SooNews.ca Headlines

A Record Rack

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:57:48 -0500

Dale Tucker didn�t know when he took aim and fired his bow that the target was going to be one for the record books. But, it didn�t take him long to realize that the moose he killed on a hunting trip with his buddies Mike Siklosi and Konrad Bakalarczyk, was going to supply more than just meat for the freezer. The guys who have been friends for over a decade have only been hunting together for the past couple of years. Although all were avid hunters circumstances just didn�t come together until then for the friends to share their favourite sport. The trio had a bull tag and trio headed off in September to a spot Siklosi has hunted for over ten years in North west Ontario in the Red Lake area, that�s as specific has Tucker will get with the location of his trophy kill. �I was just excited to get a shot� Tucker told Soonews although he wasn�t surprised it had been a pretty active day, and the day before Siklosi had prepared to shoot at a bull. You can read Siklosi fascinating first hand account of the trip and the kill here. This is the first time Tucker has killed a moose with his bow. He prefers bow hunting he says because its more challenging, you have to get closer to the prey and you have to interact more with the game. Tucker also like the longer seasons allowed for bow hunting, and he says its slightly easier to get a tag than hunting with a gun. Tucker also hunts deer on St. Joseph Island with a bow. He isn�t opposed to hunting with a gun and has a couple of deer head in his home that he says �ironically enough were shot.� It didn�t take long for the trio to start talking record. A quick measure of the spread of the rack at 56 1/4 inches proved it was a �big rack� but measuring a record rack isn�t as simple has just measuring the spread. The FROW (Foundation for the Recognition of Ontario Wildlife www.frow.ca has a set of guidelines and measuring standards that must be followed to establish a record. The first stipulation is that the rack can only be measured after a 60 day drying period. The trio were aware that a 23 year old record of 201 2/8 was going to be tough to beat but by their own calculations they were sure they had done it. On December 4th Sault Ste Marie FROW scorer Herb Scherer confirmed a score of 204 1/8 almost three inches more than the previous record. The group however will have to wait to have their record in the books. Tucker explains that the rack must be scored by three scorers and in March they will be attending the Bass Pro Shop�s Classic in Vaughan to have that done. �There�s only one scorer in the Sault and it was easier to take it to the show than bring scorers here.� The trophy rack will then be displayed in the Tucker home Dale says laughingly �My wife has picked out a few spots I can put it.� The one thing the trio hasn�t had to wait for is to enjoy feasting on moose meat. �Oh we�ve had several meals.� Tucker said with 1,200 pounds of meat �there was plenty to go around.� Visit the guys web site www.teamfaketree.com

Cadets Bag It Up

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:47:33 -0500

Story and photos submitted by Mike Caruso The Police Cadets of Sault Ste. Marie joined forces with Food Basics to turn back the clock to when grocery stores bagged our groceries. Approximately thirty cadets helped customers bag their groceries as a means of raising money to run their program. Commanding Officer Rick Latour says that all money raised will go towards purchasing uniforms, sporting equipment, educational courses and field trips to appropriate locations that will help the cadets in their quest to become full fledged police officers in the future. They are grateful to Food Basics for the opportunity to raise such needed funds.

Winter Wonderland Photo Winner - Sunday Part 1

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 10:14:50 -0500

Winter Wonderland Photo Winner Sunday Part 1 - Hi Craig Here are some local winter shots. I wasn't sure if there was a limit on the number that could be sent so I sent a few. I hope you don't mind. Thanks Frank De Simon Frank didn't have much "story" but did send in a number of breath taking photos - more of Frank's work in the gallery. Frank wins a gift certificate from Boston Pizza! You can win one too! Check Back Everyday for another two Winners! It might be you! CONTEST CLOSES WEDNESDAY DEC 23. It's easy, all you have to do is send us your best Winter Wonderland photo - with a brief story on why you LOVE winter. If we use your photo you get dinner on us - a gift certificate from BOSTON PIZZA! By the way we take Christmas themed photos as well! So get your digital cameras out and send us a pic - you could have dinner on us. One or two photo will be selected and posted each day. The contest will run for a full five days. Only original photos can be submitted. You also have to include your name. Send your pics and story to

Hitchhiker Killed In Collision

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:11:09 -0500

UPDATE On December 19, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. police received a report of a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle approximately 4 kilometres east of Thessalon. Police attended and learned that the deceased had been drinking at a friend�s house then left to hitch hike back home to Thessalon. For unknown reasons he then crossed the road into the path of an eastbound pickup truck. Ambulance attended and transported the male to the Thessalon Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Deceased is 55 year old Robert BIGRAS of Thessalon. The driver of the truck was not injured and no charges have been laid. Two Technical Traffic Collision Investigators (TTCI) from the OPP attended which resulted in the highway being closed for a short time. The road where the collision occurred is straight flat section with four lanes of traffic. It was dark at the time and the road surface condition was bare and dry. Earlier Release A man was killed on Highway 17 east near Thessalon Saturday evening. The male, was said to be walking along the highway about 4 km east of Thessalon when he was struck by a passing pick up truck at around 6pm OPP said. OPP have not released the name of the deceased pending notification of next of kin. Highway 17 East near Thessalon was closed to traffic for about an hour Saturday as OPP began their investigation. No charges have been made in the accident. The driver of the pick up truck stayed at the scene.

New Course Could Enhance Local News Coverage

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 08:44:48 -0500

A new journalism course has been approved by the Sault College board of directors that puts the final piece of the School of Media and design puzzle in place. Journalism - The New Media must now be approved by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The new course, aimed at journalism graduates or students who may want to specialize at Journalism. The 32 week course will have students build local news web sites from the ground up. Students will gather news and present it with written text stories and video components. The course will also detail the business side of new media journalism enabling students to set up local news sites in their own communities, said Colin Kirkwood , dean of natural environment, technology and skilled trades at Sault College. The media landscape has changed dramatically in the last decade, as news consumers find new ways of getting their local news fix. For decades, radio, tv and print were the only game in town for attracting mass audiences to local news content. Today, more people access their local news from the web. Kirkwood hopes that local media will work closely with the students in the course with on hands training and may even draw the expected two equivalent full time instructors for the course from local media. Students will create their new sites incorporating skill set in design elements and gathering content in a variety of ways and different tools from video editing to podcasting, photography and writing. Kirkwood hopes the new course will begin in the Fall of 2010.

Bushplane Centre Gets Kids Into Christmas Spirit

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:03:28 -0500

With Christmas only a few days away, the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre opened it's doors to area children for their annual Children's Community Christmas Event. This year's event saw a movie matinee with The Muppet Christmas Carol playing, followed by two craft activities and some milk and cookies afterwards. This is my first time to be involved with this event and it's been a lot of fun," Miranda Bouchard, Marketing & Event Coordinator with the Bushplane Centre said. "It's great to see all of the kids out here having fun today. They've been excited right from the start, and they've had a blast making things and engaging with the museum as well." Bouchard also added that help from Lock City Dairies, Stone's Office Supply and volunteers for the crafts and baking, helped make this year's event a success.

Winter Wonderland Photo Winner - Saturday Part 2

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:44:58 -0500

Winter Wonderland Photo Winner Saturday Part 2 - What I Love About Winter, is being able to Ice Fish. Especially, when you can take off your coat, roll up your sleeves and enjoy the sun and beautiful Northern Ontario Scenery. Daria James. PLEASE NOTE: Due to the overwhelming response to our Winter Wonderland Photo Contest - We have expanded the contest to Dec 23! Keep checking twice daily to see if you are our next Winner! _____________ Daria wins a gift certificate from Boston Pizza! You can win one too! Check Back Everyday for another two Winners! It might be you! It's easy, all you have to do is send us your best Winter Wonderland photo - with a brief story on why you LOVE winter. If we use your photo you get dinner on us - a gift certificate from BOSTON PIZZA! By the way we take Christmas themed photos as well! So get your digital cameras out and send us a pic - you could have dinner on us. One or two photo will be selected and posted each day. The contest will run for a full five days. Only original photos can be submitted. You also have to include your name. Send your pics and story to

The Hustle & Bustle of Christmas Time

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:40:12 -0500

Story and Photos by Mike Caruso This being the last Saturday of shopping before Christmas, area Malls were filled with the hustle and bustle of the season in Sault Ste. Marie. The Station Mall for example, was filled to almost capacity on Saturday afternoon. Shoppers were scurrying about trying to find that special/last gift on their list and children were running around taking in all the sights that were there to behold. Even the military was out armed with money in hand. Bombardier Jason Nakagee was in town from the Algonquin Regiment helping fellow soldiers Dillon Ridley and Charlene Hicks do their shopping. There were ticket sellers from various charity organizations stationed at the most ideal locations to entice the shoppers to buy the tickets. The Elks Royal Purple Singers were entertaining the masses between the food court and Madonna�s Optical and the Northland Barbershop Chorus was right outside the Sears� doors singing and collecting money for the Red Cross. Hustle and bustle yes, but an awful lot like Christmas. Merry Christmas everyone.

Highway 17 Re-Opened

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:23:01 -0500

Highway 17 near Thessalon has now been re-opened. _________________ The Ontario Provincial Police advise the public of the following road closure. Location: Hwy 17, 2-4 km east of Thessalon. Detachment area: East Algoma OPP Time of road closure: 6:30 pm Reason for the closure: MVC blocking the road. Detour: (if available) None at this time. Estimated duration of closure: Unknown Time road reopened: (will advise )

Winter Wonderland Photo Winner - Saturday Part 1

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 11:03:14 -0500

Winter Wondeland Photo Winner Saturday part 1 - I like winter because I love the snow and tobogganing! :) Shalee Calvert PLEASE NOTE: Due to the overwhelming response to our Winter Wonderland Photo Contest - We have expanded the contest to Dec 23! Keep checking twice daily to see if you are our next Winner! _____________ Shalee wins a gift certificate from Boston Pizza! You can win one too! Check Back Everyday for another two Winners! It might be you! It's easy, all you have to do is send us your best Winter Wonderland photo - with a brief story on why you LOVE winter. If we use your photo you get dinner on us - a gift certificate from BOSTON PIZZA! By the way we take Christmas themed photos as well! So get your digital cameras out and send us a pic - you could have dinner on us. One or two photo will be selected and posted each day. The contest will run for a full five days. Only original photos can be submitted. You also have to include your name. Send your pics and story to

A Holiday Get Together Photos

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 10:30:16 -0500

Alzheimer Society Holiday Pasta Dinner Story and Photos By Mike Caruso - SooNews.ca The Alzheimer Society of Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District held a Holiday Pasta Dinner Fund Raiser at the Great Northern Hotel & Conference Centre with the main course being the Northland Barbershop Chorus on Wednesday night. Approximately two hundred people enjoyed a dinner that included fresh Italian bread, pasta and homemade meatballs, chocolate mouse dessert, and tea and coffee. All this was generously donated to the Society by Great Northern Hotel and Conference Centre. The main course was donated by the Barber Shoppers. They served up a variety of tunes from the last seventy decades and for dessert, they served everyone with a number of songs from the Christmas season. O, Holy Night was, in my opinion, the feature of the night. It sent chills through my body. Susan Van Atte, the president of the local Society, would like to thank everyone for coming out and supporting the Alzheimer Society, as well as the Great Northern Hotel & Conference Centre for contributing such a wonderful supper and the Northland Barbershop Chorus for entertaining everyone.

Michael Sicoly Is Back in Town

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 09:12:26 -0500

By Lou Sirianni Michael Sicoly is back in town visiting Family and friends over the Christmas Holidays. After speaking with Michael, he sounded pretty excited to be spending time in his home town enjoying Mom's cooking and spending it with other Family and Friends here in the Sault. For those who are unaware who Michael is, you may have seen him in the cockpit flying the plane in the hit Movie 'Alive" where human willingness to survive in the harsh climates of the uninhabited Andes mountains after the plane crashes. It was a remarkable look into Human endurance trying to survive under extreme circumstances. He has also been in shows like 'MacGyver, the Commish, the Black Stallion,(starring Mickey Rooney) and fly by night ( co starring with David James from Jag. Mike is originally from Sault Ste Marie and moved west to Vancouver in 1975. Michael is the most sought after session singer performing on albums such as Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Trooper and Loverboy. Mike also does voice characterizations for cartoons and commercials. Combining his Love for music, Michael has been a regular National Anthem performer for the Seattle Mariners. Michael has also performed the Anthem for the Dallas Stars of the NHL hockey league and football had also been in the schedule of Michaels Anthems when he sang for the San Francisco Giants of the NFL football league. Some of Michaels other credits are: The last 10-15 years performing for Fairmont Hotels across North America. Everet Silver tips hockey club National Anthem.( Coach, Craig Hartsburg) of the WHL . 7 years for Taylor-Made Golf and Addidas Golf. The 2007 Masters in Augusta, Georgia and many other performances across North America. Michael Sicoly has recorded 2 CD's and if you would like to listen to some of Michaels songs, they can be found on his Website. www.michaelsicoly.com

Search For Daniel Boisseneau Suspended

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:38:39 -0500

The search for a missing snowmobiler on Lake Manitowik has been suspended. Members of the Superior East O.P.P. Detachment in Wawa and the O.P.P. Underwater Search and Recovery Unit, with the assistance of an O.P.P.helicoper, have been searching for Daniel Boisseneau since Sunday December 13, 2009. The O.P.P. plan to resume the search for Boisseneau in the spring.

$46.7 Million In Funding Announced For New High School

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:10:16 -0500

ORAZIETTI ANNOUNCES $46.7 MILLION FOR NEW HIGH SCHOOL IN SAULT STE. MARIE McGuinty Government Delivers on New School Facilities and Creates Jobs Sault Ste. Marie � The McGuinty government is providing the Algoma District School Board with $46.7 million for high school after David Orazietti, MPP announced today that the province will invest an additional $6.6 million in the project. �This investment will ensure that our community�s senior students are supported for generations to come with an improved learning environment,� said Orazietti. �For the first time in decades, a provincial government is providing the necessary funding to replace aging education facilities with new, state-of-the-art Public, Catholic and French schools in Sault Ste. Marie.� In 2007, Sir James Dunn C&VS and Bawating C&VS were identified as prohibitive-to-repair by the Algoma District School Board. Orazietti announced provincial funding to construct a new high school which was allocated $40.1 million in August 2009. The additional $6.6 million accounts for site costs and �soft� costs including architectural and design work. With the additional investment, the McGuinty government has now committed $46.7 million toward a new educational facility at Second Line and North Street for grades 7-12. �We appreciate the work of the ministry staff, MPP David Orazietti and the provincial expert panel made up of representatives from school boards who are very experienced in the construction of new schools. All have helped to ensure the best possible school could be built in Northern Ontario,� said Mario Turco, Director of Education for the Algoma District School Board. The new school has now been named Superior Heights Collegiate & Vocational School and is expected to open in the fall of 2011. Today�s announcement is part of the McGuinty government�s continuing commitment to support education in Sault Ste. Marie. The McGuinty government has invested an additional $27,927,152 in Sault Ste. Marie schools over the last 6 years despite a decline in enrolment of 4129 students. As a result, per pupil funding is up 50% over the same period. The construction of a new high school is part of the McGuinty government�s plan to help Sault Ste. Marie emerge from this global recession in a stronger position. During the past year, over $100 million in provincial stimulus funding combined with other provincial initiatives has been committed to our community. These investments will create jobs this construction season and the next, stimulate the economy, and give the community renewed infrastructure that will serve the area for years to come. Some of the infrastructure projects supported by the McGuinty government in cooperation with the federal government to stimulate Sault Ste. Marie�s economy include: o $408 million new Sault Area Hospital project o Over $70 million for new schools o $24 million for Invasive Species Research Centre o $22 million for a new Algoma Public Health Unit Centre o $16 million for capital upgrades at Sault College o $16 million for Biosciences Centre at Algoma University o $10 million to extend Third Line o $5 million to expand the Hub Trail and Waterfront Walkway to increase recreational opportunities o $5 million to refurbish the Agawa Canyon Tour Train o $4.9 million to improve social housing o $3.3 million to improve local recreation facilities including the YMCA

OPP warns public about Scam Targeting Grandparents

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:01:29 -0500

Email Hackers Pose as Family Member or Friend in Trouble (ORILLIA, ON) � The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), in cooperation with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), is warning people about a variation of the widespread �Emergency Scam� or �Grandparent Scam�. Traditionally operating as a telemarketing scam throughout North America, fraudsters contact potential victims while posing as a family member or friend in urgent need of cash. Often the scenario involves an accident or arrest, with a request that cash be sent through a money transfer company, such as Western Union or Money Gram. In a recent variation of this scam, compromised contact lists from hijacked email accounts are used to send the potential victim an �urgent� email request for money from a friend or relative with whom they have a correspondence. Common themes continue to be hospitalization or imprisonment. The friend or relative is unaware that their account has been used to send out these requests to everyone on their contact list. The OPP strongly suggests that anyone, receiving a request for money, takes measures to verify the requestor�s identity and the veracity of their story. Anyone who suspects an attempt at victimization is urged to call the CAFC at 888-495-8501. Formerly known as Phonebusters, the CAFC was established in January 1993 and is jointly operated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Competition Bureau Canada. Visit their website at www.phonebusters.com. Specific information on the �Emergency Scam� can be found in �List of Scams�.