The Citizen - March 12, 2020

INSIDE THIS WEEK:

TAX RATES - Pg. 3

FARM SAFETY - Pg. 10

CONCERT - Pg. 19

HCFA again requests farm tax rate ratio adjustment

‘The Citizen’ marks annual Farm Safety Week

Blyth Festival Singers to mark anniversary

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Volume 36 No. 11

Serving the communities of Blyth and Brussels and northern Huron County

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Atom Rep Crusaders march on to OMHA finals

By Denny Scott The Citizen

One more series The Blyth Brussels Atom Rep Crusaders closed out their Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) semifinal series with the Mariposa Lightning on Friday night in Brussels with a 2-1 win. That gave the locals their third win in the series, triumphing three games to one. The team will now take on

the East Lambton Eagles who defeated Six Nations, Aylmer and Lambton Shores on their path to the OMHA Atom C finals. The Crusaders won their first game and then split when they spent last weekend in Little Britain for two games. The finals begin tonight (March 12) in Blyth. (Hannah Dickie photo)

Huron East to borrow to make budget

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron East Council is taking an unorthodox approach to a tough budget year and borrowing money from Infrastructure Ontario and their own reserves to help close the gap on a budget deficit of $1.5 million.

Treasurer Paula Michiels presented the second draft of the budget to council at its March 3 meeting, proposing an increase to the tax levy from eight to 10 per cent.

Aside from that recommendation, which will raise an additional $92,724 for the municipality, many of the potential changes were left up to councillors.

Mayor Bernie MacLellan had previously proposed borrowing funds from Infrastructure Ontario for capital projects, though Michiels and other staff members had cautioned against it. At the meeting, Michiels suggested borrowing from the municipality’s reserves, saying

that if Huron East is going to pay interest, the municipality might as well pay it to itself.

Council, however, opted to borrow approximately $850,000 from the province at a current interest rate of 2.12 per cent for its portion of the Seaforth main street reconstruction.

The municipality will also be borrowing just over $516,000 from its working capital reserves to pay for municipal drain obligations.

Councillor Ray Chartrand acknowledged the unorthodox path Huron East was taking with all of the borrowing, but said it’s a unique year and the municipality needs to think outside the box.

Between work on Seaforth’s main street, the province’s connecting link work on Highway 8 in Seaforth and a dramatic increase in municipal drain work, the municipality is facing nearly $3 million in 2020 it wouldn’t otherwise have on its budget.

Chief Administrative Officer Brad

Knight said the Seaforth main street project would be ongoing in 2021, which will be another difficult budget year, but that things should smooth out the following year.

Councillors agreed that extraordinary measures were called for and voted in favour of MacLellan’s plan to finance the capital project through the provincial government. That way, several councillors said, the municipality would still have its reserves to fall back on, rather than depleting them in a challenging budget year with a similar year ahead.

There had been some discussion regarding the removal of the purchase of a new chipper for the public works department, but council was able to keep that expense in, which was music to the ears of Councillor Alvin McLellan.

He said that with all the money being spent in Seaforth this year, buying a chipper for trees in the rural

wards would go a long way to ensuring those residents see money making its way into their communities as well.

Road work on Duke Street in Seaforth in the amount of $423,000 had also been proposed for removal, but councillors opted to keep it in the budget after some more discussion at the meeting.

Council approved the second draft of the budget with a final draft to be presented at its next meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17.

The Atom Rep Crusaders continued their postseason drive to provincial greatness with a 2-1 win over the Mariposa Lightning on March 6, winning the semi-final series against the Lightning three games to one. The squad will now face off against the East Lambton Eagles for the Ontario Minor Hockey Association Atom C trophy.

The finals begin tonight (March 12) in Blyth with game two scheduled for March 23 in Alvinston. Game three will also be in Alvinston on March 27. The series returns to Blyth on March 28.

If necessary, game five is in Watford on March 29.

The Atom Local League Crusaders posted one win and two losses over the past week, being edged out by the BCH Ice Dogs 1 squad by a score of 2-1 on March 7.

On March 6, the Crusaders posted a convincing 7-3 win over the HuronBruce Blizzard 1 team in Lucknow.

The Ice Dogs once again edged out the Crusaders 3-2 on March 4 in Blyth. The Crusaders also faced off against the Wingham Ironmen in Blyth on March 11, however a score was unavailable as of press time.

The PeeWee Rep Crusaders, in their last scheduled playoff game as of press time, were downed by the Central Perth Predators 3-1 on March 6. Earlier, the squad posted a 2-1 win over the Mount Forest Rams on March 4 in Blyth.

The PeeWee Local League squad snapped a four-game postseason losing streak on March 3 with a 5-4 win over the Walkerton Capitals.

The team also faced off against the West Grey Warriors on March 9, however a score was unavailable as of press time. The Crusaders will next be on the ice on March 14 on the road against the Minto Mad Dogs.

The Bantam Rep Crusaders, in their last scheduled playoff game, fought to a 4-4 tie against the Goderich Sailors on March 3 at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre on March 3.

The Bantam Local League Crusaders turned around a fivegame postseason losing streak on March 6 with a 5-1 win over the Minto Mad Dogs. The Crusaders were also in action on March 9 Continued on page 3

New zoning critiqued

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen In an attempt to replace the controversial AG4 (agriculture, small holdings) zoning designation, the Huron County Planning and Development Department has

brought forth the Rural Residential zoning, but to little fanfare.

Senior Planner Denise Van Amersfoort spoke to the initiative at Huron County Council’s March 4 meeting acting on what she thought was council’s wishes and direction Continued on page 2

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020.

County Council not sold on Rural Residential zoning Continued from page 1 from a previous meeting. However, what she and the department came up with was met with little support at the meeting.

Van Amersfoort began her presentation with the history of the process. She told councillors that the department had intended for AG4zoned properties to be created in the wake of a farmland surplus severance, allowing the properties to retain a barn and some livestock.

However, that zoning was challenged legally in North Huron, leading to the department having to

remove any livestock restrictions from AG4 properties.

She said that by calling those properties “agriculture” it conflicted with the Provincial Policy Statement and that in some cases conflicts can come out of issues as simple as the language being used.

With the creation of a Rural Residential zoning, the focus would instead be on the residence, rather than agriculture. Through that change, she said, it would allow the county to restrict the amount of livestock on a rural residential property, but allow property owners

to retain hobby barns and own some livestock, all depending on the size of the property and the retained barn.

All of the provincial restrictions like Minimum Distance Separation and the Nutrient Management Act would still apply, she said.

She said that council’s stated direction at a previous meeting was to essentially recreate the AG4 zoning in a way that would be legal.

County solicitor Greg Stewart said the proposal would hold up in court, Van Amersfoort said. The concept was also created with the help of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,

Celebrate good times The Clinton Radars turned a one-game deficit into a three-games-to-one advantage over the weekend, playing three games, two of them at home, against the Tillsonburg Thunder. They can close out the series on Friday night as the teams tangle again in Clinton. (Hannah Dickie photo)

Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

By creating the new designation, Van Amersfoort said, it would allow Huron County to retain barns and livestock on small parcels in keeping with the fabric of a rural Ontario community. Other communities not far from Huron County, she said, don’t have those allowances, meaning that when a house is severed from a farm property, barns have to be demolished and farm animals are no longer permitted.

Under the Rural Residential designation, she said, it would allow for home-owners to have some 4-H animals or a small number of horses without having a full-scale farm operation.

There are over 1,800 existing AG4 properties, Van Amersfoort said, and those would be grandfathered in, keeping their designation. However, if a property owner wanted to zone a new property AG4, council would have to approve that request.

Many councillors, however, felt the designation wasn’t needed because many of the concerns it addressed were already covered by the Provincial Policy Statement, such as the Nutrient Management Act, Minimum Distance Separation and others.

Councillor Paul Klopp was one of the most vocal critics saying he didn’t feel the new designation was necessary, given the provincial rules already in place. He also criticized the department for the wording of its motion to accept the report and circulate it to the lower-tier

Serving the area since 1999

STEVEN NIXON

BIA sets new board

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Shaking it off Camryn Logan performed a solo routine at the Brussels Skating Club annual year-end showcase last week. She skated to Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off”, while many other groups opted for candy-themed music to fit with the Sugar Showcase theme. (Denny Scott photo)

The Blyth Business Improvement Area has set its new board for the upcoming year, however, some vacancies remain.

All but two of at-large positions, to be filled by local business or commercial property owners, were named during the group’s annual general meeting on March 5.

With no competition, Irene Kellins of Stitches with a Twist, Cat O’Donnell of the Wonky Frog, Shane Yerema of the Hotel Lux and David Sparling of DEAMS Holdings were named to the board.

Rachael King was named as the representative for the Blyth Centre for the Arts (including the Blyth Festival) while Rev. JoAnn Todd was named to represent the local churches.

Councillor Kevin Falconer will remain as North Huron’s representative on the board.

The former representative of local service organizations, Crystal Taylor, is no longer involved with the Blyth Legion according to Sparling, so between the Legion and the Blyth Lions Club, a new representative must be chosen.

The election of executive officers will be held at the BIA’s next meeting, set for April 30.

municipalities, saying it felt like trying to sneak it through back channels, circumventing Huron County Council’s approval.

Van Amersfoort assured him this wasn’t the case and that any actions on the designation at the lower-tier level would have to be approved by the county anyway.

Morris-Turnberry Mayor Jamie Heffer agreed with Klopp, saying he found the new designation proposal “extremely problematic” for a number of reasons.

Warden Jim Ginn said he could see the merit in the Rural Residential proposal, but that he didn’t feel it was perfect either.

Van Amersfoort, after sensing the negativity around the proposal, suggested bringing council some supplementary information regarding the potential ramifications of not passing the designation, but recommended circulating it to the lower-tier municipalities first.

Councillors disagreed, saying they felt Huron County Council should see the follow-up information first and then it should be circulated to the lower tiers if necessary.

Klopp felt that even accepting Van Amersfoort’s report was a sign of support and urged councillors to vote against the routine motion. He called for a recorded vote and nine councillors voted in favour of accepting the report and four voted against it.

Council then directed Van Amersfoort to collect further information, complete with some new options, and present it to Huron County Council at a later date.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020. PAGE 3.

HCFA wants ratio adjustment to combat high values

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Representatives from the Ontario and Huron County Federations of Agriculture are again pushing for a tax ratio alteration that would ease the burden of shifting assessment on the county’s farmers.

Rob Vanden Hengel from the

Huron County Federation of Agriculture and Ben Le Fort of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture both spoke to Huron County Council at its March 4 meeting. The presentation was similar to the one the pair gave last year at this time.

Vanden Hengel ran down the impact of the agricultural sector in Huron County, which includes over

2,500 farms, nearly $1 billion in farm cash receipts and $3 billion in the provincial GDP. He also said that nearly 62,000 jobs in Huron County are supported by farm production.

In recent years, he said, farm assessment has increased by 84 per cent, while the residential class has increase by just 12 per cent.

Nearly 20 years ago, he said, the

farm tax burden sat at 12.6 per cent of the county’s tax collection. It now sits at 21.7 per cent in 2020, a dramatic increase. During that same period, residential farm ratio has fallen from 73.4 per cent to 68.7 per cent. Commercial and industrial tax ratios have remained rather flat during that time with commercial dropping from 7.6 per cent to 5.5 and industrial dropping from 2.2 per cent to 0.8 per cent.

Le Fort pointed to nearly 20 counties across the province that have introduced a tax ratio freeze on farmland. However, as some councillors pointed out, none of those counties have the amount of farmland that Huron County does, accounting for nearly half of its base.

Le Fort admitted asking Huron County to return the farm tax burden to its 2016 levels of 14 per cent would mean a major shift, however, he asked council to reduce the 2020 tax burden to under 20 per cent. If assessment shifts back to residential in the coming years, council could adjust the rate back and that would smooth increases, Le Fort said.

Most councillors, however, said they didn’t feel comfortable shifting the tax burden from one class to another at a time when so many are feeling the squeeze with their taxes.

In addition, Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan felt the two associations should be bringing their concerns to Queen’s Park, rather than to Huron County Council.

He cited when the provincial

government opted to tax farmland at a rate of just 25 per cent, saying that the rest of taxpayers across Ontario, including in Huron East, had costs spread across the entire tax base.

MacLellan said he would have a hard time going to the residential tax class and asking them to pay more because farmland is worth so much.

Le Fort agreed that MacLellan would have a hard time selling the taxation shift to residential ratepayers if he were to phrase it as he did. However, if he were to illustrate the increased burden on the farming class and asked other ratepayers to smooth things out to be fair for all, he felt that language would seem more reasonable to people.

Councillor Paul Klopp, who is also a farmer, supported the suggested shift, saying that farming is a business and if Huron County farmers were to receive a break from the county, no doubt the money they saved would be reinvested into their communities through local businesses and service clubs.

He also ensured that all councillors were on the same page, saying that farmers pay 100 per cent of taxes on their homes and one acre in the residential class, while the tax rate for the farmland is different.

Councillor Jim Fergusson agreed with MacLellan, using Hensall as an example of the taxation burden facing urban dwellers. He said Hensall residents are in the midst of paying for water and sewer upgrades Continued on page 13

Divine upholding!

(Charles Spurgeon, “Treasury of David”)

A sweet performance

“You uphold me in my integrity.” Psalm 41:12

The Brussels Skating Club held its annual year-end recital, entitled Sugar Showcase. It highlighted the hard work and dedication of members throughout the season with one big performance to wrap things up as spring comes around. Skating to “Candy Man” were, from left, Emily Terpstra, Allison Van Nes, Corina Egli and Madelyn Van Camp. (Denny Scott photo)

Crusaders continue their push

To the finals The Blyth Brussels Atom Rep Crusaders are now set up for an Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) finals showdown with East Lambton after beating the Mariposa Lightning in Brussels on Friday night. (Hannah Dickie photo)

Continued from page 1 against the Huron-Bruce Blizzard in Blyth, however a score was unavailable as of press time. The team has a busy weekend ahead, taking on the Blizzard on the road on March 12, the Listowel Cyclones at home in Blyth at 8 p.m. on March 13 and then visiting the Cyclones on March 14.

The Midget Rep Crusaders posted a 3-2 win over the Walkerton Capitals on March 3 in Brussels. The squad was set for a rematch against the Capitals on March 8 in Walkerton, as well as a road game against Shallow Lake on March 9.

Scores for those games were unavailable as of press time.

The Midget Local League Crusaders had a five-game postseason winning streak broken by the Minto Mad Dogs who edged out the team 5-4 in Harriston on March 2. The Crusaders will be looking for revenge tonight, March 12, in Blyth as they take on the Mad Dogs with the puck dropping at 8 p.m. The team will then play against the Listowel Cyclones on March 15 at 4:30 p.m.

Outside of playoff hockey, the Novice Local League team is set to take on the Zurich Thunder on March 11. Both the Senior and Junior Initiation teams are visiting Wingham on Saturday to play against the Ironmen and the Novice Rep squad will take on the Wallace Sabres on Sunday in Wallace.

Our integrity and virtue are the result of the divine upholding. We would fall, and blunder and spoil all-if left to ourselves. The Lord should be praised every day, if we are preserved from gross sin. When others sin—they show us what we would do, but for preserving grace.

“He fell today—and I may fall tomorrow!” was the exclamation of a holy man, whenever he saw another falling into sin.

“When I said, ‘My foot is slipping!’ Your steadfast love O LORD, held me up!” Psalm 94:18 “Hold me up, and I shall be safe!” Psalm 119:117 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am Your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-291-1956

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PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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Use common sense The coronavirus is spreading panic and respiratory infection, as the Monday morning stock sell-off demonstrates. Borders are closing to travellers who have been in hotspots, EBay and Amazon are dealing with price-gouging by third-party sellers of hand sanitizer and face masks, the travel industry is reeling and oil prices are plummeting.

As humans, we have long memories when it comes to epidemics (most recently SARS, polio and Spanish influenza may have affected your family or direct ancestors), so it feels prudent to heed warnings by health officials to wash our hands, stay home if we’re sick and limit global travel. Until treatments or a vaccine are developed for COVID-19, we should all do our part, however small, to prevent the spread for the good of the herd, especially the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. However, hoarding hand sanitizer and face masks is unnecessary and may prevent hospitals, long-term care providers and other health professionals from accessing the tools they need.

Let’s get our information from reliable sources, like our local public health unit, family health team or reputable media outlets. The internet loves hysteria and some of the rumours that are floating out there are incorrect, if not dangerous. A small dose of common sense will help keep public fear at a healthy level. – DS

A time to keep silence Certain faces just seem to keep popping up on television and in print and it’s fair to wonder if they’re doing more harm than good to their supposed causes. Whether it’s vanity or spite, they don’t know when to walk away and make themselves scarce for the greater good. Some blasts from the past can provide wisdom and context to ongoing debates, but others have become the face of turmoil, scandal and failure and need to find a nice rock to crawl under if progress is ever going to be made.

The political arena is the worst offender for such figures. As the U.S. rolls through its democratic primaries, candidates have torn each other to shreds to win the nomination only to be undermined by Hillary Clinton, the face of the inept campaign that gave us Donald Trump. She’s always good for a snappy quote undercutting a candidate. She’ll soon have a podcast (find it on your favourite app under the “Podcasts Nobody Asked For” tab). Perhaps she’s too vain to realize it, but she needs to go away.

Here in Canada, we have our own politicians past their best-before dates. Former Premier Kathleen Wynne, who helmed the worst defeat in Ontario Liberal Party history, can’t seem to say no to an interview. Her face, rightly or wrongly, is forever linked to Liberal excess and privilege run amok, so you’d think she’d stay out of the spotlight. No. Every time Premier Doug Ford takes credit for something, she tries to out-Ford him, saying it wouldn’t have been possible without the Liberals.

Former Conservative Party of Canada leader Andrew Scheer bungled the easiest election win in recent memory against Justin Trudeau in the midst of a global blackface scandal and he can’t let it go either.

Even locally we have holes to dig out of and those holding the shovels can’t seem to give up the ghost of politics. We all have to move on.

Look no further than the Bible and Ecclesiastes 3: 1-13. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven... a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” – SL

A stance too soft The Alberta legal system is having trouble holding people responsible for their actions and, with changes being considered to decriminalize driving under the influence, that lax attitude could be getting worse.

Take, for example, the tale of Matthew Brown, who broke into a stranger’s house and beat her with a broom, causing permanent damage.

He is walking away with a simple apology. Brown was acquitted of the charges completely because he was too high on magic mushrooms to be held responsible for his actions, according to the courts.

Brown remembers how many drugs he had before he broke into professor Janet Hamnett’s house stark naked and began beating her with a broken broom handle, breaking her hand to the point that she has a permanent disability in it resulting in reduced strength, movement and increased stiffness. That’s to say nothing of the lasting psychological damage she suffered as a result of living through the ordeal.

Brown chose to take the drugs and had done so before; no one forced him. That means that any action that results from that is his responsibility, regardless of how intoxicated he is. Where does this kind of abandonment of personal responsibility end? Alberta is already looking at decriminalizing driving under the influence laws so that first offences that don’t cause damage or injury will not result in a criminal record, as other provinces have done, to lighten the legal system’s load.

Going easy on people who choose to put others in danger isn’t the answer. We need to hold each other to a higher standard and make sure people are held responsible for their actions. – JDS

Looking Back Through the Years March 14, 1968 The Jamestown Bantam hockey team won the Tri-County Bantam Championship at the Brussels arena on March 9.

In the first round of the playoffs, Jamestown first beat Kurtzville and went on to defeat Belmore in two games in a best-of-three series to determine the season’s top team.

At the end of the tournament, the Robin Hood Trophy, awarded to the winning team’s most valuable player, went to Dave Gowing.

The Brussels Lions Club was in the midst of preparing for the annual Ladies Night, which had been scheduled for St. John’s Anglican Church on Monday, April 1.

March 17, 1971 The previous Saturday proved to be a busy one at the Blyth arena with nearly 200 young hockey players swarming the arena to take part in the village’s annual house league tournament.

The schedule ran for over 12 hours in one day thanks to the joint efforts of arena staff, the Blyth Lions Club and members of the Blyth Legion and Legion Auxiliary.

Women’s World Day of Prayer was held at the Blyth Christian Reformed Church, featuring leaders from several of the village’s churches.

The Blyth Snow Travellers held another successful steak feed and trail ride, welcoming over 70 people to the event.

March 18, 2010 Wingham Ontario Provincial Police officer Vu Pham was laid to rest by way of a large ceremony at the Wescast Community Centre.

Many friends, family members and dignitaries were in attendance to tell stories and honour Pham’s life.

Huron County Council thought so

much of Pham’s sacrifice that they decided to name an award after him to honour top achievers in the county in emergency services.

A rezoning application to allow for the construction of a new public school in Wingham was set to return in April for final approval at Huron County Council. Huron East Mayor Joe Seili, however, thought that by blocking the application, it might change things from the side of the Avon Maitland District School Board, which was closing several area schools.

Seili’s plan didn’t work, however, and the application went ahead.

The Blyth Brussels PeeWee Girls team won the ‘C’ Division consolation championship at the Young Canada Week tournament in Goderich.

The Brussels PeeWee Bulls tied their Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) series with Manvers 1-1. They were due to play again on March 20 in Manvers and then again on March 21 in Brussels.

March 14, 2019 Representatives from the Huron County and Ontario Federations of Agriculture spoke to Huron County Council on March 6 about tax relief for farmers.

Rob Vanden Hengel from the Huron County association and Ben Le Fort from the Ontario association both spoke to council, addressing rising farm land value and asking Huron County to reappropriate some of the county’s tax rate to another class.

Le Fort pointed to the rising farm land values, saying they had gone up 84 per cent in Huron County and that farmers needed some relief.

Council, however, was not receptive to the proposal.

Councillors said they sympathized

with the farmers, but that they should be discussing their concerns with the provincial government, rather than with Huron County. In order to shift the tax rate, councillors said they would have to shift the burden onto another property class, which simply wasn’t fair.

Huron County Council, at the same meeting, decided to grant $750,000 to the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich.

The money would help aid an increase in mental health services and a new CT scanner.

Blyth’s Mikayla Ansley, her parents Mike and Katie and Blyth Lions Club members John and Mary Lou Stewart all travelled to New York City for Lions Day at the United Nations. Ansley was there to speak and recite her worldwidewinning Peace Essay for hundreds of Lions Club members from all over the world, from whom she received a standing ovation.

Claire Mitchell of Walton, a member of the Brussels Skating Club, achieved the rare quadruple gold for the club, reaching gold status in the dance, free skate, interpretive and skills courses.

Going out on top, Mitchell had since retired from competitive skating after earning the rare honour.

Friends and family were set to honour Matthew Huether with a hockey tournament in Seaforth to benefit the Trillium Gift of Life Network. Huether was killed in a single-vehicle collision the previous fall.

Zoellyn Onn of Brussels was named the first vice-president of the Brussels Agricultural Society, meaning she would step into the president’s role in early 2020, presiding over the 2020 and 2021 Brussels Fall Fairs.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020. PAGE 5.

Other Views

We don’t know how lucky we are

C

anadians are pretty cynical about our system of government. It’s only when we look at the rest of the world that we realize how good we have it.

For instance, as Americans prepare to elect a president this coming November, to Canadians their system seems terribly inefficient. For the vast majority of Canadian voters, for example, casting a ballot is as easy as taking the voter card mailed you, showing up at the polling station listed on the card and marking your ballot. Elections Canada keeps a permanent voters list and only if you’ve recently moved or become a Canadian citizen might you find you have to make an extra effort to get on the list. If you have the right documents, you can even do this right at the polling station.

Things are more complicated south of the border where, before you can vote, you have to register as a voter. Right off the bat this makes casting a ballot more complicated, but over the years this has also been used to deny people their democratic rights. During racial segregation in southern states right up until the fight for integration in the 1960s, voter registration was used to prevent black citizens from voting. One of the requirements to be a registered voter, for instance, was to be literate.

The test to prove your literacy if you were a black voter might be reciting the entire Declaration of Independence correctly. White voters, meanwhile, would have a literacy test that even an illiterate could pass.

Last week, when Americans in 14 states took part in the Democratic Party’s primaries on “Super Tuesday”, some voters in Texas had to wait up to six hours before they could vote.

It turned out that the number of polling stations is controlled by the county governments. A 2013 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court gutted provisions under the Voting Rights Act

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk that made it easier for people to vote. In the years since, counties in Texas have closed 750 polling places, 542 of them in areas with increasing Black and Latino populations that tended to vote Democratic. In case you were wondering, these counties are governed by Republicans.

The partisanship doesn’t go only one way.

While Republicans control many southern states today, there was a time when Democrats were in control and Republicans accused them of redrawing the lines of electoral districts to try to make sure as many Democrats were elected as possible. Today, the shoe is on the other foot. The boundaries of some electoral districts look like jigsaw puzzle pieces as borders are engineered to include as many of your party’s supporters in a district, and perhaps exclude the other party’s voters.

Thankfully, we have a non-partisan agency to decide electoral boundaries in Canada so sitting governments have no ability to give themselves an unfair advantage to be reelected.

Then there’s our ability to believe governments. Back in January, when the Iranian government shot down Ukraine Airlines Flight 152 killing 167 people, 138 of them travelling to Canada (63 of them Canadian citizens), for several days Iranian officials denied Canadian government claims that the plane had been shot down. Only later

did they admit culpability. Watching this, I wondered what it would be like to live in a country where you couldn’t trust your own government.

Canadians often doubt their politicians are telling them the truth, or at least the whole truth, but we have the benefit of having an independent media and reporters who like nothing better than to embarrass politicians by printing or broadcasting the truth. That disciplines politicians who may be tempted to stretch their version of the truth. Other countries aren’t so lucky.

University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab recently released research showing the Chinese government started censoring internet communications about the COVID-19 coronavirus as early as Dec. 31. The government did not admit the seriousness of the outbreak until Jan. 20. Even general terms such as “unknown Wuhan pneumonia” and “Wuhan Health Commission” were deemed taboo in the early weeks of the epidemic.

Medical professionals trying to communicate with each other about this unknown disease found their electronic message just disappeared from the internet. Even today, Citizen Lab says, the Chinese government is censoring internet communications about the disease.

It’s not that some leaders of democracies mightn’t wish to have the Chinese government’s ability to simply make bad news disappear. Leaks from within the White House say U.S. President Donald Trump was furious recently at public health officials and the media for making the COVID-19 outbreak sound as serious as they have.

That’s why we have limits on the power of leaders in democracies, so those with megalomaniacal tendencies can’t get carried away.

Near-monopolies and price-fixing?

L

ast week, Navdeep Bains, the federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry issued an ultimatum to Canada’s big three wireless providers – Bell, Telus and Rogers – to cut prices by 25 per cent or the government will do it for them.

It’s a long time coming as, for years, Canada has had the most expensive cell phone bills (an average of $55 a month for the service alone) in the world. As a matter of fact, Canada is a full $5 more expensive monthly than the United States, and the only country even close is Japan at $54 a month.

It’s not an honour that should be celebrated.

As one of the most spread-out countries in the world (which could be part of the expense), telecommunication can be almost as important as shelter and food to some people (though those people are a little crazy). That said, it’s a priority and a necessity for work for some people, so the fact that we allow three companies to charge more for the service than anywhere else in the world speaks to the fact that maybe we do need the government to step in.

The editorial department at The Citizen is pretty unique in that both Shawn and I have worked for cell phone companies in the past.

Shawn worked for Rogers, one of the big three in Canada, and, because of that, ended up with an idea of what went on behind the scenes of that particular company. I worked for a call centre that served cell phone customers south of the border.

I’ve got stories, let me tell you, about those days answering calls for Nextel and, to the best of my knowledge, I never signed a nondisclosure agreement, so I’m happy to share them.

However, for the sake of this topic, my experience is important because Nextel offered a very unique service that made it

Denny Scott Denny’s Den popular with all walks of life in the United States: the chirp, or direct connect. The phones offered a near-instantaneous walkie-talkie style communication with people whose number you had.

While there were expensive plans, depending on the data you chose (because this was in the days when the internet on the phone cost an arm and a leg), there was a dirt-cheap plan that allowed phone calls, text messages and the chirp and everyone wanted it.

I liked to say, at the time, that there wasn’t a single section of the United States social strata we didn’t serve. We had NASCAR-themed phones that drew in that crowd, rugged phones made for construction workers or military personnel and super high-end phones that were sought after by those in higher income brackets. All the phones were proprietary, or modified to be proprietary, thanks to the chirp button.

At the time, United States residents could pay $25 a month (maybe $40 Canadian) for phone calls, texts and the chirp. At that same time, for the most inexpensive plan I could find, I was paying over $60 Canadian and I’ll tell you, I didn’t get a chirp.

Heck, at the time I worked at the call centre, we had Canadians wanting to order the American phones because it was cheaper to get one and pay the roaming fee than

it was for comparable services in Canada.

So way back then (and it was between 16 and 17 years ago), we were paying at least 33 per cent more than our American neighbours.

Sure, the gap has closed, but we’re still far more expensive than most of the world, despite being a technologically-advanced country.

Normally, I’m not a big fan of the government mandating prices. While I have some undeniable liberal (small L there) leanings, I’ve also always felt the invisible hand of the market should be trusted as long as it can.

However, when you have three companies charging more for their services than anywhere else in the world and they are the only three companies that are available throughout the entirety of Canada, it’s difficult to say, “Well just don’t buy from them.”

It’s at a point like that where we need the government to say, “Fix this or we will.”

That said, 25 per cent may not be enough.

Like I said, there used to be a practice where customers would buy Nextel phones to use in Canada because, even with roaming, it was cheaper.

Heck, a quick spin around cell carriers south of the border shows that their big competitors don’t even limit data anymore. They have unlimited talk, text and data across North America on even their most basic plans (no roaming, which costs me $7 a day when I’m south of the border).

Possibly the most exciting part of the announcement is that changes are being made to allow other companies to enter the market, which could fix the problem on its own, given enough time.

Regardless, it’s a step in the right direction.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

The joke’s on us

H

e’s the tough guy who always backs down. The man who cuts to the bone but still increases spending. The print magnate who can’t produce a sticker. The guy who pledged to “stop the gravy train” with plush jobs for his friends. The proud Canadian who so desperately wants to turn Ontario into the failed experiment that is the United States.

The everyman who wanted to spend 50,000 taxpayer dollars on a reclining leather sofa, a fridge and a television in his Premier’s van.

He’s Doug Ford and he’s our Premier. And in keeping with the contradictory theme, he holds one of the most powerful positions in the country and he seems unqualified to oversee a grocery shopping trip, let alone a province.

He’s recently caved on numerous educationrelated changes, including class size increases and e-learning, after suppressing a survey that shows the majority of the province didn’t support him. So I guess if he wants to impress his idol Donald Trump on his next visit he’ll have to lie about his negotiating skills, much like his first trip to Washington D.C. to sell Ontario to America when he left the facts at home, according to the Toronto Star, though he never seems to have all the facts at home.

Tempers flared with Ford last week when he snapped at reporters, throwing a hissy fit when they asked him about his failed licence plate project. In an attempt to make Ontario blue again, fixing something that wasn’t broken (an initiative that has now been abandoned), Ford and Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson botched over 70,000 licence plates that proved to be illegible at night. In true Ford fashion (this is a man who scurries into Queen’s Park through back channels to avoid media), the plate fiasco is covered under a non-disclosure agreement he insists won’t cost Ontario taxpayers (not that we’ll ever know).

When he was questioned about the plates, he burst out with, “you’ve got to be kidding me!” and then proceeded to berate the media for hounding him and treating him unfairly.

Someone’s kidding someone in this instance and I can’t help but think Ontarians who have to serve under Ford’s reign for the next twoand-a-half years are the butt of it all.

Maybe he’s mad because his buck-a-beer scheme never really panned out. Sure, we have Cool beer, but according to Ontario beer writer Jordan St. John, Ford’s plan for cheap beer actually raised beer prices in Ontario by 10 per cent. It could be the Ontario Cannabis Store losing $42 million in its first year, meaning the Ontario government blazed a trail as the first entity to ever lose money selling drugs. Funny though, since The Globe and Mail reported that both Doug and his late brother Rob were alleged to be no strangers to selling drugs.

The province is at a very serious junction and it seems we’ve fallen into the adage that’s been thrown around in Trump’s United States where if you elect a clown, expect a circus. We need someone who knows what they’re doing at the helm and we’ve certainly come up short.

Ford doesn’t even seem too focused on his job at the moment. He still has two-and-a-half years left in his term but he’s already began work on his 2022 re-election campaign. One job at a time Doug. I mean, if everything was hunky dory, sure, but with union talks in the toilet and public opinion polls floating right beside them, it has to be hard to look ahead.

You have to crawl before you can walk and you have to be qualified before you can be Premier, or at least that should be the case.

Ford parachuted into the 2018 election as an opportunist without a platform and now we’re along for the ride wherever he takes us.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020.

Zimbabwe focus of World Day of Prayer A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

Good game, good series With a final handshake against their felled opponents, the Mariposa Lightning, the Blyth Brussels Atom Rep Crusaders moved on to the finals of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association ‘C’ division against the East Lambton Eagles. The Crusaders clinched the semifinal series against the Lightning on Friday night in Brussels with a 2-1 victory. (Hannah Dickie photo)

HE remuneration up $30,000

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron East spent over $163,000 on its council expenses in 2019, which is nearly $30,000 more than the municipality spent on its governance in 2018. While Huron East spent $137,937.26 on government in 2018, the municipality’s 2017 governance costs of $161,074.53 were more in line with those of 2019.

Staff presented the 2019 statement of remuneration and

expenses at Huron East’s March 3 meeting.

Leading the way in 2019 was Mayor Bernie MacLellan with a total cost of $21,418.98, which includes his honorarium, meeting payments, conventions costs, mileage and miscellaneous expenses.

Brussels Councillor John Lowe followed with a total of just over $17,000. Deputy-Mayor Bob Fisher and Councillors Dianne Diehl, Brenda Dalton and Gloria Wilbee were all just over $15,000, while

Councillor Zoey Onn was just under $15,000.

Councillor Ray Chartrand sat at a total of $13,107.64 in expenses, followed by Councillor Joe Steffler, who was just under $13,000, and Councillor Alvin McLellan, who was just over $12,000.

Councillor Larry McGrath rounded out the list with $10,285.98 in expenses. He and McLellan were the only councillors to not attend any conventions in 2019. McGrath also tallied no mileage expenses, as did Chartrand.

At the Branch

Interest expressed in contest

By Jo-Ann McDonald This week at the Brussels Legion Branch started with the general meeting. It was cancelled from last week because of sickness and other commitments. Reports were heard from the committee chairman. Youth chairman Nanci Ducharme reports a very successful public speaking event at the Branch.

The entertainment committee reports that the karaoke and wing night was cancelled due to poor weather. The March event features the duo, Jelly Bean Blue, performing on March 13 at 7:30 p.m. There will also be wings available that evening.

A special night for initiation was also discussed and a night will be planned in the near future.

There has been a great interest in the seniors literary contest. Anyone interested can call the Branch on the basic rules, length, words, etc.

Comrade Sandra will be glad to help. Call the Branch Monday to Thursday between 4-6 p.m. for more information.

The Thursday night darts had 15 players hitting the boards. Lone player Sandra Brown captured first place and, after a playoff for second, the winning team was John Stadelmann and Louise Poirier.

There were lots of high shots this night with Sandra hitting 140 and Sheron Stadelmann also hitting 140.

The men had Jim Brown hitting 131 and Roger McHardy hitting 112.

Ladies ruled this night! The high

takeout was 109 by Pete Gray and another skunk for players Marlene Rutledge and Rhonda Davis. The players wish regular attendee Sharon Robbins a speedy recovery and hope she is better soon.

The Friday night Catch the Ace draw had a great crowd on hand and all hoping to be the winners. They enjoyed a bowl of beef stew and this week the meal is wings. The lucky

weekly winner was Janice Machan and she won $268. She chose envelope number three and revealed the three of spades. The estimated jackpot for this week is $5,400.

Get your tickets at the regular outlets. If you come to the Branch on Friday nights, you can put your name in for a mystery draw prize, each time you come.

Ah, another bit of sunshine. That bit of radiation seems to improve the mood and life just seems a little better. Perhaps it’s the hope for the next season or maybe just relief of what could have been.

A scoot to Waterloo to meet friends was our response to a sunny day. We were not alone in the idea, the traffic getting there was much heavier than we’ve seen on a Saturday. Still worth the drive to have a meal with good old friends.

Bird songs were evident and with the sunshine a flock of robins were busy checking the debris under our pine trees. There must have been something tasty as they stayed put for several minutes and then took off as a group. A very nice surprise for a March morning.

The World Day of Prayer went well at the United Church last week.

It’s always good to gather with a common goal. Each year learning takes place and we are reminded of the blessed life we lead. Zimbabwe was the focus and politics in a world that we do not know was highlighted. It’s good to know that when a group remains relevant, good things can happen for many, many years.

March Break is coming fast, not fast enough for the kids though.

Plans are in the works for fun times, sleepovers and visits are set and details to be settled. It’s so good to be included in the lives of the young people, who seem to accept the fact that the grandma does not have a cell phone, a dishwasher or a dog. The stages of life are a wonder, whether it be the infant now waving, the teenager driving or the senior

learning new things. Each stage is unique but offers the same fears and joys as you take them on. Celebrate the stages.

When you start to worry about the new virus that is in every communication, take a breath and see how many people get sick and die from influenza each year. We know the Canadian statistics, but news items get us into panic over this new virus. Be aware of your reality and stay home if sick and wash your hands lots as your routine.

Bye now, Betty G.W.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS Celebrating A Special Occasion?

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The Citizen Call or email to book your ad today!

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

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Janice Machan $268 Envelope #3 found the 3 of Spades Estimated jackpot for March 13 draw is $5,400

Brussels Legion 218 presents

Jelly Bean Blue Friday night March 13 Come out and enjoy the music and wings!

Brussels Curling Club wishes to say

THANK YOU Lining up the shots The Brussels Curling Club held its year-end bonspiel over the weekend with two draws at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. (Hannah Dickie photo)

to all the Brussels and area businesses that supported our annual Curling Bonspiel held March 7. The Club hosted 80 enthusiastic curlers who were so happy to receive a prize for their curling efforts.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020. PAGE 7.

Blyth BIA raises levy contributions 37 per cent

By Denny Scott The Citizen The Blyth Business Improvement Area increased its minimum and maximum levy contributions from local businesses with a nearunanimous vote during its annual general meeting on March 5.

The group, which hasn’t increased its levy contributions in several years, had been finding it difficult to tackle jobs benefitting local businesses with the funds available to it.

Chair David Sparling proposed that the levies increase to a minimum of $171.13 and a maximum of $399.25, an increase of approximately 37 per cent.

Sparling explained that other BIAs, highlighting Wingham, increase their levy amounts to keep with inflation every year, negating the need for large increases like the one being proposed, and also taking some of the responsibility for selecting an amount away from the BIA. Cat O’Donnell, representative from the Wonky Frog Studio, said

she felt the increase was too much, saying that comparing the Blyth BIA to other BIAs wasn’t fair because there were less members in Blyth.

She said she would like to see a smaller increase.

To allay O’Donnell’s concerns, Irene Kellins of Stitches with a Twist asked if the increase could be phased in over several years, but Sparling said that kind of decision would require the budget, which needed to be passed at the meeting to meet North Huron deadlines, to be reviewed. He also said that, at the BIA board’s last meeting, which included O’Donnell and Kellins, there seemed to be consensus that an increase of approximately $45 on the minimum wouldn’t be that onerous for business owners.

“We can graduate it if we want, but then we have to adjust the budget,” he said. “We’ll need to modify or eliminate some projects.”

Vice-Chair Shane Yerema of the Hotel Lux said that, if the levy isn’t changed, the BIA will end up being a fundraising-driven group, which the organization has been trying to avoid.

“In the past, that became why the group existed, to fundraise for events, but that’s not what we want,” he said. “We should leave fundraising to community groups that are equipped for it and let the BIA operate on its levy.”

Sparling said this move wouldn’t make the BIA the cheapest BIA to

By taking $3,500 out of reserves to help cover the cost of replacement changeable-letter signs, the Blyth Business Improvement Area (BIA) presented a balanced budget during its annual general meeting on March 5.

The budget includes, thanks to a 36 per cent increase to minimum levy contributions approved at that same meeting, some new projects that the BIA wants to tackle.

As far as income for the group, the annual levy is $9,700 and $2,200 is expected from the BIA’s outdoor market. With the addition of the transfer from reserves, the total

The Blyth Festival Singers will mark 40 years with a special reunion concert at Memorial Hall on March 28. They began the process with a rehearsal at the Blyth Trinity Anglican Church on Sunday. (Hannah Dickie photo)

Cable leads local church service

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Greeting and ushering worshippers at Blyth United Church on Sunday March 8 were Mary Lou Stewart and Jack Wharton. Marilyn Scott was organist, accompanied by John McDowell with the guitar.

Katie Dockstader was choir director while Lavern Clark ran the Power Point.

Guest speaker, Sandra Cable welcomed everyone to church. She drew everyone’s attention to the announcements printed in the bulletin. Sandra extinguished the second candle of Lent. She invited the congregation to greet one another by a fist bump or elbow bump in this time of reducing the spread of germs.

The first hymn, “Worship the Lord”, was sung. The call to worship was repeated responsively and Sandra led the congregation in the opening prayer. The children’s hymn, “Jesus Loves Me”, was sung.

The gospel reading was John 3:1-17, the story of Jesus teaching Nicodemus the necessity of regeneration. The choir sang the anthem, “Jesus Walked With Me.” Sandra’s message to the congregation was “Knew, New,

Anew?” Many clergy members are recognized by the white collar or the cross that they wear. If they do not wear their collar or cross, they are not very often recognized by the people they meet. In the gospel reading, we read about Jesus teaching Nicodemus the necessity of regeneration. Nicodemus couldn’t think outside the box. Jesus met him under the cover of the darkness because Nicodemus was afraid he would be recognized.

The English language is difficult because we have many meanings for the same word. For example, the word hot can mean something coming out of the oven is very hot, some hot peppers and maybe that certain person that sat in front of you in high school was hotlooking.

Nicodemus needed to take his faith from the darkness into the light. It must be something for a blind person to be able to see for the first time or a baby to be able to hear their parent’s voice for the first time.

Today is International Women’s Day. There are many women who have fought for the rights of women and made changes in the world on our behalf. We are invited to come into the light and to do God’s will.

Gwen Papple, Emily Phillips and Mary Lou Stewart served communion to the congregation.

The communion hymn, “Long Ago and Far Away” was sung. The offering was received followed by the singing of the offertory response, “We Give Thee But Thine Own”, and the offertory prayer, the commissioning and the benediction

The BIA approved the increase, then passed motions to adjust the rates by inflation every year and make associate memberships cost 75 per cent of the levy, which means, for 2020, associate members, or BIA members from outside of the BIA, will pay $128.35.

BIA budget includes new signs

Warming up

From Marilyn’s Desk

be a part of, but it wouldn’t be the most expensive by far.

Yerema explained it would be a one-time increase, saying that, next year, the minimum would go up by $3.22.

Kellins said she saw the logic in that, advocating for “pulling the Band-Aid off fast”.

and the singing of the response, “May God’s Sheltering Wings.”

Everyone was invited for coffee and fellowship.

Millian tops euchre games Happy birthday to Mary Lou Stewart who celebrated March 4; Diane Howson, March 13; Ken Siertsema, March 15; Steven Sparling, March 16; Madison Lee, March 17 and Kathy McNichol, March 18. Happy birthday everyone.

Happy anniversary to Hubert and Edelgard Hoba who celebrate March 15.

Winners of the Monday afternoon euchre were: first, Marie Millian, 87 and Carol Lahey and Gord Haggitt, tied with 76; second, Nancy Turner, 77; lone hands, Edna McLellan and Con van Vliet, three each; share the wealth, Edna McLellan and Harold McClinchey.

The next euchre is on Monday afternoon, March 16 at Blyth Legion Hall. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. with cards beginning at 1 pm.

Come out and enjoy an afternoon of fun and games.

Two-Toonie Tuesday is on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. On the menu is Irish stew, a tea biscuit and coleslaw along with dessert at Blyth Trinity Anglican Church from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come out and enjoy the food and fellowship.

income expected for 2020 is $15,400.

Expenses include web hosting ($500); administrative expenses, including a $1,000 audit ($1,500); updating the wayfinding signs in the community ($1,000); contributing to the Hometown Holiday Weekend ($1,500); participating in the North Huron Publishing Blyth welcome guide ($1,000); the outdoor market expenses, which is running 20 weeks this year, from May 7 to Sept.

24 ($2,600); an ongoing honorarium for managing the BIA’s social media ($500); advertising expenses ($800); a new merchant welcoming package including advertising ($1,000); the new sign ($3,500) and an educational speaker engagement set for September ($1,500).

The total of the projects is $15,400, providing the balanced budget.

The plans follow the BIA’s “ultimate goal”, Chair David Sparling said, of making the community as viable as possible from a business perspective.

“We want to bring in outside speakers to help grow local businesses and recognize new businesses,” he said. “All of that is part of us focusing on what the mandate of the BIA is.”

Sparling said that, even with the significant levy increase, the BIA will not be a “flush organization” and that some people may need to realize that there are some

aspirations that are “grander than our budget could ever sustain.”

“The best thing we can do for our budget is bring in more merchants and more stores to increase property values,” Sparling said. “Frankly, that includes population growth and making ourselves more attractive to tourists.”

NEWS FROM BLYTH Laundromat Blyth Laundromat 191 Westmoreland St., Blyth 519-523-9687

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PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020.

Better weather brings 17 to Cranbrook darts PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570 News items this week are few and far between, as the story goes. We can appreciate that March has come in like a lamb, but going out like a lion might not be so good. Here’s hoping it is just a little lion. It is only a week until the first day of spring!

A fog day on Tuesday had the children home from school so a little grandma time was needed. Then our youngest grandson was feeling tough with the cold for two days, so grandma was called upon to help when she could. Finally, Nate is feeling better and everything is back to normal.

The fog day cancelled the buses, but the day improved after that. It was not bad for temperatures either this past week and it was a really nice weekend. There were a lot of trucks and trailers heading north past our place on Friday, hoping to get in one more weekend of snowmobiling.

The Cranbrook Dart Club played on Feb. 12 and the team of Gayle Speiran, George Zwep and Gerry Rijkhof won five games. Karen Bowles had high shot for the ladies

hitting 99 and Brad Speiran hit 98 for the men. The club missed play a week ago because of the stormy weather, but better weather had 17 players out for play this past week.

Team Seven was the hot team with Annette Lewington and Steve Bowers winning five games. Brad Speiran was again the high man with 133 and high lady was Marita Lefor hitting 103.

The Seaforth Agricultural Society is hosting its Breath of Spring fundraiser again this year in April and one of the featured guest speakers is our own Brussels/Walton girl Dorothy Cummings. She is speaking on her business Barmy Tech and how it began, and what she does. I am sure it will be interesting with a touch of Dorothy’s humour.

Another local speaker is Michelle

Moore Greydanus from Greyhaven Gardens of Londesborough on success with succulents. Many people are planting them these days because of the ease of care. The night will also feature a fashion show by P&T Fashions of Seaforth.

Sounds like a great night. My friend Betty Glanville works hard to plan interesting speakers for the ladies to enjoy. Tickets go fast so check out Pete’s and Blooms N’ Rooms if you’re interested.

Next week is March Break for the children, so be watchful when out driving. Some families have left for Florida already to spend the holiday there. Others tell me they are going to grandma’s house and yet other children are hoping to go skiing, both downhill and cross-country.

Hopefully, we

still have some snow for them.

The Highland Apartments welcomed a new member to their family last week. Pearl McCallum joins the many others we know in the apartments and we hope she is settling in nicely.

Those celebrating birthdays this past week were Brooklyn Murray, Elaina Jarosz, Debra Fraser, Melissa Glanville, Dean Hackwell, Ruthann Hoegy, Andy Pethick, Nicole Stevenson, Brian Wilbee (all March 7), Kaleigh McCallum, Neil McDonald, William Ringgenberg, Jerry Zwep, Allison Braecker (all March 8), Jeanette Robinson, Eric Ross, Fred McClure, Bridget McCallum, Carali McCall Hughes, Alex Melady, Linda Bird, Allison Baan and Victoria Williamson.

Happy birthday to all.

NEWS FROM WALTON

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC MEETING AND OPEN HOUSE REGARDING AN AMENDMENT TO THE HURON EAST OFFICIAL PLAN AND HOUSEKEEPING AMENDMENT TO THE HURON EAST ZONING BY-LAW TAKE NOTICE that the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron East will hold a Public Meeting and Open House under Sections 34 and 17 of the Planning Act to consult with the public about a Housekeeping Amendment to the Huron East Zoning By-law and an Amendment to the Huron East Official Plan.

PUBLIC MEETING will be held on Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 at 7:00 pm PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE will be held on Thursday, March 26th, 2020 between 1:00- 4:00 pm & 6:00-8:00 pm Both meetings are at the Huron East Municipal office, 72 Main Street S, Seaforth

CH council expenses top $130k

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen At its March 2 meeting, Central Huron Council released its statement of council remuneration for 2019, showing the municipality spent over $130,000 on its council last year.

Mayor Jim Ginn led the way with $24,492.74 in municipal officers allowance and $702.95 in mileage and expenses. Ginn didn’t attend any conventions or conferences on behalf of Central Huron, however his expenses for conventions would have been paid by Huron County with Ginn still representing as the warden.

Second from the top was DeputyMayor Dave Jewitt, who was paid $20,673.29, which includes over $3,600 in mileage and expenses. He also spent $1,678.50 on conventions and conferences.

Councillor Alison Lobb was paid $15,594.51 for allowance, $780.02 for mileage and expenses and $545.32 for conventions, while Councillor Marg Anderson was paid a total of $16,132.37, including over $2,600 in mileage and expenses.

She also used $4,241.34 for conventions and conferences in 2019.

Councillors Alex Westerhout, Michael Russo and Dan Colquhoun were paid totals of $12,103.04, $11,896.22 and $12,455.83, respectively, while Councillor Adam Robinson was paid a total of $12,835.48 and another $2,044.10 for conventions and conferences.

The municipality’s appointed school board representative, Tim Collyer, was paid $326.28 in mileage for his work on the board.

ANY PERSON may attend the Open House and Public Meeting and/or make written or verbal representation.

PURPOSE AND EFFECT The purpose of the Housekeeping Amendment is to update general and zone provisions, permitted uses and definitions in the Zoning By-law. The proposed Housekeeping Amendment proposes primarily text changes to the Zoning By-law and does not introduce widespread mapping changes. A summary of the proposed changes to the Huron East Zoning By-law is as follows: • Add new definitions including: farm and micro-brewery/distillery/winery, basement, second unit.

• Revise existing definitions, including multiple attached dwelling, travel trailer, reconstruct; • Delete definition of livestock unit; • Revise Section 3.34 for setback distances from watercourses; • Revise Section 3.27 as per the Huron East Entrance By-law and identify entrance approval authorities (e.g. Huron County or MTO); • Reduce the number of required outdoor parking spaces for a residential unit from 2 to 1 per unit; • Add Source Water Protection provision and definitions; • Clarify the requirement of development within the 500-metre setback from an active or closed landfill and the requirement of a D4 Land Use On or Near a Landfill and Dumps study for potential contaminants on the site and its suitability for development; • Update Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) sections regarding distances for livestock barns from cemeteries; • AG3 (Agricultural Commercial Industrial) zoned properties will have Minimum Distance Separation applied; • Add a 20 square metre max for an accessory building in the NE1 (Natural Environment) Zone; • Add secondary residential units and converted dwellings in the R1 (Residential Low Density), R2 (Residential Medium Density) and R3 (Residential High Density) Zones; • Increase multiple attached dwellings in the R2 zone from 4 units to a maximum of 6 units; • Add County Biologist to 3.11 Adjacent Lands.

Changes to the zones maps or zone text for the following properties to correct specific mapping errors: • 819 TURNBERRY ST, BRUSSELS, zone change from FD (Future Development) to R1 (Residential Low Density) • 21 KING ST, BRUSSELS, to change the portion zoned FD to R1 • 42774 NEWRY RD, BRUSSELS, zone change from R1-26 to R1 to remove existing entrance requirements • NEWRY RD CON 9 PT LOT 2 RP 22R5372;PARTS 1 AND 4, BRUSSELS, text change to remove references to entrance requirements, zone remains R1-25 A summary of the proposed policy changes for the Huron East Official Plan Amendment are: • The required distances from livestock barns to cemeteries; • Applying Minimum Distance Separation to livestock barns from Agricultural Commercial or Industrial properties; • Garden Suites policy in the Agriculture section to amend wording for servicing; • Permit up to six (6) units in a multiple attached dwelling for medium residential density.

The text amendment applies to all the lands within the Municipality of Huron East.

A copy of the draft changes may be accessed on the Huron East website at: www.huroneast.com or at the Huron East Municipal Office (72 Main Street S, Seaforth), Monday to Friday, 8:30am- 4:30pm.

IF you wish to be notified of the decision of the Municipality on the proposed Amendments, you must make a written request to 72 Main Street S, Seaforth ON N0K 1W0 IF a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Municipality of Huron East before the by-laws are passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision of the Council of the Municipality of Huron East to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal.

IF a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Municipality of Huron East before the by-law is passed the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal there are reasonable grounds to do so.

Brad Knight, CAO/Clerk Municipality of Huron East 72 Main Street S, Seaforth N0K 1W0 519-527-0160

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020. PAGE 9.

Sports Ironmen tied at one for divisional championships

By Denny Scott The Citizen The Wingham Ironmen and the Mount Forest Patriots are tied at one game apiece for supremacy in the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s North Pollock Division after an action-filled weekend.

The two teams, playing off for the divisional championship spot swapped home games over the weekend with Mount Forest hosting the Ironmen on March 7 and the Patriots travelling to Wingham on March 8.

In the first game of the series, it took overtime to find a victor, with the Patriots eventually edging out the Ironmen 3-2.

Wingham’s Trevor Donaldson struck first, earning the only goal of the first period with assists by Tanner Reid and Corey Restoule.

Kyle Stanbury then put Wingham up 2-0 with a goal in the second assisted by Rhys Vollmer and Justin Donnelly. Mount Forest’s William Black responded with a marker assisted by Riley Torrie and Troy Weber.

Mount Forest’s Ryley Cribbin scored in the third, forcing overtime with a goal assisted by Blair Butchart and Hayden Coulter.

Coulter would then go on to score the game-winning goal.

While the final score shows the Patriots ahead, the Ironmen outshot their competition 37-28.

Gleb Poliakov earned the win for the Patriots, stopping 35 of 37 shots while Devon Carson was in net for the Ironmen, stopping 25 of 28.

Wingham served 16 penalty minutes on four infractions. Ten of those minutes were the result of a head contact penalty called against Justin Donnelly in the second period. Mount Forest served eight minutes on four infractions.

The Ironmen used their home-ice advantage to the fullest on March 8 when they trumped the Patriots 4-1.

Wingham’s Logan Tolton lit up the scoreboard with the only two goals of the first period. His first marker came thanks to assists by Chase Meurs and Brady Becker, while his second was a solo effort.

Mount Forest’s Troy Weber scored early in the second period, assisted

by Dawson Bolger and Parker Miller, for the team’s only goal of the game.

Becker then scored for Wingham on the power-play, assisted by Tolton and Meurs.

Meurs scored the only goal of the third with an empty-net marker with just over a minute left in the game.

The teams were tied in shots, both earning 28 by the end of the third.

Poliakov was in net for the Patriots, stopping 24 of 27 shots, while Carson earned the win for the Ironmen, stopping 27 of 28 shots.

Mount Forest served four minor penalties totalling eight minutes while Wingham served 18 minutes on five infractions, including a 10-

minute misconduct for boarding against Tolton early in the third.

This weekend Wingham will visit Mount Forest for game three on Saturday, March 14 with the puck to drop at 8 p.m. The teams will then meet in Wingham on Sunday at 3 p.m.

Game five is set for 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18 in Mount Forest.

If necessary, game six is set for March 20 in Wingham at 8 p.m. and game seven is set in Mount Forest on March 21 at 8 p.m.

The winner of the series will earn a berth in the annual Schmalz Cup against other division-leading PJHL teams.

Watch The Citizen for updates.

Midget A Heat tackling Sarnia Sting in playoffs a 4-0 win over the Heat on March 5 in Stratford before the Heat fought them to a 2-2 tie in Clinton on March 8. The teams next face off tonight, March 12, in Stratford.

The PeeWee B Heat are scheduled to take part in the Hamilton Hawks Tournament starting March 27.

The PeeWee HL team posted a 4-1 win over the St. Thomas Panthers in Brussels on March 8, but were downed by the Lambton Attack HL team in Seaforth by a score of 1-0 on March 3. The team next takes to the ice on March 14 when they visit the Panthers.

The Bantam C Heat squad edged out the Tillsonburg Lightning C

team by a score of 2-1 on the road on March 4. The squad also visited St. Marys to take on the St. Marys Rock C team on March 9 and the Lightning on March 11, however scores were unavailable as of press time.

The Midget A Heat fought to a 11 tie against the Sarnia Lady Sting in the first game of the third round of the LLFHL playoffs starting on March 8. The teams also faced off on March 11, but a score was unavailable as of press time.

If necessary, game three of the series is set for March 14 in Clinton with the puck set to drop at 8 p.m.

SELL IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS! Turn those unwanted items into quick cash with a single phone call or email.

CALL 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 info@northhuron.on.ca To place your classified ad in

The Citizen A tough tie In the first game of the team’s Lower Lakes Female Hockey League round three playoffs, the Huron Heat Midget A squad fought to a 1-1 tie against the Sarnia Sting. The squads faced off on March 11 in Sarnia, however a score was unavailable as of press time. The next scheduled game in the series is March 14 in Clinton. (Hannah Dickie photo)

By Denny Scott The Citizen Playoffs continue for teams under the Huron Heat banner with some playing in local playdowns while others compete in the Lower Lakes Female Hockey League (LLFHL) playoffs.

On March 6, the Novice B Heat were downed by a score of 6-0 by the Stratford Aces White team in Seaforth. The Heat next take to the ice on March 22 when they take on the St. Marys Rock on the road.

The team is also scheduled to take part in the March Break Madness tournament in Toronto this weekend.

The Heat are set to take on the Cornwall Typhoons at 2 p.m. on Friday in Scarborough. On Saturday, the squad will face off against the Sudbury Lady Wolves at 10 a.m. and the Toronto Leaside Wildcats at 4 p.m. On Sunday, the squad will meet

the Timmins Falcons at 10 a.m.

The Novice HL 1 (Vanstone) team had its last scheduled playoff game of the year on March 4 and were edged out by the Novice HL 2 (Calder) Heat squad by a score of 21. The Calder team then went on to play the South Huron Sabres on March 7, their last scheduled game of the year, and lost by a score of 130.

The Atom HL 1 (Haggit) Heat team posted a 2-0 win over the Lambton Attack on the road on March 8 and, as of the time of printing, had no further scheduled games.

The Atom HL 2 (Kerr) squad tied the South Huron Sabres HL team in Blyth on March 8 in the team’s last scheduled game.

The PeeWee BB Heat team is one game down in the third round of the LLFHL playoffs in a series against the Stratford Aces. The Aces posted

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

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 12, 2020.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020. PAGE 11.

Dave Franken

Don't wear loose clothing around equipment or work areas.

Legendary Custom mer Servvice - Itt’s In Our DNA

www.robe ertsfarm.com m | www.mcgavinequip.co om CHESLEY 519-363-31922

LUCKNOW 519-529-79955

MOUNT FORREST 519-323-27755

WALTON N 519-887-63365

Brian E. Wightman Certified General Accountant • Personal & Corporate Tax • Accounting & Bookkeeping • Agricultural Services

Brussels Agromart Ltd. • Crop Inputs • Crop Consulting • Crop Protection Products • Seed • Custom Application

www.brusselsagromart.ca

Seaforth ~ 519-527-1331 Email: wightman@bellnet.ca

Dumpster Rental and Service Residential & Commercial Dumpster Rental & Service

R.R. #1 41403 Londesboro Road Londesboro, ON N0M 2H0 Jim Anderson Jason Fleet: 519-523-4894 Cell 519-525-9473 Cell 519-440-6007

Brussels

519-887-6273

The Citizen Take your time doing farming chores, wear proper footwear, watch for hazards, keep pathways clear, use handrails, and stay alert.

413 Queen St., Blyth

541 Turnberry St., Brussels

519-523-4792

519-887-9114

Farm Safety Makes Everyone Stronger

Wellness on the Farm

Farm safety is about more than just rules. It’s about growing a culture of safety for everyone on the farm.

A safe farm is a strong farm, and a strong farm is a successful one. You can help build a stronger farm, family, and community, and be part of an AgSafe Canada, by developing a Farm Safety Plan and talking with your family and anyone who visits your farm about safety.

Aches and pains are common afflictions of everyday life.

Back pain is a common work-related issue that affects many farmers.

Back pain can affect anyone, young or old.

Farmers are especially at risk because work done on the farm often includes activities that are factors for developing back pain.

Start by identifying high-risk activities. Are you spending long hours operating equipment?

Are you lifting awkward or heavy loads? Is there a tripping hazard that could lead to a fall? Once you realize that there is a potential for creating back pain, take some steps to protect yourself.

Take breaks, ask for help, practice safe lifting techniques and try to avoid repetitive tasks. If your back pain doesn’t resolve itself, seek medical advice. Your back will thank you.

Resilience on the Farm Farming and Ranching have unique occupational hazards and stresses. With strong traditions of being an independent occupation, the tendency is not talk about problems or ask for support.

Feeling lonely and isolated is common, but you aren’t alone and we can all do things to support each other.

Reach out to those around you. Get involved in your local community, make the time to connect with friends, share information and help grow healthy and resilient agricultural communities.

This Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, we celebrate Safe and Strong Farms. For more information on Growing an AgSafe Canada, visit agsafetyweek.ca

McDonald

37452 Glen’s Hill Road, RR 2, Auburn, Ont. N0M 1E0

Tel. 519-529-7212 Brussels, Ont.

519-887-6277 www.mcdonaldhomehardware.com

Fax. 519-529-3277

Snowblowers, Quick-attach Buckets, Sweepers, Woodsplitters, Crimper Rollers, Land Rollers, Stone Windrowers, etc.

Website: smythwelding.com Email: info@smythwelding.com

• FARM • HOME • AUTO • BUSINESS • COTTAGE • COMMERCIAL • RECREATION • MARINE

Remember to put safety first!

1-877-839-3742 www.mcconvilleomni.ca

Personal, Farm, Business & Corporate

Brussels 519-887-8253 Office brettandlaura@plantpioneer.com Farm Safety is everyone’s responsibility

40356 LONDESBORO RD., LONDESBOROUGH 519-523-4742 www.townsendtire.ca

• Monthly Bookkeeping Services • Electronic Tax Filing jgowing623@gmail.com

519-887-9248

“You will find it at CARQUEST” 235 TURNBERRY ST., BRUSSELS

519-887-9661 3878 WELLINGTON ST., 20 KING ST., MITCHELL and CLINTON

519-348-8485

519-482-3445

Locations ~ Blyth and Walton

Safe, Dependable Trucking Service • Livestock • Bulk Brussels, Ontario 519-887-6122 1-800-667-8399

Farm Safety = #1 Priority Seed Crop Protection Fertilizer Grain Elevators Custom Spraying Contact us at 519-523-9624 • 1-800-663-3653

Come in and discover our new product lines

Be safe. Stay alert.

JOE SEILI

Brussels 519-887-6289

Todd Wheeler Insurance Inc. AGENT: TODD WHEELER 75 Sports Dr., Brussels, ON N0G 1H0

37117 Blyth Road, Goderich

twheeler@mckillopmutual.com OFFICE: 519-357-0155 • FAX: 226-889-8944

Take extra care when handling livestock.

• Order Buyers • • Slaughter/Feeder Cattle • • Western/Eastern/Local Cattle • • Cattle Appraisals ~ Processing Available •

Exhaust Bending Service Complete Vehicle Service

519-524-9878

Howson & Howson Ltd. Flour Mill

Ross McCall

Blyth 519-523-4241

Office 519-887-9571 Fax 519-887-9171

• Farm • Residential • Commercial • Automobile Be cautious when working around farm equipment and livestock. Farm Safety is everyone’s responsibility!

www.howickmutual.com

1-800-265-3033

Your full-service John Deere Source for Parts, Sales & Service

• Agricultural Equipment • Utility Vehicles • Skid Steers • Sprayers • Pressure Washers • Lawn & Garden Equipment • Exeter 519-235-1115 • Blyth 519-523-4244 • Mitchell 519-347-2251 www.hurontractor.com

G. L. HUBBARD LIMITED

AUTO PARTS

www.centralhuron.com

519-523-9971

Accounting, Income Tax & Business Management

Brett & Laura Fischer

RADAR

The Municipality of Central Huron 519-482-3997

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL • Foundations • Floor Finishing • Circular Tanks • Sandwich Walls FREE ESTIMATES RR#3 Blyth ~ Fax 519-523-9604

Jacquie Gowing Accounting

Home Hardware Building Centre

Always put safety first

For All Your Concrete Needs!

HURON FEEDING SYSTEMS

Growers And Packers Of Quality Rutabagas

STAY SAFE! Experience the DELTA Difference

Used Car & Truck Sales Repairs to all makes & models of cars & trucks Located 2 miles south of Blyth Corner of London Rd. & Hullett-McKillop Rd.

www.deltapower.ca

Jack Van Dorp 519-523-9308

Farm Safety is everyone’s responsibility

Blyth 519-523-4554

PO Box 429 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0

519-523-4311

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020. PAGE 11.

Dave Franken

Don't wear loose clothing around equipment or work areas.

Legendary Custom mer Servvice - Itt’s In Our DNA

www.robe ertsfarm.com m | www.mcgavinequip.co om CHESLEY 519-363-31922

LUCKNOW 519-529-79955

MOUNT FORREST 519-323-27755

WALTON N 519-887-63365

Brian E. Wightman Certified General Accountant • Personal & Corporate Tax • Accounting & Bookkeeping • Agricultural Services

Brussels Agromart Ltd. • Crop Inputs • Crop Consulting • Crop Protection Products • Seed • Custom Application

www.brusselsagromart.ca

Seaforth ~ 519-527-1331 Email: wightman@bellnet.ca

Dumpster Rental and Service Residential & Commercial Dumpster Rental & Service

R.R. #1 41403 Londesboro Road Londesboro, ON N0M 2H0 Jim Anderson Jason Fleet: 519-523-4894 Cell 519-525-9473 Cell 519-440-6007

Brussels

519-887-6273

The Citizen Take your time doing farming chores, wear proper footwear, watch for hazards, keep pathways clear, use handrails, and stay alert.

413 Queen St., Blyth

541 Turnberry St., Brussels

519-523-4792

519-887-9114

Farm Safety Makes Everyone Stronger

Wellness on the Farm

Farm safety is about more than just rules. It’s about growing a culture of safety for everyone on the farm.

A safe farm is a strong farm, and a strong farm is a successful one. You can help build a stronger farm, family, and community, and be part of an AgSafe Canada, by developing a Farm Safety Plan and talking with your family and anyone who visits your farm about safety.

Aches and pains are common afflictions of everyday life.

Back pain is a common work-related issue that affects many farmers.

Back pain can affect anyone, young or old.

Farmers are especially at risk because work done on the farm often includes activities that are factors for developing back pain.

Start by identifying high-risk activities. Are you spending long hours operating equipment?

Are you lifting awkward or heavy loads? Is there a tripping hazard that could lead to a fall? Once you realize that there is a potential for creating back pain, take some steps to protect yourself.

Take breaks, ask for help, practice safe lifting techniques and try to avoid repetitive tasks. If your back pain doesn’t resolve itself, seek medical advice. Your back will thank you.

Resilience on the Farm Farming and Ranching have unique occupational hazards and stresses. With strong traditions of being an independent occupation, the tendency is not talk about problems or ask for support.

Feeling lonely and isolated is common, but you aren’t alone and we can all do things to support each other.

Reach out to those around you. Get involved in your local community, make the time to connect with friends, share information and help grow healthy and resilient agricultural communities.

This Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, we celebrate Safe and Strong Farms. For more information on Growing an AgSafe Canada, visit agsafetyweek.ca

McDonald

37452 Glen’s Hill Road, RR 2, Auburn, Ont. N0M 1E0

Tel. 519-529-7212 Brussels, Ont.

519-887-6277 www.mcdonaldhomehardware.com

Fax. 519-529-3277

Snowblowers, Quick-attach Buckets, Sweepers, Woodsplitters, Crimper Rollers, Land Rollers, Stone Windrowers, etc.

Website: smythwelding.com Email: info@smythwelding.com

• FARM • HOME • AUTO • BUSINESS • COTTAGE • COMMERCIAL • RECREATION • MARINE

Remember to put safety first!

1-877-839-3742 www.mcconvilleomni.ca

Personal, Farm, Business & Corporate

Brussels 519-887-8253 Office brettandlaura@plantpioneer.com Farm Safety is everyone’s responsibility

40356 LONDESBORO RD., LONDESBOROUGH 519-523-4742 www.townsendtire.ca

• Monthly Bookkeeping Services • Electronic Tax Filing jgowing623@gmail.com

519-887-9248

“You will find it at CARQUEST” 235 TURNBERRY ST., BRUSSELS

519-887-9661 3878 WELLINGTON ST., 20 KING ST., MITCHELL and CLINTON

519-348-8485

519-482-3445

Locations ~ Blyth and Walton

Safe, Dependable Trucking Service • Livestock • Bulk Brussels, Ontario 519-887-6122 1-800-667-8399

Farm Safety = #1 Priority Seed Crop Protection Fertilizer Grain Elevators Custom Spraying Contact us at 519-523-9624 • 1-800-663-3653

Come in and discover our new product lines

Be safe. Stay alert.

JOE SEILI

Brussels 519-887-6289

Todd Wheeler Insurance Inc. AGENT: TODD WHEELER 75 Sports Dr., Brussels, ON N0G 1H0

37117 Blyth Road, Goderich

twheeler@mckillopmutual.com OFFICE: 519-357-0155 • FAX: 226-889-8944

Take extra care when handling livestock.

• Order Buyers • • Slaughter/Feeder Cattle • • Western/Eastern/Local Cattle • • Cattle Appraisals ~ Processing Available •

Exhaust Bending Service Complete Vehicle Service

519-524-9878

Howson & Howson Ltd. Flour Mill

Ross McCall

Blyth 519-523-4241

Office 519-887-9571 Fax 519-887-9171

• Farm • Residential • Commercial • Automobile Be cautious when working around farm equipment and livestock. Farm Safety is everyone’s responsibility!

www.howickmutual.com

1-800-265-3033

Your full-service John Deere Source for Parts, Sales & Service

• Agricultural Equipment • Utility Vehicles • Skid Steers • Sprayers • Pressure Washers • Lawn & Garden Equipment • Exeter 519-235-1115 • Blyth 519-523-4244 • Mitchell 519-347-2251 www.hurontractor.com

G. L. HUBBARD LIMITED

AUTO PARTS

www.centralhuron.com

519-523-9971

Accounting, Income Tax & Business Management

Brett & Laura Fischer

RADAR

The Municipality of Central Huron 519-482-3997

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL • Foundations • Floor Finishing • Circular Tanks • Sandwich Walls FREE ESTIMATES RR#3 Blyth ~ Fax 519-523-9604

Jacquie Gowing Accounting

Home Hardware Building Centre

Always put safety first

For All Your Concrete Needs!

HURON FEEDING SYSTEMS

Growers And Packers Of Quality Rutabagas

STAY SAFE! Experience the DELTA Difference

Used Car & Truck Sales Repairs to all makes & models of cars & trucks Located 2 miles south of Blyth Corner of London Rd. & Hullett-McKillop Rd.

www.deltapower.ca

Jack Van Dorp 519-523-9308

Farm Safety is everyone’s responsibility

Blyth 519-523-4554

PO Box 429 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0

519-523-4311

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020.

Radars jump to 3-1 lead in WOAA Sr. playoffs

Bulging the twine The Clinton Radars recently turned a 1-0 series deficit into a 3-1 lead over the Tillsonburg Thunder. Above, Sean Consitt of the Radars puts a goal past Tillsonburg’s Tommy Lee in one of Clinton’s wins over the weekend. (Hannah Dickie photo)

By Denny Scott The Citizen The Clinton Radars have jumped out to a 3-1 lead in their best-ofseven Western Ontario Athletics

Association (WOAA) Senior Hockey semi-final series against the Tillsonburg Thunder.

While the Thunder did down the Radars in game one of the series in Tillsonburg, the next three games

were taken by the Radars.

On March 8, the Radars posted a big 6-1 win over the Thunder in Clinton.

The Radars dominated the game, scoring five straight goals before the

Club holds annual bonspiel

Dressed to impress The annual Brussels Curling Club year-end bonspiel was held on the weekend featuring 10 teams on the five rinks.

(Hannah Dickie photo)

The Brussels Curling Club held its yearly bonspiel on the weekend.

There were 10 teams on each draw to fill the five ice surfaces. Teams came from Seaforth, Mitchell, Woodstock, Stratford, Strathroy, Vanastra and Brussels. The hard work of the Bonspiel Committee Chairman Steve Knight and club members bringing in family and friends to enjoy the day made it very successful. All club members are involved in some way during the day and the club is happy with the participation of all our members.

The first draw had the winning team from Vanastra skipped by Les Cudmore finish in first place with 47.25 points. The second-place team was the George Zwep team with 44.75 points. The third-place team was Rick McDonald with 35.75 and fourth was Brad Knight with 34.5 points. The fifth-place team was Steve Knight with 25 points and Steve Bowers finished sixth with 23.75. The Matt Cardiff team finished seventh with 23 points and eighth place was the Eric Radford team. The ninth-place team was

Kevin Quipp with 18.5 points and the most colourful and fun team finishing tenth was that of Danica Janmaat. The first draw enjoyed a roast beef dinner following game one, snacks after game two and soup and sandwiches after game three and then prizes were awarded.

The second draw began play at 10:30 a.m. and finishing first was team Steve McCowan with 49.75 points. The second-place team was Mike Neisen with 35.5 points and third was Steve Steiss with 34.5 points winning 10 ends and fourthplace team was Stacey Culbert with 34.5 with nine ends. The fifth-place team was Steve Dolmage with 31.25 points and sixth was Cody Sanders with 26.25 points. The seventh-place team was Brad Smith with 21.75 and team Don Osborne also had 21.75 coming in eighth. A cut of the cards determined their placement. Team Dan Ward finished ninth with 28.25 and 10th was Sarah Alexander with her high school team with 8.25 points. The second draw also had their roast beef dinner after their first game, snacks after the second and soup and sandwiches after the third and then prizes.

It was a great day for the club and organizers are so pleased to have such great support. It is certainly a good feeling to fill a bonspiel with 20 teams, when some curling clubs struggle to get 12 or 16 teams for their bonspiels. The club appreciates the support of the Brussels and area business community for their support. The Brussels Curling Club must be doing something right when curlers continue to come back to play on arena ice, which can have its ups and downs, but always a lot of fun.

For more pictures from local sporting events, including hockey games and bonspiels, visit huroncitizen.ca

Thunder responded late in the third period.

Steven Shipley struck first for the Radars with a goal assisted by Stephen Sanza and Josh Cornelissen.

Ray Huether scored next for the Radars, assisted by Jamie Huber, followed by Ben Vanooteghem scoring assisted by Jeremy Ross and Cornelissen.

After a scoreless second period, Max Campbell scored for the Radars less than a minute into the third, assisted by Cullen Mercer and Nathan Answell. Blake Buchanan then scored for the Radars, assisted

by Huether and Rob Riguette.

Tillsonburg’s Travis Lisabeth responded with a goal assisted by Ryan Stephenson and Matt Pasztor before Ryan Watson scored an unassisted goal for the Radars with nine seconds left in the game.

The Thunder served six minor penalties totalling 12 minutes while the Radars served three totalling six minutes.

Greg Dodds earned the win for the Radars in net, stopping 30 of 31 shots while Tommy Lee was in net for the Thunder, stopping 46 of 52 shots.

On March 7, the Radars blanked the Thunder 5-0 in Tillsonburg.

Ryan Murphy struck first with an unassisted marker, the only goal of the first period.

Campbell then earned his own unassisted goal in the second, followed by a second marker that was assisted by Shipley and Sanza.

Campbell made it three in a row early in the third with a marker assisted by Mercer and Sean Consitt.

Derek Elliott earned the last goal of the game, assisted by Huber and Ansell.

Dodds earned the shutout win for the Radars stopping 26 shots. Lee was in net for the Thunder, stopping 28 of 33 shots.

Tillsonburg was assessed three minor penalties and one game misconduct related to a check-frombehind call against Brendan Barletta totalling 16 minutes. Clinton served four minor penalties totalling eight minutes.

On March 6, the Radars earned their first win of the series with a 54 victory over the Thunder in Clinton.

Clinton’s Campbell earned the only marker of the first, assisted ity mun s Com arenes Aw

Cancer Deadline March 27

by Mercer and Garrett Russell.

Tillsonburg’s Chris McGuffin responded in the second with a marker assisted by Jason Skinner and Kaine Geldart.

Consitt scored for Clinton, assisted by Campbell and Elliott before Tillsonburg’s Chad Schwartzentruber scored assisted by Ryan Stephenson and Braden Roberts.

Consitt had the last word in the second, marking another goal for the Radars, assisted by Ansell.

The third saw Campbell score for Clinton, assisted by Mercer and Consitt before Huber would add one more to the Radar’s lead, assisted by Tyler Bryson and Cornelissen.

Barletta scored for the Thunder, assisted by Skinner, as did Lisabeth, assisted by Skinner and Geldart, however that still left the Thunder one short of tying it up.

Clinton served four minor penalties totalling eight minutes and one 10-minute major for harassment of official/unsportsmanlike conduct assessed to Sean Consitt. The Thunder served four minor penalties totalling eight minutes.

Dodds earned the win for the Radars, stopping 30 of 34 shots, while Lee was in net for the Thunder, saving 44 of 49 shots.

The Radars will next host the Thunder on March 13 in Clinton with the puck to drop at 8:30 p.m.

Game six and seven, if necessary, are set for March 14 in Tillsonburg and March 15 in Clinton with the puck to drop at 5 p.m.

The winner of the series will go up against the winner of an ongoing series between the Minto 81’s and the Ripley Wolves. The Wolves were leading that series 2-1 at press time with a game scheduled for March 10.

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ter Win orts Sp

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Deadline April 10

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ing Spr Care Car

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020. PAGE 13.

519-523-4311

www.ruralvoice.ca

Agriculture

BLYTH 519-523-4244 www.hurontractor.com

Brussels Livestock report

Sheep sell higher at sale, goats sell steady Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending March 6 were 1,854 cattle and 659 lambs and goats.

On Tuesday fed steers and heifers sold actively at barely steady prices.

Choice steers and heifers sold $150 to $154 with sales to $155. Secondcut steers and heifers sold $140 to $150. Cows sold steady. On Thursday veal sold on a good demand at steady prices. Lambs sold slightly higher. Sheep sold slightly lower, while goats sold steady. On Friday calves sold actively at steady prices with choice calves bringing a premium. Yearlings sold actively at barely steady prices.

Noah and Neil Weppler of Ayton, consigned 10 steers that averaged 1,487 lbs and sold for an average price of $143.22. One red steer

weighed 1,415 lbs. and sold for $149. Matthew Bros. Farms of Durham, consigned 10 steers that averaged 1,785 lbs. and sold for an average price of $140.78. Two black steers averaged 1,738 lbs. and sold for an average price of $142.50.

There were 260 cows on offer.

Beef sold $72 to $82 with sales to $94; D1 and D2, $67 to $77 with sales to $78; D3, $60 to $66; D4, $50 to $59. Premier Blues of Dublin, consigned one red cow that weighed 1,725 lbs. and sold for $94. Andrew Stutzman of Lucknow, consigned one grey cow that weighed 1,580 lbs. and sold for $93. Brad Gilchrist of Lucknow, consigned one black bull that weighed 1,370 lbs. and sold for $118. Wanda Snobelen Ltd. of Ripley, consigned one charolais bull

that weighed 1,545 lbs. and sold for $117.

There were 150 head of veal on offer. Beef veal sold $150 to $180 with sales to $185; good holsteins, $125 to $130 with sales to $131; SL heavy holsteins, $110 to $120; heavy holsteins, $105 to $115; medium holsteins, $110 to $120; plain holsteins, $100 to $105.

Reuben S. Martin of Wallenstein, consigned eight head that averaged 896 lbs. and sold for an average price of $168.57. One blue steer weighed 885 lbs. and sold for $185.

Jim Maw of Forest, consigned five steers that averaged 886 lbs. and sold for an average price of $145.65. One roan steer weighed 860 lbs. and sold for $169. Lisa Stevenson of Brussels, consigned three holstein steers that averaged 735 lbs. and sold

for an average price of $126.95. One holstein steer weighed 720 lbs. and sold for $131.

Lambs under 50 lbs. sold $371 to $374; 50 - 64 lbs., $353 to $361; 65 - 79 lbs., $326 to $345; 80 - 94 lbs., $282 to $296; 95 - 110 lbs., $274 to $280.

Sheep sold $125 to $195.

Goats: billies sold $150 to $350; nannies, $50 to $150; kids: meat, $325 to $400; dairy, $260 to $340.

Sjoerdjan Deboer of Brussels, consigned three lambs that averaged 69 lbs. and sold for a price of $345.

Elias S. Brubacher of Wroxeter, consigned five lambs that averaged 59 lbs. and sold for an average price of $357.

Top quality stocker steers under 400 lbs. sold $231 to $260; 400 - 499 lbs., $207 to $259; 500 - 599 lbs.,

$225 to $242; 600 - 699 lbs., $205 to $225; 700 - 799 lbs., $195 to $207.25; 800 - 899 lbs., $178 to $186; 900 - 999 lbs., $165 to $177; 1,000 lbs. and over, $165 to $173.

Top quality stocker heifers, 300 399 lbs. sold $205 to $245; 400 - 499 lbs., $177 to $230; 500 - 599 lbs., $181 to $207; 600 - 699 lbs., $167 to $190; 700 - 799 lbs., $175 to $185; 800 - 899 lbs., $163 to $171; 900 lbs. and over, $158 to $172.75.

Craig Simpson of Glencoe, consigned 12 head. Ten charolais heifers averaged 942 lbs. and sold for an average price of $165.75.

Allan Aitchison of New Liskeard, consigned 85 head. Ten red steers averaged 732 lbs. and sold for an average price of $207.25. Nineteen heifers averaged 712 lbs. and sold for an average price of $177.

Beef sector in trouble says Hoggart at forum

A time to act Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb, left, and MPP Lisa Thompson, right, were available to listen to the comments and concerns of numerous farmers last Friday in Clinton at the Huron County Federation of Agriculture’s annual politicians’ forum. Among those concerns were serious worries in the beef sector across the province. Federation President Ethan Wallace, centre, moderated discussion that day at the Clinton Legion. (Lisa B. Pot photo)

By Lisa B. Pot The Rural Voice Of all the farm sectors reporting at the Local Politician Forum on March 6 at the Clinton Legion, it was the beef farming sector that appears to be facing the toughest year.

From new transportation rules to loss of markets from border closures to lack of processing facilities, Ontario beef farmers are “in a huge crisis” says Harvey Hoggart of the Huron County Beef Producers.

“Ontario beef farmers have incurred losses of more than $180 per animal on average since January, 2019,” stated Hoggart from the brief he presented to Huron Bruce MP Ben Lobb and MPP Lisa Thompson, who annually attend this meeting to hear about the issues facing agriculture.

Hoggart said adding the loss of markets in China and Saudi Arabia created “a perfect storm”. The

temporary China market closure in 2019 lost the Canadian beef industry hundreds of thousand of dollars per week, said Hoggart.

When Ontario’s third largest processing plant, Ryder-Regency, closed in December, 2019, the processing problem worsened.

“The beef sector deserves an equitable level of support and assistance proportionate to the harm beef farmers have received,” he added. Specifically, he was requesting a robust and secure Business Risk Management (BRM) program coupled with an Ontario Cattle Emergency Assistance Program to aid beef farmers during these tough times.

When beef farmers are profiting, they contribute 2.69 billion to Ontario’s GDP on an annual basis, added Hoggart.

“Gram for gram, beef is one of the most accessible and affordable ways for the human body to obtain

essential nutrients,” he stated, making a case for the value of the approximately 19,000 beef farmers in Ontario.

Lobb and Thompson listened and confirmed that the beef industry is in a tough position.

“The beef industry had a couple of good years there but this past year has been terrible to say the least,” agreed Lobb. “The government failing to understand the rules in regards to BSE status is a monumental tragedy, while the lack of a relationship with Saudi Arabia has taken tonnage away.”

Speaking to the closure of RidingRegency, Lobb sais there was a point when they were “begging” to keep it open for beef farmers because it provided 90 per cent of the kosher beef in Ontario. Now, 100 per cent of it comes from Mexico. “It’s a huge loss,” confirmed Lobb.

Then new transportation rules (reducing the number of hours cattle can be on a truck) were proposed, which “did not help,” said Lobb.

“This is a sector that is in crisis in Ontario.”

He feels that many bureaucrats and politicians are “out of their league” dealing with this stuff. “You guys are delivering the message, but sometimes no one is home.”

Lobb aligned himself with the beef producers saying, “We will continue to push.”

Thompson agreed that beef farmers have to keep being vocal about their needs.

In response to assistance programs and promises made to fund beef farmers during the election, Thompson said, “Ernie Hardeman (Ontario’s agriculture minister) has been pushing hard for the BRM money and the finance minister and treasury board are aware of that

County mum on ratio Continued from page 3 and will soon be on the hook for a new water tower. While farmers are facing a taxation burden, he said, it wouldn’t be fair to shift it to others who are facing burdens of their own.

Councillor Dave Jewitt concurred, saying to ask for an additional $1.2 million from the residential class, which is what the shift would amount to, just didn’t seem fair to him. He added that while many other counties had opted to adjust the tax ratio for farm properties, none of them have as much farmland as Huron County.

Where a county with very little farmland could make the adjustment without affecting many properties, changing the tax ratio in Huron County would amount to a large shift with a significant amount of money at stake.

Klopp, in support of the recommendation, suggested a motion for the next meeting that would reduce the farm tax ratio in line with what the federations were suggesting. However, when that time came, no one seconded his notice of motion, meaning it died on the floor.

priority,” said Thompson. “When does it come through? We know that provincially we are in a fiscally precarious situation. You will need to keep your voices heard.”

She did remind Hoggart that money has been flowing into the province through a $2 million investment in licensed abattoirs.

Hoggart acknowledged this funding, but said that as a result of insufficient processing capacity, many beef farmers are incurring losses of $200 to $300 per head.

Another issue Hoggart raised was the beef industry’s goals to have access to more land for community pastures. This has been a longstanding request which includes access of Crown land in Northern Ontario.

“Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) is requesting that the Ontario government recognize agriculture as the preferred and primary use of Crown land not used for forestry and mining,” stated the brief. Then beef farmers could develop a userfriendly system to allow beef farmers to either loan or lease the land for grazing. With these lands, beef farmers could develop community pasture demonstration projects in partnership with BFO and environmental non-government organizations.

“Community pastures are especially valuable for young producers who are limited in their ability to purchase more land,” said Hoggart.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK 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

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020.

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

Articles for sale TIME SHARE FOR SALE – ONE annual week in Kissimmee, Florida, Parkway International Resort, deeded title, very reasonably priced.

Phone 519-482-5243.

11-2p -------------------------------------------GERBERS FIREWOOD SERVING you for over 10 years. Your number one source of quality slabwood and bodywood. Delivery available. No Sunday calls. 519-656-2057, 519441-2085.

01-50p -------------------------------------------REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. All are in colour. 4x6 – $5.00, 5x7 – $6.00, 8x10 – $10.00. Phone to order 519523-4792 or 519-887-9114. tfn -------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AVAILABLE TO purchase at these locations – Auburn Co-op, 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 and The Citizen Blyth.

Coming events THE NEXT FAMOUS FISH FRY is on Friday, March 13 from noon to 7 p.m. at Wingham Columbus Centre. Eat-in $14.99 – Grilled or battered white fish or chicken fingers, with a buffet of breads, salads, potatoes, coffee and tea included. Take-out $13.99 – Your choice of grilled or battered white fish or chicken fingers, baked potatoes or fries and a dinner roll.

Add a salad for $1.50. Homemade desserts are also available for $3.75.

All prices are subject to HST. Call to reserve your fish ASAP 519-3571270. Freezers are full: homemade soups and tv-style dinners available all year long.

11-1 -------------------------------------------TWO TOONIE TUESDAY, March 17 at Trinity Anglican Church, 166 Dinsley St., Blyth, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Irish stew, biscuit, coleslaw and dessert.

Everyone welcome.

10-2b -------------------------------------------THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC! Blyth Festival Singers Ruby Anniversary Concert featuring directors, accompanists and favourite music from the past 40 years. Saturday, March 28, 7:30 p.m., Blyth Memorial Hall.

Adults $25, Children under 12 $6.

Contact Blyth Festival Box Office 519-523-9300 or 1-877-862-5984 www.blythfestival.com/events. 11-1 --------------------------------------------

Coming events

Coming events

BELGRAVE COMMUNITY CENTRE Board is hosting a Wing and Pub Night, Saturday, March 14 at the Belgrave Community Centre, 6 - 11 p.m. Takeout available starting at 5 p.m. 519-357-4220.

11-1 -------------------------------------------AUBURN UNITED CHURCH Roast Beef Supper, Wednesday, April 1, Auburn Community Centre, 5:30 p.m. Family $50, Adults $20, Children 6-12 $10, five and under free. Call Shirley 519-526-7762 or Carol 519-526-7214.

11&13p --------------------------------------------

SPRING VENDOR MARKET – Saturday, March 28 at St. Ambrose Church, Brussels, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Local vendors, raffle draw, cash prizes, bake table. Lunch available.

Everyone is welcome!

11-3p --------------------------------------------

Auction

Auction

Coming events Coming events Belgrave Minor Ball Registration March 14 & 21, 2020 10 a.m. - noon at the Belgrave Community Centre Contact Bruce Higgins 519-887-6102 or 519-357-5109

CLEARING AUCTION SALE of Tractors, Backhoe, Machinery, ATV, Zero Turn Mower, Golf Cart, Tools and Farm related items to be held for

Joe & Libby Wilinsky Saturday March 21 2020 10:00 AM 5438 Line 60, Milverton, Ontario Em# 5438 N0K 1M0 Tractors & Backhoe: 2012 JD 5093E 4WD, Cab, auxiliary controls, 8-47kg front end weights, 18.4-30 Goodyear rear tires, 12.4-24 Goodyear front tires, 1395 HRS (Bought new, excellent condition); 2007 Kubota L3400 Diesel, 4WD w/LA463 Quick Attach loader 415 HRS (Bought new, excellent condition); Attachments: NHM5F0187 3PT 5ft tiller; Ferguson 5KC-20 3PT cultipacker; AGRIEase 5ft 3PT grader blade; 5ft 3PH disc; 7FT 3PH cultivator; Smyth 5FT Quick Attach root puller; Quick Attach pallet fork (attachments sell separate); David Brown 1200 SELECTAMATIC Diesel approx 1956 (currently not running); JD 310E 4WD Diesel backhoe, extendahoe 6000HRS (working condition).

Machinery & Equipment: JD 7000 corn planter, Incinerators & covers; ASTRON 8FT double auger snow blower, hydraulic hood; IH 510 seed drill; NH 3PT sickle mower; 12FT cultipacker; Case trail disc; 7FT 3PT cultivator; Ford 918 5FT 3PT flail mower; Diamond harrows; 2-approx 175 bu. gravity bins on running gear w/ tarps; 16ft x 8FT flat rack wagon; Hydraulic wood splitter on wheels ; 3PT 12" post hole auger; weed sprayer; 30FT 6" grain auger on transport (older).

ATV, Golf Cart, Mowers & Trailers: 2018 Yamaha KODIAK 450 ATV, power steering 28HRS, 195KM (bought new); Approx 2012 Club Car, electric golf cart w/ charger, riser kit, windshield, convertible top (nice); 2017 Z445 EZtrak 24HP, 2 cylinder Zero-Turn mower w/bagger (bought new); Yardman 42" riding lawn tractor.

Snowmobile: 1972 JD spitfire, nice shape, currently not running Vin# J34A0081963M. Trailers: "Well built" homemade ATV trailer; 5FT x 10Ft tandem trailer (homemade); small dump trailer (for golf cart); Homemade car trailer.

Miscellaneous Items: 1972 Ford 6 cylinder pickup (not running); AVRORA AG16500DE Diesel 6000 Watt electric start generator on wheels (almost new) w/ kit; Honda FC110 gas flowerbed tiller w/ kit; Stihl HT 131 gas tree trimmer; Stihl MS260 gas chain saw; Ryobi Electric leaf blower; electric string trimmer; 3FT lawn roller; older garden tillers; 20 Ton press; deca240 volt ARC welder; electric grinder on stand; Coleman air compressor; air hose; battery charger; rims & snow tires (for jeep?); blacksmith forge; windmill parts; cement mixer; 3-old gas engines; aluminum ladders; ext cords; logging chains; Gas cans; live traps; good selection of power & hand tools; variety of garden tools & the list goes on. (2-wagon loads of misc items).

Plan to attend this unreserved auction, items have been well kept and cared for.

(Farm is sold).

LUNCH BOOTH For more information call Auctioneer.

To view photos visit billhorstauctions.com TERMS Cash or cheque with proper I.D. No debit or credit cards. No buyers premium.

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

Verbal announcements take precedence over advertising.

AUCTIONEER: BILL HORST 519-595-2626

Help wanted

Help wanted AZ/DZ DRIVERS NEEDED

Millstone Crop Services Ltd, have openings for positions in our Crop Input Business based out of our Head Office in Blyth, ON. Requirements: - Assisting in the delivery of Agricultural products as well as other duties as assigned - Handling of fertilizer and chemicals - Must be able to work in most outdoor conditions - Please note that this position may require extra shifts and scheduled overtime - Able to work efficiently as part of a team and independently - High level of personal integrity - Strong work ethic - Competitive wages Interested candidates can submit their résumé and cover letter to: chowson@millstonecrop.ca Mail: Millstone Crop Services Ltd. Attn: Chris Howson P.O. Box 280 Blyth, Ontario, N0M 1H0 Fax 519-523-9814 chowson@millstonecrop.ca We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Deadline date for submission: March 27, 2020

Full-Time Custom Application Equipment Operators Needed Millstone Crop Services Ltd, have openings for positions in our growing Crop Input Business based out of our Head Office in Blyth, ON. Requirements: - Tasks will include the operation and maintenance of Custom Application equipment - Handling of fertilizer and chemicals - Assisting in the delivery of products as well as other duties as assigned - Nutrient Application and Pesticide Exterminator Licences considered an asset (Millstone will assist the right candidate in achieving proper licensing) - Basic knowledge of Computer based functions - Must be able to work in most outdoor conditions - Please note that this position may require extra shifts and scheduled overtime - Elevator Operation, opportunities in the fall - Able to work efficiently as part of a team and independently - High level of personal integrity - Strong work ethic - Competitive wages Interested candidates can submit their résumé and cover letter to: chowson@millstonecrop.ca Mail: Millstone Crop Services Ltd. Attn: Chris Howson P.O. Box 280 Blyth, Ontario, N0M 1H0 Fax 519-523-9814 chowson@millstonecrop.ca We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Deadline date for submission: March 27, 2020

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

www.huroncitizen.ca

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020. PAGE 15.

Classified Advertisements Help wanted

Help wanted

Help wanted

Help wanted

This is a summer student position based at our office in Wroxeter.

Visit www.mvca.on.ca or call 519-335-3557 ext. 234 for the job description and application details.

The deadline for applications is Friday March 27, 2020.

WITH THE CLASSIFIEDS!

FALLS RESERVE

HELP WANTED Maitland Conservation is accepting applications for a Field Services Assistant.

CASH IN

General Carpenter/Labourer • Full time - Monday to Friday (8-10 hours/day) • Wage based on experience • G2 licence required with means of transportation to shop/jobsite daily This job includes, but is not limited, to all aspects of interior finishing and exterior building and finishing. Being a licensed tradesperson is an asset but not a requirement.

Conservation Area

Maitland Conservation is accepting applications for seasonal positions at Falls Reserve Conservation Area, Benmiller. Positions include: n Maintenance & Security n Operations & Security

Please email résumé and relevant experience including any training and certificates to:

n Maintenance n Gate Attendants

devonjhenry@hotmail.com D J Henry Homes and Renovations is a small construction business that focuses on high performance to full passive house homes. An interest in this form of building is also an asset where attention to detail is a must.

Visit www.mvca.on.ca for application details and job descriptions. The deadline for applications is 4:00 pm on Mon. March 16, 2020.

Turn those unwanted items into quick cash with a single phone call or email.

CALL 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 info@northhuron.on.ca To Place Your Classified Ad

The Citizen

Citizen-To-Citizen Located within beautiful Huron County and along the shores of Lake Huron, our Municipality is a blend of urban, rural and lakeshore communities. With a population of approximately 7600 year round residents and a large seasonal and tourist population The Municipality of Central Huron currently seeks enthusiastic, energetic, skilled candidates for the leadership position of: ROADS MANAGER As part of the Senior Management Team and reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the municipality is seeking a Roads Manager who will be responsible to direct, monitor and oversee the activities of the Public Works Department; directly supervise 10 full-time unionized employees, plan, prioritize and ensure the successful implementation of Public Works maintenance, Capital and Operation programs; oversee waste management and landfill issues; and effectively prepare and monitor departmental and project budgets. There are 327 km of rural road as well as 19 km of Lake front roads and 33 km or Urban road with sidewalk and storm system, 39 bridges, ditching and catch basins along with winter maintenance. As the successful incumbent, you will provide recommendations and advice to Council, ensure compliance with all necessary Provincial legislation, regulations, and policies, respond to inquiries, and investigate complaints from the public and public agencies in a timely manner. A proven leader, you will competently and effectively manage staff.

The ideal candidate will possess a Diploma in Engineering Technology; Certification of Ontario Road Supervisors and all the courses that leads to gaining certification through OGRA; A well rounded knowledge in all road related maintenance both summer and winter, as well both asphalt and gravel, storm water management and tree maintenance; Surface Miner Courses in all modules; Valid Class ‘G’ Driver’s license required, Drivers Abstract in good standing to operate Corporate vehicles and DZ licence and heavy equipment operation experience is considered an asset.

The Municipality of Central Huron offers excellent benefits and a competitive compensation package. For a job description of this position, please visit www.centralhuron.com/career-opportunities Employment to commence immediately.

Applicants are asked to submit a detailed resume in confidence by 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday March 18, 2020 to: Human Resources, Municipality of Central Huron Box 400, 23 Albert St, Clinton, Ontario N0M 1L0 Ph:(519) 482 – 3997 Fax: (519) 482 – 9183 Email: Human_Resources@centralhuron.com The Municipality of Central Huron is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. Personal information provided is collected under the authority of The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Thinking about quitting?

TO L L - F R E E

1- 877- 513- 5333

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

Let us help you turn that junk into $$ ➨ Free ad up to 25 words, person to person only (no businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less. Your ad will run three times unless it sells faster! ➨ The Citizen reserves the right to limit the number of items or ads per person.

Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca FOR SALE – JVC 32" TV FREE - works good; Mobility hub for internet Model ZTE MF275R, works with Bell or Rogers, $100 o.b.o.; Stihl 034 chainsaw, works well, extra bar and chains, $250.

519-523-4711.

11-3 ---------------------------------------FOR SALE – “Beckett” oil burner unit for furnace or water heater, $25; computer scanner, works well, $20; Kenmore overthe-range microwave, white, works well, $30; wrought-iron baker’s racks, one corner unit, one flat-to-wall unit, $25. Phone 519482-5243.

11-3 ----------------------------------------

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

www.huroncitizen.ca

FOR SALE – 45 western pocket books written by Louis L’Amour, $50. 519-357-9467.

11-3 ---------------------------------------FOR SALE – field sprayer, $200; 10-ton wagon, $350; welder, 60' heavy duty welding cable, $300; numerous implement rims, $15.

519-335-6998.

11-3 ---------------------------------------FOR SALE – sprayer $250; 10 ft. wagon, $350; dried firewood, $50/cord. 519-335-6998.

10-3 ----------------------------------------

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020.

Classified Advertisements In memoriams

Personals

JOSLING. In memory of Paul, my husband and best friend, who passed away March 11, 2017.

Many a tear I've shed since I lost you, Many more will continue to fall, You took my happiness with you, The happiest hours of all.

– Love and miss you so much, Tiny.

11-1p -------------------------------------------JOSLING, Paul. In memory of our father and grandpa who passed away March 11, 2017.

We have lost. Heaven has gained, The most wonderful Dad/Grandpa this world contained.

There’s just one thing makes us glad, God chose you to be our Grandpa/ Dad. – Love and miss you, Jeff, Kyle, Jacob and Emily; Joanne, Mike and Keegan.

11-1p -------------------------------------------JOSLING. In memory of a dear friend, Paul Josling who passed away three years ago March 11, 2017.

Sadly missed along life’s way, Quietly remembered every day, No longer in our lives to share, But in our hearts he’s always there.

– Remembered but not forgotten, Stephen, Joan and family.

11-1p -------------------------------------------TAYLOR, Harold Boyd, May 10, 1933 - March 10, 2009.

You always had a smile to share, Time to give and time to care.

A loving nature, kind and true, This is the way I remember you.

– Fondly, Muriel.

11-1p

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 519323-3751 or email: office@ramoth.ca e6w

Wanted

Services CUSTOM CLOVER SEEDING with GPS $2.50/acre or $3 for pasture. Call Kurt Beuerman 519525-0538 or 519-523-9234 (home).

11-3 -------------------------------------------INCOME TAX PREPARATION – farm, business, personal. Stephen Thompson, 519-482-3244.

09-9 -------------------------------------------FAXING SERVICE We can send or receive faxes for you for only $1.00 per page. The Citizen, 405 Queen St., Blyth. Phone 519523-4792. Fax 519-523-9140. tfn

WANTED

PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

CASH CROP LAND TO RENT

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

• short or long-term leases available • open to flexible conditions including share crop arrangements Please call Riverdale Farms to discuss your options Wayne Colclough Cell: 519-357-5663 Home: 519-912-1006

Straw for sale WHEAT STRAW FOR SALE – 30 4x5 round bales, wrapped, asking $45 each. Call or text Jim Shortreed, 519-357-0517.

11-2p

World Day of Prayer held

Drop by our office in Blyth or Brussels and check out our wonderful selection of books. We have books for all ages.

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114

The World Day of Prayer service was held at Knox United Church, Belgrave, on Friday, March 6 with the basement laid out with mats on the floor and appropriate decorations on the head table.

The service began with Muriel Coultes carrying the Bible to be placed on the table. Nancy Folkard carried a symbolic mat and Doreen Marks invited Sheila Nixon to light the red candle for love, Kim Walker to light the white candle for peace and Ruth Gordon to light the yellow candle for reconciliation. The head table displayed various items representing Africa.

Several members took leadership roles, as they followed the bulletin prepared by the women of Zimbabwe. The theme for the day was, “Rise, Take your Mat and Walk”. Catherine MacDonald accompanied the hymns on the piano.

The video made by the women of Zimbabwe was enjoyed by all and the offering taken will be sent to the Women’s Inter-Church Council Committee to support their work.

After the last hymn was sung, the women were asked to pick up a mat and choose a stone that had been

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

www.huroncitizen.ca

placed on the head table with various words printed on them: love, peace, joy, faith and others.

Zimbabwe means house of stones.

Visiting was done while muffins and fruit were enjoyed.

The community wishes Austin Bieman a happy 14th birthday.

Some of us have noticed that the robins are back. Could this mean that spring is just around the corner.

They are friendly birds and feel quite at home on our lawns. Male and female are alike in colour but the female is usually a little duller than the male robin. Young robins have spotted breasts like the thrushes. We usually hear the robins’ cheerful song before we see them. They like to take baths in our birdbath.

NEWS FROM BELGRAVE

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020. PAGE 17.

From the Minister’s Study

You are a beautiful creation of God: Ireland

By Charmila Ireland Melville Presbyterian Church, Brussels What would you think if you saw a newspaper headline saying, “Scientists Trace Heat Wave to Massive Star At Centre of Solar System”?

Or what about “Saskatchewan school Christmas pageant replaces Baby Jesus with barrel of crude”? I imagine you’d be a little confused. Or you might, correctly, guess that those are not articles from The Citizen, but from satirical newspapers. Those are articles from The Onion and a Canadian satire website called The Beaverton. If you see those names on an article someone shares on Facebook – don’t take it too seriously.

Misreading the genre of something can mean that you miss the whole point. I found that it’s pretty easy to do that with Psalm 148. Read this: “Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created. He set them in place forever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away.

Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds…”.

All these parts of nature are commanded to praise the Lord. Also, this is a Psalm – which is a song or poem. So, logically, this must be poetic licence. The sun and moon can’t literally praise the Lord. It’s fanciful language. Not something that we should take at face value.

But wait… it continues. Without pause. Without even a period. It continues, “wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and maidens, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted.” Now this is tricky.

We know that kings, princes, men, women, old men and children can and should all literally praise the Lord.

Not figuratively or metaphorically – literally. Actually do it.

So now we have a dilemma.

Because there is no grammatical change – not even in the original Hebrew – to indicate any shift or differentiation between verses 10 and 11. Between “small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations.” They flow seamlessly from one to the next. So it stands to reason that either all of those verses are poetic licence and metaphor, or none of them are.

Either the heavens and the sea creatures and the snow and the fruit trees are supposed to praise God, or the kings and rulers and maidens and children aren’t. Seeing as there wouldn’t be much point in including a Psalm that isn’t meant to be taken seriously at all, I lean towards the idea that what we thought was creative licence was actually meant seriously too. Maybe all the earth is supposed to praise the Lord.

I think this is quite beautiful.

Psalm 148 points us to a reality where every single bit of the world is a part of the choir of all creation that sings praise to the Lord. To God, all of the things that God has created

contribute to this beautiful praise chorus of creation. Think back to Genesis 1. God created this world and God, each day, said that it was good. God took joy in God’s own creation. In every part of it. It is good.

A lot of you are creators yourself.

Not on the universal scale, but creators nonetheless. So am I. I worked on a piece of calligraphy for my husband when I was first starting out in the art. It was an exercise in frustration and love. Now – it is framed down in his office. It exists, doing what it was meant to do: remind him of my love for him and the importance of persistence. Many of you have had the same experience; knowing that someone’s ears are warm because of a hat you

knitted, seeing a baby blanket being loved by your grandchild until it’s ragged and worn, watching someone chow down happily on baked goods you made using your special recipe.

You created something. It was good.

It served its purpose. And in serving its purpose, in existing, it praised you in a way. It pointed to your work; your effort.

The whole world is like that. God is praised when all of these entities do exactly what they were created to do. When the sun shines, God is glorified. When the apple tree bears fruit, God is gratified. When the hummingbird sips nectar, God is blessed. When the child bows their head in prayer, God is made glad.

What God created is doing what it Continued on page 20

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

9:00 am

12 noon

St. Paul’s Trinity

WINGHAM

BRUSSELS

United Church Sunday, March 15 3rd Sunday of Lent at 11:00 a.m.

Worship leader, Pastor Sandra Cable All are Welcome

You’re Invited To Join Us In Worship SUNDAY, MARCH 15 Morning Service Evening Service

10:00 am 7:30 pm

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 Prayer Service

7:30 pm

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

10:30 am

COME WORSHIP WITH US!

MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

SUNDAY, MARCH 15 We invite you to join our church family in:

Worship & Sunday School - 11:00 am 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.

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship BMF Mission = our church exists to GROW in the teachings of Jesus to LIVE by His example, and to CONNECT people to Him

Message: Getting There Starts Now

March 15th Anniversary Service

Fellowship Meal to Follow Service All Are Welcome *********** Worship Service: 10:00 am Coffee Time: 11:15 am Sunday School - all ages - 11:30 am

Celebrating 40 years Ministry

(What Form of Church Does God Want for the Future?)

250 Princess St., Brussels • 519-887-6388 •. Pastor Ken Gazley ALL Are Welcome In This Place

519-887-6687

Blyth United Church Sunday, March 15 Worship Service at 9:30 am Guest Speaker:

Pastor Sandra Cable Brunch to follow worship service Office Hours: Thursday ~ 9:30 am - 2:00 pm Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224

Evangelical Missionary Church

Sunday March 15 9:30 am Sunday School, 10:30 am Worship Pastor Ernest Dow, “Caught by Conceit: Criticising Others, Contempt for God” (Rom.2:1ff) Mar. 22 Missions Potluck / Speaker J. Baan Mar. 29 Teen Challenge Women’s Choir

Tuesdays 7-9 pm Celebrate Recovery Wednesdays 9-11 am Drop-in Pickleball Wednesdays 6:30-8 pm Heirborn, 6:30-8 pm Youth Group huronchapel.com huronchapelkids.com huronchapelyouth.com 519-526-1131 ~ 119 John’s Ave., Auburn

Sunday, March 15 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.

Worship & Prayer Time Loving Fellowship Expository Preaching Sermon Series:

2 Thessalonians 2 The Anti Christ

For additional details please contact Steve Klumpenhower 519.292.0965 Rick Packer 519.527.0173

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 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020.

World Day of Prayer service set for March 16 PEOPLE AROUND LONDESBORO

By BRENDA RADFORD Call 523-4296

A month ago in this space I wrote an item about the blizzard of 1971 when pupils from Hullett Central Public School got stranded in the village. A reader was kind enough to pass on a picture booklet published

by The London Free Press once Southwestern Ontario got dug out.

I was in error about when the storm began. The storm, which came out of Montana, blew into our area on a Tuesday. The book noted that approximately 7,000 school pupils were stranded in their schools until plows were able to break through the drifts on area roads many of which were 12 feet deep. Plows were

pulled off roads because of visibility.

The job of clearing the snow proved futile for days and the storm lasted six days.

Measurements of 24 inches of snow were recorded by Environment Canada. That snow was tossed around by winds which were recorded at 100 miles an hour at the height of the blast. Motorists were stranded, cars abandoned and flights cancelled. Consequently service centres and waiting rooms were full.

One consequence of being stranded and stuck in schools for several days I hadn't considered was the fact that people had to wear the same clothes until they were rescued. Can’t imagine how that might have felt!

This is the month of awareness for epilepsy, kidney and liver diseases.

If you have an opportunity to make a donation to charity this month, consider those foundations. No cures are possible without funds for research. And this is the ‘Irish’ time of year so get out your green!

During the morning worship at

Londesborough United Church on Sunday, March 8, Minister Susan McIlveen read a Lenten message from Rev, Richard Bot, the Moderator for the United Church of Canada.

The Sunday school invites everyone to mix and mingle over a light lunch following the morning worship on Sunday, March 15. The Londesborough UCW invites the community to their meeting on Monday, March 16. They will hold their World Day of Prayer service.

Along with all the disturbing news stories the media brings to us on a daily basis I was particularly disturbed by an item on the London TV news last week. We are obviously not reaching people/children with all of our bullying education.

In the event you missed the story it was revealed that all members of a London high school hockey team were suspended because of social media pictures of girls they were circulating in their dressing room.

After all the publicity over the team

from St. Michael's School in Toronto and the criminal charges that were laid as a result of activities in their locker room, how does this happen?

Even before children enter school parents are telling their children to be nice, to not pick on their siblings and friends and to play fair. These lessons are furthered by teachers. So what are we doing wrong? Our schools and teams continue to deal with incidents of bullying and I am appalled by the experiences I continue hear around this issue.

Now, let’s face it, all of us have been the victim of some sort of bullying even though some of it may be very subtle – a snub, an omission, an insult, etc, all forms of bullying for sure. I really feel respect has become a foreign, forgotten word.

Perhaps we are sending mixed messages to our children by our own actions. That old adage – walk the talk. If we don't show respect for the others in our lives, can we expect our youth to show respect in their interactions?

There is so much to be learned/gained from other cultures, personalities, propensities, etc. Our children need to accept and value everyone. Respect not bullying.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020. PAGE 19.

Concert marks Festival Singers’ 40th anniversary

Four decades The Blyth Festival Singers began their 40th anniversary year over the weekend with their first reunion rehearsal. The process will all build towards their anniversary concert on March 28 at Memorial Hall in Blyth. (Hannah Dickie photo)

The Blyth Festival Singers have been busy preparing for a landmark concert and reunion this March. The weekend’s festivities will include a reunion dinner and choir, displays, alumni, directors and accompanists and a final rehearsal before the grand finale – a ruby anniversary concert aptly named, “Thank You for the Music!”

The concert will celebrate the history of the Blyth Festival Singers through four decades and will include former choir members, conductors and accompanists. The repertoire will feature the choir’s favourite numbers over the past 40 years – songs such as Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, Paul Gross’ “After the War”, lively hits such as “Those Magnificent Men” and “Marie’s Wedding” and poignant pieces such as “The Roll of the Sea”

and “She’s Like the Swallow.” The conductors and accompanists will be switching on and off to take their place on the stage with music from their era and we are pleased that so many of our past leaders are able to attend and participate.

“Thank You for the Music” will take place on March 28, at 7:30 p.m. where the Blyth Festival Singers all began – on the stage of the Blyth Memorial Hall!

For alumni members who would like to sing in a reunion choir, there will be two more preparatory rehearsals on Wednesday, March 18 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the June Hill Room, above the Blyth Festival administration offices, and on Saturday, March 28 at 1 p.m. in the theatre for dress rehearsal on concert day. The Reunion Choir will practise and perform five pieces of the

repertoire. The cost to participate in the three rehearsals is $20 . Reunion choir members may also wish to be included in the choir alumni rehearsal supper. This will be a time to reminisce and enjoy a full course buffet dinner at the Blyth Memorial Hall before the concert. The cost for this is $25.

And of course, what would an anniversary be without some tall tales? The Blyth Festival Singers would love to hear some of your favourite Singers’ stories from the past – anything from Mikado mixups to wardrobe malfunctions to daring stage dives! Look forward to sharing memories of musical adventures at the reunion choir dinner and at the concert. The singers are pleased to have the everentertaining Gil Garratt, Artistic Continued on page 20

Obituaries DONALD WAYNE HULLEY Donald Wayne Hulley of Egmondville, passed away peacefully at Jessica’s House, Exeter, on Monday, March 2, 2020, following a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was 72.

Don was the beloved son of the late Eldon and Marion (Dolly) Hulley and will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 51 years, Marj (née Reis) Hulley and their sons, Brent (April) Hulley and Jason Hulley and Candis. Don was the proud and loving grandfather of Oakley.

Left to reminisce days gone by are siblings and siblings-in-law Nancy (Gerry) O’Reilly, Judy (Cam) McLeod, Penny (John) Lansink, Paul (Cathy) Hulley, David Hulley, Douglas Hulley, Susan (Tony) Arts, Sandra (Mark) Melady, Evelyn Hinz, Wendy Reis and Donald and Linda Reis. Don will also be fondly remembered by his aunts Audrey Hackwell and Betty Hulley, and numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and -nephews.

Along with his parents, Don is predeceased by brothers-in-law Wesley Hinz and Douglas Reis, nephew Trevor Reis and niece Sandra McInally Melady.

During his life, Don worked as a licensed carpenter and in the maintenance department of the Seaforth Community Hospital. Don served his community through his volunteer efforts with the Seaforth and Area Fire Department and the Seaforth Legion, Branch 156.

Throughout his years, Don worked hard and played hard. he always enjoyed a rousing game of euchre (firehall rules), time spent at the cabin in Benmiller, fishing/boating with family and friends… all these things made much more enjoyable with the occasional rye and Pepsi in hand.

Haskett Funeral Home, Seaforth has been entrusted with arrangements. Honouring Don’s

wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or funeral service. Private family inurnment will take place at Maitlandbank Cemetery in the spring.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to Seaforth Community Hospital Foundation, Jessica’s House, Seaforth Firefighters Association or Seaforth Legion, Branch 156 would be appreciated by the family. Sympathy cards can be mailed in care of PO Box 1060, Seaforth, N0K 1W0.

Online condolences can be shared by visiting Don’s memorial at www.haskettfh.com “To my family and friends: Remember me with smiles and laughter, For that’s how I will remember you.

If you must remember me with tears and sadness, Then, please, don’t remember me at all.

– Don

He was predeceased by his wife Adelaide (Skowby), sister Laureen and brother Carl. His children and grandchildren are grateful for his sound advice freely given, his wry wit, his never-ending inventiveness and conscientious work ethic, which he has passed along. The family is grateful to the wonderful staff at Huronview Nursing home for their gentle and generous care.

A celebration of life will be held for Glen at Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, Milverton Chapel on Saturday, March 21 at 1 p.m.

Donations may be made to the Canadian Lung Association.

Personal condolences may be sent to www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca

Knollcrest Lodge, Milverton on Wednesday, March 4, 2020. She was in her 91st year.

Muriel was the beloved wife of the late Murray Armstrong and the dear mother of Robert Armstrong, Atwood, Brenda and Wayne Hall, Listowel; Colleen and Paul Barnhill, Kitchener; Brian Armstrong, Ottawa and Diane and Ken Braam, Kitchener and mother -in-law of Debbie Armstrong, Ottawa.

She was the grandmother of Adam Hall, Listowel; Jessica and Reynold Friesen, Palmerston; Jason Pettapiece, Guelph; David and Jaime Pettapiece, Atwood; Kristen and Brook Handford, Hong Kong, and Terah Ingram and JD Cowie,

Amanda Braam, and Cate Braam, all of Kitchener. Muriel was the greatgrandmother of Finn, Carleigh, Mason, and Max. She was predeceased by her parents Emerson and Annie (Lytle) Willis, brothers Grant, Bruce and Oran and Shirley Willis and granddaughter-in-law Erin Pettapiece.

Visitation and service were held at the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel on Saturday, March 7.

Interment is in Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.

Memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society or Knollcrest Lodge would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca

Municipality of Huron East 2020 Budget Notice is hereby given that the 2020 Huron East Budget will be considered by Council on March 17th, 2020 at 8:00 p.m.

A brief budget synopsis is available on the Huron East website. www.huroneast.com

MURIEL LUELLA (WILLIS) ARMSTRONG Muriel Luella (Willis) Armstrong of Listowel, passed away at

GLEN SIPPEL It is both with sorrow and appreciation for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Glen Sippel, in his 84th year. Glen passed away on March 2, 2020 at Huronview in Clinton.

Born Sept. 16, 1936 in Punkydoodles Corners, Glen worked on the family farm and was a member of South Easthope Council.

He raised his family first in Stratford and then in Thedford, while working for Brewers Retail. Glen retired with his wife Adelaide to Milverton in 1990 where he enjoyed returning to his farming roots while making many new friends.

He will be greatly missed by his children: Eva, Eric (Anita), Ean (Sharon) and Emily and by his grandchildren Adam (Allie), Julianna (Brad), Keali (Leo), and Jacob. Glen will be fondly remembered by his brother Robert (Verlie) and his sister Ruth Noble (David) and his many brothers- and sisters-sin-law.

Complete copies of the budget document will be available at the Municipal Office.

Paula Michiels, Finance Manager-Treasurer/Deputy Clerk

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020.

M-T takes out loan to fund development

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Gummy Bear The Brussels Skating Club held its year-end show on March 5. Entitled Sugar Showcase, the event featured tunes like “I Want Candy”, Lollipop Guild” and “Gummy Bear”, being performed above. Back row, from left: Corina Egli, Allie Terpstra, Sawyer McCall and Alex Van Nes, Front row: Emily Terpstra, Amber Ryan, Allison Van Nes, Madelyn VanCamp and Julia Jacobs (Denny Scott photo)

All things praise God Continued from page 17 was created to do. And it is good.

When the first crocus pushes its way out in the spring, when the waves slowly pound rocks into gravel into sand, when the sun rises and sets on the world that God made, God is delighted. God is praised. These things are fulfilling their original purpose. The whole choir is singing in beautiful unison.

The Psalms give us plenty of indications that a key calling of the righteous – and more and more of the entire creation – is to praise God. Praise is our common purpose and calling. We have this in common with all of creation. Psalm 148 is not mere poetic licence. God is a loving Creator God – we are made by and for this Creator. In praising the Lord, we embrace the purpose our Creator gives us, by existing, by worshiping, by loving.

Consider God’s creation. A little over two years ago, I sat at the table with two members of my congregation and ate a meal. Right

outside their window is a birdfeeder.

I ate and talked and couldn’t stop watching all of the birds flapping in and out, grabbing a bite only a few feet away. Before that day I’d never really noticed birds. Sure, I’d get excited to see the first robin of the spring, or comment on the geese flying south. That was about it. I didn’t really see them, because I wasn’t really looking.

Now, I look.

I still don’t know much, but I know I love them. I know they’re beautiful. I just want to see them. I want to watch them flit about, and fight, and chirp. I just want to watch them be. Watch them live. I take pleasure in that. I think it’s kind of the same for God. I think that God takes pleasure just in watching his own creation exist. That very existence praises him.

Think for a moment about that thing, that part of God’s creation that is beautiful to you. Really think about it. Now consider: you are beautiful to God in the same way.

Reunion, concert set Continued from 19 Director of the Blyth Festival, as the emcee for this event. E-mail memories to blythfestivalsingers @gmail.com.

If you are unable to sing, you can still attend the concert and the reception afterwards. Tickets are $25 for adults, and children 12 and under cost only $6. Get tickets in advance from choir members or the Blyth Festival box office at 519-5239300 or 1-877-862-5984 or online at www.blythfestival.com/events.

Some particularly brave souls may even chance it at the door!

Those who would like to honour the Singers’ 40th anniversary with a tax receiptable donation can call 1877-862-5984 for more information on how to be a sponsor of the Blyth Festival Singers.

Founded in 1980, the Blyth Festival Singers is a county-wide community choir under the

professional direction of Sharon Poelstra. The choir, averaging between 40-50 members, performs primarily in Huron County and presents a variety of choral singing.

The choir has something for everyone – from art songs from all eras, popular music, Canadian and world folk songs, to sacred and secular masterpieces. New members are always welcome.

The choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings in Blyth, from September to May.

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

With the purchase of land for residential development in Belgrave, Morris-Turnberry had put out a significant amount of money for a project that Treasurer Sean Brophy suggested shouldn’t have come from municipal reserves.

During Morris-Turnberry’s March 3 meeting, Brophy indicated that a bank loan would be a more appropriate way to handle the funds, allowing the municipality to use reserves to pay an unrelated 2019 deficit of just under $300,000 and not carry it into the 2020 budget process.

By taking the loan, the municipality will be able to pay back reserves it had used to purchase the property, which, in turn, will allow other deficits accrued through 2019 to be paid off before the budget is adopted.

The loan will pay back $200,000 to the municipality’s fire reserves and $650,000 to the road reserves, having no impact on the 2019 budget and audit process.

By doing so, the municipality freed up reserve funds to tackle a

2019 deficit that was just under $300,000.

Brophy explained that several department costs were higher than anticipated, including the building department, fire coverage costs and drainage expenses.

By taking funds from reserves and using modernization funds to cover expenses associated with the Belgrave development, like loan interest, service works, property taxes and engineering, council was able to rebalance the 2019 budget.

Brophy also presented an update on the municipal budget process, saying the municipality, after meeting to finalize the budget, was going to be considering a four per cent levy increase for 2020. When blended with the Huron County and school taxes, it indicates a total increase of 1.07 per cent being collected by the municipality.

The budget will be discussed at a future council meeting.

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