The Citizen - March 14, 2025

2 • History 8 • Sports 10 • Farm Safety 15 • Obituaries

The

THIS WEEK

Citizen

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Friday, March 14, 2025

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Volume 41 No. 11

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

H-P now measles ‘area of concern’

Big games On Friday night at the Seaforth and District Community Centre, above, the Seaforth Centenaires lost game two of their best-of-seven series with the Minto 81s by a score of 5-4 in overtime. This came after a 5-3 loss in game one in Palmerston on Sunday, March 2. The Cents, however, turned the tide in games three and

four, beating Minto by a score of 5-2 in Seaforth on Saturday night and then again in Palmerston on Sunday by a score of 4-3. Now even with two wins each, the teams will meet again tonight, Friday, March 14, in Seaforth to see who takes the edge in the back half of the Ontario Elite Hockey League’s J.F. Paxton Trophy AA semi-final series. (John Stephenson photo)

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) has identified six labconfirmed cases of measles in Huron and Perth Counties, with more cases pending lab results. All cases were connected to the ongoing outbreak in the Southwestern Public Health and Grand Erie Public Health regions.

At this time, Huron and Perth Counties are now considered areas of concern for measles. Measles can easily spread to people who are not immune when someone with measles coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. The virus is airborne and can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.

HPPH strongly recommends residents make sure they and family members are up to date with measles vaccinations.

The best way to protect against measles is vaccination. Two doses of measles-containing vaccine (i.e.

MMR and/or MMRV) is over 97 per cent effective in preventing a measles infection. The majority of cases reported in the current outbreaks are in those who are unvaccinated.

With Huron Perth Public Health being an area of concern for measles, and in consultation with the Ministry of Health, measles vaccine eligibility is now expanded to those who live, work, play, travel Continued on page 20

CH Council seeks sub-four per cent tax rate increase

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Central Huron Treasurer Jeff Boyes has been sent back to the drawing board for the 2025 budget with council direction to bring the overall tax rate increase down to 3.9 per cent after Monday night’s budget meeting.

In this first presentation of the proposed consolidated budget,

Boyes came in with a proposed 7.9 per cent levy increase. This translates to a 6.51 per cent tax rate increase for Central Huron purposes only. When a five per cent tax rate increase from Huron County and the stand-pat budget from the school boards are factored in, Central Huron residents could face an overall tax rate increase of 4.68 per cent. However, Mayor Jim Ginn, Deputy-Mayor Marg

Anderson and several councillors lobbied to bring that number down even further, aiming for a tax rate increase of four per cent or lower.

Perhaps anticipating such a request, Boyes provided council with a chart of projects that could be considered to be on the bubble, outlining the impact their removal would have on the overall budget.

These are: Ball’s Bridge approach paving ($45,000, -0.48 per cent),

roads reserve contribution ($50,000, -0.53 per cent), council audio system ($40,000, -0.42 per cent), audio system reserve contribution ($20,000, -0.21 per cent), new cemetery mower ($25,000, -0.26 per cent), trommel at compost site ($23,000, -0.24 per cent) and the Stone School Line project ($367,178, -3.88 per cent).

Eliminating all of the aforementioned projects, with the

exception of Stone School Line, would bring the overall tax rate increase down to 3.55 per cent, while dropping Stone School Line would bring it all the way down to 1.5 per cent.

If the tax rate increase for Central Huron purposes was reduced to about 5.5 per cent, as directed by council to reach approximately 3.9 per cent overall, Boyes said that the Continued on page 3

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PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025.

When rabies reigned Glimpses of the Past with Karen Webster

A

word that once struck fear in people was rabies, also known as hydrophobia, as well as “a death too horrible to contemplate”. Rabies is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and is almost always fatal.

The first known cases of rabies occurred in Ontario in the early 1800s. In fact, the first recorded case was in 1819. Various animals are carriers of rabies including foxes, skunks, bats and lately, raccoons.

Early settlers had no defence against rabies except for staying away from contact with wild animals, a feat that was near to impossible given the need to hunt animals for a food source and the open structure of primitive barns and lean-to shelters. And this was the situation of the young couple of William “Michael” Sullivan and his wife Ellen Shea/O’Shea.

They were from Ireland and had come to Canada looking for a better life. Both residents of Ashfield Township, they were wed in Goderich in 1852 and purchased W ½ Lot 8 Concession 5 of East Ashfield in 1854 from notorious land speculator, G. J. Goodhue, who had taken the land out from the Crown in 1845. To their union were born Patrick Ignatious (1856) and Roselea (1857).

By the 1861 census, Ellen Sullivan aged 27 is listed as a farmer and a widow. At some time prior to that, Michael was bitten by a rabid wolf.

Ellen rushed to aid him and succeeded in killing the mad beast with an axe but ,unfortunately, by then, the rabies virus had entered Michael’s body. With no treatment available in that era, he was fated to a terrible death. Early on, he would have suffered headaches, a feeling of general unwellness, fever and fatigue. There would have been pain where he was bitten. The nervous system would be the next to be attacked and likely he would have exhibited the most common symptoms, such as hydrophobia and aerophobia, that is severe laryngeal or diaphragmatic spasms and a

sensation of choking when attempting to drink or when air is blown in the face. Next to occur was swelling of the brain.

After some time of him suffering, the Sullivans’ neighbours took matters into their own hands and, as a group, used two feather tick mattresses to smother him and put him out of his misery.

A couple of decades later, Louis Pasteur, working in Paris, France, developed a rabies vaccine by isolating the virus from animals infected by rabies, followed by the inactivation of the virus through the addition of various chemicals. He initially used the vaccine on only dogs, but the course of history was changed in 1885 when a nine-yearold boy was bitten 14 times by a rabid dog. His mother and a doctor implored Pasteur to use the vaccine on the lad and he did survive the ordeal. Word spread quickly and soon a dedicated vaccine clinic was set up.

The use of rabies vaccines has become common throughout the years. There is a pre-exposure vaccine for those at high risk of contracting the disease, such as those working in veterinarian clinics, animal control and wildlife workers, trappers, laboratory workers who handle rabies vaccine and spelunkers (cave explorers). The post-exposure vaccine is the most widely used and is highly effective.

In 1960, the Lucknow Sentinel reported several local rabies cases including when a skunk raided a litter of pups on the farm of Bob Boak. Lorne Hamilton and Chester Nicholson had brushes with infected wildlife and John Ritchie lost a calf to rabies. At that time, the treatment for humans with post-exposure was a series of 21 daily injections. Later, the regimen was reduced to fewer needles.

There are various types of rabies that are specific to certain animals.

Ontario was once plagued with the fox-strain of the disease. A plan was devised in the 1970s to drop bait packs from airplanes for wild animals to ingest. First there was a

trial in 1974 whereby experienced trappers scattered non-toxic bait packs laced with a tracing compound in remote areas. Trappers then turned in fox skulls to the Ministry of Natural Resources where they were tested for the tracing compound. The trial was a success and as a result aerial bait drops began. For example, 1988 and 1990 were two of the years that they were conducted in Huron County. The bait packs for foxes were yellow in colour and gave off a chicken or cod smell. There was a liquid dose of rabies vaccine in a blister pack and a

warning label that stated “Rabies Vaccine DO NOT EAT”. In addition, cream-coloured raccoon bait packs were distributed after 1995 when those animals carrying rabies migrated to Ontario from New York State. Local areas that were baited for raccoons were Kinloss, Culross, Turnberry, Carrick, Howick, Hullett, Colborne, Goderich and McKillop.

Numbers reveal the efficiency of the program. In 1988, there were 1,500 reported cases of animals with fox-strain rabies. By 2008, the case numbers were 41.

While being bitten by a rabid animal and not receiving the vaccine in a timely manner is almost certain to mean death to the victim, there have been a very few exceptions, such as that of 15-year-old Jeanne Giese of Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin.

She had handled a bat and was bitten

but because there appeared to be no skin puncture, there was little concern. Unfortunately, three weeks later, symptoms occurred that confirmed she had rabies but it was too late to administer the vaccine. A doctor put her in an induced coma and her body was able to fight the virus. She had a long period of rehabilitation, but has completely recovered.

In our part of Ontario, now the main carrier of rabies is the bat. Cats and dogs are now routinely inoculated against rabies and quite often there are low-cost clinics held to proactively encourage this practice. Fortunately, because of informed diligence, the scourge of rabies carried by foxes, skunks and raccoons no longer needs to be a fear in the present day.

With gratitude to the East Ashfield 1842-2017 history book.

Winding down On Sunday evening, the Senior C Huron Heat team welcomed Elma Logan to the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre for a playoff game as the season winds down. Unfortunately for the locals, it was Elma Logan that triumphed by a final score of 2-0. (John Stephenson photo)

We need your story!

The History Book Committee is looking for family stories and anecdotes for the Blyth Sesquicentennial Book that will focus on the period from 1977 ~ 2027.

40 years Last week, as the Brussels Skating Club held its annual year-end showcase, the club thanked long-time volunteer and organizer Michelle Blake, left, for her 40 years of dedication to the club, which continues today.

For full coverage of that event, see next week’s issue of The Citizen for plenty of pictures. (John Stephenson photo)

Tell us about your connection to the village.

Photos accepted where space permits.

Ideal entries should be around 250 words.

Send to info@northhuron.on.ca Questions?

Call 519-523-4792

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025. PAGE 3.

Church evicting orchard and garden to add parking

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen A meeting on March 4 between the Maitland River Community Church (MRCC) and representatives from the Wingham Community Garden and Orchard (WCGO) and the North Huron Community Food Share revealed the church’s plans to reclaim the land currently used by the garden and orchard for expanded parking.

Phil Beard, representing the

WCGO, described results of the meeting as “disappointing, but not unexpected.” According to Beard, the church board informed the community garden and orchard representatives that the land is needed to accommodate additional parking, as the church is experiencing growth and anticipates requiring more space, should Sunday services expand to two sessions. Beard added that the church is not willing to consider alternative parking options or

compromises for the garden’s location.

The church had previously notified the garden committee about the potential need to vacate the space in a letter dated July 29, 2024, signed by Mike Hill, Chair of the Church Board. In the letter, Hill acknowledged the work of the community garden volunteers, who provide approximately 1,800 pounds of fruit and vegetables annually to the North Huron Community Food Share, and

informed the committee that the church would assist in finding a new location. However, orchard specialists advise that most of the fruit trees are too large to move without causing damage.

In a follow-up letter dated Oct. 29, 2024, the WCGO expressed concerns over the possibility of relocating the orchard.

It highlighted the financial and community investments made in the garden and orchard, including over $15,000 raised by local

businesses and citizens to develop the site.

The WCGO garnered additional support from the church-adjacent property owners at Libro Credit Union, which, in a letter dated Jan. 11, 2023, expressed willingness to allow the church to use its parking lot should the need arise due to the church’s expansion. This support, the letter notes, is conditional on the church providing a certificate of insurance and working out snow removal logistics.

North Huron weighs racquet sports court options

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen As the planned revitalization of the racquet sports courts at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex moves into the design phase, North Huron Council had a spirited discussion last month about exactly what sort of sports the space should support.

The debate was sparked by a staff report submitted by Director of Recreation and Children’s Services Kelly Steiss at council’s Feb. 18 meeting. Steiss was seeking direction from council regarding the scope of the design work for the recreational rejuvenation project; in order to begin the process of obtaining quotes from design firms, she needed a clearer vision as to what the upgrades will entail. The courts are to be repurposed to accommodate ascendantly popular sports like pickleball - a transition that the township believes will lead to increased usage of the facilities.

A grant of $161,113 to fund the project has been awarded to North Huron through the Vance Fund.

Councillor Ric McBurney wanted to know if there was any way to have it all. “In regards to the usage of those courts, can we not maintain the squash court as well?” he asked.

Steiss responded that having both was not a viable option. “The design and the space available would not allow for both to coexist, because squash courts require four walls. We would have to find a way to build a retractable wall and I don’t believe that there is the space or the budget to be able to do that at this time,” she said.

McBurney countered by drawing attention to a line in the staff report that could potentially complicate the court-conversion plans. “The usage for the squash courts is actually going up,” he pointed out.

“It just seems like they’re moving in on the squash - that’s just my feeling.”

Councillor Chris Palmer also weighed in on the issue. “I was feeling solid about this, until I started reading the letters that came in, and the e-mails that came in.

And it’s always good to hear what other points of view are,” he stated.

Barn Dance 2.0 A healthy crowd gathered at the Lucknow Legion on Saturday, March 8, to enjoy the father-son duo Memphis and Richard Marier, alongside the talented Northern Boys. See page 18 for a review of the show.

(Scott Stephenson photo)

Palmer pointed out that the courts could possibly be struck by an imminent squash surge, seeing as how the Listowel squash courts have recently been permanently shuttered. “So that could add a number coming this way,” he posited.

Palmer also pontificated on the price point of pickleball in this day and age. “If we make these changes, to badminton and basketball and pickleball… it’s free elsewhere. For like three quarters of the year, it’s free elsewhere. And I can see usage happening in the winter, and I’m a little concerned that it will fall off when it gets warmer. So then, are we any further ahead?” Palmer pondered the possibility of a “grace period” that would delay the design work until council could observe how high the squash tide might rise before scrapping the sport in favour of pickleball. Ultimately, however, he acknowledged that the idea was more idealistic than realistic. “I realize we have the Vance Fund, and that the timing is becoming an issue… it sounds like we need to make a decision now.”

The report does contain a section that addresses the influx of North Perth players. “Staff are aware that the Listowel squash courts closed in the summer of 2024,” it reads, “and attribute some of the increase in interest to that closure. After becoming aware of the township’s plans to revitalize the space, a member of the new users of the courts for squash have e-mailed staff, and some members of council are requesting for council to reconsider the re-design of the courts into a multi-use space and instead allow for the space to remain as squash courts, and only make a few repairs.” If council were to choose re-consideration, staff would need to seek confirmation from the Vance Fund that this project would still be eligible for funding.

The staff report recommends that North Huron pursue design work that includes the ability to accommodate rentals of the space for pickleball, basketball and badminton, as these activities pair

Surpluses reviewed at meeting Continued from page 1 impact on an average residential home in the municipality, valued at $213,000, would be an increase of about $130 on the home for the year.

He also detailed some of the surpluses associated with a variety of departments, including a $289,995 surplus in general government, $75,273 in the building department, $478,761 in the roads department, $98,780 in waste and recycling, $90,699 in recreation and facilities, $368,504

in planning, culture, the community improvement co-ordinator budget and the economic development department and a $310,171 surplus for equipment.

He also mentioned operating increases for insurance ($45,289), compost grinding ($67,000), fire agreements ($73,223) and records management ($101,000), noting that those will be largely offset by decreases in recycling, an increase in casino revenue and Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund money ($163,503) and additional operating

reserve transfers ($40,063).

While council didn’t provide specific direction as to what to cut from the budget to reach the desired overall tax rate increase of 3.9 per cent, Boyes said he was prepared to return with a final draft of the budget as directed at the March 17 council meeting, eliminating the need for the next budget meeting, which had been scheduled for Tuesday, March 18. Boyes will bring a report and a new draft of the budget to the March 17 meeting for council’s consideration

well together and would allow for flexible use of the space with minimal additional effort required to shift uses from one rental to the next. “Squash does not pair well with a multi-use space, and rentals would only be able to accommodate this use. This would reduce the ability for other recreation activities to occur and would limit the number of rentals,” it concludes.

Councillor Anita van Hittersum had a rather pressing question of her own to add to the discourse.

“Do we really have to point out right now if we want pickleball, basketball, badminton, or squash, or do we have to look first at what is possible, because of the leak that is going on there, and how much it is going to cost to repair? Or is that a totally different cost to the municipality?”

“I’ll speak to the leak,” Steiss responded. “We are all very well aware there is a lot of snow this year,” she stated. “It’s a flat roof at the complex, and so we’re finding the snow-loading at that space is contributing to some leaks… during this past year, we weren’t able to get to some of the maintenance work that

we wanted to, so that’s also contributing.”

Deputy-Reeve Kevin Falconer waded into the fray. “I know it always happens this way - you only get feedback when you decide to make a change in something,” he said. “There was less usage of the squash courts… now we’re getting, I believe, there were 20 people that said they were into playing squash.” He asked Steiss if she knew how much the squash courts had been used prior to the decision to switch over to pickleball.

Steiss explained that the move, which occurred before her time, was spurred on by a serious squash slowdown identified by North Huron’s Master Plan in 2021, but she also admitted that the courts are a self-serve sort of situation. “We don’t actually know what people go in and play, exactly… but we came to council with solid information that the usage of the courts for a game of squash had really declined.”

When it finally came time for North Huron to decide on the divisive issue, pickleball was the victor, and dreams of squash were quashed.

Walking with God (J. R. Miller. "In Green Pastures") "Direct my footsteps according to Your Word; let no sin rule over me." Psalm 119:133 This is a prayer which should always be on our lips. We should get our direction from God, not once in our life only, when we first give ourselves to Him; not at the opening of each day only, as we go forth to the day's task; not merely at the beginning of each new piece of work or of each fresh task-but every moment, for each step.

That is what "walking with God" means.

We may make this so real, that we shall look up into God's face continually, asking, "What next, dear Lord? What shall I do now? Which course shall I take today? How shall I do this duty?"

If we can but have God's guidance and help for the little short steps-we need not fear for the long miles--the great stretches of road. If each step is of His directing-the long miles will be paths of His choosing.

A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church Listowel, ON 519-291-3887

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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Back to basics After nearly five decades of serving its student community, Fanshawe College’s student newspaper, The Interrobang, is being shuttered by the Fanshawe Student Union (FSU). According to the outgoing chair, the executive of the FSU voted unanimously to shutter the paper after the Apr. 4 issue, in order to reallocate the $250,000 budget to other initiatives, despite a growing circulation, according to the paper’s editor.

While the ban on news on Meta-based social media platforms has resulted in a 50 per cent dip in online readership, the number of students picking up the bi-weekly paper saw a roughly 10 per cent increase.

The journalism team that creates and distributes the paper has started a petition, and is asking students if they would be willing to pay $2 per issue to keep the paper going, independent of the FSU and the movement is gaining traction. The FSU wants to reassign the reporters and editors to create social media content, but the Canadian University Press president has criticized the plan saying, “At a time when independent journalism is under threat, and when the impact of Bill C-18 has already hindered the ability of student newspapers to reach their audiences, this decision only further weakens the state of student media in Canada.”

Young people should be encouraged to explore independent news coverage, rather than to rely solely on social media feeds to supply their understanding of the world around them. – DS

Meet the new boss A period of transition began for Canadians on Sunday as Mark Carney was chosen as the next leader of the federal Liberal Party, effectively making him the Prime Minister after Justin Trudeau. This period will be a “seamless” and “quick” transition of power from one leader to another, Carney has pledged after his meeting with Trudeau.

For some, it doesn’t matter. They will vote for Pierre Poilievre and his Conservative Party, regardless of who is leading the Liberals. But, for a growing group of Canadians, Carney’s time at the helm, between Sunday and the Oct. 20 election (or earlier) will be very important as he works to prove himself as a leader who can stand toe-to-toe with U.S. President Donald Trump amid a trade war and other threats.

And yet, in what is sure to be the most controversial paragraph on this page for many readers, there is a sense of sadness for some as Trudeau steps aside. In recent months, he had been the steady, calm leader Canada needs in the face of Trump’s threats and, similar to his support for families and businesses in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trudeau has shown that his leadership thrives amid crisis.

There is a feeling of what could have been if this hadn’t happened or if that hadn’t been said and if an imperfect government had found a place in the hearts of more Canadians, but, in the words of Gino D’Acampo, “If my grandmother had wheels, she would have been a bike.”

As Canadians stare down the reality that, soon, we will have a new Prime Minister at a crucial time for this country, some have reminisced about Trudeau’s tenure, thanking him for his work, while others clamor for an election. The world is far from what it was when Trudeau was first elected Prime Minister in 2015 and an uncertain future awaits and, one way or another, we will face it together with a new leader. – SL

Protect Ontario, indeed Doug Ford campaigned on a promise to protect Ontario. Now, the handily re-elected premier is confronting a serious threat emanating from south of the border. But protection means more than just standing up to Donald Trump. What about the threats already inside Ontario?

The province is facing its worst measles outbreak in 30 years.

Ontario’s antiquated immunization tracking system is failing to curb the concerning rise in infections. The current system relies on parents manually reporting vaccinations, leading to incomplete data and delays in identifying under-vaccinated populations. The lack of a real-time immunization registry has made it difficult to gauge the full extent of the problem, raising concerns among public health experts. Public Health Ontario reports that only 70 per cent of Ontario’s seven-year-olds were fully immunized against measles last year, a steep decline from prepandemic levels. Ontario’s own Immunization Advisory Committee has called for a 21st-century vaccine registry, similar to the one used during the COVID-19 pandemic, with real-time tracking of vaccine uptake.

Parents are understandably confused. Misinformation about vaccines is rampant, and Ontario’s failure to modernize its immunization system makes it harder for families to get the facts. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that many Ontarians lack access to primary care.

If Ford is serious about protecting Ontario, he must do more than fight trade wars. Targeted investments in public health and education would help dispel misinformation and ensure families have the tools they need to keep their children safe. The United States is an example of what happens when governments fail to invest in these crucial areas. Ontario cannot afford to make the same mistakes. – SBS

Looking Back Through the Years March 18, 1965 The Brussels arena was nearly full on Saturday for the Recreation Committee’s presentation of the second annual “Ice Revue” hosted by the Brussels Figure Skating Club.

Set against a gleaming ice surface illuminated by the reflection of multicoloured lights, the revue was a delightful display featuring 70 local skaters, ranging in age from five to 17, from Brussels and the neighbouring communities of Walton and Ethel. The performance also included guest skaters Misses Christine Price, Judy Estey, Mary Sills and Danny Carey.

The club’s skaters exhibited much greater skill compared to the previous year’s revue, and credit was due to Faye McDonald, who had been guiding them in developing this talent. The club mothers, who seemingly dedicated countless hours to costume creation, along with the skaters themselves and everyone else involved in putting together the revue, deserved praise for their collective efforts.

Murray Hoover, son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Hoover, was awarded the title of best actor at the Huron County Junior Farmer Drama Festival in Clinton on Friday night.

The Seaforth club took first place with their entry, and Amy Stewart from Seaforth was named best actress.

The North Huron Junior Farmers debating team earned top honours in the Huron County contest, which was also held in conjunction with the seed fair.

On Monday, the Huron County Junior Farmer rink, skipped by Murray Hoover, finished third in the 11 a.m. draw at the Ontario

Junior Farmer Bonspiel held at the University of Guelph.

March 12, 1980 A coffee shop, renowned in the Brussels area for its hamburgers, was sold.

Smith’s Coffee Shop, operated by Howard Smith and his wife Fern, had been a popular gathering spot for Brussels and surrounding residents for approximately six years. Both Howard and Fern agreed that children would miss the shop the most, as they would often bring in pop bottles and exchange them for candy at the shop.

Morris Township Council appointed Lloyd Michie of Brussels as the township’s new road superintendent after interviewing eight candidates for the role at a special council meeting on Monday.

Michie was hired on a probationary basis for six months at a rate of $5 per hour and 23 cents per mile, with the condition of providing his own truck and installing the township radio in it.

He would also receive $25 per month for bookkeeping duties.

The Brussels Stockyards had once again expanded, adding a new office, larger lunchroom space and a new cattle ring.

March 15, 1995 The auditor for Brussels commended the state of the village’s finances on Monday night.

In her report on the 1994 operations of the village and its associated boards, Nancy MacDonald Exel informed council that Brussels was in the strongest financial position of all the municipalities she oversaw. All local boards were reporting comfortable surpluses.

Despite the construction of the

new fire hall the previous year, the village managed to add a $14,320 surplus, bringing the accumulated surplus to more than $59,000. “You should be able to accomplish your goals for 1995 without needing to raise taxes,” she advised the councillors.

After a year and a half away from the competitive figure skating scene, Peter MacDonald, son of Graeme and Faye MacDonald of Brussels, found the perfect partner to return to competition.

His new partner, 16-year-old Jackie Wicket from Chatham, had recently parted ways with her previous partner, and the complementary body shapes, sizes and skating styles made them an excellent match, according to Peter.

Firefighters were called to Betty Graber’s home shortly before 5 p.m. on February 8. They managed to control the blaze, and there was no damage to the house as a result of the fire.

March 18, 2010 Huron County’s Local First coordinator, Brittany Fry, had her contract extended for an additional nine weeks, after it was originally set to conclude on March 26.

Rebecca Elizabeth, a former resident of Brussels, would be competing in the Ontario Miss World competition, taking place from March 19-21.

“Unlike other pageants, Miss World isn’t focused on beauty and figure,” Elizabeth explained.

“It’s more about your charity work, your personality, where you’re from, and what you’ve accomplished.”

Huron County’s committee of the whole approved a rezoning application for a new school.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025. PAGE 5.

Other Views

A time that I had gladly forgotten

I

was surprised, and a little shocked, to see last Sunday that they were marking the 60th anniversary of the famous march in Selma, Alabama. How did I get so old!

I was a mere teenager when the march took place. My younger colleagues today couldn’t imagine so much has changed over the years.

First there were the civil rights protests.

Though all males had been given the right to vote after the northern states defeated the southern states in 1865, southern governments had found clever ways to prevent former slaves from voting. One was that everyone had to register to vote and then that Black voters had to prove they could read. Registrars made people demonstrate their reading ability by something like reciting the U.S. constitution.

They’d keep making the test more difficult until finally the person would fail.

After hearing about the 60th anniversary of the Selma march, I took the DVD of the movie Selma off my movie shelf and watched it again.

I was reminded that Selma was a particularly provocative part of the south because 50 per cent of the population was Black, but only two per cent of the Black population could vote.

It was against this background that civil rights leaders like Rev. Martin Luther King, Ralph Abernathy and a young John Lewis (later a U.S. senator) decided to mount a protest. On March 7, 1965, Abernathy, Lewis and 600 more protesters marched peacefully out of Selma, bound for the state capital. As they crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge, police under the command of Chief Jim Clark, attacked them with clubs and tear gas, both on foot and on horseback. Dozens of the protesters were injured.

But TV cameras were there to record the mayhem and broadcast it across America and around the world. Upset viewers watched, and

Keith Roulston

From the cluttered desk organized in solidarity with the protestors.

King had missed the first march because he was home trying to the patch up holes in his marriage with his wife Coretta (he may have been a minister, but he was not a faithful husband). He arrived to be part of a second march with, by now, many thousands more protesters. Again they met the police on the bridge. The police pulled back, but didn’t disburse. King knelt and prayed and then, seeking to avoid more violence, called off the march.

Among the northern white people who had joined the protest was Rev. James Beck from Boston. Later that night, he was attacked and killed by violent southerners.

Meanwhile, King and other leaders of the march appeared in front of a judge who granted them permission to march. On the third march, on March 21, 25,000 people walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge without any interference from police. Over the next three days they marched all the way to Montgomery, the capital of Alabama, and then proceeded to register to vote.

In the meantime, Governor George Wallace of Alabama had met with U.S. President Lyndon Johnson and urged him to disallow the march. Johnson, who had seen the television coverage of the first bloody march, refused. In fact, although he had argued that he had his

own agenda and had earlier refused to recognize King’s requests to change laws, he now capitulated and passed legislation to guarantee the right of southern Blacks to vote.

It was a major part of the desegregation movement. I also remember how U.S. troops were assembled to help little girls from Black neighbourhoods attend newly-integrated schools.

The battle went on for years and Wallace unsuccessfully sought the United States presidency as a Democratic Party candidate three times, and once as an American Independent Party candidate.

How much had changed was demonstrated on another television show when the host visited a restaurant in Selma. In the 1960s, white people could get food through large takeout windows in the front. Black residents were served through a small window in the back of the building. The restaurant is now owned by a Black woman. The window in the back is now boarded up.

There were other things in those turbulent times that are remembered by people of my generation. The demonstrations for integration were followed soon after by protests against U.S. participation in the Vietnam war. The U.S. still had the draft at that time and Canada gained some valuable new citizens when draft avoiders moved north of the border.

But, recently, the relative calm has been shattered. Current U.S. president Trump’s Supreme Court nominees drastically weakened its once-successful protections for voters of colour - a situation Congress has repeatedly failed to fix, despite having the ability do so.

We are living through “interesting” times again. I could have gladly survived without that.

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Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Certain uncertainty

A

s the editorial team here at The Citizen wraps up its work on the “Salute to Agriculture” special issue that will greet you next week, there were discussions about trying to cover the impact that potential tariffs, renegotiated deals, whatever, being imposed - or not - by U.S. President Donald Trump would have on local agriculture. That is, clearly, an impossible task with the chaos being sown and at such a rapid pace.

I’m doing one story about the rise of the “Buy Canadian” movement with some local farmers and shops that sell Canadian goods directly to locals and even that, established, relatively, as it is, has proven to be a challenge.

Last Monday, when Trump addressed the Joint Session of Congress, he seemed to double down on the idea of tariffs to Canada and Mexico. The next day, he delayed them for another month, pushing them until April 2. The day after that, he mused about slapping dairy from Canada with a 250 per cent tariff. His Secretary of Commerce insisted that the U.S. will not plunge into a recession as a result of the trade wars the country has picked with his partners (like you can guarantee such a thing) only for Trump - the font of truth himself - to refuse to rule it out later that day. I’m writing this column on Friday. I should almost leave a few lines’ space for the other changes he’ll implement - or not - in the days between now and our Tuesday deadline.

How in the hell is anybody, let alone a weekly newspaper, supposed to cover such developments when they are changing - likely by design and using worldwide chaos as a strategy or due to senility - by the minute?

We don’t know, I can tell you that much, and we have been struggling to find a way to do it.

Even in last week’s issue there was talk of the tariffs that were, by the time it reached readers, walked back. Not only is it impossible to nail down who to speak with, what to cover and what to say with the story, but I’ve found that, to go even further, the people I have tried to interview don’t know what to say either, because nothing is certain these days.

Stock markets are plunging, Trump’s targets are retaliating and, for once, many are opting not to play his games. He imposes tariffs, then pulls them back, then brings them back, then pulls them back again. April 2 is now the date, until, you know, it isn’t. So it’s been refreshing to see Canadian leaders, both federally and provincially, decide not to play ball. Their retaliatory tariffs are in place until this is no longer a discussion. And then, like the true bully he is, Trump is crying foul. He’s started a fight and pulled his punches, only to take one on the chin and now he seeks sympathy. He insists that Canada and others are the unfair ones, taking advantage of the U.S. There was a six-hour stretch on Monday in which he posted over 100 times on Truth Social, the idiotic social media platform he created (that stock is in the toilet too, along with anything that has the Nazi-salute stench of Elon Musk). What an absolute mess; who could possibly keep up?

The moral of the story, I suppose, is that there is likely to be minimal mention of the Cheeto in Chief in next week’s special section because it’s pretty tough to nail down what he plans to do next, how long it will be in effect and whether he’ll pull it the very next day.

Stability is something that most nations strive for and, in an effort to destabilize much of the rest of the world, Trump has, perhaps not surprisingly, destabilized his own country as well. Day by day, hour by hour, uncertainty is sown and no one knows what to expect next.

What a time to be alive!

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025.

United Church hosts Shrove Tuesday supper A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231 Can you smell spring? That bit of a whiff offers a little bit of hope that the snow may really go away. This has been a winter of separation and seclusion. Dark days, white days and close-all-the-roads days, were all ours in the past two months.

Now is a really good time to remember that when we are at our best, we have balance of body, mind and spirit. Only you know that

balance and only you know when it’s time to ask for help in that department. Enjoy the sunshine, but don’t ignore the negative vibes you feel.

The pancakes in Brussels were a success last Tuesday with a full range of community folks enjoying the food, fun and conversation. The tradition that the Anglican Church held for years was revived with Erica Koch and lots of enthusiastic community help. Syrup donated by Shirley Baker’s family, as well as Freedom Syrup from Neil McGavin, all helped to make a great evening.

In last week’s issue of The Citizen, the 1965 story of the World Day of Prayer service named the co-ordinators as Mrs. C. Watson, Mrs. George Davis and Mrs. J. Mair with Irma Bernard singing a solo and the offering was $25.15. This

was a check on the changing world for the readers who knew these ladies. World Day of Prayer is just as relevant as it was then, with over 150 countries offering services and education, while supporting the lives of women and children around the globe.

On Friday, a good cross-section of our community attended the service at the United Church with Dale Chesher, Thelma Steinman, Mary Douma and Yvonne Steinman taking the lead, with the offering to the Women’s Inter-Church Council

of Canada of $738.70. The need remains, inflation and the use of women’s names has not changed that at all.

When we celebrate diversity, we celebrate our differences instead of making judgement calls. If we would all just respect each other and let life continue, there would be no need for specific days and months to highlight the needs of specific groups of people. To increase knowledge and understanding of gender diversity and sexual orientation, the Affirm

Committee at Brussels United invites you to P.I.E. Day on Friday at 7 p.m. Questions are welcome, new thoughts offered and, of course, there will be pie.

March 16 to 22 is deemed Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, with words from the March issue of The Rural Voice, it is to promote farm safety and celebrate farm, family and success. Be sure to thank a farmer this month.

Look after your health, including keeping your vaccinations current.

Bye now. Betty GW

Pancaked Siblings Tallulah (right) and Cooper Loughlin (below) were among the many who gathered at Brussels United Church for a Shrove Tuesday pancake and sausage dinner on March 4. The event, a revival of a longstanding community tradition, brought people together over stacks of pancakes topped with locally donated syrup, warm conversation and a welcome sense of togetherness after a long winter, all under the watchful guidance of those from St. John’s Anglican Church, who carried out the dinner in Brussels for many years.

(Submitted photos)

Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Branch 218 Brussels, ON

Winning Ticket: Barb Cadotte, $160.

Envelope #26 found the 3 of Spades.

Estimated jackpot for the next draw is $1,400.

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Be first in line and get your own subscription!

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The Citizen

At the Branch

Ross wins at darts

By Jo-Ann McDonald We’ve just come through a fairly quiet week at the Branch. The Thursday night darts had only 14 darters out and I would guess the weather had something to do with it. The first-place person was Eric Ross, second was Sandra Brown and in third were John Stadelmann and Paul Willie. The high shots of the evening were by Sandra hitting 120, Jason Wagatha hitting 130 and Devon Josling hitting 116.

Friday night was Catch the Ace night. The lucky weekly winner was

Barb Cadotte and she won $160.

She chose envelope number 26 and the three of spades was revealed.

The estimated jackpot for the next draw on March 14 is $1,400. Get your tickets at Brussels Variety, Brussels Pharmacy, McDonald Home Hardware and the Brussels Legion. The pub grub was pulled pork and on March 14 it will be beef on a bun.

A reminder for those who signed up for the March euchre tournament, it is tonight, March 14 and play starts at 7 p.m.

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NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Phone 519-523-4792 or mail cheque made payable to North Huron Publishing to: P.O. Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025. PAGE 7.

Hakkers family fondly bids farewell to Linda NEWS N EWS F FROM ROM BLYTH BLYTH Deb De b Hakkers Hakker e s ers debhakkers@gmail.com debhakkers@gma de bhakkers@gma ail.com

Last week was a sad week as the Hakkers family said a final farewell to Linda. After the family was called to Stratford Hospital on Friday Feb. 28, she passed away on March 1.

She had made a new life after being confined to a wheelchair six years ago and had six more years with all of us and Irv. She had welcomed another dog, Sparky, into her life and enjoyed the time she spent with everyone, although being dependent was not in her nature. They moved to Goderich and Irv took care of her.

We had a private family service on Thursday in Goderich and there will be a celebration of life in the spring. We were joined in saying goodbye by cousin Jan Wittenberg from Holland. It has been a hard week for all those who loved Linda!

On Tuesday morning we had Mom’s yearly care conference at Huronlea to set goals for her recovery and see what her next steps are. Her goal remains firmly to walk and get back home, no matter how long that takes.

The kids are enjoying lovely weather for March Break.

Hopefully everyone can get out and enjoy it. I am loving being able to go for a walk after supper in daylight since the time change on the weekend. This should give everyone a chance to adjust to the new time before we go back to school.

This week, we wish a happy birthday to Ken Siertsema on March 15, Braeden MacDonald and Steven Sparling on March 16, Madisen Lee on March 17, Kathy McNichol on March 18, Ashley Bromley and Grace Hallahan on March 20, Taylor Wharton on March 22, Jewel Plunkett on March 25, and Jane Glousher on March 26.

We hope everyone enjoys their special day.

Congratulations to Duncan McGregor on his King Charles Coronation Medal that he was presented with last week based on his many years of service to the arts in Huron County. It is great to see all of his efforts recognized!

The results from Legion euchre on March 3 were: Ladies, first place, Marie Millian (75); second place, Susan Harman (74); lone

hands, Robin Roth (two); men’s, first place, Judy Lackner (77); second place, John Watson (73); lone hands, Dave Caesar (five).

Share the Wealth was shared by Pat Chatham, Marie Millian, Kevin Smith and Judy Lackner.

The next euchre is on March 17.

Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the game starts at 1 p.m. The cost is $5 per person and that includes a light lunch. To sign up or to cancel, call or text Kathryn Aires at 519-8956764.

The Village of Blyth will celebrate its 150th birthday in 2027.

A History Book Committee is preparing to publish a history of the years 1977 to 2027. The members of the group need your help. Family stories and/or stories that document the history of your house are encouraged.

In addition, if you operate a current business or provide a service in the village, you are also encouraged to send the committee a story. The word limit for these stories is approximately 300 words and the deadline is June 30, 2025. If you have pictures of your house, business or village event, please take them to The Citizen office to be scanned and returned or send them digitally to deb@northhuron.on.ca.

They will be included in the book as space allows. Send stories to local historians Cheryl Cronin at ccronin@tcc.on.ca or Karen Webster at akwebster424@gmail.com The Trinity Anglican Church’s February lunch was delicious and they are hosting a spring take-out lunch featuring Irish stew for $12 per person on Tuesday, March 18 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To order for pick-up please call 519-

523-9395 or e-mail mcgregor@ezlink.ca by Monday, March 17. Unfortunately I will be back to school and not able to enjoy it this time!

If there is anything special you would like to see mentioned in this column, please e-mail me at debhakkers@gmail.com or call me at 519-525-8640 (evenings only please).

Until March 28th take care of yourselves and each other!

Remember to wear your green on Monday for St Patrick’s Day, and do your happy dance on March 20 when the calendar says spring begins! Spring is just around the corner and we can say goodbye to this old-fashioned winter soon! One of the teachers at Clinton Public School is planning a celebration of life for winter so that it can be laid to rest once and for all.

NEWS FROM BLYTH

Luck of the pancake The Auburn Lions host a St. Patrick’s Day-themed pancake breakfast at Auburn Hall on March 9. (John Stephenson photo)

MAITLAND VALLEY CAMERA CLUB

NH names Nelson Santos as new CAO Earlier this week, the Township of North Huron announced the hiring of Nelson Santos as the new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), following a rigorous, months-long process that began in December of 2024.

Santos begins his role with the township on March 17, 2025, officially commencing his duties with the CAO Appointment Bylaw to be passed that evening at the March 17 regular council meeting.

A seasoned CAO, Santos brings to North Huron both background and executive level leadership in public, private and not-for-profit sectors with over 20 years of governance and public administration experience. Most

recently, Santos served as Chief Administrative Officer for the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio and has also held several other leadership roles, including Mayor and CEO for the Town of Kingsville; Warden, DeputyWarden, and Councillor for Essex County; Executive Director for the Jack Miner Migratory Bird Foundation; and Managing Editor for the Kingsville Reporter.

“We are excited and look forward to the valuable contributions Nelson’s extensive experience and leadership skills will bring,” said Township of North Huron Reeve Paul Heffer. “On behalf of council and the entire organization, I congratulate him on his new role as the township’s CAO.”

Photography by Clara Blake

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025.

Sports Playoff schedule thinning as season winds down unlucky playoff run, losing all six of the games on their schedule, while the U18 LL team is also up to date as far as its playoffs are concerned, winning three, losing two and tying one.

The U18 Rep team has won one game and lost four, while the U21 team has won two games and lost six.

This week, the U15 LL Crusaders were in Goderich for Young Canada Week over the March Break, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

Looking back, the U9 LL Crusaders were in Lucknow to play in the Ron Alton Tournament, taking on the Arran Elderslie Ice Dogs and Huron-Bruce Blizzard on Sunday. In other regular season action that day, the U8 Burgundy and White teams played a pair of Mid-Huron Huskies teams in Seaforth and the U6 team played the Huron-Bruce Blizzard in Blyth, but scores were not kept for those games.

On Saturday, the U7 Burgundy and White teams played a pair of Huron-Bruce Blizzard teams in Lucknow, but scores were not kept for those games.

Also over the weekend, the U9 MD team was in Elmvale to play in the annual Maple Syrup Tournament, taking on the Bruce

Another tough loss On Saturday at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, the U15 LL Crusaders welcomed the Wingham Ironmen to the village for a playoff game that, eventually, didn’t go very well for the home team, as the Crusaders fell to the Ironmen by a score of 6-3.

(John Stephenson photos)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen This weekend, playoffs continue for the Blyth Brussels Crusaders, as the schedule begins to thin out with spring scheduled to make its way to Ontario next week.

The U11 LL Crusaders will head to Listowel for a playoff clash with the Cyclones on March 16. This comes as the team has registered a playoff record of two wins and three losses thus far.

Neither the U11 Rep nor the U13

LL Crusaders have fresh playoff games on their schedules. The U11 Rep team has won two of its playoff games, lost five and tied one, while the U13 LL team has won six and lost two.

On March 16, the U13 Rep team will play the Saugeen Shores Storm in Port Elgin. This follows a 5-2 win over the Storm on March 7 and a game between the two on Tuesday night, though a score for that game was unavailable at press time. The team has a playoff record of five wins and two losses thus far.

Peninsula Predators and Honeywood Hurricanes on March 7 and the Elmvale Coyotes, though scores were not kept for those games.

Back on March 5, the U9 LL Crusaders were in Bayfield to beat the Mid-Huron Huskies by a score of 10-1. On Monday, March 3, the U9 LL Crusaders beat the Goderich Sailors Black team by a score of 60 and the U9 MD Crusaders beat the Goderich Sailors White team by a score of 5-3, both in Blyth.

Looking ahead, on Friday, March 14, the U7 Burgundy and White teams will play during the intermission at the Guelph Storm and Owen Sound Attack game in Guelph and the U11 Rep team will head to Huntsville to take part in the annual Knights of Columbus Tournament, beginning with a Friday game against Huntsville 2 and then Saturday games against the Millbrook Stars and Elmvale.

Also that day, the U9 LL Crusaders will play the Mid-Huron Huskies in Brussels.

On Tuesday, March 18, the U9 MD Crusaders will play the Goderich Sailors White team on the road, followed by a game with the Arthur Vipers in Brussels the following night and a game with the Junior Attack in Owen Sound on Thursday, March 20.

2025 Belgrave Baseball Registration

The U15 LL Crusaders have won two games and lost three and will play the Mount Forest Rams on the road on March 16. This comes after March 13 and 15 games against the Minto Mad Dogs on the road and Huron-Bruce Blizzard in Brussels, respectively, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

The U15 Rep team has had an

Saturday, March 15 10 am - 12 noon at the Belgrave Community Centre Or pre-register by email James: j.elston02@outlook.com Bruce: bhiggins@hurontel.on.ca

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

Deadline March 28

Please help us get ALL the Winter Sports teams published.

The Citizen

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025. PAGE 9.

Sports

Five Heat teams punch ticket to provincial tourney

On top of things On Sunday at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, the U13 B Huron Heat hosted a playoff game with the Walkerton Capitals, which ended in a win for the locals by a score of 1-0. (John Stephenson photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen On Sunday, Huron Heat teams found playoff success at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre with a pair of wins and one loss.

The Senior C team fell to Elma

Logan by a score of 2-0, while the U13 HL Heat beat Lucan/Ilderton by a score of 5-1 and the U13 B Heat beat the Walkerton Capitals by a score of 1-0.

The U11 A Heat lost to the South Huron Sabres that day in Clinton by a score of 4-0, the U9 HL Heat beat the Ilderton Jets on the road by a

score of 13-0, the U11 HL Heat beat the West Oxford Inferno in Ingersoll by a score of 5-0 and the U18 C Heat lost to the B.A.D. Blazers in Seaforth by a score of 50. The Senior team also played Seaforth in Hensall that night, but a score was unavailable at press time.

In playoff action the previous

day, March 8, the U13 B Heat beat the South Huron Sabres by a score of 2-0 on the road, the U15 C Heat beat the London Devilettes by a score of 2-0 in Seaforth, the U11 A Heat beat the South Huron Sabres by a score of 3-0 on the road, the U15 A Heat tied the Saugeen Maitland Lightning in Mildmay at one, the U13 A Heat lost by a score of 2-0 to the South Huron Sabres on the road, the U13 C Heat beat the Wilmot Wolverines by a score of 21 in Blyth, the U11 HL Heat lost to the Central Perth Predators in Seaforth by a score of 3-1, the U13 HL Heat lost to the Tillsonburg Lightning on the road by a score of 3-0 and the U18 C Heat lost to the Woodstock Wildcats by a score of 1-0, also on the road.

In regular season that day, the U9 B team played the Junior Gryphons in Guelph and the U7 team played the Devilettes in London, but scores were not available for those games and the U9 C Heat beat the South Huron Sabres by a score of 2-1 in Seaforth.

On Friday, March 7, the U11 HL Heat won their playoff game with the West Oxford Inferno by a score of 8-1 in Blyth, the U13 B Heat lost their playoff game with the Central Perth Predators on the road by a score of 2-1 and the U15 C Heat lost to the Lambton Attack in a playoff game on the road by a score of 4-1.

On Thursday, March 6, the U18 C Heat lost their playoff game with the Central Perth Predators by a score of 4-0 in Blyth and the U13 C Heat beat the South Huron Sabres in their playoff game on the road by a score of 4-0. One day earlier, the U13 B Heat won their playoff game with the Central Perth Predators in Seaforth by a score of 4-3, while the U18 C Heat lost their playoff game with the Upper Maitland Mustangs in Howick by a score of 4-1.

In playoff action on March 4, the U15 A Heat lost to the South Huron Sabres on the road by a score of 10, the U13 C Heat beat the Lucknow/Wingham 86ers by a score of 3-1 in Brussels, the U11 C Heat beat the St. Marys Rock by a score of 5-2 in Seaforth and the U15 B Heat lost to the South Huron Sabres by a score of 1-0, also in Seaforth. One day earlier, the U15

A Heat lost to the Stratford Aces by a score of 2-0, the U15 B Heat lost to the South Huron Sabres by a score of 3-0 and the U18 C Heat lost to the St. Marys Rock by a score of 5-0, all on the road, while the U18 BB Heat were in Stratford for a playoff game with the Aces, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

Looking ahead, the schedule is much lighter for the Heat as the postseason continues to play out.

On March 15, the U9 C Heat will be in Lucan for a regular season game with the Irish, while the U9 HL Heat will host a regular season game with the Sarnia Lady Sting Black team in Zurich. The U13 HL Heat will be on the road for a playoff game with the Lightning in Tillsonburg and the U15 C Heat will play the Jets in Ilderton in another playoff game.

In Sunday, March 16 playoff action, the U11 C Heat will host the Woodstock Wildcats in Clinton, the Senior C team will play Elma Logan on the road, the U18 C Heat will play the Irish in Lucan, the U15 C Heat will host the Lambton Attack in Seaforth and the Senior team will play Seaforth on the road.

The U9 B Heat will be on the road that day for a regular season game with the Saugeen Shores Storm.

On Tuesday, March 18, the U9 B Heat will host a regular season game with the Grand River Mustangs in Brussels, followed by a March 19 playoff game between the U15 B Heat and the St. Marys Rock on the road.

Then, on the weekend of March 21-23, the U11 A Heat will head to Toronto for the annual Toronto Leaside March Matchup, beginning on Friday, March 21 with games against the Markham Stouffville Stars and the Lambeth Lancers, followed by Saturday games against the Central York Panthers and the Burlington Barracudas.

Also on Saturday, March 22, the U7 team will head to Sarnia for the annual Sarnia Jamboree.

Looking ahead at the provincial championship picture, five Heat teams have punched their tickets to the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association’s provincials: the U11 C, U13 C, U13 B, U9 B and U9 C Heat teams will all compete.

Children’s Classes Ages 7 & Up

Teen & Adult Classes

Mondays & Wednesdays 6:15 pm - 7:00 pm Start Date: Monday, April 7, 2025

Mondays & Wednesdays 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Start Date: Monday, April 7, 2025

Family Classes & Family Rates Available

Through traffic On Sunday at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, the U13 HL Huron Heat met the Lucan/Ilderton Irish for a playoff game, which the Heat would go on to win by a score of 5-1. (John Stephenson photo)

Location: Holmesville Community Centre Instructor: Ron Tyndall - 6th Degree Black Belt Established school for over 40 years For more information and registration please call 519-482-3634

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025.

Brussels Curling Club celebrates

We are the champions Brussels Curling Club wrapped up its season with a year-end gathering. The D.A. Rann Trophy went to, from left: Mike Alexander, Katherine Thomet, Jo-Ann McDonald and Anna Fear. (Submitted photo) The Brussels Curling Club finished its second draw on the first Monday in March.

The top team for the January/February draw was Brent Alexander, Matthew Cardiff, Dona Knight and Jay Craddock with 46 points. Right behind Brent and his team was Brent’s father Mike Alexander and his teammates Diana Dolmage and Jeff Cardiff with 45.5 points. The third-place team was Steve Knight, Paul Fear, Katherine Thomet and Doug Smith with 44 points.

The fourth-place team was the team of Steve Steiss, Jo-Ann McDonald, Darcy Fear and Wayne Fear, winning 38 points. In fifth place was the team of Andrew Fear, George Zwep, Martin Thomet and Anna Fear with 37.5 points. Sixth place was team Doug Bremner, Mary Ann Thompson, Sarah Alexander and Erica Neubrand with 36.5 points.

The seventh place team was Douwa Top, Tyler Jutzi, Reg Vinnicombe and Ryan Lewis with 28.5 points. Finishing up the

standings in 8th place was Don Chesher, Alex Jebson and Mike Thomas with 27 points. It was a good draw with only 19 points between the top team and last.

The evening finished up with the annual general meeting and lots of great food and snacks. President Brent Alexander called the meeting to order and it was confirmed next year’s President is Andrew Fear.

Alex Jebson volunteered to be the second vice. The financial report showed a slight shortfall on the year’s expenses and discussion was

held on any fundraising ideas.

The group then gathered at the Ethel Hall on Monday, March 10 for its annual year-end potluck meal and fun night for a great potluck meal and fun. There were 28 in attendance with curlers and spouses; lots of delicious dishes to choose from and lots of it.

President Brent Alexander called the group to order and Douwa Top said grace before eating. Following the meal, Brent began by thanking the draw committee for all their hard work and being early to put rocks out and some ice preparation.

Thanks George Zwep, Steve Steiss, Mike Alexander and Steve Knight.

The presentations of the prizes to the teams followed. The third-place team from the first draw was represented by Andrew Fear. The second-place team had players Brent, George and Ryan attending and the first-place team had all four players in attendance: Mike Alexander, Katherine Thomet, JoAnn McDonald and Anna Fear.

The second draw winners were, in third place, Steve Knight, Paul Fear, Katherine and Doug Smith.

The second-place winners were Mike, Diana Dolmage and Jeff Cardiff and the first-place winners were Brent, Matt Cardiff, Dona Knight and Jay Craddock.

The overall winner, receiving the D.A. Rann Trophy, was the team of Mike, Katherine, Jo-Ann and Anna.

The president for next year is Andrew Fear, who thanked Brent for his year of leadership and hopes to see everyone back next year with friends. Andrew said he had a speech, but decided to keep it for the fall!

If you read all about this curling season and recognize some folks, maybe think about joining them and the club for next year. Give me a call or reach out to any of the names you recognize and come join the Brussels and Area Curling Club!

Up and down On Mar. 7, the Seaforth Centenaires fell 5-4 to the Minto 81s in overtime, as a strong home crowd watched the visitors capitalize on a power play, followed by a 5-2 win for the Cents on Saturday night, above, in front of an even more robust crowd.

(John Stephenson photo)

McDonald muses on missed school and melting snow PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

It is already halfway through March as the days fly by in 2025.

The school children missed another day of school last week to make 14 days for the Seaforth area. The Wingham area is higher and Kincardine tops us all with over three weeks of missed school.

The children are off for March Break and, when they go back, we hope they will go every day. Spring is not far off and hopefully the bad weather is done. The snow is melting and rivers and streams are high, so make sure you remind children to stay away from the fastflowing water.

I am very happy that it is much brighter and lighter in the mornings when I head out to check the bus.

We are now in Daylight Saving Time and I feel more ambitious to get up and get going in the morning.

Sunshine and warmer temperatures were expected this week. Great!

Many folks I know have been watching the Men’s Brier curling championship. I will bet many of

you didn’t know you were also watching a local young lady in a curling commercial. Many people don’t pay attention to the commercials, but this time we should. Unfortunately, by the time you read this the Brier will be over, but we can hope that some of the same commercials will air during the Ladies World’s or other competitions. The commercial is about youth becoming involved with curling and being the “future” of curling. The commercial shows many young curlers learning the game. Our “movie star” is Megan Bowles, the daughter of Barb and Steve Bowles and the granddaughter of Bob and Joyce Alexander and Ron and Anne Bowles.

Megan was attending a curling camp in Guelph in the fall and they wanted to film the young people learning. Megan is the young lady in a grey toque, so watch for her closely. She is shown curling, with a group of three young ladies and then by herself. Megan is 14 and attends Listowel District Secondary School. Sometime during the week, Jennifer Jones was at the camp and Megan had her picture taken with her. Congratulations to the Bowles family and their budding curler and movie star.

A group of Brussels friends have returned from a holiday to Jamaica and Montego Bay. Enjoying a good time were Murray and Marlene

Fischer, Don and Darlene Fischer, Gord and Dale Finch, Jim and Bev Hodgins, Joan Beuerman, Christine Keffer and Bruce and Rhonda Fischer. They had good weather, good food and a good time.

Did you know that Blyth is celebrating its 150th in 2027? It is never too early to start preparing and they have an ambitious project in mind and they need everyone’s help. They are planning a history book for the years 1977-2027. They are looking for family stories and/or stories that document the history of your house. They are also wanting

stories on your current business or service you have in the village.

There is a 300-word limit and the deadline is June 30, 2025. Pictures can be taken to The Citizen office in Blyth to be scanned and you can email local historian Cheryl Cronin at ccronin@tcc.on.ca with your stories.

Celebrating birthdays this past week include Kaleigh McCallum,

Neil McDonald, William Ringgenberg, Jerry Zwep, Allison Braecker, Ruth Axtman, Eric Ross, Freed McClure, Bridget McCallum, Carali McCall Hughes, Alex Melady, Linda Bird, Colton Hastings, Allison Baan, Wren Williams, Joanne Black, Jo-Anne Workman, Parker Grobbink, Christine Knight and Adalyn Balon Blake. Happy birthday to all!

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025. PAGE 13.

BLYTH Y 519-523-4244

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519-523-4311

www.ruralvoice e.ca

Local Foodgrains Bank project group to host meeting The vision of Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) is a world without hunger. CFGB consists of a partnership of 15 Canadian churches and churchbased agencies working together.

The local committee overseeing the CFGB Blyth Growing Project met on Feb. 5 at the home of Chair John and Ann Nesbit. Ernest Dow took notes; Fred Meier and Justin Baarda had conveyed their regrets at being unable to attend. Treasurer Eric Nonkes informed those in attendance of the proceeds raised and forwarded to the national level (in Winnipeg) in late December 2024: $11,000.

Over the past five years, the project’s average contribution has been $11,976.40 (2023 - $11,265; 2022 - $15,672; 2021 - $11,090; 2020 - $10,855). In 2025, the group plans again to grow soft red winter wheat on the combined plot of 14 acres just north of Blyth on the west side of London Road.

Even Steven

On March 26, you are invited by organizers to attend a spring information meeting at the Blyth Christian Reformed Church.

Besides a special speaker and presentation, Ontario Regional Representative Henry Reinders will report on the work of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank on a national scale; there will be verbal updates from a variety of growing projects.

The local committee has been working with Canadian Agra and Cantelon Farms for the use of land; Millstone; Midwest Co-op; Shannon Bieman (SeCan); Snobelen Farms; Swiss Valley Farms (Fred Meier); Syngenta; Jim Parish (Par-Chier Farms); Nesbit family farm and others who have made private and church donations to make the project a success year after year.

Visit foodgrainsbank.ca for more information or contact chair John Nesbit at 519-523-9595.

The Seaforth Centenaires are now tied at two games each with the Minto 81s as the Ontario Elite Hockey League’s J.F. Paxton Trophy semi-finals continue. Seaforth lost the first two games (5-3 on March 2 in Palmerston and 5-4 in overtime in Seaforth on Friday night), followed by a 4-2 win in Seaforth on Saturday night, above. The Centenaires followed that up with a 4-3 win in game four, played in Palmerston, and will now look to take a series lead for the first time in game five, tonight in Seaforth. (John Stephenson photo)

LIVESTOCK REPORT For the week ending March 7, 2025 Total Receipts: 1,015 cattle; 600 lambs, sheep, and goats.

Please note: Prices are recorded as lbs. per cwt Tuesday – Fed cattle sold easier due to implemented tariffs. Cows sold easier due to implemented tariffs.

Thursday – Veal sold on a strong active trade at prices steady to $3 higher. Drop calves sold steady. Lambs, sheep and goats sold on a strong active trade at steady prices.

Friday – Calves and yearlings sold on a strong active trade at higher prices.

Fed Cattle: There were 65 fed cattle on offer.

Choice Fed Cattle: $225 – $239 Second Cut Fed Cattle: $205 – $224 Aged and Medium Fed Cattle: $200 – $220 Holstein Fed Cattle: $165 – $190 Bill Von Straaten of Stratford, consigned six head. Two fat steers averaged 1,693 lbs. and sold for an average price of $238.50.*** $4,037.81 / head*** Dwayne Dickert of Ayton, consigned four head. Two fat heifers averaged 1,490 lbs. and sold for an average price of $235*** $3,501.50 / head***

Cranbrook Farms of Brussels, consigned 11 head. Five holstein bob calves sold for $1,560/ head.***

Cows: There were 235 cows on offer.

Beef Cows: $145 – $175 up to $191 Good Holstein Cows: $148 – $166 Medium Holstein Cows: $130 – $145 Bulls: $152 – $190

Hendrika Vanderlip of Kemble, consigned 23 head. Eleven kid goats averaged 60 lbs. and sold for an average price of $520*** $312/ head***

Lambs:

Brad McIntyre of Lucknow, consigned two head. One black cow weighed 1,095 lbs. and sold for an average price of $191*** $2,091.45 / head*** T & J Los of Monkton, consigned six head. One holstein cow weighed 1,690 lbs. and sold for an average price of $161*** $2,720.90 / head *** Veal: There were 115 veal and bob calves on offer.

Beef Veal: $310 – $321 Good Holsteins: $285 – $310 SL Heavy Holsteins: $280 – $308 Heavy Holsteins: $255 – $295 Medium Holsteins: $275 – $284 Plain Holsteins: $265 – $274 Holstein Drop Calves: $700 – $1,560 / HEAD Terry Greidanus of Londesborough, consigned two head. One blue cross veal weighed 785 lbs. and sold for a price of $321*** $2,519.85 / head*** Larry Graul of Walkerton, consigned six head. One holstein veal weighed 705 lbs. and sold for a price of $310*** $2,185.50 / head***

Under 50 lbs.: $535 – $590 50-64 lbs.: $502.50 – $525 65-79 lbs.: $400 – $467.50 80-94 lbs.: $352.50 – $470 95-109 lbs.: $333 – $382.50 110 lbs. and over: $322.50 – $342 Sheep: $190 – $322.50 Doug Tyler of Kincardine, consigned six head. Four lambs averaged 43 lbs. and sold for an average price of $590*** $253.70 / head*** Les Falconer of Clinton consigned 14 head. Six lambs averaged 63 lbs. and sold for an average price of $502.50. ***$316.58 / head*** Goats: Meat Kids: $490 – $550 Dairy Kids: $430 – $520 Mature Bucks: $350 – $450 Mature Does: $125 – $300 Jonathan Stein of Holyrood, consigned four head. Two kid goats averaged 56 lbs. and sold for an average price of $550*** $308/ head***

Stockers: There were 600 stockers on offer.

Satchell Farms Ltd. of Gads Hill, consigned 63 head. Ten black steers averaged 813 lbs. and sold for an average price of $390.50*** $3,174.77 / head***. Twelve simmental cross heifers averaged 885 lbs. and sold for an average price of $362*** $3,203.70 / head***

Top Quality Steers: Under 400 lbs.: Too few to establish a market 400 – 499 lbs.: $345 – $495 500 – 599 lbs.: $345 – $470 600 – 699 lbs.: $380 – $442.50 700 – 799 lbs.: $335 – $417 800 – 899 lbs.: $349 – $390.50 900 – 999 lbs.: $307 – $354 1,000 lbs. and over: $300 – $341 Top Quality Heifers: Under 400 lbs.: Too few to establish a market 400 – 499 lbs.: $330 – $437.50 500 – 599 lbs.: $317.50 – $435 600 – 699 lbs.: $300 – $375 700 – 799 lbs.: $305 – $386 800 – 899 lbs.: $300 – $362 900 lbs. and over: $295 – $333 Jim McInnis Cattle Co. Inc. of Nappan, Nova Scotia consigned 20 head. Four charolais steers averaged 516 lbs. and sold for an average price of $470*** $2,425.20 / head***

Courtesy of Brussels Livestock website

Edgar W. Martin of Linwood, consigned 11 head. Five charolais steers averaged 1,083 lbs. and sold for an average price of $338*** 3,660.54 / head*** Ervine Willert of Hensall, consigned 30 head. Nine charolias heifers averaged 921 lbs. and sold for an average price of $325*** $2,993.25 / head*** Alvin W. Martin of Wroxeter, consigned 30 head. Twelve charolais heifers averaged 920 lbs. and sold for an average price of $333*** $3,063.60 / head*** Jonathan Weber of Wallenstein, consigned 20 head. Fourteen charolais heifers averaged 1,025 lbs. and sold for an average price of $302.50*** $3,100.63 / head***

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025.

Classified Adv vertising – RATES – 20 words or less only $9.00 + HST Additional words 25¢ ea. + HST

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Call David in Glencoe at 519-2873013.

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Phone to order 519-523-4792 or email info@northhuron.on.ca ------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AV VA AILABLE TO purchase at these locations - Auburn Esso, Belgrave Variety Va y,, Blyth Food Market, Blyth V Vaariety, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety Va y,, Charlie’s V Vaariety (Clinton), Clinton Convenience, Fogal's YIG (Wingham), Seaforth Foodland, Fincher's (Goderich), Goderich V Viictoria St Shell, Goderich Petro-Canada Gas Bar, and The Citizen offffice in Blyth.

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• Free ad up to 25 words, person to person person onl only (no b businesses), sinesses) items valued v at $1,000 or less.

Price m must be included in your ad.Y Yo ourr ad will run three times unless iti sells faster!

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FOR SALE E - Five cases of 12 small jam jars. $20; two t fire safes. $100 and $150.

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03-10 --------------------------------------------------FREE FO OR THE T TA AKING - Upright piano orriginally came from the Presbyteriaan Church in Clinton, and was moved to First Presbyterian Church in Seaforth. C Call 519-482-5762.

03-7 --------------------------------------------------WANTED - Piano keyboard suitable for a WA young persson. Preferably in the Wingham area. 519-3357-2768.

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Card of thanks Tenders

Snyder reflects on Lent PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

On Sunday, March 9, the First Sunday of Lent, Rev. Colin Snyder welcomed the congregation to Knox United Church in Belgrave.

Scripture readings that day were from Deuteronomy 26: 1-11, Romans 10: 8-13 and Luke 4: 1-13 and Snyder’s reflection was entitled, “Lenten Reflections”.

On a bright and sunny morning, there was a good turnout for the coffee group at the Belgrave Community Centre earlier this week. The next get-together will be held on March 25 from 9:30-11 a.m. and all are welcome to attend.

While the warm temperatures for March Break have been nice, it means there is no longer ice in the arena.

Cards will be played on Friday March 14, at 1 p.m. at the Belgrave Community Centre. All are welcome.

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

Tenders

Tendders

HUETHER - Brian and Dianne Huether would like to thank the Brussels & Grey Fire Department for their quick response to our fire.

Thanks to everyone who has helped in any way.

Brian and Dianne

Coming events

NEWS FROM BELGRAVE

SPRING T TA AKE-OUT LUNCH, Tuesday y,, March 18, 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Trinity Anglican Church, Blyth. Irish beef stew & coleslaw & a kaiser with dessert, $12 per person. Ordering deadline: Monday y,, March 17. T To o order call 519-523-9396 or email: mcgregor@ezlink.ca

Help wanted Supreme Concrete Forming, Blyth is looking for help starting in April.

Enquiries please call Mike 519-5258546.

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Do you feel overwhelm med and have questions? W Wee have answers a and we're here to help. Our services are free and completely confidential. c Contact Room2Grow at a 519-6060046 or visit ouur website www.room2grow.info

Looking for land to rent - KTM Family Farms is a progressive farm operation using the latest in agricultural technology. W Wee have been in the W Wiingham area for 25 years and are looking to expand our land base. Interested in rental or share crop agreements. T To o discuss further ggive Scott a call or text 519276-7171.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025. PAGE 15.

Obituaries Blyth United Church on Saturday, March 15 from 1-2 p.m. for visitation, with funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. with Rev. Alex Jebson officiating. Spring interment at Brussels Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations to the Blyth United Church or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Donation cheques may be sent to Box 199, Blyth, N0M 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

JAMES A. “Jim” CURRIE James A. “Jim” Currie, a longtime resident of Wingham, passed away peacefully in Clinton on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the age of 93.

Jim is predeceased by his beloved wife Audrey (Henry) Currie, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage. He was the cherished father of Ansley Currie of Colborne, Kemp Currie and Linda Ogren of Campbell River, British Columbia, and Laird Currie of Wingham, and the dear grandfather of Madison and Angela Currie of Wingham.

Born and raised in Wingham by his late parents, Robert A. and Mabel (Kemp) Currie, Jim was predeceased by his siblings and their spouses: Frances Currie de Hedderich (Henrique Hedderich), Virginia Northcott (Stan) and R. John Currie (Ruth). He was also predeceased by his in-laws: Donna (Henry) Hall (Dr James S.) and Hal Henry. Jim is survived by Hal Henry’s spouse Marion Middlebrook.

Blessed with an entrepreneurial spirit, Jim had many talents. He devoted much of his spare time to the Town of Wingham, administratively as a town councillor, and police commissioner; creatively as a member of the Towne Players (Little Theatre); and enterprisingly through driving renovations to the old theatre and introducing Wingham Heritage Theatre concert activities in the 1990s. He was also actively engaged in creating the Wingham Museum, Cruikshank Park, the original Alice Munro Garden, and the new (renamed Alice Munro) Library and the move to its current location, for which he was recognized as Wingham’s 1987 Citizen of the Year.

He loved music, singing barbershop quartet music in his thirties in Owen Sound and his seventies in Goderich, creative cooking of international cuisines, collecting antiques, sailing, travelling, and dancing with our mother.

While we will be honouring our father’s wishes for no formal ceremonies, we would certainly appreciate your sharing of any of your personal memories of him with us. A visitation and time to honour and celebrate him will be held at a future date, following his interment at Wingham Cemetery.

As expressions of condolence, memorial donations to the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation would be great appreciated.

Online condolences may be left at mcburneyfuneralhome.com

VERA “GRACE” (née Jackson) MCNICHOL Vera “Grace” (née Jackson) McNichol passed away peacefully in Wingham at Braemar Retirement Residence on March 9 - her 94th birthday.

Grace was the loving wife of the late Aubrey John (2003) for 52 years, the proud mom of Murray (Colleen) McNichol, Ray (Kathy) McNichol, Ron (Michelle) McNichol, Debbie McNichol and mother-in-law of Glen McLachlan.

She was the adoring grandma of James McNichol, Julie (Greg) McClinchey, Michelle (Jay) Doran, John and Stephanie McLachlan, Joan McLachlan, Jennifer and Dave Hastings, Lori and Eric Kennedy, Rob McLachlan, Katie Londry and Ryan Gilroy, Mike and Krista McNichol, Brian and Kara McNichol, Kandice Jacklin and Obi Onyema, Lauren and Chad St. Onge, Matt McNichol and Maddy Gallant, MacKenzie McNichol, Tammy and Rob Mitchell, Lisa Root and Kwame McKenzie, Stephanie and Jeff Rowe, and Amy and Nate Allen, the great-grandma of 37 and great-grandma of five.

Grace was the sister of Harold Jackson of Alberta and the sister-inlaw of Peggy Jackson. She will be missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Grace was predeceased by grandchild Cheryl Lynn (1970), great granddaughter Alicia Marie (2001), daughter Sandra (2003), grandchild Sarah Grace (2006), sister Mary (Ernie) Whitehouse, sister Laura (Norman) Eggert, brother John (Deanna) Jackson, and brother Wilfred Jackson.

Grace was born in Unity, Saskatchewan and enjoyed riding her horse to school while growing up. She followed her sister to Ontario when she was 18 to be a nanny and keep house near Seaforth.

She loved to go dancing at the Crystal Palace, where she eventually met Aubrey, and they married within a year at the Winthrop Manse. They settled on the 8th Line of Morris and raised five kids.

After she lost Aubrey, she moved to Blyth and became very good friends with Evelyn Popp and spent time walking the streets of Blyth.

She was a member of the Blyth United Church Women (UCW) and enjoyed volunteering her time and baking pies with the “Holy Rollers” UCW group.

Grace was very proud of her family and loved each member for all their individuality. She loved to farm and worked with dairy and pigs, but her ultimate love was for chickens. She loved to garden, do tai chi, bake bread and made everything from scratch. Grace had a wonderful life, and she will be missed by many.

Friends and family are invited to

She loved her family and enjoyed going to the beach to watch the sunsets. Shirley loved to ride in the car, play cards and tend to her garden. She was well liked by many and easy to love. She will be missed.

Friends and family are invited to the Blyth Legion for a come-and-go celebration of Shirley’s life on Saturday, April 5 from 1-4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Blyth Branch or Community Living Wingham would be appreciated.

Cards of sympathy and donation cheques may be sent to Box 199, Blyth, N0M 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

mines, he had a deep love for animals, always finding joy in their companionship and care.

He is survived by his daughter Donna, sister Donna (Terry) Woollett of Zurich, brother Ernie and his partner Barbara von der Gonna of Wingham, niece Kimberly Woollett of Caledon, step-siblings Gerald and Christine, Butch, Lorraine, Dennis, Sheila and sister-in-law Linda.

Mark will be remembered by his close friends Paul and Judy Riley.

He was predeceased by his daughter Sallina Cook, father Charles Cook, mother Gertrude Cook, step-mother Doreen Toye and step-brother Danny Beck.

A graveside service will be held at Brandon Cemetery, Belgrave in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to a Pet Rescue, Huron Hospice or charity of choice would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be left at mcburneyfuneralhome.com

Wingham Memorials SHIRLEY RUTH (née Dodgson) GLOUSHER Shirley Ruth (née Dodgson) Glousher passed away peacefully at Seaforth Retirement Community on Wednesday, March 5 in her 87th year.

The loving mom of Cheryl Anne Glousher, Larry and Carol Glousher, Darlene Glousher and Adam Petten, and Colleen Staffen and John Medley, Shirley was the proud grandma of Allyson Glousher and Mackenzie MacPherson, Kyle and Jade Ford, Nathan and Hailey Staffen, and Andrew Staffen, and the great-grandma of Oaklynn, Hudsyn and Kaylynn Staffen.

Shirley was the half-sister of Alice Armstrong and Walter Armstrong, the special friend of Don Crigger, and close friend of Connie Bromley and family, and Joyce Steuernol.

Shirley loved her music and dancing; she always had her foot tapping to the beat. She donated her time with many charities in the community, especially the Blyth Legion. Shirley was an RPN with the Wingham Hospital and worked with Town and Country Homemakers taking care of people in their own homes.

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

MARK S. COOK Mark S. Cook, age 63 of Zurich, formerly of Timmins, passed away peacefully at Huron House Hospice in Clinton on Thursday, March 6, 2025 after a lengthy illness.

Mark was a beloved gold miner who dedicated nearly 40 years of his life working underground, a testament to his hard work and perseverance. Away from the

Owned and operated by Mac and Donna Andersoon

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

Remembering your loved one Honour your loved one by placing their obituary in

The Citizen.

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

Cards of thanks can be placed in our classified section, starting at just $ .00.

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025.

Radford reflects on buffoonish behaviour

Honestly, I don’t know how the political leaders, economists and business folk, not just here in Canada but around the world, are dealing with the antics of the leader of our neighbour to the south. Every day it seems another inane comment is broadcast over our media outlets. Does he not realize how often he looks like a complete buffoon? I think this is his ploy so that the other unfortunate things he is doing to the American people will not be noticed, like withdrawing funding for disaster relief and medical services.

Our hope is that the people

leading our country keep their heads and control their tempers and proceed to keep our country’s interests uppermost in their plans. I offer this piece of advice, for all of us to consider, from Daniel Tisch of the Toronto Star: “To succeed we must prioritize competitiveness over complacency, diversification over dependence and resilience over resentment.” We must continue to keep Canada a great place to live.

Sally Brodie will attend the Londesborough United Church Women (UCW) meeting on Monday, March 17 to talk about the services available at Bender House at the Huron County Residential Hospice. Fellowship begins at 7 p.m. with Sally’s presentation at 7:30 p.m. This information evening is open to everyone in the church/community.

The Outreach Committee of Londesborough United Church will be holding an Easter food drive beginning on Sunday, March 23.

Boxes for donations of non-

perishable food items and personal hygiene products will be in the church narthex. You are encouraged to give as you are able.

Camp Menesetung is hosting a Matinee Cabaret fundraiser concert on Sunday, March 23 at 2 p.m. The Goderich District Collegiate will host this; no advance ticket is needed.

Another fundraising event is happening that same day, March 23rd, at the Regional Equine and Agricultural Centre of Huron (REACH) in Clinton beginning at 9 a.m. On Feb. 27, Jason Hoggart, farmer and well-known farrier of the Londesborough area, suffered a serious health issue. Friends have organized a fundraiser to help the family with the resulting expenses.

Attendees can watch barrel racing and calf roping, enjoy the food booth and take part in both a silent and live auction. The auctions happen at noon. According to Harv and Yvonne, Jason’s parents, support for the family and this event have been gratifying. The

community is invited to “come out and fill the cowboy boot”.

The Blyth 150th Birthday History Book Committee is preparing a history book of Blyth for the years 1977 - 2027 in readiness for Blyth’s 150th birthday. They are appealing for stories about families, businesses and/or services and pictures of Blyth during those 50 years.

Your story can be up to 300 words in length and must be submitted by June 30, 2025. Your submissions can be sent to local historians Cheryl Cronin at ccronin@tcc.on.ca or Karen Webster at akwebster424@gmail.com.

Members of this committee have been hard at work scouring the archives and editions of The Citizen for this book and would welcome your help.

How great it is to finally have a few days of sunshine and brighter early evenings? The change has lifted everyone’s spirits. However, Huron County residents recognize

spring is not here yet! The sap may be running, but we can expect some more wintry days before month’s end.

Following are some March weather “thoughts”. A dry March and a wet May fills barns with corn and hay. Foggy and wet March mornings bring rainy days in June.

A wet spring indicates a dry harvest. March thunder and cold means a fruitful year ahead.

March is named after the Roman god of war. In Old English, March is Hlyd Monath, meaning stormy month. The March full moon is known as a worm moon by Native Americans.

Central Huron advances budget process

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Central Huron Council’s budget process continued recently with the council’s last departmental meeting before the consolidated budget is presented for the first time.

Treasurer Jeff Boyes reviewed with council a number of departmental budgets ahead of council’s March 10 budget meeting, which is when the consolidated budget was first presented to council (see the front page for the full story). As with the first departmental budget meeting,

Boyes did much of the talking, presenting the budgets, projected increases and continuing pressures facing each department with little discussion from councillors, who are no doubt waiting to see a consolidated budget before discussing too much.

The first departmental budget presented dealt with council, general government and health and safety, which comes along with a projected increase of just over four per cent, including a 2.6 per cent increase to the council budget and a 5.67 per cent increase in general government (which includes an 8.5

per cent increase in wages compared to last year’s budget). He also noted a two per cent increase to council rates, which is dictated by bylaw.

Boyes also brought council the good news that the municipality’s Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund allotment for the year will increase by $255,000 over the 2024 figure. Additionally, he noted that there is a large write-off of penalties and interest related to the purchase of the Albert Street lot and the project’s reserve will offset it, noting that there is still over $40,000 in that reserve.

The recreation and facilities budget will see its expenses increase by just under 5.5 per cent in 2025, which includes a 4.5 increase to wages and benefits when compared to 2024.

The Parks budget will increase by Continued on page 20

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Not bluffing The Bluffs Charity Committee contributed $30,000 to the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital (AMGH) Foundation. Pictured, from left, are Kimberley Payne (AMFGF), Sherry Sunnucks and Marlene Hodgins (Bluffs) and Sherry Marshall (AMGHF). (Submitted photo)

Benmiller ball season rescued

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen Just a few weeks ago, a lack of volunteer co-ordinators meant an uncertain future for organized youth softball in Benmiller. But, at Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh’s (ACW) Mar. 4 meeting, council learned that its last-minute effort to

recruit some fresh volunteers has paid off - according to a staff report prepared by Chief Administrative Officer Mark Becker, a total of 11 individuals have answered the call.

This secures the future of the 2025 softball season, and Mayor Glen McNeil couldn’t be happier with the news. “This is really, really good news,” he said. “Thank you

very much to all of the individuals who have stepped forward… we put out the second request for volunteers, and the community answered it, so thank you very much for the benefit of our youth.”

The volunteers are now forming a committee to manage the program’s scheduling, and the season should be starting right on schedule.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025. PAGE 17.

From the Minister’s Study

Reflections from building homes in El Salvador evenings. Since their return, several have remarked how Shelter Canada was a life-changing experience for them. One teenage girl from the Auburn area, Emily Datema, shares these memories…

“One thing that stuck out to me the most was the first family we built a house for… a 40-year-old father (his name was José) who had three kids: Elias is 10, Sarita (Sarah) is seven and David is three.

José’s wife left him eight months before (most of the time it’s the father who walks away and leaves the mother with the kids) and he had a job bricklaying, so his parents often took care of the kids. When we got there they met us at the end of their driveway and Sarita, the little girl, came running with a smile on her face and hugged us; she noticed I had a soccer ball, took it right from my hands and ran away. I wondered if I would ever get it back! I didn’t see it for most of the morning while I helped build the house.

“At first, the kids stayed back and were all shy, but not Sarah. She

Let’s get to work Last month, retired Pastor Ernest Dow was part of a group that travelled to El Salvador on a mission trip to assist in building homes there. Here he is with some of his coworkers on that journey. (Photo submitted)

By Ernest Dow (retired pastor), Huron Chapel Evangelical Missionary Church, Auburn From Feb. 8-16, it was my privilege to take part in a Shelter Canada project in El Salvador building 12 houses! This was part of a larger three-week commitment

by Wingham-area teams headed by Ed and Brenda Stein and Doug Kuyvenhoven; generous donors gave enough to build over 50 houses! (Materials for each house cost approximately $3,800.)

It was the privilege of us who went to witness in person the gratefulness each family, and indeed the entire community, expressed upon construction of their new homes - safe from the elements, and from intruders because they could be securely locked. One farm labourer expressed how difficult it would be to save up enough for just a couple of sheets of steel, let alone an entire house!

We learned to admire the hardworking Salvadorans, many of them neighbouring volunteers, who have to cope with extremely challenging farming conditions on steep hillsides. They pitched in energetically to dig the holes for the foundation, and to assemble the steel structure including the sharpedged roof. The local Shelter employees (especially translators and foremen) treated us with respect and as friends, eagerly showing us how to carry out necessary tasks.

We appreciated the prayers of those back home for our safety.

About half of each day’s journeying (an hour in the morning and again at night) consisted of hanging on to the bars in the back of a pickup truck as it bounced slowly along a rocky uneven road along a steep mountainside, around hairpin turns with zero shoulder where one stared down into deep gorges.

We had devotions as a group at the start of each day. One morning I shared from Isaiah 58:11-12, which seemed to be particularly applicable in the sunny hot conditions of El Salvador: “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs

in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame… Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.”

We are thankful for all those who partnered with us, whether by praying or donating, in repairing

buildings with broken walls and providing secure dwellings for disadvantaged folks in a sunscorched land!

An earlier team (Feb. 1-9) included half a dozen teens from Huron Chapel in Auburn. This team managed to engage other El Salvadoran youth in friendly competitive soccer matches some

BRUSSELS S

United Chu ur urch Join us fo for Worsh hip this 2nd Sunday of Lent March 16 at 11:00 a.m. a March 14, 7 p.m. Affirm PIE DAY AY celebration with pie, coffee and conversation.

March 18, 10 a.m. Brussels U.C. for Lenten Devotions Study witth Alex.

Contact Alex at ministter.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.co y @g om Website: brusselsandblythuc.ca b P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259 P.

came and gave me something to drink like four times. One time she brought me a bottle and said a whole lot of Spanish to me while I stood there like, ‘Gracias, thanks for the water,’ and she watched me.

The translator walked over and I asked what she was trying to say to me. Turns out the water was not for me, she was asking me to open the lid for her! She just laughed and got another bottle.

“I found the soccer ball hiding under a towel in a corner; I think she thought it was a gift for her. So I grabbed it and tried to ask and signaled with my hands to play soccer with her and her brothers.

They agreed right away…. When we got too hot to play and we sat down for some water, Sarita came over and said in Spanish, ‘You know you’re not done playing with me,’ so we sat in the shade and did a few colouring pages together while she chats away in Spanish.

“When we sat down for lunch she sat beside me and asked if I was going to play with her again. We Continued on page 19

Worship with us at

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship 10:00 am Worship Service 11:00 am Co ee Time All Are Welcome Interim Pastor Elwin Garland 250 Princess St., Brussels • 519-887-6388

The Anglican Churches of Blyth, Seaforth and Wingham Welcome You to Sunday Service!

Trinity: 9:00 a.m. Parish of the Holy Spirit: 9:30 a.m. St. Paul’s-Trinity: 11:00 a.m.

166 Dinsley St. W, Blyth

21 Jarvis St. Seaforth 519-527-1522

revjoann@hurontel.on.ca

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www.holyspiritseaforth.ca

www.regionalministryof hope.com

The Regional Ministry of Hope

23 John St E Wingham 519-357-4883

Service Livestreamed Sundays at 11 a.m. on our facebook page

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MEL LV VILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

Sunday, March 16, 2025 9:30 a.m.

We extend a loving welcome to all to join us as Doug Sargent leads us in worship, prayer and praise to God. G We encourage you to stay for refreshments and a chance to visit following the service.

Soup & More 2 Join us every Friday from 11:30 - 1 p.m. for lunch. This free meal is made possible by the Brussels churches and many volunteers working together to serve our community. All are a welcome!

For pastoral care concerns please call 519-524-7512 2

Blyth United Church Sunday, March 16 9:30 am "So if there is anyone in Christ, there is a new Creation."

2 Corinthians 5:17

The outreach project for March is the Food Grains Project Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com

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

Worship and Prayer Time Loving Fellowship Expository Preaching

Sunday, March 16 at 10 a.m.

Cranbrook Hall, 84335 McNabb Line Childcare and Sunday School provided for children 0 to 8 during the sermon

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PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025.

Father-son duo impresses Lucknow crowd

Legion lights, country nights The Lucknow Legion buzzed with the joyful sounds of classic country on Saturday night as pre-teen prodigy Memphis took the stage with his father, Richard Marier, and Kincardine’s own Northern Boys. The talented young singer and mandolin player delivered a heartfelt tribute to legends like George Jones, Merle Haggard and Conway Twitty, proving that timeless music still finds a home in fresh voices. (Scott Stephenson photos)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Wing Night at the Lucknow Legion is always a good time, and even more so when there's a little bit of entertainment after dinner. On Saturday night, almost 50 music fans came out to Branch 309 with the hopes of hearing some old-time song stylings, and they weren’t disappointed. The music was provided by pre-teen phenom Memphis, his father, Richard Marier, and a top-notch band out of Kincardine known as The Northern Boys.

Before the show, young Memphis was kind enough to take a moment

to chat with The Citizen about why he loves travelling from town to town, jamming with like-minded artists and performing country tunes for his fans.

Saturday’s show was billed as a tribute to the music of George Jones, Merle Haggard, and Conway Twitty. Memphis’ favourite song at the moment is Haggard’s “Mama Tried.” “He’s always been a classic, and being able to sing his songs just makes me feel like a classic. And being a classic is great,” he explained. “It’s gonna be awesome!

We’re gonna have a bunch of our friends play for us, They’re also gonna sing, and it’s just gonna be a whole party in here tonight. It feels

awesome to give people joy.”

Although the winter weather may have slowed him down a bit, Memphis has still been keeping busy doing his schoolwork and making music.

Last year, he recorded a demo CD to sell at shows, and this year, he’s been invited to head down to Clarksville, Tennessee, where he’ll be recording a real-life, professional album. “We’re really excited to do it!” he exclaimed.

Right now, he’s saving up his show earnings to buy himself a Philadelphia Phillies baseball cap.

“I like their colours, and when almost every player hits the ball, it’s a really far one,” he explained.

alike, particularly impressing the crowd with his mandolin skills, as he sang Twitty’s “Linda on My Mind.”

Classic country songs like these ones always tend to come around again, because they speak to the kind of truths that always tend to come around again. Sometimes love comes around, and sometimes it goes away. Sometimes the future feels wide open, and sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes all you can do is get together at the Legion with your friends and neighbours, count your blessings, and listen to a boy sing the blues.

Memphis may have only been playing live shows for a couple of years, but he’s already become well-known as a real sharp dresser, and Saturday was no different.

“We’re wearing red and black tonight - classic colours,” he pointed out. “It’s been around for ages. Black is more of a dark kind of colour that most people would wear, and red is like a classic joyful colour.”

Then it was time for Huron County’s premier father-son country duo to take the stage, and it really did feel like a party. Memphis made new fans from town and farm

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025. PAGE 19.

Wingham Skating Club presents ice show

Never stop never stopping Wingham Skating Club’s ice show featured impressive performances and a lively finale.

(Scott Stephenson photos)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

One of the most reliably enjoyable events held at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex (NHWCC) is the Wingham Skating Club’s (WSC) annual ice show. It’s a chance for club members of all skill levels to showcase the new moves they’ve mastered over the skating season.

This year, a cadre of young performers demonstrated their collective penchant for rhythm with “Can’t Stop the Beat” - a musicinfused revue that had fans in the stands tapping their toes and clapping their hands from beginning to end.

The show began with a group routine featuring the WSC’s youngest members, led by some of the club’s more experienced skaters. The crew flocked to the ice in pink tutus to the tune of Meghan

Trainor’s “Better When I’m Dancing,” bearing a striking resemblance to a flamboyance of flamingos.

The first solo program of the evening was performed by Avery Toll, who flowed around the rink in black and silver to the song “Time and Again,” by WILDS. When it was her sister’s time to shine later in the show, Sadie Toll kept it local by choosing Owen Riegling’s “Old Dirt Roads” for her crowd-pleasing skate.

The second group of junior skaters hit the ice in leis and Hawaiian shirts, raising the temperature in the arena with a little help from Soca superstar Arrow’s caliente calypso hit, “Hot, Hot, Hot.” All the tambourines and maracas only added to the island vibe.

One of the most visually compelling acts of the evening was expertly executed by the JuniorStar

Dow on materialism Continued from page 17 played some more soccer after lunch, then we helped build the second house, which was for José’s parents. Before this they had all lived together in a small mud and brick house. Gloria and I were drilling holes in the door stoppers and Sarah was at my side again chatting away, and she wanted to do it herself. And so I held the drill with one hand and she helped me drill the rest. She stayed at my side the whole time. She held screws for me and said lots of Spanish. We got a picture together…. This little girl really touched me, and even with all she had gone through as a kid, she was so happy and full of joy and energy. I loved playing with her and I hope I made a lasting memory for her.

“One more thing that stuck out to me was how friendly everyone was and welcoming, and generous when they had almost nothing.”

Thanks Emily for sharing this! In North America we have much we

take for granted, which may not be obvious until we visit lessdeveloped areas like parts of El Salvador. Yet there we also discover from those who don’t have much materially, that they can enrich us by their gifts of friendship and partnership in both work and play.

Indeed the Lord “will satisfy your needs” in ways that are more than simply material.

Sudoku Solution

skaters: Clara Bridges, Calliope Jones, Claira Jones and Gillian McKee. The quartet mixed it up on the ice in illuminated wings, offering an ethereal demonstration of top-quality teamwork.

Alena Scott wore blue velvet and stayed true to the theme as she whirled through a “wicked” program set to the song “Dancing Through Life,” by Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande. Later in the show, Sarah Whitehead channeled a different kind of magical vibe by pairing her jumps and twirls with “Defying Gravity” - the favoured Oz-anthem of wicked witches everywhere.

Next up, Joey Fair, Harrison McKee and Wesley Irwin were unleashed upon the ice to the song “Fly”, by Jon Stevens, from the movie Planes. The raucous routine let the boys, armed with inflatable guitars, slide around the ice, rocking their hearts out in a sustained three-man solo before splitting the scene.

While the universal versatility of Taylor Swift’s music is never on trial, audiences were again reminded of that empirical fact by a pair of polar opposite pieces that utilized the idol’s catalogue to great effect. Brooklyn Leis’ wistful routine took on Taylor’s version of “Long Live”, kicked off the set of Swifties, while a legwarmer-clad group finished off the “Taylor Twofer” with an energetic cruise around the rink to “Shake It Off.” Olivia Al’s funky routine and lamp blue outfit rose to the

occasion of the challenging arrangement she selected “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody” from Baz Lurhman’s genre-defying 2013 classic The Great Gatsby. It was a little bit hip-hop, a little bit jazzy, and a whole lot of fun to watch.

The next group of boys to take to the arena’s slippery stage acted as the show’s unofficial rhythm section, aided by dozens of real drumsticks. All that tapping on the ice and boards made for an even more memorable rendition of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” than normal.

The solo routines finished strong with a pair of short programs by two JuniorStar skaters. Gillian McKee treated the crowd to a selfreflective program inspired by the descendant of Snow White’s Evil Queen that she’s also performed competitively in the past. Her musical selection may have been “Rotten to the Core,” but everyone in the stands was won over by this fresh routine. Claira Jones, dressed in teal, conjured up images of less wintery weather with “As It Was” the Harry Stiles mega-hit that was 2022’s song of the summer.

Throughout the show, the bleachers continued to fill up with finished skaters who wanted to sit with their families to take in the rest of the performances, so the senior students played to a packed house.

Al, Leis, Whitehead, Scott and Avery and Sadie Toll all sparkled as individuals and shone as an ensemble with a decidedly downtown-inspired program set to

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the tune of Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk” - a real highlight in a great show!

The finale brought all the skaters back onto the ice for an all-skills level dance party, after which, awards were handed out. The attitude-oriented “Spirit Of Skating” awards went to Kai Strudwick, Mya Tavares and Sloane Hackett. The “Most Improved” skaters at each respective skill level were Brooklynn Thebeau (PreCanSkate to Stage 2), Lena O’Connor (CanSkate Stage 3-6), Clayton Bergey (PowerSkater), Claira Jones (Junior StarSkater), and Sara Whitehead (Senior StarSkater). Sterling Carter was declared PowerSkater Of The Year, and StarSkater Of The Year went to Al. Coaches Julia Jacobs and April Irwin must certainly be proud of all this year’s rock-star skaters!

Brussels Optimist's Dinner and Auction

Sat April 12, 2025 BMG Community Centre Doors open at 5pm.

Dinner at 6:30 pm. $40 Proceeds to Ronald McDonald House - SWO and Community Betterment

Contact any member or McDonald Lumber for tickets or to donate

PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025.

Measles cases reported in Huron and Perth Counties Continued from page 1 to, or worship within the Huron Perth Public Health region.

Infants aged 6 months to 11 months are eligible to receive a first dose of measles-containing vaccine for earlier protection against measles. Typically, in Ontario, children receive their first dose of measles vaccine (MMR) at one year of age.

A second dose of measles-

containing vaccine for children can be given before the age of four in consultation with your healthcare provider. Typically, in Ontario, children receive a measles booster dose between the ages of four and six, preferably before starting school.

HPPH strongly recommends under-immunized children who are in school or childcare receive the measles vaccine. Adults born in

1970 or after: Two doses of measles-containing vaccine are advised for adults born in and after 1970. Adults born before 1970 are generally considered protected against measles.

Specific populations of adults born before 1970 (e.g., people who work in healthcare, members of the military) are advised to consult with their healthcare provider for measles-containing vaccine doses.

Two rescued after flash flood Two Central Huron residents are warming up after being rescued from their tractor near the Maitland River following a flash flood that left them stranded.

On March 6, just before 1 p.m., the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a distress call from two individuals who were stranded in rising waters near Fern Hurst Glen Lane in the Municipality of Central Huron.

The pair was on their tractor and suddenly found themselves surrounded by cold, fast-moving water that was rising rapidly. Huron OPP officers attended the scene with Huron County EMS, Goderich Fire Department, Lambton Shores

Fire Department, members from the West Region OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), JRCC Trenton, and volunteers from Huron and Area Search and Rescue (HASAR).

After determining the best route to access the stranded parties, an inflatable boat was utilized to retrieve the two safely and bring them back to solid ground and awaiting paramedics. The pair were treated at a local hospital as a precaution and are expected to make a full recovery.

The Huron County OPP would like to thank all their emergency response partners for the quick response and excellent teamwork

CH continues with budgeting process Continued from page 16 just under 8.5 per cent in 2025.

Boyes noted that there are plans in the works to run a hybrid model for minor garden maintenance that uses students, similar to what was employed in 2024. There is also a $2,500 grant for the Clinton Lawn Bowling Club in the budget for this year.

The general facilities and libraries budget is anticipated to decrease in 2025 by 4.42 per cent, thanks largely to the facilities assessment being completed last year.

The recreational facilities and halls budget will increase by 1.36 per cent in 2025 which, according to Boyes, is working under the assumption that rentals will be similar to those of last year. He noted that the Auburn Community Hall budget has yet to be finalized and that there is some exterior work budgeted for the Sloman School Car in Clinton this year.

There is an 8.76 per cent increase planned for the Central Huron Community Complex this year, which includes a loan payment for the centre in the amount of $127,142.26, noting that the loan is set to expire on March 15, 2027.

Boyes told council that there are necessary repairs at the centre to its HVAC and ice chiller systems and that further maintenance is expected at the centre this year as its equipment continues to age. He also told council that increases to wages for employees at the centre continue to be a significant driver of costs.

Boyes told council that he anticipated a 7.67 per cent increase in expenses for the Regional Equine and Agricultural Centre of Huron (REACH) budget, largely due to insurance and building maintenance increases. There is also an annual loan payment this year of almost $252,000. That loan is not due to expire until June of 2036.

There will be a 4.4 per cent decrease to the municipality’s solar panel budget. Boyes noted that, while revenue from the solar panels is, of course, weather-dependent, the municipality made over $500,000 from them in 2024.

Wage increases mean that Central Huron’s crossing guard budget will rise by just under four per cent this year.

Central Huron’s building department will see a five per cent increase in expenses this year after an additional building inspector was hired last year to be shared with the Town of Goderich at a rate of one day per week.

Boyes also noted that the 2024 surplus of over $2,100 will be transferred to reserves, but, in turn, the estimated deficit of nearly $42,000 this year will be funded from that reserve.

The municipality’s drainage budget will see a decrease in expenses in excess of 17 per cent this year due to a reduction in the budgeted legal costs. He also noted write-offs in 2024 for the Dodds drain ($314,215) and Kelly drain ($20,000), but that there will be $200,000 recovered through legal avenues for the Dodds drain.

Central Huron’s economic development budget will see an increase in expenses of 2.35 per cent this year and a decrease of 2.52 per cent in the community improvement budget.

The protective inspection budget will increase by 2.7 per cent this year, which includes recoveries from Huron East (40 per cent) and Morris-Turnberry (20 per cent) for animal control costs shared by the three municipalities. Boyes also noted that Central Huron’s policing costs are rising this year by nearly $45,000.

He also noted that there were no changes recommended for the municipality’s street light budget this year.

demonstrated to bring this potentially life-threatening situation to a successful conclusion.

“The OPP is reminding the public to be aware of the changing conditions in and around Huron County waterways and especially the Lake Huron shoreline as the vast amount of snow received this winter is expected to melt quickly in the next several days and weeks,” said Constable Craig Soldan - Media Relations and Community Safety Officer with the Huron County OPP.

HPPH is completing case and contact tracing for measles cases, reaching out to anyone who may have been exposed to the virus.

If HPPH cannot contact everyone who may have been exposed to measles, we will notify the public of a possible community exposure.

This information will be shared through the HPPH website and media releases.

If you think you or a family member has been exposed to measles or has the virus: • Assess your risk of exposure using the online Measles Exposure Self-Assessment Tool, which can be accessed at hpph.ca/measles.

• If you are not fully vaccinated or have measles symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with other people. Avoid having visitors in your home.

• If you need medical care, call ahead before going to a healthcare facility. Tell them you may have measles or have been exposed so they can prepare for your arrival and prevent the virus from spreading to others.

• Wear a well-fitted mask if you need to go out for medical care.

Measles symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure to the virus and include: • fever • runny nose • cough • red eyes • small white spots can appear on the inside of the mouth and throat but are not always present • a red blotchy rash appears on the face and then spreads down the body (normally appears three to seven days after symptoms begin) Someone who has measles can be contagious from four days before the rash starts to four days after the rash starts. Most people fully recover from measles within two to three weeks, but sometimes measles can cause complications, such as pneumonia, ear infections, diarrhea, hearing loss, brain swelling (encephalitis), seizures or, rarely, death.

For more information about measles, visit hpph.ca/measles, or contact the HPPH Measles Information line at 1-888-221-2133 ext.

3299 or measlesinfoline@hpph.ca.

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