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The Observer | Saturday, May 10, 2008
Tecumseh claims Sutherland Cup to end Kings’ season............................ »15 Grand style for ECFTA concert
»26 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 19
SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008
www.ObserverXtra.com
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Breslau water woes require detailed report Engineering department recommends study of options for servicing older parts of the village STEVE KANNON There’s no shortage of water in even the shallowest wells in Breslau. Still, Woolwich officials aren’t eager for a repeat of last fall’s predicament, where several homes had temporary water supplies installed when their dug wells ran dry.
As a first step in a long-term solution, the township engineering department wants a full-blown study conducted. A report due before council next week recommends spending up to $100,000 to look at all the options. Solutions run from full municipal services – water, sanitary and storm sewers – for all older neighbourhoods in
the village through to sticking with the status quo, said director of engineering and planning Dan Kennaley. “All the wells are looking good right now after the nearrecord snowfall we had this winter … but we can’t be sure they’re going to stay that way.” When the wells ran dry at the end of last summer, residents
were quick to point the finger at the nearby Riverland subdivision, noting water levels dropped after the developer completed grading work on the site. Even though their wells were dry, they found a steady stream of water running off the site, away from the old part of the village and into the Grand River. The developer, Empire com-
John Mahood cleanup crew
munities, at first paid to drill new wells for seven of the site’s neighbours, but stopped the practice when the complaints became more numerous. Eventually, changes were made to a large drainage ditch on the site. Woolwich Street resident Roger Shantz, who recommended plugging the ditch, See BRESLAU page »07
Parents forgive daughter’s accused killer Elmira couple praises public outpouring after woman slain, husband charged with crime
PHOTO | MARC MIQUEL HELSEN
MARC MIQUEL HELSEN
DIGGING IN Landis Saunders, Amber MacPherson, Grant Kernick and Matthew Jessop take a break from some hard labour at John Mahood Public School May 3. The students were among a group of parents, staff and students taking part in an annual spring cleanup and maintenance project at the school.
More than a month after the murder of their daughter, the parents of Valerie Ferguson continue to be overwhelmed by the show of support they have received from family, friends and the community. “We have never experienced such love and compassion as expressed by the people of this community. This love has encircled us in ways that words cannot express. This community of Elmira has shown us God’s love, by living it,” said Ruth Usick, as she and her husband Stan spoke publicly Wednesday for the first time since their only child was slain Apr. 3. “We are doing great under the circumstances. We feel like a shield of prayers is surrounding us. This does not mean that we are not sad with
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