Murder Charges Laid in Police Killing

The Ontario Provincial Police has laid charges in the murder of OPP Provincial Constable Vu Pham.
Late this afternoon police announced 70 year old Fred Preston of Sundridge was charged with 1st Degree Murder for the death of Provincial Constable Pham and Attempted Murder in relation to a second officer.


  Photo of Fred Preston

Preston remains in critical condition and in police custody in the London Health Sciences Centre-Victoria Campus.
The OPP Constable from Wingham was killed Monday when he responded to a call for service on North Line, Huron County, near Seaforth.
While stopping a vehicle, Provincial Constable Pham was shot and fatally wounded as he exited his police cruiser. 
The second OPP officer in close proximity located the suspect who was shot during the encounter after firing at the officer.
Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino notes the tragic death of Pham has impacted us all and our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
The Province's Special Investigation Unit (SIU) is conducting a parallel investigation into the circumstances surrounding the injuries sustained by Preston. 

Optimism From GFO Chair

The chair of the newly-formed Grain Farmers of Ontario says he's optimistic about the coming year.
Speaking at the organization's first annual conference Don Kenney says they'll focus on research and advocacy as they go forward.
And he says the markets look fairly healthy this year..

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Kenney says the GFO's members have told them what they're looking for from the organization ...

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Kenney says the atmosphere and mood at their first annual conference in London was one of optimism and both corn and soybean markets appear relatively strong for the coming year.

March 10 - Closing Markets

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-> ONTARIO PORK REPORTS:
TOTAL SALES = 18,191
FOR A = 3 DAY TOTAL OF = 60,511
THAT'S = down 3,339 FROM LAST WEEK.
THE AVERAGE PRICE WAS = $1.38/kilogram
THAT'S steady
THE U-S NATIONAL COST PRICE = $74.84 U-S, DRESSED WEIGHT
That's up 53 cents
FORWARD CONTRACT PRICE FOR June-July DELIVERY IS $151.37
WHICH IS down $1.78
ESTIMATED SALES FOR Thursday = 25,500
AT = $1.38/kilogram

-> ON THE CHICAGO BOARD OF TRADE:

CORN FUTURES:
March down 3 and a quarter at 3.55 and a half
May down 3 and a half at 3.65 and a half

SOYBEAN FUTURES:
March up 10 and a half at 9.52
May up 10 and a half at 9.58

WHEAT FUTURES:
March down 7 and a half at 9.35 and a quarter
May down 8 at 4.81 and a half

-> FROM DAUPHIN FEED AND SUPPLY, THE 48% SOYBEAN MEAL QUOTE, F-O-B HAMILTON = $321/tonne

-> CLOSING LOCAL GRAIN PRICES FROM SNOBELIN FARMS:

09 CROP CORN = down 3 at 3.66/BU
2010 CROP CORN = down 2 at 3.85/BU
2011 CROP CORN = up 2 at 4.05/BU

Note there's a basis change for 2011 soys ....
09 CROP SOYS = up 10 at 9.33/BU
2010 CROP SOYS = up 7 at 8.70/BU
2011 CROP SOYS = up 3 at 8.74/BU

09 CROP SOFT RED WINTER WHEAT = down 8 at 3.87/BU
2010 CROP SOFT RED WINTER WHEAT = down 7 at 4.15/BU
2011 CROP SOFT RED WINTER WHEAT = down 8 at 4.91/BU

Central Huron Reeve Talks Fire Coverage

The reeve of Central Huron says residents at the north end of his municipality are covered in the event of a fire. Bert Dykstra says the issue is not coverage but how much Central Huron have pay for that coverage. The Blyth Fire Department has been merged with the North Huron Department. That means that some areas at the north end of Central Huron that had been covered by Blyth appeared to be vulnerable. Dykstra says those areas are still covered through a mutual aid agreement.

Grey County Paramedics Begin Negotiations

EMS Paramedics in Grey are starting negotiations for a new contract today with the county. OPSEU bargaining team chair Paul McKay says Grey County Paramedics are paid substantially less than those in surrounding areas. OPSEU represents 120 full and part-time paramedics in Grey.

Few New Details in Pham Shooting

It could be weeks until more is known in the shooting death of OPP Constable Vu Pham. The Ontario Special Investigations Unit is analyzing samples taken from the scene and talking with eye-witnesses. 37 year old Vu Pham of Wingham, a 15 year member of the OPP, was killed after he stopped a vehicle on a rural road near Seaforth Monday. 70-year-old Fred Preston of Sundridge was wounded in the police shootout. He remains in critical condition in a London hospital.

Schedule for Wednesday, March 10th

National Hockey League
Dallas at Buffalo, 7 p.m.
N.Y. Rangers at New Jersey, 7 p.m.
Carolina at Washington, 7 p.m.
Los Angeles at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Vancouver at Phoenix, 10 p.m.

Ontario Hockey League
Sarnia at London, 7 p.m.
Saginaw at Sault Ste. Marie, 7 p.m.
Oshawa at Belleville, 7:05 p.m.

Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League
Midwest Quarter-Final Best of 7
Listowel at Elmira, 7 p.m.
*Elmira leads series 3-2
Guelph at Waterloo, 7:30 p.m.
*Waterloo leads series 3-1

Western Junior C
Semi-Finals Best of 7
Kincardine at Walkerton, 9 p.m.
*Series tied at 3

National Basketball Association
Toronto at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Charlotte at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Memphis at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
Utah at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Denver at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
New Orleans at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
New Jersey at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
New York at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.

Major League Baseball Pre-Season
Philadelphia vs. Toronto (Dunedin, Fla.), 1:05 p.m.
Washington vs. St. Louis (Jupiter, Fla.), 1:05 p.m.
N.Y. Mets vs. Atlanta (Kissimmee, Fla.), 1:05 p.m.
Florida vs. Houston (Kissimmee, Fla.), 1:05 p.m.
N.Y. Yankees vs. Detroit (Lakeland, Fla.), 1:05 p.m.
Tampa Bay vs. Boston (Fort Myers, Fla.), 1:05 p.m.
Cincinnati vs. L.A. Angels (Tempe, Ariz.), 3:05 p.m.
Chicago White Sox vs. Oakland (Phoenix), 3:05 p.m.
San Francisco vs. Chicago Cubs (Mesa, Ariz.), 3:05 p.m.
San Diego (ss) vs. Cleveland (Goodyear, Ariz.), 3:05 p.m.
Arizona vs. L.A. Dodgers (Glendale, Ariz.), 3:05 p.m.
Milwaukee vs. San Diego (ss) (Peoria, Ariz.), 3:05 p.m.
Seattle vs. Texas (Surprise, Ariz.), 3:05 p.m.
Kansas City vs. Colorado (Tucson, Ariz.), 3:10 p.m.
Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh (Bradenton, Fla.), 7:05 p.m.

Hanover Processor Working With TFO On Supply-Prices

P & H Foods of Hanover is working with the Turkey Farmers of Ontario and the national organization on supply and prices.
General Manager Gary Martin says a tight supply of product has an impact on the Hanover plant and jobs.

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Martin says a downturn in the economy and competition from low-priced pork is hurting sale of whole turkeys and turkey deli meat.
At the same time he says high corn prices are driving up turkey costs.

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That's forced P & H Foods into short hours, 40 layoffs and the loss of five salaried jobs at its Hanover plant.
30 of the layoffs are indefinite.

Throne Speech Ag References Worry NFU Spokesman

The National Farmers Union's Ontario co-ordinator is worried about how farming fit into the recent provincial throne speech.
Grant Robertson says one of the references to farmers and food in the speech was a historical one - as if farming has had it's day.

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Robertson says it's not a good sign when the government starts abandoning terms like farmers and farm families for terms like agribusiness.

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Robertson says the main reference to agriculture in this week's throne speech was buried in reference after reference to manufacturing, mining and financial services.

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Applications Open For Ontario Forage Masters

A program showcasing outstanding Ontario forage producers and excellence in forage management is into it's 23rd year this year.
Producers have until April 16th to submit entries for the Ontario Forage Masters program.
The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association calls it a highly visible platform for growers to present their expertise in forage management techniques.
It's open to members of local Soil and Crop Improvement Associations across the province as well as to 4-H members through their farm's membership in the Association.
Last year the Ontario Forage Masters Program had 166 participants from 24 associations across the province.
You can get information through the website - www.ontariosoilcrop.org.

Mitchell Says Income Stabilisation Is Critical

Ontario's Agriculture Minister says it's obvious the current federal suite of agricultural support programs aren't working.
Carol Mitchell says she's continuing to negotiate with Ottawa for new income stabilisation programs.

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Mitchell says income stabilisation is also critical - and needs to dovetail with production capacity.

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Mitchell says the coalition of Ontario commodity groups are telling her that the grains and oilseeds sector is furthest along - so probably should be the first federal-provincial program to get rolling.
She would not say whether the province would consider renewing the grains and oilseeds pilot program without federal participation.
Mitchell says she's optimistic about the fact that the federal risk management programs are at least on the table for the upcoming July meetings of the federal-provincial- and territorial ag ministers.

DFO Quota Transfer Appeal Denied

An Eastern Ontario farmer has lost his bid to get an exemption from the D-F-O's quota transfer assessment.
Benoit Lachaine had asked for the exemption based on financial hardship and health problems.
But the OMAFRA Appeals Tribunal says it wasn't able to find anything special, unique or extraordinary about Lachaine's circumstances or medical condition to warrant the exemption.
Adjudicator John O'Kane says while a significant part of the farmer's case was based on financial hardship he could find no evidence of such hardship.
O'Kane has ruled Lachaine has to pay the 367 thousand dollars owing under the D-F-O's quota transfer assessment policy.

Farm Safety Program Funding Available

Farm Credit Canada is putting money into something it says farmers have a strong interest in.
A recent FCC survey indicates almost 9 in 10 farmers who responded are interested in pursuing at least one agricultural safety training topic.
FCC President Greg Stewart says to help meet that need his agency is investing 100 thousand dollars in a fund to be administered by the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association.
CASA will use that fund to help create and host agricultural safety training programs.
Stewart says farmers responding to the FCC survey said they're looking for strategies to keep themselves, their families and their employees safe.
Applications for the funding will be accepted in September and October.
Details will be available through the FCC and CASA.

Trust Fund for OPP Officer's Sons

Midwestern Ontario residents wanting to show their support for OPP Constable Vu Pham of Wingham, who was killed Monday in the line of duty, now can contribute to a trust fund.



In lieu of flowers the family is asking donations be made to a fund set up for Pham's three young boys. Donations are being accepted at all Scotiabank branches [account # 410120217921] or through the McBurney Funeral Home in Wingham [cheques made payable to in trust for Heather Pham]. Hundreds of police officers from across Ontario are expected in Wingham Friday afternoon for the funeral of Vu Pham. Pastor Tim Bjorkman will conduct the service at 1:00 at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex. There will be funeral home visitation tomorrow from 2:00 until 4:00pm and 7:00 until 9:00 at the McBurney Funeral Home. The 37 year old Pham died in hospital Monday after being shot during an investigation north of Seaforth.



Full Funeral Details

Scores for Wednesday, March 10th

National Hockey League
Toronto 4 Boston 3 (OT)
Ottawa 4 Edmonton 1
Montreal 5 Tampa Bay 3
Vancouver 6 Colorado 4
Calgary 4 Detroit 2
Philadelphia 3 N.Y. Islanders 2
Nashville 2 Atlanta 1
Florida 3 Minnesota 2 (SO)
Columbus 5 Anaheim 2

Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League
Midwest Quarter-Finals Best of 7
Elmira 5 Listowel 3
*Elimra leads series 3-2
Waterloo 3 Guelph 0
*Waterloo leads series 3-1
Brantford 6 Kitchener 1
*Brantford leads series 3-1
West Semi-Finals Best of 7
LaSalle 5 St. Marys 3
*LaSalle wins series 4-1

Western Junior C
Semi-Finals Best of 7
Hanover 5 Mitchell 1
*Hanover wins series 4-2
Walkerton 4 Kincardine 3 (OT)
*Series tied at 3, Game 7 tonight at 9 p.m. in Walkerton

Junior D
Division Finals Best of 7
Exeter 5 North Middlesex 3
*Exeter leads series 1-0

OMHA
Midget "B" Semi-Finals
Kincardine 3 Lambeth 1
*Kincardine wins series and advances to finals

WOSSA "A/AA" Boys Hockey in Clinton
Gold Medal Game
St. Anne's (Clinton) 4 Goderich District 1
*St. Anne's will play in OFSAA in St. Catharines

WOSSA "A/AA" Girls Hockey in Exeter
Gold Medal Game
F.E. Madill (Wingham) 4 South Huron (Exeter) 1

National Basketball Association
L.A. Lakers 109 Toronto 107
Charlotte 83 Miami 78
Indiana 107 Philadelphia 96
Orlando 113 L.A. Clippers 87
Houston 96 Washington 88
Utah 132 Chicago 108
Milwaukee 86 Boston 84
Portland 88 Sacramento 81

Major League Baseball Exhibition
Boston 9 Florida 0
Pittsburgh 12 N.Y. Yankees 7
Minnesota 7 St. Louis 6
Tampa Bay 8 Baltimore 3
Detroit 9 Washington 4
Houston 8 N.Y. Mets 4
Cleveland 6 Seattle 4
San Francisco 6 Chicago White Sox 2
Colorado 12 L.A. Dodgers 0
Milwaukee 5 Chicago Cubs 3
Kansas City 11 Oakland (ss) 10
Arizona 10 Cincinnati 4
Oakland (ss) 8 Texas 8
L.A. Angels 6 San Diego 5
Philadelphia 7 Atlanta 4