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4 vj (K*KW4 4 Trucks Trashed After Break-in At Works Yard by Jennifer Stone Staff Writer Municipality of Clarington staff estimate damage at between $50,000 and $60,000 after two break-ins at the Public Works Department's Taunton Road depot. The first break-in occurred Nov. 1, when a hole was cut in the fence in front of the Hampton Operations Centre. According to Operations Manager Don Patterson, four vehicles vehicles were vandalized. "They were all parked in the locked yard" when unknown persons broke windows and punched out steering columns in an attempt to start the vehicles, says Patterson. The yard was hit a second time last Sunday, Nov. 8, shortly after noon, says the Operations Manager. "An employee was driving down Taunton and saw a cloud of dust (in the yard), so he went back to investigate," explains Patterson. "He saw the vehicles at several locations where there had obviously been some sort of demolition derby," adds Patterson. A snow plough and concrete abutment were also damaged damaged in the incident. By the time the town employee reached the area where the trucks arc kept, no suspects were in sight. While total damage is still being assessed, Patterson says he believes one three-quarter ton truck worth about $35,000 was written off in the break-in. He estimates damage to five other trucks at about $4,000 each. Turn to page 5 BOWMANVILLE LIBRARY, 62 TEMPERANCE STREET BOWMANVILLE ONTARIO L1C3A8 EXPIRY DATE: AUGUST 26,1999 Clarington's Community Newspaper Since 1854 • A James Publishing Community Newspaper Wednesday, November 11, 1998 144th Year Issue 45 700 + 50 G.S.T. = 750 He Deserves a Medal Bowmanvilie's World War On© Vet Will Receive France's Highest Honor The Canadian Hands Craft Show was full of interesting displays on Sunday. Katrina ; Mason, of Bowmanville, admires the ribbons on this wooden carousel horse. Held at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex, the craft show attracted attracted over 1,000 people. Handmade, ties, ceramics, folk art items, teddy bears and angels were some of the merchandise available for sale. -- Photo by Nancy Plcasancc-Sturman by Jennifer Stone Staff Writer It's been 80 years since World War I ended, but Fred West still remembers why he chose to join the Army. "Excitement. It was something to do, something something to find out," says the Bowmanville resident. West came to Canada from England when he was about 13 years old. His family settled in Sherbrooke, Que. Just three years later, at the ten-_ der age of 16, he found himself back in Europe, defending on the Western Front as a machine gunner in the Army. "I was everywhere there was a war - France, Belgium, Germany," remembers the 99-year-old who will celebrate the century century mark in May. West has received many honours since serving in World War One. One ■ of the greatest honours will be received today, on the 80th anniversary of the end of the Great War, when he is granted the ..Chevalier de ; ]a Legion d' Honneur (the Legion of Honor) by the government of France. The award is France's highest honour, equivalent to the Order of Canada. The award was established established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, and Orchard and Herb Farm Reports Costly Losses by Jennifer Stone Staff Writer They say lightning doesn't hit the same place twice, but Bob Simpson of Empire Orchards and Herb Farm isn't so sure. Twice last week, the farm on Taunton Road, just west of Middle Road, was the target of vandals. Tuesday night, thieves broke in through the front window of the building on Taunton Rd. They smashed into the cash reg ister, stealing about $10 in change, and throwing at least one jar of honey through the window. Damage in Tuesday night's incident is estimated estimated at $1,400. Thursday morning, Simpson, along with partner partner Gail Simpson, arrived to open the store, only to find vandals had hit again. This time, they had done even more substantial damage. Simpson says he had been working in the build ing Wednesday night until about 9 p.m. At about 2 a.m„ he awakened, concerned concerned he hadn't turned off space heaters in the store. He returned to the store to cHéck on the heaters and found nothing out of the ordinary. Between then and 9 a.m., the damage was done. "I don't know if some-, one is trying to put us out of business, or if someone hates us, or if we've had a conflict with someone," said Simpson. SURVEYING THE DAMAGE - Bob Simpson takes a few moments to look over the damage done to Empire Orchards and Herb Farm. The vandalism took place at the Taunton Road store over two nights last week, In Thursday morning's episode, the front door of the business was smashed, the cooler door was broken, broken, and merchandise was broken and strewn about the premises. As well, some vegetables were crushed and thrown around the building. Simpson says other than an electrical generator being stolen during construction construction of the store, and the odd case of someone stealing apples from the orchard, this is really the first time they've been the target of criminals. "We've had small, minor instances, but not like this before. Nothing destructive anyway," said a visibly shaken Simpson. The co-owner of the Herb Farm and Orchard said the vandalism is just a temporary set-back, and the store was to be reopened reopened in time for the weekend. "Give us a day to get cleaned up and we're on the go again," he said last Thursday. The incident is still under investigation by Durham Regional Police. Anyone with any information information about the occurrancc is asked to call (905) 579- 1520 or Crime Stoppers at 436-TIPS. was first. bestowed in 1804. People who arc not French citizens are nominated nominated by France's Minister of Foreign Affairs. In honor of the 80th anniversary anniversary of the armistice, a number of Canadian veterans veterans of the First World War have been nominated for the honor. "It's a wonderful tribute to a wonderful person," says Durham East MPP John O'Toole. "I'm proud to know the gentleman. We should always say thank you to all our veterans, but Fred West Lyn Puddister (left), President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 178, chats with Fred West who is a veteran veteran of the First World War. Mr. West was in attendance at the Armistice Dinner held on Saturday evening at the Legion Headquarters in Bowmanville. New Code of Ethics For Municipal Staff by Michelle Wyton The Municipality of Clarington f s staff may soon have an official "code of ethics" to follow. On Monday, Clarington Council gave final approval to a motion from Councillors John Mutton and Mary Novak asking staff to put together a code for employees. "We're growing so fast and are so large now that we need a policy to protect our employees," Councillor Mutton observed. "This will benefit the employees of the Municipality." Although there isn't a specific issue behind the motion, Councillor Novak said that, with the municipality municipality growing fast, it's time to put something on paper. "The issue has to be dealt with sooner or later," she said. "The policies arc already there, but we don't have anything on paper to look at or refer to. It's just a matter matter of setting a guideline for all employees to feel comfortable comfortable with." Turn to page 5 Teen Faces Sex Charges A Bowmanville teen will return to court Friday, charged with a number of sexual offences. • The 15-year-old was charged Oct. 15 after two girls, aged 13 and 14, told police they had been assaulted. Two more girls, both aged 16, later came forward, and the teen was charged again Oct, 29. The first two incidents are alleged to have occurred in a wooded area near Bowmanville High School. The other alleged instances arc said to have happened at the residence of the teen's father. The teen, who cannot be identified under the Young Offenders Act, has been charged with four counts of sexual assault, two counts of threatening death, one count of sexual interference, and one count of carrying a concealed weapon. Police says he was carrying a steak knife when arrested the second time. The teen returns to court Nov. 13, it's nice when other countries countries recognize them." Durham East MP Alex Shepherd was also pleased to hear about the honor being bestowed upon West. "To me, the important thing is to reflect on what Canadians did in World War One," says Shepherd, adding 68,000 Canadians did not return from that war. West says today's children children should know something something about the horror and tragedy of war. "Stay away from them. Nobody wins a war," he says. In spite of his warning, West says he wouldn't change a thing about his life, even the decision to join the army. "I'd do it all ove; again," hè says with con viction. More Funny Money A Bowmanville fast food outlet was once again the target for someone passing counterfeit currency. currency. A fake $20 bill was used to pay for a purchase last Wednesday afternoon at Wendy's restaurant on Waverley Road. It's the third time in recent weeks the restaurant restaurant has reported fake currency. currency. Phoney bills were also used twice in October. m s mm The body of a woman found on the shore of Lake Ontario near Mill Street South in Newcastle almost two weeks ago has been identified. The woman's body was found Oct. 29 by a man walking on the beach. She has been identified as Lillian Warren, aged 61, of Glenpark Avenue in Toronto. A Bowmanville woman contacted police, saying the description of the body matched her sister, sister, although she hadn't been reported missing. "We appreciate the assistance of members of the media without whose help, we'd still be attempting attempting to discover who this was," said Inspector Ross Smith of Durham Regional Police, Clarington detachment. The woman's body was positively identified Sunday by three of her sons and the sister. An autopsy conducted Oct. 30 listed the cause of death as drowning. Foul play is not suspected, said Insp. Smith. 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