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Forest Fire Forces State of Emergency in Timmins

you@youdomain.com (editor) — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:48:35 +0000

Timmins has declared a state of emergency because of a major forest fire. A fire that’s 250 square kilometres in size is only 30 kilometres from the mining town. Residents are minimizing their exposure to the thick smoke by keeping their doors and windows closed. Meanwhile, Lake Shore Gold in Timmins has suspended its underground operations and surface exploration because of the forest fire situation. And the 118 residents of the Mattagami First Nation, just outside Timmins, have been relocated to Kapuskasing because of their proximity to the fire.

Evacuation Still Possible in Kirkland Lake

you@youdomain.com (editor) — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:46:45 +0000

A forest fire remains about three kilometres outside Kirkland Lake and a caution remains in place for the town’s residents to evacuate on a moments notice. Residents have packed three days worth of essentials in case they have to leave. The evacuation order will be given if the fire comes within one kilometre of the town. About 300 residents who live on lakes outside the urban area of Kirkland Lake have already been evacuated.

Minister Says First Nations to be Part of Ring of Fire

you@youdomain.com (editor) — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:45:05 +0000

The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs says the McGuinty Liberals are committed to working with First Nations on the Ring of Fire. Kathleen Wynne says the goal is to consult and partner with First Nations on environmental monitoring and decisions that affect their traditional lands. First Nations have told Wynne they want jobs and she says the Ring of Fire provides that opportunity. Wynne says the challenges to get the Ring of Fire mines operating can be overcome if everyone works together. Meanwhile Ontario wants the federal government to help develop the Ring of Fire. Premier Dalton McGuinty spoke to the Prime Minister about the massive mining project and believes he’s got Stephen Harper interested. Two major pieces of infrastructure the project needs are a road and extending an electricity transmission line to the James Bay region which holds the largest chromite discovery in North America. The Ring of Fire also has other deposits including copper, nickel and platinum.

North Bay's Highway 63 Re-opens After Formaldehyde Spill

you@youdomain.com (editor) — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:43:03 +0000

Highway 63 in North Bay re-opened on Thursday following a formaldehyde spill Monday morning. A tanker trailer lost its load of the dangerous chemical in a roll-over which killed the Quebec man driving the rig. Much of the formaldehyde seeped into Trout Lake prompting a warning from the local health not to use the water if you’re on a private system. However all water restrictions have been lifted for residents including those with private wells. The one exception is for a small group of homeowners who live a very short distance from the spill site.

Keep Crown Land Accessible to Public Says NDP MPP

you@youdomain.com (editor) — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:40:58 +0000

The MPP for Algoma Manitoulin says the Ministry of Natural Resources has created a two-tier system when it comes to Crown Land. Mike Mantha says the MNR has done this by restricting public access to Crown Land in order to help private businesses. Mantha says allowing access only to a select few is wrong and adds everyone should be able to go onto Crown Land.

Missing Azilda Man Found Dead

you@youdomain.com (editor) — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:06:24 +0000

The search for an elderly Azilda man has not ended well. OPP found the body of 76-year-old James Lewandoski late in the day Wednesday. Lewandoski was last seen Saturday and was the subject of a very intensive search. Police say foul play is not suspected.

MRI Wait Times Lowered at Sudbury Hospital

you@youdomain.com (editor) — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:04:40 +0000

Wait times are down significantly for people getting MRI’s at the Health Sciences North hospital in Sudbury. Thanks to a new process, most people have to wait a maximum of 25 days to get an MRI compared to 109 days a year ago. The new process includes less red tape for a person to get an MRI. The changes have also allowed the hospital to carry out 40 more MRI scans each week.

NDP Say Tories Not Trying to Save Northern Ontario Ridings

you@youdomain.com (editor) — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:02:51 +0000

Northern Ontario’s Federal New Democrats are fighting to ensure the north doesn’t lose any of its 10 ridings. The NDP believe we could lose some seats when 15 new ridings are created in Southern Ontario. Although the northern New Democrats have been vocal about this possibility, they say their Tory counterparts are silent. Nickel Belt MP Claude Gravelle says the Tory MPs from the north are not standing up for northeners. Gravelle has a Private Member’s Bill before Parliament that asks the north be guaranteed a minimum of 10 ridings.

Horse Put Down After Hit by OPP Cruiser

you@youdomain.com (editor) — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:00:43 +0000

A horse had to be put down after it was hit by an Espanola OPP cruiser. The collision happened on Lee Valley Road near Massey. The cruiser was patrolling the area when the horse wandered onto the roadway late at night and was hit. The horse was put down at the scene and the officer suffered minor injuries. The police cruiser was heavily damaged.

Espanola Mayor Warns Public About Disruptive Behaviour

you@youdomain.com (editor) — Wed, 23 May 2012 10:39:26 +0000

Espanola mayor Mike Lehoux says he won't tolerate disruptive behaviour from anyone at council meetings. The warning comes on the heels of derogatory comments made by people at the previous council meeting. Lehoux says the comments were offensive – and said it's the kind of language you'd expect from children at a playground. The mayor says anyone making rude or disruptive comments in the future at council will be bounced from the meeting.