The Citizen - March 17, 2023

4 • Editorials 8 • Sports 10 • Farm Safety 15 • Obituaries

The

THIS WEEK

Citizen

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Friday, March 17, 2023

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Volume 39 No. 11

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40050141 Return Undeliverable Items to North Huron Publishing Company Inc., P.O. Box 429, BLYTH, ON N0M 1H0

County budget moving forward

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Let it go The Wingham Skating Club held its annual year-end showcase on March 8 at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex to stands full of parents, grandparents, friends and neighbours, all of whom could also be classified as adoring fans. The program

took its themes from many popular animated and fantasy films, like Turning Red, Star Wars, The Avengers, Encanto and Frozen II, above. From left: Claira Jones, Aleksandra Lipski, Calliope Jones, Clara Bridges, Sloane Hackett and Gillian McKee. (Scott Stephenson photo)

Though a final decision has yet to be made, after a special budget meeting held on March 8, Huron County Council is moving ahead with a budget that has been reduced by staff by nearly $1.7 million.

The final levy for the option selected by council is $50,055,743 with total reductions of $1,667,000, which results in an 8.78 per cent increase to the levy and a tax rate increase of 6.5 per cent. This was the option with the highest proposed tax increase, with the other two options including a levy increase of eight per cent and a tax rate increase of 5.74 per cent and a levy increase of 6.01 per cent and a tax rate increase of 3.78 per cent.

Revenue adjustments for the proposed budget include: a $215,000 increase in homes for the aged due to direct care funding and the assumption of full reimbursement of costs, while staff had previously assumed that the county would be in the midpoint of the estimated funding range; an increase of $100,000 from public housing rent collected from Continued on page 7

Homecoming Committee donates nearly $60,000

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen As a result of the success of the Brussels 150th Homecoming, held in the village last summer, the committee has donated nearly $60,000 to local organizations and left seed money for the next homecoming event and committee.

At Huron East Council’s March 7 meeting, council approved 15 of the 16 recommended donations from the committee, only holding one back until more information could be gathered, totalling $58,004.90.

Furthermore, the committee recommended leaving $16,000 in the Brussels Homecoming reserve to be used as seed money for the next homecoming event.

This comes after the committee reported a profit of $74,005 after all of the expenses were cleared, telling council the event was a success.

The donations are as follows: Ethel Minor Ball, $500; Brussels Minor Ball, $2,500; Brussels Minor

Soccer, $2,500; Brussels Skating Club, $2,500; Blyth Brussels Minor Hockey, two donations for $2,500 and $1,504.90; the Grey Firefighters’ Association, $4,000; the Brussels Firefighters’ Association, $4,000; St. John Ambulance, $2,000; Huron and Area Search and Rescue, $2,000; the Brussels pool, $5,000; the Brussels ball diamond, $10,000; kitchen supplies at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, $5,000; the Maitland Mills Association, $10,000; Soup and More 2, $1,000 and gym equipment for the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, $3,000.

The one donation council pulled is the $10,000 for the Maitland Mills Association.

Brussels Councillor Jeff Newell said he had no intention of telling the committee how to donate its money, but he was concerned that, if that project were to not go ahead, what would happen to the donation.

Chief Administrative Officer

Brad McRoberts said that, if there is a concern, the municipality could essentially hold the donation in trust, for lack of a better term, for the association until such time that it’s needed. However, council directed staff to further investigate the association’s work to obtain the Logan’s Mill property in Brussels and to ensure the donation gets

to where it needs to go.

Councillor Ray Chartrand said he was very happy to see that the event posted such a robust surplus and for the committee to turn around and donate it all and set the next homecoming committee up for success with seed money was tremendous news for the community.

Council approved the donations, with the exception of the Maitland Mills Association donation, holding it until staff could learn more.

“The funds allocated are very much in support of and in line with Huron East’s activities and plans for the community of Brussels,” McRoberts said of the donations in his report to council.

Ironmen on brink of series win

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen After a wild four days of action, the Wingham Ironmen now find themselves on the brink of a series victory over the Kincardine Bulldogs in the first round of the North Pollock Division of the Provincial Junior Hockey League.

Since Friday, four times the teams have ended in a 3-2 score, with the Ironmen coming out on the right side of three.

The Ironmen opened the series on

home ice, but suffered a 3-2 loss to Kincardine on Friday, March 10 in overtime. The locals would bounce back, however, winning by a score of 3-2 in Kincardine on Saturday night, again by a score of 3-2 on Sunday in Wingham and once more by a score of 3-2 in Kincardine on Tuesday night.

There was no scoring in the first period of Friday night’s opening game, but Kincardine’s Liam Colhoun opened the scoring at 1:36 of the second period with a shorthanded, penalty shot goal, his

first of the playoffs, to give the Bulldogs the lead.

The Ironmen would battle back just over a minute later with Patrick Galloway scoring his first goal of the playoffs at 2:39 of the second period, assisted by Nate Bloemberg and Tayt Bramhill. The teams would exchange goals once again before the period ended, with Kincardine’s Cooper Schneider scoring his first goal of the playoffs at 7:20 of the second period, assisted by Wilson Shipp, followed Continued on page 12

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023.

CH staff proposes 9.5 per cent tax rate increase

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen After Monday night’s special budget meeting, Central Huron Council has directed staff to return with budgetary options ranging from tax rate increase of 6.5 per cent to the staff-recommended 9.5 per cent.

Treasurer Jeff Boyes presented his first draft of the municipality’s 2023 consolidated budget on Monday night, which included a recommendation to adopt a 9.5 per cent tax rate increase, which equates to a levy increase of 11.69 per cent. He told council that the operating budget has been held to an increase of 1.27 per cent, despite the 2022 inflation rate of over six per cent. That has been accomplished, he said in his report, in large part due to a $1,410,840 operating surplus from last year.

The proposed 9.5 per cent tax rate increase would result in a total municipal levy of $9,021,170 and would equate to an additional $63.53 in taxes being charged per $100,000 of residential assessment.

As a result, for the average Central Huron home, assessed at $211,000, the proposed increase for the year would be $134.05.

By comparison, Central Huron’s tax levy increases have been relatively modest in recent years, sitting at zero per cent in 2020, 4.46 per cent in 2021 and 4.38 per cent in 2022.

Boyes told council that there are a number of factors driving the sharp increase to the budget, including

the current inflation rate of 6.8 per cent, a fuel cost increase in 2022 of 59.6 per cent, a $706,441 reduction in capital grants and an increase of $140,000 to the Goderich and North Huron fire levies, to name a few.

He also said that, based on his research, many tax levy increases in neighbouring communities are sitting around nine or 10 per cent, with South Huron’s two per cent and the proposed 20.56 per cent in North Huron serving as outliers.

Boyes also noted a number of future budget increases on the horizon, such as annual operating costs for the pool in Clinton of between $70,000 and $90,000, pool capital options ranging from $200,000 to $5 million, loan payments of between $256,742 and $386,233 for the Bluewater Youth Centre loan, potential inflation of $245,286 and union contract negotiations and a market check at the end of the year. (This year’s budget includes a 3.8 per cent increase to the municipality’s wages and benefits.)

He added that, with tax increases from Huron County and the school boards factored in, Central Huron residents would see an overall tax rate increase of 7.28 per cent.

Boyes also pointed out that there is one large capital project that remains a variable in the budget: the Isaac Street reconstruction from Victoria to Dunlop Street in Clinton. Nearly $2.5 million has been pre-approved for the project, according to the budget, but the tenders have yet to close. If they come in drastically over or under

budget, that would significantly affect Boyes’ budget calculations, he said. The tender is scheduled to close on March 22.

Once Boyes concluded his presentation, Mayor Jim Ginn asked councillors what they felt the tax rate increase should be.

Councillors Michael Russo, Dan Colquhoun, Alison Lobb and Jennifer Cox said they sided with the staff recommendation of 9.5 per cent (though Lobb would later revise that opinion), while Ginn, Deputy-Mayor Marg Anderson and Councillors Everett Smith and Adam Robinson suggested a 6.5 per cent tax rate increase in an effort to stay more in line with inflation.

After further thought, Lobb said she felt the increase should be closer to 6.5 per cent. Her reasoning was tied directly to the sizeable surplus from the previous year’s budget. She felt that carrying over nearly $1.5 million from 2022 and then raising taxes at the highest rate in years would not be accepted by the public.

Other councillors, however, pushed back, saying that this was the year, if any, to catch up with a higher tax rate increase, as the following year or two are expected to also be lean while the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) catches up on assessment updates.

Boyes then told councillors that the difference between a 9.5 per cent and a 6.5 per cent increase is approximately $247,000. He said there could be some projects that could realistically be paid for in

Skating Club hosts showcase

2024 due to scheduling, so that could be a way to trim some dollars from this year’s budget, while he could also ask department heads to look for minor efficiencies to help cut the budget further.

Anderson then singled out two projects in Community Improvement Co-ordinator Angela Smith’s budget, thinking the two, $30,000 items - a mural project and further work on “Destination Central Huron” - could both be halved for savings of $30,000.

Lobb and Ginn, however, felt that, in a tough budget year, council could consider reducing its contributions to reserves in an effort to bring the tax rate increase down. They stated that, this year, the municipality is due to contribute about $750,000 to reserves. Cutting that down to $500,000, Ginn said, would bring the tax rate increase down, while still contributing halfa-million dollars to reserves in a lean budget year. With inflation at 6.8 per cent this year and many residents feeling the pinch, Ginn said, he couldn’t support a tax rate increase any higher than the rate of inflation.

Anderson agreed, though Colquhoun proposed that council “meet in the middle” of the two

proposed tax rate increases on the table.

Ginn then asked that Boyes return with a range of scenarios between a 6.5 per cent and 9.5 per cent tax rate increase, while also suggesting that council refrain from making a decision on the tax rate until the Isaac Street project tender closes next week.

Boyes said the next budget meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 27, so that information would be available that night and he could provide council a clearer picture of the year’s budget then.

Colquhoun also asked about removing a provision from that budget that would result in a six per cent raise to councillor pay in 2023, saying that, in a tight budget year, that would be hard to defend to a senior resident on a fixed income, for example, during a chat out on the street.

Several councillors supported Colquhoun’s view on the matter.

However, the increase is dictated by way of a bylaw that ties councillor pay increases to inflation. Staff has been directed to prepare a one-year change to the bylaw that would eliminate the increase to be presented to council for consideration at a future meeting.

DONATION FUND The Municipality of Central Huron is pleased to announce their annual Central Huron Donation Fund. The Municipality will again set aside funds to assist and promote community-based nonprofit organizations. Funding is also available for national and international non-profit organizations provided that they have a local branch or affiliate and whose programs demonstrate a direct benefit for the residents of our Municipality.

Organizations and/or community groups whose primary focus is not within the Municipality are eligible to apply for donations, however preference will be given to organizations and/or charities whose primary focus is within the Municipality.

To Qualify Organizations must be non-profit. Proposed programs or events must clearly demonstrate a direct social or economic benefit for residents of Central Huron. Successful organizations will be required to submit a post project report identifying the use of the funds.

Further information can be found on our website: h t t p s : // w w w. c e n t r a l h u r o n . c a / e n / b u s i n e s s - a n d development/donation-fund.aspx Application Applications for funding should include: • Description of program or event • Date of program or event • Organization budget for proposed program or event • Targeted resident group, if appropriate • Supporting information including statistics for previous similar projects • Amount of funding requested, specifying whether a cash or in-kind donation is required.

Showing off On March 8, the Wingham Skating Club held its year-end showcase, which included a number of fantasy and animated movie-themed performances, including Star Wars, above. From left: Spencer Yu, Austin Lipski, Nolan Scott and Joey Fair. (Scott Stephenson photo)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen The Wingham Skating Club held its end-of-year show on March 8, putting the developing skills and growing talents of its promising young skaters on full display. The North Huron Wescast Community Complex was abuzz with a large

audience of proud parents, family members, and friends.

The show featured group routines and solo performances loosely themed around Disney movies, from classics like The Little Mermaid to modern masterpiece Encanto. The routines were set to songs by singers ranging from Sia to Celine Dion, and showed off

impressive skating skills, including jumps, spins and fabulous footwork.

A refreshing degree of creative control was given to the performers. The younger groups displayed high energy and the spirit of inclusivity, offering the audience the rare sight of a Marvel’s Continued on page 3

If your organization has questions or comments they should be directed to the undersigned at 519-482-3997 Ext. 1230 or email records@centralhuron.com.

Applications clearly marked Central Huron Donation Fund are to be received by the undersigned on Friday, March 31, 2023: Nicole Lowe, Records Clerk Municipality of Central Huron 23 Albert St. PO Box 400 Clinton, Ontario N0M 1L0 records@centralhuron.com

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023. PAGE 3.

Just who was Malcolm Lamont?

Glimpses of the Past with Karen Webster Often in this column I have referred to the writings of Malcolm Lamont as a way of looking through the window of time to see what life was really like for the earliest settlers in this area. Similarly, local history books and newspapers also have referenced his works. Who was this man who took the time, in the 1930s, to write down his memories of growing up, during the years 1863 until 1882, in Huron County?

Malcolm Lamont was the third child born to John and Sarah Lamont. Malcolm’s father had been born at Lyndale on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, and later immigrated to Prince Edward Island, where he met his future wife, before settling in

Turnberry Township on Lot 24, Concession B. Malcolm was born June 1, 1856 in a primitive log house. He did not remember that house, but could recall seeing the second house being erected when he was nearly four years old. Here, amidst numerous relatives, young Malcolm grew up with a boy’s natural curiosity and the ability to recall much of his childhood days. Malcolm’s first school was in a “low shack, built of round logs” and run by a teacher who used a ruler to “do the lickings”.

At that time, Malcolm spoke only Gaelic. Some of his schoolmates spoke only Dutch but, within a few

years, all were speaking English.

Through the eyes of a young lad, readers of Bush Days can visualize the endless forests of “giant maples, elms, beeches, birches, hemlocks, everywhere, many three feet in diameter and a hundred feet high”.

In order to make a living, the early settlers had to clear the land of the trees to make way for crops, such as wheat, to be planted. What a Herculean task that was.

Men chopped the trees down using axes, and fell the trees together so as to create a pile to be burnt in the summer months. Acres and acres of trees were cut down year after year providing a scene of blackened stumps that preceded cultivated

Club showcases local skaters

Concentration photo)

skating techniques. Many of the solo performers also helped guide the younger teams through their routines, resulting in an adorable display of stirring leadership.

After the energetic finale, the skaters received a rousing ovation from the crowd, and the event ended with an awards ceremony so skaters could celebrate each other’s

progress through the year. The skaters also showed their appreciation of their hard-working coaches Julia Jacobs and David Scherpenzeel, presenting them with boxes of tasty confections.

The Wingham Skating Club's end-of-year show brought the community together to celebrate the achievements of its young skaters.

Heffer ‘happy’ with HH sale

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen The respective councils of the Township of North Huron and the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry have taken steps to bring new residential developments to the Wingham area.

At a regular meeting on March 6, North Huron Council passed a bylaw authorizing the sale of the Hutton Heights property, a 17-acre parcel of land located at 60 Lloyd Street, for $650,000. The deal includes an additional $500,000 in front-end development charges to be deposited on closing to off-set future development costs.

The agreement must be completed no later than Oct. 8,

covered book that was distributed to relatives.

If it were not for Bush Days, it is very likely that the story of Zetland would have disappeared, just the same as the village itself did. When people take the time to record stories of their lives, they leave a wonderful legacy. Many folks feel that their lives are nothing special and thus not worthy of leaving a record of for posterity. What a loss it would have been for us had Malcolm Lamont had similar thoughts.

Many decades after Bush Days was written, Jodi Jerome was the curator of the North Huron Museum.

It was there that she became fascinated with the book and the wealth of local history that it contained. In 2014, she recreated Malcolm’s book, using a similar typewriter font and employed very little editing. Copies of this reprinting of Bush Days are available at all Huron County Library branches. I feel that readers of Glimpses of the Past might enjoy reading Bush Days.

Malcolm died in Weston, Ontario, in 1942 and was interred in Wingham Cemetery, where a noble granite marker denotes his final resting place. On it are inscribed his birth and death dates followed by “Author of Bush Days”. What a fitting tribute to the man who allowed so many the privilege of pulling back the curtains of time to view the early days of Turnberry Township through the eyes of a growing boy.

– With appreciation to Jim and Doris Taylor

Leadership in energy and environmental design

Devon Henry 84772 McDonald Line • Box 616 • Brussels

devonjhenry@hotmail.com 519-505-2473

Walking with Jesus

Avery Toll was one of the many figure skaters who showed off what they learned over the course of the season on March 8 when the Wingham Skating Club held its annual (Scott Stephenson year-end showcase at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex.

Continued from page 2 Avengers team led by DC’s Batman, a parade of pandas and even Star Wars’ Jedi heroes cooperating with typically villainous Sith counterparts.

Among the highlights of the show were the performances by the club's skillful senior skaters, who wowed the audience with their advanced

fields. Malcolm related that, in winter, when the air was clear and crisp, one could hear trees being felled from a half a mile away, and sometimes as many as 90 trees could be heard crashing down in one day.

When Malcolm grew up, he continued to live on the property his father had cleared. In addition to farming and eventually raising his family, Malcolm was a civic-minded person and took on various responsibilities in Turnberry, such as being a member of the board of health, a pathmaster (one who oversaw and ensured that local landowners helped maintain roads), pound keeper (for lost/strayed livestock), fence view (to help neighbours agree on boundaries and fencing) as well as being secretary of the “Patrons of Industry” in Zetland.

He married Elizabeth Ann Tervitt in 1881 and their children were George, Eva, Pearle and May. Sadly, Elizabeth died in 1893 when May was only three and Malcolm sold the home farm and moved his children into Wingham where the family lived on Patrick Street. Ever the farmer, he purchased Lot 3N, Concession 1 in Morris Township, where he and his children are recorded living in the 1901 census.

In 1904, he remarried, to Charity Jane (Jennie) Long, who lived in Wingham. The Morris Township farm was sold in 1906.

In subsequent years, Malcolm lived in London, Ontario, Waterford and Weston, where he earned his living working as a carpenter and builder.

As he neared the end of his life, he undertook to write letters to his grandchildren. These epistles documented what life was like when Turnberry was a young township.

Malcolm was encouraged to bring these letters together in the form of a book. In 1933, he said, “I have been asked by some of my friends to write of my childhood and boyhood days, telling me that many of the things I had experienced would be of interest to them, seeing I was amongst the first boys born in the township of Turnberry.” Malcolm’s reminisces were typed and then bound in a soft-

2023, and also contains a stipulation that would allow the township to buy back the property if the purchaser, Southside Construction of London, fails to make progress toward creating new residential properties on site within a specified timeframe.

Reeve Paul Heffer said, “I’m sure happy to see this and looking forward to getting some of the much needed housing in our township.”

On March 7, the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry Council received a recommendation from Huron County Planner Meghan TyddHrynyk to approve a zoning amendment that would allow for the creation of six new residential lots on 5.40 acres of land on Royal

Road in Wingham’s Lowertown area. If approved, the subject lands zoned “D” for development would change to “VR-1-Special” - Village Residential - Low Density - Special and “NE2” - Natural Environment Limited Protection. “VR-1” zoning would facilitate the creation of six new single-family homes, but recognize a deficiency in the lot sizes. The “NE2” designation would recognize a natural hazard feature in the corner of one of the lots.

Council, amenable to the change, voted to approve Tydd-Hrynyk’s recommendation clearing the way for new development. Mayor Jamie Heffer said, “It’s good to see growth happen in MorrisTurnberry.”

(Letters of John Newton) When I speak of walking with Jesus, my idea is helped by considering how it was with His first disciples—they lived in His presence! While He stayed in a place, they stayed; and when He moved, they went with Him. Having Him thus always near, always in view—the sight of Him undoubtedly gave a composure to their whole behaviour; and was a check upon their eyes, their tongues, and their actions!

When they had hard questions upon their minds, they did not puzzle themselves with vain reasonings. When they were in need, they looked to Him for a supply. When they had difficulties and dangers—they little doubted of deliverance, knowing that He was with them.

Just so, I need a faith that shall have such an abiding, experimental conviction of His nearness and presence—as if I actually saw Him! “Lord, increase my faith!”

Surely, if He were now upon earth and I expected a visit from Him this afternoon, my heart would bound at the thought! With what a mixture of joy and fear would I open the door to receive Him! How cautious would I be not to do or say anything that might grieve Him, and shorten His stay with me!

And how gladly, if He gave me permission to speak, would I catch the opportunity of telling Him all my concerns! Surely I would be unwilling to let Him go until He had healed the wounds in my soul, and renewed my spiritual strength; until He had taught me better how to serve Him, and promised to support me in His service. And if I heard Him say with an audible voice, “Though they fight against you they shall not prevail, for I am always with you to deliver you!” I would bid adieu to fear!

But, alas, my unbelieving heart! Are not these things true, even at present? Is He not as near and as kind? Have I not the same reasons and the same encouragement to set Him always before me—and to tell Him... all my needs, all my fears, and all my troubles— as if I saw Him with my bodily eyes!

“Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age!” Matthew 28:20 A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-492-1359

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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Roll up, pay up Even an institution as iconic as Tim Hortons is susceptible to a marketing misstep every once in a while, and it seems it has taken a beloved game that harkened the coming of spring every year for millions of Canadians and turned it into a publicity nightmare. The name change from Roll Up the Rim to Win to Roll Up to Win signifies the switch from the physical game play under the cup rim to playing a casino type game on its app. Ostensibly the change was to ensure the safety of staff, especially during the pandemic, to avoid handling germ-ridden cup rims, but the app was instantly under fire for privacy issues.

The biggest blunder has to be the latest round where customers have been told by their apps that they won a $10,000 American Express prepaid card, one of the big daily prizes, only to have their claim denied

by Tim Hortons, dismissing the wins as a technical glitch. Tim Hortons claims that a “small subset” of users were mistakenly told that they won, rather than that they were entered into a draw for the big prize. The company sent each of the “winners” a letter that let them know that, due to a “technical error”, they had received the wrong message and offered a $50 gift card as an apology. Even the letter that was widely shared on social media has a rather off-handed, casual tone that doesn’t quite the level of contrition you might expect.

Sorry, Tim Hortons. You can’t snatch away a prize that quickly and callously. The players went with you to the digital game in good faith. A company the size of Tim Hortons should have the means to test the software before it goes live. Pay the prizes out and make it a story about goodwill and wring some great publicity out of the game yet. – DS

Measure twice, cut once Earlier this week, The Canadian Press published an investigation into the provincial government’s More Homes Built Faster Act and the concern being expressed by Ontario’s municipalities, in particular when it comes to lost development fee revenue. For municipal councils in Huron County, that has been the tip of the iceberg. While the need for housing is real, intensification is not widespread in rural Ontario and the act could really shake things up in this part of the world.

No one is disputing the need for more housing and Huron County is just another victim of this issue. However, drastic changes that will last generations cannot be pushed through hastily.

Unrelated, but not really, municipal councils are now pushing back on the federal government and its cannabis legalization legislation that allowed for the growing of marijuana across the country. A decision made in Ottawa, it had severe and lasting ramifications, especially in rural Ontario where locations could be procured cheaply with little to no regard for neighbours or helpless municipal councils.

Will the More Homes Built Faster Act be the latest example of this kind of hasty move, handed down to Ontarians in an effort to solve a problem without thinking through the potential ramifications? When a decision is made in Toronto or Ottawa, it’s those living in communities like Blyth, Vanastra, Clinton and beyond who have to live with them.

Problems need solutions, not the creation of new problems. – SL

Inevitable conflict?

Recently, there has been a growing tension between China and the West, particularly the U.S. The relationship between the two sides has become increasingly strained, with both accusing each other of unfair practices and aggression. The sources of tension are numerous, but primarily stem from issues related to trade, human rights, territorial disputes and technological competition. The U.S. has accused China of intellectual property theft and currency manipulation. As a result, the U.S. implemented tariffs aimed at curbing China’s trade practices. In response, China imposed tariffs on American goods, leading to a trade war that has hurt both sides economically.

Western countries have criticized China’s treatment of ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang region, including the Uyghur population, accusing China of human rights abuses such as forced labour and genocide. China has denied these allegations and has accused the West of interfering in its internal affairs.

There are concerns about China’s military expansion in the South China Sea. The U.S. and other countries have accused China of destabilizing the region and undermining international law. Western anxiety about China engaging in espionage to gain a technological advantage is increasing. This has led to restrictions being imposed on Chinese tech companies like Huawei and TikTok. The COVID-19 pandemic has also fueled tensions, with both sides blaming each other for the spread of the virus.

It is within the realm of possibility for these complex issues to be resolved peacefully but recent posturing on both sides suggests a military confrontation, sadly, might be unavoidable. “Hope for the best but prepare for the worst,” is never a comforting international policy. – SBS

Looking Back Through the Years March 17, 1966 Former resident of Brussels, Lester Machan, wrote a script entitled “A World of Fairs” for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) television show called Camera Canada. Machan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Machan, was employed by CBC Toronto.

A strange agricultural oddity was brought to the community’s attention by Mrs. Alvin McLellan just before Easter. McLellan discovered an egg that looked more like “an elongated jumbo shrimp.”

Many questioned why the egg formed into the bizarre shape with some expressing concern about a possible atomic connection.

The Brussels Lions Club held a well-attended father and child night at the Brussels United Church.

After supper, the group enjoyed a sing-song led by Lion Tamer Cecil McFadden. Brian Armstrong won the guessing contest, conducted by Tail Twister George McCutcheon.

Special entertainment was provided

by Clark Johnston and Jack Thynne. The Lions continued to plan for an upcoming talent night and decided to award contestants with plaques and trophies. Hugh Pearson was at the event to collect $2,370 raised by the Lions to go toward the arena fund.

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Pryce of Winthrop celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary. Celebrations included a surprise supper, speeches, and the presentation of a purse of money to the happy couple.

March 17, 1976 Hullett Central Public School students raised money for an illfated trip to Ottawa. Mrs. Barbara Ongarato’s Grade 6 Class made a quilt and sold raffle tickets to raise

money but unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the trip was cancelled. Proceeds from the fundraiser went instead to other projects.

At a regular monthly meeting, West Wawanosh Township Council considered handing over management of the East-West Wawanosh Park to the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority, an idea that had been circulating in the community for years. The plan required approval from both East and West Wawanosh Councils.

The Blyth Centre for the Arts initiated plans for a variety concert to be held on April 29. The concert would raise funds for the upcoming summer festival season.

Minimum wage rates for Ontario went up on March 15. The new general hourly minimum wage increased to $2.65. The student minimum wage rose to $2.15.

March 18, 1998 Devon Josling, a Grade 4 student at Brussels Public School, acted as principal for half of a day after winning a draw. Josling’s duties included patrolling the playgrounds, reviewing library books and disciplining fellow students. The young administrator enjoyed (jokingly) scolding Principal Howard Morton, who had taken Josling’s place in class.

The Belgrave Kinsmen continued to plan for the construction of a new walking park in Belgrave. The Memory Lane Project, as it came to be known, was to be built on the site of the old hotel and an adjacent lot donated by the estate of Graham Anderson. Construction was set to begin in June and the Kinsmen planned to include flowerbeds, shrubs and benches.

Crystal Taylor of the Blyth

Legion presented Hullett Central Public School Principal George Barker with a cheque for $800 for students at the school to attend swimming lessons at Vanastra in the springtime. This was the fourth consecutive year that the Blyth Legion supported swimming lessons for students at the school.

The Blyth Bantam Bulldogs advanced to the finals after defeating the team from Walpole in three games. The Bulldogs’ next opponent would be the winner between Woodville and Humphrey.

March 14, 2013 Wayne and Harold Smith Construction of Seaforth replaced Metkor Group of Lucknow as contractor for the Brussels Library construction project. Metkor Group was removed from the project after a closed-to-the-public session of Huron East Council on March 5 because “bonding requirements” for the project had not been met.

Architect John Rutledge said, from a technical standpoint, both bids were very similar, and that he was happy to be working with Smith.

Ami Schimanski from Brussels won a bronze medal in the women’s weight throw at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport Track and Field Championships held in Edmonton.

The Blyth Brussels Atom Local League Burgundy team went to Lucknow to conclude their season with a gold medal tournament win.

The team beat Hanover by a score of 4-2, defeated Embro by a score of 3-0, and took down the team from St. Marys in a blowout 9-0 win to claim tournament glory.

Huron County Council passed its 2013 budget with a tax rate increase of 2.47 per cent.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023. PAGE 5.

Other Views

A few have so much, many so little

W

hen the Alex Murdaugh murder case finally made brief headlines on Canadian television stations, it didn’t get much attention. Then we happened to notice on Netflix a series on the Murdaugh murders, and, after watching it, got a lesson in a world that seems impossible for Ontario residents to believe.

It’s been a familiar theme, over my long years of watching movies and television, of the southern U.S. family so powerful that the law didn’t apply to them. I can’t remember seeing real-life examples until the Murdaugh case.

Alex Murdaugh was a member of a family that had been prominent in South Carolina law for more than a century. They had to take a photograph of his grandfather off the wall of the courtroom before Alex was tried. The Murdaugh magic had worked in his county for over a century.

Back in 2015, Stephen Smith, the close friend of his oldest son Buster, who was gay, died mysteriously when hit while walking on a South Carolina road late at night. Eventually, the case just faded away with no charges laid, though the case “reeked of insider interference”, according to one local newspaper.

Then in 2018, Gloria Sutterfield, the family’s maid who had worked for the family for more than 20 years and virtually raised the Murdaugh’s two sons, died at the family estate. The claim was that she had been tripped up by the family’s dogs but that had always been a mystery for those outsiders in the community.

In 2019, Paul Murdaugh, one of the sons of Alex Murdaugh, was involved in a crash of the family’s expensive motorboat. The boat was filled with his high school friends, and one, Mallory Beach, went into the water and her

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk body was only found after a days-long search. The family tried to make it seem like one of the other boys was driving the boat, but eventually the truth came out that Paul was driving, although he was plastered and under age.

Meanwhile, Alex became addicted to drugs, and money became a bigger and bigger problem. He carried out a lawsuit against his own family for Gloria Sutterfield’s family and won, but the family didn’t get the $4.3 million settlement.

Somehow, Alex misappropriated it.

His activities finally drew his family’s attention and he was removed from the family law firm. His wife Maggie consulted a divorce lawyer and was living apart from Alex.

Then, on June 7, 2021, Alex called the police from his cell phone at 10:06 p.m., saying he had discovered the bodies of Maggie and Paul near the dog kennels at the family’s hunting lodge, in Islandton, South Carolina.

He reported that, at the time of the killings (later determined to be about 9 p.m.), he had been visiting with his mother, who had dementia.

Police reports indicate that Alex had called Maggie to meet him at the lodge. He also proposed that the two of them would travel together from there to see his father, Randolph, who was terminally ill. Maggie did not want to go to the lodge and suggested they meet at a

public place. Maggie texted a friend, saying Alex sounded “fishy” and was “up to something”. Nevertheless, at Alex’s insistence, she drove to the lodge. After parking her car at the house, she walked to the dog kennels, where she found her son Paul. This was where Maggie and Paul Murdaugh’s bodies were later found.

Alex was arrested in July, 2022. When the trial began on Jan. 25, 2023, the prosecution revealed that Paul’s phone showed Alex’s voice in the background at the lodge, at a time he said he had visited his mother.

The case drew national U.S. attention when Alex himself took the stand in his own defence.

Some observers felt he had created sympathy for himself, even as he confessed his own history of lying, claiming his drug dependency caused it. However, when the jury was given the case, it took them only about three hours to decide he was guilty. He was sentenced the next day to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

Meanwhile the Stephen Smith case has been reopened by police investigators.

It was somewhat sickening to watch how generations of wealth and influence had spoiled this prominent family. They got used to being able to impose their own “law” and manipulate police into supporting them.

I couldn’t help thinking, as I watched this series, about the millions of people in Africa and elsewhere who are wandering, searching for food. Then there are the thousands who are crowding leaky boats trying to migrate to Europe or the ongoing confusion at the U.S./Mexico border of desperate people trying to seek “freedom” in the U.S. So many people are desperate, in this world, where a few have lost the thread of life because of years of privilege.

This week's Maitland Valley Camera Club Photo of the Week comes from Wroxeter­based photographer Liz Allan, who recently captured this icy, watery scene at the Maitland River as it runs through Wroxeter.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Telling our stories

K

eith has not yet sent me his column for the week, so, at the risk of writing the exact same column as he will/has, albeit poorly, here goes. Seeing Toronto native Sarah Polley win an Academy Award on Sunday night for writing Women Talking was a great moment in Canadian storytelling.

Keith, the co-founder of both The Citizen and of the Blyth Festival, in addition to being a celebrated playwright in his own right, has put food on his table for generations by telling Canadian stories. That’s why it is no surprise that when the opportunity strikes, he will often spend his column space in celebration of the telling of Canadian stories. Sure, he’ll laud Canadians who are successful in any aspect of life, but Canadians who carve their own path by telling our stories, not the stories of the United States or elsewhere, hold a special place in his heart.

Polley is an uncompromising Canadian artist. Long celebrated as a great actor in both Canadian and American films, dating back to her childhood (she was just nine years old when she acted in The Adventures of Baron Munchausen), Polley has since focused her talent on writing and directing and it has been through those roles that she has truly championed the telling of Canadian stories.

Sure, one of her first acting roles was in Road to Avonlea, based on the novels of Lucy Maud Montgomery, but in her role as one of the most exciting and promising up-andcoming writer/directors in the film industry, she has focused almost exclusively on Canada and telling the stories of her native land.

The first full-length movie she directed was Away from Her. This project is one that is near and dear to the hearts of Huron County residents as it’s based on a short story by Nobel Prize winner Alice Munro, one of the area’s most celebrated artists. Polley wrote the screenplay for that film, which earned her an Academy Award nomination back in 2006.

She would write a television miniseries called Alias Grace, based on a novel by Canadian author Margaret Atwood, and now she’s won an Oscar for adapting the work of Miriam Toews, another Canadian author.

As I was growing up, there was always a bit of a joke about Canadian television or movies that you could just tell it was Canadian by looking at it. Canadian productions from years ago just didn’t have the same polish of their American counterparts. So, as a young Canadian developing an interest in film and television, I was almost conditioned to think of our stories as being less than.

Then I was introduced to directors like Atom Egoyan and Bruce McDonald and I started to believe that Canadian stories could be interesting as well. Of course, there are more, but for me, those were two of the directors whose work found me at that age. (In my younger years, surely for the best, I was unfamiliar with the works of the great creator of the body horror genre, David Cronenberg.)

The Blyth Festival has this goal baked into its very DNA. Its mandate of telling Canadian stories has left it largely peerless, with the reputation of a theatre that, for better or worse, tells Canadian stories to Canadians.

While other Canadians - like documentarian Daniel Roher, makeup artist Adrien Morot and Best Actor Award winner Brendan Fraser were honoured on Sunday night, the fact that Polley did so while telling a Canadian story, something she’s clearly made her life’s work, makes it that much more special. Our stories can be interesting, thrilling and touching - the world is realizing that.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023.

Huron East updates bylaw, meetings to start at 6 p.m.

Under the new procedural bylaw, meetings will now begin at 6 p.m. with curfew of 10 p.m.

Some councillors expressed their concern with the new start time, while not necessarily disagreeing with it. They were worried that residents making delegations or wanting to attend the meeting might find it more difficult to get there for 6 p.m., as opposed to 7 p.m.

However, Mayor Bernie MacLellan said council could always be accommodating and flexible when it comes to delegations, not necessarily hosting them at the beginning of the meeting if timing is going to be a concern for the

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron East Council is moving forward with a new procedural bylaw that includes a number of changes, including starting council’s bi-weekly meetings at 6 p.m., an hour earlier than the current start time.

Clerk Jessica Rudy presented her draft procedural bylaw to council at its March 7 meeting. Council authorized staff last month to move ahead with a review of the procedural bylaw before it was presented at the first council meeting in March.

presenters or other people involved.

Rudy said the time change is the one that will impact the public the most going forward, so it won’t be implemented for several months.

The bylaw also proposes that planning and municipal drain items be moved up in the agenda to better accommodate planners or other professionals who have to be in attendance. Staff will also employ a consent agenda moving forward, which Rudy, in her report, said is being used increasingly more frequently for routine and informational items.

Staff also recommended

removing the accounts payable portion of the agenda with Rudy saying that there is no legislative need for council to approve a monthly list of accounts that have already been paid. In her report, Rudy said that it takes significant staff resources to produce the biweekly report and, furthermore, it can delay payments to vendors (as staff waits for council approval) and she said that can be problematic for some of the municipality’s larger contracts.

The bylaw will also be updated to allow for electronic meetings and electronic participation in in-person meetings. She said that, in the event of inclement weather, a council meeting could be moved to a virtual

format, rather than being cancelled.

Furthermore, she said that, if the meeting is being held in-person and a member is sick or unable to attend in person, they could always attend virtually as part of a hybrid meeting format.

Rudy has also proposed a number of tweaks to the delegation process.

She has outlined that delegations can only appear once in a six-month period on the same topic, unless there has been a significant change in the matter. The amount of time a delegation has will also be reduced from 15 minutes to 10, allowing for an additional 10 minutes for council to then ask questions.

Council approved the new procedural bylaw.

Weather keeps us talking: columnist A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

A bit of a stretch The U18 BB Huron Heat took on the London Devilettes in playoff action in Clinton on Saturday night. The locals had a good night and defeated their neighbours from the south by a score of 2-0. (John Stephenson photo)

At the Branch

Provincial Service Officer to visit

By Jo-Ann McDonald It was a quiet week at the Brussels Legion Branch this past week with Cadets holding their awards and presentations night on Tuesday evening. The Thursday night darts had 12 players out to aim at the boards. There was a three-way tie and, after play-offs the winners were John Stadelmann and Sandra; second, Paul Willie

and Sheron Stadelmann; third, Steve Hall and Linda Davis and high shot was by Louise Poirier hitting 124. It was a good night for all.

The weather certainly affected the pub grub for Friday evening with fewer than 10 people enjoying chicken burgers. Today is St. Patrick’s Day, so Irish stew will be on the menu.

60 years and counting Murray “Muzzy” Lowe recently marked his 60th anniversary of cutting hair in Brussels, celebrated with an open house on March 14. (John Stephenson photo)

The Branch was the venue for the annual meeting of the Abate club.

They are a motorcycle club that has come to the Branch for many years during their fundraising rides for charity every year. There were 18 in attendance and they enjoyed chili and a roll for lunch. We hope they enjoyed their day.

The Provincial Service Officer will be in the area in late May. Appointments to see her must be made by April 12. Please call the Branch if you have an issue to discuss with the officer. She will be at the Branch during the week of May 29-31.

The initiation night is set for March 24. If you have not been initiated, then we would hope you are able to attend. You will have been contacted by Sandra and we should have a group of about 20.

Jelly Bean Blue will be the night’s entertainment for a great social evening for our new members. All comrades are urged to come out and meet the new members. Anyone can come and see what it is all about.

April 1 will be another dance with great 1950s and 1960s music by the Twist Tops. Get your tickets at the Branch.

The Brussels Lions Club held its meeting at the Branch on Monday evening. They had a great turnout of 31 members. They enjoyed a roast pork dinner served up by catering crew Judy Lee, Linda Bird and Deb Ross. Thanks girls.

You have to admit, the weather of winter keeps conversations going.

So, when our social side of life is a bit restricted, we still have things that call for chatting. Friday lately has been the event day with attention, observation and decisions getting full attention. Again, the reminder that we do not rule the world, including the weather. Oh dear.

So often we think a little something doesn’t count. The example that was offered this week involved the Terry Fox Run. Brussels has held this event for decades with everyone knowing someone affected by cancer and so we get involved. Waneta and Alan Leishman, with the help of the Dale Edgar team, organized the first run here. Both families had children living with cancer and were involved in the Wingham run. After countless hours by the Leishman team, the Optimist Club took the reins. The community took up the cause and the other clubs and organizations here did their part.

The Lions Club looks after donations now and nearly $9,000 was collected in September from our area. When added to the other events across our land, $12.5 million was offered to this organization.

The Fox family remains an

important part of the good reputation of this charity and are hands-on in the running of this day.

So, don’t ever think that a wee thing you do is not part of a much bigger good. So, choose where you put your time and effort no matter how small. It counts!

Fannie Somers died this week.

Fannie was one of the long-time Brussels folks who loved family and playing cards. She and George were part of the community in several ways and each of us will remember a Fannie and George story and smile. Be sure and tell her kids and grandchildren where Fannie fits into your memory bank.

There are lots of fun things happening this week as sleepovers and visits take priority in the lives of the children. Hope you have a chance to be part of that fun.

Take care of yourself.

Bye now, Betty G.W.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

BRUSSELS MINOR BALL 2023 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Register Online At: https://brusselstigersfastball.ca In person registration – March 20, 2023 from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Brussels Morris and Grey Community Centre, 800 Sports Drive, Brussels All registration closes March 20, 2023.

Earn some summer cash by being an umpire for Minor Ball.

If interested in umpiring, please head to the website to contact the Executive.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023. PAGE 7.

Blyth intersection too far along to remove: Cronin Continued from page 1 tenants, which has been adjusted to better reflect actual year-end results; a $63,000 increase to anticipated planning fee revenue, which is adjusted based on 2021/2022 actual figures and to fully cover the cost of the added planning manager position and supplemental tax revenue of $50,000, which has been adjusted to reflect the 2022 year-end results.

Operating expense adjustments in the new draft of the budget include: a $274,000 reduction to the winter maintenance budget with an offsetting reserve adjustment of $137,000 due to a mild January and anticipated cost savings; a $420,000 reduction in the municipal drain budget to better reflect anticipated billings from local municipalities; a $30,000 reduction to the Emergency Medical Services occupational insurance budget, which was adjusted to reflect 2022 year-end results; a $12,000 reduction as a result of dropping the Huron Hygge project from the Economic Development Department budget and a $100,000 reduction in tax write-offs, which has been adjusted to reflect 2022 year-end results.

The budget also includes one capital adjustment, which is a savings of $48,000 for the Huronlea water heater project now that the actual quotation for the work has been received.

Reserve and surplus adjustments for the 2023 budget include: an anticipated surplus of $250,000 in the public works capital budget, based on the initial year-end review; a reserve adjustment of $119,500 in the Emergency Medical Services budget to cover the provincial portion of “upstaffing” with Treasurer Michael Blumhagen saying that the provincial government will have this factored into its funding going forward beginning in 2024 and a reserve adjustment of $122,500 for the new housing supervisor and homes administrator positions due to the assumption that they will be filled in July, rather than beginning as a full-year position. There will be a surplus in 2023, Blumhagen said as a result to offset the use of reserves in this situation.

The second option, which included a final levy of $49,697,035 and further reductions (including all of those proposed with the first option) of $358,700, proposed a revenue adjustment of

the aforementioned amount as the result of an assumption of a higher level of provincial funding for the homes for the aged level of care per diem due to rising rates of inflation.

The third option, with a final levy of $48,777,035 and a further still reductions of $920,000, proposed the utilization of a further $588,000 from reserves and a revenue adjustment of $332,000 that anticipated an increase in Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund money for a bridge or culvert project.

Council made the decision to move forward with the first option, but not before hours of discussion.

Some councillors were left feeling as though their recommendations or concerns had not been heard by staff in previous budget meetings and not made it into this advanced draft of the budget.

Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan was the first to speak up, saying he didn’t feel the agenda prepared for the special meeting reflected some of the conversations councillors had had at the previous meeting. He specifically noted his concern with the county borrowing so much money during a period of high interest rates.

Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn shared MacLellan’s concerns, saying he had clearly expressed a desire to consider removing costly intersection improvements in both Blyth and Exeter during a tough budget year. Bluewater Mayor Paul Klopp echoed those sentiments, saying he wasn’t the only councillor to have concerns about the Gibbons Street supportive and affordable housing development in Goderich, which, in the coming years, will cost the county in excess of $20 million.

For staff to bring back an agenda that limited councillors’ ability to discuss anything outside of the three options, the councillors said, was inconsistent with the direction council gave to staff. As a result, a procedural motion at the top of the meeting to approve the agenda as presented was defeated without a single councillor voting in favour of the motion.

Warden Glen McNeil cautioned council about the ramifications of veering too far from the material supplied in the day’s agenda, but then Clerk Susan Cronin said that, as a budget meeting, she felt that any discussion pertaining to the year’s budget was fair to discuss.

MacLellan also asked to add the

ability to discuss future years’ budgets, as they would be affected by larger projects being approved in the 2023 budget, requiring continuing payments for decades.

This was also given the go-ahead by way of an amended motion, which council approved, allowing the meeting to continue.

However, before discussion went too far Chief Administrative Officer Meighan Wark and Cronin cautioned council against decisions regarding two big-ticket projects that had been considered for removal from the budget: the Gibbons Street project and intersection improvements in Blyth.

Cronin said that it was her opinion that those projects, having already been approved for inclusion in the 2023 budget, were too far into development to be removed and, if council wished to consider pulling them from the budget, there would be a number of steps to be taken, including creating a notice of motion and rescinding a previouslypassed motion. If council wished to venture down this path, Cronin strongly suggested obtaining legal advice before doing so.

The Exeter intersection improvements, however, were still early in the process and could be discussed for removal, Cronin said, if that was council’s will. The multi-million-dollar project would result in the installation of a roundabout at the intersection of Airport Line and County Road 83, just west of Exeter. Blumhagen said, however, that, as far as the Exeter project is concerned, only $156,000 had been allotted in the 2023 agenda for early engineering costs associated with it, rather than the cost of the entire project.

Huron County Engineer and Public Works Manager Steve Lund said construction on the roundabout is likely to occur in either 2024 or 2025. Furthermore, he cautioned councillors that, after commissioning a study on intersections in both Blyth and Exeter and the engineering firm finding reasonable evidence that a traffic solution was necessary, if council were to do nothing and leave the intersections as they are, knowing what they know now, there could be a question of legal liability in the event of an incident at either of the intersections. He said that wasn’t necessarily the case and that he was no legal expert, but that it was something councillors should be aware of.

Ginn spoke against the inclusion of the intersection, as he has during the whole process. He didn’t feel the county should be making any intersection improvements in either Blyth or Exeter, saying that, when provincial highways are factored in, the two intersections in question are not even close to the top of the list as the most problematic intersections in Huron County.

Further to that point, he said, the provincial government isn’t rushing to build roundabouts at every troublesome intersection.

He also wondered where it would stop. He said the Exeter intersection is a concern because it’s along the route between Exeter and Grand Bend, which is frequented by higher levels of traffic during the summer. However, there are eight more intersections along County Road 83 between Exeter and Grand Bend, so he wondered if roundabouts would soon be requested at all of those other intersections as well.

Lund disagreed with Ginn, saying that the traffic is consistent from the week to the weekend and from season to season and that the engineer’s report identified the intersection as one of concern.

MacLellan said he was fine with moving ahead with including the Exeter intersection in the 2023 budget to the tune of $156,000 to get it shovel-ready, but that he felt council should revisit the issue after that work had been done in order to make a final decision about going forward with the project.

South Huron Mayor George Finch, who has advocated for

improvements to the intersection since the issue was first raised, said the research has been done and that council has a mandate to keep its residents safe.

Council passed a motion to keep the intersection in the budget to the point of getting the project shovelready ($156,000 in the 2023 budget) with just Ginn and Goderich Mayor Myles Murdock voting against it.

Councillors then briefly discussed the Gibbons Street project and were told, similar to the Exeter intersection funding, that only $205,500 is in this year’s budget for the project, with further construction and operational costs to be included in future years’ budgets. Wark also reminded council that, as it stands right now, the county is paying approximately $800,000 per year to support homelessness initiatives and shelter costs in Goderich on a project with “no end in sight”, as opposed to a larger project that would aid those in need for decades to come.

She also reminded councillors that they committed to a full, inhouse service review to be completed later this year that may address some of their concerns.

After a straw vote, McNeil and council put forward a motion to move ahead with the first budget option presented by Blumhagen for consideration. However, council also requested a report on the full monetary impact and financial plan for the Gibbons Street and Blyth intersection projects to be presented at a future meeting.

Council carried the motion.

Last call for pies From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Sympathy is extended to Henry Rouw and family in the death of his wife Mary. Mary will be greatly missed in the area.

Happy birthday to Ken Siertsema who will celebrate March 15; Steven Sparling, March 16 and Madison Lee, March 17. Hope you all have a great day.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone. May the luck of the Irish be with you and yours.

This is the last chance to order fruit or meat pies from Blyth United Church until fall. If you wish to order fruit pies, call Joann MacDonald at 519-523-9274 and for meat pies, Donna Moore at 519523-9855 before April 5.

Mother Nature is still letting us

know that winter isn’t over yet.

There is snow in the air and temperatures around 0°C. The longrange forecast is looking like spring will be in the air soon enough.

Stay safe this coming week and give someone a call to let them know you are thinking about them.

NEWS FROM BLYTH

Belgrave Minor Ball Registration March 11 and 18

The guy behind the guy After a bit of a skirmish on Saturday night at the Blyth and District Community Centre as the U21 Crusaders took on the Walkerton Capitals in playoff action, the referees were left to sort through the benches and penalize the offending players. The locals would eventually win the game by a score of 4-2. (John Stephenson photo)

at the Belgrave Community Centre from 10 am - noon Any questions please contact Bruce Higgins 519-357-5109

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023.

Sports U18 C Heat loses OWHA playdown to Mitchell

Tough night On March 9, the U18 C Huron Heat lost their Ontario Women’s Hockey Association playdown to the Mitchell Meteors in Seaforth by a score of 4-2, above. This came on the same night as an association playdown between the U11 C Heat and the Upper Maitland Mustangs in Blyth that went the locals’ way by a score of 1-0. (John Stephenson photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The playoffs continued for a number of Huron Heat teams over the weekend as the 2022/2023 season draws to a close.

On Sunday, March 12, the U13 C Heat lost their playoff game to the B.A.D. Blazers in Clinton by a score of 2-0, while the U11 B Heat lost their playoff game to the Jets in Ilderton by a score of 4-2.

The U11 HL Heat, however, won their playoff game with the B.A.D. Blazers on the road by a score of 10 and the U18 C Heat won their playdown over the Lucknow/Wingham 86ers in Clinton by a score of 4-3.

Also that night, the Senior team took on Milverton in Hensall, but a score was unavailable at press time.

On Saturday, March 11, the U11 C Heat won their playoff game with the Wallaceburg Lakers on the road by a score of 2-0 and the U18 BB Heat won their playoff game with the London Devilettes in Clinton by a score of 2-0.

The U11 B Heat lost their playoff game in Seaforth against the Ilderton Jets by a score of 3-0 and the U18 C Heat were on the road for a playoff game with the South Huron Sabres, but lost by a score of 4-1.

Over the weekend, the U15 C Heat took part in the Toronto Leaside March Break Madness

tournament. On Friday, March 10, they lost their first game to the Buffalo Bison by a score of 8-0 and then again to the Leaside Wildcats by a score of 1-0. They played another Toronto Leaside team later in the tournament, but a score was unavailable at press time. That night, the U13 B Heat hosted a playdown with the St. Marys Rock in Seaforth, but a score was unavailable at press time.

On Thursday, March 9, the U13 B Heat tied their playdown with the St. Marys Rock 1-1 in Blyth. The U11 B Heat beat the Jets in Ilderton for their playoff game by a score of 4-0. The U11 C Heat won their Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) playdown in

Blyth over the Upper Maitland day, the U9 HL White team will Mustangs by a score of 1-0, while play again on the road, this time the U18 C Heat lost their OWHA against the North Middlesex Junior playdown to the Mitchell Meteors Stars, and the Senior team will play Milverton on the road. in Seaforth by a score of 4-2.

On March 22, the U18 C Heat Also that night, the U18 BB Heat won their playoff game with the will play an exhibition game with Devilettes in London by a score of the Lucan Irish in Seaforth and on March 24, the U13 B Heat will play 3-1.

On March 8, the U18 C Heat lost an exhibition game with the their playdown in Mitchell to the Lucknow/Wingham 86ers, also in Meteors by a score of 2-1, while the Seaforth.

On March 25, the U9 HL Black U11 B Heat won their playoff game over the St. Marys Rock in Seaforth team will play the Lucan Irish on the road and the U9 HL White team by a score of 2-0.

The U11 B Heat won their playoff will play the South Huron Sabres game over the St. Marys Rock in on the road. Also that day, the U15 Seaforth on March 7 by a score of BB Heat will play the Twin Centre 7-0, while that night the U15 C Hericanes in an exhibition game in Heat lost their playdown with the Seaforth. The next night, the Senior St. Marys Rock, also in Seaforth, by team will again play Milverton in Hensall. a score of 2-0.

On March 6, the U13 B Heat tied their playdown with the St. Marys Rock on the road 1-1, while the U18 C Heat lost their playdown with the South Huron Sabres in Clinton by a score of 2-1.

Looking ahead, the schedule is rather quiet, with few games on the calendar for the Heat.

On March 18, the U9 HL White team will play the Lucan Irish on the road and the U9 B On Saturday night in Clinton, the U18 Heat will play the BB Huron Heat hosted a playoff game South Huron with the London Devilettes, which the Sabres, also on the locals won 2-0. (John Stephenson photo) road. The next

Big win

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SUDOKU Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles?

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

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023. PAGE 9.

Sports U13 LL Crusaders remain undefeated in playoffs

The better team that day On Saturday night at the Blyth and District Community Centre, the U21 Blyth Brussels Crusaders hosted the Walkerton Capitals in some playoff action. The local used home ice to their full advantage, winning the game by a score of 4-2. (John Stephenson photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The U13 Blyth Brussels Local League Crusaders remain undefeated in their 2022/2023 playoff push after a 5-2 win over the Wingham Ironmen on March 8 in Blyth.

This comes after three wins, one overtime win and two ties since the middle of February. The team then played the Mid-Huron Huskies in Hensall on March 15 and the Minto Mad Dogs on March 16, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

The Crusaders are next in playoff action on March 19 with a game against the Capitals in Walkerton.

The U11 Rep Crusaders suffered an overtime loss to the Wingham Ironmen on March 9 in Wingham by a score of 5-4. They were due to be back in action against the MidHuron Huskies in Brussels on March 14, but a score was unavailable at press time.

The U21 team beat the Walkerton Capitals in their playoff game in Blyth on March 11 by a score of 42. They were due to be in action again on March 12 on the road against the Shallow Lake Lakers, but that game was cancelled.

The U18 Local League Crusaders beat the Mitchell Meteors in their March 12 playoff game in Mitchell by a score of 2-1, which came after a 1-1 tie with the Meteors in Brussels on March 8 and a 6-3 loss to the Walkerton Capitals on March 7, also in Brussels.

The team will now play its next two playoff games in Brussels: a March 17 contest with the MidHuron Huskies and a March 19 game with the Arthur Vipers.

The U15 Local League Crusaders tied their March 11 playoff game with the Mount Forest Rams on the road by a score of 2-2, which came after a 3-1 loss in Brussels to the Rams on March 10 and a 5-1 loss to the Ironmen in Wingham on March 9.

The U15 Rep Crusaders tied their last playoff game on the schedule, played on March 11 in Shallow Lake. The team tied the Lakers 1-1.

The team will now play the Hanover Falcons three times: on March 17 in Brussels, again on March 19 in Hanover and then in Brussels on March 21.

The U13 Rep Crusaders took on the Kincardine Kinucks on the road on March 9, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

The U11 Local League Burgundy team played the Mid-Huron Huskies in Seaforth on March 13, but lost by a score of 4-2.

The U18 Rep team now has its first playoff game in two weeks scheduled, as the Crusaders are due to play the TCDMHA Rebels in Brussels on March 21.

Last weekend, the U13 Local League and U13 Rep Crusaders both took part in Goderich’s Young Canada Week.

On Friday, March 10, the Rep team beat Central Perth by a score of 3-1, followed by a 4-1 win over the Tillsonburg Lightning. They then took on Dresden on March 12, but a score was unavailable at press time.

The Local League team first played the Wingham Ironmen on March 10, followed by March 11 games against the Aylmer Flames and the TCDMHA Rebels, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

On March 11, the U6 team played the Mid-Huron Huskies in Seaforth, the U8 Burgundy team welcomed the Listowel Cyclones to Brussels and the U7 Black and Burgundy teams played two Wingham Ironmen teams in Brussels, but scores were not kept for those games.

On March 9, the U9 Crusaders were in Zurich for a game against the Thunder, which the Crusaders won by a score of 6-3.

Beginning Monday, the U15 Rep team was in Goderich to take part in Young Canada Week with a game

against the Wingham Ironmen, followed by March 14 games with the Hanover Falcons and the Kincardine Kinucks, but scores were unavailable for those games.

On Monday, the U11 Local League Burgundy team played the Mid-Huron Huskies in Seaforth, but a score was unavailable.

On March 14, the U11 Rep Crusaders hosted a playoff game with the Mid-Huron Huskies in Brussels, but a score was unavailable at press time. The next day, the U13 Local League team had a playoff game with the MidHuron Huskies on the road in Hensall, but a score was unavailable at press time. The U9 Crusaders travelled to Howick for an exhibition game with the Hornets that night, but a score was unavailable at press time.

On March 16, the U13 Local League Crusaders had a playoff game with the Minto Mad Dogs on the road, but a score was unavailable at press time.

On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, the U15 Rep and U18 Local League Crusaders will both host playoff games in Brussels. The U15 team will play the Hanover Falcons, while the U18 Crusaders will play the Mid-Huron Huskies.

The next day, the U8 Black and Burgundy teams will travel to Ripley for games with two HuronBruce teams.

On March 19, the U8 Black team will travel for a game with the Zurich Thunder, the U18 Local League team will host a playoff game with the Arthur Vipers in Brussels and the U13 Local League team will be on the road for a playoff game with the Walkerton Capitals.

On March 21, the U9 team will host the Mid-Huron Huskies in Brussels, just ahead of playoff games between the U15 Rep Crusaders and the Hanover Falcons and the U18 Rep Crusaders and the TCDMHA Rebels.

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PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY MARCH 17, 2023. PAGE 11.

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

. $ ( . )( ) . . '-. . "& ! %. . . .

*. . . . . . . (" $"& (" $#& ',&+#& .

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

Seaforth ~ 519-527-1331 Email: brian@Wightman.ca

It’s Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, and this year you’re encouraged to commit to farm safety every day. Farm safety is about more than just being aware of hazards. It’s about engaging in conversations that reflect on the importance of farm safety.

And above all, it’s about contributing to long-term changes that benefit everyone who lives and works on or visits Canadian farms.

By committing to making farm safety a priority every day of the year, we can work together toward ensuring no one gets hurt on our farms.

• Crop Inputs • Crop Consulting • Crop Protection Products • Seed • Custom Application

Farm Machinery Safety

www.brusselsagromart.ca

Brussels

519-887-6273

Dumpster Rental and Service Residential & Commercial Dumpster Rental & Service 401 Albert Street Box 340 Brussels, ON N0G 1H0

519-887-6336 R.R. #1 41403 Londesboro Road Londesboro, ON N0M 2H0 Jim Anderson Jason Fleet: Cell 519-440-6007 Cell 519-525-9473

Commit to Farm Safety

Farm Safety is everyone’s responsibility!

Kurtis Smith Excavating Inc.

407 Queen Street Box 199 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0

When it comes to using farm machinery, injuries can occur in the blink of an eye. Incidents like rollovers and runovers often cause serious, lifechanging injuries or worse. That’s why it’s essential to remain vigilant about safety when using farm machinery. That means never allowing extra riders on machinery, ensuring bystanders like children aren’t nearby, following manufacturer guidelines on towing restrictions, and using rollover protection structures and seatbelts. Remember that while injuries involving farm machinery are often serious, they are also preventable.

email: riversidefuneralhome@hotmail.com www.riversidefuneralhome.ca

Exhaust Bending Service Complete Vehicle Service

519-524-9878

• 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

We can all agree that having a safety plan in place is crucial for protecting everyone who lives and works on or visits our farms. But have you ever considered the return on investment that comes with farm safety practices? Investing in a culture of safety at your farm offers numerous long-term rewards. While there are initial costs associated with developing a safety plan, you’ll be able to see a return on investment in efficiency and less time and productivity lost due to preventable injuries. And that directly benefits your farm’s success and sustainability.

It’s no secret that farmers face constant challenges. Coping with climate change, soil erosion, disease, rising costs, and supply chain delays – the list of challenges goes on and on. Those challenges, combined with the long hours and physical labour involved with farming, can put a lot of strain on farmers. And that can lead to farmers ignoring their own well-being. But it’s important to remember that farm safety depends on many factors, including mental well-being. That includes ensuring you get enough good quality sleep to farm effectively and safely. Poor sleep habits can affect your mental well-being, making it difficult to cope with stressors and putting you at risk of injury or illness.

FOR FULL LISTING VISIT OUR WEBSITE

Brett & Laura Fischer

Farm Safety is everyone’s responsibility

42822 Blyth Rd., Walton, ON N0K 1Z0

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

RADAR 235 TURBINER ST., BRUSSELS

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

519-348-8485

519-482-3445

Drag-Line Systems, Parts & Accessories

Email: wer@tcc.on.ca www.wergroup.ca

The Rural Voice

AUTO PARTS

“You will find it at CROQUETS”

The Magazine of Agricultural Life

Locations ~ Blyth and Walton CANADIAN-INDEPENDENT

McBurney Funeral Home Ltd. Funeral Director: Dayna Deans

Serving the funeral service needs of North Huron since 1979.

35 Patrick Street West, Windham

519-357-1170

www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com

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

Todd Wheeler Insurance Inc. AGENT: TODD WHEELER PO Box 394 75 Sports Dr., Brussels, ON N0G 1H0

Brussels 519-887-6289

Conduct regular equipment inspections.

Blyth Lions Club

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

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

• Farm • Residential • Commercial • Automobile

Propane. Appliances. Guaranteed Service.

Flour Mill Blyth 519-523-4241

PO Box 429 Blyth, ON 519-523-4311

Jacquie Gowing Accounting Accounting, Income Tax & Business Management Personal, Farm, Business

Be cautious when working around farm equipment and livestock.

Farm Safety is everyone’s responsibility!

www.howickmutual.com

1-800-265-3033

G. L. HUBBARD LIMITED Growers And Packers Of Quality Rutabagas

sparlings.com

Howson & Howson Ltd.

Take extra care when handling livestock.

519-887-9319

Brussels 519-887-8253 Office

BRUSSELS • 519-887-8855 • KURTIS CELL 519-496-1871

JOE SEILI

Office: 519-887-9571 mccall.lvstk@hurontel.on.ca

Rental Fleet

brettandlaura@plantpioneer.com

Supplying Brussels/Blyth Area with all types of sand, gravel and stone

Be safe. Stay alert.

Ross McCall

W E R Re n t a l s & S a l e s & WER Mfg.

CONCRETE FORMING COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL • Foundations • Floor Finishing • Circular Tanks • Sandwich Walls FREE ESTIMATES RR#3 Blyth ~ Fax 519-523-9604 519-523-9971

For all your excavation needs including septic system installations and repairs

Sleep and Farm Safety

Dave Franke For All Your Concrete Needs!

37117 Blyth Road, Goderich

Ontario’s Leading Supplier of Crop Management Solutions

This Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, we celebrate Your Farm, Your Family, Your Success.

For more information on how Safety is Our Promise, visit agsafetyweek.ca.

519-523-4577

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

The Return on Investment of Farm Safety

HURON FEEDING SYSTEMS

Farm Safety is everyone’s responsibility

Blyth 519-523-4554

& Corporate

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

519-887-9248 AIRTIGHT STORAGE LTD. 42607 Cranbrook Rd., Brussels, Ont. N0G 1H0

Bottom Unloading Silos Sales & Service David Baker Phone: 519-887-9965 Toll Free: 1-877-880-7883 Cell: 519-654-6791

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY MARCH 17, 2023. PAGE 11.

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

. $ ( . )( ) . . '-. . "& ! %. . . .

*. . . . . . . (" $"& (" $#& ',&+#& .

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

Seaforth ~ 519-527-1331 Email: brian@Wightman.ca

It’s Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, and this year you’re encouraged to commit to farm safety every day. Farm safety is about more than just being aware of hazards. It’s about engaging in conversations that reflect on the importance of farm safety.

And above all, it’s about contributing to long-term changes that benefit everyone who lives and works on or visits Canadian farms.

By committing to making farm safety a priority every day of the year, we can work together toward ensuring no one gets hurt on our farms.

• Crop Inputs • Crop Consulting • Crop Protection Products • Seed • Custom Application

Farm Machinery Safety

www.brusselsagromart.ca

Brussels

519-887-6273

Dumpster Rental and Service Residential & Commercial Dumpster Rental & Service 401 Albert Street Box 340 Brussels, ON N0G 1H0

519-887-6336 R.R. #1 41403 Londesboro Road Londesboro, ON N0M 2H0 Jim Anderson Jason Fleet: Cell 519-440-6007 Cell 519-525-9473

Commit to Farm Safety

Farm Safety is everyone’s responsibility!

Kurtis Smith Excavating Inc.

407 Queen Street Box 199 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0

When it comes to using farm machinery, injuries can occur in the blink of an eye. Incidents like rollovers and runovers often cause serious, lifechanging injuries or worse. That’s why it’s essential to remain vigilant about safety when using farm machinery. That means never allowing extra riders on machinery, ensuring bystanders like children aren’t nearby, following manufacturer guidelines on towing restrictions, and using rollover protection structures and seatbelts. Remember that while injuries involving farm machinery are often serious, they are also preventable.

email: riversidefuneralhome@hotmail.com www.riversidefuneralhome.ca

Exhaust Bending Service Complete Vehicle Service

519-524-9878

• 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

We can all agree that having a safety plan in place is crucial for protecting everyone who lives and works on or visits our farms. But have you ever considered the return on investment that comes with farm safety practices? Investing in a culture of safety at your farm offers numerous long-term rewards. While there are initial costs associated with developing a safety plan, you’ll be able to see a return on investment in efficiency and less time and productivity lost due to preventable injuries. And that directly benefits your farm’s success and sustainability.

It’s no secret that farmers face constant challenges. Coping with climate change, soil erosion, disease, rising costs, and supply chain delays – the list of challenges goes on and on. Those challenges, combined with the long hours and physical labour involved with farming, can put a lot of strain on farmers. And that can lead to farmers ignoring their own well-being. But it’s important to remember that farm safety depends on many factors, including mental well-being. That includes ensuring you get enough good quality sleep to farm effectively and safely. Poor sleep habits can affect your mental well-being, making it difficult to cope with stressors and putting you at risk of injury or illness.

FOR FULL LISTING VISIT OUR WEBSITE

Brett & Laura Fischer

Farm Safety is everyone’s responsibility

42822 Blyth Rd., Walton, ON N0K 1Z0

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

RADAR 235 TURBINER ST., BRUSSELS

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

519-348-8485

519-482-3445

Drag-Line Systems, Parts & Accessories

Email: wer@tcc.on.ca www.wergroup.ca

The Rural Voice

AUTO PARTS

“You will find it at CROQUETS”

The Magazine of Agricultural Life

Locations ~ Blyth and Walton CANADIAN-INDEPENDENT

McBurney Funeral Home Ltd. Funeral Director: Dayna Deans

Serving the funeral service needs of North Huron since 1979.

35 Patrick Street West, Windham

519-357-1170

www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com

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

Todd Wheeler Insurance Inc. AGENT: TODD WHEELER PO Box 394 75 Sports Dr., Brussels, ON N0G 1H0

Brussels 519-887-6289

Conduct regular equipment inspections.

Blyth Lions Club

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

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

• Farm • Residential • Commercial • Automobile

Propane. Appliances. Guaranteed Service.

Flour Mill Blyth 519-523-4241

PO Box 429 Blyth, ON 519-523-4311

Jacquie Gowing Accounting Accounting, Income Tax & Business Management Personal, Farm, Business

Be cautious when working around farm equipment and livestock.

Farm Safety is everyone’s responsibility!

www.howickmutual.com

1-800-265-3033

G. L. HUBBARD LIMITED Growers And Packers Of Quality Rutabagas

sparlings.com

Howson & Howson Ltd.

Take extra care when handling livestock.

519-887-9319

Brussels 519-887-8253 Office

BRUSSELS • 519-887-8855 • KURTIS CELL 519-496-1871

JOE SEILI

Office: 519-887-9571 mccall.lvstk@hurontel.on.ca

Rental Fleet

brettandlaura@plantpioneer.com

Supplying Brussels/Blyth Area with all types of sand, gravel and stone

Be safe. Stay alert.

Ross McCall

W E R Re n t a l s & S a l e s & WER Mfg.

CONCRETE FORMING COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL • Foundations • Floor Finishing • Circular Tanks • Sandwich Walls FREE ESTIMATES RR#3 Blyth ~ Fax 519-523-9604 519-523-9971

For all your excavation needs including septic system installations and repairs

Sleep and Farm Safety

Dave Franke For All Your Concrete Needs!

37117 Blyth Road, Goderich

Ontario’s Leading Supplier of Crop Management Solutions

This Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, we celebrate Your Farm, Your Family, Your Success.

For more information on how Safety is Our Promise, visit agsafetyweek.ca.

519-523-4577

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

The Return on Investment of Farm Safety

HURON FEEDING SYSTEMS

Farm Safety is everyone’s responsibility

Blyth 519-523-4554

& Corporate

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

519-887-9248 AIRTIGHT STORAGE LTD. 42607 Cranbrook Rd., Brussels, Ont. N0G 1H0

Bottom Unloading Silos Sales & Service David Baker Phone: 519-887-9965 Toll Free: 1-877-880-7883 Cell: 519-654-6791

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023.

Sports Ironmen ahead of Bulldogs in first-round series

Eyes on the prize The Wingham Ironmen stumbled in the first game of their first-round playoff series with the Kincardine Bulldogs, losing by a score of 3-2 on their home ice, but the team has since bounced back with three consecutive wins by the same score to take a threegames-to-one lead in the series, which could end tonight in Wingham. The locals are seen above on Sunday in Wingham, a win for the Ironmen. (John Stephenson photo) Continued from page 1

by Wingham’s Dawson Fahrer scoring his first of the playoffs at 19:15 of the second period, assisted

by Patrick Galloway and Kyle Stanbury.

There was no scoring in the third period, which sent the game to overtime. It didn’t take long, however, as Kincardine’s Harrison Meulensteen would score his first goal of the playoffs just 11 seconds into overtime, assisted

by Carter Servais and Kieran Moore, to win the game for

the Bulldogs by a score of 3-2.

Carter Garvie earned the win for the Bulldogs in the Kincardine net, stopping 32 of the 34 shots he faced, while Wingham’s Garrett Golley stopped 19 of the 22 shots he faced.

The game was a relatively clean affair, with no penalties called in the first period. Kincardine’s Steven Grant was called for slashing just 30 seconds into the second period, followed by a slashing call against Gavin Gibbons of the Bulldogs at 3:34 of the

second and a slashing call against Wingham’s Nate Bloemberg at 16:12 of the second period.

Kincardine’s Brennan Long was called for tripping at 8:28 of the third period and there were no penalties in the overtime period.

On Saturday night, the teams clashed again, with Kincardine’s Wilson Shipp opening the scoring with his first goal of the playoffs at 2:40 of the first period, assisted by Gavin Gibbons and Kieran Moore.

The Ironmen would score the only two goals of the second period.

Tayt Bramhill scored his first goal of the playoffs on the power play at 11:32 of the second period, assisted

by Patrick Galloway, followed by Dawson Fahrer scoring his second goal of the postseason, also on the power play, assisted by Kyle Stanbury and Matt Tolton.

Wingham’s Austin Becker scored his first goal of the playoffs at 7:42 of the third period, assisted by Patrick Galloway. The Bulldogs’ Brennan Long would score his first goal of the playoffs at 13:58 of the third period, assisted by Austin Waite and Gavin Gibbons on the power play, but it was too little, too late for Kincardine, who lost the game by a score of 3-2.

Garrett Golley won the game in the Ironmen net, stopping 30 of 32 shots, while Carter Garvie stopped 28 of the 31 shots he faced in a loss for the Bulldogs.

Kincardine’s Brennan Long was assessed the first penalty of the game, being called for tripping at 6:19 of the first period. His teammate, Ryan Litt, was called for slashing at 9:17 of the first.

Jonah Burley of the Ironmen was then called for the next two penalties of the game - cross checking at 14:58 of the first period and interference at 19:00 - before Wingham goaltender Garrett Golley was called for roughing at the very end of the period. Turner Mckenzie served Golley’s penalty.

All four penalties called in the second period went against the Bulldogs. At 7:44 of the second period, Brennan Long was called for cross checking, followed by a head contact call against Carter Servais at 11:27, a boarding penalty called against Wilson Shipp at 12:09 and an interference call against Cooper Schneider at 15:15.

In the third period, Wingham’s Dawson Fahrer was called for boarding at 4:23. At 4:37 of the third period, Wingham’s Turner Mckenzie and Kyle Stanbury were called for head contact and roughing, respectively, while Steven Grant of the Bulldogs was called for head contact, receiving a four-minute major penalty.

Wingham’s Jonah Burley was called for boarding at 13:21 of the third period, the last penalty of the game.

On Sunday, back in Wingham, Noah Wettlaufer of the Ironmen scored his first goal of the playoffs at 3:59 of the first period, assisted

by Turner Mckenzie.

Kincardine fought back, scoring just 51 second into the second period when Steven Grant scored his first goal of the playoffs, assisted by Jake Ertel. Wingham would then score the next two goals of the period. Austin Becker scored his second goal of the playoffs at 1:25 of the period, assisted by Matt Tolton, and Micah Kraayenbrink scored his first goal of the playoffs at 8:53 of the period, assisted by Josh Dales and Kyle Stanbury.

Kincardine’s Harrison Meulensteen scored his second goal of the playoffs at the 10-minute mark of the third period, assisted by Steven Grant and Jake Ertel on the power play, but it wasn’t enough and the Ironmen won the game by a score of 3-2.

Garrett Golley won the game for the Ironmen, stopping 18 of the 20 shots he faced, while Carter Garvie of the Bulldogs stopped 31 of 34 shots.

This game was significantly rougher than the previous two, with officials handing out nearly an hour Continued on page 16

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Give it up On Sunday in Wingham, Micah Kraayenbrink, above, scored, what would eventually be the game-winning goal to put the Ironmen ahead by final score of 3-2. With a third win over the Kincardine Bulldogs on Tuesday night, the Ironmen are now a game away from winning the series and moving on to the second round. (John Stephenson photo)

@TheHuronCitizen @TheHuronCitizen

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023. PAGE 13.

BLYTH Y 519-523-4244

+XURQ7UDFWRU FRP

Brussels Livestock report

Cows sell actively at higher prices at sale Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending March 10 were 1,785 cattle and 789 lambs and goats.

On Tuesday, fed steers and heifers sold fully steady to last week’s higher market. Choice steers and heifers sold $200 to $213; second cut cattle, $190 to $199; aged and medium-fed steers and heifers, $168 to $188; and holstein steers and heifers, $125 to $188.50. Cows sold actively at higher prices.

On Thursday, veal sold at barely steady prices. Lambs sold higher.

Sheep sold steady. Nanny goats sold under pressure and kid goats sold higher.

On Friday, calves sold on a strong active trade at prices $3 to $5 higher. Yearlings sold steady.

Allan Kistner of Monkton, consigned two head. One red heifer weighed 1,475 lbs. and sold for a price of $213.

Larry Reinhart Jr. of Mildmay, consigned 12 head. One gold heifer weighed 1,400 lbs. and sold for a price of $209.

Alton McAlpine of Ailsa Craig, consigned two head. One charolais heifer weighed 1,465 lbs. and sold for a price of $213.

K/C McAlpine Farms of Ailsa Craig, consigned six head. One gold steer weighed 1,490 lbs. and sold for a price of $212.50.

There were 250 cows on offer.

Beef sold $105 to $148; good holstein cows, $10 to $136; medium holstein cows, $87 to $100.

Bulls sold $120 to $165.

There were 175 head of veal on offer. Beef veal sold $185 to $226; good holsteins, $200 to $217; SL heavy holsteins, $190 to $206; heavy holsteins, $175 to $190; medium holsteins, $185 to $195; plain holsteins, $160 to $185.

RG Harris Farms Ltd. of Ripley, consigned five head. One blue steer weighed 760 lbs. and sold for a price of $226.

Lambs under 50 lbs. sold $359 to $465; 50 - 64 lbs., $347 to $365; 65 - 79 lbs., $336.50 to $350; 80 - 94 lbs., $281 to $315; 95 - 109 lbs., $255 to $275; 110 lbs. and over, $232 to $234.

Goats: billies sold $150 to $450; nannies, $75 to $150; kids: meat, $375 to $540; dairy, $300 to $410.

Amy Parsons of Kirkton, consigned 30 head. Seven lambs

averaged 90 lbs. and sold for an average price of $311.

Darrin Durand of Hensall, consigned eight head. Two kids averaged 50 lbs. and sold for an average price of $530.

Top quality stocker steers under 400 lbs. sold $336.50 to $365; 400 - 499 lbs., $333.50 to $391; 500 599 lbs., $323 to $374; 600 - 699 lbs., $313.75 to $372; 700 - 799 lbs., $292 to $325; 800 - 899 lbs., $281 to $290; 900 - 999 lbs., $267.50 to $281; 1,000 lbs. and over, $256.72 to $272.25.

Top quality stocker heifers, 400 499 lbs. sold $259.50 to $305; 500 - 599 lbs., $253.75 to $299; 600 699 lbs., $240.50 to $295.25; 700 799 lbs., $251.75 to $280.75; 800 -

M-T mulls options

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Spider-Man on Ice Wesley Irwin waves while skating in the Wingham Skating Club’s end-of-year show at the North Huron Wescast Community Centre on March 8. (Scott Stephenson photo)

Bridge construction nears finish line

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Stephen Brickman from Headway Engineering updated Morris-Turnberry Council on the planning phase of a project that will address the aging Schwartzentruber Municipal Drain. Brickman said the existing drain is not of sufficient size or depth and fails to meet today’s standards of drainage.

Brickman’s recommendation is to construct a new municipal drainage system designed to today’s standards and to destroy the existing municipal drain. The project is estimated to cost $257,900. *** Construction on the new Smuck Bridge on Abraham Line is almost complete, with only a few landscaping items to be completed.

A grand opening will take place

when the work is finished and the weather improves. *** Director of Public Works Mike Alcock would like to officially thank Huron County for lending Morris-Turnberry’s public works department a truck after losing one temporarily to a breakdown.

Alcock said his department would not have been able to meet the minimum maintenance standards without access to the loaned vehicle. *** Joe Kerr Ltd. has been awarded two contracts to provide maintenance gravel to the municipality worth a combined total of $431,569.25 (excluding HST). The cost for installation is expected to be $40,000. *** Repairs are coming to the Moncrieff Road culvert after it was

identified in the municipality’s 2020 Bridge Condition Survey as being in need of repair within one to five years.

The bridge requires deck repairs, curb replacement, barrier replacement and guide rail replacement. AJN Builders Inc. has been awarded the contract for its tender of $126,257.50. *** Pollard Distribution Inc. has been awarded a one-year dust control contract for $189,472.50 (excluding HST). *** Treasurer Sean Brophy provided updates on the 2023 budget process. While still subject to change, Brophy expects a 4.46 per cent increase in the MorrisTurnberry tax levy, a 2.27 per cent increase in the tax rate, and an overall increase of approximately 4.54 per cent to ratepayers.

899 lbs., $244.50 to $253.25; 900 lbs. and over, $222 to $255.75.

Brandt Boys Beef and Grain of Overstoneville, Manitoba, consigned 76 head. Twenty-two charolais heifers averaged 700 lbs. and sold for an average price of $280.75.

Alvin W. Martin of Wroxeter, consigned 25 head. Twelve gold heifers averaged 918 lbs. and sold for an average price of $255.75.

Raddatz Angus of Eganville, consigned 74 head. Sixteen black steers averaged 718 lbs. and sold for an average price of $306.

Steve Pastoor of Kerwood, consigned 58 head. Eight gold steers averaged 998 lbs. and sold for an average price of $274.50.

The Municipality of MorrisTurnberry Council is considering possible investment options for a portion of the remaining proceeds that resulted from the 2022 sale of development land. Treasurer Sean Brophy briefed council on the legal framework for municipal investments, explained differences between available options, and suggested possible paths forward at a regular meeting of council on March 7. Councillors expressed a clear preference for proceeding with a conservative, practical approach when considering any investment of public funds.

Brophy infomed council that investments made by the municipality must comply with the Ontario Regulation 438/97 “Legal List” under the province’s Municipal Act, 2001 which defines eligible investment vehicles.

Council’s options include leaving the funds in a traditional savings account, or going with Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs), or managed funds, consisting of Canadian bonds and stocks, as possible options for consideration.

The funds are currently being held in the municipality’s Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) account, earning interest at a rate of around five per cent.

Brophy noted protection of principal investment and ongoing accessibility as beneficial features of remaining with the status quo option, but cautioned future interest rates are always unpredictable.

Brophy elucidated on the topic of GICs, saying this option would also protect the principal investment and offer a variety of flexible options for achieving short-term investment goals by utilizing guaranteed rates and compounding interest. Brophy suggested the investment could be divided into annual increments to begin a plan to cycle through successive five-year commitments that could be renewed or drawn upon depending on future needs of the municipality.

One Investment, One Universe Corporate Bond Portfolio, and One Equity Portfolio are three fund managers laid out by Brophy as possible choices for investment.

Brophy indicated these options would not guarantee principal security, but assured the services are widely utilized by municipalities across the province.

These would be intended as longerterm commitments, according to Brophy.

Three options presented by Brophy as paths forward for council’s consideration included investing long-term with One Investment (Brophy’s preference), exploring further options related to GICs, or leaving the funds in the municipal bank account. Brophy advocated for the creation of a municipal investment policy regardless of the outcome of council’s decision.

Mayor Jamie Heffer said it would be prudent to develop a policy before making a decision on the matter, a sentiment echoed by Deputy-Mayor Kevin Freiburger.

Freiburger said he did not feel comfortable risking the principal investment, a notion that gained consensus amongst every person seated around the table.

In the end, council made the decision to leave the funds in the CIBC account and to initiate development of an investment policy to define future goals.

“Where [the funds] are now isn’t a bad option today. So it gives us time to prepare a policy and get our objectives out there,” said Heffer.

“Sean, I’m very happy to say that going around the table we’re all on the same page and that’s a very good start.”

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 10:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

THURSDAYS

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

FRIDAYS

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

Call us 519-887-6461

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023.

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

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

Services CUSTOM CLOVER SEEDING with GPS, $2.50.acre or $3 for pasture. Seed available. Call Kurt Beuerman 519-525-0538 or 519523-9234 (home).

09-9 -------------------------------------------INCOME TAX PREPARATION – farm, business, personal. Stephen Thompson, 519-482-3244. 07-10

Articles for sale Wanted GERBERS FIREWOOD SERVING you for over 15 years. Your number one source of quality slabwood and bodywood. Delivery available. No Sunday calls. 519-274-1236, 519441-2085.

01-50p -------------------------------------------REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. All are in colour. 4x6 – $5.00, 5x7 – $6.00, 8x10 – $10.00. Phone to order 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca tfn -------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AVAILABLE TO purchase at these locations – Auburn Co-op, Auburn Esso, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Fogal’s YIG in Wingham, Wingham Mini Mart, Seaforth Foodland, GT Mini Mart in Seaforth, Fincher’s in Goderich, Goderich Victoria St. Shell and The Citizen Blyth.

Card of thanks GOLLEY. I would sincerely like to thank all friends and relatives for my wonderful surprise 65th birthday party at the Wingham Legion. You tricked me very well. – Sincerely, Zoomer (Dave Golley).

11-1p

Coming events IRISH BEEF STEW LUNCH WITH dessert, $12, Tuesday, March 21, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Trinity Anglican Church, Blyth. Ordering deadline: Monday, March 20. For oredering/pick-up time call 519-5239396 or email: mcgregor@ezlink.ca 11-1

Hay & straw FOR SALE - 4X5 ROUND BALES of straw, $50 each, 200 available.

519-357-6944.

10-3

MULTI-GENERATION FARM looking for land to rent or share crop long- or short-term agreements.

Cover crops manure and good land stewardship. Competitive prices.

Contact Mark Nesbit 519-524-2474 or John Nesbit 519-530-9595.

07-5p

Citizen To - Citizen

“SWAP SHOP” ad Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca FOR SALE - 12-cup coffee maker, $25; Remington hair clippers with attachments, $60; mirror, 2'x2" wide, length 3'x2", $75. 519-524-4648.

11-3 ----------------------------------------FOR SALE - scroll saw, cast iron 18" 1/4 horsepower motor, belt driven, $50. 226-880-1689. 10-3 ----------------------------------------FOR SALE - soft-sided luggage, $10 to $25. 519-242-4224. 10-3 ----------------------------------------FOR SALE - adult three-wheel bike with basket between back wheels, like new, 26" tires and raised seat rest, $450. 519-3575429.

10-3 ----------------------------------------FOR SALE - six-ton galvanized feed tank, gold with brown roof, asking $500; 11-foot drywall lift, $150. 519-357-6944.

10-3 ----------------------------------------FOR SALE - modern exercise bike with digital readout, $125.

519-523-9771.

10-3

Help wanted Help wanted EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY MANAGER OF BUILDING AND PLANNING/CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL Visit the Township of Huron-Kinloss website to view these employment opportunity. https://www.huronkinloss.com/en/townhall/careers.aspx

Tender

Tender

Tender

The Corporation of the Municipality of Huron East FORM 6 SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER Municipal Act, 2001 Ontario Regulation 181/03, Municipal Tax Sale Rules

SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the lands described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on April 12, 2023, at the Huron East Municipal Office, 72 Main Street South, Seaforth Ontario.

The tenders will then be opened in public on the same day as soon as possible after 3:00 p.m. at the Huron East Municipal Office, 72 Main Street South, Seaforth.

Description of Lands: 1. Roll No. 40 40 160 031 03700 0000; 27 Quebec Rd., Clinton; PIN 41180-0235 (LT); LOT 37, PLAN 131 TUCKERSMITH AND PART BLOCK L, PLAN 131 TUCKERSMITH ASCLOSED BY HC7148 & HC7159 DESIGNATED AS PART 2, PLAN 22R-4192; MUNICIPALITY OF HURON EAST; File No. 21-01 According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $ $91,000 Minimum tender amount: $25,984.39 2. Roll No. 40 40 160 031 18700 0000; 33 Regina Rd., Clinton; PIN 41180-0198 (LT); LT 187 PL 131 TUCKERSMITH; S/T R119875; MUNICIPALITY OF HURON EAST; File No. 21-03 According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $ 100,000 Minimum tender amount: $19,826.40 3. Roll No. 40 40 440 006 00200 0000; 350 Turnberry St., Brussels; PIN 41338-0147 (LT); PT LT 3 PL 192 BRUSSELS PT 1, 22R1110; MUNICIPALITY OF HURON EAST; File No. 21-12 According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $ 156,000 Minimum tender amount: $27,277.91 Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit of at least 20 per cent of the tender amount, which deposit shall be made by way of a certified cheque/bank draft/ money order payable to the municipality.

Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the lands to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers. The assessed value, according to the last returned assessment roll, may or may not be representative of the current market value of the property.

Pursuant to the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, S.C. 2022, c. 10, s. 235 (the “Act”), effective January 1, 2023, it is prohibited for a non-Canadian to purchase, directly or indirectly, any residential property, as those terms are defined in the legislation. Contraventions of the Act are punishable by a fine, and offending purchasers may be ordered to sell the residential property.

The municipality assumes no responsibility whatsoever for ensuring bidders/tenderers comply with the Act, and makes no representations regarding same. Prospective bidders/tenderers are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act and are advised to seek legal advice before participating in this sale.

Transfers of properties that contain at least one and not more than six single family residences and are transferred to non-residents of Canada or foreign entities, are subject to the Province’s Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST).

This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. The successful purchaser will be required to pay the amount tendered plus accumulated taxes and any taxes that may be applicable, such as a land transfer tax and HST. The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser.

A copy of the prescribed form of tender is available on the website of the Government of Ontario Central Forms Repository under the listing for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

For further information regarding this sale and a copy of the prescribed form of tender, visit: www.OntarioTaxSales.ca or if no internet access available, contact: Sherrie Oliver Deputy-Treasurer/Property-Tax Clerk The Corporation of the Municipality of Huron East 72 Main Street South P.O. Box 610 Seaforth ON N0K 1W0 519-527-0160 Ext 22 propertytax@huroneast.com www.huroneast.com

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023. PAGE 15.

Obituaries family was her greatest love.

Cremation has taken place. A private family interment and celebration of life will take place in the spring. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca.

MARY ELIZABETH (JAY) ROUW 1952 – 2023 Mary Elizabeth (Jay) Rouw, passed away suddenly on March 8, 2023. She was cherished and will be missed by her beloved husband Henry, of 50 years, her daughter Sarah (Peter) and adored grandchild, Georgia, and sons Jacob (Nicholle) and Benjamin (Vanessa).

Mary is survived by sisters Patricia Cable and Dianne (Alan) Anderson, sister-in-law Lyn Jay (Wes), brother-in-law Bill (Marica) Rouw and Jake (Marie-Rose) Rouw and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother John (Patricia) Jay, her twin brother Bill, and brother-inlaw Floyd Cable.

Born on Jan. 24, 1952, to Dr. H.J.D. Jay and Alma (MacFarlane), Mary grew up outside of Forest, Ontario. She and Henry settled in Blyth, in 1981, where they renovated an old farmhouse on the 8th Line of Morris Township to raise their children. Rock N’ Rouw Ranch quickly became a destination for family and friends – and their children’s friends.

Mary was an avid reader.

She loved to cook, preserve and bake. Above all else,

HARM THALEN Harm Thalen, formerly of the Netherlands, who made his life in the Blyth area, passed away peacefully with family and the amazing staff at Jessica's House nearby on Saturday, March 11, 2023. He was in his 88th year.

Harm was the husband of Sharon Thalen and dear father of Annie Riley, Hilda Crocker (Don), Herman Thalen (Jessica) and Helen Pridham (Brian). He will also be sadly missed by his many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Harm was predeceased by his wife of 40 years Irene Thalen (1995), son Rick Thalen (1992), granddaughter Heather Riley (1976), parents Harm and Hillichien Thalen and all of his siblings.

Those who sat at his table,

worked alongside him or even just listened to his stories, know that he lived a life that most couldn’t even imagine; from living as a young man in a country invaded by war, to his family making the decision to come to Canada when he was in his teens with very few belongings, leaving the only life they knew behind not knowing what laid ahead. But that family banded together in the Hamilton area where he met Irene. They married and had three children before moving to the Blyth area where he farmed alongside his dad.

Laying hens, cash crops, livestock, custom work and truck driving, were just a few of the things he accomplished and then two more children came along. He restored and showed antique tractors, had an aviary in his backyard and a store on the main street that kept them busy.

Friends were always welcome to sit and have a meal at his table but the sudden passing of his first wife, Irene, changed his world forever.

But with the love of his second wife Sharon, he was able to move forward.

Many thanks to family and friends for all your support, the staff at St Mary’s Hospital, Clinton Public Hospital, and finally Jessica's House, we could not have gotten through it without any of you. Thank you.

Family and close friends were received at the Falconer Funeral Home, Clinton on Wednesday March 15 for visitation, followed by the funeral service. Rev. Nancy Knowles officiated.

Spring Interment will be at the Blyth Union Cemetery.

Memorial donations to Jessica's House, Exeter would be appreciated.

Messages of condolences for the Thalen family are welcome at www.falconerfuneralhomes.com.

FANNIE SOMERS Fannie Somers passed away peacefully at Huronlea Home for the Aged, Brussels, on March 11, 2023, after a brief illness. She was in her 93rd year.

Fannie married George Somers on May 30, 1952. She was the mother of sons Rodger (Dianne), Ross (Judy), Rick (Debbie), Randy (Tammy) and daughter Janice (Bill) Smith. She was the grandmother of Robin Somers, Katrina Somers, Heather Logan, Scott Somers, Troy Gower, Adam Somers, Brett Somers, Sara Somers and Jordan, Zach and Logan Smith and the great-grandmother of 11 greatgrandchildren. She also leaves to mourn her sisters Doris Stuart and Grace Thompson.

Her husband, George, passed away in December, 2017 and her son, Rodger, in October, 2014.

Besides her husband and her son, she was predeceased by brothers, Arthur and Donald McLean, and sisters Janet Currie, Mary Pennington, Ruby Warner and Ella Gwynn.

Fannie worked at Callander Nursing Home and became an RNA in 1970. After retirement, she dedicated her time to checking in on, and caring for her elderly Elizabeth Street neighbours for many years.

Fannie enjoyed camping and travelling with George. Florida was their winter destination and they enjoyed time at their trailer on Lake Huron during the summer. Of course, with George selling snowmobiles, no winter was complete without many trail rides with good friends. Fannie never passed up a card game and as George would say “she would play bridge eight days a week”.

Family and friends will be received at Melville Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 18 at 11 a.m. for visitation, with the funeral service to follow at 12 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Huron Perth Alzheimer Society or the charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca.

ROSS PEACOCK Ross Peacock of Belgrave, passed away at Wingham and District Hospital on Sunday, March 12, 2023. He was 80.

Ross was the devoted husband of Bunny (Lounsbury) Peacock and the loving dad of David Peacock, Vancouver, British Columbia and Debra and Paul Nunnaro, Rockwood. He was the cherished grandpa of Vincent and Amelia Nunnaro; the dear brother of Anne Pearson and Peter Chaplin, Osoyoos, British Columbia and Lloyd Peacock and Marilyn Cuthbert, Prince George, British Columbia and the brother-in-law of Colleen and Tom Patchet, Erin.

Ross will be lovingly remembered by his nieces, nephews, and countless friends. He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Mary (Robertson) Peacock and his parents-in-law Bert and Lorna (MacDougall) Lounsbury.

A celebration of life for Ross was held at the Wingham Columbus Centre on Thursday, March 16.

His final resting place will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Hamilton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Wingham Golf and Curling Club or the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.

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

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

Owned and operated by Mac and Donna Andersoon Assisted by Mandy

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

Remembering your loved one Dedication Earlier this month, Blyth Junior Broomball held its year-end banquet and handed out awards for the season, honouring the most improved players, those who best demonstrated sportsmanship and the most dedicated players. Above are the winners of the 2022/2023 Most Dedicated Player Awards for the season. Back row, from left: Wyatt Hoggart, Hailey Hanna, Aiden Mitchell, Nathan Westra, Macie Taylor and Abi McNaught. Front row, from left: Levi Allen, Clara Albers, Isla deBoer and Clay Hoggart.

(Courtesy photo)

Honour your loved one by placing their obituary in

The Citizen.

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

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

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023.

Lowe marks 60th anniversary in Brussels PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

We seem to be having some lousy days for weather. On Monday, Feb. 27, we had a pop-up snowstorm that created very hazardous driving in the afternoon with the bus. Friday, March 3, we had a nasty snowstorm that hit after 5 p.m. and had a horrible drive from London. Last Friday, March 10 was no better for driving the bus in the morning, but the afternoon was better. The sideroads were covered with very deep and heavy, slippery snow that could pull you left and right and easily into the ditch.

We were spoiled for the first part of the first full week of March with the high temperatures and melting snow and the side roads were bare and solid in the drive path, and then it snowed again. I’m not sure what to think about Wiarton Willie’s prediction of an early spring, but this last week of winter has been a dandy. Spring arrives on Monday, March 20, so hopefully our weather gets better.

The nasty weather on Friday, March 10 may have had something

to do with the head-on collision on the east side of Walton on the east side. The accident between 8 and 9 a.m., closed County Road 25 for several hours in the morning. There were injuries and the names are unknown. I understand we had two good Samaritans, one from Orr Insurance and one from Tuckersmith Communications office in town, who stopped to give assistance to those involved. Way to go ladies! We hope those involved will make full recoveries.

Keith and Gloria Wilbee missed one of the storms by heading down south for a holiday. They drove to Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee and were away a week. They enjoyed a three-day Elvis weekend at the Graceland Guest House and Resort. They enjoyed several Elvis shows and had a great time. They also had time to go to the B.B. King Blues Club across from the resort.

They toured Elvis World, which holds many displays of his clothes, instruments and records. They also went to the Glen Campbell Museum while in Nashville and Opryland. They walked down Broadway Street enjoying the 75°F weather and, as we all know, it is a small world, so they were grabbed and greeted by Seaforth folks, Sharon Carnochan and friend as well as Sue and Ed Van Miltenburg.

The streets were packed with students and vacationers and yet they ran into each other.

More local folks made the trip to

London to go to the Tim Hortons Brier in London. The foursome of George and Jane Zwep and Steve and Rita Bowers went on Thursday and watched the morning and afternoon games. The curling was “awesome” and they took in some very close games. After the first game, they took the shuttle bus to The Brier Patch. They had a fantastic surprise when they got off the escalator. Danica Zwep and Laura Bowers and their babies Tucker and Lyla were there waiting for them. George knew they were coming, but kept it for a surprise.

During the lunch, the commentator was providing some great entertainment. At one point he asked if anyone wanted some free tickets for the afternoon game.

Danica and Laura looked at each other and said – sure, why not? So, they got the free tickets! They were able to take the babies with their strollers to the accessibility seating and Rita and Jane joined them for part of the afternoon draw. They had a great day at the Brier with lots of memories made.

The championship weekend had many folks heading to London.

What a great Christmas present it made for many of our local folks from their families. Ken and Brenda Dalton and Keith and Pauline Siemon were a couple of couples that attended. Steve Hall and Deb Coultes also enjoyed the final games.

An amazing event for the Main

Ironmen, Bulldogs play tonight Continued from page 12 of penalty minutes to both teams.

Kincardine’s Joseph Pringle was called for slashing at 1:09 of the first period, following by a tripping call against Wingham’s Josh Dales at 4:53 of the first and a head contact penalty assessed to Kincardine’ Nolan MacKinnon at 7:34 of the period.

Wingham’s Dawson Fahrer was called for boarding at 7:48 of the first period and Jonah Burley of the Ironmen was called for charging at 12:20 of the period. Kincardine’s Wilson Shipp was called for goaltender interference at 12:40 of the third period, the same time Wingham’s Tayt Bramhill was called for roughing after the whistle. Gavin Downs of the Bulldogs earned his own roughing after the whistle call at 13:15 of the first period, followed by a boarding penalty called against Wingham’s Jonah Burley at 18:09 of the first.

Kincardine’s Carter Servais was called for slashing at 6:18 of the second period, followed by a tripping call against Wingham’s Dawson Fahrer at 11:22 of the period, a cross checking penalty against Kyle Stanbury of the Ironmen at 12:25 and a cross checking penalty against Wingham’s Matt Tolton at 18:15 of the second.

At 1:39 of the third period, Kincardine’s Carter Servais was called for charging, followed by a slashing call against Wingham’s Matt Tolton at 3:31 of the third.

Kincardine’s Joseph Pringle was called for goaltender interference at 5:01 of the third period, followed by a cross checking call against Kincardine’s Wilson Shipp at 7:01 of the third.

Several players were then penalized at 9:11 of the third period. Carter Servais of the Bulldogs was called for roughing after the whistle and Austin Waite

was called for cross checking, though Cooper Schneider served his penalty. Wingham’s Matt Tolton received a two-minute penalty for roughing after the whistle and a four-minute major head contact penalty and an ejection from the game.

At 11:09 of the third period, Wingham’s Josh Pham was called for goaltender interference and then at 12:30 Kincardine’s Kieran Moore was called for slashing.

Tuesday’s game was a much cleaner affair, with only three penalties being assessed all game for a total of six minutes - four to Wingham and two to Kincardine.

Aiden Joyce opened the scoring for Wingham, finding the back of the net at 4:48 of the first period for his first goal of the playoffs, assisted by Kyle Stanbury and Coleson Fischer. Jordan Beisel would quickly equalize for the Bulldogs, scoring his first of the playoffs, at 12:27 of the first period, on the power play, assisted by Gavin Downs and Gavin Gibbons.

Kyle Stanbury would score his first goal of the playoffs at 15:06 of the second period, assisted by Jonah Burley, but Kincardine would again even the score thanks to the power play, with Harrison Meulensteen scoring his third of the playoffs for Kincardine at 16:59 of the second, assisted by Carter Servais and Steven Grant.

In the third period, Kyle Stanbury would score his second goal of the playoffs at 12:24 and put his team ahead for good. Aiden Joyce and Coleson Fischer assisted on the game-winning marker.

Wingham’s Garrett Golley stopped 21 of the 23 shots he faced for the win, while Carter Garvie was handed the loss for the Bulldogs, stopping 36 of the 39 shots he faced.

In the relatively clean game, Wingham’s Dawson Fahrer was

called for hooking at 12:19 of the first period, followed by two slashing calls in the second period, the first against Turner Mckenzie of Wingham at 15:42 of the period and Austin Waite of the Bulldogs at 17:31 of the second period. There were no penalties in the third period.

The teams now play tonight, St. Patrick’s Day, in Wingham in the fifth game of the series to see the Ironmen can finish the series and move onto the next round. If necessary, the teams will be back in action on Saturday in Kincardine and then for a seventh and final game in Wingham on Sunday.

Street of Brussels took place this week. It was the celebration of the 60 years in business for one of the most well-known men in Brussels: Murray Lowe of Murray’s Barber Shop. I dropped into Murray’s as I do most every week and we had a great chat about his life and career.

Murray joins other long-standing businessmen of Brussels, such as Archer Grewar and Max Oldfield, who also ran their businesses into their 60th years.

Murray travelled to London to attend Drouillard Barber School in 1961 and graduated after nine-anda-half months. He stayed in London during the week and would find a ride home on Saturday night and back again to London on Sunday.

The busiest days at school were the rainy days when those attending the Army Camp in London came to the school in droves to keep their crew cuts in perfect order.

Upon graduating and coming home to Brussels, he started cutting hair at his parents’ home. He remembers his first customers were the two sons of Lou and Mae Ebel: Paul and Jeff. He also worked back at Fordwich for a short time before setting up shop at 461 Turnberry Street, a small corner of the former Export Packer building.

He remembers a haircut in 1962 was $1 for adults and 75 cents for kids. Saturday was the big day for folks to come to town. They would get groceries and dry goods and haircuts. Murray remembers his longest day of cutting hair lasted until 2 a.m.

He thinks it was about 1965 when he moved across the road to his current location: the former Cecil McFadgean barber shop. Murray has mastered the many changes of haircuts for men over the years, including the flat top, buzz cut, crew cut, ducktail, quiff, the hi-top, pompadour, hipster, greaser and Elvis style, just to name a few!

Murray married Ruth McTaggert in 1968 and they have two children, John and Nicole, and three grandchildren. Murray has always enjoyed meeting and talking to people and recalls many lively conversations with them. He misses the old characters such as Jan Van Vliet, Jimmy McNeil, Archer

Grewar and Lorne Brown, whose differing opinions always caused a few sparks to fly, but all would remain friends.

Murray has always been a community man who has coached baseball and hockey. He played ball for Brussels, as a member of Ritchie’s Rockets, and for Walton.

He has been a member of the Lions Club and Legion over the years. An early riser, he has made many friends at the coffee shops around the area. Murray is a great guy, who many would say can be kind of gruff, but it is just concealing his big heart. Congratulations to Murray for this remarkable achievement of 60 years of cutting hair on March the 14.

Returning from a great vacation in Florida and Texas are Paul and Barb Mutter and Ron Clarkson and Cora Alcock. They had great weather and a great time.

Celebrating birthdays this past week were Carali McCall Hughes, Alex Melady, Linda Bird, Allison Baan, Victoria Williamson, Wren Williams, Joanne Knight Black, JoAnne Workman, Parker Grobbink, Christine Knight, Lisa Gingerich, Jim Humphries, Bob Alexander, Cassandra Banks, Reg Vinnicombe, Griffen Verkley, Ray Huether Jr., Celeste Ryan, and St. Patrick’s babies Cora Alcock, McKinley Ryan, Don Chesher and Jim Lee. Happy birthday to all!

NEWS FROM WALTON

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

Deadline March 31

Please help us get ALL the Winter Sports teams published.

The Citizen

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023. PAGE 17.

From the Minister’s Study

Don’t confuse necessity with luxury says Weiler

By Lawrence Weiler Brussels Community Bible Chapel First off, I want to say I didn’t grow up in a tradition that is known for observing Lent, so my comments will be as an outsider.

However, I have been introduced to a variety of Christian traditions through my time attending a Christian university, not the least of which is the tradition of Lent and the observance of “fasting” and prayer during this 40-day period prior to Easter.

The reason I say “fasting” is that the meaning of that word and opinions on the strict observance of that practice during Lent seems to vary depending on who I talk to.

Traditionally, fasting has meant temporarily abstaining from all or some food and/or drink. This is obviously a dietary abstinence often done for some spiritual or religious purpose, but it seems that contemporary usage and practice, especially in the context of Lent, also allows for non-dietary forms of abstinence.

Case in point, I have heard many people speak of “fasting” from social media, TV, internet, video games, dessert or some other activity or luxury that they feel distracts them from proper focus on Christ. This extended usage catches my ear as odd, since giving up something like social media is obviously far different from giving up food and drink. What exactly is that difference? How do I describe it and why does it matter?

As already mentioned, traditional fasting is dietary, while other forms of abstinence are non-dietary.

Obvious, right? Well, to put it a different way, traditional fasting involves temporarily giving up a biological necessity (food and drink), while many of the other prescribed forms of abstinence involve temporarily giving up things that are, despite how it may seem in the moment, unnecessary (luxuries). One is clearly far more of a sacrifice than the other. Why does this distinction matter? Well, to answer this, we need to understand the purpose of fasting in the Bible.

In the Old Testament, fasting was done by the people of Israel (both individually and corporately as a community) for a variety of reasons, such as an act of sincere mourning or sadness (Esther 4:3), a sign of sincere repentance for sin (Ezra-Nehemiah), and especially as an aid to prayer (Dan 9:3) and experiencing God’s presence

(Exodus 34:28) in both private and public worship. All of these occasions point to something being very wrong in the lives of God’s people – so wrong, in fact, that even food and drink were not enough to sustain them.

Fasting from food was then used to remind people of something even more necessary for life, namely communion with and dependence on God. As it says in Deuteronomy 8:3, which is later quoted by Christ in Matthew 4:4, “Man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

In the New Testament, the practice of fasting takes on new meaning to both remember and anticipate the coming of Christ.

With Jesus’ arrival, the hope of Israel had finally come, giving those who followed him direct access to the sustaining presence of God, presumably removing the need for further fasting. He says as much in response to those who questioned why his disciples did not fast like them. “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?"

(Matthew 9:15).

Jesus’ disciples had no need to

fast during this time because he was physically present to sustain them.

However, Jesus goes on to say, “The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast” (Matthew 9:16).

His death on the cross took him away from his disciples, giving them a renewed reason to fast once again. Even after his resurrection three days later, Christ ascended to Heaven, leaving a sense of his absence in the hearts of his disciples. Thus, the disciples and all Christians after them anticipate the coming wedding feast when they will be in Christ’s presence once again, and we can choose to occasionally fast and pray to increase our longing for the true sustainer of life until the day he returns. To summarize, in the Bible, the practice of temporarily abstaining from food and/or drink was meant to remind believers that their biological need for food and drink was far less crucial to their sustained existence than a right relationship with God, something that simply abstaining from luxuries cannot possibly hope to adequately express.

To tie this back to Lent, the

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Lent in favour of non-dietary alternatives seems to water down and cheapen what Lent is trying to accomplish in the heart of the Christian. This is not to say you shouldn’t abstain from things like TV or social media during Lent. By all means, do so, as it will probably help develop spiritual discipline. I just think that non-dietary “fasting” shouldn’t be a replacement for traditional fasting if you are trying to accomplish the same aims as both Biblical fasting and the tradition of Lent.

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observance of this 40-day period was inspired by the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness fasting from all food and drink (miraculously sustained by God, obviously), praying, and withstanding temptation from the Devil in order to prepare for his following ministry and sacrifice on the cross.

The original intention of Lent, as far as I understand it, was for Christians (especially new Christians) to emulate Jesus’ period of fasting and prayer to prepare their hearts for proper reflection on his death and resurrection during Easter. Since Jesus did not eat or drink for 40 days, those who would observe Lent were to come as close as possible to doing the same, thereby “sharing in his sufferings” (Romans 8:17) in some small way and recognizing that they do not live by bread alone, but by the sustaining power of God in his Word.

To forgo dietary fasting during

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PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023.

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Commission webinar set for March 22 On Monday, Feb. 27, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) sent out emails to its former citizen intervenors about its 90-day public consultation about the draft licence application guide to prepare a site for the proposed Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) deep geological repository (DGR). Most Canadians never hear about these consultations, but here is information to engage you.

For folks who are not yet aware, DGR for high-level radioactive waste was proposed by the NWMO more than 10 years ago to approximately 25 rural and remote communities, which eventually were reduced to a choice between the Municipality of South Bruce and also the Township of Ignace in northwestern Ontario.

The previously proposed DGR, focused only on low-andintermediate nuclear waste, was stopped by Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) in early 2020, who

had written a contract with that DGR’s proponent Ontario Power Generation in which SON was given the final say. But what was promised to SON in its subsequent private contract with NWMO? The surrounding non-Indigenous communities are obstructed from having open dialogue with SON, not just because of such private contracts with SON, yet also private contracts carried out by NWMO with South Bruce and other selected communities. The ratepayers and grassroots community members don’t even know these contracts’ contents. The divide-and-conquer tactics of colonialism are alive and well, reducing the transparency of what really is happening to entire communities, while their politicians take the money.

Believe it or not, on the same day that CNSC distributed its 90-day consultation notice – Feb. 27, 2023 - a news story appeared in the online newspaper The National Observer, with the heading “Nuclear Waste Management Organization extends underground storage site selection until 2024.”

That fact is true, but the photograph incorrectly refers only to Saugeen First Nation instead of SON, which includes two sister Anishinaabe First Nations. The photo shows Chief Veronica Smith, who is the current chief of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, standing with Lester Anoquot, who is currently a councillor (and a former chief), with neighbouring Saugeen First Nation.

The type of DGR proposed in Canada, based on the Swedish

KBS-3 design, does not yet operate anywhere in the world. Therefore it is an experiment, despite the claims otherwise by the NWMO. Any thinking person ought to ask why it has been in development through several decades. The reason is that, again, contrary to the repeatedly declared “international consensus”, there are scientists who have experience in the nuclear industry yet who independently raise serious concerns about major various technical and climate change uncertainties about long-term DGR safety.

The biggest question at this moment, however, despite the NWMO continuing to conduct various studies at the potential sites – both in South Bruce and Ignace – is how authentic and honest is the NWMO process, namely, to allow a community-driven referendum to decide, yes or no, regarding a future DGR, when the CNSC is so aggressively beginning public consultation at a federal level?

By the way, up north in Ignace, its municipal council has taken over full control to decide. In midwestern Ontario, the Municipality of South Bruce is seen by concerned citizens as being totally captured by the NWMO, for example, almost never opening the door to presenters who are wellinformed with perspectives about the potential environmental dangers and the science not yet known at the South Bruce Community Liaison Council.

Finally, this proposed DGR will have environmental impacts beyond South Bruce, which folks in neighbouring communities need to

start asking about, together with their political representatives in regional municipal councils. The reason is, sooner or later, the NWMO will come with offers of money for neighbouring councils to support the project. The Township of Huron-Kinloss recently received its “Near Term Investment Funding”, which targets “Significant Neighbouring Communities”. Who is next?

Importantly, for any and all

citizens who want to participate, look up this CNSC link at https://www.letstalknuclearsafety.c a/regdoc-1-2-3-licence-applicationguide-deep-geological-repository which is a “Consultation Backgrounder.” Also important, to acquire a better understanding, is a CNSC information webinar open to the public, and scheduled for March 22. Open the above link, and scroll to “webinars” to register.

Dr. Sandy Greer, Blyth.

Garland to speak PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

Sincere sympathy is extended from the community to Bunny (Gladys) in the loss of her loving husband, Ross Peacock, who passed away on Sunday, March 12 at Wingham and District Hospital.

He will also be sadly missed by his son David Peacock and daughter Debra and son-in-law Paul Nunnaro and family.

Bill McAusland was the guest speaker at Knox United Church, Belgrave on Sunday, March 12 (Lent 3).

Paul and Lila accompanied the hymns with their guitars.

Elwin Garland is the guest speaker on Sunday, March 19.

Everyone is welcome.

Happy birthday to Doug Walker who celebrated March 16.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023. PAGE 19.

Entertainment & Leisure

Shaun Majumder bringing Love Tour to Wingham

A funny feeling...

Comedian and actor Shaun Majumder is coming to Wingham as part of his “Love Tour”, which has stops in Orillia and Harriston, in addition to the Wingham event.

(Riley Smith photo)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

It’s not often that an icon of Canadian comedy comes to Wingham, but that will change on Thursday, March 23, when Shaun Majumder takes the stage for his one-man show at Wingham’s Town Hall Theatre.

The Citizen caught up with Majumder via telephone this past week in anticipation of his upcoming performance. It was an early morning call for the Los Angeles-based comedian and actor, but he had the energy, clarity and affability of a person speaking on the phone in the early afternoon.

Majumder got his start crawling from the slime-soaked crucible of Canadian children’s television that is YTV, before moving on to hold court in the nation’s most venerable comedy kingdoms. He spent many years churning out laughs as a writer and performer for This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and has hosted numerous television specials recorded at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montréal. He has also had many memorable roles in film and television.

Most recently, the funny man has taken a turn for the dramatic as

Father Khatri in the gory sci-fi hit FROM, which just got picked up for its second season. The show is a tense, super-violent and mindbending binge for children of all ages to enjoy (not actually recommended for children), and Father Khatri is easily one of the best characters.

Even more “most recently,” and the reason for his sojourn to Wingham, is his ongoing “The Love Tour,” which is a show about looking inward, questioning his decision-making and being an old, new dad.

“I’m so excited. I’ve never been

Sudoku Solution

to Wingham before. You know that feeling of anticipation when Santa’s coming, that child-like excitement in your belly, that’s kind of how I feel,” the self-proclaimed slime master stated on the public record.

When working with his tour manager to decide on places to stop for shows, Majumder is always searching for unique places that can be overlooked. “I really want to go to the kind of markets that are a little bit outside the main markets,” he said with enthusiasm. This time, they settled on Wingham and Harriston to bookend his upcoming Casino Rama show with fellow Canadian comedian and actor Brent Butt. However, small town touring is not without its tribulations, Majumder went on to explain. “I don’t know how Wingham compares to Harriston - that’s the problem. Who will be the more gratifying experience - will it be Wingham, or will it be Harriston?

That’s what makes it exciting, you just don’t know.”

Coming from the very small town of Burlington, Newfoundland (population 350), Majumder understands that size is a very relative thing. A small town to some is a big place to others. “The one thing I feel is universal, is when you get into a room, when you get into a theatre, the theatre becomes a small town. You’re never going to get more than 10,000 people in a theatre, that’s very rare. When you’re in a small room, you’re in a municipal town hall meeting.”

What better place to showcase his comedy stylings than the Wingham Town Hall Theatre, current venue for meetings of the Township of North Huron’s municipal council?

Even if the venue is in a large city, an intimate space creates connection. “The community happens within that small place, whether Edmonton or Toronto, or St. John’s Newfoundland, or Wingham, or Harriston.”

The Love Tour is a follow up to his pre-pandemic “Hate Tour,”

which was an exploration of the mayhem of the era of former U.S. President Donald Trump. For Majumder, that was really a social commentary on “the confidence in one’s hateful self, to be able to put themselves out there… and feeling okay to be nasty and spread their hate.” He feels people are ready to move beyond the chaotic past few years.“Chaos seems to be the order of things these days, but it feels like it perpetuates an anxiety for the human mind, and for the human species… sometimes, when you’re in this chaotic madness, whether it be COVID, or wild times, or even in FROM, you’re left with this feeling, like what’s the point of the struggle? I think a lot of people have felt that over the last three years.” Majumder’s solution? To stay positive, and to keep in mind that struggle always ends in growth.

“Unless you die in the struggle,” he adds.

If you’re looking to escape the madness of the last few years, check out this genuinely funny gentleman at the Wingham Town Hall Theatre on March 23.

Tickets are available at www.shaunmajumder.com or www.ticketscene.ca/events/43190/.

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023.

Bagged leaf collection coming to Huron East

Another good night The U18 BB Huron Heat were in action on Saturday night in Clinton at the Central Huron Community Complex, taking on the London Devilettes in a playoff game between the two rivals. In the end, it was the Heat that would triumph with a 2-0 win on their home ice. (John Stephenson photo)

Historical Society meets The newly-formed Wingham and Area Historical Society held its second public meeting on March 8 at the Alice Munro Public Library in Wingham.

An enthusiastic crowd of over 25 listened, first of all, to a dramatic reading by Peggy Kinsman and Brent Bowyer, called “RadioTheatre of the Mind, the Coming of Radio (CKNX) to Wingham” in the early 1940s. The group appreciated Audrey McKague, formerly of the Wingham area, sharing these recollections from her childhood.

Next on the agenda was a call by Peggy Kinsman for those attending to get involved in some way, so that Wingham and area’s outstanding heritage can be preserved. Bill Farnell led a small group sharing session focusing on what people

like about Wingham, what needs to be added, and what they’d like to see the group do.

John Rutledge, well-known Huron County architect, spoke of the tremendous heritage Wingham has, both of people and of buildings, that is really important to preserve.

The group then watched part of a DVD called Stars of the Town, a silent, black and white movie made by a Rev. Massecar, of Wingham (as well as 87 other towns and villages in Midwestern Ontario) in 1949. This 72-minute DVD will be shown again, with hopes of identifying many of the people filmed, at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 25 in the Alice Munro Library.

Finally, Brent Bowyer made a

Hot off the griddle The Auburn and District Lions Club held a pancake breakfast on Sunday to raise money for the community and to serve as an early St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Long-time member Travis Teed was on pancake duty for the morning. (John Stephenson photo)

short, tongue-in-cheek presentation on “Six Reasons Why You Should not Record Your Memories of Wingham’ with hopes that those present actually would consider recording their memories in some form. He handed out a list of things that might be included.

The next meeting of the historical society will be on Wednesday, April 12 at 2:30 p.m. in the Alice Munro Library. All are welcome.

Huron East Council has opted to move ahead with bagged leaf collection for the coming year, consolidating the level of service across the municipality.

Council made the decision late last month after receiving a report from Public Works Manager Barry Mills. The municipality will be moving ahead with curbside collection of bagged leaves. As a result of the change, the municipality will also be retiring and selling its 2008 leaf vacuum.

This comes after council had received letters from Vanastra residents asking for an increased level of leaf collection in the community, similar to that practised in Seaforth, Egmondville, Harpurphay and Brussels.

In his report, Mills said that most surrounding municipalities have made it their practice to collect bagged leaves and transport them to a local compost site. He also noted that the previous method is labourintensive and that the municipality’s leaf collector had broken down recently as well, further complicating things.

“The main reason the municipality collects the leaves from the road allowance is to maintain clear drains and, ultimately, road safety. There is no bylaw regulating leaf pick-up or where leaves originate - whether it’s in a front or rear yard. The result has been for residents to rake the leaves from their entire yard to the street, resulting in huge windrows and a much bigger, more labour-intensive program for the machinery and employees,” Mills said in his report. “Based on equipment values, it is preferable to use a leaf vacuum, in combination with a one-ton truck, versus using a loader, backhoe and a tandem dump

truck to collect leaves. Even more cost-effective would be to collect bagged leaves with a pick-up truck.”

Mills added that non-bagged leaves can also be spread throughout the neighborhood on windy days, complicating things for both residents and staff. Bagging leaves would cut down on that situation, Mills said, but he did not recommend the municipality purchase and provide bags for residents.

Mills estimated that staff costs of leaf collection in 2022 exceeded $31,000. He estimated that, due to inflation, costs in 2023 would rise to about $34,000. Furthermore, he said the municipality’s leaf vacuum was 15 years old for a piece of machinery with an average lifespan of 12 years. He said the estimated cost for a new leaf vacuum would be between $70,000 and $80,000.

He told council that switching to bagging leaves would save the municipality about $22,000 per year and free up over 220 labour hours, in addition to eliminating the purchase of a new leaf collector.

Council approved the change, welcoming the change to even the level of service in urban areas throughout the municipality, though some councillors were concerned about appearing to shift the labour of leaf collection from staff to residents. Mills, however, said that the savings were notable and that staff is still doing the work of collecting and disposing of the leaves, just in a different manner that will save the municipality money.

Mills suggested moving ahead with the new method of leaf collection for one year and then reassessing before the following fall.

Church starts food drive

Well, we have all turned our clocks forward for the next eight months and are now enjoying brighter evenings. Apparently we are in meteorological spring, but its calendar happening is this coming Monday. Now, if these snowflakes would just stop falling. I don’t know if there is enough snow for the kids on March Break this week to even enjoy winter outdoor activities. Certainly there won’t be enough for snowmobiling.

Licensed Lay Worship Leader Sue Barnett led the morning worship at Londesborough United Church on Sunday, March 12, the third Sunday of Lent. Her reflection was based on the scripture passage John 4: 5-42, the account of Christ’s encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well.

This unnamed woman was rejected by her own people because of her past. Jesus recognized she wanted to become the person God had meant her to be and asked her to drink the living water He offered. God recognizes we are not

perfect but, accepts us as we are. He is loving, generous, merciful and forgiving.

During the Minute for Missions, the congregation learned that monies donated to the United Church of Canada’s Mission and Service Fund foster peace in the Middle East through meaningful dialogue.

The choir, directed by Barb Bosman, sang an Irish melody from More Voices, “Spirit, Open My Heart”, a nod to St. Patrick. Don’t forget to wear green on Friday.

Londesborough United’s outreach committee is conducting a drive on behalf of the Huron County Food Distribution Centre.

There are boxes in the narthex for donations of non-perishable food items as well as personal hygiene products until the end of March.

Please consider giving for those less fortunate in our county.

Following the morning service on Sunday, March 19, congregants are invited to stay to enjoy soup, sandwiches and conversation in the Sunday School room. This will be a free-will donation event.

The official board of Londesborough United met last Tuesday evening. It was decided at that meeting to hold a Good Friday Service, a new practice for Londesborough United Church.

Rev. Jan Aylward will lead that service.

On my way to church last Sunday, I realized there is a sold

sign on the property which once housed the post office and general store. It had been the property of Terry Greidanus, who purchased it about 20 years ago from Tom and Diane Codyre. The Greidanuses made use of the lower floor for a variety of interests, including their chicken-catching crew. Terry no longer has a crew.

Tom and Diane had raised the roof at one point for living quarters and the Greidanuses rented out that as an apartment. I have no information regarding the new owners, but I understand the lower floor will also be an apartment.

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO