The Citizen - Jan. 31, 2025

2 • History 4 • Editorials 12 • Golf, Curling 20 • Heart & Stroke

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Friday, January 31, 2025

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Volume 41 No. 5

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County budget returns Feb. 12

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Getting in front of it While the Wingham Ironmen beat the Walkerton Capitals at home at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex on Friday night, the team was then defeated the next night, also in Wingham, by the

Mount Forest Patriots. The team was then on the schedule to play the Fergus Whalers on Tuesday night on the road, but Mother Nature saw to it that the game didn’t happen. See page 8 for the full story. (John Stephenson photo)

The 2025 Huron County budget process continued last week with further presentations, but no changes ahead of Huron County Council’s special budget meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 12.

Several members of the senior management team presented their departmental budgets to council as part of its Jan 22 meeting, held entirely virtually due to the ongoing snow event.

First, the Department of Social and Property Services presented a budget with a 7.09 per cent increase over its 2024 budget, which represents an increase of just under $400,000.

Within that budget, it was noted that there is an Ontario Works cost share of over $875,000, a Child Care Services cost share in excess of $400,000 and a homelessness levy contribution of almost $550,000. The budget also includes a total capital expenditure of $7.8 million, which includes the 40-unit Gibbons Street housing project, which is in progress and will see $6.3 million in costs estimated for 2025.

The Public Works Department is forecasting a total budget increase of more than $1 million for an increase of just under six per cent over the 2024 budget.

Total capital expenditures in the budget come in just under $25 Continued on page 3

MT presents modest budget, council still wants cuts

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen On Tuesday morning, MorrisTurnberry Council discussed its proposed 2025 budget. This year, Treasurer Sean Brophy is proposing a municipal tax rate increase of 9.03 per cent, with a levy increase of 12.37 per cent.

The general consensus amongst councillors present at the meeting was that the tax rate increase would optimally remain as low as possible, but a practical route to keeping the inevitable annual increase to a minimum remains murky.

Few places to make cuts were identified by members of council.

While Councillor Jamie McCallum

favours limiting the municipal tax rate increase to three or four per cent, with five at a maximum, he didn’t offer specific suggestions on where reductions should be made.

Chief Building Official and Drainage Supervisor Kirk Livingston presented his proposal for modest increases in the budget for each of the departments he oversees, which includes municipal drains, the building department, property standards and animal control.

The drainage department’s budgets for maintenance and capital projects are projected at $240,000, and $700,000, respectively. Both of these costs are expected to be fully funded through a combination of grants

and cost recovery from landowners.

The drainage department’s draft also includes a minor budgetary increase for conferences and expenditures. “I’m on two committees with the Drainage Superintendents Association of Ontario (DSAO). I’m on the board of directors with the DSAO, and I’m also on the Drainage Action Working Group, which is going to be beneficial to our municipality…

I’m not sure how many meetings will be entailed with that, but I had to increase that budget slightly.”

Livingston explained to council.

The building department’s total operational revenue for 2025 is predicted to be $158,000, with an additional $21,137 being transferred out of reserves, which

would bring the building department’s total revenue up to $179,137. Building department expenses are projected at $229,422, which would make the department’s net cost to the municipality $50,285 for 2025. “Revenue in the building department has not been as high as we’ve hoped for in the last few years,” Livingston explained. The building department’s 2025 budget includes small expenditures, such as a $700 increase over last year to purchase replacement cell phones.

In the animal control department, Livingston is requesting an additional $10,000 to establish a dog counter for Morris-Turnberry.

He told council that this upfront cost would be quickly recouped through an

increase in dog tag revenue.

Deputy-Mayor Kevin Freiburger commented on the difficulty of finding fat to trim in the 2025 budget. “Having looked through, I honestly don’t think there’s a whole lot of extra frivolities or anything in there,” he said. “I would have a hard time trying to decide where to make cuts. Obviously, you always want to have as low an increase as possible, but how do you do that without getting farther behind, while still planning for the future?”

Freiburger went on to espouse a municipal tax rate increase of roughly five per cent, but he also admitted that he was unsure as to how that would be achieved.

“Good luck trying to get to that,” he Continued on page 3

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025.

What co-operation achieved Glimpses of the Past with Karen Webster

E

arly settlers were faced with the reality of preservation when it came to meats. The alternatives were: eat while fresh, which would work for a chicken or small game; drying it, such as with fish; salting it, or boiling it and storing it in jars. If a large animal were to be slaughtered in winter, nature’s cold storage would help the situation. But what about the warm months of the year when meat would rapidly become unusable?

One answer was creating beef rings. These were co-operatives of neighbours who became shareholders. Most of the local area beef rings were instituted around the start of the 20th century. Twenty or more shareholders would form a ring, erect a slaughterhouse and hire a butcher. In the early days, the butcher was paid $3 a week, as well as retaining the hide of the animal slaughtered. Each shareholder would pledge to provide one cattle beast that would dress from 450 to 500 pounds.

At the onset of beef rings, beef was valued at 10 cents a pound. The shareholder providing the cattle beast received the offal (heart, tongue, tail, tallow and liver) in addition to his share. The animal was to be delivered to the slaughterhouse on the evening before the butcher would arrive. The shareholders would then arrive the next afternoon to pick up their meat.

Each shareholder would have a cloth bag with their name stitched on the outside.

There was a prescribed rotation of meat to be allotted to each shareholder so that by the end of the killing season, each of them would have received meat from an entire carcass. For example, on Week 3, a shareholder would receive a roast from area three of the beef, a boil portion from area one and steak from area 22. The following week, beef cuts from other parts of a carcass would be their portion.

We are fortunate to be able to get a glimpse at some of the many beef rings that operated in this area. In February of 1903, John Tamblyn, William Gray and Edmund Lear formed the nucleus of the 13th Line of Hullett beef ring. They drew up a charter with the rules and regulations that were to be strictly followed.

Their butcher was required to sign a pledge in which he promised that he would slaughter the animal in a workmanlike manner, he would divide the meat fairly to the best of his judgment and ability, he would keep a record of each shareholder’s allotment and hand that to the secretary and that he would enter in each member’s passbook the amount of their allotment.

Through the years, the butchers for this ring were James Cumming, John Watt, James Woodman, James Heffron, James Davis, Harvey McCallum, Weldon Tyndall, Donald McNall Arthur Colson and Frank Bell.

In Ashfield Township, there were also several co-operatives formed.

William Brown of the Third Concession, East Division ran a beef ring from his slaughterhouse for 20 years. A few miles north of him, Jim Saunders of Coo Coo Valley operated a beef ring in addition to his grist mill business. Each spring, Jim would have an ice-cutting bee and, when the work was completed, he treated the workers with an oyster supper. It is supposed that the people had seen enough beef and were ready for a treat.

A West Wawanosh beef ring that included 32 shareholders was formed on Jan. 4, 1912 in St. Augustine and was located on the property of Joseph Flynn, just west of the hamlet. The officers were Sam Thompson, John Boyle, Stephen Medd and the inspectors were Robert McAllister and Albert Johnston. The first kill was Monday, April 8, 1912 and then every Monday for the next 32 weeks.

Robert Tunney was the first butcher, followed by John Boyle in 1915.

Thomas Webster started in 1921 and continued in this position until the beef ring ceased to operate in 1968.

A busy man, he also was the butcher for four other beef rings, in addition to running his own farming operation.

In Morris Township, the beef rings were Bluevale, Skelton, 2nd Line Beef Ring and Belgrave.

John R. Bell worked for all these beef rings as their butcher

until he enlisted in World War I. During wartime, rationing of staples such as gasoline, sugar and meat, to name a few, was instituted.

Citizens were issued coupons that quantified how much of a certain commodity they were entitled to purchase. The government made a ruling about patrons of the beef rings in that they were obliged to surrender some of their ration coupons in accordance with their share in the beef ring.

Beef rings began to be phased out in the 1940s because of the availability of cold storage lockers.

Customers could rent lockers to keep meat frozen. Some of the local lockers were operated by Ben Sheardown in Goderich, Gordon and Celia Taylor in Auburn, Batkins in Clinton, a co-operative cold storage

in Wingham and a locker in Blyth owned by several merchants until Harvey Snell closed it in the early 1970s.

At one time, a trip to the local town or village for supplies would end with a visit to the locker to pick up some meat for the coming week.

Eventually, home chest freezers became economical enough to purchase and cold storage businesses were no longer needed.

Beef rings are a thing of the past.

Government regulations, the availability of modern refrigeration, the lack of modern facilities in the slaughterhouse and decreasing membership brought an end to the practice that had enabled farm families to enjoy fresh meat in their diet in the warmer months of the year.

An annual tradition Seaforth First Presbyterian Church held its annual Robbie Burns Night supper last Saturday, which, of course, featured haggis and Burns’ famous poem, “Address to a Haggis”, which traditionally kicks off any Robbie Burns Night worth its salt. From left: Janice Nelson, Rev. Dwight Nelson and Shayne Ward. (John Stephenson photo)

Motherhood study seeks local input

By Anneke Stryker Research shows that women in prison are more likely to be parents than men, yet they often have fewer social supports. Additionally, most research on incarceration focuses on urban areas, overlooking the unique challenges faced by those in rural communities. Growing up in Clinton, I’ve seen firsthand how rural areas have distinct needs, which is why I’ve chosen to focus my dissertation on the psychological impact of incarceration on rural mothers.

Originally from Clinton, I’m currently a MSc Criminology student at the University of Essex online. My dissertation is on the experience of formerly-incarcerated mothers from rural areas, specifically focusing on the psychological impact of incarceration.

The goal of this study is to better understand how the experience of incarceration affects the mental health and well-being of mothers as they reintegrate into their families and communities. By gaining insights into these experiences, I aim to contribute valuable

information that can help inform support services and support for women in similar situations.

I am seeking to hear from mothers who have experienced incarceration in Ontario to better understand how this experience affects their mental health and overall wellbeing, both during their time in corrections and as they reintegrate into their families and communities. The insights gathered can help shape better support services for women in similar situations. If you: • Are a mother from rural Ontario • Were incarcerated in an Ontario detention facility • Were already a mother during the time of your incarceration • Are interested in sharing your story to help others in similar circumstances...

I invite you to participate in a brief, confidential interview that should last no more than 20 or 30 minutes. Your story can make a difference.

For more information or to participate, please contact me by email at as23478@essex.ac.uk or by text at 1-236-704-6207.

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.

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, JANUARY 31, 2025. PAGE 3.

Modest increases planned at county Continued from page 1 million, including phase two of the Dashwood project ($2.55 million), paving and culvert replacement on 20 kilometres of County Road 7 ($6.9 million) and rehabilitation of the Bannockburn Bridge ($3.9 million). The budget also includes $12.7 million of Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) and Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF) money, which includes some prior-year allocations.

The county’s long-term care budget includes an increase of almost $225,000 over 2024, which is an increase of 3.21 per cent.

This budget includes the final phase-in of the four-hours-ofdirect-care program at a cost of $750,000 to the county due to its reliance on agency staff. The budget also includes air handler replacements at both homes for a total cost of just over $1 million.

The economic development budget includes an increase of over six per cent, or just under $80,000, over the 2024 budget.

The proposed levy increase for the county budget remains unchanged at 8.39 per cent, but there will be significant discussion on the budget at the Feb. 12 meeting.

A tough start The U11 C Huron Heat welcomed the London Devilettes to the Seaforth and District Community Centre last Saturday for one of the team’s first playoff games. Unfortunately (John for the locals, the Devilettes would eventually win the game by a score of 3-0.

Stephenson photo)

Staff to aim for 5% increase Continued from page 1 said. “I see the nine per cent and look through the numbers and… good luck.”

The lean budget trend continued when Director of Public Works Mike Alcock presented his department’s proposed 2025 budget. A small increase of $250 is being requested for the operating budget of Morris-Turnberry’s parks and cemeteries. “Everything is pretty much status quo, there’s just a small overall increase in operations,” Alcock said. There are no capital expenditures expected for parks and cemeteries this year.

The Belgrave water system requires upgrades to its aging infrastructure, and the pumping station requires upkeep. Proposed capital expenditures for 2025 include $10,000 for a utility locator, and $200,000 for SCADApack and water system controller replacements. “The SCADApack and the program logic controller… all those things have a little bit of a shelf life, and we’re at the shelf life, so it’s time to retool,” Alcock explained. “The controllers are wearing out and breaking, which means a person has to come there and fix them. And the program logic controllers that we have, you can neither get parts for them anymore, nor are they supported by the software. So it’s kind of a custom fix, every time they come… it obviously comes at a cost, but that’s why we put money into reserves.”

At the Tuesday meeting, the proposed 2025 water rate of $1,322.09 per user was approved by council, which is a 7.06 per cent increase over last year. These user fees are expected to bring in $211,035 in 2025, and the majority of the remaining cost for the Belgrave water system upgrades will be covered by transfers from reserve funds. Alcock also

recommends $74,435 be contributed to reserves to shore up funds for foreseeable future expenditures.

Councillor Sharen Zinn mentioned that she would like to see staff find a way to reduce the proposed tax rate increase of 9.03 per cent. “I’d like to see it under five - staff’s job is to come up with how to do that,” she laughed. On a more serious note, Zinn reiterated that a lower municipal tax rate would be preferable. “I think times are tough out there for everybody.

If we can bring it down under five, that would be good,” she said.

The 2025 roads budget contains some typically hefty expenditures, like a proposed $2,327,000 for maintenance and overhead. “That’s the majority of the work that we do to keep our roads safe,” Alcock pointed out. That total includes $48,000 for grass cutting, $100,000 for grading, $170,000 for snow removal, and $750,000 in overhead expenses, among other essential line items.

Proposed capital road construction projects for 2025 include $115,000 for hot mix road surfacing on Queen Street, McKinnon Drive, and Black Lane in Bluevale. “It’s not that we don’t have a lot more needs, but that’s as far as we can go without adding a whole lot more money to the budget,” Alcock explained. $445,000 for surface treatment on Glenannon Road and Salem Road is also being requested. Additionally, $45,000 for culvert replacements and $10,000 for paving on Kate Street, Princess Street, and Mary Street are included in this year’s draft roads budget. The total proposed road construction budget for 2025 is $615,000. Repairing the bridge on Salem Road is the only proposed bridge work project this year, with a potential budget of $475,000.

The draft roads budget also

includes $735,000 for equipment and machinery expenses. Two large suggested purchases for 2025 are a $250,000 backhoe and $65,000 for a pickup truck.

Councillor Jodi Snell both concurred with Zinn’s sentiment about a lower tax rate increase and expressed respect for Alcock’s realistic approach to the roads budget.

“Of course, I’d like to see it under five [per cent], but it’s difficult because high-ticket items are work that needs to be done, right? We don’t want to let our roads start to disintegrate because then we’re going to be paying more money, probably, next year, right? And the more that you let those things go, the more expensive the increase is going to be in the following years and we don’t want to push that on anybody else… we live in a rural community. We need our roads, we need our bridges, we need equipment - that’s what we need, so, best of luck to [staff] - we appreciate you.”

Mayor Jamie Heffer also expressed appreciation for the efforts of staff to keep the tax rate low while still keeping the municipality running effectively.

“I’ve always been a proponent of trying to keep our budgets as close to inflationary movement as possible and it just seems like that is almost impossible to do anymore,” he lamented. “I wish I had a better answer on how to address it but I don’t. It just seems to be hard… I think we have a responsibility to give staff the opportunity to know what we’re thinking and see where they think they can change the budget to match that. Difficult, I think.”

Staff are now taking the draft budget back to the drawing board with council’s desire for a lower municipal tax rate in mind, and will soon return with an updated draft of the 2025 budget.

Coming in hot It was Robbie Burns Night at Seaforth First Presbyterian Church last Saturday, which meant the traditional piping in of the haggis, followed by a recitation of Burns’ “Address to a Haggis” before anyone can start their meal. (John Stephenson photo)

What could we do in this wilderness world?

(Mary Winslow, "Words of Loving Counsel and Sympathy") "From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another!" John 1:16 What could we do in this wilderness world, beset with manifold temptations within and without--had we not a God to go to--Jesus, an everpresent Help in times of trouble? He is our Helper in little matters, as in great ones. No one on earth, however dear, can take His place. We need Him as our Counselor and Guide, our Protector and Deliverer. How needful, then, and how sweet--to be ever sitting at His feet, looking up and meeting His loving eye, as it looks down upon us. Let us allow no distance between us and our dearest and best Friend.

Jesus indeed is very precious. Everything else sinks into its native nothingness when compared with Him. The more we see of the matchless, boundless love of Christ-- the more we lie under a sense of our wretched deformity in the dust of self- abasement before Him. But O the love springing from a sense of free pardon and full acceptance in Him, is often overpowering, and produces bitter tears, yet mixed with so much that is sweet.

All is given freely and fully. We come needy and helpless--and receive all from Him. O the riches of His grace, and matchless love to such as we are A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church Listowel, ON 519-291-3887

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 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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Much is at stake Trump’s threatened tariffs of 25 per cent on everything imported from Canada and Mexico has many industries, including those in the world of agriculture, nervous about an uncertain future.

Despite Trump’s repeated claims that the U.S. doesn’t need Canadian resources, they annually import $10 billion more agricultural products than they export to us. The trade imbalance with Mexico is even greater, around $100 billion, which leaves the question: how will they fill grocery store shelves and feed Americans if the tariffs materialize?

The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Association is forecasting increased costs under tariffs at around $475 million, putting some 29,000 jobs at risk. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture is just as worried about retaliatory tariffs which would increase costs on critical inputs from the U.S. like livestock feed, veterinary products, farm machinery and fertilizer. Some processors may ramp up Canadian production, bolstering our food supply chain, but others may need to shift production to the U.S., playing into Trump’s hand. Either way, consumers on both sides of the border are going to feel the pain.

The tariffs couldn’t come at a worse time. Kingston, Toronto and Mississauga have already declared a state of emergency due to food insecurity, with one in 10 Toronto residents relying on food banks and one in three Kingston residents experiencing food insecurity. We can’t afford four years of Trump and his bullying tariffs. – DS

No, we need a ‘mandate’ In 2022, Ontarians gave Premier Doug Ford a mandate to govern them for the next four years. They voted overwhelmingly in favour of Ford and his Progressive Conservatives, who won 83 of 124 seats and reduced the once-mighty Liberal Party to just seven seats. But a strong mandate is in the eye of the beholder and one now has to picture Ford pacing around his Queen’s Park office, like Daniel Day Lewis’ Reynolds Woodcock in Phantom Thread, considering that mandate and begrudgingly declaring, “It’s just not very good, is it? It’s ugly.”

And so, here we are. Months of speculation have bore fruit and Ford, indeed, called an early election on Tuesday, sending voters to the polls in under a month. Let this decision dispel you of the notion that any politician cares about you. It’s all about power. In the U.S., Donald Trump is doing things for Trump; Prime Minister Justin Trudeau proroguing government serves not Canadians, but his party; Pierre Poilievre is shockingly quiet on Trump for someone who likes the sound of his own voice as much as he does; it’s every Premier for him/herself as potential tariffs loom, and then Ford moves to seize more power, for longer, rather than embrace stillness and consistency.

Then there’s the money being spent. As businesses, industries and residents prepare for potential financial hardship ahead, Ford has spent about $3 billion to send $200 (of our own money) to every Ontarian. In addition, we will bear the cost of the election itself.

And yet, despite all of this, we will go to the polls on Feb. 27, not to choose a leader (we already have one) and not to improve our lives (a return to office for Ford changes literally nothing for us), but to earn Ford another full term, striking while the iron’s hot. When right-wing leaders extol the virtues of being financially conservative, do remember moves like these and the absolute mountain of irresponsible spending that buys the mirage of financial conservatism. – SL

Refusing to turn away When the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the nominees for this year’s Oscars, eagle-eyed film buffs may have seen a familiar title as Sugarcane, a documentary following an investigation into the Canadian residential school system, made by two Canadian journalists and filmmakers, snagged a Best Documentary nomination.

The powerful film has impressed critics and now it has a chance to make history on film’s biggest night. This is a success for Canadians who carve out a living by telling the stories of their home and native land, and yet directors Emily Kassie and Julian Brave NoiseCat are shining a light on one of the country’s greatest shames. This is a lesson in confronting past atrocities, not running from them, pretending they never happened.

And while the work being done federally to make things right with Canada’s Indigenous population should certainly and rightly be met with scrutiny, some of the earliest and most basic steps towards understanding and change for the next generations is not shying away from the reality of the story. The sooner that we, our children and our children’s children understand the true extent of the efforts of the federal government and the Catholic Church to keep Indigenous children under the thumb, the sooner those issues can be discussed and, perhaps one day, put to rest.

South of us, as books are banned, school topics are eliminated and bills and programs aimed at lifting up historically-marginalized groups are dashed, it feels uniquely Canadian to face these uncomfortable truths.

We’re far from perfect, but telling these stories is a start. – SL

Looking Back Through the Years February 4, 1965 Mrs. Graeme McDonald was the guest of honour at a bridal shower held in the schoolroom of Duff’s United Church in Walton. The room had been appropriately decorated for the occasion by the McKillop unit of the UCW. The Brussels Public Library Board met on Thursday, Jan. 25, at the library. Eight applications for the position of librarian and one for caretaker were reviewed. The board inspected new washroom facilities for patrons and made plans for improvements, including new front doors, an upgraded reference reading room and additional books, such as The Finest Hours, The Churchill Story, and The Comfortable Pew by Pierre Berton.

The first bonspiel of the newlyorganized Brussels Curling Club took place in the Brussels arena on Wednesday, drawing a large crowd of spectators to watch the games.

Despite the inclement weather, 16 rinks participated in the event.

Trophies and other prizes were donated by the Brussels Curling Club, with the Grand Champion Trophy provided by the Brussels Livestock Sales Yards.

January 30, 1980 The quarters were slightly smaller, and some changes had been made, but the Brussels Playschool was back in operation.

This time, the playschool was located in the basement of the United Church, operating one day a week instead of three. The playschool at St. John’s Anglican Church had to close because a large basement was being heated for just a small number of children. With a smaller room at the United Church, the playschool could accommodate about 10 children.

The development of clean industry compatible with the agricultural nature of the area was one of the priorities for HuronBruce Progressive Conservative candidate Murray Cardiff.

Cardiff expressed his desire to encourage clean industries to establish themselves in the riding and to support the expansion of existing small businesses, aiming to create employment opportunities for young people in the region.

“We would like to see industry that’s compatible with agriculture, one that blends in with the area it’s coming into,” Cardiff said.

Energy, farming, small business and interest rates were the major issues in the election campaign, according to Huron-Bruce Liberal candidate Graeme Craig. However, he placed energy as the top priority, particularly in how it impacted small businesses and farming.

“I think it has to be realized that the 18 cents a gallon [increase] was strictly tax and had nothing to do with the price of a barrel of oil,” he said.

February 1, 1995 The prospects for the 1999 International Plowing Match being in Huron County looked very promising, said Neil McGavin.

After attending two recent planning meetings, McGavin noted that five farm sites were now on the list, with another site near the Grand Bend airport also being considered.

Something old had caught the attention of some Grade 6/7 students at Brussels Public School, much to the delight of their teacher, Dale Wanless.

During a history class, Wanless mentioned how disputes between armies were sometimes settled by a

game of chess. “The next thing I knew, four students came to me with the idea of starting a club, and it has just sort of exploded,” he said.

Erla Koch served as the worship leader at Brussels Mennonite Fellowship on Sunday, Jan. 29. The Teen Challenge Team delivered the messages during the service, with two team members sharing their life stories and describing the miraculous ways God was working in their lives.

February 4, 2010 Awards were handed out on Friday at the Brussels Agricultural Society’s annual meeting. Isaac VanderBorgh was one of the night’s winners, receiving the School Section Award, which was presented by Yvonne and Les Knight.

Dana Dolmage was one of the three big winners, taking home the prestigious Murray Cardiff Award.

This award is presented to the student who demonstrates the best performance in both school work and the Junior Section. The award was presented to Dana by Jeff Cardiff, marking a proud moment in the evening’s celebrations.

Scott Dolmage was honoured with the Junior Section Award. This prestigious award is given to the student who demonstrates outstanding achievement and dedication within the Junior Section of the agricultural society.

Scott’s efforts and commitment to his work were celebrated by those in attendance as he received the award presented by David and Joan Perrie. A photograph was taken to commemorate the moment as Scott stood proudly with his award, flanked by the award’s generous donors.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025. PAGE 5.

Other Views

The bad, and good, side of humans

T

his past Monday marked the 80th anniversary of allied troops liberating the Auschwitz Nazi death camps in Poland and eastern Europe in 1945.

I was thinking of it because of a column last week in the Globe and Mail by Marsha Lederman, whose mother was imprisoned during World War II in the Birkenau death camp, associated with Auschwitz. Lederman describes her mother’s situation as she was forced, with other malnourished women, to pick up boulders and move them. The next day, still in the shadow of the chugging smokestacks where other Jews and unwanted people like those who were called Gypsies then were cremated, they would be forced to move those boulders back to where they started.

Perhaps because she was only 19, her mother survived months of this treatment.

As Germany commenced losing the war and needed more workers, in November, 1944, Lederman’s mother was sent to a satellite camp of Buchenwald, in Lippstadt, Germany, to make munitions for her captors. On April 1, 1945, she was on a death march when she was liberated by U.S. soldiers.

After the war, she met another survivor; they married and had three daughters, one of whom is Lederman. As a girl growing up in Canada, Lederman was “in a constant classroom of these atrocities: the absence of grandparents (gassed); the tattoo on my mother’s forearm; the sanctity with which we treated food, even gross leftovers”.

But in other stories published on the weekend, surveys found that more younger Canadians (though still a small minority, thankfully) thought the history of the Holocaust was exaggerated. Looking at the modern Germany of today, it’s perhaps

Keith Roulston

From the cluttered desk understandable. It’s hard to see how these people, who seem so educated and modern, could have perpetrated such horrid crimes. It’s hard to accept that six million people could be murdered and disposed of.

I recall watching the fact-based 1961 film Judgement at Nuremberg as American actor Spencer Tracy plays an elderly U.S. judge in the 1947 Judges’ Trial, the third of 12 trials of Nazi war criminals conducted by the American occupying forces in Nuremberg, Germany. In the movie, as the Soviet Union cuts off highway access to supplies to the “western” parts of Berlin which was deep within the occupied “Russian” part of East Germany forcing all supplies to be flown into the capital, pressure is on the judges to hurry the trial. In scenes in the movie, Tracy drives through stilldamaged areas.

But whole generations have grown up since those days. The fact that six million Jews, and others were killed or cremated in camps like Auschwitz seems so impossible. Not only young Canadians, but other right-wing Canadians and Americans doubt the reality of the Holocaust.

In Judgement at Nuremberg, Tracy questions the German staff working in the home in which he is staying. They deny any knowledge of the death camps. I recall another television show

years ago when two young Germans visit one of the death camps and return, shaken, at what their grandparents and their grandparents’ neighbours were able to do.

But Lederman says there are other things than a doubt of history at play in 2025. “These flashes come at me often these days while watching the news. It happened this week when a populist leader announced he will end the hopes of people desperate to live in the safe country he now rules. Attendees in the sports arena cheered. They cheered the misery of other humans.”

Donald Trump, the newly-inaugurated President of the United States is not Hitler.

Expelling millions of illegal immigrants in the U.S. is not as bad as gassing and cremating unwanted peoples. But Lederman talks of the cheers of the people listening to Trump speak in an arena. “How can one poor soul’s grave misfortune spark someone else’s celebration?”

That’s the Holocaust: we cannot forget what happened. We cannot forget what the propensity to hate can do. We can’t, for instance, ignore the pain and suffering of thousands and thousands of innocent Palestinians when aggrieved Israelites struck back after Palestine’s leaders in Hamas struck into Israel, killing hundreds and taking hostages who were enjoying a music festival.

Humans have two sides. We see the good side daily as people volunteer to feed, clothe and find warm places to sleep for people who are homeless. We see international efforts to help starving, homeless people in Africa, often suffering because of greedy warriors.

We must help in the efforts of the good side of humans, but we also need to remember how badly we can behave, as the German people did during the Holocaust.

David who?!? Lynch?! Never heard of him

R

aving about David Lynch has become fashionable since his recent passing, but we at The Chaff initially refused to jump on the bandwagon because we’d never heard of this character Lynch. Last week, Shawn Loughlin of Shawn’s Sense waxed poetic about this so-called “visionary.”

Naturally, we had to investigate. Big mistake.

This Lynch character made a film called Eraserhead. Erasing heads? That’s not the kind of energy we need. Enhance minds, don’t erase them, Loughlin. What kind of sick mind even thinks of erasing heads? It’s deeply unsettling, and frankly, we’re worried about Shawn.

And then there’s Dune. Sure, they say Lynch directed it, but we all know that credit belongs to Denis Villeneuve, Canada’s cinematic golden garçon. Why is Loughlin trying to erase the vital contributions of French Canadians? Très terrible!

And don’t get us started on Twin Peaks.

Two peaks? Absolutely excessive. One peak is plenty. Half a peak, if we’re being honest, is more than enough for a sensible community like ours.

Then there’s Lost Highway. Umm, have you tried looking for it? Besides, we all know that Lost Highway will be Doug Ford’s central plank in his upcoming sham election.

It’s the perfect metaphor: endless detours, no clear destination, and an ever-present feeling of being hopelessly lost. A real visionary, that guy.

Wild at Heart? Sounds like someone skipped their annual cardiology checkup.

The Elephant Man? We prefer The ‘Elephant’ Woman - the story of a lady who loves the fourth studio album by The White Stripes.

On the other hand, Inland Empire surprised us. It’s somehow less cryptic than its title

Scott Stephenson The Chaff suggests. It’s a story that, shockingly, even your uncle Marty might enjoy. That’s assuming your uncle Marty has a taste for three-hour experimental meditations on identity and despair.

Art should mostly just be drawings of camels chewing bubble gum. Lynch has gone too far with his weirdness. His films are all about making us question everything, dragging us into bizarre, dreamlike worlds where nothing makes sense. A camel chewing bubble gum is much more relatable than anything he’s done.

And what about Lynch’s fondness for transcendental meditation? Encouraging people to sit still and quietly contemplate their connection to a deeper realm of consciousness is reckless. Calm, reflective people don’t buy tickets to Maroon 5 concerts. If Lynch’s followers had their way, Adam Levine would have no one to sing to.

And frankly, we don’t want to live in that Trump’s America - or Canada, for that matter.

Lynch’s bizarre worlds? Simply, too much.

Or, on second thought, maybe… just enough.

Because here’s the thing: we’re starting to think we love him. Maybe we’re just trapped in one of Lynch’s films, and this whole column is an elaborate dream sequence. Did we write it? Did you write it? Is the smell of coffee wafting through the room, or is it just the ghost of Agent Dale Cooper reminding us

that every damn fine cup comes with a side of existential dread?

Take Twin Peaks, for instance. Sure, we don’t agree with the two-peak structure, but can we deny the allure of that sinister, smoky jazz? Or the way Lynch transformed cherry pie into a portal to the soul? We criticize Lost Highway, but aren’t we all driving it, endlessly circling the same strange loop?

Lynch showed us a world where the floor turns into zigzags, your neighbours are probably demonic, and a kindly log lady might hold all the answers. Surreal? Sure.

Chaff-esque? Absolutely.

The more we think about it, the more we realize Lynch is exactly like us. He’s a contradiction. One moment he’s whispering sweet nothings about love, and the next he’s screaming about the crushing horror of existence. Just like The Chaff, he refuses to settle on a single identity. Are we a source of wisdom or nonsense? High art or lowbrow humour? Is Lynch a genius or a lunatic?

Maybe he’s both. Maybe we are too.

We’ll admit, his work is unsettling. But perhaps that’s the point. As Lynch once said, “There is goodness in blue skies and flowers.

But another force – a wild pain and decay – also accompanies everything.” Doesn’t that perfectly describe both the world we live in and the stories we tell?

Beneath the oddities, Lynch’s work represents a profound understanding of the human condition. He shows us the duality of life - the beauty and the pain, the light and the dark - and somehow makes them feel like one in the same. It’s uncomfortable, yes, but it’s also honest. His films aren’t just narratives; they’re reflections of our own complicated, contradictory existence. He makes us face what we’d rather not see, and for that, we owe him a great deal of respect.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

A time to grieve

L

isten... last week, you could be forgiven for grieving a lot of things. There’s the death of peace, civility and a proper democracy in the United States (rather than a burgeoning oligarchy run by a handful of the world’s richest people), any semblance of an even remotely progressive society and the official return of a safe haven for racists.

Grieving over those things would be understandable. You would be normal, caring and a good person if you grieved those things.

Many people haven’t, both down south and here at home (there is, after all, no greater unifier than hating the same kind of people) but if you did, know that I did too, friend.

And yet, there were actual deaths to grieve.

In a span of six days, three artists who were tremendously important to me passed away.

Last week I wrote about the great David Lynch. A creative genius in the realms of many visual arts, Lynch is singular in myriad ways.

His movies, almost without exception, are terrifying in a way that audiences struggle to put their finger on; they just know that when they see a scene in a David Lynch movie that makes them uncomfortable in a way they’re completely unfamiliar with, Lynch has done a job that no other filmmaker can do.

He was thrice nominated for the Best Director Academy Award for films - The Elephant Man, Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive - films that just would not or could not be made in today’s world. And yet they, and much of his other work, stand alone as one man’s vision, brought to life in a way that no one else could even conjure up.

One day later, legendary baseball announcer Bob Uecker passed away. He played in the big leagues from 1962 to 1967, winning a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964, but where he made his mark was in the booth. He was the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers for 54 years and one of the men most synonymous with the sound of baseball. Toronto fans had Tom Cheek and Jerry Howarth, Dodgers fans had Vin Scully and Brewers fans had Uecker.

However, where most baseball fans my age would be introduced to Uecker would be in Major League, one of the best baseball movies of all time. There, he played the beleaguered, sometimes foul-mouthed, sometimes drunk announcer of the then-Cleveland Indians during what began as a historically bad season.

It’s hard to see a pitcher lose one way off the plate and not think of Uecker’s (as Harry Doyle in the film) iconic, “Just a bit outside” with the just-right bit of stretch on “Just”.

And then there was Garth Hudson: the last surviving member of The Band, the four-fifths Canadian quintet at the centre of The Last Waltz; the band that, as The Hawks, backed Bob Dylan on his first electric tour in 1966.

Hudson was a multi-instrumentalist in The Band who spent most of his time behind huge keyboards and organs. He was born in Windsor, but grew up in London. For me, it will always be the saxophone solo on “It Makes No Difference” in The Last Waltz. It’s so arresting and scratches every musical itch you didn’t know you had, ending the song masterfully. Three and a half minutes into that song, there’s no indication that saxophone will be a part of it, and then Garth’s angelic, bearded face slides in from the left side of the screen and he hits us with not one, but two saxophone solos. Magic.

Hudson was the oldest member of The Band and the others saw him as a bit of an elder statesman and a teacher. He was 87 when he died on Jan. 21 in Woodstock, New York.

The world is darker without these men.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025.

Ag. Society hands out awards at ceremony

Best of the best Late last year, several Brussels Fall Fair winners excelled at the District 8 level of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies competition, held in Howick. Above, Cathy Goetz, second from left, placed second with her maple syrup while Liana Baker, second from right, captured third place with her honey. Junior Ambassador Bridget McCallum, left, and Brussels Agricultural Society President Reg Vinnicombe, right, made the presentations. At right, at the same competition, MaryAnn Bernard placed third for her butter tarts. (Photos submitted)

Snow now, not later says BGW A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231 Winter continues and so it should. If the snow is there to blow, my hope is that it happens now and not in April. It’s always good to see that we can pivot with plans when

events get snowed upon.

Experience tells us that a snow date needs to be in all winter planning.

It is so nice to see the snow machines out and about, enjoying the sport. Little people too have been enjoying the snow. Evidence of good imaginations is seen around our village with snow people, forts, trails and houses.

For the folks who need a rest from the cold and snow, making plans and leaving for warm weather in a full-blown winter makes their holiday time so much better. So these wintery days bring joy to many!

Year-end tidying is happening as annual meetings occur. Reviews and book checks, reports and meetings are the way as we move from one unit in time to the next.

We celebrate the good news and move along; setting plans to improve our business. Sometimes we get so intrigued with the past it can be hard to move forward. The quote for me is “Don’t spend too much time looking back, that’s not the way you’re going.”

Take care of yourself, lots of illness around.

Bye now. Betty GW

At the Branch

Inclement weather limits events

By Jo-Ann McDonald We had a much quieter week at the Branch last week. The weather may have cancelled some events, like the Cadets’ meeting and the Brussels Legion Pipe Band practice, but others went on as usual.

Activities on Wednesday went ahead as planned with the Brussels ladies’ birthday group meeting at noon to celebrate two birthdays.

The birthday girls were Joan Bernard and Sharon Robbins. They were joined by 16 other ladies, including Audrey Cardiff, Marg Clarke, Barb Watts, Marci Bremner, Nora Stephenson, Lois Lee, Jan Hook, Edna McLellan, Dale Chesher, Betty Campbell, Bev Palmer, Merle Cousins, Betty McCutcheon, Cora Alcock, Cookie Morton and Mabel Glanville.

The ladies enjoyed a delicious turkey casserole for dinner. The ladies next meal is Feb. 19 with a Valentine’s Day theme. Helping serve the ladies were Jo-Ann McDonald, Judy Lee, Sandra Brown and Marni Knight.

On Wednesday it was also time for the Huron County Soil and Crop Improvement Association to attend the Branch for a dinner and a meeting. The event started with a social hour, then the first guest speaker. Dinner followed and then four more guest speakers spoke

during the evening. There were about 60 people in attendance to enjoy the roast beef dinner. Helpers for the Branch included Jo-Ann, Judy, Kathy Burkholder, Rick McDonald and Tanya Martin. It was a long day for some, but a good day for all.

The Catch the Ace committee met on Thursday evening to set up the board for the new Catch the Ace draw that begins with the first draw on Feb. 7. Tickets are now available at the Brussels Pharmacy, Brussels Variety, McDonald Home Hardware and Brussels Legion. You can also sign up for our VIP program by stopping into the Branch and speaking with Sandra.

You will be guaranteed tickets every week (as long as you deposit your money).

The Thursday night darts had 15 darters in attendance with some folks being kept away because of the weather. The first-place team was Lynda Davis and Jeremy Glousher. Second place was Tanya Martin and Jason Wagatha. The high shots were made by Jeremy hitting 125 and Sandra Brown hitting 121. There were two more “skunks” to register and players Steve Hall and Brenda DeForest and team Tanya Martin and Jason Wagatha made the board.

Friday night had a nice crowd around for turkey on a bun. This

week will be chicken wings and fries for pub night.

There were eight Comrades away on Sunday to represent the Branch at the district cribbage competition held in Hanover. They were the team of Eric Ross, Cam Ross, Barry O’Krafta and Bob Richardson and the team of Sandra Brown, Kathy Burkholder, Karen Cowan, replacing Derek Douglas and Chris Brown. They were winners at zone competition and for district play they all had a good day, but will not advance to provincial play.

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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, JANUARY 31, 2025. PAGE 7.

Blyth man wins seven-figure lottery prize Jackpot!

Michel Lacroix of Blyth is celebrating after winning a $1,000,000 Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball prize in the Jan. 20 draw, a life-changing moment for the local lottery player. He purchased the ticket at Zehr’s in Goderich and plans to use his winnings to purchase a home. (Provided photo)

Weather gives columnist flashbacks 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

It’s hard to believe that February is here already! We are having a winter like we have not seen for a long time! It has been a while since the snow banks have been this high.

Although I have made it to work every day so far, there have been a lot of days that buses have been cancelled. We also had two days last week when it was actually too cold to let the kids go outside. Even with the cold, we have had kids arrive not wearing their snowpants without hats and mitts. This baffles me, because if they are not dressed for the weather, it is very cold outside, even for 20 minutes. It does look very pretty through the window though.

Mom continues with her goal of walking again. She is able to move the right foot a little now, but the left one is still resisting all of her efforts to move. She is enjoying her new lift chair, so she has one more option of places to sit and can sit with her feet up without having to be in bed. With the weather being what it is, my visits have been fewer and farther between and we have had to rely on texting and phone calls.

This week we wish a happy birthday to Doug Howson on Jan. 31, Brenda Edgar and Wayne McDougall on Feb. 1, Matthew Hakkers on Feb. 2, Mac Brooks on Feb. 5, Evelyn Caldwell on Feb. 6, Dave Button and Renske RibbinkDaer on Feb. 10, Shirley Nicholson

on Feb. 12, and Austin Martin and Jack Bromley on Feb. 13. We hope everyone enjoys their special day.

Once again, with the change to every other week, the birthday greetings will be for two weeks at a time.

We already have our tickets to the Valentine’s drive-thru supper on Saturday, Feb. 8 at Blyth United Church. It is a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings.

Residents who are tired of eating alone have been attending a free meal and get-together at Blyth United Church recently. There is

NEWS FROM BLYTH

another one planned for Monday, Feb. 3 at 11:30 a.m.

Talking to Emily Phillips, one of the meal’s organizers, she was telling me that the meals have been well-attended and that those who are attending are really enjoying spending time with others who live alone and experience the common situation of time alone.

Legion euchre for Jan. 20 was cancelled due to bad weather. The next euchre is on Feb. 3. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the game starts at 1 p.m. for $5 per person, which includes a light lunch. To sign up or to cancel please call or text Kathryn Aires at 519-8956764.

If you want to start your week with a smile, there is always the Monday morning Coffee and Conversation between 10 and 11:30 a.m. at Trinity Anglican Church.

Everyone is welcome!

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 Feb. 14, take care of yourselves and each other! Don’t forget that Feb. 14 is Valentine’s Day, so plan to show someone you care; a card or a call could really brighten someone’s day, especially with all this snow!

BLYTH UNITED CHURCH PRESENTS

Drive-Thru Roast Beef Dinner Includes all the trimmings and dessert

Saturday, February 8th Take-out only 4:30 - 6:00 pm Adults: $25.00 Children: 6-12 years: $10.00 Under 6: Free Pre-order only by February 7 Phone Joann at 519-523-9274 for orders and pick-up times Delivery Available 430 Mill Street, Blyth

MAITLAND VALLEY CAMERA CLUB

Photography by Deb Griffey

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025.

Sports Wingham Ironmen split weekend home games

Another goal scored The Wingham Ironmen beat the Walkerton Capitals at home last Friday night in a thrilling game that went down to the wire. The Ironmen scored the winning goal with just two seconds left on the clock. The next night, however, was a different story, as the Ironmen fell to the Mount Forest Patriots by a score of 5-1. (John Stephenson photos)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Hosting both games over the weekend, the Wingham Ironmen beat the Walkerton Capitals and fell to the Mount Forest Patriots, treading water in the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s North Pollock Division.

It all started last Friday night with

a 5-4 victory over the Walkerton Capitals for the Ironmen, beginning with an unassisted goal scored for Wingham by Adam MacRobbie at 7:15 of the first period.

The Ironmen would then score the next two goals. First, Jesse Coombs found the back of the net on the power play at 9:05 of the first, assisted by Austin Becker and Tanner Dietz, followed by Dietz

scoring a goal of his own at 12:05 of the first, assisted by Tayt Bramhill and Tate Berfelz.

The Capitals then got on the scoreboard with a Wyatt Pawley goal at 13:08 of the first, assisted by Alex Grien and Nate Oniszeczko, but the Ironmen quickly reclaimed their three-goal lead with a Seth Doney goal at 17:19 of the first, assisted by MacRobbie and Brandon Bishop on the power play.

There was only one goal scored in the second period and it was by Walkerton’s Aiden Stanley on the power play at the 6:03 mark, assisted by Dylan Becker and Andreas Alves.

The Capitals then kept up their momentum into the third period, with a power play goal by Markus Grajnar-Ptok just 57 seconds into

the period, assisted by Nathan Doran and Chase Lorenz, followed by a Braydon Harrow goal at 9:55, assisted by Doran and Carter Moran, to tie the game.

Jesse Coombs, however, would win it for the Ironmen with his second goal of the game, a power play goal scored just two seconds before the final whistle, assisted by Bramhill and Dietz.

Carter Garvie stopped 24 of the 28 shots he faced to earn the win for Wingham, while Noah Lundgren was handed the loss for Walkerton, stopping 33 of 38 shots. As for time in the penalty box, the Ironmen were whistled six times for 12 minutes and the Capitals were called seven times for 14 minutes.

The next night, the Ironmen welcomed the second-place Mount Forest Patriots to Wingham and lost by a score of 5-1, despite scoring the first goal of the game.

Seth Doney scored just his second goal of the season (and of the weekend) at 8:22 of the first, assisted by Tate Berfelz and Tanner Dietz, but after that it was all Mount Forest.

Will Lewis pulled the Patriots even at one at 13:49 of the first period, assisted by Luke Eurig and Mason Eurig, then, just 11 seconds into the second period, Mason Eurig put the Patriots ahead, assisted by Will Lewis and Luke Eurig.

Near the end of the second period, at the 19:31 mark, Hartley McKenzie doubled the Mount Forest lead, assisted by Austin Cook and Quinn Habermehl.

Then, in the third period, the Patriots would score twice more in less than 10 seconds to put the game out of reach. Hartley McKenzie scored his second goal of the game at 4:48 of the third, assisted by Charlie Mckenzie and Joseph Weiler, and then, at 4:57 of the period, Luke Eurig scored his 43rd goal of the year, assisted by Mason Eurig and Tyson Eurig.

Marshall Nicholls won the game for the Patriots in net, stopping 37 of the 38 shots he faced, while James Hopper was handed the loss for Wingham, stopping 40 of 45

shots. As for penalties, each team had three calls for six minutes in the box.

In the standings, not much has changed for the Ironmen, who remain in fifth place with a record of 17 wins, 15 losses and three overtime losses and 37 points.

The Hanover Barons are back in first place with 61 points and a record of 29 wins, three losses, two overtime losses and one shootout loss. The Patriots are in second with 59 points and a record of 28 points, six losses, three overtime losses and two shootout wins.

The Fergus Whalers are in third place with 50 points and a record of 23 wins, seven losses, three overtime losses and one shootout loss, followed by the Kincardine Bulldogs in fourth place with 18 wins, 15 losses, three overtime losses and two shootout wins and 39 points.

After the fifth-place Wingham Ironmen are the Mitchell Hawks in sixth place with 27 points and a record of 12 wins, 20 losses, two overtime losses, one shootout win and one shootout loss, the seventhplace Walkerton Capitals with 20 points and a record of nine wins, 25 losses, two overtime losses and one shootout win, and the last-place Goderich Flyers with six wins, 26 losses, one overtime loss and three shootout losses and a mere 16 points.

The Ironmen were scheduled to play the Fergus Whalers on the road on Tuesday night, but that game was postponed due to the bad weather.

Looking ahead, the Ironmen won’t be back in Wingham until Valentine’s Day. They play the Flyers in Goderich on Saturday, Feb. 1, the Barons in Hanover on Sunday, Feb. 2 and the Hawks in Mitchell on Saturday, Feb. 8 before hosting the Goderich Flyers in Wingham on Friday, Feb. 14.

The team plays again that weekend, taking on the Kincardine Bulldogs on the road on Saturday, Feb. 15 before the team’s last scheduled game of the regular season: a game with the Fergus Whalers at home in Wingham on Monday, Feb. 17.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025. PAGE 9.

Sports Crusaders, Ironmen to clash at Belgrave arena

Tough loss The U9 MD Blyth Brussels Crusaders were in action in Brussels at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre on Saturday, welcoming the Mid-Huron Huskies to the village. The meeting, however, was not fortuitous for the home team, as the Crusaders lost the contest by a score of 7-2. (John Stephenson photos)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen This weekend, the U11 Rep Blyth Brussels Crusaders will be in Teeswater for the annual South Bruce Blades Tournament, while the U9 LL team will head to Drayton for the Defenders’ annual Jamboree, which promises

to be plenty of fun.

Beginning today, Friday, Jan. 31, the U11 Rep team will begin with a game against the host South Bruce Blades, followed that evening by a game with the Shallow Lake Lakers. The next day, the Crusaders will play the Penetang Flames and, in Drayton, the U9 LL team will play Kincardine.

In regular season action this weekend, on Friday, Jan. 31, the U11 LL Crusaders will host the Central Perth Predators and the U21

team will play the Listowel Cyclones, both in Brussels.

The next day, the U9 MD team will play the Mitchell Meteors, the U13 Rep Crusaders will play the Bruce Peninsula Predators and the U15 Rep team will play the Listowel Cyclones, all in Blyth, while Brussels will host games between the U6 Crusaders and the Mid-Huron Huskies, the U13 LL team and the Zurich Thunder, the U18 LL team and the Huron-Bruce Blizzard Grey team and the U18 Rep team and the Mid-Huron Huskies.

On the road that day, the U8 White team will play the MidHuron Huskies in Clinton and the U15 LL team will play the MidHuron Huskies in Hensall, while the Wingham Ironmen and the U11 LL Crusaders will play an exhibition game at the Belgrave Community Centre.

On Sunday, Feb. 2, the U8 White and Burgundy teams will play a pair of Mitchell Meteors teams in Blyth, while the U18 Rep team will play the Kincardine Kinucks on the road, the U9 LL Crusaders will host the Listowel Cyclones in Blyth and the U11 LL team will play the Minto Mad Dogs, also in Blyth. On the road, the U15 Rep team will play the Rams in Mount Forest, the U13 LL team will play the Meteors Black team in Mitchell and the U18 LL Crusaders will play the Mitchell Meteors, also on the road.

As a new week begins, the U7 Burgundy and White teams will host two Goderich Sailors teams in Blyth on Monday, Feb. 3, while the U15 LL Crusaders will play the Mitchell Meteors, also in Blyth, and the U18 LL team will be on the road to play the Goderich Sailors.

The next night, the U18 Rep team will play the Saugeen Shores Storm and the U15 Rep team will play the Kincardine Kinucks, both in Brussels, followed by Wednesday, Feb. 5 games between the U9 MD Crusaders and the Mitchell Meteors in Brussels and the U18 LL team

and the Mid-Huron Huskies in Blyth.

Looking back, on Sunday, Jan. 26, the U11 LL Crusaders lost to the Thunder in Zurich by a score of 10-0, while the U13 Rep Crusaders tied the Saugeen Shores Storm at six, also on the road. The U21 Crusaders lost to the Shelburne Wolves on the road by a score of 52 and the U8 White team hosted the Howick Hornets in Blyth, but a score was not kept for that game.

On Saturday, Jan. 25, the U13 Rep team beat the South Bruce Blades by a score of 5-2 and the U15 Rep team beat the Mount Forest Rams by a score of 2-0, both in Blyth. In Brussels, the U9 MD Crusaders lost to the Mid-Huron Huskies by a score of 7-2 and the U9 LL team beat the Drayton Defenders by a score of 6-2.

Also in Blyth, the U21 team lost to the Mitchell Meteors by a score of 6-3 and in Brussels the U15 LL Crusaders played the Mid-Huron Huskies, but a score was unavailable for that game at press time.

The U6 team played the Ironmen in Wingham, the U7 Burgundy and White teams played the South Bruce Blades and Wallace Sabres, respectively, in Blyth, and the U8 Burgundy team played the MidHuron Huskies in Clinton, but scores were not kept for those games.

On Friday, Jan. 24, the U8 White and Burgundy teams played the Wingham Ironmen and Goderich Sailors, respectively, in Brussels, but scores were not kept for those games. The U11 Rep team played to a 2-2 tie with the Mitchell Meteors and the U21 team lost to the Walkerton Capitals by a score of 61, both in Brussels.

One day earlier, the U13 Rep team lost to the Minto Mad Dogs in Palmerston by a score of 5-4, and, in a Jan. 22 game between the U13 LL Crusaders and the Mid-Huron Huskies, the Crusaders lost by a score of 5-2 in Blyth.

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

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025.

Sports Devilettes Tournament, playoffs await Heat teams

Tough draw On Saturday at the Seaforth and District Community Centre, the U15 B Huron Heat hosted the Central Perth Predators in a playoff game, the first of two that the Heat would play that day. This one ended in a scoreless draw. Shortly thereafter, the team travelled to St. Marys to play the Rock, who the Heat beat by a score of 1-0. The next day, playoff action continued for the Heat with a 1-0 win over the Kitchener Lady Rangers in Clinton.

(John Stephenson photos)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The weekend ahead will be a busy and exciting one for the Huron Heat organization, between sending teams to the annual London Devilettes Tournament and the continuing playoffs.

Today, Friday, Jan. 31, the U9 B and U18 C Huron Heat teams are heading south to London for the annual Devilettes Tournament. The

U9 B team will open that day with games against the Oakville Hornets and host London Devilettes, while the U18 C Heat will first play the Woodstock Wildcats and then the host London Devilettes.

The next day, the U7 team will head to Ayr for that community’s annual one-day Jamboree. Also on Saturday, the U9 B Heat will continue in London with games against the Stoney Creek Sabres and the Burlington Barracudas,

while the U18 C Heat will play the Twin Centre Hericanes.

The only regular season game on the docket for Jan. 31 is a home game for the U15 A Heat in Hensall against the Woodstock Wildcats.

The next day, however, the Senior team will be in Kitchener to play the Lady Rangers, the U9 C team will host the Lucan Irish in Seaforth, the U11 A Heat will play the Kinucks in Kincardine, the U13 A Heat will play the Lady Sting in

Sarnia, the Senior C team will play Monkton on the road and the U18 BB Heat will host the Brantford Ice Cats in Clinton.

Also that day, there are a number of playoff games on the schedule, including the U15 C Heat hosting Lucan/South Huron in Goderich, the U11 C Heat welcoming the Lambeth Lancers to Seaforth and the U13 C Heat heading to Wilmot to play the Wolverines.

In playoff action on Sunday, Feb. 2, the U15 B Heat will play the Kitchener Lady Rangers in Clinton, the U13 B Heat will play the Central Perth Predators in Brussels, the U13 C Heat will play the Stratford Aces, also in Brussels, the U11 C Heat will play the Wildcats in Woodstock, the U13 HL Heat will play Lucan/Ilderton in Lucan, the U11 HL team will play the Central Perth Predators on the road, the U15 C Heat will play Lucan/South Huron in Lucan and the U15 B Heat will play the Central Perth Predators on the road.

In regular season action that day, the Senior team will welcome the Woolwich Wild to Seaforth, the Senior C team will play Belmore in Brussels, the U9 C Heat will play the St. Thomas Panthers on the road, the U11 A Heat will host the Kincardine Kinucks in Clinton, the U15 A Heat will play the Bluewater Hawks, also in Clinton, the U18 BB Heat will play the Junior Gryphons in Guelph and the U13 A Heat will welcome the Bluewater Hawks north to Clinton.

The playoffs will continue through the week, with the U13 C Heat making their way to Woodstock for a game with the Wildcats on Monday, Feb. 3. That’s then the last game on the schedule until the following weekend, when the U13 A, U15 A and U18 BB Heat teams will make their way across the border to Buffalo, New York for a tournament.

Looking back, on Sunday, Jan. 26, the U15 B Heat won their playoff game with the Kitchener

Lady Rangers in Clinton by a score of 1-0. In regular season action, the U13 A Heat tied the Windsor Wildcats at one in Clinton, the U11 A Heat tied the London Devilettes at one on the road, the U15 A Heat lost to the Lakeshore Lightning by a score of 7-2 in Clinton and the U9 B Heat beat the Bluewater Hawks by a score of 4-2 in an exhibition game on the road.

Also that day, the U18 BB Heat played the Aces in Stratford, the U9 C Heat played the South Huron Sabres on the road, the U13 A Heat played the Windsor Wildcats in Clinton, the Senior team played the Huron Cats in Hensall and the Senior C team played Monkton on the road, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

One day earlier, the U11 HL Heat won their playoff game with the South Huron Sabres on the road by a score of 1-0. In other playoff action, the U11 C Heat lost to the London Devilettes in Seaforth by a score of 3-0, the U15 B Heat ended their game with the Central Perth Predators, also in Seaforth, in a scoreless tie, the U18 C Heat tied the Wildcats in Woodstock at one and the U15 B Heat beat the Rock in St. Marys by a score of 1-0.

In regular season action that day, the U18 BB Heat beat the Waterloo Ravens on the road by a score of 31, the U11 A Heat tied the South Huron Sabres at two on the road and the U9 B Heat tied the Grand River Mustangs at two, also on the road.

On Thursday, Jan. 23, the U11 C Heat lost their playoff game with the South Huron Sabres by a score of 2-1 on the road.

On Jan. 28, the U11 C Heat were scheduled to host a playoff game with the South Huron Sabres and the U9 B Heat was to be in Wilmot to play the Wolverines in regular season action, followed by a Jan. 30 playoff game between the U15 C Heat and the Ilderton Jets in Brussels, but scores were unavailable at press time.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025. PAGE 11.

Sports Huron Perth Flag Football league readies for season

Flag football After a successful debut in 2024, Huron Perth Flag Football is growing. Co-founder David Levinson says demand has been high and there is enough interest to move forward. The league emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship and accessibility. (Courtesy photos)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

When Huron Perth Flag Football (HPFF) launched its inaugural season in the fall of 2024, the new league became an instant hit with local families. Last year, almost 100 young people came out to the community soccer fields in Exeter to participate in this modern twist on a classic sport, and the outpouring of public interest has been so strong that HPFF is expanding its 2025 offerings to include an adult league, which will soon be playing on Friday nights.

HPFF co-founder David Levinson is excited about the prospect. “Lots of people were asking us if we’re going to start an adult league, and we think we have enough interest to go ahead and do that,” he said.

Last year, when David and his wife Melanie founded HPFF, they were hoping to provide a different sort of sporting experience for their four children. They quickly found that there were young players all over Huron and Perth Counties interested in joining the upstart league. “We don’t have one area that actually dominates our league,” David explained. “We have a really, really, good mix of kids from all of the towns… We just thought that Exeter was the perfect middle ground for Huron and Perth. It’s equidistant to Stratford, Clinton, Goderich, Listowel… kind of like a good middle section so we could incorporate as many of those small towns, and it’s not too far for everybody.”

During that first season, David felt that there was some tremendous

growth in the performance of the teams from week to week. “It was really impressive to see,” he said.

“For a lot of people, this is the first time ever playing flag football.”

As the collective zeal for fullcontact football has faded over the years, flag football has risen in popularity. David, as both a father and a football fan, can see why.

“The major difference is that there’s

no contact,” he explained. “So it eliminates the issues that parents have with injuries from contact; concussions and all that. You grab the flags, and the player is ‘dead’.

There’s very little chance of severe injury. Not ‘no chance of injury’, but it’s drastically reduced.”

Every youth activity comes with its own degree of danger, but David is sure that, when it comes to flag football, the benefits you gain outweigh the risk. “The opportunity to learn teamwork is great for kids of any age. The biggest things that we focus on are teamwork and sportsmanship and community. It’s really important to us that we have a good, competitive league with healthy competition, but it’s more important that it’s a super positive environment,” he said. “We talk about this all the time - being positive and encouraging and helping the kids learn teamwork amongst the teams, but sportsmanship with opposing players as well. That really showed in our first season. We got a lot of comments about the positivity, and the growth of the kids, week after week. And that is what we're looking for….There are some sports out there that are very cutthroat. And competition is good!

But sportsmanship and teamwork and giving back to the community we think that is just as important.”

HPFF has also found a corporate sponsor in NFL Flag. “I just went out to do due diligence on looking for a proper partner, so we can supply good equipment. NFL jerseys, licensed gear with NFL teams, flags - all of that type of stuff. And just securing a proper location that has good fields.”

Community partners are also an integral part of the league’s success, “They’re awesome,” David

Have We Got Yo our Nu umber?

exclaimed. “They help sponsor the league, so we can keep our fees low for families. That’s a big thing that we're aiming for - keeping entry fees low so all families can participate. We know life is costly the cost of everything has gone up quite a bit. and for local families to be able to afford that, we want to do what we have to keep fees low. So we have a bunch of local business sponsors, which is great. We’re always encouraging more sponsors!” Current sponsors of the HPFF include Listowel Technology Inc, Blyth Printing, and Ward and Uptigrove Chartered Professional Accountants.

HPFF also hopes to be a thoroughly modern sports league by understanding that families these days can lead pretty hectic lives.

They seek to simplify schedules by holding both games and practices on Saturday mornings. “Families are busy,” David pointed out. “To have something that's two days a week with games on the weekend, when you start getting to three days a week, and then have multiple kids, it becomes very, very difficult.

That’s why we opted for one day a week, practice and game. It makes it more feasible for people.”

The new flag football league has been running $20 monthly sessions all winter - the next one will be held on Feb. 21 at Between the Lines Sports Campus in Listowel, and all newcomers are welcome. The roster for the upcoming spring season is filling up fast. “What we’re hoping for is, of course, a full roster of kids that is evenly spread among age groups. But anyone from the community who wants to participate can, whether as volunteer coaches or referees.”

For more information, visit huronperthflagfootball.com.

Dead dline February 21, 2025 for 202 25 Book

The T Citiizen is now plan nning its 2 2025 Telephone Te Bo ook.

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Do you have a new listing since that t book was compileed?

If so, please let us know so we can make our phone b book as complete and usefull as possible.

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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025.

Sports Wingham golf club finds new owners ahead of ’25 season

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen New life will be breathed into what used to be known as the Wingham Golf and Curling Club this year with new owners coming aboard to create the Maitland Links Golf Club and the Maitland Granite Curling Club.

Scott Bowman of Walkerton, along with a silent partner who prefers to remain anonymous, assumed ownership of the beleaguered club on Jan. 30 and he and his team plan to hit the ground running this year, opening for golf in the spring and the curling in the winter of 2025/2026.

No stranger to the area, Bowman is currently a general manager with Speare Seeds in Harriston, a company that deals in forage and turf seeds, supplying many companies what they need for sports fields, golf courses, etc. He has worked there for over a decade after spending much of his career in the golf world.

Originally from Listowel, Bowman began working at a golf course in his home town in the 1990s before taking the Golf Course Technician program at Seneca College, followed by further studies in Turfgrass Management at the University of Guelph. That foundation led him to jobs at Goderich’s The Maitland Golf Club and the Elmira Golf Club before taking a job with the ClubLink group in the late 1990s.

That job took him to Greystone Golf Club in Milton, where he served as the superintendent for a number of years before being transferred to Oakville’s storied Glen Abbey Golf Club, where he began as the golf course superintendent and became the head superintendent, overseeing two RBC Canadian Open tournaments there in 2008 and 2009 before leaving the golf world in 2011 in an effort to get closer to home.

That’s when Bowman made his way to Speare Seeds, where he still works. However, in 2016, an opportunity arose to purchase SouthPort Golf Course in Southampton and Bowman took it.

At the time, Bowman said in an interview with The Citizen, the club was struggling. It had very few members and was in need of renovations, so there was work to

be done, but the club has been improved and membership has grown in the years since.

That club, he said, is very similar to the Wingham club, in that it’s a nine-hole course with a driving range.

Bowman heard about the club ceasing its golf and curling operations and exploring a sale late last year and successfully took part in the tender process, earning him the title of the new owner of the club in December, leading up to the official ownership changeover date of Jan. 30.

The two clubs will be changing names, as mentioned, and Bowman said it was all about bringing in that history of the Maitland River through that part of Huron County and tying it to the history of golf with “Links” in the new name.

No official grand opening or opening weekend have been set, of course, as golf is so weatherdependent, but it will return this spring, summer and fall ahead of the return of curling the following winter.

Bowman says it’s hard to know too much until the snow melts, but he did do a full walk-through last year before the snow came and has some ideas about minor improvements that can be made to the course regarding playability and to some of the landscaping, but those will all come in due time.

In addition to some immediate minor changes, Bowman says the hope is also to set out a one-, threeand five-year capital plan for some of the more intensive projects that will be coming up in the next five years.

The future of the restaurant, however, is uncertain. Bowman said he knows that the previous owners had recently injected some money into improvements for the kitchen, but he’ll be assessing in his first few weeks to see if and where it fits into the club’s future.

Right off the bat, however, he hopes to connect with the local community, explore partnerships and sponsorships and just introduce himself to the community and endeavour to bring people back to the club.

Bowman hopes it will be a great place for people to golf, curl, connect and enjoy themselves in a relaxed atmosphere and that it truly finds itself a home in the community with the people of the Wingham area and beyond.

Off-the-ball action On Saturday, the U14 Boys Blyth Broomball team hosted their counterparts from Seaforth after the excitement of the annual Mildmay broomball tournament the previous weekend, getting back into the swing of things of the regular season.

(John Stephenson photo)

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OFA connects with rural leaders at ROMA

By Vanessa Renaud, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Strengthening ties between rural municipal leaders and the farm community was on the agenda last week as representatives from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) took part in the annual Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference.

Rural infrastructure investments, land-use planning, affordable housing and economic development were top-of-mind as issues that are priorities for Ontario’s farmers and rural municipalities alike.

The OFA has been attending this conference for many years to build relationships with rural leaders and help raise awareness of the issues faced by our sector and how we can work together to find common solutions.

After all, Ontario’s agri-food sector is a major driver of the provincial economy, contributing more than $50 billion in economic activity and supporting 871,000 jobs; about 11 per cent of the provincial workforce.

I’m part of my family’s farm business in Eastern Ontario, while I also work as a Certified Crop

Advisor for a local agricultural business and sit on the OFA’s board as a director. This was my first year participating at the ROMA conference and it was wonderful to learn more about municipal affairs and the challenges and opportunities faced by rural communities.

The workshops and panels focused on topics like healthcare, schools and transportation infrastructure, all issues that are also important to the farm community. Agriculture, however, was also an important part of discussions, including how

For the children Earlier this month, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson was in Blyth to officially present Rural Response for Healthy Children a two-year Resilient Communities Fund grant in the amount of $121,000. The funds were made available through the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation. (Photo submitted)

municipalities can support and plan for economic development such as agritourism and on-farm agri-food business opportunities.

As a first-time participant at the event, I was encouraged by the number of municipal leaders I met who are keen to learn more about agriculture and what they can do to better support the farm businesses in their communities.

What also struck me were the strong parallels between municipal priorities and what matters to farmers.

Improving rural infrastructure and services such as transportation, affordable energy, and high-speed internet, as well as access to social services such as schools, health care and community centres are vital to attracting and keeping businesses, families and jobs in rural Ontario.

Growing our agri-food sector means protecting the agricultural and environmental lands we depend on for local food production, while also looking for affordable housing solutions by committing to responsible long-term land-use planning and smart growth in our urban centres.

And finally, increasing local food and agritourism opportunities help build economic development, support jobs and contribute to healthy communities.

The ROMA conference also saw the announcement of a new Rural Economic Development Strategy

by Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson.

Some of my fellow OFA board members participated in the consultations and roundtables that led to this new strategy and the

OFA also provided written comments to the process, including priorities around infrastructure investment, farmland preservation, economic and business development, growing the rural workforce, and diversifying rural economies.

We appreciate that the government has included many of these priorities in its new strategy.

In particular, one of our key requests was for increased funding for the Rural Economic Development program, and it was terrific to see the government announce it will be doubling funding for the program - which is being renamed Rural Ontario Development Program - from $5 million to $10 million a year for the next two years.

The government also announced $18 million of new funding for the Agricultural Drainage Infrastructure Program for municipalities, which will help keep our farmland productive, and that municipalities are now able to apply for funding for projects related to improving outdated water, wastewater and stormwater facilities.

Rural communities and the agrifood sector are strongly interconnected, and what is good for rural Ontario is good for agriculture. Events like ROMA are a valuable opportunity for us to share our messages. They also, however, give us a better understanding of the municipal perspective and identify new ways of how we can work together towards a common goal of “Farms and Food Forever”.

LIVESTOCK REPORT For the week ending January 24, 2025 Total Receipts: 830 cattle; 550 lambs, sheep and goats.

Tuesday – Fed cattle sold on a strong market at prices $1 - $2 higher. Cows sold steady, with good cows selling higher.

Thursday – A lighter run due to weather.

Veal sold strong. Lambs, sheep and goats sold steady.

Friday – A light run due to weather.

Calves and yearlings sold strong at steady prices.

Fed Cattle: There were 50 fed cattle on offer: Choice Fed Cattle: $270 – $280 Second Cut Fed Cattle: N/A Aged and Medium Fed Cattle: N/A Holstein Fed Cattle: $200 – $236 Zetterdale Farms of Chepstow, consigned five head. Five charolais fed heifers averaged 1,485 lbs. and sold for an average price of $278.

Dwayne Dickert of Ayton, consigned four head. Two black fed steers averaged 1,588 lbs. and sold for an average price of $278.

Cows: There were 175 cows on offer:

Beef Cows: $165 – $176 up to $223 Good Holstein Cows: $159 – $195 up to $217 Medium Holstein Cows: $147 – $157 Bulls: $196.50 – $215

Cranbrook Farms of Brussels, consigned five head. One holstein bob calf sold for $1,475.

Levi Wideman of Holyrood, consigned two head. One simmental cow weighed 1,185 lbs. and sold for a price of $223.

Under 50 lbs.: Too few to establish a market 50-64 lbs.: $410 – $480 65-79 lbs.: $410 – $425 80-94 lbs.: $360 – $405 95-109 lbs.: $300 – $369 110 lbs. and over: $270 – $317.50

Van Nuland Holsteins Ltd. of Monkton, consigned seven head. One holstein cow weighed 1,360 lbs. and sold for a price of $174.50.

Ben Kuepfer of Tiverton, consigned 18 head. Eleven red steers averaged 787 lbs. and sold for an average price of $419.

Stockers: There were 500 stockers on offer:

Menno M. Martin of Wingham, consigned 19 head. Seven red steers averaged 890 lbs. and sold for an average price of $398.

Lambs:

Sheep: $220 – $290 Veal: There were 80 veal and 25 bob calves on offer:

Ryan Van Miltenburg of Seaforth, consigned five head. Two kid goats averaged 63 lbs. and sold for an average price of $480.

Porter Bros. of Belwood, consigned 29 head. Ten lambs averaged 71 lbs. and sold for an average price of $415.

Beef Veal: Too few to establish a market Good Holsteins: $300 – $321 SL Heavy Holsteins: $290 – $320 Heavy Holsteins: $275 – $300 Medium Holsteins: $280 – $289 Plain Holsteins: $265 – $279 Holstein Drop Calves: $450 – $1,475 / HEAD

Goats:

David A. Miller of Lucknow, consigned one head. One holstein cross veal weighed 1,015 lbs. and sold for a price of $326.

Meat Kids: $420 – $480 Dairy Kids: $375 – $430 Mature Bucks: $350 – $450 Mature Does: $140 – $250

Grant Bergsma of Londesborough, consigned four head. One holstein veal weighed 735 lbs. and sold for a price of $317.

Mike Yeo of Lucan, consigned nine head.

Nine kid goats averaged 67 lbs. and sold for an average price of $480.

Top Quality Steers: Under 400 lbs.: $485 – $620 400 – 499 lbs.: $467.50 – $520 500 – 599 lbs.: $440 – $522 600 – 699 lbs.: $422.50 – $468 700 – 799 lbs.: $414 – $427.50 800 – 899 lbs.: $313 – $398 900 – 999 lbs.: $378 – $391 1,000 lbs. and over: $324.50 – $376

Luke Brubacher of Lucknow, consigned eight head. Three simmental steers averaged 1,037 lbs. and sold for an average price of $376.

Menno H. Brubacher of Ripley, consigned 46 head. Eight red heifers averaged 710 lbs. and sold for an average price of $389.

Top Quality Heifers: Jim Anderson of Londesborough, consigned 18 head. Thirteen lambs averaged 80 lbs. and sold for an average price of $410.

Under 400 lbs.: Too few to establish a market 400 – 499 lbs.: $360 – $435 500 – 599 lbs.: $365 – $459 600 – 699 lbs.: $355 – $415 700 – 799 lbs.: $300 – $389 800 – 899 lbs.: $341 – $365 900 lbs. and over: $327 – $354.25 Ben Van Diepenbeek of Goderich, consigned five head. Four charolais steers averaged 523 lbs. and sold for an average price of $522.

Jonathan Weber of Wallenstein, consigned 20 head. Nine charolais heifers averaged 968 lbs. and sold for an average price of $354.25.

David M. Hoover of Wroxeter, consigned 13 head. Thirteen charolais heifers averaged 1,027 lbs. and sold for an average price of $344.

Courtesy of Brussels Livestock website

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025.

Classified Cl ifi d Ad Advertising ti i – RATES – 20 words or less only $9.00 + HST Additional words 25¢ ea. + HST

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

Articles for sale GERBERS FIREWOOD SER RV VING you for over 20 years. Y Yoour number one source of quality slabwood and bodywood. Delivery available. No Sunday calls. 519-274-1236, 519441-2085.

------------------------------------------APPLES, fresh cider, apple chips, cheese & curds, meats.....SALE on EGGS! ! Buy two tortilla chip bags, get free Maitside salsa!! W Weed - Sat. Maitside Orchards 23 Orchard Lane, Brussels.

------------------------------------------SALE ON CANNED PRESER RV VES!! Stock up your supply! Take Ta $1 offff every 'Maitside' canned jar you buy!! Maitside Orchards, 23 Orchard Lane, Brussels. 519-835-0327 ------------------------------------------REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. All are in colour. 4x6 $5.00, 5x7 - $6.00, 8x10 - $10.00.

Phone to order 519-523-4792 or email info@northhuron.on.ca ------------------------------------------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 V Vaariety, Charlie’s V Vaariety (Clinton), Clinton Convenience, Fogal's YIG (W Wiingham), 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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Coming events AUBURN AND DISTRICT LIONS Club V Vaalentine Breakfast at the Auburn Community Hall, Sunday y,, Feb. 9 at 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Adults $15, Children $6, Preschool free.

Maple syrup supplied by Robinson Maple Products. Eggs supplied by Huron County Egg Farmers.

Proceeds for Community Betterment. We We Serve.

------------------------------------------KARA AT TE CLASSES BEGIN FEB. 19. SCHWEITZER'S MAR RT TIAL AR RT TS. Self-defense, Self-discipline, Self-confidence. GROUP CLASSES FOR AGES 4 TO ADUL LT T. T Taaught

by Renshi Becky Schweitzer, 4th Degree Black Belt and 12X W Wo orld Karate Champion.

Champion Location Hutton Heights Community Church - 21 Lloyd Street, Wingham EARL LY Y BIRD SPECIAL ONLY LY Y $105+HST FOR 9 WEEKS. Uniform extra.

Special ends Feb. 12.

Regular price $125+HST Call 519-580-1418 or e-mail becky_schweitzer@hotmail.com www.schweitzersmartialarts.com -------------------------------------------

Card of thanks Personals BELGRAAVVE COMMUNITY GROWING PROJECT We would like to thank all those who contributed in any way to the success of the 2024 Belgrave Community Growing Project. After another successful harvest we have been able to send a cheque for $20,500 to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank to help those in need around the world. This was the twenty-third consecutive year that we have grown the twenty acres of corn for world relief and with this year ’s contribution the project has now raised over $446,000 to respond to world hunger.

Contributing to the project and deserving of great thanks are: Patricia Barnes, Belgrave UCW, Brussels Agromart, John & Linda Campbell, Ron & Marg Cook, Jennifer Cooper, Muriel Coultes, Brian & Y Yvvonne Coultes, DeKalb Seed c/o Adam Garniss, Elly Dow, Gordon & Nancy Folkard, Ruth Gordon, Patricia Hunking, Wes Klages, Jack & Doreen Marks, Midwestern Co-op c/o Laird Currie, Sheila Nixon, Northminster United Church, Pioneer Hi-Bred Ltd. c/o Brett & Laura Fischer, George & Elizabeth Procter, Kate Procter, Ken & Lila Procter, Frank & Doris Sanders, Donald & Connie Shiell & Family, Ron T Ta aylor, Doug & Cathy Walker, and the Citizen.

We are in the process of gathering funds so that we can continue this Project in 2025 by growing another crop to be donated for world relief. We welcome contributions in cash or in kind from anyone who would like to help in this effffort to alleviate world hunger. Please clearly identify your donations as for the Belgrave Community Growing Project and send them c/o Knox United Church, Belgrave, ON N0G 1E0 Thank you once again for your generous support for this extremely worthwhile project.

Help wanted A Career That Connects Yo Y ou With Community

Are you experience an unplanned pregnancy? Are you a young parent?

Do you feel overwhelmed and have questions? W Wee have answers and we're here to help. Our services are free and completely confidential.

Contact Room2Grow at 519-6060046 or visit our website www.room2grow.info -------------------------------------------

Wanted 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 Wingham area for 25 years and are looking to expand our land base. Interested in rental or share crop agreements. To discuss further give Scott a call or text 519276-7171.

-------------------------------------------

Swap shop Citizen-To-Citizen “S WA P SHOP” ad Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca

The Citiz zen

(John Stephenson photo)

Winter relentless since New Year’s

person only (no o businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less. Price must be included in your y r ad.Y Yo our ad will run three times unlesss it sells faster!

• The Citizen resserves the right to limit the number of ite ems or ads per person.

FOR SALE - 1968 die-cast metal, 1:24 black Corvette SS 7725, doors open, $45.

519-528-2284.

03-4 -------------------------------------------------1974? die-cast meetal, 1:32 red Corvette, removable roof, 1 mirror missing, $25.

519-528-2284.

03-4 -------------------------------------------------1955 die-cast mettal Chevy Bel Air Sport Coupe (Ertl Limitted Edition Wix 2000), ivory on gypsy redd, 1:24, doors and hood open, with origginal info card. $50.

519-528-2284.

03-4 -------------------------------------------------1935 Auburn 15 model m wooden carr,, about 15 inches, "boot"" opens $45. 519-5282284.

03-4 -------------------------------------------------1957 Chev Bel Airr 2 door wooden vintage convertible, about 14". $45. 519-528-2284.

03-4 -------------------------------------------------Old corner china cabinet, c 64" H x 30 1/2" W; depth of sides 22 2 1/2"; consists of three shelves upper, drrawerr,, and two shelves lower. Good conddition for age. $75. 519528-2284. Pics of items available upon request.

03-4 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Large cat carry-all with rug.

Used twice. Paid $199. selling for $100.

519-482-7440.

03-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Sm mall dog/cat metal cage.

Used twice. Paid $80. selling for $40. 519482-7440.

03-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Skkidoo 440 snowmobile.

Needs some care. $600. 519-887-6488.

03-3 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Community Correspondent for Auburn

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

While it may not exactly feel like it, the 2025 season at the Clinton Raceway is just around the corner and work is well underway on the new grandstand at the track.

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Well, by the time you are reading this edition of The Citizen, we will have survived January. What a weather month it has been. It has snowed every day since New Year’s Eve. Some days it was just a little light snow. Other days it was downright nasty.

This is shaping up to be the most wintry of winters in many years here in Huron County. And Bruce County has been hit even harder than us.

I thank all the folks who, every day, do have to be out in the snow to do the jobs that keep the world going. I appreciate their efforts on behalf of those of us able to choose to stay home on those nasty days.

Perhaps one of the pluses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic is that many more folks are able to work from home and stay safe. The snowbanks along streets in town and some rural sideroads are high enough now that wind blowing the snow off them makes visibility tricky.

There have been a couple of brighter days when the sun shone to remind us that it is still there, but even on those days there was some snowfall by day’s end. On an upbeat note, last evening, just before 6 p.m., as I walked up to the library for a book club meeting, it occurred to me that it was still almost daylight.

The third Monday of January has been deemed the “bluest” day of the whole year. People who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder can attest to that. It’s unfortunate that in a month when social contact can be

so important, the weather prevents that with many activities being cancelled or postponed. Thank goodness for the telephone and computer.

Ron Nesbitt reached out to remind me that the Londesborough Lions Club will be holding their first old-tyme country breakfast of the year on Sunday, Feb. 23 from 811 am. The adult price is $15 per person and children under six eat for $6.

Licensed Lay Worship Leader Sue Barnett led the morning worship at Londesborough United Church on Sunday, Jan. 26. Her message was based on the scripture passage Luke 4:14-21. Those verses speak of Jesus reading from the scriptures in the synagogue in His hometown of Nazareth. His ministry had been foretold and He was telling people that He was the Messiah they had been awaiting.

Sue reminded everyone that we are all part of God’s world and must use all our abilities each and every day to welcome, respect and love others as Jesus taught. Sue feels this is tremendously important in today’s world, a world of turmoil and uncertainty.

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025. PAGE 15.

Obituaries

WILDA ARLENE HIGGINS (AGAR) Wilda Arlene Higgins (Agar) passed away peacefully at Huronlea

Home for the Aged in Brussels on Friday, Jan. 24 2025 at the age of 91.

Wilda was the beloved wife of the late Chester Higgins for 51 years.

She was the dear mother of Wayne Higgins and Greg and Betty Jane Higgins, all of Morris Township.

She was the loving grandma of Meagan (Neil) McGregor, Melissa (Zac) Malayney, Kate Higgins and Nick Adamson, Stuart Higgins and Megan Biasin, Loretta Higgins and Maitland Higgins and the greatgrandma of Isabella, Hudson, Norah and Jameson McGregor, Eliza and Owen Malayney and Delilah Higgins.

Wilda was the dear sister of Shirley Field and Velma Hays and the sister-in-law of Robert and his wife Julie Higgins. She will also be missed by many nieces and nephews.

Wilda was predeceased by her husband Chester (2011) and son Don (1982), her parents Wallace and Freda Agar, sister Leila and Charlie Hay, brothers-in-law Tony Field, Bruce Hays, Jack and his wife Bernice Higgins and George Higgins.

Wilda was born on Jan. 8, 1934 and grew up on a farm on the 2nd of Morris Township. She attended S.S. #8 Browntown School, Wingham High School and then business college in London. She worked in Wingham, got married on May 28, 1960 and farmed on the 4th Line of Morris Township before moving to Brussels in 1974.

She was a member of the Brussels United Church. She enjoyed family and friends, a clean house, going for drives to Tim Hortons, music, the garden, quilting and her knitting. Velma and Wilda always

made a point to go to the Belmore Syrup Festival to sell at the craft sale in any weather.

The service will be in the spring at Riverside Funeral Home Brussels with interment at Brussels Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and expression of sympathy donations to the Brussels United Church or Huronlea Home for the Aged would be appreciated.

Donations and cards of sympathy may be sent to Box 340, Brussels, N0G 1H0.

and Hailey.

Hazel will be lovingly remembered by her in-laws, Gene Powell, Marie Flynn, Donalda Flynn and Jim Nininger, as well as by her many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Joe and Mabel (Riley) Flynn, and by all of her siblings.

Hazel was born in Clinton on Aug. 16, 1937. Her job with Bell Telephone brought her to the Wingham area. She met and married Wilfred Haines and started their family and farm. Hazel was active in her community and an avid supporter of the Elementary School Fair in Belgrave and the Wingham United Church Women’s group. She loved to support her children and grandchildren at their sporting events. She was a special lady and will be missed by all.

A private service with interment at Wingham Cemetery will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Wingham United Church or the Belgrave Community Centre would be appreciated.

Online condolences at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com

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

HAZEL MARIE HAINES At Wingham and District Hospital on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, Hazel (Flynn) Haines of Wingham passed away at the age of 87.

The cherished wife of the late Wilfred Haines, who predeceased her in 2007, Hazel was the loving mother of John and Ruth and Bill and Susan. She was the beloved grandmother of Brad and Olivia, Brittany and Nelson, William and Nellie, Sheena, Marshall, Jane and Phil, Jordan and Tiffany and Jesse and the great-grandmother of Brock, Blake, Taylor, Parker, Connor, Huxley, Hendrix, Harlow

The old-fashioned way With the sustained snow and cold the area has experienced since New Year’s, the Belgrave Community Centre has its natural ice surface for the first time in two years, which means it has played host to scheduled bouts of public skating and shinny hockey in recent weeks. In fact, locals have been sponsoring public skating times during snow days for Belgrave children, parents and grandparents. This weekend, it will host two exhibition games and an alumni game in a day that is sure to bring back some memories for Belgrave residents who haven’t seen organized hockey played at their arena in 20 years. (John Stephenson photo)

Big weekend planned for centre PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

The card results from Jan. 24 were: high gold card, Judy Hahn; most shoots gold card, Irene Carey; high white card, Gord Machan, and most shoots white card, Steve Coulton.

Card will be played again on Friday, Feb. 14 at 1 p.m. at the Belgrave Community Centre.

Everyone is welcome.

Rev. Colin Snyder welcomed the congregation on Sunday, Jan. 26 at Knox United Church in Belgrave, which was attended by some regular Wingham United Church

attendees, due to the power outage in Wingham. Rev. Colin’s reflection was entitled, “Thy Will Be Done”.

Last week, the students had four snow days, so there was public skating at the Belgrave Community Centre. This week, Tuesday was another snow day, so there was skating at the arena.

It is so nice to be able to make natural ice after not being able to with our last two winters being so warm.

Local community members have been sponsoring snow day skating.

If you would like to sponsor a skating event at the centre, e-mail belgrave@gmail.com.

There was a good crowd out for the Community Coffee Break on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at the Belgrave Community Centre.

Happy birthday was sung to Muriel Coultes and the group enjoyed fellowship, cake and coffee.

The next Coffee Break is set for Feb. 11.

Birthday greetings are extended to Madisson Davenport on Feb. 1 and Jackson Davenport on Feb. 5.

Have a fun day.

NEWS FROM BELGRAVE

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

The Citizen

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One of the most read areas of the paper

SUDOKU Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles?

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

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025.

From the Minister’s Study

Jesus’ first miracle shows assurance in God’s response

By Rev. Alex Jebson, Blyth and Brussels United Churches I think only a couple of you readers, if any, have had the pleasure (or pain) of experiencing “wedding reception Alex”. That is, besides my grandparents, whom I’m glad to say are recent Citizen subscribers, even though they live three hours away! I can’t tell you a whole lot about him. Perhaps I should rephrase that. There’s not a lot about “wedding reception Alex” I can tell you about him that wouldn’t risk losing some of the credibility I have as a minister.

We’ll just put it this way; I usually wake up the next morning extremely sore from busting some serious moves on the dance floor, and there’s usually a grandmother or two shocked that the minister had his collar in his jacket pocket and asked them to do a two-step.

As fun as wedding receptions can be (and as fun as I can be at them), they can also be a breeding ground for drama. Let the evening go on long enough, and the cousins from Saskatchewan start getting in an argument, a bridesmaid has mascara running down her cheeks crying over the colour of her dress, and the wedding crasher is trying to sneak some of the centrepieces under his jacket. What should be a joyous and community-building event can often reveal some real issues lying underneath the surface.

Given the way that weddings bring communities together and bring issues to the surface, it’s not that surprising Jesus’ first miracle in John’s gospel (John 2:1-12) occurs at the wedding of the season in Cana, likely a cousin on his mother’s side. Jesus had just started to call some of the first disciples, and they were probably seated at the corner table by the kitchen doors.

The introduction to “YMCA” started blaring, and Jesus and his friends started a mad dash to the dance floor. But before they could get there, Jesus’ mother, Mary, grabbed him by the arm. She lets him know of the emergency: the wine has run out! Nowadays, that could be remedied by a quick LCBO run, but back then, they didn’t have that luxury.

It was a very big social faux-pas in a culture in which hospitality was everything, especially with these big community gatherings, running out of food or drink was a disaster.

The good wine had been used first, when everyone still had a palate to impress, and they used the worse vintages as the night went on. Mary

like the vats are too empty to do that, and it’s better just to call off the party.

In this time where things are more often called desolate than delight, we feel like Mary, wanting to grab Jesus by the arm and say, “aren’t you going to do something about all of this?” Is God going to bring us together, or is God unable to hear us over the wedding D.J.?

Jesus scanned around the dance floor and the dessert table. Moved by the words of his mother and the crowd gathered in need of some joy and hope, Jesus pondered whether the hour had indeed come. In the meantime, his mother, acting both in faith and in the ways of a slightly-domineering mother, had already gathered the cater-waiters together. “Do whatever he tells you,” Mary exclaimed, having known since Jesus was conceived that her son would be the one to fulfill and live out the promises and liberation that God had put on the lips and dance moves of prophets and poets past.

Requesting the staff to bring out the jars of water, Jesus conducted a party trick that was far more amazing than Uncle Seth in the corner pulling a shekel out of someone’s ear. Jesus had turned water into wine; and not just any wine, but the best wine that any of the guests had ever tasted. In doing this, Jesus had ignored the customs and rules that Miss Manners had laid out; the people remarked at why this good wine had been saved until last, when it was customary to serve the best wine first.

Furthermore, Jesus had used the water that would have been saved

knew that her special child could do something about it, but she and Jesus started to bicker.

We all have a wedding disaster story or two in our back pocket, but few that we feel would have demanded immediate intervention by the Son of God. But this isn’t really about a wedding reception. It was a microcosm; a glimpse of sorts into all of the issues and fears that were keeping people from experiencing joy and community together. A people oppressed by military powers and a tough economic situation found it difficult enough to find time and ways to celebrate together.

The traditions of their faith were under pressure too, as were the bonds of family and friendships, as people chose between the various factions of the time period; some supported Rome, others the freedom fighters, others pacifists, others still awaiting a messiah. The people were craving joy and liberation in their faith and in their relationships, but everything seemed empty and running out.

It’s the same with us today. For many of us, the reasons and ability to celebrate seem tougher to muster these days. The cost-of-living crisis and housing insecurity means fewer and fewer people are able to come to the banquet bearing gifts and vats of wine. It also feels like our communities are becoming less and less hospitable too. While we know and see the neighbours we’ve had around us for decades, the changing nature of our communities means that it can take more and more effort to establish those connections of friendship. Quite often, we feel

BRUSSELS S

All are welcome to Worship Al W Sunday y, February 2 att 11 a.m.

NOTE: Feb 9, service is at 9:30 a.m.

Group Bible Sttudy “Jesus and Activism” Thursday, J Jan. 30 at 10 am or 7 pm “Messy Church” Wed dnesday February 12 at 4:45 p.m m.

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

d

Pastor Mike Stanley will be preaching on " Jesus Teaches with Authority" Matthew 5:13-16

0

w

e

Services e v are live-streamed s d and can be found o by s b searching h ng “Blyth l Christian h ia Reformed e Church”

To talk to Pastor Mike please email pastormike@huronchapel.com

119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131

21 Jarvis St. Seaforth 519-527-1522

revjoann@hurontel.on.ca

holyspirit@tcc.on.ca

stpauls@hurontel.on.ca

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

The Regional Ministry of

Sundays at 10:00 am Co ee Time 11:00 am To stay the course, trust the compass of God’s Word.

Interim Pastor Elwin Garland 250 Princess St., Brussels • 519-887-6388

h b

at 10 a.m.

Cranbrook Hall, 84335 McNabb Line Childcare and Sunday School provided for

C

children 0 to 8 during the sermon

9

7

Blyth United Church 9:30 am

On-site and online - live.huronchapel.com

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

Sunday, February 2

c

Sunday, February 2

Nursery & Sunday School during worship

Welcome You to Sunday Service!

r 2

M Sunday, February 2, 10:30 a.m.

The Anglican Churches of Blyth, Seaforth and Wingham

Come Worship with us

Y Evangelical Missionary Church

that can be done by the Divine?

There is a bit of ambiguity in this passage, but that allows us to faithfully offer our concerns and laments to God. God doesn’t shut down these questions, but helps open our eyes to the injustices and pains of those around us; to see where people are named Desolation and Despair.

But in this first miracle of Jesus is the assurance and wonder in which God does respond. God hears the cries and concerns of the world, the world that God so loves and nurtures. God often moves in ways that we don’t expect, but that can still offer faith and joy to those who are in tough situations. As Ernest Hess puts it, “…Our threedimensional understanding of life in this world, with its painful limitations, has been unpredictably invaded by grace that when this happens, we may not recognize it.”

As Jesus’ first miracle, this is just the first taste, the appetizer, of all that God accomplishes and nurtures in Christ’s ministry. There’s still a lot more to unravel, and many more Continued on page 19

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship

United Chu ur urch

o

for purification rituals, suggesting that he was going to cross a lot of boundaries in his ministry.

Only the disciples that he had recently started palling around with knew what Jesus had done. For the majority of the party guests, they had no idea where this wine had come from. What they did know is that joy had broken into this potentially dismal scene in an unexpected, but certainly welcome way. They were greeted with the sheer grace and abundance of the best wine, not the leftover swill that they were used to or thought that they only deserved.

For Mary, she could be assured that her faithful lament and expectation had been fulfilled, watching her son on the dance floor with a mixture of thankfulness, assurance, and maybe a little bit of embarrassment, depending on how good Jesus’ dance moves were.

We’re left with some questions and doubts from this narrative. Did Jesus only act because of his mother’s badgering? Isn’t turning water into a wine a bit of a flippant miracle when there is so much good

“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Isaiah 40:3 The outreach project for February is North Huron Connection Center Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com

Worship and Prayer Time Loving Fellowship Expository Preaching

Please note temporary venue change!

More details at: brusselscommunitybiblechapel.ca

MEL LV VILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

Sunday, February 2, 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. Soup & More 2 Join us every Friday from 11:30 - 1 p.m. for lunch. This free meal is made possibble by the munity.

Brussels churches and many volunteers working together to serve our comm All are welcome!

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

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025. PAGE 17.

Restoration efforts proceeding in Seaforth

After the tractor A building on Seaforth’s main street is getting closer to being back to normal after the passage of many months. A tractor collided with the edifice on Oct. 13, 2023.

The farm vehicle remained embedded within the structure for almost two months before its eventual extraction on Dec. 8, 2023. (John Stephenson photos)

Winter weather wreaking havoc on travel PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

What a week for weather and for school. Winds, snow squalls and slippery roads made for some unsafe driving. Some roads were closed and others were just not great.

Some schools, especially to the north, were closed for the entire week, and when the children were at school, they were indoors for the day because of the frigid weather.

Hopefully that weather is behind us! Unfortunately, as I am writing on Tuesday morning, it is not the

case, as the buses were cancelled again. The storm that moved in Monday evening was nasty and the roads were terrible when I returned from curling. So, it was no surprise to hear that the buses were cancelled.

The first month of 2025 is done and it will be remembered for the crazy weather. Many older folks remember this kind of weather from years ago. The storms of 1971, 1974, 1985, just to name a few, come to mind, when all roads were blocked. Sideroads became tunnels, the banks were so high. Children were storm-stayed at school and only those with parents who had snowmobiles were picked up. The good old days!

Some happy news was the gathering of the Cardiff and Braecker families for the baptism of Miss Collins Cardiff. The baptism was at Winthrop United Church and the families gathered at the home of

John and Karen Braecker to celebrate following the service.

Proud parents are Blake and Holly Cardiff. Congratulations!

This is also a good time to update on Karen Braecker. She suffered a fall and a very serious break in her upper arm in early November. She had to see two different specialists, which took a month to see and ended up with no surgery. She reports it has come along well and she has to be very careful using it.

Hopefully only one more trip to the doctor and very gradual usage to build strength. Good news for Karen.

The snowmobilers are happy with the snow and we had our New Hamburg family on Sunday for a play day on the machines. It seems the youngest - a seven-year-old girl - loves it more than her older brothers. It was a nice day and the fresh air is good for you!

Unfortunately, there are accidents

Ryan, Mark Wilbee and Macklin Bernard. Happy birthday to all!

occurring on snowmobiles. Speed or loss of control and little protection have caused tragic accidents. Slow down and enjoy your ride.

Groundhog Day is just around the corner and I think the groundhog will be tough to wake, much less entice him to come out! The Wiarton Willie Festival is on Sunday and hopefully they are dug out of the snowbanks by then.

When you look around at all this snow, it will be hard to believe an early spring is coming. There are nine weather rodent prognosticators out there, waiting to let us know, so we will wait to hear on the weekend if we’re heading for an early spring or six more weeks of winter!

Celebrating birthdays this past week include Corah Mitchell, Brenda McIntosh, Ryan Jacklin, Tommy Parr, Sheldon Lee, Alexis Beuerman, Phyllis Coleman, Chris

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PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025.

Blyth saw a building boom with $570,000 in building permits issued, most were for residential construction. In 1986 only $83,000 in permits were issued.

Read more in the Blyth Repository of History

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 blythrepositoryofhistory.ca

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405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 blythrepositoryofhistory.ca

The Citizen, Jan. 28, 2010

The Citizen, Jan. 8, 2015 The Citizen, Jan. 6, 2005

The Citizen, Jan. 12, 2000

The Citizen, Jan. 29, 2015

The Citizen, Jan. 22, 2015

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025. PAGE 19.

Entertainment & Leisure

Dungannon Rodeo makes donation to LDFD

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen Last week, on a very snowy Thursday afternoon, members of the Dungannon Pro Rodeo Committee (DPRC) made their way to the Lucknow and District Fire Hall (LDFD) to present the department with a donation cheque in the amount of $17,160.

The LDFD’s Deputy-District Chief, Keith Hodgkinson, commented that he appreciates the ongoing efforts of the DPRC. “They’ve supported us really well over the years,” he pointed out.

Despite being briefly stymied by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dungannon Rodeo has still managed to raise over $40,000 for the LDFD over the last few years.

Last year’s donation went towards equipment and upgrades for one of their pumper trucks. “It enabled us to outfit one truck without stripping the other one,”

Hodgkinson explained. “So we have a back-up truck now.”

The LDFD is hoping to obtain a thermal-imaging drone at some point in the near future that would dramatically decrease the risk to search and rescue workers by making it easier to pinpoint the position of citizens that are lost or injured in remote locations.

The relationship between the Dungannon Rodeo and the LDFD goes beyond financial support.

During the rodeo itself, Lucknow’s firefighters can be found volunteering in various essential roles at the event. DPRC volunteer Susanne Pentland, who also attended the ceremony, commented on the importance of the LDFD to Dungannon and the surrounding area. “They do a lot for our community, and they’re volunteers as well,” she explained. “So we like to help them financially. And they help us out during the rodeo. They help with parking, they do first aid, they do set-up, they do tear-down -

Rodeo riches On Thursday, Jan. 23, members of the Dungannon Pro Rodeo Committee (DPRC) visited the Lucknow and District Fire Hall to present a $17,160 donation to the department. In the photo are, from left, Kelly Thomson, Huron-Kinloss Fire Chief Jeff Bradley, LDFD Deputy-District Chief Keith Hodgkinson, LDFD fire fighter Kayla Geddes and Dan Kerr. (Scott Stephenson photos) they’re a big help, actually!”

The firefighters also genuinely appreciate the chance to volunteer at the rodeo. “We meet people from all over Ontario when we’re at it,” Hodgkinson pointed out. “And we meet a lot of firefighters from other places too.”

Last year was Huron-Kinloss Fire Chief Jeff Bradley’s first year volunteering at the rodeo. “I spent two days there helping out,” he said. “It’s quite interesting and it’s good support for the community as well. We receive funds, and that

money goes back into projects for the community, and back into the Dungannon area as well. We really appreciate the support. It’s a great event - the community comes out, and we get to meet them, and they

Happy 80th Birthday Rose Marie

Jesus is ‘the Lord of the Dance’ says Rev. Jebson

Continued from page 16 ways that we can appreciate and be amazed at God’s presence and work in the world. That in itself is a reason to celebrate and proclaim joy, to take up the name of delight.

What does this mean to the Palestinian who has faced months of genocide, the person in Sudan crying out in hunger, the person living in the tent in the freezing cold in the outskirts of our own village? Does a sip of fine vintage wine improve their situation? No, of course not. However, the promise of God’s care spilling out in unexpected ways helps keep hope alive, and the ability of the community to gather and celebrate in the midst of lament and hardship offers a glimpse into God’s

Sudoku Solution

presence of solidarity and resilience.

Perhaps more joy-inspiring in the lives of those desperately seeking God’s extravagant grace and community is the way that Christ inspires us as disciples today. Along with our faithful lament and faithful celebration, we are also called to bring the jars of water to Christ still. Instead of clinging to the customs and attitudes that work against God’s grace and community-building, we allow Christ to use us and what we have to help include and support others, to be the bearers of the wine and

Good News, the care and compassion that people are so desperately seeking.

What does this miracle tell us about Jesus? That he rarely ministers in expected ways, that there is a sense of mystery to some of what he does, and that he embodies God’s great generosity and abundance, even if people don’t recognize that right away. That is to say, Jesus is the life of the party, the “Lord of the Dance”, and He who invites us all to drink from the well and wine of God’s care and love.

Thanks be to God. Amen, and cheers!

Happy 80th Birthday Opa!

get to see the firefighters on a different level.”

The 2025 Dungannon Pro Rodeo will be taking place at the Dungannon Fairgrounds on July 5 and 6.

Love your family

Time to Celebrate!

Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, retirement or some other special event, show them how much you care with an announcement in The Citizen.

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025.

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Spot the five differences At this time last year, left, The Citizen sat down with John and Sheron Stadelmann to discuss John’s brush with a TIA, while this year, right, discussion surrounded a heart block. John feels grateful and lucky to have received the care that has brought him to full health today. (Shawn Loughlin photos)

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By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen In the Feb. 2, 2024 issue of The Citizen, we profiled John Stadelmann of Blyth who suffered a TIA in 2021 to tell the story of Heart and Stroke Month (February). Here we are, one year later, and Stadelmann, not content with being profiled just once, has another story to tell.

On Nov. 3, 2021, Stadelmann suffered a mini-stroke, which is formally known as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and was briefly hospitalized. It was then that he found out that it was likely not his first TIA, with earlier brushes with stroke likely coming undetected by the conscious mind during sleep.

Stadelmann recovered fully and received what he called top-notch treatment at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich and from Huron County paramedics on his way there.

That story ends with John and his wife Sheron resolving to return to their travel-heavy schedule. They had to set aside a trip to Cuba, a country they’ve visited in excess of 30 times at this point, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, they hoped to travel more after John’s episode, embracing the life’s-too-short mantra of living every day.

Those plans, unfortunately, are on hold as a result of the reason you’re reading this article here today, one year after the February, 2024 profile. On Oct. 23, 2024, John was hospitalized in Clinton

with a heart block after having a few fainting episodes in the preceding days along with some ongoing dizziness.

Again, in a run-back from last year’s story, the Stadelmanns were on the road once again and called their daughter Rhonda, who advised that they turn back, without delay, and head to the nearest hospital.

John and Sheron then drove to Clinton Public Hospital to report the symptoms he was experiencing.

The nurses there hooked him up to an EKG and began to monitor him.

It was about nap time for John, so he asked the medical professionals if it would be alright if he closed his eyes for a bit, they had no concerns, so he did. Then, as he tells it, “My heart decided to take a nap at the same time.”

John was without a heartbeat for 16 seconds and he awoke from his nap with a nurse on top of him doing compressions and working to bring him back to life.

Sheron was by his side at the hospital, sitting quietly as her husband had a nap. Then, she said, the room came alive with lights and alarms and medical officials flooded the room to save John.

They stabilized John and then explained that, while traumatic, the fact that John’s heart stopped in the hospital while he was connected to all of that monitoring equipment was a good thing. They knew what the problem was.

John had experienced a heart block, which occurs as a result of a disruption with the electrical signals between the upper and

lower parts of the heart. The solution is a pacemaker.

First admitted on a Monday afternoon, John had a pacemaker installed on Wednesday in London, where he said the nurses told him about the thousands of pacemakers they use to help people a year.

And now, a few months later, John’s life is entirely back to normal. He was healthy enough in recent years, especially after his stroke in 2021, so he didn’t have to make any real lifestyle or dietary changes, other than cutting coffee out of his life.

After getting his pacemaker, he still found he would have the odd bout of dizziness here and there, but the doctors and nurses couldn’t figure out what would be causing them in regards to his heart.

However, it was the caffeine in his coffee. Once he cut that out, he said goodbye to dizziness for good.

Now, John says he feels great, though nothing has really changed, as the pacemaker only intervenes when he has an episode, which, now, he won’t ever know about. If someone has a blockage and has a stint put in, for example, they feel great as blood is flowing again.

With a pacemaker, he said, he just feels back to his normal self again.

Back to the issue of travel, the Stadelmanns are grounded until this fall.

Obtaining travel insurance, in addition to some other factors, are often dependent on the stabilization of a successful year of a pacemaker, so the Stadelmanns won’t be in the air anytime soon, but the time will surely come.

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