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