The Citizen - March 28, 2019

INSIDE THIS WEEK:

PROJECT SOY - Pg. 2

CURLING - Pg. 9

FESTIVAL - Pg. 19

Walton native crafts soybean-based liqueur

Belgrave pair return from national comp.

Garratt, Thompson, Fox to direct shows this season

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Volume 35 No. 13

Serving the communities of Blyth and Brussels and northern Huron County

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Wingham tax rate increases

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Learning the basics The Village of Blyth and Memorial Hall played host to the annual National Theatre School Drama Festival last week, bringing young people from all over the region to the community to learn about the life on stage. While there

were productions and evening performances every night last week, Saturday was mainly for workshops, like this one that took place at Trinity Anglican Church. This was one of many workshops held throughout the village. (Quinn Talbot photo)

North Huron Township Council’s budget will return to council for final adoption in the near future, however exact tax rates will have to wait until Huron County and local school board budgets are complete.

During council’s March 20 meeting, Director of Finance Donna White presented an amended version of the budget which included a nearly eight-per cent increase in spending over last year ($440,787) and total expenses of $18,250,986.

Wages and benefits make up 29.65 per cent of the budget at $5,413,028.

Capital projects include road reconstructions in Wingham (Carling Terrace from Cornyn Street to Diagonal Road costing $331,500) and Blyth (the Rutledge subdivision connected to North Street costing $147,552) as well as surface treatments for rural roads. Other major expenditures include a plow for Blyth at $38,669, a mower and trailer at $25,000, renovations for Wingham Public Works at $71,232, work at the chapel at the Wingham Cemetery for $45,792 and water projects in Wingham (Carling Terrace from Cornyn Street to Diagonal Road costing $132,600) and Blyth (pump house renovations at $11,194).

Using a residential property valued at $200,000 in 2018 Continued on page 17

County denies OFA, retains current tax ratio

By Denny Scott The Citizen Farmland in Huron County will continue to remain taxed at 25 per cent of its current assessment after Huron County Council decided that changing the ratio would be unacceptable.

Earlier this month, council received a request from the Huron County Federation of Agriculture (HCFA) and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) to reduce farm tax ratio from 0.25 of its assessment to 0.223 for 2019 and council asked staff to review the proposal.

At the time, several councillors stated that such a change would only result in further taxation on other properties, like residential, which is already taxed based on full assessment, which was verified by the report prepared by Huron County staff.

After adopting the staff report for

information purposes, South Huron Deputy-Mayor Jim Dietrich moved that the reduction in assessment ratio be approved, with Huron East Deputy-Mayor Bob Fisher seconding for discussion.

Dietrich opened the discussion saying that he didn’t necessarily know where to go with the issue. No matter how it changes, he said, someone is still going to need to pay the taxes.

“We have to look at who is going to pay to be fair,” he said. “Maybe someone else could help out a lot more?”

Dietrich, in the end, was the only council member who voted for the increase.

Councillor Paul Klopp, Mayor of Bluewater, explained that no one can afford the increased taxes, and that shifting taxation from a farm property to a residential property didn’t make sense.

He went on to say that, no matter

how the issue is approached, people who can’t afford increased taxes, be they farmers or residential property owners, will be put out as a result.

Klopp went on to say that he, and probably many other councillors, ran their election campaigns based on responsible spending and trying to control costs.

“It’s not about moving the numbers,” he said. “It’s not about

moving from my friend, my cousin or my brother to someone else…

Since this isn’t based on income, we need to be tougher when we consider how we spend money.”

Justifying expenses to ratepayers should be the concern, Klopp said.

“Last week, I voted on money going to a hospital,” he said. “I think I can justify that a whole lot easier than my two per cent pay raise or

this or that. It’s about choices.

People understand that.”

Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Reeve Glen McNeil said he appreciated the discussion around the issue, but said there is a reason the tax rate is what it is.

“To ever seek to adjust the tax rate is a very slippery slope,” he said. He went on to say that with commodity Continued on page 8

Reserves to balance HE budget

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen While Huron East Council has directed staff to prepare a third draft of the 2019 budget with a 10 per cent tax levy increase, those numbers are now destined to change thanks to one-time funding from the provincial government.

At Huron East Council’s March

19 meeting, Treasurer Paula Michiels presented the second draft of the budget. This presentation came after the first draft was brought to council with a $1.49 million hole still to be filled, despite a proposed seven per cent increase to the general municipal levy.

Michiels’ budget had anticipated a loss of nearly $225,000 in Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund

(OMPF) money, despite word from the provincial government that levels would remain at their 2018 levels. That proved to be false, with Huron East losing nearly $180,000 of its OMPF money. However, the provincial government has since announced one-time funding for Huron East in the amount of $604,816 that will make for a Continued on page 15

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019.

Walton’s Mitchell wins Project SOY with 5th Bean

Changing the landscape Sean Mitchell of Walton, right, and his University of Guelph partners Timothy Shuh, left, and Mitchell Rice, centre, created 5th Bean, a soybean-based cream liqueur, which propelled them to the top of the Project SOY (Soybean Opportunities for Youth) competition at their university.

In addition to the prestige of winning, the trio won $2,500, which they plan on reinvesting into the company. (Photo submitted)

By Denny Scott The Citizen Walton-area man and University of Guelph student Sean Mitchell is part of a three-person team looking to change the landscape of creambased liqueur.

Mitchell, alongside fellow students Timothy Shuh and Mitchell Rice, won the Project SOY (Soybean Opportunities for Youth) undergraduate category for their soybean-based cream liqueur, 5th Bean.

Project SOY is an annual contest that tasks students with developing new products and marketing opportunities using soybeans.

Earlier this month, at the annual awards ceremony, Mitchell was among 27 students from his university’s Guelph and Ridgetown campuses showing off 10 soy-based projects.

With the win, the trio received $2,500 which Mitchell said they plan on re-investing into their business, specifically looking at legal advice for proceeding with the product and initial capital costs.

Mitchell, in an interview with The Citizen, explained that he and his project partners have been working for the past several months on the soy cream liqueur.

The three met at their supervisor’s suggestion, and soon realized that, as far as the cream liqueur field is concerned, there isn’t a significant amount of lactose-free, gluten-free offerings like the product they would eventually produce.

In an early e-mail to The Citizen, Mitchell explained that 5th Bean is a unique product because, in its creation, it uses 72 per cent less water, half the land and produces 90 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional bovine cream liquors.

Mitchell said that, while he and his project partners wanted to create a soy-based liqueur, their real goal “is to create a new market for Ontario soybeans, reduce waste in the tofu industry through innovation, source our materials and create our product

locally, and produce a carbonneutral project.”

Each 750-millilitre bottle of 5th Bean is produced with 28 kilograms of soybeans, going a long way to creating that market. Of those 28 kilograms, the largest share comes from the creation of soy milk, where 22.5 kilograms of soybeans produces 278 millilitres of soy milk.

The other 5.9 kilograms produces 195 millilitres of 65 per cent ABV tofu whey alcohol.

The waste from the creation of tofu, called tofu whey, is a soy-based project that is the foundation of the 5th Bean liqueur, Mitchell said.

The original idea for 5th Bean came when Mitchell and his cohorts saw the need for the product, but were helped along by information from the University of Singapore, where a wine is being made from tofu whey.

“We thought that was cool,” he said. “However, we didn’t think it would sell or create the demand we were looking for.”

Mitchell, Shuh and Rice looked to the dairy alternative market for inspiration, knowing that there had been an influx in innovation and demand in that sector over the past several years, and then came up with the idea to make their product.

From there, Mitchell, keenly aware of the craft distillery and beer

renaissance occurring in Ontario thanks to the prevalence of both in his home county, was quick to say there could be a future for 5th Bean.

The process for creating the product involves soybeans at nearly every level, Mitchell said.

Tofu is made from soybeans, which are ground with water, and, through the addition of other products, eventually creates the bricks that resemble the final customer product. The liquid, or whey, that is removed from those bricks is where 5th Bean starts.

Tofu whey naturally has high sugars, making it a perfect starting point for fermentation, alongside some special yeast that allows the highest conversion of those sugars to alcohol.

From there, the fermented whey is distilled to purify its alcohol content, after which, emulsifiers and flavouring are introduced, which lead to the creation of the soy liqueur. The first flavour the project partners have used is Irish cream.

Aside from the growing market, the environmental benefits and the unique product, 5th Bean also benefits from being something that can be produced locally, Mitchell said.

“The tofu whey we used is from Mississauga and soybeans are widely available,” he said.

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While the product can’t yet be sold legally, as there are hurdles for the team to overcome before that’s possible, Mitchell said that those who have tried it have had nothing but good things to say.

While the challenge of selling 5th Bean lies ahead of the team, Mitchell said they are confident because of not only the support they have, but also because they have overcome other challenges in the production of the liqueur.

“The two biggest challenges we faced in this endeavour have been unanticipated reactions during fermentation and sourcing our ingredients on a small scale.”

While the project team has consisted of three, Mitchell was quick to say that they received significant support from professionals.

First and foremost, Mitchell said, his professor, Mike Von Massow helped with advice and guidance.

The group also extended thanks to Ying Ying Soy Foods of Mississauga, which offered time with and access to their tofu whey; Escarpment Laboratories of Guelph and Prof. George van der Merwe who helped Mitchell and his cohorts identify the strain of yeast they needed and Murphy’s Law distillery in Elmira, which helped design a still to refine the alcohol and make sure the product was safe for consumption.

Mitchell also touched on the unique name for the product, which ties back to soybean farming. He explained that a traditional way of valuing a soybean crop was to look at the number of beans per pod.

Three-bean pods are desirable, while four-bean pods are notable.

“Pods creating five beans are almost unheard of,” Mitchell said.

“When creating Fifth Bean, we strove to produce cream liqueur equally unusual in its high quality.”

As for the future, Mitchell said he and his partners hope to continue pursuing 5th Bean as a business with the assistance of the John F. Wood Centre for Business and Student Enterprise at the University of Guelph.

“As I said, there are legal hurdles before we go to market, but there is significant interest, identifying a potential market,” Mitchell said.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019. PAGE 3.

Entrepreneurs highlight local startup challenges

Local municipal and county councillors and staff were told where they succeeded and failed in helping four young business people in Huron County during the Municipal Officers’ Association meeting in Brussels last week. From left: Maelstrom Winery’s Brian Landsborough; 519 Tours’ Grace Vanden Heuvel, Blyth Farm Cheese’s Sarah Reid, Leadbury Bat Co.’s Mitchell Godkin and panel emcee Canadian Centre for Rural Creativity (CCRC) Project Director Peter Smith. (Denny Scott photo)

By Denny Scott The Citizen Last week, at the annual meeting of the Huron County Municipal Officers’ Association, a panel of young entrepreneurs told lower- and county-tier councillors and staff what helped them start their businesses, what hindered them and where their businesses were going in the future.

The annual meeting of the Huron County Municipal Officers Association of Huron County brought councillors and staff from Huron’s lower-tier municipalities and their counterparts at Huron County to Brussels. The event, hosted by Morris-Turnberry in the Four Winds Barn on March 21, included a youth panel on small business. Panelists included Mitch Godkin, owner of Leadbury Bat Co. near Walton; Sarah Reid, artisan cheesemaker and sales representative at Blyth Farm Cheese; Grace Vanden Heuvel, who opened 519 Tours based out of the Goderich area, and Brian Landsborough of Maelstrom Winery in the Seaforth area.

The panel was moderated by Canadian Centre for Rural Creativity Project Director Peter Smith and put some important questions to the group.

INTRODUCTIONS Godkin, an engineering student from the University of Western Ontario, explained that Leadbury Bat Co. challenged the status quo in baseball bats, asking why the process for creating the bats hadn’t been changed in over a century.

“I wanted to bring change and innovation to an industry that’s stagnated over 100 years,” he said.

“You wouldn’t think there’s a lot to change in wood baseball bats, but I’m proving there is room for a change.”

To that end, he developed a

proprietary kiln-drying process, using wood sourced from Huron and Bruce Counties to create bats that have put his business on the map.

He said he is really starting to grow his brand, and part of that is promoting partnerships with other people in the region, citing a recent project he started with Blyth Cowbell Brewing Company that will see bats crafted to resemble the company’s Founders’ Series of beer being available at the brewery for the first day of the Major League Baseball season.

Reid has been at Blyth Farm Cheese for three years after stumbling upon the company between educational opportunities.

She said it’s an amazing company, making gouda-style cheese to honour owner Paul van Dorp’s Dutch heritage.

She said that, being in a small business like Blyth Farm Cheese represents a “sink or swim” situation.

“You can’t pass things off,” she said. “There is a wide variety of opportunities, and I had to go and learn to become a part of it and I think that’s amazing.”

Vanden Heuvel explained that, after spending time living in various areas, she decided she wanted to shape the tourism industry in Huron County instead of looking at it. She said that a distinct lack of transportation services in the area to allow both locals and tourists to visit sites like Huron’s many breweries was a need she could address.

To start 519 Tours, she acquired a 14-passenger van, and worked at it until her “side hustle” turned into a full-time job thanks to the potential for travel and tourism in Huron County.

“I’m booked eight weeks in advance for weekend events and I book up to four tours in one weekend,” she said, adding that her success is thanks to both looking

county was interested in supporting the winery industry thanks to climate studies showing that the area could grow grapes. Unfortunately for him and his family and Maelstrom Winery, the county’s focus was more on the coast line.

“It left out a few [wineries] that were towards the Seaforth way, as they didn’t think it would be as viable as near the coastline,” he said.

“There was some trouble there.”

He said that once Maelstrom Winery showcased its success, more support became available.

Reid also ran into obstacles working with Huron County. She said that, before she started working at Blyth Farm Cheese, its relativelyremote location on a gravel road just outside of Blyth was unknown to her.

“Our one hiccup was signage,” she said. “Trying to get signage up so people could find and get to us was difficult working with the county. It was a huge complaint from our customers and I was surprised how difficult it was to work with the county on that.”

FUTURE PLANNING Former Warden Neil Vincent asked the panelists if they ever “spent time to daydream” on the future of their companies.

Godkin said he did, and that he is eyeing different opportunities to get involved with including the United States market and the composite bat market. “[The latter] is a big daydream,” he said. “The composite bat market is tricky because it’s so seemingly more complicated, even though wood is a more complicated composite than fibre would be.”

Reid said she also looks to the future of Blyth Farm Cheese, hoping to get the company on the forefront of the zero-waste movement. She said she also plans for becoming trained in cross-compatible skills she could utilize if she ever moves on from Blyth Farm Cheese.

Reid also touched on an issue brought up by two other speakers at the event that day: affordable housing.

She said that she is part of a Continued on page 20

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Why then, that is all the more reason why you should cast yourself upon Him. Do you think Jesus Christ is only for little sinners?

Is He a doctor who only heals finger-aches?

Beloved, it is not faith to trust Christ when I have no sin--but it is true faith to trust Him when I am foul, and black, and filthy!

“The blood of Jesus, God’s Son, cleanses us from all sin!” 1 John 1:7 A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-291-1956

Promoting our Community INSIDE THIS WEEK:

FUNDING - Pg. 2

RESPONSE - Pg. 3

CONCERT - Pg. 6

Education Minister in Blyth to hand out grants

Morris-Turnberry Mayor calls for autonomy

Brussels Ministerial comes together for show

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Looking forward

ahead and being in the moment, while taking chances to succeed.

Landsborough explained that, as co-owner of Maelstrom Winery, the business was an experience in taking chances, explaining that when his family first started planting grapes for their now internationallyawarded wines in 2009, 2010 and 2011, they kept it secret.

“We didn’t tell people until 2013,” he said. “We wanted to make sure we could get through everything.”

Since then, the company has blossomed, he said, opening in the family garage in 2015, and now having a new tasting room allowing the company to put its best foot forward.

He said he wanted to be a part of the panel because he is a huge advocate of chasing an unexpected career.

“I went to school to be a psychologist,” he said. “Now I’m a winemaker. For me, at the time, I didn’t think this would be where I’d be ending up.”

MUNICIPAL SUPPORT Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Township Councillor Jennifer Miltenburg asked the panelists how much support their home municipalities provided.

Godkin said it was an important question, and he was happy to say that both he and his brother Lucas, a furniture-maker who created the company Axe and Adze, an associate company to Nostalgic Wood, received significant support from Huron East’s Economic Development Officer Jan Hawley, though he added that municipalities are somewhat limited in the support they provide.

“Connection is really their role,” he said. “How much can be changed by taxes and insurance is limited, but making connections with other businesses and services is where municipalities can play the biggest role.”

Vanden Heuvel said that Goderich Town Council greatly supported her, explaining that she had originally hoped to have a group bicycle added to her business, which council supported. Unfortunately she was unable acquire insurance for the project.

Landsborough echoed Godkin’s comments, saying that Hawley had helped him significantly as well, however, support from Huron County Council and staff was lacking.

“We had more hiccups there,” he said.

Landsborough explained that the

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Thursday, December 13, 2018

4-H Clubs awarded

White Christmas The snow was falling on Friday night as Clinton held the final Santa Claus parade of the Huron County season, bringing residents and visitors out to the town to help

celebrate the holiday season. One of the main attractions of the parade every year is the Clinton Pipe Band, seen here appealing to the ears of all in attendance. (Nick Vinnicombe photo)

The Huron County 4-H Leaders’ Association Awards Program was recently held at the Seaforth Agriplex, recognizing 4-H members for their efforts throughout the year.

COUNTY AWARDS Loretta Higgins won the Murray Cardiff Award for Top All-Round Member.

The Don Pullen Award for highest overall score in the county went to Evy Verschaeve. She also won the Dedication Award for dedication to the club. The Warden’s Novice Award for first year competitive member with the highest score went to Emily Datema.

The Ben Lobb Award for the junior member with the top essay went to Kayla Drennan.

Emily Franken won the Ontario Plowmen’s Association Award for outstanding agricultural 4-H member as well as the Longstanding Graduating Member Award. She also received her graduation seal.

The Citizen-Rural Voice Awards for press reporter book competition awards went to Dugald McIntosh (first) and Mercedes Prout (second).

The Huron County 4-H Leaders’ Association Award for club secretary book competition were awarded to Emily Bieman (first) and Kayla Drennan (second).

The winning team for the county Go for the Gold Competition was the South Huron Sheep Club Team which consisted of Amanda Bos, Rachel Gras, Grace Hallahan and Evy Verschaeve.

The Top Gate Sign Award for the Continued on page 12

Seaforth’s Fisher elected Huron East Deputy-Mayor

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Seaforth Councillor Bob Fisher is Huron East’s new deputy-mayor, besting two others who put their names forward at the inaugural meeting of Huron East Council on Dec. 4.

Fisher, Tuckersmith Councillor Ray Chartrand and Grey Councillor Alvin McLellan all let their names stand for the municipality’s secondin-command position. This came

after Huron East eliminated the atlarge deputy-mayor position, reducing the size of council from 12 members to 11 just ahead of October’s election.

It was Fisher who nominated Chartrand for the position.

Chartrand then paid the favour back by nominating Fisher. Former Deputy-Mayor Joe Steffler nominated McLellan for the position.

Fisher told his fellow councillors that he has lived in the community

for over 40 years. In addition, he has been a councillor for 12 years and spent nearly 40 years in business, all experience he felt would aid in being the deputy-mayor.

Fisher also listed a number of projects he’d like to see undertaken or continued both in Huron East and in Huron County.

In Huron East, Fisher said he wanted to see the municipality’s community centres better utilized and to promote a harmonious relationship between residents

of all of Huron East’s five wards.

At the county level, Fisher said he wanted to see a greater focus on tourism, saying that Huron County could easily be the Prince Edward County of southwestern Ontario. He also said that while the county’s accessibility advisory committee has done a lot of great work, there is still more to be done.

Fisher also said that, as someone who is legally blind, he also hoped that being named deputy-mayor would inspire others with disabilities

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saying that if they “get [their] ass off the couch and do something” like he has they can accomplish anything.

McLellan said that his decades of experience as a councillor and on numerous boards and committees would make him an ideal choice for the deputy-mayor position.

He said that being self-employed would ensure that he wouldn’t miss any meetings, adding that he hates to miss any council meetings.

He said he had been asked if he Continued on page 15

Contest opens December 12 Applications will be accepted until January 25th, 2019 at 4:30 pm Forms are available online or at the Township of North Huron office at 275 Josephine Street in Wingham Email: inittowinit@northhuron.ca or call the Project Co-ordinator at 519-441-7629.

IN IT TO WIN IT: brought to you by the Libro Prosperity Fund, Wingham BIA, North Huron Economic Development Committee, Huron County Economic Development and Community Futures Huron.

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PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019.

Editorials & Opinions

President: Keith Roulston • Publisher: Deb Sholdice Editor: Shawn Loughlin • Reporter: Denny Scott Advertising Sales: Brenda Nyveld • Heather Fraser

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Dynamic thinking required The value of preserving the past is always an open debate as idealism confronts practicality and hard economics. Keeping our history alive will be a challenging topic when the Huron County Historical Society hosts a meeting, April 17, at the Four Winds Barn in Brussels at which the plans of the newly-formed Maitland Mills Association will be discussed.

The new association wants to find ways to preserve and make best use of two water-powered mills in the area: the Logan Mill in Brussels and the McGuire Mill at Gorrie. It’s a worthy cause. It’s important that today’s residents realize the essential role that rivers played in creating the early industry that built our communities. Water-powered mills not only provided needed services to local settlers such as grinding flour, but they created jobs for growing settlements.

And these old mills have a fascinating story to tell. In this electronic age when so much of technology has a magical invisibility to the human eye, watching the power of water turn a wheel which powers an entire mill can intrigue even most smartphone addicts.

The question is how to use and maintain these historic gems without adding to the tax burden of all area residents. Human ingenuity can work wonders in finding ways for old buildings to have modern uses. The Four Winds Barn itself is an example of an old barn finding a new use. Here’s hoping the Historical Society’s April 17 meeting may help bring enough creative minds together to find solutions to supporting these historic sites. Imagine, for instance, if dozens of people were visiting Brussels every day in the summer to tour Logan’s Mill.

Preserving and using the old mills is a valuable goal as long as inventive minds can find practical ways to keep the heaviest burden of preservation off the shoulders of taxpayers. — KR

Extremes both wrong The federal and provincial governments are headed in opposite directions when it comes to finances these days, and in their extremes, both are wrong.

The Finance Minister Bill Morneau tabled the federal government’s 2019 budget last week and it was obvious to all that the real object of the government’s plans was to win the approval of various voting blocks with a federal election scheduled for this coming October. One such goodie is the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive which will help some first-time buyers by advancing up to 10 per cent of the purchase price of a home so they can take out a smaller mortgage and keep monthly payments lower. The program may be a worthy one but it adds to a deficit projected at $19.8 billion for fiscal 2019/2020.

The Liberals had campaigned on a proposal to run a deficit of $10 billion in the first year of their mandate but promised to balance the budget by this fall’s election. Instead, the deficit will be nearly twice as large as the highest deficit forecast during the Liberals’ campaign.

Meanwhile the Progressive Conservative provincial government is tackling the unpopular task of trying to balance a budget that had become badly bloated under the previous Liberal government of Kathleen Wynne. In single-mindedly reducing costs, however, the government may be saving money today that will cost government revenues in the future.

One such case is changes in funding that makes it easier for people from poorer families to attend university and college. One of the great successes of the last 50 years has been the huge increase in the number of people who graduate from post-secondary schools. These people then earn more money and pay more taxes. It’s foolhardy to save relative pennies today that might earn the government dollars tomorrow.

Similarly, if properly funding assistance for children with autism allows these individuals to lead productive lives instead of requiring lifelong public support, then it’s money well spent.

Governments should balance the books as much as possible but if a small deficit is required for an investment in the future such as in education, then pinching pennies is a foolish waste. — KR

New Zealand shines While there can’t be any bright side when 50 people are murdered by a hate-filled killer as happened in Christchurch two weeks ago, the terrorist event has shone the spotlight on New Zealand as a remarkable country.

Canadians often think our country is overlooked, but with a population of less than five million and located in the remote southern Pacific, New Zealand seldom gets attention. The unwanted notoriety of the shootings has shown New Zealand as a warm and generous country whose people have reached out to their Muslim neighbours. The people’s response has been led by their young Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern who has been both empathetic and dynamic. She moved quickly, for instance, to ban the sorts of weapons used by the killer.

Wounded as it is, New Zealand has shown itself to be an exceptional country with an exceptional leader. — KR

Looking Back Through the Years March 28, 1968 Jack Thynne and his band were in the midst of preparing for a special concert at the Brussels Legion Hall.

Proceeds from the show would go towards the completion of the new bath house at the park.

Mrs. Ross Knight, the Women’s Institute district president, attended the regular meeting of the Majestic Women’s Institute.

March 28, 1973 According to the Toronto Star, former MPP Charles MacNaughton was rumoured to be linked to a new job, filling a vacancy on the Ontario Racing Commission.

The Star reported that the announcement would have been made earlier, had MacNaughton not been so busy working with recent election campaigns in Huron and St. George.

Newly-elected Huron MPP Jack Riddell was officially sworn in at Queen’s Park on March 26 after his upset win in the Huron by-election.

Five busloads of residents from the riding made the trip to Toronto to witness the ceremony. They applauded when Riddell was sworn in, causing a stir.

Also sworn in that day was Margaret Campbell, winner of the by-election in Toronto’s St. George riding.

While the Blyth PeeWee hockey team defeated Tiverton in their first game of Young Canada Week in Goderich by a score of 4-3, but would eventually lose to the D Division champions Sheddon in overtime.

A special evening would be held on April 25 to honour William Thuell, who, after over 50 years as the foreman of the Blyth Public Utilities Commission, had retired.

The Blyth PeeWee hockey team

eliminated their competition from Zurich in the Western Ontario Athletic Association (WOAA) E Division playdowns on March 21 by tying the team in overtime.

Blyth would go on to play Ripley in the semi-final round, beginning on March 28 in Ripley with game one, followed by game two in Blyth on March 30.

The Blyth Tyke hockey team took top honours at a tournament in Teeswater, defeating Lucknow in the final game to win the A Division.

Bruce Hunking led the team in scoring in its first game, scoring a hat trick in the team’s 8-2 win over Wingham to open the tournament.

March 29, 1995 Ontario Progressive Conservative Party leader Mike Harris spoke to over 200 people at the Wingham Legion during a brief visit to Huron County, delivering his message of common sense and fiscal responsibility.

“I am happy to have the chance to share our vision of hope and prosperity,” Harris told those gathered in Wingham. “We are tired of sharing the misery and hoping to share opportunity.”

Under his leadership, Harris said, the province would grow and again become a competitor on the world stage. He said that while recent governments had asked residents to cut back and do more with less, the government itself wasn’t trying to do the same.

“In essence, government has said, ‘we can spend your money better than you can,’” Harris said. “People are saying this is enough. It’s got to change.”

The Blyth Bantam hockey team claimed the Western Ontario Athletic Association (WOAA) Group Championship. Players like

Mike Ansley, Mike Haggitt, Mike Courtney, Nathan Loder, Trent Richmond and Kelly Boven, among others, helped propel the team to its championship under the guidance of coach John Blok.

April 2, 2009 While the 2009 provincial budget was drawing mixed reviews, HuronBruce MPP Carol Mitchell said there was plenty to be excited about in the budget for her home riding.

Mitchell said that 93 per cent of Ontario residents would see a tax decrease under Premier Dalton McGuinty. She added that the budget also included significant investment in infrastructure.

“This budget includes $273 million in infrastructure funding for rural and northern Ontario and $390 million for green infrastructure, which are two very key numbers for us here in this riding,” Mitchell said.

Brussels-based reggae musician Lyndon John (now known as Lyndon John X) was in the midst of preparing to travel to Switzerland to perform at the renowned Montreux Jazz Festival.

The invitation to perform was part of a very positive 12-month stretch for John, who had been nominated for a Juno Award the previous year.

Members of the Blyth Legion’s executive committee wrote to The Citizen very concerned about potentially losing the Branch’s charter.

Without enough members to take office and help with the day-to-day running of the Branch, members were concerned that a new president would not be installed, meaning the Branch would cease to exist.

Heather Dietz of Blyth was working to turn her passion into a career, opening a new photography studio on the main street of Blyth.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019. PAGE 5.

Other Views

Rural decline is not inevitable

T

he March issue of The Walrus magazine, contains a photo essay by Derek Shapton, who rode on the last run of Greyhound bus service before bus travel was canceled in western Canada last fall.

Shapton boarded the bus at Saskatoon on the line from Edmonton to Winnipeg and traveled 600-odd kilometres before getting off at Brandon, Manitoba. Though his photographs are evocative (he agrees with one advocate of buses who argues you can’t really see the land from an airplane but need to travel at ground-level on a bus) it’s his written text that twigged something for me.

Most of the people he meets on his trip regret losing bus service, he says, but rather than be angry at Greyhound, most see the cancellation “more as a sad inevitability than anything else”. It seems to me that statement would ring true for most rural residents of Canada because we’ve become so used to losing community services over the years.

Ironically, on a personal level, most of us have never had it so good. We take for granted many of the improvements in our lives in the past half-century or so. While we continue to complain about the inadequacy of our health care system because some patients fall through the cracks, most of us can count on first-class care for sickness and injuries and never have to worry about the cost.

One of the gaps that still stresses out many is the high cost of prescription drugs that individuals must pay unless they have an employer-backed drug plan. Now the federal government seems to be taking the first steps toward a national pharmacare program.

Never before have we had such an advanced level of education with so many people attending colleges and universities thanks to grants and loans. Those well-

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk educated residents have access to even more information because of computers and smartphones.

On an individual basis we’re doing better than ever, but our small communities have taken hit after hit – and like those people on the last bus ride, we’ve come to accept it as a reality of rural life. I suspect that even those taking part in the consultations about schools a few years ago weren’t surprised when the regional school board decided to close smaller, community-based schools in favour of one large centralized school. The school system, once an integral part of the community, had become distant as the province dictated bigger boards and fewer of those pesky politicians/trustees.

Other services that are beyond our control are beginning to withdraw from rural communities. Blyth has joined the growing list of communities to have had its bank branch closed.

Some of the decline of our communities has come, not from decisions made by distant governments or corporations, but little choices we make, ourselves, to suit our changing preferences. Until 30 years ago, most towns and villages were self-sufficient shopping centres. You could buy your groceries, get your prescription filled, buy shoes and a new dress or suit or

buy a TV, all on your own main street.

But large grocery chains and big box stores began setting up regional stores in larger towns. Soon shoppers, seeking wider variety or cheaper prices, began abandoning local merchants in favour of the recognizable national and international chains. Today, many small towns struggle to keep storefronts full so they don’t seem like ghost towns.

For me, personally, one of the saddest examples is what has happened to so many small town newspapers. Once nearly every town and village had its own newspaper published by a local family. Most operated a printing business and used the same equipment to print a weekly newspaper.

Changing technology meant that by the 1970s newspapers usually weren’t printed locally but at a central plant with a very fast press. Publishers generally became bigger by buying up their neighbours, or they sold their papers, concentrating on printing. Soon the regional publishers received tempting offers from national chains and sold out.

But the big chains hadn’t accounted for the influence of the internet and social media and the glorious future that seemed certain for newspapers in the 1990s. Newspapers struggled and the decision-makers in the city headquarters decided there was no future in small town newspapers. They felt no commitment or obligation to serve their communities. They reduced news coverage, reduced staffing and closed offices.

I can’t help but think that if each of those papers were still locally owned there’d be a lot more creativity and determination expended – just as there is here at The Citizen

by Publisher Deb Sholdice and her staff who don’t accept the sad inevitability of a declining future.

The java jitters, coffee convulsions

L

ately, I’ve been trying to write less about health-related issues because, as my editor Shawn pointed out in his own unique way, I wrote extensively about my new doctor-imposed diet and way of life shortly after it came about.

However, I’ve been told that some of my best writing isn’t the angry rants of a young white man, but those personal realizations that hit me on an idle Saturday afternoon.

Take, for example, when I tried to refill my daughter’s milk cup one Saturday this month.

Part of my new way of living involved cutting caffeine nearly completely out of my diet. Apparently, I was lucky in that endeavour.

It wasn’t difficult, and I avoided some of the headaches and crankiness that often comes from kicking dependency-inducing chemicals like caffeine.

I’m not going to say I started drinking nothing but water, but decaf coffee and herbal tea took the place of my regular coffee breaks and, as I’ve said to a few people, I’ve discovered a kind of natural energy that can get me through most of the day now that I’m not relying on caffeine.

I can count on one hand the number of caffeinated beverages I’ve had since a doctor’s visit changed my diet back in November, but most of those were consumed shortly after as I slowly got used to not having the java jolt.

So this fateful Saturday morning, I was cleaning up the kitchen after a hearty breakfast and got a text from my mother saying she and my brother were stopping by for a visit.

I offered coffee, made a pot, and then promptly forgot about it, as my guests did.

Later on, my wife asked me why there was a full pot of coffee, and I explained what had happened. I then decided I’d have a single cup of caffeinated coffee and didn’t think much of it.

A half hour after I finished my second cup, I

Denny Scott Denny’s Den realized that I had been drinking full-caffeine coffee because, as I was trying to refill my daughter’s milk cup, my hands were jittery.

I recognized the jitter. It was the kind of shakes that accompanied caffeine-fueled allnighters in my youth. These jitters usually accompanied those right-before-deadline term papers, the research projects I left far too late into the school year or the exam that I really should have studied for before the night before.

See, I had this problem where, when teachers said, “You won’t be able to do this a day before,” I didn’t take it as a warning, but as a challenge. I suppose it’s little wonder I ended up with a career where I have a hardand-fast deadline at least once a week.

But those nights, I didn’t mainline coffee, because I’m deathly afraid of needles, but I did the next best thing: always having a pot brewing. I’d brew one pot, pour it into my gigantic Tim Horton’s travel mug (that sported a warning, not for individual consumption) then start the process again, drinking through one pot while the next brewed.

Looking back, it’s a wonder my heart didn’t give out like a hamster hooked on running in its wheel.

So halfway through the night, likely a pot or three in, I’d start to get the java jitters. I’d switch to water and eat some bread or bagels, get my caffeine convulsions under control and get back to work.

I used to be able to put a couple of pots under my belt before I started getting antsy, and three pots before the jitters, but after a few months off the stuff, two smaller cups of coffee suddenly started giving me jitters.

I wasn’t shocked by the revelation, like most people, I’d curtailed my alcohol intake over the years, and had realized exactly how much more prone I am to intoxication since then, but I guess I thought that caffeine would take longer. After all, I started drinking tea and coffee long before I started drinking, and caffeine was more than a daily staple for me, it was something I pretty much drank from the moment I woke up until I started cooking dinner.

The experience got me thinking on exactly what I was putting in my body on an average day. Between the artificial sugars, the processed food and the straight-up junk I still occasionally indulge in on cheat days, I wondered what kind of reactions I might be having to these things that were once staples of my diet, but now aren’t.

Maybe that lethargy I was feeling after going out for lunch wasn’t just having eaten more than normal, but maybe it was me being unable to keep up with somewhat greasier food.

Maybe eating salads daily and abstaining from candy and chips was limiting my body’s ability to deal with those kinds of junk food.

It was a bittersweet realization because, as much as I do enjoy being healthier and feeling a little better about myself, the truth of the matter is, I like those cheat days.

Regardless, it really did make me think about the way I’ve treated my body over the years (specifically my digestive system) and realize that I was my own worst enemy.

Too bad the wake-up call could not have come a little bit sooner.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Same old, same old

I

n the acclaimed show Mad Men, all about the advertising industry in the 1960s and 1970s, there is a scene where protagonist and advertising guru Donald Draper is interviewing a potential copywriter and, as Draper flips through the prospective employee’s portfolio, Draper notices a trend.

As Draper reviews the work of prospective employee Danny Siegel, he catches that every one of Siegel’s tag lines states that the product he’s trying to sell is billed as “the cure for the common [insert product here]”. Perhaps persuasive once, when looking at them one after the other, it’s clear that Siegel has one idea that he has stretched so thin you can see across a river through it. Furthermore, his solitary idea isn’t very good.

As I sat in front of the blinking cursor – the infuriating metronome that haunts every writer – I sought to lay waste to Minister of Education Lisa Thompson’s ham-fisted “fourpoint plan” for the education of autistic children in an attempt to shift attention from Minister of Children, Community and Social Services (and Bullying and Intimidation) Lisa MacLeod, whom Lisa relentlessly and shamelessly continues to support. I stopped myself though, remembering I’ve been doing that kind of thing a lot lately.

Just as Mad Men’s Siegel can’t make every product the cure for the common whatever, I need to mix it up a little. Variety is, after all, the spice of life.

Years ago I was told by a reader that she didn’t enjoy my column as much as the others in the newspaper because she wasn’t much of a sports person. I didn’t think I wrote about sports that much, but it caused me to go back and review. Sure enough, at that time, I was writing about sports more than I realized.

There was another time when both Denny and I received some advice. Keith Roulston, our publisher at the time, a seasoned journalist who has written about nearly everything, urged us to always make a point with our readers in mind, rather than taking on pet issues without much thought given to whether our readers shared our passion. He cautioned us against being “the guy yelling at the bar”.

The old man yelling at the bar could also be seen as a form of the boy who cries wolf. If you’re outraged about everything, are you then ever truly outraged about anything?

Furthermore, news in The Citizen is largely dictated by the community. I assign stories for the weekend and decide what goes where, but in this space I have complete editorial control, so it’s a nice outlet to blow off a little steam, tell our readers a story they might not have heard otherwise or introduce people to a way of thinking they may not have considered.

That final point is one that comes straight from Keith. He always told me that with his editorials, he might tackle an issue that everyone’s heard about 20 times by that point, but that he would try and implore readers to consider a different viewpoint.

That principle is at the heart of opinion writing and discourse in our communities.

For the longest time, I always tried to include at least one personal anecodote in my column every week in the hopes that readers and community members would get to know me a little better.

Without the benefit of growing up in Huron County, readers can’t rely on having known my parents or grandparents, remembering me as a child or knowing the history of my family.

Though it’s now been 13 years, it’s all new to you, so I have tried to bridge that gap... in a new and interesting way each week.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019.

Spring cleaning can help others A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

Big winners Winning both the February-March Draw for the 2019 Brussels Curling Club season and being named the overall winning team, capturing the D.A. Rann Trophy, was the team of Brian Warwick, Janelle Caldwell, Mervyn Bauer and George Zwep. The team was honoured during the club’s year-end banquet held last week at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. From left: Zwep, Bauer and Warwick. (Denny Scott photo)

Club marks year-end

By Jo-Ann McDonald The Brussels Curling Club finished the third draw and final of the year last Monday evening.

The weather had caused the cancellation of a night of curling, so a curling game had to be made up.

The teams played a four-end game against one opponent and doubled that score and then switched to play a new team and again doubled the score at the end. This would make up the needed points to make all teams equal to qualify for the top prize of the D.A. Rann

Trophy.

The winning team was team Brian Warwick with 49.5 points; second, Sarah Alexander; third, Ken Penfound; fourth, Haden Flood; fifth, Steve Bowers; sixth, Jeff Cardiff; seventh, Tyler Jutzi; eighth, Doug Bremner; ninth, Danica Janmaat and 10th, Brent Alexander.

A nice social time was enjoyed by the group with a delicious variety of snacks provided by the members. A short business meeting was also held Continued on page 9

OMPF money slashed

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Despite hearing word to the contrary, Huron East finds itself out in the cold again with its annual Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) allotment decreasing this year by nearly $180,000.

Huron East received just under $1.5 million in OMPF money in 2018 and this year it will receive $1,319,700, which is $179,900 less, a decrease of 12 per cent. Goderich was the only Huron County municipality to see an increase in OMPF funding at 5.31 per cent.

While both Central Huron and Bluewater saw minimal decreases – $5,000 and 0.003 per cent and $1,000 and 0.001 per cent, respectively – all other Huron County municipalities saw decreases between 2.26 per cent and 12.59 per cent. West Perth, to which Huron East often compares itself, finds its funding decreased 15 per cent, down from $1,622,000 in 2018 to $1,378,700 this year.

In her presentation to Huron East Council at its March 19 meeting, Treasurer Paula Michiels reported the decrease to council, saying it was equivalent to 4.2 per cent of the general levy that would have to be covered to balance the budget.

She also noted that OMPF funding has decreased significantly in the years since amalgamation. Not only have the levels decreased more than $2.5 million from Huron East’s funding peak of $3.154 million, but they have now dipped well below the pre-amalgamation funding level of $2,365,418 in 2001.

The change was especially frustrating for council after Mayor Bernie MacLellan had reported to council, after attending the Huron County Federation of Agriculture’s MP/MPP forum, that OMPF levels

would not be decreasing according to Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson. Several media outlets also reported Thompson’s comments at the time of the meeting.

In addition, with the cancellation of the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) earlier this month, Huron East found itself in an even deeper hole.

Not only was the funding cancelled, but the Egmondville servicing project, which had been submitted to the program for funding, would not receive funding from OCIF and would not be considered for funding from the new provincial-federal Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).

After the March 19 meeting, however, the provincial government announced one-time funding for the majority of lower-tier municipalities across Ontario.

In Thompson’s riding of HuronBruce, the government pledged to invest $9.5 million across 17 municipalities, including Huron East which will receive $604,816. This one-time funding, according to a press release from Thompson, should help municipal governments improve local service delivery and further efficiencies.

Huron County received $725,000 from the government, while North Huron received $532,076, Huron East received $604,816, Central Huron received $613,082, MorrisTurnberry received $360,473, A s h fi e l d - C o l b o r n e - Wawa n o s h received $583,183, Howick received $389,945, Goderich received $596,524, Bluewater received $632,179, South Huron received $625,482.

Council received Michiels’ report and worked to bridge the gap later in the meeting as Michiels presented the second draft of the 2019 budget, facing a $1.1 million hole.

The snow is slipping away nicely, but only if you’re not a kid or a tundra swan. For the rest of us, we sigh in relief as the Maitland fills, but still stays contained. So, hurray for this year.

Spring is the time to think about the Optimist Club and its commitment to community. The evening on Saturday was a success, no matter your criteria. With 21 years of experience in the dinner and auction department, they know what works. So with a common goal, leadership, wisdom and good, committed workers, our community, the Optimist Club and the Ronald McDonald House all came away big winners. Good work!

Spring also means maple syrup.

With the Barrie crew in tow, we spent several hours at the Blyth Maple Creek Farm communing with Mother Nature – oh yes, and Val and

Steve Bachert, as they educated and fed us. The pancakes, beans and milkshakes, all maple syrup-laced, were excellent, but for the kids, I think the pens with lambs, a goat and rooster were even better.

Learning to shoot an arrow, taste sap or pull a saw all made for a lovely spring day.

For me helping grandchildren understand nature’s way in the cycle of life is pretty important. So, the lessons in the bush; sap travels, Native life here, feeding yourself, the role of animals for food, looking after yourself and then eating, brought things together for Ella and Sloan.

After several trips to say hello to the animals in the barn, Sloan got it!

As we walked away from saying the final goodbye to his new friends, Sloan’s words were “Grandma, when we come back here next year, I’m checking on the pigs first and if they’re not there, I’m not having sausage.”

Be sure to get your fresh supply of local syrup. We have good producers in our areas, so quality and availability are right here. Canada produces 85 per cent of the world’s maple syrup, an natural food with lots of properties that we don’t even appreciate.

As spring gets established, we

At the Branch

Ace draw hits $14,500

By Jo-Ann McDonald It was a quiet week around the Brussels Legion Branch with the normal activities happening.

The Thursday evening darts had a great crew of 20 darters on hand for the evening. Winners were: first, Ken Verbeek and Roger McHardy; second, Rhonda Davis, Sheron and John Stadelmann; high, Sandra Brown, 140, Roger, 120 and Marlene Rutledge, 120. Good darts, folks.

The excitement is growing, along with the jackpot in the Catch the Ace draw. There was a nice bunch on hand Friday evening for the draw.

The lucky weekly winners were Bill and Karen Glousher, who took home $719. They chose envelope number 20 and the six of diamonds was revealed.

The estimated jackpot will grow to $14,500 for the draw on March

29. Get your tickets at the usual outlets.

often think we should clean house and shed. As you do, be aware of where you send your treasures.

Landfill is the last choice as we commit to improving our environment. Good treasures can be gifted to folks who you know would appreciate them. Happy sorting and purging, it’s spring!

Be alert for next week, April Fool’s Day is on Monday. Try to get someone tricked before they get you.

Bye now, Betty G.W.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS BUY? SELL? TRY CLASSIFIED

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Bill & Karen Glousher $719.

Envelope #20 found the 6 of Diamonds Estimated Jackpot for March 29 is $14,500

Brussels Legion 218 presents

Mostly Sideways Live Band featuring Classic Rock and Country Music

Saturday, April 13 at the Brussels Legion from 8 p.m. -12 a.m. $10 per person Food available for purchase.

Tickets at Legion and George’s to Jo-Ann’s

A BIG THANK YOU from the Brussels Optimist Club The Brussels Optimist Club would like to thank everyone who donated items and came out to support our Spring Dinner and Auction. Over $40,000 was raised to support The Ronald McDonald House and Community Betterment. A special thank you to all those who purchased tickets, donated items, purchased items and made donations to show your support. Also, thanks to Rollin Roaster Catering for the excellent meal.

We are so fortunate to have the support of our small community who continue to inspire us year after year!

Thanks again, Brussels Optimist Club

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019. PAGE 7.

Appleby, Hugill take top euchre spots From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge Students from across the region took part in the National Theatre School Drama Festival in Blyth last week. Aside from rehearsing and producing shows throughout the week, students also participated in special seminars over the weekend. There were multiple seminars throughout the day on Saturday across the community, with students able to pick two. The day was ended with a gala meal at Blyth Memorial Community Hall, catered by the Blyth Lions Club, that doubled as an awards ceremony. Above, organizer David Armour, right, teaches a stage sword-fighting class at the Blyth Christian Reformed Church. (Quinn Talbot photo)

Closure approved for Fare on 4

By Denny Scott The Citizen North Huron Council has officially given the go-ahead for the second-ever Fare on 4 by approving the closure of County Road 4 on July 21.

Fare on 4 was a culinary experience held on Blyth’s main street in 2014 as a means of growing awareness of the Blyth Arts and Culture Initiative 14/19 Inc. and, with the second meal set this year, bookending the project, Project Director Peter Smith is hoping for a similar experience to the 2014 event.

“It was a roaring success,” he told council during its March 20 meeting. “Ultimately, we saw a lot of people from our local community attend [as well as those] from far away. It was an impressive outing that scared the lights out of all of us and it was something that kicked off that initiative in a bold and ambitious way.”

He said the dinner would be a way to end the 14/19 Initiative, which is giving way to the Canadian Centre for Rural Creativity (CCRC) project this year, and to thank the people who helped make the 14/19 project of renovating Blyth Memorial

Community Hall a success. He said it would also be a way to celebrate the CCRC and its future beyond 2019.

Smith asked council to close County Road 4 for the event, and then fielded questions from council, including Councillor Chris Palmer’s question as to how the detour worked in 2014.

Smith explained that traffic will be routed around the closed section of County Road 4 via Westmoreland, Mill and Wellington Streets again, as it worked well in 2014.

North Huron supported Smith’s request unanimously.

Greenway bridge to be repaired

By Denny Scott The Citizen North Huron Council has approved moving $8,141 from a project to inspect the Wingham Rail Bridge to make repairs to the overpass bridge on the Blyth Greenway Trail possible, but council wants to know if other bodies can contribute to the work.

The Blyth bridge is part of grounds rented from the province by North Huron along the Goderich-toGuelph (G2G) Rail Trail, and the lease for the trail and bridge ends in 2021.

In a report to council on March 18, Director of Public Works and Facilities Sean McGhee explained that the lease clearly outlines that the bridge is the responsibility of North Huron, however council could also opt to close the bridge, an option available through the lease.

He said council had two options for the bridge: repair it or close it.

Engineers from B.M. Ross and Associates had “made it very clear” that the decision needed to be made soon, he added.

Closing the bridge, according to

McGhee, would close it to pedestrian use as well as close a north-south corridor for local snowmobile clubs as the bridge is part of their trail.

“The lease agreement says [the club is] responsible for damages snowmobiles cause, but it’s not responsible for fair wear and tear,” McGhee said.

Originally, North Huron was told the bridge would cost approximately $15,000 to fix, but that included hiring an outside source. McGhee said that, by bringing the project inhouse, the bridge could be repaired for approximately $8,000, which would include a contingency fund.

After some discussion, McGhee said he would suggest council

consider contacting local snowmobile clubs to contribute because, to his knowledge, the span is the only bridge that is maintained by the municipality along the trail.

“I think we should talk to them down the road for reimbursement,” he said.

Reeve Bernie Bailey also suggested contacting the G2G committee.

“We should be looking at giving the snowmobilers a call, and getting financing from them,” he said. “We should also have a look at contacting G2G, to see if they should pay a part of it.”

Council approved the reallocation of $8,141, resulting in no impact to the township budget.

Read Rhea Hamilton Seeger’s Gardening column on the Huron Home and Garden Guide section of our website www.northhuron.on.ca

Sympathy is extended to Donelda Charter and family in the sudden death of her husband Robert, who passed away last week. Sympathy is also extended to Robert’s two sisters Mildred McAdam and Diane Charter.

Happy birthday to Paul Popp who celebrates March 28; Matt and Aaron Popp, March 30 and Carla Pawitch, April 3.

Winners of the March 18 euchre held at the Blyth Legion were: first, Lillian Appleby, 83 and Randy Hugill, 73; second, Marie Millian, 66 and Gord Haggitt, 69; most lone hands, Sharon Freeman, four and Harry Smith, three; share the wealth was shared between Mae Ritchie and Gord Haggitt. The next euchre is on Monday, April 1 at the Blyth Legion Hall. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. with the games beginning at

1 p.m. Come out and enjoy the fun on April Fool’s day.

The Blyth Legion and Auxillary are having their monthly luncheon on April 11 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Legion Hall. This month’s menu is ham and scalloped potatoes.

Take-out and deliveries are available by calling 519-523-9535.

NEWS FROM BLYTH Spring Cleaning

See historic photographs on the history section of stopsalongtheway.ca

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

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PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019.

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BLYTH 519-523-4244 www.hurontractor.com

Brussels Livestock report

All cattle sell on strong, active trade at sale Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending March 22 were 2,848 cattle and 695 lambs and goats. On Tuesday fed steers and heifers sold steady.

Choice steers and heifers sold $145 to $150. Second cut steers and heifers sold $135 to $144. Cows sold on a strong demand at prices $2 to $3 higher. On Thursday good active trade on right-weight veal and beef calves sold steady. Lambs and goats sold steady with sheep selling slightly lower. On Friday all cattle sold on a strong active trade with calves selling $5 to $10 higher and yearlings selling $3 to $5 higher.

Lyle Kinsman of Kippen, consigned five heifers that averaged 1,358 lbs. and sold for an average price of $137.57. Two gold heifers averaged 1,313 lbs. and sold for an

average price of $139.50. Darryl Klein of Mildmay, consigned two heifers that averaged 1,440 lbs. and sold for an average price of $132.50.

One red heifer weighed 1,440 lbs. and sold for $135.

Connell Farms Inc. of Palmerston, consigned 27 head that averaged 1,616 lbs. and sold for an average price of $130.94. Two black steers averaged 1,623 lbs. and sold for an average price of $135. Kraemer Concrete Ltd. of Brunner, consigned two steers that averaged 1,838 lbs. and sold for an average price of $126.89. One black steer weighed 1,680 lbs. and sold for $131.50.

There were 300 cows on offer.

Beef sold $75 to $85 with a high of $93; D1 and D2, $60 to $70 with a high of $84.50; D3, $55 to $60.

Lyndon Steckle of Zurich, consigned

one bwf cow that weighed 1,530 lbs. and sold for $93.

There wer 12 bulls selling $69 to $130. Joe Cooper of Great Village, Nova Scotia, consigned one limousin bull that weighed 1,875 lbs. and sold for $130.

There were 225 head of veal on offer. Beef sold $130 to $160 with sales to $175; good holsteins, $95 to $106 with sales to $114; Sl heavy holsteins, $80 to $85; heavy holsteins, $72 to $85; medium holsteins, $80 to $90; plain holsteins, $70 to $80. Paul M. Martin of Lucknow, consigned six head that averaged 828 lbs. and sold for an average price of $136.76. One blue heifer weighed 745 lbs. and sold for $150. John L. Miller of Lucknow, consigned four holstein steers that averaged 759 lbs. and sold

for an average price of $102.74. One holstein steer weighed 715 lbs. and sold for $106.

Lambs under 50 lbs. sold $330 to $370; 50 - 64 lbs., $358 to $385; 65 - 79 lbs., $331 to $350; 80 - 94 lbs., $286 to $325; 95 - 109 lbs., $238 to $240; 110 lbs. and over, $225 to $230.

Sheep sold $100 to $200.

Goats: billies sold $150 to $300; nannies, $75 to $150; kids: meat, $375 to $445 / lb.; dairy, 350 to $440 / lbs. Halte Farms of Goderich, consigned 28 goats. Eleven goats averaged 67 lbs. and sold for an average price of $445. Sjoerd Jan Deboer of Brussels, consigned five lambs that averaged 77 lbs. and sold for an average price of $350.

Top quality stocker steers under 400 lbs. sold $208 to $227; 400 - 499 lbs., $205 to $239; 500 - 599 lbs., $221 to $234; 600 - 699 lbs., $204 to $227; 700 - 799 lbs., $191 to $200;

800 - 899 lbs., $183 to $188.50; 900 - 999 lbs., $165 to $183.50; 1,000 lbs. and over, $148 to $172.

Top quality stocker heifers, 400 499 lbs. sold $174 to $185; 500 - 599 lbs., $159 to $192; 600 - 699 lbs., $159 to $188; 700 - 799 lbs., $170 to $184.50; 800 - 899 lbs., $163 to $174; 900 lbs. and over, $149 to $163.

Cory Mannerow of Paisley, consigned 30 head that averaged 776 lbs. and sold for an average price of $185.93. Eighteen gold steers averaged 835 lbs. and sold for an average price of $188.50 and 11 gold heifers averaged 760 lbs. and sold for an average price of $184.50.

Ephraim S. Weber of Holyrood, consigned 38 heifers that averaged 867 lbs. and sold for an average price of $172.51. Twenty-one charolais heifers averaged 876 lbs. and sold for an average price of $174.

NOTICE TO DOG OWNERS in the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry 2019 Dog Tags and Licences are now available: (Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Fridays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry Municipal Office 41342 Morris Rd., PO Box 310, Brussels, ON N0G 1H0

*** Tags can be picked up in person or ordered by telephone ***

Winner, winner!

The Brussels Optimist Club held its annual spring dinner and auction on Saturday night at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, raising tens of thousands of dollars to benefit the Ronald McDonald House, as well as community betterment. Many women in attendance that night took part in the jewelry draw, this year held with Yeti cups, instead of purses, which had become the tradition. (Quinn Talbot photo)

County says ‘no’ to proposal Continued from page 1 prices and trade deals, farmland increases will not continue the way they have over the past five years.

Fisher asked if there had been any other counties or areas that have reduced the farm ratio, and was told there are eight to 12, but those areas have far less agricultural land than Huron County, marking a far smaller impact on those local tax bases.

Huron County Treasurer Michael Blumhagen explained that Huron County has 50 per cent farmland as assessment, a figure based on 2015 numbers, and said many of the other areas that have made this change have between less than one per cent agricultural land and 10 per cent agricultural land.

Goderich Deputy-Mayor Myles Murdock later agreed, saying that the areas the OFA referenced have higher populations, and more of a mix of land uses, including more commercial and residential over which to spread taxes.

Councillor Jim Fergusson, Deputy-Mayor of Bluewater, said that his recollection of the OFA

presentation was that they aren’t against the increase in property value or methodology, just against the cost of ownership.

“That was the issue I heard,” he said. “When I look at that $600,000 that would go to residential [if the change were approved], I want to talk about the person… who makes less than $17.44 an hour. The widow, widower, pensioners and those on fixed income. We have no indication these people can afford an increase.

It’s an arbitrary decision to boost one class over the others and I can’t support that motion.”

Central Huron Deputy-Mayor David Jewitt said this wasn’t the county’s role in this discussion, saying that the council needed to advocate for Ontario Municipal Partnership Funding (OMPF) increases.

Murdock said that the change didn’t make sense because farming is a business and, compared to being a residential property owner, farmers can anticipate rising expenses and offset that overhead.

“Residents can’t do that,” he said.

“As Councillor Fergusson pointed out, if farmers sell, they see the results of these... increases.”

In the recorded vote on the issue, Dietrich voted in favour of it, Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan was absent and all others voted against the change.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK

All dogs must be licensed in compliance with By-law No. 80-2013.

A copy of the complete By-law is available for review at the Municipal Office.

All dogs must be identified by means of a tag and licence, issued for a (1) one year period by: Friday, April 26, 2019 The fee schedule shall be as follows: 1. All Dogs (except those listed in #2) - male, females and spayed females FIRST DOG ALL OTHERS

$20.00 per dog $30.00 per dog

2. Pit bulls, Pit bull crosses, Staffordshire terriers FIRST DOG $100.00 per dog ALL OTHERS $110.00 per dog 3. Kennel Licence Fee $125.00 (for a kennel of dogs that are registered or eligible for registration under the Animal Pedigree Act)

Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 9:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

THURSDAYS 8:00 a.m. Drop Calves 10:00 a.m.Veal 11:30 a.m. Lambs, Goats & Sheep

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

Call us 519-887-6461

4. Late Payment Charge $20.00 per dog (Shall be assessed in addition to the licence fee, if the licence and/or tag is not purchased by April 26th)

Excrement: The By-law requires dog owners to forthwith remove excrement left by a dog, from property other than the premises of the owner of the dog.

Any person contravening this provision is subject to a $125 fee.

For further information contact: The Municipality of Morris-Turnberry Telephone: 519-887-6137 Ext. 24 Fax: 519-887-6424 E-mail: mail@morristurnberry.ca

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019. PAGE 9.

Sports Wingham, BCH teams vie for OMHA gold

By Denny Scott The Citizen While most of the Huron Heat teams have finished up their seasons, some persist on while other Huron County teams push on through playoffs.

WINGHAM Two Wingham minor hockey squads entered the weekend in contention for Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) glory with the Atom Rep and Atom AE squads both making their respective bracket finals.

The Atom AE squad, in the Atom AE4 division, dropped two games against the Ilderton Jets: a 3-0 home loss on March 19 and a 4-3 road loss on March 23. The squad faced elimination on Monday night, but a score was unavailable at press time.

The Atom Rep squad, in the Atom C division, faced a rough start to their best-of-five series against the East Lambton Eagles, dropping a 30 loss on the road. The Eagles then bested Wingham 4-1 in Wingham on March 23 and, on March 24, the Eagles edged out Wingham 2-1, claiming the championship.

The Wingham Midget Girls team

starts its year-end tournament this weekend with games against Grey Highlands, Central Perth and South Bruce.

Next weekend, the squad is scheduled to compete in a provincial tournament as well.

For more information, visit winghamminorhockey.com BCH ICE DOGS The BCH Ice Dogs PeeWee AE squad is locked in a 1-1-1 series tie against the Durham Crusaders for the OMHA PeeWee AE4-5 championship.

Earlier this month, the two squads tied 3-3, each earning a point in the six-point, best-of-five series. Over the weekend, BCH posted a 3-0 win against Durham in Hensall, then were downed 4-1 by the Crusaders on March 24.

The battle continues next weekend with the Ice Dogs on the road on March 29 and 30, and, if necessary, game five is scheduled for March 31 at 1:30 p.m. in Hensall.

The PeeWee Local League Ice Dogs also continued their playoff run with games two and three in a three-game series against the Hanover Falcons. On Sunday, the Ice Dogs took the lead in the series

with a 2-1 win after tying the Falcons 3-3 on March 22. Game three was set March 25, but a score was unavailable at press time.

The Bantam Rep squad entered a three-game series this week against the Saugeen Shores Storm. Game one was set for March 26, game two on March 27 and scores were unavailable as of press time.

The third game, if necessary, is scheduled for March 28 in Clinton with the puck drop set for 7:30 p.m.

The Bantam Local League Ice Dogs faced off against the Saugeen Shores Storm 2 in game two of a three-game series on March 27, a final score was unavailable at press time.

The Ice Dogs had set the pace for the series, claiming a 4-3 victory on March 22. Game three, if necessary, is set for March 30 in Saugeen Shores.

The Midget Rep Ice Dogs are fighting back against the Saugeen Shores Storm after losing game one of a three-game series against the storm 4-1 over the weekend.

The team next takes to the ice in Clinton on March 29 with a puck drop at 6:30 p.m. Game three, if

necessary, is set for March 30 in Saugeen Shores.

For more information, visit bchminorhockey.ca.

HURON HEAT The Huron Heat Atom A squad bounced back from a 1-0 series deficit to win the Lower Lakes Female Hockey League (LLFHL) round two playoffs 2-0.

On March 23, at the Seaforth and District Community Centre Arena, the Heat topped the Wildcats in Seaforth 1-0, then repeated the feat with the same score on March 24, again in Seaforth.

The Heat Atom HL squad was edged out of the three-game Western Ontario Girls Hockey League (WOGHL) final against the West Oxford Inferno HL team.

The Inferno handed the Heat a 3-1 loss in Seaforth on March 23 and a 4-1 loss on March 24 in Thamesford.

After tying its first game against the Chatham Outlaws in round three LLFHL playoffs, the PeeWee B Heat dropped two to Chatham. On March 23, on the road, the Heat was beaten by a score of 2-1 and then, at home in Seaforth on March 24, the squad was dealt a 2-0 loss.

The PeeWee C Heat is tied 1-1 in the WOGHL Finals against the North Middlesex Jr. Stars C team.

The Heat were defeated at home on March 23 1-0, but then posted a 1-0 win on the road in North Middlesex.

The final will be determined in game three on March 30 at the Central Huron Community Complex. The puck drops at 2:30 p.m.

The Bantam C squad is in a similar situation, being tied 1-1 with the Kent County Fillies for the WOGHL finals after two games over the weekend.

On March 23, the squad was bested by the Fillies 4-1 in Seaforth.

The Heat then posted a 3-0 win in Bothwell on March 24. The final is set for March 31 at 6:30 p.m. in Blenheim.

The Midget BB Heat emerged victorious from its LLFHL round three series against the Lakeshore Lighting.

After taking an early 1-0 lead in the series, the Lightning tied the Heat 3-3 on March 23. On March 24, the Heat posted a 2-0 win over the Lightning, claiming the best-ofthree series.

For more information, follow the Heat at huronheat.com.

Cottrills miss playoffs at national mixed doubles Despite great optimism going into the tournament, Shawn and Katie Cottrill failed to make the finals of the 2019 Mixed Doubles Curling Championships held last week.

The Belgrave-area couple, representing Team Ontario, finished sixth in Pool ‘A’ of the event, held in Fredericton, New Brunswick March 19-24.

The Cottrills finished the tournament with two wins, conceding two matches and three losses.

Their first game, against Tyler Tardi and Dezaray Hawes, was a 8-6 loss. Next, the Cottrills posted an 86 win over Edmund MacDonald and Alison Griffin, then conceded an 8-5

Representing Katie and Shawn Cottrill, shown above in their Team Ontario duds, represented the province at the National Mixed Doubles Curling Championship last week. (Courtesy

match against Cody Tanaka and Park Catera.

In Draw 7, the Cottrills were edged out 7-6 by Emilie and Robert Desjardins, then posted an 8-5 win over Kyle Doering and Ashley Groff.

Draw 11 saw the Cottrills face off against Brett Gallant and Jocelyn

zen The Citi

Coaches and parents

Club honours winners winner with 49.5 points; second draw, Mike Bernard, Brian Warwick, Dianne Flood and Dawn Rybicki, 48.5 and first draw winner, Steve Steiss, Halee McCann, Norm Dobson and Shelby Radford, 45.5.

Members then played a variety of games following the presentations to conclude the evening.

Curling will return in the fall and the club hopes to have more folks come out and join the group. Ideas were tossed around about having teaching nights, a booth at the Brussels Fall Fair for early sign up and starting a youth league. All the ideas will be investigated by the executive in the fall. Watch for information on them.

See historic photographs on the Stops Along the Way website at stopsalongtheway.ca

Youth Winter Sports Pages

photo)

Continued from page 6 with the financial report presented and officers for the executive renewed. President next year is Halee McCann; First VicePresident, Doug Bremner and Second Vice-President, Tyler Jutzi.

The Brussels Curling Club then held its year-end banquet on Friday night with a good crowd of around 30 attending the year-end festivities.

A delicious potluck meal was enjoyed by all.

President Carman Bernard welcomed all and following dinner, the awards were presented.

The top prize of the D.A. Rann Trophy was presented to team Brian Warwick, Janelle Caldwell, Mervyn Bauer and George Zwep, third draw

Peterman, who edged them out 6-5 and in their final game, in Draw 13, the Cottrills conceded a 9-3 match to Steve Laycock and Kristen Streifel.

Gallant and Peterman would go on to win the tournament, earning the right to represent Canada in international mixed double curling play.

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

Please help us get ALL the Winter Sports teams published.

The Citizen

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114 info@northhuron.on.ca

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019.

March 30

th

10 am - 3 pm * Door Prizes * Draws and In-store Specials * Refeshments

Congratulations and Best Wishes on your Grand Opening

s 3EPTIC 4ANK 0UMPING 3ERVICE s 3EPTIC AND (OLDING 4ANKS s 3EWER s 7ATER s $RAINAGE 0RODUCTS s !GGREGATE AND $ECORATIVE 3TONE * 2EADY -IX #ONCRETE 7ASHINGTON 3T 22 ,UCKNOW ./' ( Manufacturer of Precast Concrete Products

www.porters.ca s &AX

Congratulations on your Grand Opening!

AGRICULTURAL

Brian Waddell P.Eng.

RESIDENTIAL

Structural Engineer 99 Baggs Crescent, Cambridge, ON N1T 2E8 Tel: 519-267-6789 • Cell: 226-218-1335 Fax: 519-267-6789 Email: waddelleng@gmail.com

NEW CONSTRUCTION RENOVATIONS

519-524-0253

www.waddelleng.com

Congratulations on your Grand Opening!

LISTOWEL

GODERICH

WINGHAM

1065 Wallace Ave. N.

208 Suncoast Dr. E.

469 Josephine St.

SEAFORTH 58 Main St. S.

519-291-1213

519-524-8389

519-357-3830

519-527-0880

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019. PAGE 11.

Congratulations on your Grand Opening!

Best Wishes on your Grand Opening BLYTH, 208 Hamilton Street • 519.523.9306 GODERICH, 370 Bayfield Road • 519.524.8312 GORRIE, 44195 Harriston Road • 519.335.3551 LISTOWEL, 140 Main Street East • 519.291.2610

630 Campbell Street P.O. Box 100 Lucknow, ON N0G 2H0

Roger Robertson Relationship Manager Business Banking

Tel.: 519-528-3025 Fax: 519-528-3736 Cell: 519-357-0206 Roger.Robertson@bmo.com

www.watsonshomehardware.com

Best Wishes on your Grand Opening!

83997 Brussels Line RR #2 Brussels, ON N0G 1H0

GREG RYAN CELL: 519-357-5129 RES.: 519-887-2638 Email:tugryan@tcc.on.ca

SHOP: 519-887-6916 FAX: 519-887-6949

Congratulations on your Grand Opening!

Dale Pump & Farm Service Ltd. ➺ Water Pumps ➺ Water Conditioners ➺ Water Installations ➺ Backhoe Service ➺ Full Line Hydraulic Hose & Fittings ➺ Water Treatment Systems ➺ Open & Closing of Seasonal Systems ➺ Annual Water Well Inspections LICENSED PLUMBING & GAS TECHNICIAN For all your water needs call

JIM RYAN CELL: 519-357-5369 RES.: 519-887-6916

519-482-3274 24/7 Pager Service 269 Ontario St., (Hwy. 8 East) Clinton

Congratulations MGM Townsend Tire on your Grand Opening!

DUSTIN COURT

Best Wishes MGM Townsend Townsend Tire Tire

Owner/Operator

226-939-0261 dustincourt@hotmail.com Finishing + Woodworking Kitchens + Countertops (live edge) Millwork + Stairs + Wall Units

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL

Blyth ~ 519-523-4311 We wish to congratulate MGM Townsend Tire on their new addition - we were happy to be a part of this project!

Blyth Decor Shoppe Congratulations and best wishes on your grand opening

RR #4 Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0 • 519-522-1556 Randy Wilson ~ maplehill@tcc.on.ca • Residential • Agricultural • Commercial • Pole Line Construction • Crop Drying Technician ESA Authorized Contractor For all your electrical needs

ECRA/ESA 7004747 TSSA 76641036

Best wishes on your Grand Opening!

Canada Brokerlink (Ontario) Inc. 51 Albert Street Stratford, ON N5A 3K2

Drywalling, Floor Coverings, Paints and Wall Coverings Barney & Linda Stewart

Queen Street, Blyth 519-523-4840

All the Best on your Grand Opening Blyth 519-523-4792

Auto/Home/Business Insurance

Kevin Varley CIP,CFEI Account Executive

kvarley@brokerlink.ca

phone: 519-271-1840 ext. 1908 cell: 519-272-3647 toll-free: 1-800-265-8532 fax: 519-271-1789 www.brokerlink.ca

A Visitor’s Guide to Huron County

Congratulations MGM Townsend Tire on the opening of your new building Congratulations on your Grand Opening

823316 Burns Line RR1 R1 Blyth N0M 1H0

Mike Kerr 519-52 25-7079 Robb Finch 519-52 25-5009

The Citizen Blyth 519-523-4792

Brussels 519-887-9114

Tax rate to drop in M-T While Morris-Turnberry Council approved its 2019 budget at its March 19 meeting, there are still some changes that will be made to it as a result of provincial funding changes.

Administrative Clerk-Treasurer Nancy Michie presented the budget, which included a 1.83 per cent increase in the municipal levy.

However, due to a 13.419 per cent increase in taxable assessment in Morris-Turnberry, the tax rates for the area will actually decrease.

Morris-Turnberry’s taxable assessment in 2019 increased to $965,454,382, up from $851,228,726, while the municipal levy will increase to $3,461,041 from $3,400,206.

Michie explained that the final residential tax rates are still pending from Huron County and local school boards, but based on current numbers, the municipal tax rate will go down 6.92 per cent, the county portion will go down an estimated 3.07 per cent and the education component will go down 0.97 per cent, meaning, overall, MorrisTurnberry residents could see a tax rate reduction of 5.2 per cent.

Based on an example home assessed at $100,000 in 2018, Michie said 2019 taxes would be $1,370.14, a decrease of $74.81 from the previous year.

Michie explained that 2019 will be a building year for MorrisTurnberry as far as reserves are concerned. Prior to being told that Morris-Turnberry’s Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) is being reduced she said that municipal reserves are set to increase by 244.2 per cent, however, with the OMPF reduction alongside the cancellation of the Ontario Community Infrastructure Funding (OCIF) program, those numbers will change slightly.

A large component of the 2019 budget is road and bridge work, Michie said, with the municipality spending $1.4 million on road projects, nearly double the spending of 2018.

Road projects include work on Arthur Street in Lower Town ($25,000), Salem Road surface treatment ($609,000), asphalt paving on Clyde Line ($260,000) and work on Alice Street ($50,000).

Bridge projects include Jamestown Road ($90,000), engineering work on Blind Line Bridge ($165,000), deck repair on the B-Line bridge ($180,000) and repair work on bridges on Clegg Line ($20,000) and Kieffer Line ($10,000).

Mayor Jamie Heffer congratulated Michie and the rest of MorrisTurnberry’s staff on the work, saying that council dictated a levy increase it would be comfortable with which the staff subsequently met. “Thank you for making that work,” he said.

Michie reminded council that amendments are forthcoming for the budget due to the OMPF and OCIF funding changes, as well as changes to the Blind Line Bridge project; an issue for which council hosted a public meeting earlier this month.

The draft budget was approved to return for adoption by bylaw pending the setting of the tax ratios once information from Huron County and the local school boards was received.

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019.

Lions Club donates $10,500 to different groups PEOPLE AROUND LONDESBORO

By BRENDA RADFORD Call 523-4296

In a recent note from Ron Nesbitt, treasurer of the Londesborough Lions Club, he noted that in recent weeks the club has donated $10,500 to 40 different charities and organizations.

Four local hospitals and the Huron Residential Hospice as well as several health-related organizations received donations. Youth are our future and many community groups such as minor ball, hockey, skating and broomball benefitted. Other youth organizations which were remembered were Hullett school awards, public speaking, kids’ special needs camps, school book program and the peace poster contest.

The club feels it is important that the community which supports its breakfasts and other functions be informed of the work those funds do.

The following is an item I found in last week’s Citizen from year 1995.

“Hullett Township council settled a

heated debate about whether or not to build a new municipal structure.

After input from the community was received, council decided to go ahead with constructing a new town hall structure at a cost of $225,000.”

Long-time area residents will remember the issue was definitely a heated one. There was much discussion outside of the meeting

mentioned above. It very nearly split the community. Taxpayers were very much aware that amalgamation was already being discussed which would make a new building superfluous.

Six years later, in 2001, Hullett Township became part of the Municipality of Central Huron and the building sat empty for a time.

That building is now home to the

Fellowship Bible Chapel.

Villagers learned on Monday, March 18 of the passing of Geraldine (Johnston) Dale.

Geraldine lived in the house next to the former Pianovations store until she and Lorne moved into an apartment in Clinton a few years ago.

A private family service of remembrance was held at the

Local UCW group marks Day of Prayer The Londesborough UCW made a change some years ago and now hold their observance of the World Day of Prayer on their regular meeting night. So they held this year’s service on March 18.

This year’s service was prepared by the Christian women of Slovenia.

Slovenia is about the size of the state of Massachusetts and the country opens onto the Adriatic Sea. Although its peoples are an ancient civilization, the country has experienced many political changes.

It has, however, been a prospering democratic republic since 1992. A short video offering facts about the country was watched.

During the service, the Londesborough ladies heard five Slovenian women explain how life is for them in their country. In a later

discussion it became apparent that the Slovenian women struggle with the same problems as women in Canada, such as finances, raising children, employment, drugs, medical care, housing, aging, education and faith. Speaking for the Slovenian women were Crystal Whyte, Kerri Whyte, Bev Riley, Erin Yantzi and Catherine Allen.

The scripture passage offered for study was Luke 14: 15-24, the “Parable of the Great Banquet”. The Londesborough ladies sang along with a fun little video the familiar camp song, “I Cannot Come” based on those verses. A reflection on this parable was offered and some discussion followed.

This parable was inviting everyone to the feast, or rather, the

Obituaries Memorial donations to the Diabetes Association, Wingham & District Hospital Foundation or the Wingham & District Right to Life would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

Online condolences may be left at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com

Kingdom of God and emphasizing that everyone was/is welcome at God’s table.

We learned it is a parable of inclusiveness. And we, as Christians, must spread the word of God’s grace and love to all persons - young or old, rich or poor, learned and illiterate, the broken-hearted and the unloved.There is no place for discrimination.

Conducting the service were Harriet Shillinglaw, Laura Scott and Brenda Radford.

For lunch the ladies enjoyed

ROBERT CHARTER Robert Charter of Teeswater and formerly of East Wawanosh Twp., passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at Stratford General Hospital. He was in his 83rd year.

Robert was the beloved husband of Donelda for 57 years and the loving father of Elizabeth and Gary Dal Bianco, Niagara Falls and Lori and Stephen Jones, Milton.

He was the cherished grandfather of Drew and Avery Jones and Garrett and Sarah Dal Bianco and the dear brother of Mildred McAdam, Clinton and Diane Charter, Mississauga.

Visitation was held at the Falconer Funeral Homes, Blyth Chapel on Sunday, March 24. The funeral service was held on Monday, March 25. Spring interment will be held at Blyth Union Cemetery.

Memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

Condolences for the family may

potika, a Slovenian specialty bread and grapes to signify the wine making in Slovenia.

President Bev Riley conducted a short business meeting following the service.

Have A New Addition?

Let everyone know about your new bundle of joy!

Call for prices and details

519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114

The Citizen

be placed at www.falconerfuneral homes.com

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

MEETING NOTICE Municipality of Morris-Turnberry The upcoming meetings for the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry will be held: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 Tuesday, April 16, 2019

RICHARD CAMPEAU Richard Campeau of Wingham, passed away at Wingham and District Hospital on Monday, March 25, 2019. He was 83.

Richard was the beloved husband of Sally (Slosser) Campeau of Wingham and the cherished dad of Rachelle and Brad Gerrie, Wingham and Natalie and Patrick Vandenberg, RR3, Walkerton.He was the dear pépé of Brigitte and Justin Wagner, Alex Gerrie and Connor Gerrie, Cosette Vandenberg, Joseph Vandenberg and Matthew Vandenberg.

Richard was the cherished brother of Ruth Anne Bourdeau and Jane Shannon and the brother-in-law of Gloria Campeau, David and Alice Slosser, Nancy and Joe Boll, Jane Richard and Connie and Dave Hudder. He was predeceased by his parents Wilfred and Dora (Cochois) Campeau, brothers Leonard and Bernard Campeau and sisters Josephine Drouillard, Bernice Digou and Doris Morneau and parents-inlaw Leander and Isabel Slosser.

Visitation was held at McBurney Funeral Home, Wingham on Wednesday including a vigil prayer service.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church on Thursday at 11 a.m. Father K.P. Morrison will officiate. Interment will take place in Wingham Cemetery.

Londesborough United Church on Thursday, March 21.

Condolences are extended to her family and many friends in the area from villagers.

Rev. Bill McAuslan will conduct the sacrament of communion at Londesborough United on Sunday, March 31.

GERALDINE EVELYN DALE Geraldine Evelyn Dale of Clinton and formerly of Londesborough, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family at Clinton Public Hospital, on Tuesday, March 19, 2019. She was in her 84th year.

Geraldine was the beloved wife of Lorne Dale and the late Ervin Johnston (1978) and the loving mother of Glen Johnston, Edmonton, Alberta; Linda Bedard, Clinton and Karen Garrow (Gary), Exeter. She was the cherished grandmother of nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Geraldine was the dear sister and sister-in-law of Jean Porter, Verna Edgar and Russell Fear, Gordon and Susan Byers and Linda Byers. She was predeceased by her brothers Alvin and Kenneth Byers.

A private family funeral service will be held at the Londesborough United Church, Londesborough.

Cremation with interment of ashes will be held at Blyth Union Cemetery at a later date.

As expressions of sympathy memorial donations to the charity of one’s choice would be appreciated.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Falconer Funeral Homes, Clinton.

Messages of condolence for Geraldine’s family are welcomed at www.falconerfuneralhomes.com

at 7:30 p.m. at 7:30 p.m.

Regular Council Meeting Regular Council Meeting

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Big Jobs Let us help Little Jobs you find Odd Jobs the ideal Even Dirty Jobs person!

Place an ad in our classified section in

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019. PAGE 13.

From the Minister’s Study

Sabotaging suicide in a throwaway society

By Ernest Dow, Exec. Pastor, Huron Chapel EMC, Auburn The calendar tells us it is now officially spring – season of new life, as nature awakens from its long winter nap. Songs of robins and other birds can be heard in the morning. The grass begins to green up and shoots appear in flowerbeds.

Yet, even in this season where life returns outdoors, death continues to puncture our existence with its seemingly untimely incursions. The news reports the father of a victim of the Sandy Hook elementary shootings who, now some six years after the massacre of the 20 students in Connecticut, apparently has taken his own life. We occasionally hear of other members in our own community taking their life, some just college age. Very sad. Such deaths leave parents, other family members, and close friends reeling, scratching their heads and wondering what more they might have done to prevent the deaths if they had only known.

Such events remind me of my own experience of a close family member who committed suicide 20 years ago. My mother-in-law had been living beside our home in her own granny flat. She had been struggling through some health issues, but seemed to be coping well enough.

When it became apparent we would be moving across the province, she listened attentively to our description of retirement residence options that might suit her. But one day my wife and I unexpectedly found her deceased in her flat, by her own doing.

The shock was traumatic; the grief was heart-breaking. I could only hold my wife and try to comfort her as she sobbed uncontrollably. How were we to know her mother was even considering such a drastic step?

The Bible’s perspective is that human life is precious, not to be discounted or thrown away lightly.

We are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). Scripture tells us, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants” (Psalm 116:15). God impressed upon Noah the preciousness of human life, imposing a sentence of death for anyone who takes another’s life, “For in the image of God has God made man” (Genesis 9:6). In regard to our high value to our Maker, Jesus told His disciples the very hairs of their head were all numbered, and they were worth more than many sparrows (Matthew 10:31).

It is true that several individuals in Bible times did commit suicide; but these are not viewed in a positive light. King Saul fell on his own sword when defeated by the Philistines (1 Sam. 31:4). Judas hung himself after betraying Jesus to His enemies, being subsequently seized with remorse (Mt. 27:5).

Even the prophet Elijah, threatened by a wicked and powerful monarch, became so exhausted and discouraged that he begged God to take his life (1Kings 19:4).

Discouragements are not uncommon in life. Setbacks and sicknesses can be disheartening.

Jesus warned us life would not be easy: “Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Mt.6:34) The Bible is realistic in its acknowledgment of the pitfalls, perils and problems that await us in a fallen world. Yet it remains optimistic in the scope of eternity.

Some years ago, I attended a workshop on suicide prevention. We

were taught to assess suicide risk based on factors such as whether the person was having suicidal thoughts, whether they had devised an actual plan, and whether they had actually gone about procuring the means needed to carry out such a plan. If all these things were in place, need for intervention was high because the risk of carrying through was very serious. A sudden upturn in attitude might not be a good thing because it could signal that the person had actually decided to go through with their plan and so was emotionally relieved, now they knew an end to their pain was in sight.

Besides teaching us which signs to watch for in interacting with someone who might be suicidal, the workshop impressed upon us the need to be ready to ask a simple direct question: “Are you having suicidal thoughts?” Many more

people have suicidal thoughts than actually decide to go through with it and take their own life.

In fact, giving the troubled person permission to talk about their worries and fears and stresses by asking such a question can go a long way towards helping prevent things from getting worse. It normalizes their experience, reassures them it’s all right to have suicidal thoughts flit through their mind when pressures mount; but they are also given an ally in the listener, one who cares enough to ask the tough questions, and walk alongside them in an effort to help them find better solutions.

Besides confiding in a close friend we can trust who understands us and our situation, Scripture also encourages us to turn to God in prayer when discouraged.

Jesus offers us fullness of life and saves us when we’re feeling

The Regional Ministry of Hope These Anglican Churches Welcome You Rev. JoAnn Todd, Rector 519-357-7781 email: revjoann@hurontel.on.ca The­Regional­Ministry­of­ Hope

Trinity

St. John’s

BLYTH

BRUSSELS

9:15 am

11:15 am

St. Paul’s Trinity

WINGHAM

11:15 am

COME WORSHIP WITH US!

BRUSSELS

United Church Joint 5th Sunday Worship at Blyth United Sunday, March 31 at 11:00 am All are Welcome

MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

SUNDAY, MARCH 31

overwhelmed; He contrasts His own mission with that of the devil in John 10(10), “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

So, if you encounter someone who’s struggling, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask a simple question such as, “You seem to be having a very hard time; are you struggling with suicidal thoughts?” You just

may save someone’s life.

If you yourself are struggling, don’t pretend you can just manage it on your own. You have allies in the community who will help you get back on your feet. Cultivate an active prayer life, journalling your hopes and fears, crying out to God when no one else seems to care. The Lord knows your issues and weaknesses and can save you from the grips of the situation.

You’re Invited To Join Us In Worship SUNDAYS Morning Service Evening Service

10:00 am 7:30 pm

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

Sunday, March 31 You re Invited to come worship with us

at 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

650 Alexander St. (former Brussels Public School) Sunday School for children 4 to 12 years of age at 9:30 a.m.

Childcare provided for infants and preschoolers during the sermon.

Coffee & cookies after the morning service.

Wednesday Night Kids’ Club 6:45 pm - 8:15 pm (ages 5-12)

For additional details please contact Pastor Andrew Versteeg 519.887.8621 Steve Klumpenhower 519.292.0965 Rick Packer 519.527.0173

Blyth United Church Sunday, March 31 Worship Service at 11:00 am Brussels United Church will be joining us today Special music organized by Cappy Onn Lunch to follow Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday ~ 9:30 am - 2:00 pm blythunited@tcc.on.ca

We invite you to join our church family in:

Worship & Sunday School - 9:30 am (*New time) Coffee & Snacks following the service Fridays 11:30 am - 1:00 pm ~ Soup & More 2 - a free community meal held in Melville’s basement, and made possible by the Brussels churches working together.

Nursery care available 519-887-6687

Sunday March 31 9:30 a.m. Sunday School, 10:30 a.m. Worship Pastor Phil Delsaut “God Has No Favourites” (Acts 10:9-23)

Tuesdays 6:30 - 9 p.m. “Way of Jesus” training Wednesdays 6:30-8:00 p.m. HEIRBORN (JK-Gr. 6); 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jr. & Sr. YOUTH (Gr. 7-12) Fri. Mar. 29 7 p.m. Youth Bowling huronchapel.com huronchapelkids.com huronchapelyouth.com 519-526-1131 ~ 119 John’s Ave., Auburn

Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches Accessible

OFFICE: 519-523-4224

THE CATHOLIC PARISHES OF NORTH HURON AND NORTH PERTH CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO ATTEND HOLY MASS. OUR SUNDAY LITURGIES ARE AS FOLLOWS: Brussels: St. Ambrose Saturday 6:00 p.m.

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

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

1025 Wallace Avenue N.

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019.

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

DEADLINE 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

Accomm for rent ROOMS FOR RENT. $600 PER month. 519-440-3706.

09-4p -------------------------------------------TWO-BEDROOM SPACIOUS apartment for rent, Drummond Street in Blyth, $850 per month includes heat, hydro, water, fridge, stove and laundry. No smoking, no pets. Seniors (50+) preferred. Call Brian at 519-524-7517.

11-tfn

Accomm wanted SENIOR MALE, NON SMOKER, non drinker, no pets, desires small apartment or room in Brussels. 519955-9513.

12-2p -------------------------------------------SMALL FARM FAMILY LOOKING for house and barn to rent. Clean, quiet, great references. 519-3570194.

12-4p

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 – $4.00, 5x7 – $5.00, 8x10 – $8.00. Phone to order 519523-4792 or 519-887-9114. tfn -------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AVAILABLE TO purchase at these locations – Auburn Co-op, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Bulk & Bargains, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, JR’s, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Walton Inn, Dean’s ValuMart in Wingham, Wingham Mini Mart, Brown’s Pharmasave, Wingham. Seaforth Foodland, GT Mini Mart in Seaforth, Fincher’s in Goderich, The Citizen Blyth, and Brussels. tfn

Coming events KNOX UNITED BELGRAVE serving ham and scalloped potato supper at Belgrave Community Centre on Wednesday, April 10.

Serving from 5 - 7 p.m. Tickets are: adults $18, children 5-12 $8, under 5 years free. To order tickets call Gord 519-357-2797 or Larry 519-4411305.

11-4 --------------------------------------------

Auction sale AUBURN UNITED CHURCH roast beef supper, Wednesday, April 3, Auburn Community Centre, 5:30 p.m. Family $45, adults $18, children 6-12 $9, 5 and under free.

Call Shirley 519-526-7762 or Carol 519-526-7214.

11&13p -------------------------------------------BLYTH FESTIVAL SINGERS Fauré Requiem Sunday, April 7, Knox Presbyterian, Goderich, 3 p.m.

Featuring Ian Sadler, Brittany Lyon and Daniel van Winden. Adults $15, Children $6. Blyth Festival Box Office 519-523-9300 or www.blythfestival.com 13-1 --------------------------------------------

ST. AMBROSE PARISH PRESENTS

SPRING VENDOR MARKET SATURDAY, MARCH 30

Help wanted

In memoriam

GENERAL FARM LABOURER. Looking for a responsible and motivated individual for a full-time labourer position located north of Blyth. Valid driver’s licence required.

Experience on farm and operating a skidsteer an asset. Please send résumé to Dave at dkpasschier@hotmail.com 13-2 -------------------------------------------FULL-TIME POSITION ON SHEEP farm. Must be knowledgeable about farm equipment and milking. Call 519-523-4753.

12-3p -------------------------------------------MONOWAY FARMS LIMITED OF Brussels is currently seeking a fullor part-time general farm labourer.

We are a cash crop/swine farm seeking a reliable individual to complete various tasks. College and University students are welcome to apply. You must have transportation to and from work.

Starting wage will depend on experience. Please send your résumé to janemonoway@gmail.com or fax to 519-887-9837, Attn: Paul Fear.

12-2

CRAIG. In loving memory of Don Craig who passed away 12 years ago on March 31, 2007.

God called you and took you by the hand, You didn’t go alone, for part of us went with you.

We think of you in silence and often speak your name, Now all we have are memories and your picture on the wall.

– Forever loved and sadly missed by Marilyn, Deb, Fred, Jon, Quinton, Doug, Heidi and Kyle, Jamie and Dave.

13-1p -------------------------------------------JOHNSTON, Ken. In memory of Ken, who passed away March 31, 2018.

Though your smile is gone forever, And your hand we cannot touch, We still have many memories, Of the one we loved so much.

– Love Bessie and family.

13-1p

ARE YOU PREGNANT AND unsure about your future? Contact Ramoth House. We can help you discover your parenting potential.

You can get more information about our services on our website www.ramoth.ca or by phone 519-323-3751 or email: office@ramoth.ca e6w

LUNCH AVAILABLE Local Vendors • Raffle Draw Cash Prizes • Bake Table 11 AM - 3 PM ST. AMBROSE PARISH HALL BRUSSELS

Auction sale

Personals

Auction sale

CLEARING AUCTION SALE of Tractors, Machinery, & Miscellaneous Items to be held for

RON & ROSIE YANKE

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 – 11:00 AM 1 corner East of Bluevale(Amberley Rd) or 1 corner West of Brussels Line and ¼ mile North on Ramsey Line Em #86759 TRACTORS: Case 1690 2WD, cab, power shift; Belarus 102 cab, air, 4WD, 2345 hrs (good condition); JD 1120 diesel w/ loader (nice); Deutz D6206 diesel, 4WD w/ loader, less than 100hrs on rebuilt engine.

MACHINERY: Case IH 5100 21 run seed drill w/ grass seed; 11ft 3pth cultivator w/ buster bar; 14ft wheel packer; MF 32 plate 10ft disc; MF 3 furrow 3pth spring trip plow, 16" bottoms; 6ft 3pth snow blower; 2225bu. & 2-175bu. gravity bins on running gear; 16ft flat rack wagon on running gear; 2-White 7300 combines (selling for scrap).

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS: 24ft portable saw mill c/w Stihl gas chain saw, 34" bar; 9ft x 4½ft utility trailer(good); Comet welder; torch set; table saw; chop saw; JD chain saw & other chain saws; garden tiller; floor jacks; bottle jacks; wheel barrel; back pack sprayer; wrenches; power & hand tools; aluminum ladder; quantity of rough cut lumber; Ebike, etc. etc. 1-2 wagon loads of farm related items.

Services NEED A RÉSUMÉ? WE CAN help. FREE assistance. The Centre for Employment and Learning, 152 Josephine St., 2nd Floor, Wingham, 519-357-4995.

13-1p -------------------------------------------CUSTOM CLOVER SEEDING with GPS $2.50/acre or $3 for pasture. Seed available at $1.75/lb.

D.C. Call Kurt Beuerman, 519-5250538 or 519-523-9234 (home).

10-4b -------------------------------------------INCOME TAX PREPARATION – farm, business, personal. Stephen Thompson, 519-482-3244.

10-8 -------------------------------------------FAXING SERVICE We can send or receive faxes for you for only $1.00 per page. The Citizen, 413 Queen St., Blyth. Phone 519523-4792. Fax 519-523-9140. tfn

Tender

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

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

Your ad will run three times unless it sells faster! ➨ The Citizen reserves the right to limit the number of items or ads per person.

Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca WANTED TO BUY – Used hay rake. 226-622-2175.

13-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE – Beautiful well kept cloth love seat. Asking only $30 or best offer. Call 519-291-9486.12-3 ----------------------------------------FOR SALE – Antique wood rocking chair kept in amazing shape. Asking $50 or best offer.

Call 519-291-9486.

12-3 ----------------------------------------FOR SALE – Fertilizer spreader.

Red fertilizer push spreader, perfect for in-town lawns. Good condition. Asking only $20 or best offer. Call 291-9486.

12-3 ----------------------------------------FOR SALE – Lighted curio cabinet, a decorative piece perfect to display collectibles, it has a mirrored back to reflect your treasures. It is a brown natural wood grain variation wall hugging half moon shape 68" high 27" wide and 14" deep. 519-357-2807.10-3 -----------------------------------------

Tender TENDERS

Plan to attend, be on time, approx. a 2-2½ hr sale.

(Land is rented). LUNCH BOOTH For more information call Don Cochrane at 519-887-9330

are invited on behalf of the Belgrave Community Centre Board for the

To view photos visit www.billhorstauctions.com

for the 2019 and 2020 Seasons

TERMS Cash or cheque with proper I.D. No Debit or Credit cards.

Proprietors & auctioneers not responsible for accidents, injury, or loss of purchases.

Verbal announcements take precedence over advertising.

AUCTIONEER BILL HORST 519-595-2626

Park Caretaker Bids are invited to supply the necessary equipment and services of cutting and trimming grass, general maintenance, rolling of grounds and main ball diamond.

Bids are to be received for the above until April 2, 2019 at Belgrave Community Centre Board, PO Box 4, Belgrave, ON N0G 1E0.

Package and details may be obtained by contacting 519-357-8259.

THE LOWEST OR ANY BID NOT NECESSARILY ACCEPTED.

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

www.northhuron.on.ca

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019. PAGE 15.

Spring signs all around, except higher temperatures PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

There are many signs of spring out there, but the temperature has not been one of them. The robins are back, the tundra swans are back, the Canada geese are pairing off for their spring mating, roadside bottle collectors are out, kids have ball gloves at school, no snowpants and lots of corn is being shipped, so there are trucks on the road. Trucks delivering seed to farmers, winter sports winding up, banquets being held, and it will soon be income tax due the end of April! Now if the temperatures could only go up a little.

Congratulations to grandma Donna McClure on the arrival of a new granddaughter. Everlee has blessed the lives of Rob and Amanda McClure and big sister Aubrey is the best little helper already.

Congratulations to the McClure family.

Returning from a wonderful and busy six-week trip “down under” are Jim and Linda McDonald. They left on Jan. 25, just before many of our Huron County storms blew across the area. The long flight had them arriving in Sydney, Australia on Jan. 27 to lovely, hot weather, around 30°C. They had two days to explore the city of Sydney before their tour began in Alice Springs. They joined a tour group of 24 from the United Kingdom and Ireland. They visited Ayers Rock, Cairns and watched the Super Bowl in Port Douglas at an

outdoor bar in the heat. Jim was able to go snorkeling off the Great Barrier Reef and reports it was amazing.

It was then off to Melbourne to a wine tour and a tour of the cricket grounds, which was very interesting.

They had a chance to explore Melbourne and would love to return someday.

They then went back to Sydney, where the rest of their tour group had not yet been. They went to Bondi Beach to see the surfers and then a tour of the Opera House. It was very exciting to be in such amazing historical building.

Jim and three others on the tour did the bridge walk over Sydney Harbour. He loved the experience and says the view was outstanding!

Their 15-day tour was over and they enjoyed it very much. They were able to fly to each city, so less time was spent travelling with more time to see the sights.

Australia is so big, but flights allowed them to see much more of the beautiful country. They flew from Sydney to Auckland, New Zealand to begin their 17-day tour of

this beautiful place. They joined 42 other travellers from the United Kingdom, U.S., Australia and Canada. They travelled mainly by bus in New Zealand, but had many boat rides including a tall ship, ferry crossings, a train adventure and even a trolley car up a mountain. They visited Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Dunedin, Mount Cook and finally Christchurch.

Every stop had an adventure included, like glow worm caves, Maori experience, brewery tour, jade artisans and many more.

They left on March 4 and flew from Christchurch to Sydney, then to Vancouver, then on to Toronto – about 31 hours total. A long flight, but an absolutely wonderful and memorable trip! Welcome home!

The Cranbrook Dart Club had 24 players out and almost a full house.

It was the team of Brad Speiran, Pat Gillis and Maria Boettcher who won five games for the night. Team six of Lucas Keffer, Jane Zwep and John Gillis also won five games. The high shots of the night were by Brad

hitting 114 and Pat hitting 114. The year is winding down for the group with just a couple weeks of play left.

The Huronlea family welcomes Ev Demaray to the family. We hope she settles in well and sees lots of Brussels folks.

It was a rude awakening for Lorne and Bonnie Glanville on Friday night in the night. A speeding vehicle left the road, took off the middle of a hydro pole, which left the top half and wires attached and swinging in the wind. It went between two trees and hit the house.

No other information was available.

The Walton Women’s Institute hosted the Majestic Women’s Institute of Brussels on Wednesday afternoon, March 21, at the Walton Inn. They gathered in the blue room for their meeting. They had guest speakers from Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance on Diabetic Education. Samantha, a dietician and Aileen, a registered nurse and certified diabetes educator. They explained to them that we are in an obesogenic environment. The effects of drugs and chemicals found in our foods disrupt our body biology.

Diabetes and obesity are current health issues.

The diabetic team offers courses in various locations as part of achieving better health. The Walton Institute is donating to the Diabetic Initiative. Copies of the 2019 Food Guide and recipes were available to all. They enjoyed snacks at the end of the meeting.

The BW Trailblazers held their final meeting of the year at the Walton Hall. Not a great year for the club or snowmobiling, but there is always next year. We will soon see the stakes coming down from marking the trail and put away until next year.

Celebrating birthdays this past week include John Gillis, Kennedy Ann Huether, Brandi Williamson, Randal Linton, Dave Watson, Kerrisa Eckert, John Van Vliet, Christopher Gulutzen, Ashley Hoegy, Wyatt Dale, Ken Dalton, Dalton Hamilton. Happy birthday to all.

Provincial money to change budget Continued from page 1 welcome cash infusion as staff continues to prepare the budget.

At the March 19 meeting of council, Michiels had made some minor adjustments to the budget, retaining the proposed seven per cent increase to the budget, leaving a slightly smaller hole of just over $1.1 million left to be filled.

Michiels presented council with several options that could potentially eat into the deficit, including transferring funds from reserves, borrowing from Infrastructure Ontario or increasing the general

levy even further or slashing costs and/or services.

Council authorized a number of expenditures at the meeting, including funding for a two-stage lift elevator in the Brussels Medical Dental Centre for $20,000 and $302,500 for dehumidification and ventilation upgrades at the Vanastra Community Centre.

In order to bridge the gap in the budget, council directed staff to increase the general tax levy to 10 per cent and also authorized the transfer of $784,000 from working capital reserves and $285,000 from

equipment reserves for a total of $1,069,000 to the general budget.

The draw of $784,000 from the working capital reserves brought that particular reserve account nearly down to zero.

In an interview after the meeting, however, Chief Administrative Officer Brad Knight said that he anticipates that the provincial government’s funding announcement may change both staff and council’s approach to the budget when the third draft is presented next month.

NEWS FROM WALTON

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019.

School Fair to choose ambassador Saturday night

By Denny Scott The Citizen The Elementary School Fair ambassador evening, set for this Saturday, will determine who represents the school fair for its 99th iteration.

Starting at 6:30 p.m. at the

Belgrave Community Centre, the event will highlight the activities of outgoing ambassador James Speer, then invite contestants to speak on the theme of the fair, “Celebrating Everyday Canadian Heroes” for three to five minutes before the next ambassador is crowned.

“We encourage anyone and

everyone to get involved,” fair board chair Alice McDowell said. “It’s open to students in Grade 4 to 8, and we’re looking for someone to be a representative of the fair.”

McDowell said the position, like the fair, is a unique one because, unlike other fairs, the Elementary School Fair is a stand-alone entity.

“We aren’t connected with an agricultural society or outside organization,” she said. “We’re not part of a larger fair. There are lots of school fairs, but those are part of larger events. Our fair is unique in that it is only student work, studentgrown produce and student activities at the event.”

Emcee for the evening will be former Ambassador Abigail Peel.

Those looking to participate should contact Anne Procter at aproc359@gmail.com or 519-8876256 as soon as possible.

For more information, search for the Elementary School Fair on Facebook.

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This attractive two-bedroom home, designed for a lot that slopes to the rear, includes plans for an unfinished basement that could provide a mortgage-helper, an in-law suite or simply extra bedrooms for a growing family.

The covered entry is set off by two stone pilasters and leads into a foyer with a lofty 11-foot ceiling. To the immediate left is the den or second bedroom, with a built-in book shelf. A coat closet is to the right, opposite the U-shaped stairway that leads to the basement area. A three-piece bathroom is nearby.

Directly ahead is the great room, also with an 11-foot ceiling. Sliding glass doors offer access to a spacious covered deck, perfect for alfresco meals. The gas fireplace, flanked by windows, will cast its glow into the open-plan dining area and kitchen.

Nine-foot ceilings in the kitchen and dining area mark them off from the great room. The generous work island that separates the kitchen from the great room features a double sink and space for the dishwasher, as well as plenty of counter space. The dining room’s large window looks out to the back garden.

The roomy master suite, at the back of the home for privacy, includes a large walk-in closet as well as a generous en-suite located in a bayed-out area. An oval soaker tub adds a touch of class, and the WC occupies a separate room near the glassed-in shower stall.

The laundry room features access from the double garage, which is large enough to include a workshop. A pantry is located off the laundry room.

Exterior finishes include narrow horizontal wood siding and stucco, as well as stone accents.

This home measures 47 feet wide and 62 feet, 10 inches deep, for a total of 1,693 square feet, not including the unfinished basement.

Plans for design 1-2-676 are available for $815 (set of 5), $880(set of 8) and $932 for a super set of 10. Also add $35.00 for Priority charges within B.C. or $60.00 outside of B.C. Please add H.S.T., PST, OR G.S.T (where applicable) to both the plan price and Priority charges.

Our 51ST Edition of the Home Plan Catalogue containing over 300 plans is available for $16.50 (includes taxes, postage and handling). Make all cheques and money orders payable to "Jenish House Design Ltd." and mail to: JENISH HOUSE DESIGN LTD. c/o The Blyth/Brussels Citizen, #201 - 1658 Commerce Ave, Kelowna, BC V1X 8A9 OR SEE OUR WEB PAGE ORDER FORM ON: www.jenish.com AND E-MAIL YOUR ORDER TO: homeplans @ jenish.com

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019. PAGE 17.

Allegedly ‘frivolous’ complaints cost NH $12,500

By Denny Scott The Citizen After receiving a bill for approximately $12,500 from Aird Berlis, which provides ombudsman services for North Huron Township, several council members wanted to know if the township could seek compensation when arbitration declares it the winner.

The $12,500 charge came as a result from two issues being handled

by Aird Berlis from one plaintiff.

That same plaintiff, who was not named in the documents provided to the public, however, had submitted approximately a dozen complaints, the rest of which were deemed as not requiring ombudsman intervention.

“I’m wondering are we obliged to pay for it, or, if we are the winning

side, should the costs be sent to the other side?” Councillor Chris Palmer asked.

The first complaint alleged that Reeve Bernie Bailey interrupted a resident presenting to council, which the plaintiff equated to a breach of the resident’s right to freedom of expression under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The second complaint alleges that

Wingham ward taxes increase Continued from page 1 (increased to $202,750 in 2019) as an example, White said that all wards have an increase, but due to the costs associated with the shuttering of the Wingham Police Service and adoption of the Ontario Provincial Police, Wingham residents will see a significant increase in taxes.

The sample property in East Wawanosh will see taxes increase from $1,852.82 to $1.874.42, an increase of 1.17 per cent or $21.60.

In Blyth, the example home would increase from $2,132.63 to $2,149.30, or $16.67, representing a 0.78 per cent increase.

The example property in Wingham, however, will increase from $2,836.64 to $3,048.23, or $211.59. That jump means a 7.46 per cent increase in taxes.

These values, White said, didn’t reflect changes in the Huron County tax rate or school board tax rates.

White explained that, in an effort to keep Wingham ratepayers’

increase as small as possible, Blyth and East Wawanosh ratepayers benefited, receiving small increases to taxes. She said that keeping increased costs low across the municipality was the only way to mitigate the increased cost of shuttering the Wingham Police Service.

Reeve Bernie Bailey asked if Wingham would see a smaller increase next year as a result of switching over to the OPP, and White said that, through reserves, much of the increase had already been offset. She said that, next year, Wingham would only be paying for its contract OPP service, which is significantly more expensive than the non-contract coverage provided in East Wawanosh and Blyth.

White also introduced further changes to the budget during the meeting, including recent decisions council made that will impact the municipality’s bottom line. Projects like the upgraded media equipment in the Town Hall’s council chambers

as well as privacy projects designed to control sound for closed-to-thepublic council meetings were cited as having an impact, as well as final numbers coming from the closing of the Wingham Police Service and sale of related surplus equipment.

White explained that, between looking at the police budget and the sale of assets, she was able to reduce costs by $39,000.

As a result of some beneficial changes to the budget, White said that a $60,000 information technology upgrade that the municipality was going to phase in over several years was going to be able to be done in one year, and, through moving project funding and reserves around, she was able to compensate for the unexpected drop in North Huron’s Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) grant.

Council received White’s report and approved having the budget brought back to council for adoption by bylaw.

a copy of the municipality’s appointment bylaw provided to the plaintiff was a forgery.

North Huron’s staff and council were found to have acted in accordance with applicable laws according to the results issued by Aird Berlis for both situations, with one specifically stating that and the other stating that there wasn’t sufficient evidence to back up the plaintiff’s contention that malice was involved in the mistaken creation of the aforementioned bylaw.

Reeve Bernie Bailey said that, while every individual has the right to go to the ombudsman, he hopes that, in the interest of saving tax dollars, individuals would come to council or staff first.

He explained that, if all the aforementioned complaints went to Aird Berlis, the municipality could be looking at a bill of $120,000 and, on top of that, another bill is coming to council as a result of the same plaintiff taking North Huron to the superior court.

“I’m in agreement with Councillor Palmer,” Bailey said. “We should get retribution from the person committing the frivolous act.”

He said the individual in question may not have realized that the service cost the municipality thousands of dollars, or that the individual may simply have been trying to make a statement by forcing the township to spend tax dollars.

“I don’t see us spending four years with everyone who thinks they

have a problem going to the ombudsman,” Bailey said. “It will break this town. We have better places to spend this money than in court.”

He said that, before the situation gets out of hand, the upper-tier governments need to realize the impact the ombudsman program is having, then asked staff to see if there is any way council can recover “frivolous” costs.

Deputy-Reeve Trevor Seip said he wanted the public to be aware they are welcome to pursue these issues, adding he wants to know if someone thinks North Huron is doing wrong.

He also said the council can’t stop someone from going to Aird Berlis, but the conversation he would hope to have with these individuals is to make an attempt to work with the municipality’s staff and council before doing that.

That said, he agreed it wasn’t fair for ratepayers “to foot the bill for someone with a grudge.”

He was also frustrated because, at the end of the day, council was found to be in the right which means that $12,000 was spent without any difference being made to the municipality.

Bailey agreed with Seip’s sentiment, and said council could attempt to resolve these issues on a one-on-one basis if ratepayers came forward rather than of going straight to Aird Berlis with concerns.

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PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019.

#ThrowbackThursday

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Closing in on a century Simon Hallahan of East Wawanosh Twp. celebrated his 96th birthday on March 10, 1995. He says keeping active and never retiring has helped him live a long life.

The Citizen March 1, 1995

The Citizen March 15, 1995

The Citizen March 12, 2009 The Citizen March 19, 2009

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019. PAGE 19.

Entertainment & Leisure

Garratt, Beaudoin to direct Festival opener ‘Jumbo’

Busy man Blyth Festival Artistic Director Gil Garratt, seen above receiving his Huron Arts and Heritage Network Award last year, will be at the helm of two shows in the Festival’s upcoming season, co-directing Jumbo with Manon Beaudoin and then taking the lead on In the Wake of Wettlaufer. Seasoned professionals Kelli Fox, Severn Thompson and Ashlie Corcoran will direct the season’s other three shows. (File photo)

By Denny Scott The Citizen The Blyth Festival’s brochures have been mailed and the directors, as well as some of the cast, have been unveiled for the plays, revealing that some familiar faces will be returning to Blyth this season.

The Blyth Festival season starts with Jumbo, one of the biggest tales in southwestern Ontario history.

The play tells the story of Jumbo, an elephant in P.T. Barnum’s

“Greatest Show on Earth”, as it toured southwestern Ontario. It is penned by Sean Dixon, who Festival-goers may remember from works like The Wilberforce Hotel and Lost Heir.

The show is unique, and as such, requires unique leadership which will be provided by Artistic Director Gil Garratt and “Circus Master” Manon Beaudoin.

“We’re trying something completely new,” Garratt said. “I am going to split some of the directing between myself and Manon.”

Garratt explained that, while he had committed to directing the show while working on the script with Dixon, the play required some specialized skills and knowledge that Beaudoin provides.

“Act one is truly all a circus,” Garratt said. “It’s Jumbo’s final performance and it features jugglers, unicycles and trapeze artists.”

Garratt said that putting something like that on stage requires someone who could recreate a circus in Blyth Memorial Hall.

“Manon jumped to mind,” he said.

Beaudoin has never been to Blyth before, Garratt said, but has had a long association with the Caravan Farm Theatre in British Columbia, which he called “a sister company of” the Blyth Festival.

Having worked with Cirque du Soleil, with experience as a clown performer, and being married to an acrobat, Beaudoin fit the bill perfectly.

“She’s going to be brilliant,” Garratt said.

Finding the right leadership for the play is just the first step, Garratt said, as a “certain caliber” of actors will be needed, alongside performers capable of enacting the circus acts.

“We’re officially calling Beaudoin the ‘Circus Master’,” but she is going to be responsible, throughout act one, of telling the story of the circus and deciding how to put those acts on stage. My focus will be on the script and act two.”

Jumbo opens June 12 and runs through Aug. 10 and is the feature show at the Blyth Festival’s opening night gala on Friday, June 14.

Cakewalk is set to return to the Blyth Festival stage after premiering there in 1984 before going on to international acclaim.

The play is penned by Colleen Curran and will be directed by Kelli Fox who made her directorial debut taking the helm of Kitchen Radio in Blyth in 2014.

“She’s a phenomenal artist,” Garratt said.

Fox has worked with the Stratford and Shaw Festivals, as well as spending time in Blyth, and Garratt has been trying to line her up as a director since he was named artistic director several years ago.

Fox’s first professional theatre experience, when she was 19 years

old, was a Colleen Curran play, so Garratt says Fox is excited to see that relationship come full circle.

“She’s a lot of fun and really knows the Blyth audience,” Garratt said.

While there are a lot of spaces to fill as far as actors are concerned, Cakewalk was announced with a complement of actresses looking to bring it to life including Rebecca Auerbach, Catherine Fitch, Caroline Gillis, Lucy Hill and Rachel Jones.

Cakewalk, which opens June 26 and runs through Aug. 10, has been scheduled to honour the Festival’s 45th anniversary, as it is one of the most requested revivals in the theatre’s history.

The Team on the Hill will be directed by one of Garratt’s most trusted leaders: Blyth Festival Associate Artistic Director Severn Thompson.

“As your readers will know, Severn Thompson has been my right hand,” he said. “She has been a trusted advisor, friend and loyal cocreator for a few years. I trust her enormously. She knows the community and knows the Blyth Festival audience incredibly well.”

Recent works for Thompson include The Pigeon King and Wing Night at the Boot and, as Garratt explains with a laugh, The Team on the Hill represents a promise he made to her during the creative

process of Wing Night at the Boot.

“I promised her the next play she is involved in will start from a script,” he said. “I said it wouldn’t be a collective and she was excited about that.”

The play originally premiered at Theatre Orangeville in 2013 and is penned by Dan Needles, who is best known for his Wingfield series, which is a staple at Blyth Memorial Hall and across Canada.

Thompson has been working with Needles on The Team on the Hill, Garratt said, continuing to develop the play that will open July 31 and run through Sept. 5.

Garratt has chosen to get hands-on with the world premiere of In the Wake of Wettlaufer because he anticipates the show will be a production accompanied by discussion and critical evaluations.

The play is being created by Kelly McIntosh and Garratt and Garratt will direct the show as well.

“It’s an incredibly sensitive story and I really do feel a tremendous sense of responsibility, both in terms of programming it and being one of the co-creators,” he said. “I’ll be taking that responsibility all the way to directing it.”

The play revolves around a family considering moving their father to a long-term care facility in the era of the Elizabeth Wettlaufer murders, in Continued on page 20

Blyth Lions Club invites you to come and celebrate Worldwide Peace Essay Champion

Mikayla Ansley Blyth Memorial Hall

Sunday, April 14 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Presentations at 3:45 p.m.

Bring an item to donate to the local food bank to show “Kindness Matters”

CALL FOR ENTRIES NOW OPEN

PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019.

Housing an issue for young professionals: Reid Continued from page 3 younger crowd of professionals who are finding it difficult to secure housing, saying that, having left to pursue an education, it’s difficult to find somewhere to live that’s not in a parent’s basement.

Vanden Heuvel said that her business started as a daydream and that realizing it emboldened her to think beyond what her company could include. She said she hopes to bring flight tours to her offerings, as well as a boat in which to tour the Goderich area and take in sunsets on the lake.

“I’m not sure on the process for that, or the legalities, but a girl can dream” she said.

Landsborough said he may be too prone to daydreaming, but said that he has planned out his next 50 years for Maelstrom Winery if things go according to plan. He said he wants to see Huron County become the

next Prince Edward County, swaying visitors away from traditional winegrowing areas. He said that, while other companies may fear competition, the more wineries that open, the more it helps the industry grow as a whole, as it creates a tourism destination and encourages tours like those offered by Vanden Heuvel.

ATTRACTION Next, the panelists were asked how Huron County could promote itself and assist businesses in attracting new customers.

Godkin said the first goal for Huron County should be to promote from within.

“A lot of people in the region aren’t aware of what’s going on,” he said. “We should encourage people to be proud of where you’re from, and encourage them to get their friends to visit.”

He said that social media can be a

King returns to stage Continued from page 19 which Wettlaufer, whom some describe as an “angel of mercy”, killed residents of such facilities.

Garratt and McIntosh first met working at the Blyth Festival during Death of the Hired Man, which represented the first production in Blyth for both artists.

The two worked on the show, a Paul Thompson collective, and did some writing as a result of it. They have also toured nationally, and, several years ago, McIntosh acted as an assistant director in Blyth during Eric Coates’ tenure as artistic director.

“We stayed in touch all that time,” Garratt said. “She came to me with a whole bunch of projects she wanted to do recently.”

Garratt said that when he is approached by a creator with several different options, he looks to which story the artist is most passionate about.

“I ask which story they have to write,” he said. “Playwriting can be a thankless task, and it’s hard to stay in it if you don’t have that burning need and, when Kelly pitched the Wettlaufer piece, I could see instantly that this was a story she felt incredibly connected to for deep personal reasons, and she had a sense of responsibility that she needed to write the story. That ignited the play for me.”

The father being placed in a home will be played by Robert King, a name that Garratt said will be remembered by many long-time theatre attendees.

“Robert is a brilliant actor,” he said. “There was a point in time where he was in so many shows in Blyth that, when he would walk out on stage, he would have to take a pause while the audience clapped.

He had that kind of connection with the audience and they loved him.”

King will be no stranger to charged stories, having most recently come back to Blyth several years ago for the Steven Truscott play, Innocence Lost. He’s been at the Stratford Festival for many seasons and Garratt said he is a “true blue-collar actor”.

In the Wake of Wettlaufer opens Aug. 7 and will run to Sept. 6.

To round out the season, familiar playwright Mark Crawford’s Bed and Breakfast is coming to the Blyth Festival stage.

Crawford, who has had three other fan favourite plays premiere at the Blyth Festival (Stag and Doe in 2014, The Birds and the Bees in 2016 and The New Canadian

Curling Club last year), penned Bed and Breakfast several years ago before it premiered at the Thousand Island Playhouse where Garratt took in the production.

Crawford’s play will be directed

by Ashlie Corcoran who was the artistic director of Thousand Island Playhouse when the play was premiered.

“She developed this show with Mark and was the original director,” he said. “I thought she did a beautiful job.”

Bed and Breakfast will open Sept.

11 and run through Sept. 28.

Over in the Phillips Studio, two performances are scheduled: Sink or Swim from Aug. 20 to 24 and Rocko and Nakota from Aug. 27 to 31.

Sink or Swim is A HappyGoodThings production, written and performed by Beverly Elliott and directed by Lynna Goldhar Smith.

“Bev is an amazing performer,” Garratt said, explaining that she was in Blyth when he was working with the Young Company. “She grew up in Atwood, and went to high school in Listowel. She is from the community and has a huge following here.”

The play has had an amazing trajectory, Garratt said, starting at a Fringe Festival in Vancouver and going on to win prestigious awards both sides in Canada and the United States.

“Lynna, I only really know from her work through this piece,” Garratt said. “Bev and her get on like a house on fire,” he said. “It should be an amazing show.”

Garratt said he is very excited to bring Rocko and Nakota to the Phillips Studio because it’s written and performed by Josh Languedoc.

“He’s a young indigenous writer doing exciting work based in Edmonton,” Garratt said. “The way we first connected is that he’s writing another play right now that is an adaptation of a memoir written by his father called Incorrigible.”

What made both stories of immediate interest to Garratt is the fact that Languedoc is an artist from the Saugeen First Nations.

“The Saugeen First Nations was one of the signatories on Treaty 29 and Treaty 29 represents the land where the [Blyth Festival] is,” he said. “To welcome artists from that traditional territory is exciting, and I’m looking forward to bringing that to the stage.”

For more information on any of the above plays, visit the Blyth Festival online at blythfestival.com.

big focus for companies, but he also said that the message can be distorted through mediums like Facebook.

“It’s something I think is getting over-cluttered, and things are getting lost,” he said.

To that end, he puts a big focus on word-of-mouth advertising, resulting in a lot of his business coming from customers and visitors.

He said the county needs to build on a groundswell like that.

“We need people to be proud of being from Huron County and proud of what’s going on here,” he said.

Reid said that collaboration is the key to opening Huron County to new business.

She pointed to initiatives like the Taste of Huron, which encourages visitors to travel to different restaurants and producers in the area, as a success story in that forum.

She also said that Huron County needs brand ambassadors to tell outsiders what is in Huron County.

“There is this idea that there isn’t much to do in Huron County in ‘the middle of nowhere’,” she said. “If people were aware of what’s going on here, that would be different.”

Landsborough said that Huron County is too humble for its own good.

“Bayfield has the second-most beautiful sunset in the world,” he

said. “Goderich is the ‘Prettiest Little Town’ in Canada. We have people coming here, fascinated when you talk to them, because of all the opportunities here.”

He said Huron County needs to capitalize on that and convince

people that Huron is a place people can keep coming back to because there will always be another winery, brewery or cheese farm to visit. Part of that, he said, is being able to brag about what Huron has, something the county doesn’t do well.

No quarter Blyth, Goderich and Clinton played host to the Federation of Broomball Associations of Ontario year-end tournament last week. Above, the Legends, hailing from eastern Ontario, took on the Valley Gamblers. The legends claimed a 1-0 win after two overtime periods. (Denny Scott photo)

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