Thursday, December 24, 2009

December 24 News Stories

Pig Barn Destroyed
Fire officials and police continue to investigate a barn fire near Shakespeare. Perth County OPP say crews were called to a farm on highway 8, between Shakespeare and New Hamburg, around 5 o’clock this morning. The barn, containing 800 pigs, was fully engulfed in flames. The ten year old barn, and the pigs, were completely destroyed. No word on a cause of the blaze.

Bruce County Tourism
It’s was a good news, bad news tourism season for Bruce County this past summer. Tourism Manager Chris Hughes says it was a record breaking year for attractions that are not weather dependent, like the county museum, trails and amusement parks, all had record breaking attendance. But beach related tourism businesses, had a 10 to 15 per cent drop, because of the wet, cool weather. Hughes says visitors in the Western GTA, or active boomers, are a target group for the county. He says they are looking for activities and attractions that will extend the tourism season, to include more than just the summer months.

Saugeen Torch Route
Here’s the route for the torch run for Port Elgin and Southampton. It will start on Hwy 21 at the CAW road at 5:01pm. A total of 11 runners will carry the torch to Tomlinson Drive, ending at 5:34. The torch will then travel to Southampton, with the relay starting on Albert St at Spence St at 5:39 pm. 3 runners will carry the torch to Clarendon St, with a brief stop at the Art Gallery. It will leave Southampton at 5:48 pm. ….this story by Sandy Lindsay….www.saugeentimes.com

Torch BearerBrian Williams, renowned sports announcer for CTV, will be running with the Olympic Torch in Port Elgin on Monday. He’ll be running from the CAW Road to the Walmart ,with his grandsons, Michael and Jacob Condy, both local students. Their father, Williams' son-in-law, George Condy, is a teacher at Saugeen District Secondary School (SDSS)…this story by Sandy Lindsay….www.saugeentimes.com

Cottage Break Ins
Two cottages were reported burglarized on the Cape Chin North Shore Rd. on Tuesday. Entry was gained by forcing the cottage’s doors. A pellet gun from one and a fishing tackle box from the other were the only items noticed missing at the time of the discovery. Bruce Peninsula OPP continues to ask the public to report any suspicious activity they see to police….this story by Sandy Lindsay…www.saugeentimes.com

Blue Mountain Crash
Grey County OPP continue to investigate a fatal crash in the Blue Mountains. Police say it happened on Grey Road 2, Tuesday night. A southbound vehicle entered the northbound lane, but as both drivers tried to avoid a collision, they hit head on. The victim was pronounced dead at Meaford Hospital. Police have not released any names. Driving conditions were poor at the time of the collision.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

December 23 News Stories

Jobs Gone
Two Tobacco Youth Advisors are losing their job today with the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit and OPSEU is not happy about it. OPSEU spokesperson Ted Loughead released a statement to the press about his concerns with what he calls mismanagement of the health unit, and the phasing out of these two positions. Loughead says the two youth advisors are at a loss as to why they no longer have a job, adding they claim they knew of funding that had come through, to the health unit, to sustain their position, but it was sent back. Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hazel Lynn says when the original funding ended in August, they kept the two youth advisors on, but new funding may possibly come in the new year.Loughead is hoping to initiate an investigation into the management of the health unit, and encourages the public to email info@ombudsman.on.ca, to express their concerns.

Stay Healthy
For a lot of people, the holidays mean travel and family gatherings. Although H1N1 seems to have died down in most areas, the Huron County Health Unit is warning us not to be too loose with protecting ourselves from illness. Public Health Nurse Christina Taylor says they are asking everyone to continue with measures they released in the fall including hand washing, coughing and sneezing into your sleeve, dispose of your own tissues and to stay home if you are feeling ill.If you are travelling over the holidays, Taylor suggests knowing the risks of where you are going. She says this mainly applies to people going out of province, out of country and to tropical destinations.

Student Contest
Saugeen Shores is a community that has embraced the idealism that represents the Olympic Games. There have been several events that have helped build the excitement of this once-in-a-lifetime experience - the arrival of the Olympic Torch. One of the events was designed to get young students involved. A contest was set up asking local students to create essays based on what their thoughts were about the Olympic Torch coming to Saugeen Shores. The judging was headed up by Gerry Moss and five finalists have been selected. The final winner will have his or her name engraved on an actual torch which will then be displayed at the Saugeen Shores town offices in Port Elgin. The winner will be announced at the Torch Run celebrations, on Monday, at the Plex in Port Elgin….this story by Sandy Lindsay….www.saugeentimes.com

Torch Website
A website has been set up, to track the Olympic Flame as it winds it’s way through Canada. Log onto www.vancouver2010.com/flame , to see pictures, read torch bearer names and the story of the Olympic Torch Relay through each community. Names of participants are revealed online, approximately 36 hours before the flame passes through each community. So, if you logon about 4am on Sunday December 27, you will learn who the torch bearers will be for Kincardine, Tiverton, and Saugeen Shores.

Ride Drugs
A Listowel youth has been charged for possession of marijuana, while going through a ride check on Tuesday. Perth County OPP say the aroma of freshly burned marijuana was noticed when the vehicle pulled over. The youth, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was searched, and subsequently charged. He has to appear in youth court in Listowel, in February.

Shooter Bail
A suspect in a shooting in Hanover, has been released from jail, on bail. 19 year old Scott Pletch of Wingham, was released last week. Pletch, Cody Crocker and Dwight Chambers are charged with conspiracy to commit murder, in connection to a shooting in November. 18 year old Tyler Hammond of Hanover, the unintended target of the shooting, and was struck by a bullet, was released from hospital. All three of the accused will appear in Walkerton court in January.

Interim Cop
An Interim Detachment Comander has been chosen for Bruce Peninsula. Staff Sergeant Joel Skelding, with be in charge of the Wiarton Detachment for the next few months, until the return of Staff Sergeant Fishleigh. Skelding, who once lived in Owen Sound, is familiar with the area, He says he looks forward to getting to know the communities and working on the Peninsula over the next couple of months…this story by Sandy Lindsay…www.saugeentimes.com

New Reserve Fund
Saugeen Shores council is looking at a new way to save money. Typically, the municipality ends each year with a $350,000 operating surplus. That money is usually placed in the Future Capital Reserves, and if needed, some of it is used to fund expenses for the following year. Treasurer Lori Sweiger has suggested setting up a Tax Stabilization Reserve, funded from the municipal tax levy, at a rate of 2 per cent. Monies from the reserve could be used to offset a projected one-time spike in the tax rate, or to help with operating costs, in case of a year ending with a budget deficit. Sweiger says the initial deposit into the new reserve would be $140,000. She says the municipality would start each year at zero, with no surplus or deficit, then council would have the decision to remove or add to it. Council will look at the matter further, in the new year…this story by Sandy Lindsay….www.saugeentimes.com

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

December 22 News Stories

OPSEU/Health Unit
The Medical Officer of Health for Grey Bruce, is responding to a press release published by OPSEU. In the release, OPSEU rep Ted Loughead denounces the lay off of two Youth Advisors, affective tomorrow. Loughead asks how the board of health can justify the recent pay raise they okayed, for MOH Dr. Hazel Lynn. He says that money could easily have paid the salaries of the two workers getting the ax. Dr. Lynn says the raise was at the urging of the Ontario Medical Association and will be paid by the province, and is not coming out of the health unit’s budget. She says the pay hike puts all moh’s on the same payscale as other health professionals and doctors. Dr. Lynn says she has applied for funding for more youth advisors and that the province is now putting together a new youth program. She says they won’t likely hear anything new on that, until the spring. In the meantime, she says, the health unit budget is so tight, they cannot afford to keep the positions without the grants. Dr. Lynn says Loughead has not contacted her or any health unit staff, to talk about his concerns. She says he is welcome anytime to come in and take a look at the books.

Huron Kinloss Council Highlights
Council agreed to a zero per cent wage increase for council members for 2010…..council got some good news from the province about the shortfall from the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund. It was first believed there would be $600,00 less coming from the funding, but the province has revealed transitional assistance….meaning the township will get back, $89,000. Treasurer Jodi MacArthur says the township also gained from an adjustment to the stabilization component, meaning a total loss of $278,000, not the $600,000 originally thought. Councilor Jim Hanna, mentioned a probable 8 per cent tax hike to cover the shortfall. Mayor Mitch Twolan says the Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus is asking the province to review the funding formula, especially for rural municipalities. ….and more bad news with numbers…this time relating to the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority…Huron Kinloss is one of three municipalities that are facing a general levy increase because of assessment growth…that means facng a 6.7 per cent increase, or $5,000 extra for the SVCA budget. According to Councilor Anne Eadie, the levy is based on a complicated formula set up by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the SVCA, back in the 1990s. …A groundbreaking/completion celebration is planned at the Point Clark Community Centre, on January 5. Huron Bruce MP Ben Lobb and MPP Carol Mitchell will be on hand for a ten o’clock ceremony….this story by Liz Dadson…www.kincardinetimes.com

Ring Switch
A Port Elgin woman faces theft charges, in connection to a ring switch at Elgin Jewelers, in November. Police say two woman, who were looking at a variety of rings, drew the attention away from the clerk. The employee, noticed a $2,000 diamond ring, had been switched with a similar looking older cubic zirconia, when she returned. The employee could not catch up to the women, who had left the store quickly. Video cameras at the store, identified the women. The ring was returned to the store, and a 44 year old woman was charged with theft under $5,000 and possession of stolen property.

Port Drugs
A Port Elgin man is facing drug charges, after a raid on his home. Police say, earlier this month, they found marijuana, ecstasy pills, oxycodone pills, hash oil, $925 in cash and a handgun. A 49 year old man is charged with four counts of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, and unauthorized possession of a firearm. He’s got a court appearance in Walkerton, in January.

Weapons Charges
A Listowel man is facing weapons charges after a weekend call to police from concerned citizens. Police say they responded to a call about a man with a gun at a Barber Ave home. When police arrived, they found two replica pellet hand guns. Investigation led to charges, including three counts of pointing a firearm and two of carrying a weapon, dangerous to the public peace.

Monday, December 21, 2009

December 21 News Stories

LHIN Chair Search
The search for a new Chair of the Board for the Southwest Local Health Integration Network, is going well. Michael Barret, CEO of LHIN, says they are working closely with Health Minister Deb Mathews, to find a replacement for Norm Gamble, who recently left the post. Barret says it’s the province who appoints someone to the position. Barret says they’re also looking for three new board members, which is an internal process. He says they’re looking for specifics in their selection. Someone with legal knowledge, communication skills and someone with strong board experience. Barret admits the part time board position can be challenging because of the change in the health care system. The new board members are also appointed by the province.

Tourism Calendar
The beauty of Grey Bruce is featured in the 2010 edition of Great Ontario Outdoor Adventure Calendar. Bruce Grey Tourism Manager, Chris Hughes says the calendar spotlights Ontario's world-class adventure activities and destinations, and this year has a special focus on the icons of the Bruce Peninsula. He says The highlight of the calendar is the stunning photography, and offers key outdoor event listings, details of the amazing Adventure of a Lifetime Contest, birds of Ontario, and features Ontario Parks, National Parks and Conservation Areas. You can get your free calendar by calling Ontario Tourism and at Grey Bruce Tourism.

New CEO
Bruce Telecom has a new CEO. Chairman of the Board, Richard Martin says Eric Dobson, will take over on January 4. Dobson, has had a very successful career with Rogers Communications, where he served as senior vice president, business and carrier services. Martin says, during his tenure there, he exceeded profitability targets and was instrumental in building a highly-effective management team. Dobson replaces Mike Andrews, who submitted a letter of resignation, citing personal reasons for leaving his post on Dec. 4. He was hired last fall, taking over from Hans O. Nilsson who retired in the spring of last year.

Funding Award
A joint fundraising announcement was made, late Friday afternoon, by Huron Bruce MP Ben Lobb and MPP Carol Mitchell. $1 million will be used to re-purpose and renovate vacated portions of the Blue Water Rest Home in Zurich. Two thirds of the money has been allocated to the East Wing, when residents are moved to their new home, next year. Mitchell says, local jobs will be created, and that will stimulate the economy. When the space has been finished, it will house daycare, community services and assisted living suites. The funding comes through Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Fatal Crash
South Bruce OPP continue to investigate a fatal crash in Greenock Township, Thursday night. Police say 63 year old David MacLennan, of Kincardine Township was pronounced dead at the scene, of the crash on County Road 15. The driver of the other vehicle, Rolf Huber, of Kincardine Township, was taken to hospital and released. No word on charges.

Special Olympic Donation
Saugeen Shores Special Olympics got an early Christmas present from the Power Workers' Union. The PWU presented $2,500 to the group, which will go toward transportation and equipment. Organizer Shelly Bellamy says four athletes will be going to the national games this summer, and the money will help offset the $1200 cost for each athlete. Special Olympics, who don’t get any government support, rely on donations and community support. ….this story by Sandy Lindsay…..www.saugeentimes.com

Reindeer Romp
200 participants took part in The Reindeer Romp and Jingle Jaunt, an event organized as part of the kick-off to the arrival of the Olympic Torch, in Port Elgin, on December 28th. The jaunt began at The Plex in Port Elgin, Sunday morning. The nominal registration fee went to support the Saugeen Track and Field Club who helped organize the event….this story by Sandy Lindsay….www.saugeentimes.com

Money Raised
The Kincardine Community Concert Band raised $430 for the general operating fund for Knox Presbyterian Church, Kincardine, through the band's annual Christmas concert, that held Wednesday night. A good crowd attended the event to hear a variety of Christmas songs and carols, and special guests, Dreamsville, a six-member soft jazz group….this story by Liz Dadson…www.kincardinetimes.com

Construction Stats
A major multi-unit residential project has boosted the construction figures in Kincardine. Fifteen building permits were issued in November, with a total value of $2.15 million. Chief building official Michele Barr said $1.2 million of the value in November came from the residential addition and alteration of the building that used to be Tracy's Tap and Grill, attached to the north of Darcie's Variety, at the corner of Russell and Walsh Streets in Ward 1. It is being turned into apartments. November's report also included two single detached homes, for a total value of $740,000. Construction was up last month compared to November of 2008. However, overall, the figures are down, compared to last year. To the end of November, 2009, there were 237 permits issued, with a total construction value of $18.4 million. To the end of November, 2008, there were 312 permits issued, with a total construction value of $38.7 million….this story by Liz Dadson…www.kincardinetimes.com

Fair Bursary
Nicole Roppel, Ambassador of the Tiverton Fair in 2007-08, got the first annual $500 bursary from Dianne Todd, secretary of the Tiverton Agricultural Society. Each ambassador is eligible for the bursary, after completing their reign as Tiverton's Fall Fair Ambassador and enrolling in a continuing education program.. Nicole is continuing her education at York University, enrolled in a joint program with Sheridan College, Bachelor of Design….this story by Liz Dadson….www.kincardinetimes.com