From left: Brian Barnim, councillor for Municipality of Central Huron; Kevin Fell, on-air announcer for The Bull; Julie Bullivant, co-host of The One Morning Show; and Brenda Campbell, sales representative for Coldwell Banker All-Points Festival City Realty.
Bullet News SEAFORTH – Joe Steffler stood before a judge in mock court this afternoon to hear the bogus charges he faced for interrupting Huron East’s council proceedings to tell bad jokes and steal cookies.
Although the Seaforth deputy reeve raised money in the community leading up to his court date, it wasn’t enough to make bail in the Huron County Crime Stoppers’ Jail and Bail. Instead, he donned a white and black striped prison outfit and was thrown in the slammer set up in Huron East’s council chambers where he was forced to make calls to raise the rest of his bail.
He was threatening to prorogue the event in his council chamber – since the mayor is out-of-province – but it was unknown at the time of publication whether he succeeded or not.
Thirteen municipal politicians and local celebrities were on the docket, facing not-so-serious charges like owning too many Corvettes or having inappropriate sales practices all in a fun event to raise money for Huron County Crime Stoppers, which offers rewards to callers who help solve crimes. Security was low and they were allowed to step outside for smoking privileges or take bathroom breaks. Some relished the idea of raising money, and kept on the phone long after they’d made bail.
Tips received this year have resulted in the recovery of nearly $1 million worth of stolen property in Huron County, said organizer Al Penn, of Huron County Crime Stoppers. He is seconded from the OPP to run Crime Stoppers programs in Huron and Perth counties, but all other funds are raised in the community.
Penn said this year’s event is expected to raise about $12,000.
The money goes to administering the program and rewarding tip providers.
