The Citizen - March 26, 2020

INSIDE THIS WEEK:

GIVING BACK - Pg. 3

FAIR - Pg. 10

ADVICE - Pg. 11

Part II Bistro, Cowbell give back during shutdowns

Elementary School Fair offers online learning

Blyth’s Dr. Farzadfar offers advice during pandemic

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40050141 Return Undeliverable Items to North Huron Publishing Company Inc., P.O. Box 152, BRUSSELS, ON N0G 1H0

The

Citizen

$1.25

GST included

Volume 36 No. 13

Serving the communities of Blyth and Brussels and northern Huron County

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Ontario closes nonessential businesses

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Practising It’s important to remember that while everyone is encouraged to stay home and stay healthy, that doesn’t mean you can’t be outside. Take it from the Bromleys, June and Murray, who used their family’s melting outdoor rink as a perfect place to practise not only social distancing but also their fishing casts to be ready for some angling. Throughout this issue of The Citizen are photos of families who have found ways to weather the isolation, so be sure to e-mail your photos of how you’re handling self-isolation to reporter@northhuron.on.ca. (Denny Scott photo)

Huron East passes 2020 budget

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron East has passed its 2020 budget with a plan to borrow nearly $1 million from Infrastructure Ontario to aid in capital projects.

The budget includes a 9.04 per cent municipal levy increase, representing a general municipal increase of over $460,000, which is factored into an overall increase of 7.06 per cent, including the Huron County and education budgets.

There is nearly $11 million in expenditures in the budget and the municipality’s reserves will decrease by nearly $2 million with unrestricted reserves dropping by nearly $750,000.

The municipality is borrowing from the provincial government through Infrastructure Ontario to aid in the main street reconstruction in Seaforth and council caught a break in the two weeks since giving staff that direction. While Mayor Bernie MacLellan anticipated lending rates from the province of over two per cent, the rates dropped since council’s March 3 meeting to 1.75 per cent over 10 years, saving Huron East money over the lending period.

While taxes will rise 2.8 per cent in Seaforth and three per cent in

Brussels, the rural wards of Huron East will see a more drastic increase to bring the average to 7.06 per cent.

Taxes will rise 7.87 per cent in Tuckersmith, 8.86 per cent in Grey and 9.2 per cent in McKillop.

On an average residential assessment of $216,341 in Huron East, the municipal portion of the taxes (which accounts for 43 per cent of taxes, with Huron County accounting for 39 per cent and school boards accounting for the remaining 18 per cent), a home in Seaforth would pay $1,610 in taxes.

A Brussels home assessed at that same average value would pay $1,481 in residential taxes, followed

by Tuckersmith at $1,078, Grey at $962 and McKillop at $921.

The majority of Huron East’s budget will come from taxation (46 per cent), while 28 per cent will come from user fees, fines and permits, 10 per cent will come from provincial funding, reserves account for six per cent, donations and interest income is four per cent and other municipalities also account for four per cent while federal funding accounts for just two per cent of the municipality’s budget.

Treasurer Paula Michiels presented the final draft of the budget to an empty room save

councillors and staff at council’s March 17 meeting and there was no further discussion from councillors on the budget, which was essentially finalized at the March 3 meeting.

Michiels said that while the most recent Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) figures have shifted significantly towards farmland in recent years, there have been rumours that it will be shifting back to the residential class in this year’s reassessment, but that has yet to be confirmed.

With no further discussion, council passed the budget.

Ontario’s provincial government has shut down all non-essential businesses in the province as of Tuesday night at midnight due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Premier Doug Ford, during a press conference on March 23, said the forced closure will be in place for at least 14 days.

The list of businesses and services considered essential to the running of the province, however, is exhaustive with just under 75 exceptions covering everything from local media outlets like The Citizen to laundromats, from agriculturalsector businesses to utilities and community services and from environmental services to financial industries.

The full list of exceptions is available through the province’s news website at news.ontario.ca.

The move marked an escalation of rulings coming from both the provincial and federal governments, which have gone from trying to retain a sense of normalcy amid the COVID-19 pandemic to doing everything possible to “flatten the curve” of the virus.

From announcements of significant financial guarantees to make life easier for Ontarians to announcements from the Ontario Provincial Police that people and businesses breaking social distance rules could be charged, life in Ontario, Canada and the world has changed dramatically.

As part of his announcements earlier this week, Ford also said that he anticipated schools would be closed longer than the two-week period following March Break, which would have seen students return to school on April 6, and that more information regarding that decision would be announced soon.

Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that, after a tightening of border controls, all non-essential travel to Canada was to be stopped, including

visitors from the United States.

The announcement, provided by Trudeau on the front steps of his own home where he is in selfisolation after his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau was confirmed to have the virus, said that essential travel will continue, preserving supply chains between Canada and the United States, as will other commercial travel.

However, everyone else should stay at home, Trudeau announced, leaving only when absolutely necessary and buying only what is absolutely necessary to make sure everyone has the best chance of avoiding the virus.

Trudeau also announced that $82 billion was being directed at stopping the spread of COVID-19, $27 billion through direct funding and $55 billion through tax deferrals.

The $27 billion includes funds to help those who don’t qualify for employment insurance (EI), those who have to self-isolate or quarantine and provide a boost to the Canadian Childcare Benefit to help parents during this time. Programs Continued on page 20

Potential exposure in Seaforth The Waterloo Region Health Unit is reporting that an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 attended a buck and doe celebration at the Seaforth Agriplex on March 14.

The gathering was held prior to provincial rules being implemented that limited gatherings to 50 people or less.

For more information on what to do if you attended the event or have come into contact with someone who did, see page 20.

‘The Citizen’ now available online Beginning this week, The Citizen will be available, in its entirety, online at huroncitizen.ca for the duration of the recommended selfisolation period as the world works to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an effort to do our part to keep everyone safe, while at the same time doing what we do best – informing, educating and entertaining our readers – The Citizen is reaching out digitally during this time of unprecedented measures.

As long as The Citizen’s printing

plant and Canada Post are operational, we plan to produce a physical issue of The Citizen every week. However, in the event labour shortages or operational shutdowns make it impossible to do so, the entire issue of the paper will be available at huroncitizen.ca.

Individual stories will be available on the website, as will a full PDF of the newspaper for those who prefer reading the issue cover-to-cover.

North Huron Publishing Inc. hopes these short-term measures will help keep readers safe and

informed, saving, perhaps, an unnecessary trip to the post office.

During this time, in the spirit of community safety and service and to help support local businesses, all of The Citizen’s weekly advertising will be on the website as well for no extra charge to advertisers.

For more information, or to read Citizen articles online, visit the website at huroncitizen.ca.

In the meantime, keep sending us your pictures from home. We want to know how everyone is spending their time during this outbreak.

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020.

28 residents named Inspiring Women in Huron

Incredible women In early March, the Huron Women’s Shelter and Goderich YMCA held their annual Inspiring Women in Huron gala, honouring 28 Huron County women who have made a difference in their communities. Among those women were four from Auburn: Jacqui Empson Laporte, Suzanne MacVicar and Marita and Jolande Oudshoorn. (Photo courtesy of Dianne Brandon Photography)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Auburn’s Marita Oudshoorn was named one of this year’s Inspiring Women in Huron thanks to her years of volunteering since moving from Holland to Huron County.

Presented annually by the Huron Women’s Shelter and the Goderich YMCA, the awards seek to honour inspiring and outstanding female

residents of Huron County. This year nearly 30 women were recognized for their work in the community.

Nominated by Marilyn Bruinsma, Oudshoorn was recognized for her time as a 4-H Club leader and president of the Auburn Women’s Institute. She has also put her sewing talents to work for Sewing for Hope, a group that knits blankets and clothing for the less fortunate all over the world.

the world, as well as creating items for the Alzheimer’s Society of Huron Perth.

The group of five or six continues to meet in Blyth every Wednesday to sew items for various worthy causes, putting their talent and hard work to use helping their communities.

Oudshoorn said that when she first moved to Canada from Holland, volunteering was a way for her to learn more about her community and better her grasp on the English language.

She began by bringing her children to Scouting and Guiding meetings. Oudshoorn said she would try to keep herself occupied during the meetings, whether it be going shopping or other events in the community, but when she started attending the meetings in Goderich, she soon found herself as a leader.

Being part of that process helped introduce her to the community and the community to her, but its legacy is that it taught Oudshoorn how to speak English.

She would stay involved with the organization for a number of years, then moving on to be a 4-H Club leader after that. She has also worked as an usher for the Blyth Festival for over 10 years and was the final president of the Auburn Women’s Institute when it folded.

She said none of her community involvement has felt like work or actively giving back to the community because she just does it for the fun of it. If it wasn’t fun, Oudshoorn said, she wouldn’t likely want to do it.

She said she counts herself among those community members who aren’t necessarily looking for recognition through volunteering.

But she does say that many of the people who aren’t featured in their local newspapers are responsible for keeping their communities together thanks to hard work and dedication behind the scenes.

“Marita’s creativity is greatly prized, and she is renowned for transforming leftovers into the prettiest of patterns – creative talents that she has passed along to her daughters,” said Bruinsma’s nomination.

“The family’s agricultural legacy carries on in her children and Marita was a kind mentor to her city-raised daughtersin-law who learned from her the value of an agri-business lifestyle.

“Marita is at the centre of all activities on their farm, family and in her community: a steadfast pillar.”

In fact, Jolande, one of Marita’s daughters, was also honoured that night as one of the year’s 28 inspiring women.

Sewing for Hope is a project that began in 2010, Oudshoorn said, as an effort to sew clothing and quilts for families affected by the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

After the Haiti donation, the group continued to meet weekly and has since continued to donate to the Village of Hope orphanage in Zimbabwe. They also donate items to a distribution centre near Toronto that sends donated garments all over

Oudshoorns among honourees

The Citizen wants you to stay connected wherever you are in the world with an

Electronic Subscription • Easy access • Read on your phone, tablet or computer • Perfect for travellers, students or snowbirds • Timely reading (no waiting for mail delivery)

$

38

00

per year

Inspiring Jolande Oudshoorn, left, and her mother Marita, right, were among 28 residents who were honoured earlier this month as Inspiring Women in Huron. They were two of four of the women who hailed from the Auburn area. (Photos courtesy of Dianne Brandon Photography)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Jolande Oudshoorn of Auburn was one of nearly 30 women, four of whom were from Auburn, to be honoured through this year’s

Inspiring Women in Huron awards, presented earlier this month.

One of the younger women honoured that night at only 25 years old, Oudshoorn was joined by her mother Marita, who was also among those recognized.

The awards were handed out earlier this month in Goderich as part of a special ceremony at the Knights of Columbus Centre.

Nominated by her friend Lauren Bos, Oudshoorn was recognized Continued on page 3

Go to our website and pay by Pay Pal or come into the office and pay by cheque, cash, credit card or debit

The Citizen 405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114

www.northhuron.on.ca

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020. PAGE 3.

Cowbell rolls out ‘Grateful Bread’ program Starting Monday, Blyth Cowbell Brewing Company has been rolling out its “Grateful Bread� program, providing loaves of bread made from spent grain from the brewing process at no cost.

Cowbell is the latest in a long line of beer and spirits companies using their resources to better their communities. Last week, Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers in the Niagara region began producing alcoholbased disinfectant products and providing them at no cost in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every day, Cowbell’s pastry chefs will be baking approximately 50 loaves of bread to be distributed at

no charge. There is a limit of one per person. Pick-up will be provided at the brewery between 12-7 p.m., with the first hour, 12-1 p.m., being reserved for seniors. “At Cowbell, we are grateful for the support of our hometown – a resilient village of 1,005 in Huron County. And while supply chains remain intact and grocery stores are doing their best, there are temporary shortages of household staples,� reads a post on Cowbell’s Facebook page. “So, our pastry chefs will use spent grains from the brewing process to bake and package 50 loaves of bread each day.�

Visitors are encouraged to call the

brewery at 519-523-4724 and press one to have a loaf of bread delivered to their car. Katey Potter, Cowbell’s Community Relations Manager, said staff baking the bread and making the deliveries are adhering to the highest cleanliness and safety standards, including implementing contactless payment options for those ordering from the restaurant’s menu for take-out.

Potter said the idea for the initiative came from both the restaurant’s pre-shutdown menu and from the experiences of an employee, Vice-President of Operations Natasha Fritzley, who said her grandparents were starting

Oudshoorn lauded for 4-H work Continued from page 2 largely for her lengthy participation in Huron County’s 4-H program, first as a member and now for seven years as a leader.

A recent University of Guelph graduate, Oudshoorn earned her Canadian Professional Accountant (CPA) certification while at the university and she now works in the field.

Oudshoorn said she was informed she’d be honoured as part of the Inspiring Women in Huron program, carried out by the Huron Women’s Shelter and the Goderich YMCA, in

January. She said she was surprised to hear she’d be one of the women being recognized that night.

She says she enjoys 4-H, including the programs it offers and the people she’s met along the way, so she enjoys participating while giving back to the community.

Oudshoorn has been a leader for the South Huron Sheep Club, Grow Huron Club, the Grey Township 4-H Club and the Vet Club. She was also the leader of the Huron International Plowing Match 4-H Club in 2017, which erected its own tent at the match, one of the largest on the site

Gusso prepares meals for hospital workers

staffed completely by young 4-H members.

Oudshoorn is now the vicepresident of the Huron-Perth Junior Farmers, an organization with which she only became involved last year.

To Oudshoorn, she said, it just felt like the next step towards being an adult after being involved with 4-H, though she remains involved with Huron County’s 4-H programs. She has also volunteered with the Blyth Festival for the last 10 years.

She said it was impressive to see all of the other women who were honoured that night and all that they’ve done for their communities. “On top of all her volunteering, Jolande also maintains her own herd of sheep,� Bos said in her nomination. “She breeds and sells lambs for market, or keeps some for future breeding. Her extensive volunteer contributions, coupled with working in a career she enjoys, leads many to be inspired by her example.�

to have trouble finding fresh bread.

Her grandparents were unable to find fresh bread on their limited shopping trips and taking another trip is a big task for seniors, so there was a discussion at the brewery about providing bread to the community.

Utilizing its spent grain from the beer-brewing process, Cowbell has been producing its own bread and crackers for the restaurant for years.

This shift would ensure that those who need bread during this challenging time would have it without having to pay.

Potter said that very early in the timeline of the COVID-19 outbreak Cowbell had decided it wanted to provide outreach for the community and help in some way. While numerous ideas had been discussed,

it was Fritzley’s story that connected the dots and led to the Grateful Bread program.

To order food, beer or bread from Cowbell, which includes its curbside delivery services, visit its website online at cowbellbrewing.com or call the brewery at 519-955-4724.

Welcome Your New Arrival in

The Citizen

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

What could more emphatically prove His love?

(Newman Hall, “The Voice of Jesus in the Storm) “Christ died for the ungodly!� Romans 5:6 “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God!� Ephesians 5:2 What could more emphatically prove His love—than coming to this world of sorrow and sin to suffer and die for us, when we were His enemies? He left...

His habitation in glory — for the foul stable, the homage of angels — for the insults of men, the smile of His Father — for the temptations of the devil, the raptures of Heaven — for the groans of Gethsemane, the splendors of His heavenly throne — for the ignominy of the cruel cross, the brightness of the celestial glory — for the darkness of the tomb!

And why was this? It was the love that prompted His sin-atoning sacrifice. Love to the undeserving, to the rebellious, to those who then crucified Him and to those who now pierce Him by their sins! “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully!�

Ephesians 3:19 A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-492-1359

ȜȉȌČ&#x; 3SZIP (SVSREZMVYW (4:.) ČŚČ&#x;

What you need to know to help you and your family stay healthy. • Only visit an assessment centre if you have been referred by a health care professional.

Giving back Blyth’s Peter Gusso and his Goderich restaurant Part II Bistro prepared and donated 90 fresh salads and 90 desserts for staff at Goderich’s Alexandra Marine and General Hospital as services shut down. (Courtesy photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Blyth’s Peter Gusso and his Goderich restaurant Part II Bistro have been doing their part to ease the pain of others as the COVID-19 pandemic holds the world hostage.

Last week Gusso and his team prepared and delivered 90 takeaway salads and desserts for the staff of the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich because Gusso said it was the right thing to do.

In an interview with The Citizen, Gusso said he and the staff were seriously contemplating closure over the weekend of March 13-15, which was then mandated by the provincial government as the following week began, and they had a large selection of fresh produce and desserts that would go bad in the coming days

with the bistro closed.

Gusso said he called the hospital in advance of delivering the food, asking if it would be possible for him to make this donation and if the staff were in need of food. There were no hurdles to the delivery of the food, so Gusso went ahead. He said the gesture was much appreciated by those working at the hospital.

In preparing the salads, he said they settled on 90 because they’d been told that at any one time, between 50 and 90 staff members were on site at the hospital. Ninety meals was about where the produce got them as far as salads as well.

In a neat instance of coincidence, Gusso said that when they started harvesting desserts from the fridge and freezer, they ended up with exactly 90 to bring to the hospital.

• Avoid non-essential travel. • Monitor for symptoms after travel. • Avoid large gatherings. • Be prepared, but avoid panic stocking. • Caring for those who are ill? Take precautions. • Clean high-touch surfaces regularly. • Order your prescription medication. • Practice cough and sneeze etiquette in transit.

If you have symptoms, take the self-assessment at ontario.ca/coronavirus. Or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007) or your public health unit.

Paid for by the Government of Ontario

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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

The Citizen is published 51 times a year in Brussels, Ontario by North Huron Publishing Company Inc. Subscriptions are payable in advance at a rate of $38.00/year ($36.19 + $1.81 G.S.T.) in Canada; $180.00/year in U.S.A. and $380/year in other foreign countries. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, only that portion of the advertisement will be credited.

Advertising Deadlines: Mon. 2 p.m. - Brussels; Mon. 4 p.m. - Blyth.

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40050141 Member RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CCNA CIRCULATION DEPT. Member of the Ontario Press Council We acknowledge the financial support PO BOX 152 of the Government of Canada.

We are not responsible for unsolicited newsscripts or BRUSSELS ON N0G 1H0 photographs. Contents of The Citizen are © Copyright email: info@northhuron.on.ca

As serious as it gets As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford get serious about border closures due to the COVID-19 outbreak, one has to wonder if a powder keg sits beneath us ready to blow at any moment.

While social media has been awash in posts of people working to keep themselves occupied during self-quarantine, there have also been others that show people in many corners of the United States carrying on as if nothing has changed. Whether it’s college students on Spring Break treating COVID-19 as a sort of occupational hazard to partying or the Baby Boomers meeting friends for dinner and coffee or flood the stores for unnecessary shopping trips, it’s being treated like a game by some.

Some, it seems, took the virus seriously in its early stages. Senate Intelligence Chairman Republican Richard Burr and his wife sold off nearly $2 million of their stock holdings in February, all while Trump and his party slow-played the virus. Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler also shuffled millions on the market, selling some while buying into teleworking software companies, she assured Americans Trump was doing a great job containing the virus and keeping Americans safe.

Only now are we starting to see the true impact of the virus in our neighbours to the south. At the top, President Donald Trump has insisted he has taken COVID-19 seriously from the beginning, though quotes from just weeks ago tell a different tale. As the United States remained relatively low on the world list of cases, giving Trump something to boast about, we’re now starting to see the other side of the story. The United States had been testing a fraction of the residents other countries had.

And now, as tests become more available, active cases are growing.

Our neighbours to the south, always sure to sound the alarm if anyone impinges on their freedom, need to look at themselves and beyond their borders and do the smart thing, the right thing, and stay home. – SL

Leading a horse to water You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink. In the COVID-19 world, you can invent a vaccine but can’t make them take it.

Recently, the Los Angeles Times asked a very valid question, “are anti-vaxxers ready to believe in vaccines again?” The world, held hostage by this relentless virus, is hoping for a miracle and hard-working scientists are tirelessly experimenting to make it happen. If and when that happens, who will hold out, putting the entire world at rest again?

After all, if one person carries the virus, the world will always be at risk.

As any anti-vaxxers with internet access put themselves on the same level as a trained scientific researcher, spouting theories based on debunked junk science or absurd religious restrictions, the rest of the world will be put in danger. It is, in fact, medical research that can save humanity, rather than crystals, essential oils and praying diseases away.

Looking back at the tremendous salvaging of life from polio, measles, mumps and smallpox, to name only a few, it’s too easy for those who didn’t live through those pandemics to dismiss their severity.

In the midst of a worldwide shutdown the likes of which we’ve never seen, scientists and medical officials are working to save us. It’s scary to imagine a group of people who think that they’re smarter than they are, basing opinions on debunked, reckless science and threatening lives with some of the earliest fake news undermining qualified and educated efforts to save humanity. And while fast-tracking a vaccine could come with its own risks, thorough testing should ensure our safety. – SL

We’re all in this together Now is a time for national and provincial unity. Now is a time to care for your neighbours, work together and make sure as many of us as possible make it through the COVID-19 pandemic alive, if not unscathed. Now is a time to forget old grudges and work together. Unless you happen to be Jesse Kline, a contributor for the National Post.

Kline can’t help but shake the feeling that the $82 billion aid package Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced last week pandered to Liberal supporters, and that’s because it’s a feeling he doesn’t want to shake.

Amongst funds for the Indigenous communities, homeless people and those who can’t isolate because of spousal abuse, he believes the Liberals are trying to buy votes. “Why specifically give money to homeless and women’s shelters, instead of offering broader supports to a range of charities and religious institutions that are facing the prospect of declining revenues and a huge increase in community needs?” he asks after saying the Liberals are throwing “a few hundred million dollars to some pet Liberal causes to appease the base.”

Kline shows us what we don’t need: someone tilting at partisan windmills. The Liberals are caring for our country while Premier Doug Ford’s Conservatives are looking out for the province, putting party lines aside. In this time of crisis, we need to be looking at our similarities, rather than imagining differences. We are all in this together. – JDS

Looking Back Through the Years March 28, 1963 The Brussels Bantam hockey team defeated their counterparts from Monkton the previous Friday night by a score of 8-1. That was the third game in the best-of-three series, with Brussels winning two of the three games.

Huethers accounted for seven of the team’s eight goals, with Brian scoring four and David scoring three. Bill Smith scored the remaining Brussels goal.

The Brussels boys broomball team won the North Huron Broomball Trophy, successfully defending its 1962 Carling Trophy Championship.

March 31, 1971 R.A. (Bob) McQuarrie, a Blyth native, was honoured as the firstever centenarian in the history of Minnedosa, Manitoba.

At a special celebration for his 100th birthday, McQuarrie said he was happy in Manitoba and said it would only be another 24 years until he could claim residence in the province for a century.

The coaches and managers of Blyth and Brussels hockey teams played the final game in a two-game series at the Brussels arena.

The Blyth team had another great showing in the second game of the series, winning by a score of 9-3, sweeping the series.

Twenty members were present for the meeting of the Maple Leaf Unit at Blyth United Church. The guest speaker was Mrs. Calvert Falconer who discussed inter-American relations.

March 31, 1999 Turnberry Township officially backed out of amalgamation talks with a group that included the Village of Blyth, the Town of Wingham and Morris

and East Wawanosh Townships.

While Blyth Reeve Mason Bailey said he was disappointed with the decision regarding Turnberry, talks would continue with the remaining communities. In contrast, Turnberry Township Reeve Brian McBurney said the March 11 meeting held in Belgrave, at which Blyth Village Council made a presentation asking for inclusion, was the straw that broke the camel’s back. He added that confusion over the consensus rule and other in-fighting resulted in the deadlock that led to the township pulling out.

McBurney added that the township had conducted an informal poll of its residents and there was very little support for amalgamation.

Turnberry Township Council planned to stay with the status quo, remaining independent, until someone else extended an appealing invitation.

Huron County Council approved its 1999 budget despite a cloud of uncertainty surrounding it. Council approved a zero per cent tax levy increase in the budget and would adapt to a decision expected from the provincial government that would result in the upper tier body paying 50 per cent of ambulance services and public health. In the event that was to pass, it could free up some extra money for the county.

April 1, 2010 An OPP canine unit and armed search team was deployed just west of Blyth to locate a person of interest in a domestic dispute.

Police spent hours on foot in the wooded area just west of Blyth searching for the suspect. At the time of the search, they hadn’t released the name of the suspect to the public.

Parents connected to Grey Central

Public School addressed trustees of the Avon Maitland District School Board in an attempt to save their school, which was one of many on the chopping block, being considered for closure.

Blyth’s Russell Nesbitt was profiled in The Citizen for his part in acting as a pallbearer for his deceased colleague Vu Pham, who had been murdered the previous month.

Nesbitt saw it as a tremendous honour, saying that when you’re asked to do something like that for someone, you step up to the plate.

Members of the Blyth Lions Club were working towards its 65th anniversary. Looking back, longtime Lion John Stewart reflected on the creation of Blyth Lions Park, which was the club’s first major project.

Katrina Bos and Amy Zoethout began work on reviving the former East Street Station in Goderich, hoping to turn it into a fashionable studio for everything from art to yoga classes.

Jim Lee, owner of Cinnamon Jim’s in Brussels, and employee Sandra Josling won the Souper Saturday competition, held in Seaforth to benefit the town’s food bank. The pair triumphed in the Best Overall Soup category with the restaurant’s ribs and beans soup.

Krista Goddall’s Grade 3/4 class at East Wawanosh Public School pulled together and collected over 150 teddy bears to send to Haiti in the wake of a devastating earthquake in that country.

The class was inspired by fellow student Katherine Coultes and they worked with Belgrave United Church to collect teddy bears from the community before sending them along to Haiti.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020. PAGE 5.

Other Views

We must relearn how to co-operate

H

opefully, years from now, observers will note that while the COVID-19 pandemic caused illness, death and economic devastation, it also changed society – for the better.

Despite terms like “social distancing” and “self-isolation” becoming part of everyday conversation and our very personal existence being at risk, ironically, I hold out that hope of people coming closer together. I see signs of greater willingness to co-operate as we strive to defeat this plague. There are people doing good deeds like shopping for neighbours.

There are people who while preparing to enter self-isolation after returning to Canada from abroad admit it will be inconvenient but say it’s what we owe each other. There’s one of the memorable images I have seen from the past couple of weeks when a choked-up Patty Hajdu, Canada’s Minister of Health, begged people to “please be kind”.

Certainly, everyone hasn’t bought in. One expert on television compared response to the crisis to the stages of grief – some people have moved on to acceptance while others are still in denial. But while one non-believer can be a deadly weak link when it comes to stopping the spread of an infectious disease, when it comes to building a co-operative, compassionate society all that’s needed is a critical mass of people accepting a new way of doing things – a sort of herd immunity.

Prosperity, consumerism and changing technology have turned us into a much more individually-centred society. For more than a century, particularly in rural areas, we needed to come together if we wanted to get things done. With muscle-power the main source of energy, people had to work together to clear the bush, harvest crops or build barns. As gas,

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk diesel and hydraulic power emerged, farmers could be more independent.

Similarly, if we wanted churches, arenas or ball parks we needed to assemble volunteers to make it happen. People came together to create co-operatively-owned cheese and butter factories. We started mutual insurance companies and local telephone companies.

All these required people to devote their ongoing time and effort and as people grew more prosperous, they said “let the municipality do it and we’ll just pay taxes”.

Co-operatives were sold to expanding national telephone, insurance or dairy companies.

We’ve withdrawn into our personal lives so much that service clubs must recruit hard if they’re to find young members.

Since the end of World War II, or at least since the coming of television, commercials have sold us the idea that the purpose of the world (or at least the purpose of the advertised products) is to fulfil our pleasure. Hollywood’s television shows and movies reinforce the idea that the highest goal is maximizing our pleasure, our desires. It’s our right to have what we want, when we want it.

I can’t help thinking that the nationalist movements like BREXIT and Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again agenda are a natural progression of consumerism. British voters who chose to separate from Europe were

tired of laws made at European Union headquarters in Brussels that they didn’t like.

Trump has spent three years undermining international agencies that nations created for our co-operative benefit. Leading the richest, most powerful country in the world, Trump feels the U.S. shouldn’t have to abide by the rules of these international bodies. So, he has undercut the World Trade Organization, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the United Nations. Often these organization were the brainchildren of previous U.S. presidents who realized the U.S. must work with others if it hopes to achieve its goals. In many cases, the achievements of the U.S. today are thanks to these co-operative efforts – such as 70 years without a world war.

Among Trump’s kneecapping of international agencies was a plan in his 2020 budget to cut funding to the World Health Organizations (WHO) by 50 per cent. The timing, on the eve of a pandemic, was especially ironic. Trump explained that as a businessman he didn’t believe in “having thousands of people standing around when you don’t need them.”

But as Steven Johnson, author of a book on a past pandemic, pointed out in a recent article in The Globe and Mail, the WHO is as important in fighting disease world-wide as the invention of any miracle drug. It was through WHO efforts, for instance, that world-wide inoculation programs finally eradicated smallpox in 1975 after thousands of years of the disease plaguing humanity.

With the current battle against COVID-19, we’re relearning the lessons that to accomplish personal goals, we often need to work together.

Here’s hoping we remember that lesson when this plague is finally beaten.

Old white guys and our county’s future

T

here’s no better way to feel young than to take a seat at a Huron County Council meeting and listen to the old white men discuss the future of Huron County.

You know what, that might not be fair. I’m sure there are some good ideas around that table, it’s just that every time I have to cover Huron County Council (which is normally Shawn’s beat), I walk away feeling like I just sat down with a bunch of luddites giving me the lowdown on upcoming technologies (if that reference is lost, a luddite is a person who opposes new technologies).

In the past, I’ve sat at the media table and watched Huron County Council bemoan the lack of young people in the county, then turn around and approve seniorsonly apartments instead of trying to encourage affordable housing in the county.Look where that’s gotten us now: in a housing crisis because we didn’t require developers to build for employment-age people and instead have no less than three communities designed for people not in the workforce in Blyth alone.

Most recently, however, I sat through a presentation about how to market Huron County tourism and while the presentation, put together by Katie Marshall, Communications and Marketing Officer for the Huron County Economic Development, Department was logical and sound for the most part, the ideas that followed from the councillors (all old white men, for reference sake), however, sounded like a what’s-what of early 2000s technology.

Let’s start with Councillor Dave Jewitt’s idea for an information kiosk onto which many of his fellow councillors glommed.

The kiosk, which would be used for tourism programs and information, was a great idea before we all had computers in our pockets, and by “all”, I mean all of us. The number of

Denny Scott Denny’s Den retirees who communicate with The Citizen and provide photos to us through smartphones proves the technology has really involved every age group.

Beyond that, the council meeting started with everyone commenting on the COVID-19 virus and how people shouldn’t be shaking hands or hugging, but instead bumping elbows to greet each other.

So here are these councillors commenting about how pervasive the Covid-19 virus has become and the first idea they have for improving tourism is to create a giant touch screen, complete with games for children if Councillor John Grace, Mayor of Goderich, had his way. Did you know that most public touch screens, according to studies conducted by the London Metropolitan University have human or animal feces on them?

That’s right: bacteria from animals and people are found on touch screens. The report indicates there are over 250,000 colonyforming bacteria units per square inch on some. Council even felt that transporting a kiosk might be a viable idea so, instead of a disease being spread by the kiosk in a particular area, like the Square in Goderich or Clan Gregor Square in Bayfield, it could get spread all over the county through major events like the annual reunion of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association.

So, to reiterate, council seemed supportive of investing in a device that’s been made obsolete by a more reliable, more accessible

technology and that has been proven to be a hotbed of disease-causing bacteria.

The next idea was to utilize QR codes to help tourism. For those who don’t know what QR codes are, I’ll apologize in advance for filling your head with information about a technology that was panned long before it ever became popular, if it ever did.

QR codes are small black-and-white images that resemble a mixed-up barcode. Most smartphones can scan and decode them natively, meaning no additional software is required. The codes themselves may contain a website or a plain text message, but can also be used for complex computer instructions allowing them to be used with banking software to pay bills with a quick click of a smartphone’s camera.

Sounds great right? Well it might’ve been, but like Sony’s Beta cassette technology, the product never quite got off the ground.

While some companies and experts are hoping for a resurgence for the 25-year-old technology in the future, the simple fact is it’s been replaced. Modern phones don’t need a QR code to link to products. Apple and Google software allow the phone to recognize all sorts of things without any kind of code.

So what’s the point of dragging these bad ideas into the light? We need to have people on Huron County Council who either want to make the effort to understand technology or are young enough to run into it.

We need young people to run for lower-tier councils and we then need those young people to sit on County council so someone can say, “No, that’s a bad idea, and here’s why.” Staff aren’t going to do it, that’s not their job, and me writing about it a week later may mean that staff are already wasting time investigating antiquated technologies that some county councillor ran into on their vacation or at a conference.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

They’re people too

O

ne picture has stuck with me since I first saw it back in 2018. Taken by a photographer named Jessica Roy, it showed a pair of Capital Gazette journalists working on laptops in a parking lot to finish the following day’s paper unsure of which of their colleagues were alive or dead inside their office building after a lone gunman shot up the place (he would eventually kill five people).

While I connected to that picture given my chosen career, it really spoke as a testament to (and, in a way, a celebration of) those who have to go on when the world shuts down.

In a previous life I worked for Rogers and my location, like every other location, was open 365 days a year; only opening late or closing early on days like Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, Easter and Thanksgiving. Now, while that work was as non-essential as it gets (video rental places are now an endangered species, if not entirely gone), we were there for people on days they wanted to spend with their families because they were off from their jobs.

Those days would be some of the most challenging of the year. It’s a holiday, nothing else is open and everyone was stressed out, pushing to get exactly what they wanted so no one else could get it. And when employees of the store had bad news for customers, they inevitably turned rude. They didn’t consider that we were working the holidays, they only thought of what was wrong in their lives and took it out on us.

While many of our hearts immediately go out to our emergency workers like police officers, firefighters, paramedics, doctors and nurses, and rightfully so, please keep in mind the not-quite-so-essential-but-still-essential services remaining open. Think of those working at grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, post offices, restaurants offering take-out and gas stations, as well as couriers, truck drivers and yes, the humble reporter.

As COVID-19 sweeps through the world, shutting it down a little more every day, please keep these people in mind. They often don’t make as much as those on the former list of jobs and usually don’t have paid sick days, but they’re expected at work day after day nonetheless. And, in these stressful and uncertain times, no doubt they’re getting it in the teeth every day. No hand sanitizer, no soap, no toilet paper, no this, no that and a frustrated shopper’s rage only goes in one direction.

I don’t doubt that most reading this have been observing the new normal; practising self isolation and social distancing when you have to leave home and being kind to those serving them out in the real world. But for anyone who’s snapped at a retail employee or someone in the service industry, know they’d rather be home and safe from hundreds of close-range public interactions every day.

While you may be mad the shelves are bare or that you can’t go out for lunch, think of how they feel. Think of the burden of worry they carry every day doing what you hope to avoid eight hours a day. The public needs them and we, in turn, need to treat them with respect.

Whether it was a video store 20 years ago or your local grocery store today, treating those you perceive to be “beneath you” like garbage says a lot more about you than it does about them and it’s a true personality indicator.

And now, with heightened concern, stress and danger, it’s no time to turn into a monster when on the hunt for supplies. That is truly how we will descend into a Lord of the Flieslike scenario, when we lose sight of the needs and humanity of others.

Be thoughtful, be kind and be safe.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020.

Keep mental health in mind in isolation A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

Big winners Earlier this month the Brussels Curling Club recognized its big winners of its season draws at its annual dinner and banquet. Above, from left, are the winners of draw three: Katherine Thomet, George Zwep and Sarah Alexander. Absent was Jo-Ann McDonald. Below, outgoing Brussels Curling Club President Halee McCann, left, presents Mervyn Bauer, centre, and Reg Vinnicombe with the D.A. Rann Trophy for the team with the highest number of points accumulated. Absent were Diana Dolmage and Ken Penfound. (Mark Nonkes photos)

At the Branch

Events cancelled due to virus

By Jo-Ann McDonald It has been quite a week at the Brussels Legion Branch. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Ontario Command and the Ontario government have closed all bars and restaurants across the province for the safety of all. For our Branch, that meant cancelling Cadets, line dancing, pipe band, mixed darts and any other bookings at the Branch.

The Branch held an emergency executive meeting, following distancing rules to discuss a couple of issues and upcoming plans.

Everything will be cancelled until the end of March and then reviewed.

A thorough deep cleaning of the Branch will happen so to be ready to open when able. The discussion to suspend Catch the Ace draw was had upon permission from the municipality. Any further important issues will be discussed via conference calls as needed. The executive also assigned members to contact our senior members of the Branch to offer any help to them if needed. We are here for all our members if they need help. Call the Branch and leave your number, we will get back to you.

The importance of staying home and keeping safe would affect the sales of tickets and there is also the handling of the tickets by sellers, buyers and draw committee members to be considered. Keeping safe is paramount for all and with the municipality’s permission, the draw has been suspended until such time the Branch can reopen and all restrictions lifted. Watch for details

of the restart of sales for the tickets at the normal locations.

We thank all for their support, patience and please keep safe.

The draw on March 20 was conducted by Comrades Sandra Brown, Nanci Ducharme and Deb Ross. There were no outsiders allowed because of the closure, but

for verification an outside, nonLegion member was asked to observe. Sandra Cable filled the position of observer. The weekly winner was Sara Overholt winning $280. She chose the envelope number 25 and the king of spades was revealed. The jackpot will grow to $6,200 when the draw resumes.

Oh my, my. What a week it’s been.

It’s strange, very strange, how our thought processes have altered, especially in this last week. It is rather humbling to think of our part in activity. News overload is a reality and knowing when you’ve had enough is good. All the news is important and knowing the sources is especially important. We need to be very sure we are living with current information, dealing with facts, scientific facts.

Last week’s news needs to be updated. For our rural area, we are in practice mode, knowing the virus will hit us. For us that means properly washing your hands, 20 seconds minimum, keeping your distance from others, attending small groups of five people or less and leaving home only for important reasons. So make good on your practice and perhaps we’ll miss the scary stuff. In the meantime, listen to the health officials across Canada, they have my admiration. Daily they give clear messages in a calm manner with facts and statistics, leaving us with assurance that if we all take this seriously, control of the virus is possible.

Mental health is important when we are isolated. Know yourself and look after you. Call a friend, go for a walk, do something constructive.

This too will pass and in the

meantime, you’re doing the right thing by being a good citizen.

Sorting pictures, music practice and basement arranging are on my to-do list. Time is in abundance and so it is very easy to do nothing but read and play Scrabble. This week I’m aiming at one thing accomplished each day, aim high, right?

Take care of yourself.

Bye now, Betty G.W.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS Looking for some reading material?

Direct your browser to huroncitizen.ca for stories, columns and photos from past issues of The Citizen.

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace THE CATCH THE ACE DRAW IS SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE March 20 Winner: Winning Ticket: Sara Overholt $280 Envelope #25 found the King of Spades Estimated jackpot is $6,200 when draw resumes

NOTICE OF RESCHEDULED PUBLIC MEETINGS AND OPEN HOUSE REGARDING AN AMENDMENT TO THE HURON EAST OFFICIAL PLAN AND HOUSEKEEPING AMENDMENT TO THE HURON EAST ZONING BY-LAW TAKE NOTICE that the Public Meeting and Open House under Sections 34 and 17 of the Planning Act to consult with the public about a Housekeeping Amendment to the Huron East Zoning By-law and an Amendment to the Huron East Official Plan have been RESCHEDULED. AND THAT the Public Meetings for Zoning Amendment applications for 789 Sports Drive, Plan 194, Part Park Lot 9, as Registered Plan 22R1053, Part 2, Brussels Ward, Municipality of Huron East (Roll No. 4040 440 012 02141) and 77722B London Road, Concession 1, Huron Road Survey, South Part Lot 39, Concession 1 London Road Survey, North Part Lot 50, Part Lot 51, Tuckersmith Ward, Municipality of Huron East (Roll No. 4040 160 021 12400) are also rescheduled for the date below.

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE will now be held between 1:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm on Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 PUBLIC MEETING will be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, April 21st, 2020 Both meetings are at the Huron East Municipal office, 72 Main Street S, Seaforth These dates are subject to further postponement. There are no changes to the Housekeeping purpose or proposed amendments since the original Notices were posted.

A copy of the draft changes may be accessed on the Huron East website at: www.huroneast.com. For further information, please contact Huron East or the Huron County Planning Department at 519-524-8394 ex. 3 Brad Knight, CAO/Clerk Municipality of Huron East 72 Main Street S, Seaforth N0K 1W0 519-527-0160

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020. PAGE 7.

NH Council considering street-naming policy

By Denny Scott The Citizen After running into some requests to name new streets in subdivisions

in the community, North Huron Township Council has directed staff to finalize and present a policy for street naming at its next council meeting.

During council’s March 16 meeting, Director of Public Works Sean McGhee explained that there was no policy in place and that developers are picking names for

Season interruptus These jerseys should have been adorning the backs of the potential Ontario Minor Hockey Association Atom Rep Champion Blyth Brussels Crusaders, however the team’s championship drive was cut short by COVID-19 cancellations. Instead of racing down the ice over the weekend, the jerseys were on Sarah and Nathan Shannon’s clothesline in Blyth being prepared for storage. (Photo submitted)

streets, which they then suggest to the Huron County Planning and Development Department.

McGhee said the process was efficient, but limited North Huron’s input in naming the streets in its own community.

“It does very little to play into North Huron’s heritage, unique identity or anything else to foster a sense of community pride,” he said.

To that end, McGhee presented a draft document which will rely heavily on a master street name list.

Individuals can suggest names for the list which need to meet certain criteria, including having some kind of tie to the community, not being rude or vulgar and not being too close to other street names in sound or spelling.

If adopted, developers would be given a copy of the list and encouraged to pick several and let council decide.

“You would receive a report when there is a request for a street name to be designated,” McGhee said to council. “That report would contain a couple of things like details surrounding the street, the names and suffixes for adjacent streets and the scope of the development.”

Council could then proceed to pick a name that fits the development and fits with the surrounding streets as well.

Names to be considered were originally suggested to follow one of five criteria: historical significance; association with North Huron’s heritage; culturally or regionally significant; recognizing local

wildlife, flora, fauna or natural features or paying homage to a resident who lost their life while in service with the Canadian Armed Forces.

Councillor Kevin Falconer suggested that more than just armed forces personnel be recognized through the latter category, saying that emergency services, including firefighters and police officers should be considered as well. Staff appreciated the recommendation, saying they would incorporate it into the bylaw before presenting it to council.

Falconer said that police officers like Wingham’s Vu Pham and Blyth’s Dave Mounsey, who both died in the line of duty, would be good inclusions for the list.

Councillor Paul Heffer said the Wingham Business Improvement Area (BIA) wanted to rebrand Wingham as a musical centre and wondered how names related to local music history would fit.

Falconer said he anticipated that would fall under heritage, and staff agreed.

The bylaw is set to be brought back to council’s April 6 meeting.

Blyth, Wingham businesses tap into CIP

By Denny Scott The Citizen Two businesses, one in Wingham and one in Blyth, will be the final recipients of North Huron’s community improvement plan funding for facade upgrades.

After consolidating funds spent on previous projects, staff told council

that, in December, 2019, there was still $8,630.71 in the revitalization fund for the community improvement plan. Five applications were submitted for that remaining money and the economic development committee, through staff recommendations, chose the Thai Ville Restaurant in Wingham and the Blyth Decor Shoppe.

Of the five applicants, three met the criteria, according to Clerk Carson Lamb. However, if all three were approved, it would have cost the municipality $23,000 to match the projects which wasn’t in the budget.

As it stands, the restaurant will receive $6,633.81 while the decor shop will receive $1,996.90.

The five applications were ranked by the economic development committee before the final two projects were chosen.

The economic development committee also aired concerns about

Local events cancelled due to COVID-19

the limitations of the program when it comes to applicants wanting to do the work themselves. Deputy-Reeve Trevor Seip said that professional contractors need to be used.

“If I’m someone who is requesting taxpayer money and I’m going to do the work, how is anyone going to know what’s being charged?” he asked. “We can have a report come back on [allowing applicants to do some work themselves in future intakes] however I’m not in favour of it. There’s no transparency.”

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

Your Local Paper The Original Social Media!

News / Information / Events / Shopping Community / & More

From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Hard at work Out at Bosma Farms, Cassidy is settling in to work from home over the next few weeks while the world is practising social distancing and self-isolation due to COVID-19. (Photo submitted)

There are three members of the Popp family celebrating birthdays this week. Paul Popp celebrates March 28 and Matt and Aaron Popp celebrate March 30.

It really seems awkward to have no card winners, no lunches or anything else to report. Everything is closed down except for the necessities. My hope for everyone is to stay safe and well in the coming weeks and hopefully these times will change and our confinement will be over.

In print, online or on the go, we are your local newspaper. We keep you connected to what’s happening in our communities and surrounding areas.

The Citizen Facebook Twitter

www.huroncitizen.ca www.Facebook.com/NorthHuronCitizen @TheNHCitizen info@northhuron.on.ca

The Citizen

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020.

Obituaries In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Alzheimer’s Society of Huron County would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

Online condolences available at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com

DOREEN ISABELLE HACKWELL (née LONG) Doreen Isabelle Hackwell (née Long) of Walton, passed away peacefully at Huronlea Nursing Home, Brussels, on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. She was in her 88th year.

Doreen was the beloved wife of Merton R. Hackwell for 62 years and the loving mother of Blaine and Merle, Stratford and Craig and Sherri, Thailand. She will be lovingly remembered by grandchildren Chase, Mackenzie, Aidan, Spencer and Ollie, her fur grandbaby.

Doreen was the dear sister of Gary Long. She was predeceased by son Jeffrey (1979) and brother Murray.

Doreen’s final wishes were for cremation and a private family service at a later time.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations to the Huronlea Residents Council would be appreciated. Cards of sympathy may be sent to Box 340, Brussels.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

GLEN “RED’ JOHNSTON Glen “Red” Johnston of RR 2, Bluevale passed away at Huronlea, Brussels, on Thursday, March 19, 2020. He was 81.

Glen will be lovingly remembered by his son Scott and his wife Leslie Johnston and their children Austin, Nolan and Abby, his granddaughter April Hunter and her husband Nick and their children Reid and Bryce, his daughter Barbara and her husband Jeff Ball and their daughter Taylor Ball and his daughter Karen Johnston and her children David Darling and Tamara Funston. Glen was the cherished brother and brother-in-law of Shirley Nicholson, Murray and Audrey Johnston and Bessie Johnston.

He was predeceased by his parents Sparling and Elizabeth Johnston, brother Gary Johnston in infancy and Ken Johnston and brother-in-law Ross Nicholson.

In light of the current events, there will be no public visitation. A private service will be held at McBurney Funeral Home Chapel on Monday with Rev. Jeff Hawkins officiating. A graveside service will be held at Brussels Cemetery in the spring, as well as a celebration of Glen’s life.

NORMAN McCLINCHEY Norman McClinchey passed away at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital on Monday, March 16, 2020. He was in his 85th year.

Norman is survived by his wife Lila (Daer) McClinchey. He was also loved by his daughter Catherine and John Beyersbergen, four grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. He was the dear brother of Jewell Plunkett, Dave McClinchey, John and Maureen McClinchey. He was the brother-inlaw of Joanne McClinchey. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews.

Norman was predeceased by his parents Gordon and Lillian McClinchey, sister Eilleen and George Haggitt, brothers Bob and Frances McClinchey and Bill McClinchey and sister-in-law Ruth McClinchey.

As per Norman’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Auburn Lions Club or Wingham and District Hospital Oncology Unit would be greatly appreciated.

Messages of condolence for the McClinchey family may be left at www.falconerfuneralhomes.com Funeral arrangements entrusted to Falconer Funeral Homes.

brothers Jim (Bonnie), Tom (Pauline) and sister Janice Taylor as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Vincent and Audrey Pegg, and his niece Heather.

Bob was a conservation officer in the Wingham area for 38 years and enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports and spending time with his family.

As per Bob’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a service will be held at a later date.

Donations gratefully accepted to Gorrie Bible Fellowship (Community Care Fund), Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Wingham Minor Hockey or Wingham Minor Ball.

Online condolences may be left at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com

the customers she served.

Jane took great pride and pleasure in raising her family instilling in them the importance of family, friends and fun.

She and Keith enjoyed years of camping with annual visits to Barrie flea market and tractor pulls in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Jane will be remembered for her crazy sense of humor and unique “queen” greeting.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in Jane’s memory to the Diabetes Association or the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation.

Arrangements entrusted to McCallum & Palla Funeral Home, Goderich. Friends may sign the book of condolences at www.mccallumpalla.ca

outdoors enjoying nature, especially on his farm near Auburn where he loved feeding the local deer and turkeys or going for an ATV ride.

Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Clinton Public Hospital or Huronview Home for the Aged.

A celebration of Don’s life will take place at a later date. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Falconer Funeral Homes, Clinton. Messages of condolence for Don’s family are welcome at www.falconerfuneral homes.com “Until we meet again old man”, love your sons Jeremy and John Vanderhaar.”

Letter to the Editor

Bike within the rules says writer

JANE ELIZABETH RODGER Jane Elizabeth Rodger (Carter) of Auburn, passed away peacefully and suddenly at Stratford General Hospital on March 12, 2020. She was in her 78th year.

Jane was predeceased by her loving husband Keith (2015) and best friend Buddy.

Jane was the cherished mother of Rob (Judy), Lisa (Bill), Scott (Lindsay), Shawn (Jennifer), and grandmother of Justin and Emily.

She will also be fondly remembered by many extended family and dear friends.

Jane was born in Guelph, grew up in Goderich, and spent 57 years on the farm. She worked at area businesses over the years where she always enjoyed making friends with

DON VANDERHAAR It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Don Vanderhaar “Chicken’ at Huronview on March 19, 2020. In his 64th year, Don passed peacefully in his sleep which brings great joy to his family.

Don was the proud father of Jeremy and Jessica (Chaisson) and John and Jackie (Reinink). He was the loving grandfather of Brandon, Dylan, Cameron, Malcolm “Mac” and Ryan. He is survived by his brother Doug Vanderhaar, Fred and Janet Vanderhaar and sister-in-law Anita Vanderhaar and many nieces and nephews.

Don was predeceased by his parents Gysbert and Teresa (Vanloo) and his brother John.

Don was a man who loved the

THE EDITOR, Looks like spring has arrived and children are getting exercise and fresh air since school is out for March break and now even longer.

The streets are getting crowded with children riding their bikes.

Unfortunately these young children are given a bike and helmet and then take off from their parents or too far away from their parents.

They have no idea that they must obey the rules of the road. They bike down the middle of the street, they do not stop at stop signs and they think that everyone else is going to watch out for them.

I am asking parents to take the time to teach “the rules” not just give them a bike and teach them how to ride. These young children should be supervised while out riding for their safety. It is the parents’ responsibility to teach their children how to respect the rules which in turn is an important life lesson.

A concerned citizen.

Youth Winter Sports Pages Coaches and parents ~ we need your team’s picture and players’ names ROBERT DAVID PEGG It is with great sadness we announce that Robert David Pegg passed away on Friday, March 20, 2020, at the age of 71, after a brief battle with bowel cancer.

The beloved husband for almost 48 years of Susan, who will miss him terribly and sadly missed by his children Shane and Maria, Cochrane, Alberta; Joel and Shannon, Alma and Christa and Caleb Horst, Waterloo. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Joshua, Rachel and Tyler of Alma, Emily, Ryan and Alyson of Cochrane and Julia, Isaac, Anna and Adam of Waterloo. Bob will also be sadly missed by his

1. Please submit team photo A.S.A.P. 2. Please include players’ and coaches’ names for under the photo.

Please help us get ALL the Winter Sports teams published.

The Citizen

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

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020. PAGE 9.

CH approves support alpacas in Londesborough

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Central Huron Council has approved a two-year temporary zoning amendment to allow two alpacas, one of which is certified as an emotional support animal, on a Londesborough property within the urban settlement zone.

Huron County Planner Monica Walker-Bolton spoke to the application at Central Huron’s March 16 council meeting in Clinton. She and the Planning and Development Department recommended that the application be approved in its original form, which was for a three-year amendment.

Ron and Irene Kassies filed the application asking that the amendment be for the maximum

amount of time, which would have been three years.

The three-acre property is located on Kings Road and the Kassies family was asking that the alpacas be allowed in the property’s back acre for the three years despite the area being zoned residential.

Speaking to council, Irene said that not until she and her husband had to file paperwork for the amendment did they know they were in a residential zone. Due to the layout of Londesborough and where the alpacas would reside, she said, they really wouldn’t be affecting anybody. Walker-Bolton agreed, saying there are no neighbours near where the alpacas would be housed and, in fact, they aren’t visible from the road.

The Kassies family had several

neighbours at the meeting who supported their application. One neighbour spoke to the effect the alpacas had on Irene and her health, both mental and physical as she battled cancer. Brenda Radford, coowner of the now-closed Radford Farm Equipment, said where the alpacas would be housed backs onto the back of the business’s property and she didn’t have any concerns or any future plans for that portion of the property.

Walker-Bolton said allowing the alpacas on the property wouldn't restrict any future development because the property is already in an urban settlement area, but that with some of the adjacent property zoned for future development, it’s possible it could serve as a “turn-off” for developers wishing to obtain and

develop the land in the future.

Council did consider some correspondence from municipal staff members who had concerns. First was Bylaw Enforcement Officer Bruce Brockelbank who was concerned the amendment was not temporary in nature and he was also worried about enforcement.

Animal Control Officer Bob Trick also spoke against the amendment, saying he receives frequent requests from residents to house livestock or alternative livestock animals like pigs, chickens and miniature ponies, among others in urban settlement areas. He was concerned that allowing the alpacas in Londesborough could set a precedent for urban areas of the municipality.

Deputy-Mayor Dave Jewitt spoke

in favour of the amendment and Walker-Bolton’s recommendation, but was concerned with the threeyear time period, suggesting instead a one-year approval with the option for the couple to return and apply for a second year. Councillor Alex Westerhout had similar concerns, however, he was also concerned with the cost associated with the application, saying it would be unfair to the Kassies family to ask them to pay for a new application every year. Walker-Bolton agreed with Westerhout, saying this year’s application cost the Kassies family over $1,900, an amount they would have to pay for every application.

Westerhout and Jewitt proposed approving the amendment for a twoyear period and council agreed, voting in favour of the motion.

DREAM HOME OF THE MONTH

PLAN NUMBER 8-3-249 SIDE-BY-SIDE DUPLEX HOME In this plan for a two-storey side-by-side duplex, each unit includes three bedrooms plus a den, as well as a single-vehicle garage. Unfinished basements are also included in the plans.

Entry is through a covered porch into a foyer. To the right is the den, as well as a three-piece bathroom and coat closet. To the left is the stairway leading up to the second floor.

The great room overlooks the back garden and features a gas fireplace set into a bayed-out area. Sliding glass doors lead to a partly covered patio, ideal for year-round outdoor grilling.

The dining area and great room are separated from the kitchen only by a prep island with a double sink. A corner pantry will be welcome for storage, and the L-shaped counter configuration will save steps for the cook.

Upstairs, the master suite looks out to the back garden for privacy. Included are an ensuite with double basins, a shower stall and a soaker tub, set in its own niche. The walk-in closet will be roomy enough for a couple’s clothing and accessories.

The second and third bedrooms share a three-piece bathroom. Nearby is a loft area with a built-in desk that could serve as a computer area. Adjacent is the laundry room.

Exterior finishes include wooden shingles in the gables of the garage, as well as wood siding and painted trim. A wooden pilaster marks the entry of each unit.

The main floor measures 977 square feet, with a nine-foot ceiling. The second-floor measures 1025 square feet. Width of the home is 56 feet, and depth is also 56 feet. Both units together total 4,004 square feet, not including the optional unfinished basement area.

Plans for design 8-3-249 are available for $1145 (set of 5), $1230(set of 8) and $1298 for a super set of 10. Also add $35.00 for Priority charges within B.C. or $60.00 outside of B.C. Please add H.S.T., PST, OR G.S.T (where applicable) to both the plan price and Priority charges.

Our 52ND Edition of the Home Plan Catalogue containing over 300 plans is available for $16.50 (includes taxes, postage and handling). Make all cheques and money orders payable to "Jenish House Design Ltd." and mail to: JENISH HOUSE DESIGN LTD. c/o The Blyth/Brussels Citizen, #201 - 1658 Commerce Ave, Kelowna, BC V1X 8A9 OR SEE OUR WEB PAGE ORDER FORM ON: www.jenish.com AND E-MAIL YOUR ORDER TO: homeplans @ jenish.com Home Hardware Building Centre We’ve got your lumber • Lumber • Flooring • Windows • Kitchen & Doors Cabinets

519-887-6277 1-800-881-0030 Brussels www.mcdonaldhomehardware.com

This Space Could Be Yours Single ads $40 + HST per month Double ads $78 + HST per month

NORTH HURON CARPENTRY INC. 38728 Moncrieff Rd., RR #3 Blyth, ON

Call today to book your ad in Home of the Month 519-523-4792

• Additions • Renovations • Seamless Eavestrough in both Aluminum and Heavy Gauge Steel • New & Replacement Windows & Doors • General Repair • New Homes • Supply and Install stairs, rails, kitchen cabinets David Werkema Ph.: 519-526-7634 • Dave - Mobile - 519-531-0224 Email: northcarpentry@hurontel.on.ca Herman - Mobile - 519-525-0232

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020.

Elementary School Fair board unveils craft classes

Craft time With students spending so much time at home, it only made sense to the Elementary School Fair committee to open its non-perishable craft categories to the public to give children something to do and provide a bounty of exhibits for the 100th anniversary of the fair. Exhibits are a popular stop for fair-goers every year, as shown above at least year’s Elementary School Fair. (File photo)

By Denny Scott The Citizen With children spending all their time at home due to self-isolation, quarantine or social distancing due to COVID-19, the Elementary School Fair committee is opening some of its creative classes for this year’s fall fair a little differently.

Over the past week the committee, through Facebook, has been unveiling the classes, which include some special classes to mark the 100th anniversary of the fair.

Alice McDowell, who has been posting the information online, said that unveiling the classes early is a win-win for everyone involved.

“With kids home for this extended period it just made sense,” she said.

“Parents are looking for children to have things to do.”

As in previous years, the fair is open to all students attending a school in Huron County. This year, Brookside Public School is also being included in the fair and the ambassador program as well.

McDowell explained that the ambassador event, scheduled for later this month, was postponed due to the concerns around COVID-19.

All of the fair’s “Make It” classes are open and were unveiled in waves over the past week, including some “retro” classes to mark the anniversary and a special category called the Ross Taylor Memorial classes.

These classes, as McDowell explained, are pulled right from the first school fair book. They honour Taylor who, until his death, attended every single fair including that first one when he was a baby.

The five classes include displaying homemade butter in a jam jar, making a felt ornament with a blanket-stitch, displaying six weeds on a bristol board, crafting a pull toy and colouring and labelling a map of Canada.

The full list of classes that can be completed ahead of time (meaning they don’t include perishable items) is printed below: J.R. FEAR APIARIES’ CRAFT 118. Beginners 2020-SK - Make a bee using a toilet paper roll 119. Grade 1-3 - Make a bee using a clothespin

120. Grade 4-6 - Make a beehive using a flowerpot 121. Grade 7-8 - Make a papiermâché bee piñata (leave unfilled) CRAFTS 122. Beginners 2020-SK - Make a rocket ship using recycled materials 123. Grades 1-3 - Make a painting of your life, 20 years from now 124. Grades 4-6 - Make an 8 ½ x 11 drawing of the world 100 years from now 125. Grades 7-8 - Create a diorama to model one of the following eras of farming: the past, present or future 126. Beginners 2020-SK - Colour a picture of one of the four seasons on an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper 127. Grades 1-3 - Make a sock puppet 128. Grades 4-6 - Leaf art using pastels, on an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper 129. Grades 7-8 - Create a time capsule using a recycled container.

Display 5 items inside (do not seal shut).

FARM MECHANICS 130. Beginners 2020-SK - Make a finger painting of a farm animal 131. Grades 1-3 - Make a tractor using popsicle sticks and other materials 132. Grades 4-6 - Make a farm animal out of a recycled container 133. Grades 7-8 - Make a handmade windcatcher 134. Beginners 2020-SK - Using a paper bag, make a farm animal 135. Grades 1-3 - Make a farm animal out of play dough or modelling clay 136. Grades 4-6 - Make a piece of farm machinery using LEGO 137. Grades 7-8 - Make a creature using nails/metal/wire CWL Shoe boxes from Classes 138-141 will be donated to children at the Huron Women’s Shelter. Thank you for brightening someone’s day!

138. Beginners 2020-SK Decorate a shoe box and fill it with 10 items suitable for a child in preschool or kindergarten.

139. Grades 1-3 - Decorate a shoe box and fill it with 10 items suitable for a child in grades 1-3.

140. Grades 4-6 - Decorate a shoe box and fill it with 10 items suitable for a child in grades 4-6.

141. Grades 7-8 - Decorate a shoe box and fill it with 10 items suitable for a child in grades 7-8.

142. Beginners 2020-SK - Make a sailboat using a paper plate and other materials.

143. Grades 1-3 - Decorate a stone to be used as a garden ornament.

144. Grades 4-6 - Make a bird feeder 145. Grades 7-8 - Create an autumn wreath.

MADD POSTER CONTEST The theme this year is: “DO NOT USE ALCOHOL AND DRUGS.” Do not drink or use drugs while using cars, trucks, farm equipment, ATVs or snowmobiles.

Submissions are to be a minimum of 8 1/2" by 11" to a maximum of 14” x 22”.

150. Beginners 2020 - SK 151. Grades 1-3 152. Grades 4-6 153. Grades 7-8 MADD ESSAY CONTEST The theme this year is: “DO NOT USE ALCOHOL AND DRUGS.” Do not drink or use drugs while using cars, trucks, farm equipment, ATVs or snowmobiles.

Entries must be a minimum of 25 words and a maximum of 250 words and may be done on the computer, typewriter or handwritten.

154. Beginners 2020 - SK 155. Grades 1-3 156. Grades 4-6 157. Grades 7-8 PHOTO CONTEST 161. Beginners 2020-SK - One photo of three generations together 162. Grades 1-3 - One photo of an old barn 163. Grades 4-6 - One photo of a forest 164. Grades 7-8 - One photo of a family tradition 165. Beginners 2020-SK - One photo of an old building 166. Grades 1-3 - One photo from a community event 167. Grades 4-6 - Two photos showing how technology has changed (one from the past and one current) 168. Grades 7-8 - Two photos of farm machinery: one “old” and one “new” RETRO CLASSES These classes are inspired by the 1920 School Fair Book.

170. Beginners 2020-SK - Make a crayon drawing of flowers 171. Grades 1-3 - Colour a map of Ontario. Label the national and provincial capitals.

172. Grades 4-6 - Make a watercolour painting 173. Grades 7-8 - Make a handmade pillowcase 174. Beginners 2020-SK - Display 4 species of tree bark 175. Grades 1-3 - Print the words to a nursery rhyme 176. Grades 4-6 - Display one sample each of an insect injury to a plant and a plant disease 177. Grades 7-8 - Make a step stool ROSS TAYLOR MEMORIAL CLASSES **These classes are inspired by the 1920 School Fair Book.** 178. OPEN - Make and display homemade butter in a jam jar.

179. OPEN - Create an ornament from felt, using a blanket stitch.

180. OPEN - Build a wooden pull toy 181. OPEN - Collection of 6 weeds, mounted on bristol board 182. OPEN - Colour and label a map of Canada KNOX UNITED CHURCH CLASSES 184. Girls - Beginners 2020 - On 1/4 sheet bristol board glue on buttons to make the number 100.

185. Boys - Beginners 2020 - On

1/4 sheet bristol board glue on buttons to make the number 100.

186. Girls - JK - On 1/4 sheet of bristol board design “100" using dry food; i.e., cereals, macaroni etc.

187. Boys - JK - On 1/4 sheet of bristol board design “100" using dry food; i.e., cereals, macaroni etc.

188. Girls - SK - On 1/4 sheet of bristol board using small pieces of paper make the number 100.

189. Boys - SK - On 1/4 sheet of bristol board using small pieces of paper make the number 100.

190. Girls - Grade 1 - With suitable materials make and decorate a face mask using the number 100.

191. Boys - Grade 1 - With suitable materials make and decorate a face mask using the number 100.

192. Girls - Grade 2 - Make a fridge magnet for 100th Anniversary 193. Boys - Grade 2 - Make a fridge magnet for 100th Anniversary 194. Girls - Grade 3 - Make a bookmark for 100th Anniversary 195. Boys - Grade 3 - Make a bookmark for 100th Anniversary 196. Girls - Grades 4 & 5 - Make a key chain for a backpack for 100th Anniversary 197. Boys - Grades 4 & 5 - Make a key chain for a backpack for 100th Anniversary 198. Grades 6 - 8 - On 1/4 sheet of bristol board create a picture of what you might look like at 100 years of age. You may use any medium.

You could be famous! Send us photos of how you’re weathering the era of self-isolation and social distancing, including shots of young creators working on their school fair entries!

Submissions can be sent to reporter@northhuron.on.ca

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

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

Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020. PAGE 11.

Local doctor weighs in on COVID-19 measures

Here to help Dr. Farafnaz Farzadfar, left, and Hayley Hoffman plan to continue running the Blyth Walk-In Clinic on Fridays in the same building as the Blyth Pharmacy. Farzadfar says that patients with non-emergency medical issues should try to avoid large medical centres due to the increased risk of contracting COVID-19, which is why she is going to continue running the clinic to offer non-emergency medical assistance to locals. (File photo)

By Denny Scott The Citizen Dr. Farafnaz Farzadfar, who operates a weekly clinic in Blyth, says that the most important thing that can be done to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the midst of the panic

is just keep washing your hands.

In an interview with The Citizen, Farzadfar said that she didn’t have any groundbreaking advice to give except that people need to act on the information that’s already out there.

She said that the virus can be transmitted through direct contact

with a contaminated surface or by sneezing and coughing. The virus, she said, is heavy, and can be transferred through droplets from sneezing and coughing that can travel one-and-a-half to two metres.

“It’s important for people to keep a safe distance,” she said. “People who

have a cough should have masks over their mouths.”

Farzadfar said that any surface can carry the virus and when those surfaces are touched, the virus can make its way from there to the eyes, nose or mouth and easily get into the bloodstream, resulting in infection.

“It’ makes hand-washing the best thing to do,” she said. “Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, or, if you’re not able to do that, a quick way is to use hand sanitizer that is between 70 and 75 per cent alcohol.

Do what you can to sanitize.”

She said that those without symptoms or those who haven’t travelled should limit unnecessary trips out of the home.

“Don’t do it,” she said. “That has shown through the experiences of other countries. Heavily-involved areas, like Iran or Italy, show what happen if people don’t follow those cautions.”

She said that, on top of increasing risk factors, people leaving their homes make tracking the disease more difficult, which puts the healthcare system at risk.

“We ask people if they have travelled or come into contact with people who have travelled to isolate for 14 days,” she said. “We can lose tracking of the chain of transmission once people are out of their homes.”

She pointed to fatal cases where no direct link to the virus could be determined, like a man from Milton who had succumbed to the virus.

“The only way to control the virus right now is to prevent it from spreading,” she said, adding that “flattening the curve”, or preventing further infections, is paramount right

now. “If the curve peaks, there is no way a country can provide the thousands of intensive care beds, ventilators and equipment necessary.

There would be a high rate of mortality.”

She said everyone needs to take the virus seriously, especially those who may want to seek medical attention.

“Avoid visiting health providers if it’s not necessary,” she said. “Unless it’s an emergency, people with problems like chronic conditions should probably wait. It’s better to wait, based on the evidence, as people who come into contact with doctors, nurses and healthcare practitioners are more in risk of coming into contact with the virus.”

That said, Farzadfar is still operating her Friday clinic beside the Blyth Pharmacy.

“It was a tough decision to make, but we’re keeping it open for the sake of people who need to be seen, but don’t want to go to the hospital because of the higher risk,” she said.

“We’re trying our best to take precautions like... disinfecting surfaces constantly.”

Farzadfar reminds people that a self-assessment tool for COVID-19 is available to the public on the federal government’s website at www.canada.ca. Those without internet access or who are more comfortable speaking to a healthcare professional can also reach out to Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-7970000.

Before considering being tested, Farzadfar said, go through either the self-assessment or call Telehealth Ontario to be sure.

NH’s Sean McGhee announces his plans to retire

By Denny Scott The Citizen Just over two years after taking the position, North Huron Township’s Director of Public Works and Facilities Sean McGhee is retiring.

During North Huron Township Council’s March 16 meeting, McGhee tendered his notice of retirement after starting with the township on Oct. 16, 2017.

McGhee’s retirement becomes official Aug. 31, 2020.

Council received the notice with several councillors saying McGhee would be a tough act to follow. *** Councillor Chris Palmer wants more detailed minutes taken at North Huron’s regular council meetings.

During council’s March 16 meeting, Palmer said having more detail is an important aspect of the minutes, in his opinion.

“I found that the minutes lack a little detail at certain times,” he said, referring to council’s discussion of a proposed sand shed at the new North Huron facility in Blyth. “No less than three councillors were upset with the price of it.”

Palmer said the minutes reporting there was a “conversation” about the issue didn’t reflect those concerns.

“When there’s multiple councillors with a major comment, one or some should be mentioned,” he said.

No direct action was taken as a result of Palmer’s concerns. *** A presentation set to be made by the Blyth Festival was deferred due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

North Huron Council was to receive an update from Blyth

Festival representatives including an economic analysis of the impact the Festival has had on the surrounding area, however the presentation didn’t happen on March 16 as scheduled.

The presentation is set to be made to Huron County Council on April 1 if that meeting goes ahead. *** North Huron Township Council did not act on a letter from the Avon Maitland District School Board

seeking support in light of the ongoing job action.

Council received the letter on March 16, mere days before a tentative deal was reached between the provincial government and the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario.

Upon receipt, Councillor Chris Palmer said it wasn’t a municipality’s place to act on the letter, advising against drawing

battle lines governments.

with

upper-tier

*** Reeve Bernie Bailey is asking for support in convincing Huron County Council to build its new staff complex south of Blyth.

During North Huron Council’s March 16 meeting, he said the building represents a “once-in-threelifetimes” opportunity, and said the building should be close to the

centre of Huron County, not “on the coast.”

He said everyone should speak to any county representatives they know and encourage them to look towards the centre of the county.

Send submissions, letters and photos to info@northhuron.on.ca

Stay Home!

Stay Safe!

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

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020.

M-T finds savings on roller

By Denny Scott The Citizen

The best part of baking Mary Jane Scott and her mother Ashleigh have been baking up a storm during their time at home. (Photo submitted)

While most of Morris-Turnberry Council was pleased to hear that the municipality could save a significant amount of money on a gradermounted roller/packer, DeputyMayor Sharen Zinn questioned the need for the equipment.

The device packs down gravel as it’s graded, preventing dust and stone from flying up as vehicles travel. Similar devices had seldom seen use in the municipality until recently, as Director of Public Works Mike Alcock explained during council’s March 17 meeting when Zinn asked how long the municipality had been using them. “We had one years ago and it might have been homemade,� he said. “We weren’t sure where it came from. It didn’t really see much use until the last few years.�

Alcock explained that, after that, the municipality bought a used one and a new one, meaning all but one

of the municipality’s graders was using the device. “Is it necessary for all the graders to have one?� Zinn asked.

Alcock said it was desirable since the graders work independently of one another, not working in tandem. “If we have one on every [grader], every time we grade, we can pack,� he said.

Alcock said he was able to save the municipality $3,000 off the sticker price of a unit by buying a new model from last year. The total cost of $11,500 would be just over half of the $20,000 included in the draft budget for the purchase.

Zinn wasn’t convinced it was necessary, asking why the units with roller/packer devices couldn’t move throughout the municipality, alternating where they are to service the entire municipality.

Alcock said that could be done but would undoubtedly result in dust and stones becoming a problem. “It’s a great deal, but I don’t think we need to buy new equipment,�

Zinn said. “I thought we were trying

to cut back. That’s my feeling on it.�

Councillor Kevin Freiburger asked what impact the devices have on the municipality’s gravel budget, asking Alcock if he was confident there was a savings to be had.

Alcock said that, alongside keeping dust and stones down, it does prevent gravel from leaving the roadway, saving money in the long term.

However, as part of a subsequent presentation, Alcock said that the municipality wouldn’t see a financial savings on gravel, but would be ordering less gravel.

He explained that gravel tenders were coming in 15 per cent higher than they had two years ago so the council wouldn’t see the price of gravel go down, just how much the municipality was using.

Mayor Jamie Heffer pointed out that, without a designed packer, the municipality is relying on traffic to keep the roads packed which doesn’t have the same effect.

Council gave pre-budget approval to the purchase.

C. Huron approves quadruplex despite concerns

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Central Huron Council has approved the development and construction of a quadruplex on Base Line just north of Clinton aimed at seniors and retired residents.

The applicants, Wendy Armstrong-Gibson and Deb Falconer, proposed the development as a place for their parents, Jim and Carol Armstrong, who currently live just north of Blyth, to live as they get older and their needs change. The development, however, was hotly contested, with several letters and speakers addressing the development both for and against the quadruplex.

Armstrong-Gibson and Falconer spoke to the proposal at Central Huron Council’s March 16 meeting, saying it was the perfect time for

such a development with the need for housing reaching a fever pitch in Huron County.

Armstrong-Gibson and Falconer merged two properties on Base Line in order to move towards development of the quadruplex, saying that with the need for seniors housing, their parents could live in one of the units and they could rent the other three to residents. She told council that very early in the process the other three units were already rented with a waiting list, further demonstrating the need and enthusiasm for the project.

Furthermore, Armstrong-Gibson detailed numerous conversations she and her sister had with local real estate agents who said a seniors’ quadruplex would not decrease the value of neighbouring properties, but would, in fact, increase them.

Armstrong-Gibson also said it was important in developing the project that those who live in the building have good neighbours and that they, themselves, also be good neighbours, so it was important to them to be on good terms with those living close to the potential development.

Several Central Huron residents had written letters in favour of the development, saying it was needed in Central Huron and greater Huron County. They also said they were encouraged by the design models and thought it would represent a positive addition to the community.

Jane Groves, for example, said the development would be very appealing and would add to the community. In fact, she said, she’d perhaps like to live there one day in the future.

Neighbours, however, criticized the correspondence and those at the meeting speaking on behalf of the quadruplex. Laurie Henderson said those in favour of the project didn’t live on the street or in the vicinity, whereas those who lived near the development were nearly universally opposed to it for a number of reasons. She also said it didn’t fit in with the existing homes in the neighbourhood, all of which are single-family dwellings on sizable lots. Instead of a quadruplex for seniors, she said, it would have been nice if the two lots hadn’t been merged and two young families could have moved to the community.

Council, however, advised Henderson that the two properties had already merged in February and that process was now complete.

Some neighbours said they were unaware that had happened and expressed their disappointment, saying the lots began as merged and a former owner had spent a large amount of money working to divide them into separate lots.

Huron County Planner Monica Walker-Bolton told council she was recommending approval of the development, saying it would add needed housing and diversity into the community at a time when it’s greatly needed.

Council agreed with WalkerBolton and passed the zoning bylaw amendment allowing the development. Several of the neighbours opposed to the development were visibly and audibly distressed by the decision, giving verbal notice that they planned to appeal the ruling.

Local Coverage Where You Work, Play & Live

Good Employees are hard to find

ll a F the l i t n u d e n o p Post Catch up on sports, shopping deals, restaurants, events, new businesses, politics, job openings, homes for sale, cars for sale and more with your local newspaper which is also available online!

Subscribe Today!

The Citizen

$ #)' ) ) #! ( ) ) & ) ")# ) $)$ )

" ) " "() " ) () ) )

)!" #) " )$ #) % " # ) & $)' ) ) " $ )$ ) % $() & $" ) %" )

# !#+ & !+ + & # ! + !+ &!#+ + + + + +! * + !+ &"+ +!& % + (+ ) + + !+' + + + $& + +! +

In Print & Online 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114

huroncitizen.ca

$ #) ) ) & " ) ") )$ ) #$) $)! $ ) $ #$) ) " ) " "() ) $" ) $ ) " ) )

)

CALL FOR ENTRIES NOW OPEN

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

Place an ad in our classified section in

The Citizen

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020. PAGE 13.

519-523-4311

www.ruralvoice.ca

Agriculture

BLYTH 519-523-4244 www.hurontractor.com

Brussels Livestock report

Fed steers, heifers sell actively at sale Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending March 20 were 1,629 cattle and 915 lambs and goats.

On Tuesday fed steers and heifers sold actively on an easier market.

Choice steers and heifers sold $140 to $150. Second cut steers and heifers sold $100 to $132. Cows sold on a strong active trade at prices $5 to $10 higher. On Thursday veal sold on a strong active trade at prices $10 to $20 higher. Lambs sold on a strong active trade at steady prices.

Sheep sold steady and goats sold slightly higher. On Friday calves and yearlings sold actively at prices $5 to $10 higher than last week’s sale with plain and unvaccinated calves selling easier.

Sue Gethke of Bornholm, consigned five head that averaged 1,426 lbs. and sold for an average price of $138.39. One limousin steer weighed 1,515 lbs. and sold for $150. Bill Scott of Harriston,

consigned four head that averaged 1,598 lbs. and sold for an average price of $127.05. One gold steer weighed 1,555 lbs. and sold for $145. Kash Lang of Walkerton, consigned six head that averaged 1,344 lbs. and sold for an average price of $134.41. One gold steer weighed 1,415 lbs. and sold for $145.

There were 250 cows on offer.

Beef sold $80 to $90 with sales to $96.50; D1, $83 to $88 with sales to $96; D2, $76 to $82; D3 and 4, $65 to $75. Alton Century Farms of Lucknow, consigned one red cow that weighed 1,760 lbs. and sold for $96.50. Tony and Joanne Los of Atwood, consigned one holstein cow that weighed 1,945 lbs. and sold for $96.

There were five bulls selling $90 to $103. Jeff Hayter of Varna, consigned one red bull that weighed 1,195 lbs. and sold for $103.

There were 150 head of veal on

offer. Beef veal sold $150 to $180 with sales to $197; good holsteins, $138 to $152 with sales to $158; SL heavy holsteins, $130 to $140 with sales to $144; heavy holsteins, $120 to $125 with sales to $128; medium holsteins, $115 to $130.

Reuben S. Martin of Wallenstein, consigned five head that averaged 860 lbs. and sold for an average price of $183.65. One blonde steer weighed 860 lbs. and sold for $197.

Josh Bennewies of Bornholm, consigned six head that averaged 705 lbs. and sold for an average price of $158. One holstein steer weighed 715 lbs. and sold for $158.

Jesse J. E. Rudolph of Seaforth, consigned three holstein steers that averaged 728 lbs. and sold for an average price of $152. One holstein steer weighed 725 lbs. sold for $155.

Lambs under 50 lbs. sold $390 to $400; 50 - 64 lbs., $364 to $406; 65 - 79 lbs., $347 to $362; 80 - 94 lbs., $325 to $336; 95 - 109 lbs., $306 to

$350; 110 lbs. and over, $275 to $320.

Sheep sold $125 to $244.

Goats: billies sold $150 to $250; nannies, $100 to $200; kids: meat, $350 to $460; dairy, $220 to $367.

Dennis McEwen of Monkton, consigned nine head. Seven lambs averaged 53 lbs. and sold for an average price of $406. Ian MacLean of Appin, consigned 12 head. Six lambs averaged 104 lbs. and sold for an average price of $336.

Top quality stocker steers under 400 lbs. sold $202 to $212; 400 - 499 lbs., $188 to $204; 500 - 599 lbs., $219 to $228; 600 - 699 lbs., $203 to $214.50; 700 - 799 lbs., $188 to $197.25; 800 - 899 lbs., $178 to $188.75; 900 - 999 lbs., $170 to $175.50; 1,000 lbs. and over, $158 to $168.

Top quality stocker heifers, 400 499 lbs. sold $167 to $170; 500 - 599 lbs., $172 to $184; 600 - 699 lbs., $166 to $179; 700 - 799 lbs., $148 to

Cranbrook Dart Club wraps up season PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

It is a time of uncertainty for everyone. Panic buying even hit the grocery store in Brussels, with folks never seen before in the store swooping in to buy out toilet paper and antibacterial wipes. Empty shelves abounded after the weekend and the multitude of customers.

Good for the store, bad for the residents of Brussels. Don’t forget to check on your elderly neighbours to see if they need anything from the store when you have to go. Shop locally. Observe the distancing rules.

Sanitize carts and carry your own hand sanitizer. They are our friends and neighbours that are putting themselves out there to serve you during this crisis. Thank a nurse and support your local health workers, even if on social media or by phone, don’t panic, stay in if you can and hopefully we will get through this.

Our sympathies are extended to the family of the late Doreen Hackwell, on her passing. She will be missed by her husband of 62 years, Merton. She will be lovingly missed by her sons Blaine and Craig and their families including four grandchildren. Doreen was a lovely lady who had a career in teaching.

Raising a family on the farm, she found time to tutor many of the Walton youth. A hard worker at home and in the community of the former Walton Duff’s Church, she struggled with health issues in her later years. She had made her home at Huronlea for the past several years. Our condolences to all.

The birthday girls of Brussels managed to get in their birthday party for March before the restaurants were closed down as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

They gathered at JR’s for the March birthday girls, Jane Hall and special girl Dale Chesher celebrating her 80th. The roast beef dinner was enjoyed by Ester, Betty and Lois McCutcheon, Bev Palmer, Isabel Wheeler, Audrey Cardiff, Betty Campbell, Sandra Clark, Alice Marks, Merle Cousins, Nora Stephenson and Jean Davidson.

Happy birthday ladies!

The Cranbrook Darts had 17 players out to play on March 11. It was the team of Lucas Keffer and Peter Lefor claiming five games, as did Gayle Speiran and George Zwep. Annette Lewington took high-lady honours hitting 87 and Murray Keffer hitting 113 for the high man.

The members of the club decided to cancel the remaining dart nights, as it was the most responsible thing to do because of COVID-19. In the end, the club had 23 darters over the course of their shortened year. The high scorers for the season included Gayle Speiran hitting 127, Thea Rijkhof hitting 114 and Annette Lewington hitting 108. The high scorers for the men were Brad Speiran and Rob VanderVeen tied with 133, Martin Boettcher with 132 and Steve Bowers hitting 118.The group welcomed new members Gerry and Thea Rijkhof, who enjoyed their short time playing.

The group was sad to quit early, but it is for the best. They hope everyone stays healthy and they are anxious to see everyone return next year!

Our sympathies are extended to the Johnston family on the passing of Glen “Red” Johnston. He will be missed by his children Scott, Barbara and Karen and their families. Glen was a farmer through and through and loved to work on the land and in the barn. He loved to dance and I can remember many times at dances, Glen would dance with one and all. He will be missed by sister Shirley Nicholson, Murray and Audrey Johnston and Bessie Johnston. Our condolences to all.

We are happy to see many people are staying home and self-isolating

to help control the spread of the virus. Let’s look at the positive side of staying home. This is a great time for connecting with your children, playing games, learning to read stories, practising their writing, math skills, etc. There are many free websites on the computer to access for the above subjects. Be creative and make crafts. I picked up the game Trouble from Enchanted Minds and my grandchildren and I are having lots of fun learning to play together. If you are only adults at home, it’s a great time to get spring cleaning done or how about going through those drawers, cupboards, closets or those spaces that tend to hoard stuff that you look at maybe once a year. I managed to get through one set of cupboards on the weekend.

The winter clothes closet is next.

The snow on Monday morning made me think twice, but it will not stay, so washing up hats, mitts, coats and putting them away for the summer is happening. Maybe you had a little renovating planned that you want to do – stripping wallpaper, painting or rearranging furniture. Luckily, we have McDonald Lumber still open to help you out. Lots of things to do alone or together with your spouse.

Of course, there is just sitting back and relaxing, reading a book, watching old movies, calling old friends or just touching base with your neighbours.

Celebrating birthdays this past week includes siblings Keith Wilbee and Carol Henderson, Geoffrey Bauer, Alyssa Coleman, John Gillis, Kennedy Ann Huether, Cathy Regele, Brandi Williamson, Randal Linton, Dave Watson, Kerissa Eckert, John Van Vliet, Ashley Hoegy and Wyatt Dale. Happy birthday to all.

$162; 800 - 899 lbs., $152 to $168; 900 lbs. and over, $144 to $160.50.

Stewart Farms of Douglas, consigned 150 head that averaged 802 lbs. and sold for an average price of $173.43. Nineteen gold steers averaged 804 lbs. and sold for an average price of $188.75. Sixteen gold steers averaged 903 lbs. and sold for an average price of $175.25.

Ibra Martin of Mount Forest, consigned 173 steers that averaged 963 lbs. and sold for an average price of $169.02. Eighteen black steers averaged 909 lbs. and sold for an average price of $175.50. Thirty black steers averaged 1,002 lbs. and sold for an average price of $166.25.

Ephraim S. Weber of Holyrood, consigned 19 heifers that averaged 952 lbs. and sold for an average price of $156.51. Thirteen charolais heifers averaged 947 lbs. and sold for an average price of $160.50.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 9:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

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

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

Call us 519-887-6461

Keep up with the latest agri-businesses and the best of rural living!

Rural Voice January 2020

The

THE MAGAZINE OF AGRICULTURAL LIFE ... $2.50 PM 40037593

$20 for 12 issues

$35

PROTECTING FARMERS Animal Protection Zones in proposed new legislation will protect farmers, animals and food safety from trespassers

for 24 issues

SING AND SWING Mixing education with fun, Junior Farmers compete for prizes at provincial sing swing event in Grey County

TOSSED TO THE SIDE

Please make cheques payable to North Huron Publishing Inc.

T.J. Klopp shares his healing journey after tractor accident in documentary on farm safety

The magazine of Agricultural Life

NEWS FROM WALTON

Subscribe Today

www.ruralvoice.ca The Rural Voice 405 Queen St., P.O. Box 429 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020.

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

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

Articles for sale EXTRA LEAN GROUND BEEF and steaks – also halves and quarters available in bulk. Phone 519-3577678.

13-3 -------------------------------------------GERBERS FIREWOOD SERVING you for over 10 years. Your number one source of quality slabwood and bodywood. Delivery available. No Sunday calls. 519-656-2057, 519441-2085.

01-50p -------------------------------------------REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. All are in colour. 4x6 – $5.00, 5x7 – $6.00, 8x10 – $10.00. Phone to order 519523-4792 or 519-887-9114. tfn -------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AVAILABLE TO purchase at these locations – Auburn Co-op, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Bulk & Bargains, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, JR’s, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Walton Inn, Dean’s ValuMart in Wingham, Wingham Mini Mart, Brown’s Pharmasave, Wingham. Seaforth Foodland, GT Mini Mart in Seaforth, Fincher’s in Goderich and The Citizen Blyth.

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

11&13p -------------------------------------------SPRING VENDOR MARKET – Saturday, March 28 at St. Ambrose Church, Brussels, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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

Everyone is welcome!

11-3p

ED CANCELL

ED

CANCELL

In memoriams

Help wanted

CRAIG. In loving memory of Don Craig who passed away 13 years ago March 31, 2007.

Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and ever dear.

Your memory is our keepsake, With which we will never part, God has you in His keeping, We have you in our hearts.

– Always lovingly remembered by Marilyn, David, Deb, Fred, Jon and Quinton Hakkers, Doug and Jamie Craig, Heidi, Kyle and Austin Martin.

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

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

– Love, Bessie and family.

13-1

Citizen-ToCitizen

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

Help wanted HELP WANTED

=

Watershed Monitoring Assistant (contract position)

Huron Pioneer Thresher & Hobby Association Inc. is currently seeking a part-time Treasurer, reporting to the Board of Directors. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications: • Education in bookkeeping /accounting with work-related experience • Proficient in Microsoft Office / Quickbooks • understanding of preparing and interpreting financial statements • Experience with government filings, bill payments, computer cheques, cash handling, bank deposits & reconciliations • Strong attention to detail

=

Planning and Regulations Student Assistant (summer position)

This is a paid/honorarium position; salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience. This position will allow the successful applicant to work from home, with the requirement to attend meetings and be present during our annual show.

Maitland Conservation is accepting applications for two positions:

Visit www.mvca.on.ca or call 519-335-3557 ext. 223 for the job description and application details.

Notice

We invite candidates to submit their application to info@hptha.com by May 15th.

We appreciate all those who apply, however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Tenders

Tenders

Municipality of Huron East

FIRST INSTALLMENT OF INTERIM TAXES

“SWAP SHOP” ad

Property owners are reminded that the due date for the first installment of interim taxes is March 31, 2020

“One person’s junk is another’s treasure”

P. Michiels Finance Manager-Treasurer Municipality of Huron East 519-527-0160

Let us help you

Personals

turn that junk into $$

Quotes For Grass Cutting 2020/2021 • Grass cutting along approx. 175 kms of rural road in former Hullett Township and approx. 155 kms of rural roads in former Goderich Township • Must specify equipment. Preference will be given to flail mowers • Contractor must supply Certificate of Insurance and Workmen’s Compensation Number • Submit quote to info@centralhuron.com by 12:00 pm, March 27, 2020 • Visit www.centralhuron.com/tenders for quote form and more information

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

CALL 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 info@northhuron.on.ca

POST ABORTION HEALING. Are you suffering from the emotional aftermath of an abortion?

For support and healing please call Project Rachel at their confidential number 1-888-355-1110. e6w

➨ Free ad up to 25 words, person to person only (no businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less.

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

To place your classified ad in

The Citizen

Services

Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca

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

Help wanted

FOR SALE – JVC 32" TV FREE - works good; Mobility hub for internet Model ZTE MF275R, works with Bell or Rogers, $100 o.b.o.; Stihl 034 chainsaw, works well, extra bar and chains, $250.

519-523-4711.

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

11-3

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

Call Kurt Beuerman 519-525-0538 or 519-523-9234 (home).

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

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

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

www.huroncitizen.ca

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020. PAGE 15.

Morris-Turnberry eyes four per cent spending hike The final draft of the MorrisTurnberry budget was presented to council at its March 17 meeting and will be considered at council’s next meeting.

The budget, which includes a four per cent levy increase to the municipal rate, totalling a 1.07 per cent increase when blended with education and Huron County rates, went through some changes recently with higher-than-expected expenses

in 2019 and had some surprises for council in terms of expenses.

If passed with the above increases, an average residential property in the municipality, assessed at $200,000 in 2019, would pay $2,895.94 per year, an increase of 5.95 per cent after an updated assessment.

Councillor Jamie McCallum was a little shocked at the cost for Ontario Provincial Police coverage in the

municipality going up over 10 per cent.

Treasurer Sean Brophy explained that yes, that was accurate, however it wasn’t the full story. The increase of $36,780, totalling $519,812, up from $483,036, includes $30,300 in reconciliation charges. He explained that the municipality pays a flat fee of expected coverage then reconciles the total cost later. A significant portion of the increase was reconciliation.

Mayor Jamie Heffer asked if the municipality could change the way

it’s charged and pay more on a regular basis to avoid reconciliation, however Brophy said the arrangement is dictated by the OPP. McCallum wanted staff to cut the increase in half, increasing the municipal levy by only two per cent.

Such a change, Brophy said, would result in a blended 0 per cent tax increase, however $76,000 would need to be cut from the budget.

Deputy-Mayor Sharen Zinn felt that wasn’t the way to go, however.

“I think we have to remember we didn’t increase much over the past

two years,” she said. “I think we’re getting behind. If we don’t do an increase, we’ll be so far behind, we’ll have a gigantic [shortfall] next year.”

She said the four per cent increase wasn’t significant when compared with increases in other years.

Earlier, however, Zinn had said the municipality needs to do a better job of sticking to the budget and not engage in unplanned spending.

The budget will be brought back to a future council meeting for final adoption.

COVID-19 closes HE facilities

Men on a mission Eight-year-old Ryker, left, and seven-year-old Cooper DeWit in Brussels have put their imaginations to use during their time at home due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Whether it’s a Nerf gun commando or the well-known Spider-Man, these two were ready for action and adventure if it came their way. (Photo submitted)

Huron East Council has closed all of its municipal facilities in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. The decision was made at council’s March 17 meeting, which was still open to the public due to adoption of the 2020 budget.

Chief Administrative Officer Brad Knight began his presentation saying it had been an “interesting” number of days at the municipal office in Seaforth in the days leading up to a near shutdown of the province.

He said there had been extensive discussion at various levels of government, including a pair of conference calls with Huron County and direction from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) to close public buildings until March 31.

Before being directed by the provincial government to do so, Knight said closing the community centres and recreational facilities was a very difficult call, knowing it would affect several private parties and the Brussels Optimist Club’s annual spring dinner and auction, but he said it was the right thing to do.

The municipality has since temporarily laid off the staff at the Vanastra daycare when it was closed at the end of the day on Friday, March 13. Impressively, Knight

said, the staff came in on Monday on their own time and cleaned the facility from top to bottom, which council commended.

Some staff at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre have been working on painting in the building. That had been planned before the outbreak of COVID-19, Knight said, so the timing for that project has actually been convenient.

As for the municipality’s public works department, Knight said it really is business as usual, with the exception of a directive to staff to limit their interaction with members of the public and to exercise social distancing when out on the street.

However, he said, much of public works operations involve one employee in a truck working independently, so there isn’t much risk in that line of work for Huron East.

The municipal office is now closed, Knight said, and a dropbox system has been implemented for those wishing to pay their taxes in person. There is an entire setup in the front lobby of the closed-to-thepublic office where residents can drop off cheques and a table at which they can fill them out.

Staff will be in the office, Knight said, but it will be closed to the public.

Knight said staff had also been receiving calls about the potential cancellation of waste removal and recycling services, but those services should continue uninterrupted, he said.

For the time being, Waste Management and the Bluewater Recycling Association are both persisting, though Knight acknowledged that staffing could become a concern in the weeks to come.

If that were to be the case, he said, Huron East is in a unique position to serve residents in that there is a landfill in Walton, so something could be arranged for residents if the waste removal and recycling services were to cease.

In a proactive move, unsure of how long the pandemic would be an issue, Knight recommended that council cancel the April 7 council meeting. He said there are a number of planning matters scheduled for that meeting he felt should be shifted to the April 21 meeting.

Making the decision at the March 17 meeting, Knight said, would give him enough time to advertise the change in local newspapers and advise those involved of the shift.

Council approved the cancellation of the April 7 meeting, shifting all business to the April 21 meeting.

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020.

From the Minister’s Study

‘No Fear’ is for more than just t-shirts

By Rick Packer Brussels Community Bible Chapel “No Fear” was a t-shirt slogan years ago advocating extreme sports.

No fear is a recurring theme in the Bible too. According to my concordance, the word fear occurs 367 times in the New King James version of the Bible. Once for every day of the year including a leap year.

A common phrase is do not fear.

This phrase occurs 51 times in my concordance, or about once a week.

Well that certainly gives relevancy to the Bible this week. Fear of no toilet paper has become a big fear. The real underlying fear for people this week is death, with prosperity and happiness and a possible depression undergirding all this.

Throughout history, fear has been a recurring theme: just look at the 20th century: fear from two World Wars – over 100 million dead, fear of concentration camps, fear of Stalin and Mao over – 100 million dead, fear in 1918 from the Spanish flu – 50 million dead and centuries earlier fear of Black Death… over 75 million dead. The main source of fear is death and the Bible says sin is the reason we have death. So, death came into the world through sin. But sin and death were conquered for us

by Jesus Christ.

So how can we have hope in all this fear? The Bible does offer a sure hope. Faith or belief in a future no matter what happens is a Christian’s hope. Our hope is heaven, our hope is eternal life, our hope is in the resurrection. Our hope comes through faith in God who became a man. Our hope is based on the fact that Jesus conquered death by rising from the dead. Our hope of no judgment rests on the fact that Jesus lived a perfect life for me and took my judgment upon himself. A good trade, His righteousness for my sin. I have no fear when Judgement Day comes because of the cross where my sins were paid for. Jesus set me free from the power of death.

Heb 2:14-15: …“he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

Fear is a good thing when it moves us to avoiding harm. Fear will cause social distancing, fear will cause us to wash our hands, fear will make us careful so we do not die. Fear makes us think about death and God before it is too late.

Fear has played a big role in my life; fear of world war during the 1990 Gulf war caused me to start reading the Bible at 32 years of age, I was an atheist/agnostic. As I read the Bible, I realized that the Bible had some relevancy as mentioned above. I came to have no fear of death in December, 1990 when I realized and believed that Jesus conquered death for me. My faith in eternal life, the resurrection and in Jesus Christ became real. I have a hope now that nobody can take from me.

This hope has been tested many times over the years. The testing has only caused greater faith in Jesus, and my eternal future. Over the years, like many people, I have had many trials and will have many more. We have experienced a barn fire, a tornado, death of loved parents and personal health issues.

These tests are designed to draw us to trust the only One who knows the future.

One test came in the last month and it was not the Coronavirus.

Recently, I had some severe and unusual headaches which were different than the migraines I have suffered from all my life. Instead of going to the hospital immediately, I made an appointment with a doctor.

The resulting CAT scans showed, I have two aneurismal bulges in my head. Thankfully, a lumbar puncture showed no blood in my spinal fluid so my potential risk of death went from high to much lower – about the same risk as death from Coronavirus.

Faith in Jesus produced hope for the future and reduced fear in me which had the effect of showing me and others the reality of what I believe. I had peace and no fear in the face of a trial because of my faith in the resurrection and what Jesus did for me.

My mom recently died following a struggle with fibrosis of the lung and COPD. She basically died like a Coronavirus fatality will, but it took much longer. Her faith in a future hope allowed her to often say the last year of her life was the best year. Yet it was the most difficult.

She experienced the reality of Psalm 23. Psalm 24:4: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

I hope you might consider the evidence for the resurrection and overcome our fear of death. Think about it today. Investigate the legal historical evidence of the resurrection. Consider reading Josh McDowell’s, “More than a Carpenter” or the Gospel of John.

You might be surprised at the legal and historical evidence for faith in

The Regional Ministry of Hope All Anglican churches are closed for public worship until April 8th See our Facebook page 10:30 am Sunday mornings for a live broadcast Rev. JoAnn Todd, Rector 519-357-7781 email: revjoann@hurontel.on.ca The­Regional­Ministry­of­ Hope

Trinity

St. John’s

BLYTH

BRUSSELS

9:00 am

12 noon

Fear not because God has conquered death for those who believe and trust Him.

Welcome Your New Arrival in

The Citizen

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

Church Services are cancelled until further notice Video sermons available on YouTube by searching “Blyth Christian Reformed Church”

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

St. Paul’s Trinity

WINGHAM

10:30 am

COME WORSHIP WITH US!

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship Due to the COVID-19 circumstances there will be no services until further notice.

Please check back each week of any change to schedule.

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

Jesus. We will all eventually walk through the valley of the shadow of death and we need to receive the “Peace that transcends all understanding.”

Isa 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

In this present trial that has come upon the world, live unselfishly, like Jesus demonstrated. (Philippians 2:3-4) Wash your hands, care for others, share your toilet paper supply and think about and prepare for eternity.

Worship Service: 10:00 am Coffee Time: 11:15 am Sunday School, all ages - 11:30 am

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

MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS Due to COVID-19 weekly church services are cancelled until further notice.

Stay safe and healthy!

Brussels Soup and More 2 is cancelled until further notice.

519-887-6687

BRUSSELS

United Church Due to the COVID-19 the weekly service will be cancelled until further notice.

Please watch this ad for updates.

Blyth United Church Due to the COVID-19 Virus the church building is closed.

Please join Rev. Gary Clark on YouTube “Forest Hill United Church Kitchener” for the Sunday Service Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224

THE CATHOLIC PARISHES OF NORTH HURON AND NORTH PERTH

OUR SUNDAY LITURGIES ARE

CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Evangelical Missionary Church Visit HuronChapel.com for VIDEO SERMONS posted weekly!

March 29 - Pastor Ernest Dow, “What Cure for this Sin-sick Planet?” (Rom.3:9ff) Suspended for now due to COVID-19: gathering for Sunday School / Worship, Midweek Programs Contact a LifeGroup for local fellowship

** Let us know how we can be praying for you / practical needs ** huronchapel.com huronchapelkids.com huronchapelyouth.com 519-526-1131 ~ 119 John’s Ave., Auburn

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

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

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

1025 Wallace Avenue N.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020. PAGE 17.

Breath of Spring tickets to be honoured in 2021 PEOPLE AROUND LONDESBORO

By BRENDA RADFORD Call 523-4296

So, how was your first week of isolation? Seems when life is busy, we wish we had more time. Now we have it and are restless and can’t seem to settle. We think about all the things we could or should do but can’t take the first steps. Perhaps because it is a forced thing and not by choice. And maybe the next week will be easier. Take hope. By the time you read this we will, hopefully, be halfway through this self-isolation stage.

At least we have had more bright days than dreary ones, which always is a lift to the spirits. A walk is a

good remedy for the anxiousness one may be feeling about being shut in. Or, as my mother used to say to my sister and I, go out and blow off the cobwebs. And you are not likely to come into contact with others. The snow and ice are no longer an issue for walking. I even did a few hours of lawn raking; something else to occupy the mind and get away from the news for at least a little while.

But rest and rejuvenate now and be ready for the busy that comes with warmer weather.

Another piece of news related to the virus piece of news is from the organizers of Seaforth’s annual Breath of Spring. Tickets purchased for the 2020 April event that has been cancelled will be honoured in the spring of 2021. So next year that ticket will seem like a gift from COVID-19.

So one evening this week I picked up the book, One True Thing by Anna Quindlen to read. There was a motion picture made of this book starring Meryl Streep and Renee

Zellweger. Perhaps you know it. The book was published in 1994. The main character was accused of killing her mother and used the expression at one point of “going up the river”. I was interested to know exactly what that meant so I turned to Google again. It is a heartbreaking story of a mother dying of cancer.

Quite introspective and probably one of the earliest books that hinted at “mercy killing”.

Seems “going up the river” means going to jail. The expression was first used to mean going to SingSing Prison. Sing-Sing was located on the Hudson River about 30 miles north [up] of New York City. But it came to mean going to any jail.

Another related expression is “going down the river”. This expression refers to a profound betrayal when used today. It means to keep something secret until the last minute – such as a factory layoff.

The expression dates back to the middle of the 18th century. It alludes

to the sale of slaves down the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers to be sold into slave labour in the southern United States. It was seen as a death sentence.

As spring approached I was in touch with Paul McIntyre of Burnside Associates regarding the work on the Pollard Drain. There are just a few more details, but things are looking as though the widening will happen this summer. One thing he disclosed was that a better alternative for disposing of the debris the work will produce has been found. That means that assessments will be better for everyone affected.

One of the first things I read in the Clinton News-Record each week is the page prepared by David Yates.

David was a high school history teacher with a passion for the history of Huron County. Each week his space reflects that. Last week’s page dealt with the Spanish influenza of 1918.

It was quite interesting in light of

what is happening around the world.

The measures taken to stop the spread a century ago are not unlike those being taken now.

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

Business Directory - COMPLETE MECHANICAL SERVICE COMPUTERIZED TUNE-UPS - TIRES - BRAKES MUFFLERS - VEHICLE INSPECTION STATION

COME IN AND VISIT YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD PHARMASAVE

BROWN’S PHARMASAVE

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

DAN'S AUTO REPAIR Owned and Operated by Dan & Heather Snell

198 Josephine St., Wingham, Ont. 519-357-1629

Ph: 519-529-7212 Fax: 519-529-3277 Email: info@smythwelding.com

RR 3, Blyth, Ont. N0M 1H0

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 - 6 Sat. 9 - 4 Rear Parking Available

Snowblowers, Land Rollers, Stone Windrowers, Sweepers, Crimper Rollers, Quick Attach Buckets & Woodsplitters.

Full Machine Shop & Repair Services

(on the Westfield Rd.)

Easy Prescription Transfer

PAUL COOK ELECTRIC Home, Farm & Commercial Wiring

Send your paperwork by FAX instantly! eg. statements, contracts, auction ads, favourite recipes, obituaries, messages...

The Citizen has a FAX machine in our Blyth office that lets you contact any other FAX machine in the world ... instantly.

Our FAX number is also your number so if you want to be reached instantly — we will receive your messages as well.

The Citizen Call Us Today For Details 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114

519-357-1537

Fax: 519-523-9140

Bernard Enterprises Authorized dealer for

DAN SNELL,

Automotive Technician

519-523-4356

Dave Franken CONCRETE FORMING For All Your Concrete Needs!

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

Affordable Haircuts/Colouring Highlights/Perms Ionic Detox Foot Spa Manicures & Pedicures Shellac Nails 2 Tanning Beds

fridge carts - piano dollysmoving blankets

Complete Selection of Cars Our rates qualify for insurance replacement

Passenger Vans full size or mini

306 Josephine St., Wingham

GODERICH TOYOTA

The Citizen 405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

519-357-3894

519-524-9381 1-800-338-1134

Take time to check out our great selection of books.

Perfect for all ages and all occasions.

541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114

Call

519-524-0253 Open every Friday

CAR AND TRUCK RENTALS

344 Huron Rd. GODERICH

NEW CONSTRUCTION AGRICULTURAL RENOVATIONS RESIDENTIAL

The Blyth Walk-In Clinic

Large & Small Trucks

Central Boiler Classic Outdoor Wood Furnaces, Edge Outdoor Wood Furnaces & Maxim Wood Pellet and Corn Burners Gasification units available Inquire about our new edges Carman Bernard RR #4 Brussels centralboiler.com

www.smythwelding.com

INSTANT FAX AS FAST AS A PHONE

BELGRAVE

519-887-6405

Free delivery in Wingham & surrounding area

9:30 am to 5:30 pm with Family Physician Dr. Farahnaz Farzadfar

226-532-9500

BLYTH PHARMACY Easy prescription transfers * Get your flu shot here

Monday to Friday 9 am - 6 pm Free Delivery Ph: 226-256-8383 Fax: 226-256-8503

442 Queen St., Blyth, ON

Lakeside

SHELVING & RACKING

Large instock selection of pallet racking, store shelving, display cases and more for Industrial, Residential, Farm & Retail www.lakesideshelving.com lakesidemarket@gmail.com 33842 Market Rd., North of Goderich, off Hwy. 21

519-524-1740

Excavating

Drainage

• Excavating • Bulldozing • Backhoeing • Sand & Gravel

• Farm Drainage installation & repair • Specializing in small acreage jobs & problem areas

“Working Together To Build You a Better Farm.”

74300 Goshen Line Zurich, ON N0M 2T0

Call 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 to book your spot today!

Zurich: 519-263-6400 Goderich: 519-524-1400 hayterex@gmail.com

PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020.

There was an old lady of Blyth Who slipped and fell on her side This vile orange peel My fate will yet seal Said this heavy old lady of Blyth from the London Advertiser December 8, 1882 405 Queen St., Blyth

#ThrowbackThursday

Leadership in energy and environmental design

Devon Henry 84772 McDonald Line • Box 616 • Brussels

devonjhenry@hotmail.com 519-505-2473

blythrepositoryofhistory.ca

The Citizen, March 11, 2010

The Citizen, March 18, 2010

The Citizen, March 7, 2019

The Citizen, March 21, 2019

The Citizen, March 4, 2010

Every week The Citizen combs through photos from past issues of The Citizen, The Blyth Standard and The Brussels Post going back decades to post our #Throwback Thursday albums on Facebook. Check them out!

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020. PAGE 19.

‘Wettlaufer’ play coming to London’s Grand Theatre

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

‘In the Wake of Wettlaufer’ The Blyth Festival’s original production ‘In the Wake of Wettlaufer’ is set to open at London’s Grand Theatre this year. (Terry Manzo photo)

While London’s Grand Theatre 2019/2020 is suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak, some Blyth Festival fans may have noticed some familiar stories as the theatre announced its 2020/2021 season.

The season will begin with Barnum, a tale about circus pioneer P.T. Barnum, as the theatre’s high school project.

While the play has no direct connections to the Blyth Festival, it’s less than one year since the Festival produced Sean Dixon’s Jumbo, the tale of Jumbo the elephant, owned by Barnum, and his untimely death just north of London, Ontario.

Barnum runs from Sept. 10-20, 2020 off-site at the Western Fair during the fair.

In the Wake of Wettlaufer, the controversial show commissioned and produced by the Festival in last year’s season, will be produced in January. It will run from Jan. 19-31, 2021 on the Spriet Stage.

It will star accomplished Canadian actor R.H. Thomson and be directed

by Megan Watson, an Ottawa native who is the Apprentice Artistic Director/Artistic Associate of the Grand Theatre.

Critchlow takes on marketing at Festival

By Denny Scott The Citizen

New face The Blyth Festival recently announced the hiring of Elyse Critchlow as marketing and development manager. (Courtesy photo)

Elyse Critchlow has been hired as the marketing and development manager for the Blyth Festival.

Critchlow, who hails from Leamington, has travelled the globe, living in England and South Korea and now lives in Listowel. She started with the Festival earlier this month.

She says she found the position attractive because, during her travel, she worked in the arts and felt like it was time she got back into it.

“I worked at the Birmingham Hippodrome in the United Kingdom and loved it, so this will be the second time I’ve been in the arts,” she said.

Critchlow most recently worked for the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo and said she was happy for the change of pace.

Have something worth celebrating?

Have an idea to help other parents weather self-isolation or a fun photo showing your children making the best of it?

Share it with reporter@northhuron.on.ca and you might end up in the newspaper!

Happy 50th to a wonderful wife, mom and grandma!

We love you Cindy Lou!

The “Vow” Factor Wedding Package

Happy Birth Grandm day a!

Place your ad for your special occasion in

“I find that people in the arts have a passion and are part of the community,” she said. “That’s true here in Blyth and you can see it from the stories they produce.”

Currently, she is working on “getting her feet under her” with the new position, working with Director of Development Jennifer Lamb as well as reaching out to existing Festival supporters.

Critchlow’s husband Alec is originally from England and works at the TD bank in Listowel. The couple have two-year-old twins who keep them busy.

The play, written by Blyth Festival Artistic Director Gil Garratt and Festival alumnis Kelly McIntosh, tells the story of convicted serial killer Elizabeth Wettlaufer through a fictional family with a member in a long-term care facility at which Wettlaufer had worked.

“This play premiered at the Blyth Festival and boldly addresses the true story about this tragedy that happened nearby in Woodstock.

When I first saw this play, I know that I was in the presence of a great new work,” said Dennis Garnhum, Artistic Director of the Grand Theatre on the theatre’s website. “It left me devastated, uplifted, angry and inspired all at once. I can’t stop thinking about it.”

For more information on the Grand Theatre’s 2020/2021 season or to buy tickets, visit its website at grandtheatre.com.

The Citizen today!

Stag & Doe

Engagement

2" wide x 4" high

4" wide x 3" high

Card of Thanks

Wedding Announcement

25 words

4" wide x 4" high

Forthcoming Marriage Add colour to your celebration ad for only $10 extra This is a limited time offer

Love,

your fa mily

th Happy 45 ary Annivers Wedding drews nd Sam

Marie a Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Cook are pleased to announce the forthcoming marriage of their daughter Sarah to Michael son of Mr. & Mrs. Bill Smith The wedding will take place December 21 in London, Ontario

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

Prebook all 5 ads in

An

The Citizen for only ily

With lov

our fam e from y

Be part of our

WOW!

100

$

Savings of over $100

Bridal Showcase Call or email today 519-523-4792 or info@northhuron.on.ca

PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020.

Seaforth exposure not high risk: Klassen

By Denny Scott The Citizen A buck and doe celebration at the Seaforth Agriplex earlier this month has been identified as a potential community exposure location for COVID-19, however it is not being treated as a high-risk situation according to Huron Perth Medical Officer of Health Dr. Miriam Klassen.

While the incident took place in Huron County, the case is being handled by the Region of Waterloo, which has identified the patient and the exposure location.

Klassen said the Huron Perth Public Health team is reaching out to the Waterloo Region team to connect with those who may have come into contact with the individual or the event, however the responsibility lies with the Waterloo Region team.

It is unclear, as of press time, who the patient is or where the patient is from.

Klassen said the event is not being treated as high-risk, but people who attended it should self-monitor for symptoms as the two-week window from the March 14 event will soon come to a close.

This process of contacting and tracking possible outbreaks is not new, she said. These kinds of actions are taken by health teams whenever a situation like this arises.

She did say, however, that more events like this are likely to occur as long as people are gathering.

Klassen encouraged people to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves through social distancing and self-isolation if any illness presents, not just symptoms of COVID-19.

She said this is a crucial time for both this area and the world as social distancing, self-monitoring and selfisolation practices need to be followed to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 epidemic.

The Huron Perth Public Health team also announced on Tuesday that COVID-19 assessments will be available to Huron and Perth residents through a virtual assessment model.

Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19, including cough or fever, should complete the Ontario government’s online assessment tool at covid-19.ontario.ca. If that assessment indicates that a clinical assessment is needed, Huron and Perth residents are urged to not visit a doctor’s office until they contact the facility.

To make sure that only those who need medical attention are attending hospitals and clinics, virtual assessments with qualified individuals are available during and after business hours. For more information, contact your local family health team through the number listed below.

• Bluewater Area Family Health Team: 519-236-4314 • Clinton Family Health Team: 519-482-3000

• Grand Bend and Area Community Health Centre: Grand Bend site at 519-238-2362 or Hensall site at 519-262-3140.

• Happy Valley Family Health Team: 519-284-3450 • Huron Community Family Health Team: 519-600-2273 • Maitland Valley Family Health Team/Alexandra Marine and

General Hospital: 519-524-5412 • North Perth Family Health Team: 519-291-4200 • North Huron Family Health Team: 519-357-3930 • South Huron Medical Centre: 519-235-3343 • Stratford Family Health Team: 519-273-7017 • STAR Family Health Team:

O’Loane Medical Building at 519273-1060, Avon Family Medicine Centre at 519-508-1212 or Tavistock Community Health: 519-655-2322 • Huron Perth Public Health: 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3267.

After-hours virtual assessment requests can also be directed to Telehealth Ontario at 1-866797-0000.

Fines introduced Continued from page 1 to help small businesses keep employees afloat are also part of the plan.

The government has also extended tax deadlines and given those who owe money until August of this year to pay. Student loans provided through the government are also to be put on a six-month interest-free moratorium.

Provincially, Premier Doug Ford has announced a $304 million fund for the province’s response to COVID-19 including a number of new assessment centres being opened, totalling 58 in the province.

As of Monday the province reported over 500 active coronavirus cases with eight resolved and six deaths. More than 8,000 people were

under investigation for the virus at that point.

A new COVID-19 self-assessment tool was also made available for the province at covid-19.ontario.ca.

The OPP have announced that anyone found in contravention of the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s directions about closing specific businesses or limiting gatherings to 50 people or less could face fines.

Individuals could be charged up to $1,000 while corporations could face fines of $500,000. The charges can be laid under the Emergency Management and Civic Protection Act. Beyond the $500,000 corporation fines, directors or officers of those corporations could face similar fines and up to one year of incarceration.

Field fire While many people find themselves at home, either due to businesses closing or taking care of children who would normally be in school, emergency services throughout Huron County are still on call. On March 19, Fire Department of North Huron firefighters, Huron County paramedics and Ontario Provincial Police responded to a field fire on Glen’s Hill Road near Auburn to battle a small blaze that scorched the earth near a farmhouse. (Denny Scott photo)

Yo Y our voice, e your community comm ommunity ty, your neews.

News M Media Canada is a passion ssion ssionate ad dvocate for the news industry. We support our mem mber m publications in their pursuit of quality jo ournalism nalism nalism.

We believe that when society has facts they can trust, better decisions will be made.

Closed... for now The Blyth Lions Park, following guidelines from the Huron Perth Public Health organization, is now closed to the public until further notice. The equipment is not being sanitized and the public washrooms have been locked until the park reopens. (Courtesy photo)

newsmediacanada.ca