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PLEASE CALL US Story or picture idea: 549-2012 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. "Information is the hallmark of democracy" Geere's departure shouldn't go unnoticed WE ARE DISAPPOINTED Police Chief John Geere plans to leave Penetanguishene Police Department for good on Friday. It isn't. our intention to rehash why he resigned late last month nor do we plan to discuss again the roles of both the town's public safety committee or the Ontario Police Commission which led up to the chief making the decision he did. We do however want to publicly go on record as saying we have always found Chief Geere, a 17-year veteran with the force, to be a fair and co-operative individual and that probably was his undoing. Never a_high-profile-guy, Chief Geere faced the usual small-town quirks as head of Penetanguishene's _law-enf- orcement agency: per- sonalities, politics and often laymen and women who couldn't tell you the difference between a copy of the Ontario Police Act and a road map. It's tragic Geere endured the turmoil his department experienced during the late 60s and early '70s as P.P.D. went through a gaggle of police chiefs and constables, as it worked out of cramped quarters and more recently for more than a year out of dingy facilities in the basement of the _ public library. But the inescapable fact is abundantly clear...both sides in this matter found them- selves in a no-win situation and something had to give...in this case a career policeman, and that friends is a pity. Something for council to consider BEFORE council considers hiring a new police chief from within the present: ranks it might be wise to take into account what will happen if more than one of the present constables or sergeants go after the job. First of all not all of the local applicants would get the nod. (Let's face it there can only be one chief). Hiring from within the ranks could do more harm than good. Morale might suffer and in the long run so might the policing in Penetanguishene. If it is council's intent to hire 'fa new broom"' then council should opt for a policeman from outside the present force. It wouldn't be the first time Town of Penetanguishene has opted for an outsider as its. chief of police. In most cases we have always favoured appointing from within the ranks, however it would appear the climate this time around isn't conducive to promoting a local policeman to the rank of chief of police. A new police chief from outside the community would be able to start from square one and not be hindered by any so-called tradition he might already find himself locked into. It's something for council to consider, isn't it? The Penetanguishene Citizen Second Class Mail Registration Number 2327 The Midland Times Second Class Mail Registration Number 3194 The Elmvale Lance Second Class Mail Registration Number 0991 -- Published every Wednesday by Douglas Parker Publishing Ltd i -- 309 King Street, Midland, Ontario. 526-2283. Publisher - Douglas Parker J. Douglas Reed, managing editor Christine Mackey, Elmvale editor One Year Subscriptions (carrier delivered) $13.00 One Year Subscriptions (by mail) $14.00 U.S.A. and Foreign $30.00 per year Member, Ontario Weekly Newspaper Association and Canadian Weekly Newspaper Association Cc) wn -- Member of Audit Bureau of Circulations Our readers say... Tourney chairman says thanks Dear Sir: On behalf of myself and Co-Chairman David Dupuis, we would like to thank, Ann Morrow and the rest of the Penetanguishene Minor Hockey Executive. Sponsors, Referee, Time-keepers, the women who donated their time at the door and upstairs. Mayor Ron Bellisle for dropping the first puck. the Winterama Queen, Penetang Bottling Co., and George's Snack Bar for donating the cokes after each game for the players. St. John's for attending each game, the press for their coverage, Mac Ronald for handling the billets and the friendly people of Penetanguishene for taking the players into their homes for the weekend. Last but not least thanks too to the coaches, managers, trainers and the players for making the Penetanguishene Atom Winterama Hockey Tournament the success it was in 1981. Thanks Again, Reg McConkey, Tournament Chairman. Urgent request being made Dear Sir: This is an appeal to all mothers of Brownies, Guides and Pathfinders in the Honey Harbour area. In order for these units to continue func- tioning, we must have YOUR support. At present, as you know, we only have the three units (Brownies, Guides and Pathfinders) in this area. However, as our District encompasses other areas such as Victoria Harbour, Coldwater and Port MeNicoll, we are relying on these areas Hockey club says, 'Thanks' Dear Sir: Midland Athletics Hockey Club would like to express their deepest thanks to the following: The Woodsmen, Penetang; Midland Buildall; Valentine Signs, Penetang; Midland Times and Midland Arena Staff. It was through their time and effort that the Ross Prentice Memorial Plaque was constructed. Our Sincere Thanks Midland A's Hockey Club. Edward Street grandmother shares in $50,000 A 72-year-old grandmother and her grand- daughter are the latest winners in this area of a maior lottery draw. Emily Lalonde, of Edward Street, and her 22-year-old granddaughter, Debra Charlebois, are sharing a $50,000 Wintario bonus draw given out last Thursday. Emily Lalonde will be sharing her portion with her family. Her granddaughter will share some of her portion with her parents, and save the remainder for her upcoming wedding. Meanwhile, Tay Township resident Gail Tinney reports she won $1,000 during a Wintario draw last month. ; (which have tremendous support from mothers) to keep Honey Harbour units afloat. Do you think that is fair? Dues from the girls go to each respective unit. Unfortunately, in comparison to the amount needed for camping, trips, etc., it is a pittance. Why should your daughter miss out on the ac- tivities and fun the other units enjoy. If support is not found for the units, un- fortunately, they will be forced to close due to lack of funds. : Then, in order for your daughter to attend Brownies, Guides or Pathfinders, she will have to go out of your area, and be placed on a waiting list. These waiting lists are long, and your daughter may only be accepted if there is room, priority being given to those girls already living in that area. We would not like to see this happen. Please, won't you consider forming a mother's group? Any information you may want concerning the forming of such a group can be obtained from your District Commissioner, Mrs. S. Rooney, at 526-9124. Yours in Guiding, Mrs. S. Rooney, District Commissioner, Povawico District, Girl Guides of Canada. What's Your Opinion? The Midland Times, The Penetanguishene Citizen and Elmvale Lance welcome-Letters to the Editor. They must be legible, signed, (by hand) and carry the writer's address and telephone number for verification purposes. Pen names are not allowed and anonymous letters will not be published. All letters are subject to editing for length, clarity, good taste and libel. It should be noted letters that are typewritten and brief have the best chance of being published. Page 4, Wednesday,,March 4,198.» * more letters on page 6 i (i) (3 ee vee as wide hee ca