From 1,804 (15.5) to 2,664 (22.8) • 25-29: From 1,676 (18) to 2,382 (25.6) • 30-39: From 3,570 (20.2) to 5,119 (29) • 40-49: From 4,026 (25.1) to 5,873 (36.6) • 50-59: From 6,973 (35.8) to 9,243 (47.5) • 60-69: From 10,822 (50.3) to 13,985 (65) • 70-79: From 11,858 (81.9) 12,892 (89) • 80+: From 7,329 (88.7) to 7,710 (93.3) As far as local case counts are concerned, Huron and Perth Counties have only reported five new cases over the past week as of

Monday, bringing the cumulative total to 1,909 since the pandemic started.

In Huron County, Huron East and North Huron each reported one new case bringing their respective cumulative totals to 146 and 72.

Other municipalities stayed at the same number of cumulative cases, including: South Huron (155), Central Huron (88), MorrisTurnberry (64), Ashfield-ColborneWawanosh (52), Bluewater (52), Howick (50) and Goderich (30).

In Perth County, two new cases have been reported in Stratford for a cumulative total of 461, while North Perth reported a single new case for a cumulative total of 425.

Other municipalities stayed at the same cumulative case counts including Perth East (171), West Perth (66), Perth South (48) and St. Marys (47).

There are currently nine active cases across the two counties, including three in Stratford, two each in Morris-Turnberry and North Perth and one each in Huron East and North Huron.

Acquisition continues to be driven by household- and outbreaklinked exposures with the number of cases likely tied to those causes accounting for 29.4 and 25.5 per cent of cases, respectively. Close contact exposure is the likely culprit in 19.3 per cent of cases, while travel is responsible for one per cent of COVID-19 confirmed cases. Unknown vectors are reported as responsible for 24.8 per cent of cases across Huron and Perth Counties.

There are currently 30 isolation orders across the two counties, up from 19 last week, and a total of 5,506 cumulative orders have been issued since the pandemic started.

There are currently 57 deaths linked to COVID-19 in Huron and Perth Counties, a statistic that hasn’t changed for several weeks.

July Self-Care Weekly Draws

Log onto our Facebook or website and tell us about someone you know who is selfless and needs some pampering or what you are doing to take care of yourself, so you are able to give to others. Each comment/tag here gets an entry for nominee and nominator.

If you nominated yourself get rewarded with 2 entries. You can nominate once per day!

Share ideas so we can all be better at this. ** Weekly winner announced the following Monday.

Each lucky winner will receive a $15.00 pamper box from Touchstone ** ** Grand draw will be announced July 31st!! Grand Prize will be a 1/2 hour treatment and a $50.00 pamper box for nominee and a 1/2 hour treatment for the nominator.

Let’s be good to ourselves this month.

Swinging for the fences Baseball games were held all over the community on the weekend, with a slopitch tournament, benefiting the Tanner Steffler Foundation, being played on multiple area diamonds, including Blyth, above. (John Stephenson photo)

Touchstone Therapies 625 Turnberry St, Brussels (226) 889-5654

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021. PAGE 11.

Studhalter shares knowledge of sheep with club

By Clare McDade The 4-H Sheep Club held its first meeting with many new members.

Leader Jolande Oudshoorn organized the first-ever online election. After the elections, leader Lauren Bos went through the slideshow and taught the club about sheep, what to feed them, how to transport them, and how to take care of them on a regular basis.

At the end of the meeting, Jolande showed the group how to make a simple halter for your sheep. It was a great start to the program.

On Sunday, May 30, for the second meeting of the year, the 4-H club had a guest speaker. Ursina Studhalter owns a sheep farm in Quebec. She talked about different sheep breeds, their characteristics, and some facts about each breed.

After Ursina Studhalter finished her presentation, leader Sarah held a quiz about the breeds of sheep. At the end of the meeting, the group talked about biosafety and why it is important.

On June 27, the group hosted another guest speaker, Margaret Steele. Margaret owns a sheep farm with her husband, but she mainly

dyes wool. She talked to the group about where she gets the wool processed and the steps to dying wool. She also informed us about all of the natural ingredients that make dye, such as hops, black walnuts, black-eyed susans and elderberries.

Members then had a short trivia game about Margaret’s presentation and talked about their next meeting.

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Online learning Local 4-H clubs have turned to online meetings to keep their clubs going despite COVID-19 control measures. The 4-H Sheep Club held its first meeting earlier this year including an online election, then had guest speakers and slide shows to help learn about the animals. (Photo submitted)

GRAND OPENING WILD HOG COUNTRY MARKET

White announces retirement

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Long-time North Huron Director of Finance Donna White is retiring from the municipality in approximately six months' time, having announced her departure during council’s July 5 meeting.

White said it has been a pleasure to be part of the North Huron team

for the last 20 years, and said that the municipality has a bright future ahead with its dedicated staff.

“I’ve enjoyed working with various members of council over the years,” she said, adding there is a significant amount of work necessary to wrap up all her ongoing projects, leading to the announcement coming six months ahead of her departure.

White said she would be looking forward to spending time with her family once she retires.

Several council members thanked White for her contributions to the community as well as saying how much they had enjoyed working with her.

For more in-depth coverage of White’s history and plans, watch future issues of The Citizen.

Marvin and Wendy Bachert and family (Bachert Meats Inc. Walton) invite you to the

Grand Opening of

Wild Hog Country Market 2785 Line 34, Stratford on

Saturday, July 17 7 am - 6 pm • • • •

Market days The Blyth Community Market opened its proverbial doors on Canada Day and plenty of people were out to take advantage of what was being offered by the vendors. From left: Jarrett Fleet, Kyla Shannon, Carson Lee, Dylan Lee, Damon Shannon, Jordan Shannon and Summer Shannon. (Photo submitted)

8500 Sq. Ft. of fresh, local products Fresh Meat • Scratch Bakery Cheese + Deli • Espresso bar/café Local Produce • Home goods/giftware

Come check us out! wildhog.ca wild.hog.market Open Tuesday - Saturday 7 am - 6 pm

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021.

Gateway Centre welcomes summer students

MOHAMMED FADEL

NICOLE SCHILBE

KAYLA GAUTHIER

Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health is pleased to welcome three regional university students who will be conducting health research with Gateway's rural research chairs this summer. Each summer our wonderful students joining Gateway bring their enthusiasm and new ideas which always invigorates our organization.

This year, while still not back around the table, great rural health research is being done.

Nicole Schilbe is a recent graduate of the University of Western Ontario with an Honours Bachelor’s Degree with a specialization in Kinesiology. She plans to return to complete a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree.

She is extremely passionate about helping others to live optimally, and through various volunteer and employment opportunities, has been able to channel her passions into meaningful work.

Throughout her undergrad years, she played alongside young athletes of varying abilities during both Winter Special Games and Motionball Marathon of Sport events. Once returning home during the pandemic, she began her involvement with the local Meals on Wheels program.

This involvement with individuals of various ages and stages of life allowed her to recognize that she will truly appreciate the flexibility of a career in occupational therapy.

This also solidified her desire to help others achieve health and wellness through a variety of means.

Nicole joins the Food Insecurity and Rural Seniors living

Independently study. Under the tutelage of Dr. Al Lauzon, a Gateway research chair and professor at the University of Guelph, Schilbe’s primary roles will be recruitment of participants and collection of primary data. Her passion for health and wellness inspired her to join Gateway this summer.

During her academic career, she took numerous nutrition and health courses and is excited to be putting them into practice. Nicole grew up in a rural community and is aware of issues surrounding rural health and healthcare and is excited to give back to her local community.

When she is not working at Gateway, she volunteers or works at The Docks restaurant in Bayfield.

Nicole enjoys time with family and friends. She loves to travel and hopes that her travel credits from a cancelled trip to Spain and Portugal will be put to use soon. As a past kinesiology student, it is no surprise that she enjoys activity of all kinds – especially those that can take place outside. Nicole has stated that “One thing I can thank the pandemic for is helping us all to appreciate nature, and it has made me extra thankful to live in a rural community on the lake”.

Kayla Gauthier is a third year undergraduate student at Western University, studying towards her Honours Bachelor’s Degree in

graduate of Western University and will be returning to attend his first year of Masters in Epidemiology.

In recent years, he’s had the opportunity to contribute to research efforts involving multiple papers and conference presentations at Western’s Neurobehavioural Lab, as well as research for part of Schulich Medical School’s Indigenous community case curriculum.

Throughout his undergraduate schooling and research experience he’s developed a strong understanding of research methodology and health sciences.

Mohammed has past volunteer and work experience as a kinesiology mentor, taekwondo head instructor, Camp Shine counsellor, Muslims for Humanity Director, and member of the Volunteer Management Committee at MAC. This summer he will be working with Dr. Alis Bonsignore research chair at Gateway and director of the local Healthy Hearts program on a Systematic Review investigating the effectiveness of cardiac rehab in preventing future hospital readmissions in patients as well as

Health Sciences. Healthcare is her greatest passion so she is very excited to take this opportunity to explore the field of research while gaining important skills and insight into health within her home community.

Kayla is a current volunteer at Huron Hospice and Student Relief Team Western, where she aids in pandemic relief support.

She is a past member of the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program for high school students across Southwestern Ontario. Kayla has worked as a fund development intern at Huron Hospice, and locally as a pool lifeguard across Huron County. This summer she will be using her past skills to work on the Food Accessibility and Insecurity Among Rural Seniors Project. She is excited to be applying her academic knowledge in a research setting.

In her spare time, Kayla enjoys being outdoors, spending time with family and friends (pre-COVID), reading, The Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association held an and baking/cooking. antique tractor parade over the weekend after the cancellation of Mohammed Fadel is a its reunion this fall for the second year in a row. (John Stephenson photo) recent kinesiology

Showing off

Spend more time in the Garden!

Water project marks 17 years Continued from page 8 projects with funding from the Clean Water Project, including: • 864 tree planting projects • 591 wells decommissioned • 404 wells upgraded • 24,000 acres of cover crops • 216 kilometres of windbreaks • 273 erosion control projects • 99 unused liquid manure storages decommissioned.

Learn more about the Huron Clean Water Project at: www.HuronCleanWaterProject.ca To apply for funding, or to obtain further information, call the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority at 519-335-3557, extension 236 or the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority at 519-235-2610, extension 227 or 1-888-286-2610.

Assessment of Clinical COPD Care in the Rural Setting. Mohammed is excited to contribute towards research and work that can improve local communities in Ontario as well as learn more about the research process, especially regarding systematic reviews and studies evaluating patient care in our communities.

In his spare time, Mohammed enjoys taekwondo, in which he is a third degree black belt with over 12 years of experience. He also enjoys partaking in Arabic calligraphy, reading, and recreational outdoor activities (when safe to do so).

Gateway strives to offer regional University students the opportunity to participate in real time practical health research that benefits the people living in our local communities.

Through funding from the Canada Summer Jobs program, contributions from Huron Futures and grant monies from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the University of Guelph and the generosity of our donors Gateway can makes these student placements possible.

The Citizen now accepts Visa & MasterCard by phone Order from the comfort of your own home • advertise • subscribe • buy books Call our Blyth office 519-523-4792

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021. PAGE 13.

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Agriculture

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www.hurontractor.com

Brussels Livestock report

Fed steers, heifers sell steadily, quality considered Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending July 9 were 1,595 cattle and 1,222 lambs and goats.

On Tuesday, fed steers and heifers sold steady with quality considered. Choice steers and heifers sold $155 to $160 with sales to $162. Second-cut cattle sold $145 to $154. Aged and mediumfed steers and heifers sold $120 to $149. Holstein steers and heifers sold $85 to $147. Cows sold steady.

On Thursday, veal sold actively with holstein veal selling at stronger prices. Heavy lambs sold higher, light lambs sold steady.

Sheep and goats sold higher. Kid

goats over 60 lbs. sold on a strong active trade.

On Friday, calves sold on a strong active trade. Yearlings sold steady.

Dave Inglis of Clifford, consigned six head. Two black heifers averaged 1,380 lbs. and sold for an average price of $161.50.

There were 200 cows on offer.

Beef sold $94 to $116 with sales to $118; good holstein cows, $89 to $94; medium holstein cows, $83 to $88; plain cows, $75 to $82.

There were 185 head of veal on offer. Beef veal sold $140 to $181; good holsteins, $125 to $134 with sales to $135; SL heavy holsteins, $120 to l$130; heavy holsteins,

$105 to $121; medium holsteins, $115 to $124; plain holsteins, $85 to $110.

Reuben S. Martin of Wallenstein, consigned eight head. One gold heifer weighed 915 lbs. and sold for a price of $181. Grant Bergsma of Londesborough, consigned five head. One holstein steer weighed 710 lbs. and sold for an average price of $135.

Lambs under 50 lbs. sold $302 to $370; 50 - 64 lbs., $307 to $350; 65 - 79 lbs., $295 to $329; 80 - 94 lbs., $284 to $314; 95 - 109 lbs., $277.50 to $285; 110 lbs. and over, $258 to $280.

Sheep sold $100 to $280.

Goats: billies sold $230 to $450; nannies, $150 to $300; kids: meat, $380 to $560; dairy, $350 to $480.

Lynn Campbell of Mitchell, consigned 12 head. One kid goat weighed 71 lbs. and sold for a price of $560.

William Ringgenberg of Walton, consigned 35 head. Ten lambs averaged 94 lbs. and sold for an average price of $286.

Top quality stocker steers, 400 499 lbs. sold $195.50 to $268; 500 599 lbs., $185.50 to $255; 600 - 699 lbs., $183 to $229; 700 - 799 lbs., $180.50 to $199; 800 - 899 lbs., $191.50 to $204.25; 900 - 999 lbs., $175.50 to $184; 1,000 lbs. and

OFA striving for diversity, inclusiveness

By Peggy Brekveld, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture As a kid, I watched a lot of Sesame Street. Children's shows have an entertaining way of teaching life lessons. Muppets still make me laugh when I think about crumbs in the bed and the fly in the soup. In between the skits were life skills. One had a catchy tune that I can still hum to this day, “one of these things is not like the others… ” The screen would show balloons or shapes and challenge viewers to find the one that didn’t fit.

Oftentimes, the outlier was obvious. From an early age, we are taught to look for differences.

But what happens when you’re identified as the outlier or the one that doesn’t belong? For most of my life, I’ve been lucky; I know what it is to fit in. I’m white, heterosexual, Christian and have Dutch ancestral roots; all of which are relatively common in the farming community, and readily accepted.

However, I also know what it feels like to represent a minority in the sector. There have been many times where I was the only woman in the photo, or the only northern Ontario farmer on a conference call, or the youngest farmer in the room (although that is changing) and sometimes the only farmer in a room full of government representatives.

This year, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) adopted a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policy to ensure we follow the principles and values necessary to help make our sector more

Welcome Your New Arrival in

inclusive.

Our organization believes that we are stronger when we not only celebrate our many differences and values, but listen to them, respect them and include them in our practices.

Many of us have grown up with privileges that allow us to thrive and blend in. Inclusiveness is not only an action, but also a feeling.

It’s making everyone feel welcome in the same space and being aware of how our language can impact others. It’s those who do not have the same privileges as we do, that we need to be cognizant of. We need to ensure the ones that do not have the same privileges we have are genuinely heard, respected and recognized in a manner that makes them feel included and represented as part of our dynamic industry. It’s important that we as an industry understand how our words, images and actions represent diversity and inclusion in agriculture.

Being labelled as different can have its consequences. I know what it is like to be bullied, harassed and harmed because of who I am. Most of the time though, I can still blend in. Others cannot change their creed, colour, race, gender, sexuality, where they come from or who they are on the inside. I recognize that others experience so

much more pain and discrimination on a continual basis. Recent events have highlighted our country’s long history of racism and discrimination that unfortunately continues to exist today.

All of us have experienced the feeling of not fitting in, which is why as a sector we need to collectively commit to making everyone feel seen, heard and valued.

For the past month, five OFA representatives, including me, have participated in diversity, equity and inclusion training hosted by the Beef Farmers of Ontario. We have considered how we identify others and ourselves, how to advocate for and support those who feel discriminated against for various reasons. We are learning updated vocabulary, what privilege means and how to identify it and how to honour and respect the history behind other people’s unique experiences. Our questions are being answered in a safe space as we continue learning and practicing new approaches.

If you have not taken DEI training, I wholeheartedly encourage you to do so. Our grassroots voices and boardroom discussions are stronger when they include viewpoints from differing

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 10:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

THURSDAYS

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

FRIDAYS

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

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backgrounds and life experiences.

DEI training helps us learn how to see and understand differences as well as how to work with them effectively.

I’m often asked, “What factors led to your current role as President of OFA?” I am proud to say that I was encouraged by others who identified me as a leader, saw who I was and valued my different perspective. Not only did they identify me as different, but they encouraged my uniqueness and wanted my voice at the table.

Great things happen when people feel important, valued and accepted for who they are. I’m fortunate to have the role I do today because I stepped into an encouraging and welcoming environment. That type Continued on page 16

over, $156 to $178.

Top quality stocker heifers, 400 499 lbs. sold $199 to $218; 500 599 lbs., $193 to $209; 600 - 699 lbs., $190.50 to $207.50; 700 - 799 lbs., $177.50 to $191; 800 - 899 lbs., $165.50 to $176.50; 900 lbs. and over, $154.50 to $166.

Allan Aitchison of New Liskeard, consigned 71 head. Eight charolais heifers averaged 827 lbs. and sold for an average price of $176.50.

Twelve black steers averaged 806 lbs. and sold for an average price of $203.75. Marcus Good of Waterloo, consigned 48 head. Sixteen black heifers averaged 654 lbs. and sold for an average price of $190.50.

Flynn Farms of Clinton, consigned 180 head. Seven charolais steers averaged 1,046 lbs. and sold for an average of $170.25.

newsmediacanada.ca

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021.

Classified Advertisements – RATES – 20 words or less only $7.00 + HST. Additional words 20¢ each + HST. 50¢ will be deducted if ad is paid in advance

Coming events

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THE VILLAGE BARBER, Blyth, will be closed July 20-24.

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2 p.m. Monday in Brussels 4 p.m. Monday in Blyth Phone 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 e-mail: info@northhuron.on.ca

THE MUNICIPALITY OF Morris-Turnberry is looking to hire a Landfill Attendant. www.morristurnberry.ca 25-tfn

Articles for sale GERBERS FIREWOOD SERVING you for over 10 years. Your number one source of quality slabwood and bodywood. Delivery available. No Sunday calls. 519-656-2057, 519441-2085.

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, Auburn Esso, 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, Goderich Victoria St. Shell and The Citizen Blyth.

FOR SALE 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT

Services MacDonald, Brexley (left) and Sutton (right) MacDONALD: Adam and Erin (Moore) are very happy to announce the birth of their daughters, Sutton Nicole and Brexley Marilyn, sisters for Mason. Excited grandparents are Donna Moore, Blyth; Cindy MacDonald, Bluevale and Al MacDonald, Wingham. Sending love from above are Grampa Warren Moore and Aunt Tara MacDonald.

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Your thoughtfulness was greatly appreciated. Gone but not forgotten.

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Blyth’s Mary Jane Scott is developing a love for walking around the campground her family visits on the weekend, provided she’s allowed to stop at a playground as part of the journey. She likes to stop by the lake above to see if there are any geese out for their own daily constitutional before heading back to the trailer for a snack. (Denny Scott photo)

Homelessness still troublesome in Goderich: Grace

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Take control of your arthritis 1 in 6 Canadians have arthritis

That’s nearly 4.5 million people living with the pain and disability of arthritis

Call the Arthritis Information Line at 1.800.321.1433 or visit our website at www.arthritis.ca to get the support and information you need.

You can join the FREE Arthritis Registry to get updates on Society programs and events.

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BARN KITTENS - Ready for a new home. Call Lloyd McClinchey 519-526-7591.

28-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Chain link dog kennel, approx. 10'x10'x6'. Buyer needs to disassemble and move. $100. 519-440-2585.

28-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - 8,000 BTU Danby air conditioner with remote, $100; Quinny stroller with step 2 baby swing, $60. Can send pics upon request. 519-357-4040.

27-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - dehumidifier, portable, like new. Phone 519-6995399.

27-3

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27-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - 2'x3' steel welding table, heavy duty, hydraulic lift on castors, $250; Sears power washer, 6 hp Briggs & Stratton motor, 2500 lbs. pressure, $100; King sander, belt and disc, $300. Call 519-8879615.

26-3 ------------------------------------------WANTED - are you a mildmannered mid-size dog who thinks it is time to retire to a rural farm setting? Talk to your owner and have them give us a call, 226-6222175.

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Goderich Mayor John Grace has reiterated that something needs to be done about homelessness in his town immediately, as the situation has only worsened in the months since it was last discussed by Huron County Council.

Grace once again raised the issue at Huron County Council’s July 7 meeting, which was held virtually via Zoom. He said that before he had logged on to the meeting that morning, he had received numerous calls about an incident outside of the Goderich Courthouse.

He said that between 6-8 a.m. that morning, a number of Ontario Provincial Police cruisers had been called to the scene at the courthouse, requiring a large police presence.

He acknowledged that it’s a complicated issue, but said it’s a Huron County-wide issue and

something needed to be done as soon as possible to help get people off of the streets.

Huron County Warden Glen McNeil agreed, saying it was an issue that was affecting the entire county, though some councillors disagreed.

Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan said the issue stretches far beyond Huron County and is manifesting itself across the province and across the country.

MacLellan suggested that a more broad-based approach was necessary and that the provincial and federal governments needed to get involved.

Bluewater Mayor Paul Klopp agreed, saying there was no way Huron County would be able to provide the funds to solve the homelessness problem in the area.

Grace reiterated that something needed to be done soon and that council couldn’t afford to mull it over much longer.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021. PAGE 15.

Signs of a return to normalcy found locally PEOPLE AROUND LONDESBORO

By BRENDA RADFORD Call 523-4296

Probably every person will have their own personal indicator as to when the pandemic is on the wane in their own mind. Perhaps it will be the declining number of new cases each day, or the percentage of persons being fully vaccinated, or the increase in traffic, or being able to get a haircut, or eating indoors at a restaurant, or being able to worship inside their church, etc.

I witnessed a sign this past

weekend which seemed to indicate that things are returning to some kind of normal. Several times I saw/heard a helicopter fly over, making the trip between Blyth Cowbell Brewing Company and Grand Bend as in summers past, carrying holidayers to Blyth for dinner.

Although things may seem to be optimistic for Ontarians, it is not so rosy in other areas of the world.

Big ticket The Clinton Raceway is once again open for the season, welcoming racers and spectators alike. (John Stephenson photo)

The Delta variant is raging almost out of control in countries like Brazil and China. Brazil has now had 525,000 deaths. That's one person in every 400 in Brazil who has succumbed to the disease. Only seven per cent of the population has been even partially vaccinated. It would seem that the government has dragged its feet regarding obtaining the vaccines and getting it into arms along with policing mandatory masks and physical distancing.

Right from the beginning of the pandemic, Australia adopted a wildly successful policy around its fight against the virus. However, a recent loosening of the rules resulted in the Delta variant entering the country through an American aircrew member. Only eight per cent of Australians have been fully vaccinated so the government is struggling to get its country back on track.

News out of Tokyo is that Japan is in a state of emergency just as the much delayed Olympics are getting set to start. All this is to remind everyone to stay vigilant.

Kudos to all the staff who have agreed to be part of the various camps that will be keeping the young folk busy and happy this summer. It’s a little sign that things are moving in the right direction.

Obituaries appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

Online condolences may be left at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com

ROBERT ALLAN FOXTON Robert Allan Foxton of Wingham passed away suddenly at Wingham and District Hospital on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. He was 82.

Bob was the beloved husband of Marlene (Ste. Marie) Foxton of Wingham and the devoted dad of Mary Beth Foxton, Mark and Lisa Foxton and Murray and Laura Foxton, all of Wingham. He was the cherished papa of Nick and Skylee Chippa and Leah and Maya Foxton and the great-grandpa of Cooper Chippa.

Bob was the dear brother of Dianne and Don Cameron, Connie Hickey and Jo-Ann Rintoul and the brother-in-law of Erwin and Shirley Ste. Marie and Thelma Ignor.

Bob will be lovingly remembered by his many nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was predeceased by his parents Herbert and Myrtle (Holloway) Foxton and his brothers Ron, Ken, Ted, Bud, Bruce and Doug Foxton.

Visitation was held at McBurney Funeral Home, Wingham on Friday, July 9. A private Mass of Christian Burial was held at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Wingham on Saturday, July 10. Bob’s final resting place is at Wingham Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society of Huron-Perth, OneCare or a charity of one’s choice would be

BOB GORDON At Wingham & District Hospital on Monday, July 12, 2021, Bob Gordon of Belgrave passed away at the age of 78.

Bob will be remembered for his wit and sense of humour, but most of all for his talent in making wooden tractors after he lost his vision 28 years ago. He loved the challenge of making tractors that

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Ertl did not make. Bob had the unique talent of converting in his brain the measurement of a large tractor to 1/16 scale. He delighted in showing and talking about his tractors to anyone who came to the house.

Also, he took pleasure in speaking to groups explaining how he made his tractors. Speaking was something Bob never would have thought about doing before he lost his vision. Many of Bob’s tractors are all over the world.

Bob was an accomplished finished carpenter and built the house he lived in for 44 years. He never let his blindness keep him from travelling. The year Bob lost his vision, he was supposed to go to Switzerland. His blindness didn’t stop him and soon he was off to visit a long-time friend of Bob’s in Switzerland. Scotland, Alaska, Costa Rica, Cuba, Jamaica and

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Left to mourn are Bob’s loving wife of almost 55 years, Ruth; son Robert (Lori) and daughter Margie (Matt) along with grandchildren Robbie, Jefferson and Clarissa Gordon and Axel and Revel Beck.

He was a brother-in-law to Jim (Doris) Taylor, Joyce (John) Thompson and Doreen (Jack) Mali.

Bob was predeceased by his father, mother and brother.

A private family graveside service will be held at Wingham Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Diabetes Association would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

Online condolences at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com

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PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021.

Dunlop’s advice to emigrants includes tools, food

BY KAREN WEBSTER Dr. William Dunlop was born in 1792 in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland. His first acquaintance with Canada was as an army surgeon arriving at Lachine, Quebec in 1813. A later sojourn in India involved some adventures with tigers, and produced his famous nickname. His enduring fame in Huron County comes from his involvement with the Canada Company, in association with John Galt.

Together they founded Guelph in April 1827 and Goderich in June of the same year. Dunlop oversaw the exploration of the Huron Tract, the opening of the first roads and the arrival of the earliest settlers.

In 1833 Dunlop was appointed General Superintendent of the Huron Tract. He resigned from the Canada Company's employ in 1838. From 1841 until 1846, he was

the Member of Parliament for Huron.

After being the superintendent of the Lachine Canal for two years, Dunlop died in Montreal in 1848 at the age of 56.

The Tiger wrote Statistical Sketches of Upper Canada for the Benefit of Emigrants in 1832.

While working for the Canada Company he had many requests from people in England, Ireland and Scotland asking that he describe Canada and what new arrivals should expect. In order to avoid repetitive replies to these requests, he decided to write this booklet for distribution in the British Isles.

William Dunlop was a forward thinker and had many ideas of how people could best make use of the land controlled by the Canada Company. On the subject of what emigrants should bring with them, the advice was to leave furniture at home. “Clothes, more particular

Canna lily Local photographer Liz Allan of the Maitland Valley Camera Club recently caught this well-formed canna lily and shared the shot with The Citizen. You can do the same by e-mailing reporter@northhuron.on.ca. (Photo courtesy of Liz Allan of the Maitland Valley Camera Club)

coarse clothing, such as slop and hunting jackets, bedding, shirts, (made, for the making is expensive here) cooking utensils, a clock or timepiece, books packed in barrels, hosiery, and, above all, boots and shoes for what they call leather here in this continent is much more closely allies to hide. As a general rule also, everything that is made of metal, (for ironmongery is very dear) as well as gardening and the iron parts for farming tools, and a few of the most common carpentry tools can never come amiss.”

Dunlop’s advice continued “A few medicines ought to be taken for the voyage... Epsom salts, aloetic and colocynth pills... should be in phials, not papers, so they won’t melt on the journey.”

In choice of a ship, steerage passengers should look out for one high, roomy and airy between decks, and one that is a fast sailer. If the emigrant were to get to his destination in time to plant a small crop of potatoes, turnips, oats, Indian corn and a little garden stuff... it would go a long way towards the maintenance of a family for the first year.

Seeds for planting including oats and grasses such as trefoils were also on Tiger’s must-have list. For the voyage across the Atlantic, prospective new Canadians were advised to bring large quantities of oatmeal, potatoes, onions and vinegar and pickles. Also, travellers were admonished not to drink copious amounts of fresh water once they landed as the lime in the water would take some getting used to.

Dunlop advised against carrying sums of money, but rather to bank with T. Wilson and Company of Austin Friars, agents for the Bank of Upper Canada.

What to do once landed in Quebec or Montreal? Leave there as soon as possible and head west of York (Toronto). Thus would begin the “first and worst year” of your residence in the New World.

If emigrants had relatives or friends already settled, those folks could select possible lands for the newcomers and give them a start that way. If a person had little or no money, he could apply to the agent for the emigrants who would help procure land in the back townships.

Possibly the settler could work for someone else to raise capital to buy property. In dealing with the Canada Company, the purchaser would offer the price that the surveyors had set for it. One-fifth of the amount was needed as a down payment and promissory notes for the next four years (plus interest) were signed. The emigrant would receive a letter of licence acknowledging the down payment being made and giving him full possession on said land.

When the last promissory note was paid then the landowner would receive the regular deed to the property.

Dunlop goes on to tout the benefits of settling in the domain of the Canada Company, listing the good soil, the size of the tract (1,100,000 acres), the abundance of streams to power mills, the climate, and the network of roads being built. It was stated that in 1827, the first white people had come to the area and that by the time of the book being written (1832) that there were about 600 inhabitants in the tract which had many taverns, stores, shops, grist and saw mills.

(According to Professor James Scott in his book The Settlement of Huron County 1966, there were no settlers in Wawanosh Township, present day East and West Wawanosh, which was adjacent to Canada Company land, before 1840. By 1851 there were 722 people residing there. That number had increased to 3,151 in the next 10 years.)

“Though the cold of a Canadian winter is great, it is neither distressing nor disagreeable. There is no day during winter, except a rainy one, in which a man need be

kept from his work”. Many would later disagree with this observation!

The diseases associated with damp climates were explained as being uncommon in Canada.

Land travel was described as best undertaken in mid-summer or midwinter. A brick or a stone house was advised but if one didn’t have the means to build such a dwelling then Dunlop suggested “build a log house; not a thing that is put up in the course of a forenoon, but with corners neatly squared and jointed, as if a carpenter had dovetailed them. Point it with mortar, not clay and whitewash it outside and in; and give it a cottage roof, the eaves projecting at least twenty inches, so that the drop (run off) may never touch the wall. As you will hardly get seasoned wood, you had better lay your floors rough, and run up temporary wooden partitions. With such a house, you may take shift for the first winter. Next spring the boards will be seasoned; so you can take them up room by room; and have them properly planed, ploughed, tongued and laid; and then, when you plaster your walls and partitions, the logs having dried and settled as much as there is any chance of them ever doing, you will have a comfortable house for the rest of your life.”

Further chapters of Tiger Dunlop’s book go on to describe hunting and fishing as not only necessary for survival, but also as a means of having sport. Dunlop further expounds on soils and best crops for them, lumbering, and religious sects.

Thus ends the travel guide to the English, Irish and Scottish people who wished to know what to expect if they set sail for Upper Canada in the 1830s and 1840s. This booklet painted an overly rosy picture in many instances, as it was written to entice settlers to the area.

To read the entire 120-page booklet, go to www.canadiana.ca and search for Statistical Sketches of Upper Canada.

OFA welcomes unique voices Continued from page 13 of surrounding made a world of difference in my story.

This is an evolving process as we strive to improve, model inclusivity and reflect the diversity of our province. We are actively listening, learning and growing our understanding and awareness of DEI. Our recent OFA policy and

training are two steps the organization has taken towards a more diverse and inclusive industry.

As we approach the OFA’s regional meetings and the fall director-at-large nominations, I encourage members to identify those in your community that have unique perspectives and

voices to take on leadership roles.

Like our farms, our boardrooms and grassroots are more dynamic, resilient and sustainable when we diversify. The OFA is committed to being a leader in this space and continuing to bring diversity, equity and inclusion to the forefront of our industry. Everyone has a seat and voice at our table.

Touring Huron The Rolling Car Show, which has become a staple of life during the COVID-19 pandemic, made its way through local communities like Brussels, Blyth, Walton and Auburn on Sunday. The tour began in Goderich. (John Stephenson photo)

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021. PAGE 17.

From the Minister’s Study

A heavenward apology is never rebuffed: Hovius

By Jason Hovius Brussels Community Bible Chapel We’ve heard a lot of demands for apologies lately, especially in response to the harm done in residential schools throughout Canada. An apology is the least that should be done and it is an excellent first step toward reconciliation, but too often there is no reciprocation from the offended party. Hopefully the government of Canada and the Catholic Church can provide genuine apologies for crimes committed in the past, and hopefully Indigenous leaders have a spirit of forgiveness on the ready even as they demand such apologies.

Living in a fallen world with other imperfect people brings about its share of offences given and received and reciprocated. It’s inevitable, but not necessarily empty of positive results. It is good for us to humble ourselves enough to apologize and admit remorse when we have committed wrong.

Apologizing involves true remorse and a resolve to do better, but it is also an admission that we cannot truly right the wrong. If we could, no apology would be necessary.

However, a heartfelt apology is only half the equation toward restoration in a relationship (reconciliation). It will have some positive effect for the offending party, but by itself, an apology does little good for the victim. It simply puts the ball in the victim’s court, to use a sports analogy.

I play a bit of volleyball. Having the ball in your own court is a good thing. There is some risk involved in that your team could fumble it, but the benefit of controlling the game outweighs the risk. One of my past coaches always said before the coin toss, “Give the first serve to the other team so that we can have the first attack.”

So, if someone sins against me in some way and they recognize their error, they apologize in an effort to fix it. Now the ball is in my court.

How should I play it?

If I am shown respect by being given a meaningful apology, I should be prepared to reciprocate with genuine forgiveness. This means a willingness to let go of the desire to repay the wrong. It means not bringing it up again, even if the same wrong is committed against me a second time. Or a third time.

Or a 490th time.

Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, once asked Jesus a question. “How many times should I forgive my

brother when he sins against me?”

Peter immediately offered a possible answer to his own question with what I assume to be an air of self-righteous generosity when he added, “Seven times?”

Jesus responded with “Not seven, but 70 times seven”. In other words, “Just keep forgiving without keeping count.” Jesus then demonstrated what forgiveness should look like by telling a parable. There was a servant who owed a huge debt that he absolutely could not pay. His whole life and the lives of his family were at stake.

In fact, just as they were about to be sold as slaves, he was forgiven of the entire debt. Now you’d think he’d be thankful and live the rest of his life with gratitude and kindness toward others. Not so. Almost immediately he ran across a fellow servant who owed him a trivial sum of cash. He grabbed him, choked him and demanded his money as the other man pleaded desperately for patience. Instead of showing mercy like he had received earlier, he threw the other man in prison.

Even a young child would be able to see the folly and hypocrisy of the first servant who owed the huge debt. If he had been forgiven the huge debt, why would he not be willing to forgive others of their small debts against him? Similarly, if God has demonstrated a willingness to forgive us for our sins at the expense of His perfect Son Jesus, how could we fail to forgive people around us? The end of the parable sees the first servant punished for his cruelty to his fellow servant.

There is little in this world more powerful than forgiveness. To give up our “rights” for justice or revenge is so counter-intuitive and counter-cultural that people often don’t even know how to react to being either apologized to or forgiven.

How many lost opportunities for healing and reconciliation do we experience on a day-to-day basis because we don’t know how to give or receive forgiveness? No doubt our relationships and society as a whole are worse off for it.

An apology is only as effective as the other’s willingness to forgive, and unfortunately, it’s hard to forgive after being deeply hurt.

However, God is not like this. God extends a free offer of forgiveness to anyone who confesses their sin to Him. Simple faith in God’s ability and desire to forgive is all that is necessary. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) This only works because God has a heart that is always ready to forgive. In fact, He is eager for people to humble themselves enough to admit their sin to Him. God “takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked” (Ezekiel 33:11) and

Get information on Huron County attractions on the Stops Along The Way website at stopsalongtheway.ca

BRUSSELS

United Church Sunday, July 18th ~ Outdoor worship at Brussels Conservation Area, 9:30 am Bring a lawn chair. Wear a mask, social distancing in effect.

Recorded morning service available Sunday afternoon on YouTube.

Contact Alex at minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com Website: brusselsandblythuc.ca P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259

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”

Sunday July 18, 10:30 am

Minister: Pastor Gary van Leeuwen Hwy. 4, Blyth www.blythcrc.ca 519-523-4743

In-person and online! huronchapel.com/videos Pastor Ernest Dow, “Depending on the SPIRIT of Jesus” (Gal.5:16ff) Thursdays - Check out area churches’ kids ministry at Blyth Farmers’ Market! huronchapel.com 119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131

wait for proof of a changed life or for the sinner to give all their money away to charities or for anything other than a simple confession of faith in His forgiveness.

This is what we call the gospel, a word that means “good news”.

Despite mankind’s repeated ignorance and rejection of God, an apology from the heart that is directed heavenward is never going to be ignored or rebuffed.

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The Regional Ministry of Hope Churches are now open for in-person worship.

Weekly service live-streamed at 10.30 a.m. 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

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there is “rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:7).

Notice the condition put on forgiveness. “If we confess our sins.…”

Forgiveness doesn’t happen until after the sinner confesses his sin. This act of repentance is what allows God to apply the forgiveness that has been ready and waiting all along through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for the sins of the world. God does not

Blyth United Church Services at 11:00 am in church parking lot.

Lawnchairs and masks required.

Follow our services via YouTube “Brussels and Blyth United Churches” Outreach Project United Church Healing Fund.

"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” (Galations 6:9) Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com

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

OUR CHURCHES HAVE RE-OPENED. WELCOME BACK. 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. Facebook: Search for St. Joseph/Sacred Heart/St. Ambrose Live Sunday Mass, Sundays at 10:00 a.m.

PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021.

Belgrave 4-H Vet Club hosts virtual meetings

By Lily Shapton The Belgrave 4-H Vet Club held its fourth meeting over Zoom on Tuesday, July 6. We had two great guest speakers from different operations talk to us. It was a big night for learning about new, and what some might call different, operations.

Before the first guest speakers were welcomed, we opened our meeting with the 4-H pledge and roll call. Roll call questions were naming a difference between a water buffalo and bison, and/or to name a large animal, followed by a little quiz about water buffalo versus bison, highlighting the difference and uses of both animals.

Our first guest speakers were the Koskamps. They started their presentation by introducing themselves and telling us a little about their operation. They run a water buffalo farm in conjunction with their dairy, poultry, and crop farming operation in Perth County.

The water buffalo are milked and raised for meat. They also have a unique feature within their operation as they have a biodigester that captures gas produced by the bovines which turns the gases into a reusable product.

The water buffalo were imported from the U.S. The Koskamps had to do lots of paperwork and the animals had to be in top health to be allowed into Canada. Currently, they import genetics from Italy, which are metatherian water buffalo. They are very selective of traits as they work to improve their herd’s genetics.

There are different breeds of water buffalo. The average production of the water buffalo in their herd is between six to eight litres of milk per day. The water buffalo are milked through a traditional parlor-type system. The milk is processed into whole milk products and cheeses that are sold through multiple avenues. These

products are markets under the name Tenderbuff. Water buffalo milk is high in protein and has a richer creamier texture than cow’s milk. The meat is leaner meat as the animal places its fat layer around the outside and it doesn’t marble the same as a finished beef animal would. The presentation finished with questions. Members learned through the questions that water buffalo are hard to keep in a fencedin area as they are smart and like to go on adventures if the opportunity presents itself.

The second guest speaker joined the meeting from Oklahoma. Dusty Baker owns and operates Cross Timbers Bison. Dusty introduced himself and touched briefly on his own 4-H experiences. Cross Timbers Bison runs 22 head, which consists of two herd bulls, cows, and yearlings. Dusty touched on his operation and how he manages the herd. They are mostly grazed in a rotational grazing system and fed

hay and a four-way supplement ration of corn, small grains, and soybean meal if needed.

The bison are processed in the fall. When they are processed, the handling equipment has to be a lot stronger than equipment you would use for cattle. He has two large bulls that weigh well over a tonne.

In the fall, the animals are vaccinated and checked over by a veterinarian. They are also scanned for pregnancy, ear-tagged, and hair samples are taken for DNA records.

The “red dogs” bison babies that are born in the spring are weaned at this time when they are being worked. A calf will nurse for six months. Calves typically arrive in the spring, with the goal of most of them being born in April and May. A bison cow rarely needs help to calve, and twins typically don’t happen.

The DNA samples are sent to California where the animal and their lineage are recorded. Keeping

records through DNA is new and the push is on for more bison producers to track and submit data.

This will allow the breeders to better track the history and pedigrees.

Dusty has a great relationship with his veterinarian, Doc Parsons.

Doc Parsons specializes in working with bison and has a vast knowledge of these animals, which has made him well known throughout North America. Dusty is very passionate about bison; this shines through on how he cares for his animals, and when he is talking about them.

Dusty started a YouTube channel in 2019, under the name Cross Timbers Bison. After questions, the guest speaker portion of the meeting was wrapped up and the members then moved on to club business.

The club business was handled as the secretary and press reports Continued on page 20

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021. PAGE 19.

Council approves extended Belgrave hot mix paving plan

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Service with a smile Earlier this month, the Brussels Legion hosted a special drive-through fish fry to mark Canada’s birthday. The event was a success, with hundreds of meals being made and a number of them being delivered throughout the community. Above, Eric Ross hands some hungry diners their meals. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

North Huron Council has approved an expanded paving project in Belgrave, despite questions as to where it fell in terms of the municipality’s infrastructure priority list.

During council’s July 5 meeting, Director of Public Works and Facilities Jamie McCarthy presented a report that would see a $110,000 project focused on specific roads in the village expanded to a $150,000 project that would see every North Huronowned road within Belgrave resurfaced with hot mix.

“By expanding the scope of the hot mix supply and placement program to include all North Huron-owned streets in Belgrave, council would be keeping the age of all asphalt in this subdivision the same,” she said in her report.

“There would also be a savings to the township related to the cost to mobilize and demobilize equipment and milling joints at the start and end of the pavement.”

McCarthy said the additional

$40,000 could be drawn from the gas tax fund, as to not impact taxes.

Councillor Kevin Falconer asked where the additional roads fell on the priority list that staff had produced in 2020, which was designed to make sure the roads that needed the most attention received it. McCarthy didn’t answer the question directly, instead saying that the roads would receive more damage and be more expensive to repair in the future due to “good” water being under the road in Belgrave.

The project, she said, would prolong the life of the roads in Belgrave.

Council approved the project with Falconer voting against it.

Sudoku Solution

Residential development receives support

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Morris-Turnberry Council gave the go-ahead on one of the earliest steps of a proposed residential development in Lower Town last week.

During council’s May 18 meeting, council voted to amend its official plan to change property between Augusta Street in Lower

Town and Amberley Road from its current designation of Highway Commercial to Residential. The change, according to planner Jennifer Burns, will allow steps to be taken to create a subdivision at the site.

The decision also allows a series of road allowances to be opened, including those that connect to Queen Street, Maitland Street, and Augusta Street.

While council did approve the official plan amendment by bylaw, there were some concerns about the property aired by neighbours. Burns included the concerns in her report, covering several issues such as privacy, water quality and quantity, drainage, tree removal and traffic.

According to Burns’ report, an unidentified neighbour is concerned that they don’t have existing neighbours and would prefer to keep it that way, however Burns pointed out that the property is currently zoned for commercial development, which, if pursued, would “raise more compatibility concerns.”

Water quality and quantity was also a concern, however Burns said the applicant, Ron Davidson, acting on behalf of Rural Management Inc., had submitted a hydrogeology and nitrate study and will detail

water service through the plan of subdivision and rezoning process.

Burns said many of the issues would be addressed through that process, then recommended the site for approval.

Councillor Jim Nelemans asked about servicing for the area and whether it would be a municipal responsibility. During Burns' presentation, she noted the area would be served by wells, and Nelemans was concerned that communal wells would have to be maintained by Morris-Turnberry.

Burns said issues like that will be dealt with once the plan of subdivision is being considered, with the applicant saying plans were to have several homes connected to each well.

Council approved the official plan amendment by passing a bylaw, allowing the project to continue.

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021.

Klaver presents to Huron County Council

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron County Queen of the Furrow Maranda Klaver - now officially the longest tenured queen in Huron County history, due to the COVID-19 pandemic - recently brought Huron County Council up to speed on the county’s upcoming plowing match.

Currently, the match has been scheduled for Aug. 19-20 as a come-and-go competition with no Queen of the Furrow or Princess competition. However, Klaver said many things were still subject to change, with the provincial government entering Step 3 of its reopening strategy and a meeting of the Huron County Plowmen’s Association executive both taking place this week. There would also be no displays or banquet, though Klaver reminded everyone with her presentation that everything is subject to change due to constantly shifting rules and regulations.

She also noted that, for the second year in a row, the International Plowing Match had

The Pandemic Queen Maranda Klaver, seen above at the 2019 Huron County Plowing Match, is now officially the longest-serving Queen of the Furrow, retaining her crown through 2021 due to match cancellations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. She presented to Huron County Council recently, saying the hope is that a modified Huron County Plowing Match can move ahead this August. (File photo)

4-H Club meets Continued from page 18 were read and approved. Members then discussed the next meeting, set for July 20. Leader Shannon gave a hint that we will be learning about a fast and expensive animal. My guess is an emu. The meeting was adjourned by reciting the 4-H motto “Learn to do by Doing”.

The Belgrave 4-H Vet Club held its third meeting over Zoom on June 22. This meeting saw participants from the Brussels/Belgrave and Lucknow Beef clubs join us for a guest speaker.

The meeting was opened with the pledge, followed by the roll call questions: What animals do you think we are talking about tonight?

While our older members answered the roll call question name a ruminant animal. Fact: a ruminant animal is an animal that has four stomachs.

The guest speaker was Tamara Berezay from Two Bit Bucking Bulls in Alberta. Tamara explained how they got into the business of bucking bulls. The first bull they purchased was named “Boogie Boy”. From there the herd expanded into the enterprise it is today.

Tamara walked through their breeding program, feeding, training and transportation of the rodeo stock. Tamara did a great job explaining all the little things that go into making a successful operation and a great bucking bull.

Temperament is a big thing; they are not the mean monsters that people think they are. They know they have a job and do that when called upon to complete the task of bucking. For the most part these big animals allow those familiar to them get close and are safe to work around. You still must keep in mind that they are bulls.

Tamara mentioned that some of the moms have bigger attitudes than the bucking bulls. Two Bit Bucking Bulls stock participates in some of the biggest rodeo events across North America.

After Tamara’s presentation we had time for questions. The guest presentation was wrapped up and a farewell was said to fellow 4-H beef club members. The club then moved on to club business with the secretary and press reports being presented. The meeting was then adjourned as members recited the 4H motto “Learn to do by Doing”.

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been cancelled due to the COVID19 pandemic.

Klaver also took the opportunity to reflect on her time as the Queen of the Furrow. She was crowned in 2019 at the Dykstra farm in Howick. She won the plowing award in the competition and spoke on the mental health of farmers, something that has only become more important in the ensuing years.

That year, Grace Hallahan was also crowned the Princess. Hallahan has also retained her crown as the pandemic has worn on.

Warden Glen McNeil thanked Klaver for her presentation and said she has made all of Huron County Council proud during her reign as Queen of the Furrow.

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