1995 NEON SPORT What's Inside Cassy Cripps learns finer points of an effective elbow from instructor D.R. MacGregor. See Page 9 for more. Acton's John Eddolls is preparing for the world life saving championships in Australia this month. See story on Page 7. Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh says municipal talks should be going down, not up. See Column on Page 11 and editorial on Page 4. WEEKLY CHUCKLE Casey went to the doc- tor. The doctor said, "Have you flue?" Casey said, "No, I came on me bike." Hal Roach. "March" into great deals at Achilles.... Rockwood * 856-2222 Balmy spring-like weather moved in from the southern United States last week creating a shroud of dense fog. It was followed by beautiful sunny weather that brought out bicycles, skipping ropes and other harbingers of spring. First to report sighting a big fat robin to The New Tanner was Mrs. Leroy MacArthur of Churchill Rd.N. She spotted a robin redbreast athome. Bonnie Baxter also reported she saw a big fat bird at home in Lakeview subdivision. Others have reported snowdrops and crocuses already blooming in their flower gardens, another sign of an early Spring. The warm breezes melted almost all the heavy blanket of snow which covered this area from back in the early part of January. Pessimists, however, warn us that although we are now into March that Newstand price: 40¢ + GST reas J doesn't officially arrive until March 21 and the calendar date doesn't necessarily ban further win- try weather. Snow storms have ar- rived as late as mid-April in other years, they point out. Most of us nevertheless appreci- ated the break from often very cold winter weather. And we'll accept what ever Mother Nature sends us next. IT'S WORTH THE DRIVE 3-acre school yard on the block? Fairy Lake ice unsafe Although there's still ice on area lakes, ponds streams, Conservation Halton is warn- ing everyone, especially chil- dren, to keep away from them because ice is unsafe. The balmy temperatures and rain of the past few weeks has resulted in the meltdown of most.of the snow on. the. ground. Creeks and ponds water levels are higher than normal but many still have ice residue on them. Ice generally melts at the edges of Fairy Lake first but cold nights sometimes refreezes the water and gives the impression the lake is safe. But it is fast deteriorat- ing under the warm sun and rain showers and it's unsafe for humans and pets. continued on page 2 A first class Halton police constable will earn top salary of $61,888 at the end of a 42- month contract recently rati- fied by the Halton Police Serv- ice Board and the Halton Re- gion Police Association. The collective agreement with uni- form and civilian employees features an overall increase in wages and benefits of 10.4 per cent over the life of the deal. The contract brings Halton police in line with settlements reached by other police serv- ices in Ontario. Halton CEO, Acton's Brent Marshall, raised a few eyebrows around the Halton 2.9% Financing Up to 48 Months on all 2000 Mazdas BEST BUSINESS: Peter Zions (second from ft left) owner of Peter Zions Con- struction in Acton, proudly accepted the Business of the Year award at the Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce business achievement dinner last Thurs- day at Blue Springs Golf Club. Congratulating Peter are Chamber president Tom Sikatori, Chamber member Brian MacAdam and award sponsor Nick Fry with the Business Development Bank of Canada. - Frances Niblock photo Halton cops are tops at $61,888 Hills Council table on Mon- day when he mentioned the City of Halton during a brief- ing of a proposal for part of Flamborough to join Halton in a restructuring plan. Marshall meant to say City of Burlington, but with all of the Police urge caution when driving in fog Heavy fog which blan- keted the North Halton area last week were blamed for a number of accidents on high- ways and regional roads. Halton Regional Police Sgt. D. Ford said they inves- tigated several collisions es- pecially on Regional Road 25 2000 Mazda MPV DX ¢ 2.5L V6 Engine * Dual SRS Airbags « AM/FM CD Stereo e 4 door, roll down rear Windows * Tumble under 3rd Seat e Side by Slide 2nd Seat e ...plus much more! (formerly Hwy 25), north of No. 5 Side Road. Police are urging motorists to show down and to use full running lights while travelling in foggy weather. Winter is not over yet and it is possible simi- lar conditions will return with the advent of warmer weather. .. or Purchase From $24,345 (+ FRT/PDE/Taxes) *Monthly Payment, down payment plustax. $3000 Down includes fect combine special price, leasing, or financing deals. Call Achilles Mazda For Details. recent amalgamation and re- structuring talk, some won- dered if his comment was a Freudian slip. Marshall said in-depth studies are underway into the implications of 22,000 Flamborough residents join- ing Halton, but stressed the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has the final say. "So, even if we disagree or don't accept the proposal that Flamborough puts to- gether, if the Minister sees merit in making the change ... the Minister can still make that decision," Marshall said, continued on page 2 Achilles t/PDE. Cannot Halton Board says they face economic reality By FRANCES NIBLOCK The New Tanner It may bea "shame" and a "real disappointment" but economic reality could see the Halton District School Board sell off a three-acre piece of surplus property at McKenzie-Smith Bennett The Board's proposed capital strategic plan pro- poses severing and selling the property fronting on Churchill Road. The Board must close under-capacity schools and sell surplus prop- erty to be eligible for provin- cial money to build schools in growth areas. The three-acre surplus was created when McKenzie Smith Middle School and M.Z. Bennett School amalga- mated several years ago. Town planning staff said selling the property would have a "major impact" on the availability of soccer fields and ball diamonds and green space for Acton. Acton Councillor Rick Bonnette said he was "up in arms" over the issue, and it would be a real shame to see eight to ten homes built on the site. "We've fostered a relation- ship with the school board over many, many years. We've added baseball dia- monds and soccer fields and it would really be a shame to see approximately one-third of that property going for sale for development," Bonnette continued on page 2 357 Queen St. Acton (519) 853-0200