Prize Board Showcased for 16th Annual Days Inn Spring Ball and Lottery
With the arrival of Spring comes preparation for the Annual Days Inn Spring Ball and Lottery to be held Saturday, May 3rd, 2014. Event sponsors and committee members were in attendance in the new Endoscopy area at the Timmins and District Hospital to officially launch the event on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 1:00 pm.

Days Inn Spring Ball committee members in attendance were Art Pultz, Erin Cullin and Line Levasseur (David Horton and Ryan Taylor absent). Presenting a De Beers Victor Mine 1.04 carat Ideal Square Cut Diamond for the Days Inn Spring Ball Lottery was Brad Wood, Senior Orr Extraction Manager, Victor Mines. Also in attendance, representing Timmins and District Hospital, were Dr. Harry Voogjarv, Chief of Staff; Dr. Gus Adesanya, Gastroenterologist; Josée Jean RN, Surgical Program Manager; and Janna Cook, Foundation Executive Director.

“De Beers is proud to continue our support of the Timmins and District Hospital through the donation of an exceptional diamond from our Victor Mine for the fifth consecutive year,” said Victor Mine General Manager James Kirby. “The Timmins and District Hospital is an important partner of De Beers and provides high quality medical care in a large region that many of our employees and families live”.

The fundraising goal for the 16th Annual Days Inn Spring Ball is $250,000 – including the $75,000 to be raised from the lottery. Funds will be directed to the Endoscopy Program at Timmins and District Hospital “On average, 6,000 patients are currently treated in the limited space in which many services are being offered including Colonoscopy, Gastroscopy, Urology, Registered Nurse Flexible Sigmoid Program, and PICC service,” stated Dr. Harry Voogjarv, TADH Chief of Staff . “The modernization of the Endoscopy Suite is almost complete and ready for equipment to be purchased with funds raised from the Days Inn Spring Ball and Lottery,” added Voogjarv.

The relocation of the Endoscopy Suite will increase space and allow the program to expand and accommodate new operators. It will decrease wait times and improve efficiencies, increase access to treatment, patient confidentiality, staff safety, as well as increase patient, staff and physician satisfaction. The modernization will also allow for pooling of resources and will assist in the development of an out-patient clinic area to accommodate out-patient services offered through the surgical program.

This year’s prize board, valued at $50,000, includes a $20,000 cash prize, a Beachcomber Hot Tub, an exquisite 1.04 carat Ideal Square diamond cut from DeBeers Victor Mine, a Porter Broadway Get-Away to name a few. Only 200 of the coveted gold lottery tickets will be sold at $500 each. The lottery alone could raise $75,000 net. Tickets are available until Saturday, May 3rd, 2014 through the TADH Foundation office.

“On behalf of the Foundation and the TADH healthcare team, I wish to express my appreciation to all the local businesses for their generous donations towards the lottery,” stated Janna Cook, TADH
Foundation Executive Director. “Most importantly, we are grateful for their commitment to patient care at TADH through their support of the Foundation,” added Cook.

2014 Days Inn Spring Ball Lottery Prize Board

ITEM DESCRIPTION VALUE

#1 $500 Gift Certificate from Timmins Auto Spa $500.00
#2 $500 Gift Certificate from the Timmins Square Shopping Spree $500.00
#3 $500 Gift Certificate from Martin Fuels $500.00
#4 $500 Gift Certificate from Vintner’s Cellar Winery $500.00
#5 2014 Individual Golf Season Pass from Spruce Needles Golf Club $1,320.00
#6 $1500 Gift Certificate from the Weed Man $1,500.00
#7 Porter Broadway Getaway – 2 Round-trip flights to NYC, 2 tickets to a Broadway Performance, two-night accommodations in NYC and limousine transportation to and from the airport $4,500.00
#8 De Beers Canada Victor Mine 1.04 carat Ideal Square cut diamond valued at $8,850 and $1,150 mounting set by Golden Diamond Trading Company a division of Cousineau Fine Jewellery $10,000.00
#9 Beachcomber Hot Tub Hybrid Edition 578 from Mikey’s General Sales & Repair $10,680.00
#10 Cash Prize $20,000.00

TOTAL VALUE $50,000.00

For information regarding lottery tickets, contact the Foundation office at 705-360-6039 or go to www.tadhfoundation.com.

The post Days Inn Spring Ball to Raise Funds for TADH Endoscopy Program appeared first on Timmins Today.

Beginning on Friday March 28, 2014 ringette teams from across Northeast Ontario will be in Timmins to compete in the 2014 Northeast Regional Ringette Championships.  There will be a lot of exciting competition this year with 47 teams representing their hometowns of Timmins, Iroquois Falls, Sudbury, Valley East, Walden, Sault Ste. Marie, Dryden, Atikokan and West Ferris.  The tournament includes teams from the U9 Novice division through to the 18+ Open level, and will also feature several games for our youngest “Bunny” players. 

Games will take place from 8am to 10pm on Friday and Saturday with medal games on Sunday.  The formal Opening Ceremonies will be at the Archie Dillon Sportsplex at 6:30 pm on Friday evening. A full schedule of game times and arenas can be found on the Timmins Ringette website at www.timminsringette.com. The site will also publish game scores and standings throughout the tournament.

Special thanks to the tournament’s primary sponsors Viel Autobody & Collision Inc. and KIA Motors and to all of the sponsors and volunteers who have helped to make this event possible.

Come on out and cheer on your local athletes!

Photos courtesy of Robert Ranger.

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On April 26^th and 27^th 2014 Northern Ontario Expo will be holding its fourth annual sci-fi and pop culture convention. This fan expo style event is held in conjunction with the Schumacher Lion’s Club Sportsman Show at the McIntyre Arena in Schumacher, Ontario. Northern Ontario Expo invites vendors, artists, and celebrity guests who are not always accessible to Northern Ontario fans, to this event. The Northern Ontario Expo also includes the opportunity to meet great local artists and a chance to participate in an exciting costume contest!

This year, the Expo will be host to the second annual costume contest, a retro game booth, Magic the Gathering  tournament, extraordinary artists, silent auctions  and the first time ever in Timmins, opportunity to meet and greet Meghan Agosta: 3 time gold winning Canadian Women’s Ice Hockey Olympian. A true Canadian hero, Agosta also created the Meghan Agosta Foundation which provides the opportunity for children who are interested in playing hockey, but are unable to play due to financial reasons. Agosta will be available for autographs during the Expo and Sportsman Show. And the 501st Garrison, a Star Wars costume enthusiast group, will be making their triumphant return to the Expo.

Saturday and Sunday will be filled with great activities for the whole family to enjoy. On Saturday, a new top secret set will also be revealed – built and donated by O’Gorman High School and Timmins Building Supplies. The second annual Costume/Cosplay Contest will begin at 1:00 p.m., displaying the talent of local craftsmen and cosplayers. This year, the organizers have divided the contest into two categories; youth (16 and under) and adult (over 16 years), which also means two first place prizes! Future Shop has graciously donated an iPad Mini for the adult Best In Show prize and a Nintendo DS for the youth. Other prizes include 3 Laser Tag Games from Neo Laser Tag, gift certificates from the Book Bin Entertainment Exchange, and more being announced. The Book Bin will also be keeping attendees busy throughout the weekend with some Retro Gaming, Magic the Gathering tournament and the opportunity to score some great comics and merchandise. During Saturday and Sunday, make sure to stop by and support the Artist Alley booths, and meet talented local and non-local artists as they will have art on display and for sale. In addition, the silent auction will be on once more, which gives attendees the perfect opportunity to get some autographed pictures from their favorite celebrities.

The 2014 Northern Ontario Expo is gearing up to be an exciting weekend. Mixed with the Schumacher Lion’s Club annual Sportsman Show, there is great fun for geeks of all different kinds. The entry fee is 5$ and free for any child under the age of six. The event opens at 10 am on Saturday morning. Come on out in your best costumes and enjoy some geek culture.

The post The Northern Ontario Expo – The Gem Upstairs From The Sportsman Show appeared first on Timmins Today.

Congratulations to all District School Board Ontario North East students who participated in the Ontario Skills Qualifier Competition at Timmins High and Vocational School on March 21st.

Here are the results:

Automotive - Byron Murphy (Ecole Secondaire Cochrane High)

Welding - 1st place – Noel Penfold (Timmins High and Vocational School)

2nd place – Cody Mattiussi (Timmins High and Vocational School)

(2nd place also goes onto North Bay Qualifier)

Electrical - Ryley Hardisty (Timmins High and Vocational School)

Cabinet Making - Rodney Carriere (Timiskaming District Secondary School)

4 Person Home Building - Tylor Menezes, Andre Marc, Austin Landry, Joshua Bergeron (Timmins

High and Vocational School)

2 Person Carpentry - John Geisen, Tyler Noel (Englehart High School)

1 Person Carpentry - John Wood (Englehart High School)

These students qualify for the Ontario Skills Competition May 5th-7th in Waterloo, Ontario.

Good luck to all!

The post Results for the Ontario Skills Qualifier Competition at Timmins High and Vocational School appeared first on Timmins Today.

OPP LAY DRUG CHARGES

(SOUTH PORCUPINE, ON) – The South Porcupine Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid drug related charges against an Iroquois Falls resident stemming from a routine traffic stop on March 23^rd at Highway 101 in Mountjoy Township, west of Timmins

A South Porcupine Ontario Provincial Police officer had occasion to stop the driver of a passenger vehicle for an alleged traffic violation.

The driver was stopped and interviewed at the roadside.  A standard licence verification revealed that the driver of the 2000 Pontiac passenger vehicle was suspended in the province of Ontario pursuant to two separate suspensions.

The driver was arrested and a cursory search was undertaken by the OPP officer.

As a result of this search, the OPP officer located and seized 29 Methamphetamine tablets and  $830.00 in cash.

The estimated street value of the seized narcotics is pegged at $290.00

Robert MORRISETTE, 23, of Iroquois Falls, Ontario, has been charged with:

-       one count of Possession for the Purpose of Traficking in a Controlled Substance contrary to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act.

-       one count of Fail to Comply with Probation Order contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada.

-       two counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada

-       two counts of Drive While Under Suspension contrary to the Highway Traffic Act

The accused was held in police custody awaiting a bail hearing at Provincial Court in Timmins slated for this morning (March 24^th ) in answer to the charges laid against him.

The vehicle has been impounded by the OPP.

MAN CHARGED FOR IMPAIRED DRIVING

(MOOSONEE, ON) – At 3 am on March 23, 2014 members of the Moosonee Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting general patrols when they observed a vehicle being driven in an erratic manner.

Officers stopped the vehicle as it parked at a residence on Wabun Road. After a short interaction the driver was subsequently arrested for driving while impaired. The accused was transported to the Moosonee OPP Detachment where he provided breath samples.

Francis JOHNS, 36, of Moosonee, Ontario is charged with the following:

-       Impaired operation of a motor vehicle

-       Operate a motor vehicle with excess of 80mg of alcohol in 100mL of blood.

The accused received an automatic 90 day driver’s licence suspension and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Moosonee on the May 6, 2014.

FLEEING SUSPECT ARRESTED AND CHARGED

(SUDBURY, ON) – On the evening of March 22, 2014, OPP officers were conducting radar patrols on Highway 69.

At approximately 8:30 p.m., officers attempted to stop a northbound vehicle for speeding on Highway 69 at Highway 637, Servos Township but the driver refused to stop and fled from police at a high rate of speed.

The suspect continued driving northbound in an erratic manner while fleeing from police and reaching speeds of up to 180 km/hr.

A spike belt was deployed on Highway 69 at Whipporwill Avenue, City of Greater Sudbury which was effective and the vehicle subsequently came to a stop and the driver was arrested.

The male driver, Guy Ernest SEGUIN, age 48 of Sudbury is charged with:

·       Flight While Pursued by Police Officer

·       Dangerous Operation of Motor Vehicle

·       Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

·       Drive While Disqualified

He was held in custody for a bail hearing this morning.

POLICE ARREST TWO MEN WANTED ON A WARRANT 

(SOUTH RIVER, ON) On Sunday March 23, 2014 the Almaguin Highlands Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were patrolling in the Village of South River when they noticed a male known to them driving into the parking lot of Kwick Way on Highway 124.  The officer believed the driver was wanted on a warrant from Orillia OPP and once the warrant was confirmed, arrested the driver Mark Fagan (27) of Lount Township.
The officer was then informed that there was a second male inside the Kwick Way that was with the driver.  The officer went inside the store and spoke to the second male, Andrew CHARLEBOIS (29) of Gravenhurst, Ontario and subsequently arrested him too on a warrant from Bracebridge OPP.
Both men were taken into police custody and returned to Orillia and Bracebridge OPP to deal with their warrants and outstanding criminal matters.

CAR DAMAGED AT HIGH ROCK LOOKOUT PARK

(STRONG TWP, ON) The Almaguin Highlands Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating damage done to a Toyota Tacoma that was parked at the High Rock lookout park in Strong Township.

The damage occurred on Sunday March 23, 2014 when unknown person(s) smashed the vehicle window and stole a global positioning system (GPS) and two pairs of sunglasses.

Anyone with information about this crime or any other crime is asked to call their local Police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

OPP CHARGES SPEEDER FOR STUNT DRIVING

(STRONG TWP, ON) The Almaguin Highlands Ontario Provincial Police was conducting radar enforcement on Highway 11, Strong Township on Friday March 21, 2014 at approximately 9:45 p.m.  The officer stopped the 1995, BMW that was northbound near Robins Road, for travelling at a high rate of speed and subsequently charged him with race motor vehicle contrary to the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario and fail to have insurance card, contrary to the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act of Ontario.

The driver, Alexander GUENTHER (20) of Brampton, Ontario is to appear in Sundridge Court on Thursday April 17, 2014.
FINES INCREASE FOR DRIVERS USING HAND HELD DEVICE

(ALMAGUIN HIGHLANDS, ON) The fines have increased if you are caught using a handheld device while driving.
On Tuesday March 18, 2014 the Province increased the fine from $155 to $280 if motorists are convicted of driving while talking or texting or using a handheld device while driving.  The fines will not apply to global positioning system (GPS) screens as long as they are mounted in the vehicle and not in the driver’s hands or being manually programmed while driving.

Remember:  Never text and drive.

VEHICLE STOP RESULTS IN DRUG CHARGES

(NORTH BAY, ON) – On March 20, 2014, members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) Drug Enforcement Unit stopped a vehicle on Highway 11 in the city of North Bay as the result of a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) investigation.

As a result of the investigation, officers located a quantity of controlled substances as well as cash with a potential street value of over $10,000.00.

Geoff McKIERNAN, 44, of New Liskeard was charged with:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance for the purpose of trafficking contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA; and with
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime to wit: Canadian currency, contrary to section 354(1) (a) of the Criminal Code (CC).

He is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on May 19, 2014 in North Bay, Ontario.

The post Northern Ontario OPP News Digest – March 24 appeared first on Timmins Today.

Timmins Mayor Tom Laughren is pleased with the Ministry of Natural Resources’ decision to continue to operate overnight camping facilities at Ivanhoe Park in the 2014 season, without the need of a municipal guarantee.

“When the Province indicated plans to close ten provincial parks to overnight camping in October 2012, we worked very closely with other municipalities through the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities, and park users to ensure there was a plan to save our park. We were pleased in 2013 when MNR entered into a municipal backed partnership to Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park and thrilled that our agreement with them proved successful,” said Mayor Laughren, who is also the Vice-President of FONOM.

The Friends of Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park were instrumental in helping to promote the park and through their work and the work of the City of Timmins and FONOM, Ivanhoe Lake Park’s future is more secure.

“This announcement by MNR shows what positive results we can get when municipalities, local stakeholders and the provincial government come together and share responsibility for achieving success in the North.” said Al Spacek, President of FONOM and Mayor of Kapuskasing.

In late 2012, municipal representatives from Northeastern Ontario, through FONOM, developed a blueprint for addressing the financial shortfall MNR cited as the reason for closing parks. Under the plan, MNR was given a pathway to breaking even or turning a slight profit at parks and local municipalities like Timmins offered to fund any deficit the province generated through parks operating under the plan.

“Mayor Laughren and Timmins Council showed preparedness to go to the wall for Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park and the park users truly took to heart the ‘use it or lose it’ message FONOM and others were sharing last season. Together they’ve saved this park by making it financially viable to MNR,” added Spacek.

The post Mayor Laughren Praises MNR Decision to Operate Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park for 2014 Season appeared first on Timmins Today.

In previous media statements regarding Constable Alex Lacelle, it was reported that Police Services Act charges would be laid in addition to current criminal charges. These comments were misleading.

A Police Services Act investigation was commenced in December 2013. This complaint remains under investigation by the Timmins Police Service’s Professional Standards Branch.

The Timmins Police Service apologizes for any confusion or inconvenience this may have caused.

The post Correction re: Timmins Police Officer Facing Charges appeared first on Timmins Today.

TIMMINS, ON: At 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2014, a ceremony will be held at Northern College Timmins Campus to determine the official name for the college’s permanent tipi. A traditional sharing circle will form to discuss potential names submitted by the college community, before deciding which name will be chosen to permanently represent the tipi.

The tipi provides an inclusive environment to meet the needs of cultural, community, and educational activities including Aboriginal teachings, traditional ceremonies, and smudging. A place for quiet reflection and a symbol of respect and acceptance, the tipi provides access to the spiritual and cultural wisdom of Elders and promotes cross-cultural awareness among staff, faculty, community and the student body.

First opened in April, 2013, the permanent tipi has quickly become an integral component of the Timmins Campus. The tipi provides an inclusive environment which is used for cultural, community and educational activities, including Aboriginal teachings, traditional ceremonies and smudging. The tipi is used extensively by students, faculty, staff and members of the community. The tipi helps those who enter it connect with the spiritual and cultural wisdom of Elders.

The unique permanent structure, designed in the likeness of a traditional tipi, faces Porcupine Lake. The structure is temperature controlled, ventilated, and connected to the college to enable year-round use.

“The permanent tipi is an essential resource for the promotion of cross-cultural awareness at the college,” said Fred Gibbons, President of Northern College. “Many traditional teachings and ceremonies require an authentic, culturally relevant space. The permanent tipi allows our students, faculty, staff and the broader community to engage in these activities year-round, in a way that is true to, and respectful of, the traditions of our local Aboriginal peoples.”

Facilitating the ceremony will be Grandfather and Elder David Faries. The ceremony will begin with smudging, followed by the forming of a sharing circle. The circle will discuss potential names for the tipi submitted by the community, with the goal of coming to a consensus on which name will be chosen.

“Traditionally, when a child was born, the Elders in the community would be called upon to give a name to the newborn. They would gather around the child and by way of their observation, would come up with a name,” said Faries. “Although the tipi is not a child, it is a place to help us gather and meet with the spirits, therefore I feel quite comfortable in coming together in the tipi to agree on what it shall be called.”

The ceremony will be open to the public. Attendees will receive a ballot to enter a draw for a $100 pre-paid Visa gift card. Bannock and tea will be provided.

Those interested in submitting a name for the tipi to be considered by the sharing circle should contact Joseph Nakogee by email at nakogeej@northern.on.ca or by telephone at 705.235.3211 ext.2233.

The tipi is a visible embodiment of one of Northern College’s strategic directions, Aboriginal Perspectives. Northern College is committed to holding meaningful dialogue and developing partnerships with Aboriginal leaders, learners, communities and employers, and building upon relationships that have already been established.

Northern College’s 2013-2016 Strategic Plan guides the college’s goals and action plans, allowing the college to effectively carry out its mission to ensure quality, accessible education through innovative programs, services, and partnerships for the benefit of our northern communities. Current and previous strategic plans and other college documents are available at www.northernc.on.ca/documents

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R. Ross Beattie Senior Public School held its annual science fair Tuesday, where students researched and presented inventions and ideas which demonstrated their scientific knowledge and creativity.

Here are the top 3 contestants:

1^st Place: Gloria Kapel (Project title: Declining Honey Bee Population)

2^nd Place: Jakoyb Walton (Project title: Trash to Totes – Recycled handbags)

3^rd Place: Dylan Chaput (Project title: Sterling Engines)

Each will receive a cash prize and be one of the 10 school entries into the Regional Science fair next week.

Feature Picture: Gloria Kapel – Grade 8

Justin McDowell Grade 8

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Congrats to Taurus Drilling Services for taking home the competitive division championship in a hard played final against Kidd Operations. Kidd made a late comeback but Taurus held on for the 4-3 win. Congrats to Goldcorp PGM for winning the recreation division. After starting the tournament 0-3 the Ontario Mine Rescue team won both their quarter final and semi final games to make the finals.  Although Goldcorp took control of the game early the Mine Rescue team tied it up late in the game at 4-4. Goldcorp PGM regained the lead with a couple quick goals and went on to win the title!

Goldcorp PGM – Ontario Mining Cup B Division Champions – photo courtesy of Iain McKillip

Also congrats to our banquet door prize draw winner! Hope you enjoy your trip to Montreal to enjoy the Habs vs Rangers on April 12^th!

At this time I would like to thank Ontario Mining Cup Chair Ted Hanley for his hard work and effort in hosting the first Inaugural Ontario Mining Cup. It was a brilliant idea and was a pleasure to act as Vice Chair with him. I would also like to thank his wife Kate Hanley for putting up with us for the last couple months and for helping this weekend despite being days away from giving birth to their 2nd child.

A big thank you goes out to all all the wonderful volunteers who helped out with the beer garden, banquet, pictures, videotaping of the games, setting up and tearing down. Without you the tournament would have never happened.

Ontario Mining Cup presentation to Taurus Drilling Captain Brodie Holden with Ontario Mining Cup Chair Ted Hanley –photo courtesy of Iain McKillip

Thank you as well to our sponsors Kidd Operations (title sponsor), Lakeshore Gold (gold level games sponsor), Goldcorp PGM (gold level games sponsor), Taurus Drilling Services (banquet sponsor), and Molson-Coors (beer garden sponsor). We appreciate your support in helping us get this project off the ground. Thank you as well to the CIM Porcupine Branch for partnering with us for the tournament. It was a risky initiative to take on but I think it paid off in what is now a spectacular event for our region for years to come hopefully!

Thank you to Boogy’s Diner for providing the banquet setup and meal! Those in attendance had a great time, had good things to say about the meal.

Ontario Mining Cup B Division Plaque presentation to Goldcorp PGM Captain Eric Lachapelle with Ontario Mining Cup Vice Chair Steve Black –photo courtesy of Iain McKillip

Thank you to the refs, timekeepers, Midnight Express Pro DJ Services, and City of Timmins Arena staff. Your fine work kept everything running smooth!

Thank you to all the media providers who helped us promote the tournament. Without all of your kind coverage it is unlikely the tournament would have seen 12 teams take to the ice in such short order!

Thank you to Elegant Awards for designing our plaques and a trophy that was the talk of the tournament between players and spectators! It looks great and will be proudly displayed at the Taurus Drilling office for 2014!

Last but not least. Thank you to all the players! Your participation, sportsmanship, effort throughout the tournament made all the hard work and long hours this weekend well worth it!

Steve Black – Vice Chair

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WINDSOR, ON – South Essex Fabricating Inc., a constructor of greenhouses, has been fined $65,000 after a worker fell from an elevating work platform and was injured.

On May 28, 2011, a worker was engaged in fastening hangers to the underside of roof trusses in a greenhouse on County Road 31 near Leamington. The worker was using a hydraulic scissor lift operating on rails, which was built by South Essex. The worker fell from a height of about 11 feet and suffered serious injuries.

A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the worker was operating the scissor lift to move it while it was fully extended, causing it to tip over. Instructions for the scissor lift specified that it was not to be operated while extended. In addition, the lift had not been designed by a professional engineer in accordance with good engineering practices to meet the requirements of the National Standards of Canada for self-propelled elevating work platforms. The lift was missing a number of requirements such as anchorage points for securing safety belts, an emergency stop device or controls at ground level, among other deficiencies.

The company pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that a hydraulic scissor lift met the design requirements of the National Standards of Canada and was fined $65,000. The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Susan Hoffman.

In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.

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North East LHIN supports project to extend care outside hospital’s intensive care unit walls

A first-of-its-kind health care program will soon start right here in Northeastern Ontario to benefit Northerners needing critical care support at small rural regional hospitals.

Every hour of every day, the Virtual Critical Care Unit (VCCU) team, located at Health Sciences North (HSN)  in Sudbury, will be available to provide its expertise through technology. The NE LHIN-funded project, starting in May, will extend intensive care consultation to smaller hospitals across our vast region.

“I strongly believe this is a first in Canada; it’s definitely a first in Ontario,” said Dr. Derek Manchuk, the North East LHIN’s Critical Care Lead, and the project’s lead.

“Providing quality patient care, close to home, is a priority for the North East LHIN,” said Louise Paquette, CEO, NE LHIN. “This patient-focused project is a tremendous accomplishment that has been achieved through collaboration. I commend Dr. Manchuk for his innovative thinking, and for his leadership.”

This new model of care delivery will provide a patient at a community hospital with the benefit of experts skilled in critical care, and less need to be transported away from home and family to a larger regional hospital. It has been achieved thanks to a partnership between the NE LHIN and HSN, where Dr. Manchuk also serves as Chief of the Service of Critical Care.

“HSN is very pleased and honoured to be the lead site for the new Virtual Critical Care Unit,” said Dr. Denis Roy, President and CEO of Health Sciences North/Horizon Santé-Nord. “I want to congratulate the entire ICU and IT  teams at HSN, and their hospital partners in the northeast,  for their stellar work in putting together this new concept in critical care. Well done!”

Dr. Manchuk has tested our Northeastern ICUs against a set of 10 provincial metrics on what the ICU should have as standards. He determined that two of our larger hospitals scored well, but many of our smaller ones are lacking human resources.

“When you survey the resources across our hospitals, there are discrepancies in what critical care is available,” said Dr. Manchuk. “This VCCU adds real value to the care of patients for the smaller hospitals in our region.”

The VCCU team includes: an Intensivist (a specialist in ICU care), a critical care pharmacist, a nurse with extra critical care training, a dietitian and a respiratory therapist. They will operate what is called a “passive model” of telemedicine, meaning that the team will respond to requests to provide consultative advice to small hospitals.

The VCCU will start in May with three hospitals — Kirkland Lake, New Liskeard and Elliot Lake. In the fall, the  ERs and ICUs  of five sites will be brought on-line and in early 2015, another 14  sites with emergency rooms only will be brought on board. The plan is to have all ICUs and emergency rooms in the NELHIN connected by technology to the VCCU.

Dr. Manchuk said the Ontario Telemedicine Network is a key part of the VCCU and will be used for videoconferencing. Enhancements being made to regional IT will allow hospitals to transmit diagnostic and lab results, to be read by the VCCU team.

“This is an ambitious use of telemedicine for critical care,” said Dr. Manchuk.

He recalls two examples from a project pilot that illustrate the project’s benefit. After “seeing” each of the patients using videoconferencing, the virtual critical care team was able to provide guidance to staff at a smaller hospital on mixing and administering a IV medication that Dr. Manchuk recommended for a patient with an irregular heartbeat; the other was to remove a breathing tube with the direction from the remote respiratory therapist, sparing the patient a trip to a larger hospital.

FACTS:

• Three hospitals participated in a North East LHIN pilot of this project in 2009/10. In the pilot, both referring and consulting partners indicated that they liked the approach, and it helped avoid the transfer of patients in about one-third of the cases. All thought quality was improved.
• Later this fall, the project will also include providing care to regional Emergency Rooms (ERs). Our region has 14 hospitals with ERs, but not ICUs. Dr. Manchuk said the project’s goal with ERs is to provide earlier care and to have consultations done faster.
• The Virtual Critical Care Team is from Health Sciences North, Sudbury.

Feature Picture:

Members of the Virtual Critical Care team (from left to right) at HSN Mike Lafontaine, RN; Steven MacNeil, RN; Renée Fillier, RN, Coordinator, Virtual Critical Care Program, HSN; Dr. Derek Manchuk, Medical Director, Critical Care, HSN; Critical Care Lead, NE LHIN.

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MADD Timmins will be hosting “The Cost Of Caring.”  The free workshop will assist participants in gaining knowledge about compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma.

Participants will learn concepts of both, identify their own signs and symptoms, and discover amazing strategies such as low-impact disclosure geared towards changing the way you debrief after a traumatic event.

Participants will also develop a strategic plan to move from compassion fatigue to campassion satisfaction.

When:  Monday, April 28

Time:  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where:  Porcupine Dante Club

lunch and refreshments will be provided

To register, contact Kim Meunier at 705-266-5177, or maddtimmins@gmail.com

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Crime Stoppers and the Timmins Police Service need your help to identify two suspects in a theft from Days Inn in the city of Timmins.

On the 21^st of March, 2014 a male and female suspect entered the Days Inn through the underground parking near an administrative office.  The male suspect had entered the office and moments late left carrying an Apple computer valued at $5000 while the female suspect stood watch.

Both suspects were captured on CCTV committing the theft.

The male suspect is described as Caucasian, 5’9” tall, about 150-160 lb with short brown hair, wearing a dark blue work coat, a dark blue hoodie underneath with grey fabric on the inside, blue jeans, and brown shoes.  This male suspect was also carrying a pair of dark blue skater style shoes with light blue laces.

The female is described as 5’3” tall about 120 lbs, shoulder length brown hair in a pony tail, wearing thin framed eye glasses, a ¾ length dark blue coat with a hoodie underneath and dark blue jeans.

These suspects need to know that there is always an eye in the sky watching them and they will get caught.

The post Crime Stoppers Need Your Help Solving a Computer Theft appeared first on Timmins Today.

O’Gorman Intermediate Catholic School will host local and regional area Grade 6 students on Thursday, April 10 during the regular school day.   The school will showcase what moving into Grade 7 is like; highlighting the programs, extra-curricular events and activities that take place and allow all questions to be answered.  Following the student focus during the day, all parents of grade 6 students are invited to visit OICS to attend a Parent Information Session at 6:30 pm.

Ted Weltz, OICS Principal commented “The entire OICS family is really looking forward to showcasing our school; the wonderful Catholic education and programs we provide our students, the extra-curricular activities we provide students and all about transitioning your child to grade 7.    Please join us on Thursday, April 10^th at 6:30pm.”

For details about enrolling your child into grade 7 at O’Gorman Intermediate Catholic School, please call 705-264-6555, or stop by OICS located at 490 Maclean Drive or visit www.ncdsb.on.ca .

The post O’Gorman Intermediate Catholic School to Host Grade 6 Orientation on April 10th! appeared first on Timmins Today.

The Friends of Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park would like to thank everyone that assisted in our effort to keep Ivanhoe Provincial Park open for the 2014 season. First and foremost we would like to thank Joe Torlone, CAO for the City, for his dedication, commitment, support, The City of Timmins Mayor Tom Laughren, and Timmins Council members.  Our gratitude is also extended to FONOM, NEOMA, Ivanhoe Superintendent Heidi Etzel, Mayor Al Spacek, MPP Gilles Bisson, MPP France Gelinas, Minister Orazietti, and the Ministry staff.  A big thank you also goes out to Nighthawk Trailer Sales & Riverside RV for purchasing seasonal lots.   We would also like to express gratitude to all Media including The Daily Press, (especially Wayne Snider & Ron Grech) Timmins Times, CTV, Timmins Today, and the Cochrane Times Post, Radio Canada, CBC Radio, Q92, Moose FM, Kiss 99.3.  Recognition must be given to all the people (seasonal, non- seasonal, campers and non-campers) that have helped by writing letters, putting up posters, businesses that posted on their signs promoting the park.  Ivanhoe is open and accepting reservations for the 2014 season, there are some seasonal sites still available. Ivanhoe is truly a gem in the North, one we hope to keep for generations to come.

The Friends of Ivanhoe

The post A Thank You From the Friends of Ivanhoe Park appeared first on Timmins Today.

TIMMINS, ON: An innovative partnership between Northern College and Fleming College will allow students in Timmins to access Fleming’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programs in their own community. The collaboration aims to minimize geographic barriers and enhance access for students seeking post-graduate education in this in-demand field.

The GIS – Applications Specialist and GIS – Cartographic Specialist programs are full-time, ten-month, graduate certificate programs traditionally offered at Fleming’s School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Frost Campus in Lindsay. Starting this September, these programs will be available at Northern College Timmins Campus. The Fleming College GIS – Applications Specialist and Fleming College GIS – Cartographic Specialist programs at Timmins will be delivered by Fleming faculty via on-site distance learning.

“The mining exploration and forestry industries, two cornerstones of our local communities, require individuals with specialized GIS training,” said Fred Gibbons, President of Northern College. “Fleming has a very strong reputation in this area of study. It was natural for us to build upon our previously established partnership with Fleming to create a pathway for students in northern Ontario to access this best-in-class post-secondary training.”

Using leading-edge web conferencing technology, students at Northern and Fleming will participate in these programs synchronously. Students studying at Northern will attend classes with their peers at Fleming’s Frost Campus, receiving instruction from Fleming faculty.

“This initiative involves bringing opportunities to students rather than requiring students to relocate. It is part of the future of education and I am proud to work with Northern to make it happen,” said Tony Tilly, President of Fleming College.

Within the agreement:
• Students apply through OCAS to Fleming with tuition and fees paid to Fleming.
• Northern will provide teaching space, including labs and equipment.
• Both institutions will provide information technology support to ensure delivery of distance courses.
• Students will participate in a one-week field camp in southern Ontario that brings students from all sites together with their faculty.
• Students will have access to Northern’s student support services and will be members of the Northern College Student Association.
• Students will be able to use campus facilities, will be issued Northern student identification cards, and will have access to student health plans.
• Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will earn a Fleming College graduate certificate.

The Fleming-Northern partnership is part of a larger articulation agreement in which Fleming’s GIS programs will also be offered at Confederation College’s Thunder Bay campus.

About Northern College
Northern College offers over 75 full and part-time post-secondary programs through its Schools of Business and Office Administration, Community Services, Engineering Technology and Trades, Health Sciences and Emergency Services, Veterinary Sciences and Welding Engineering Technology. Northern has campuses in Haileybury, Kirkland Lake, Moosonee and Timmins. Northern College is best known for its five signature programs, Electrical Engineering Technician, Haileybury School of Mines Mining Engineering Technician, Practical Nursing, Veterinary Technician, and Welding Engineering Technology.

About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Community Development and Health, Continuing Education, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Science, Justice and Business, and Skilled Trades and Technology. Fleming College has more than 5,900 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and more than 65,000 alumni.

The post Northern and Fleming Colleges Partner to Offer GUS Programs in Timmins appeared first on Timmins Today.

We advertised on our Downtown Timmins Facebook Event page

https://www.facebook.com/events/228934813960451/

That Tickets were for sale as of Monday March 24^th @ noon and by the Next day Tuesday March 24^th @ noon we were sold out of tickets ! Great support! Guess it’s True! Girls’ just wanna have fun!!

THE DOWNTOWN TIMMINS BIA PRESENTS SASS IN THE CITY:
A FUNDRAISER FOR THE BEAUTIFICATION OF THE DOWNTOWN WITH FLOWER POTS AND HANGING BASKETS

The BIA is proud to announce the fourth Annual – ultimate girls’ night out – Sass in the City! This fundraiser for the Beautification of the downtown will be held Friday May 9th at the Days Inn. Tickets are $60 dollars each only 300 tickets available. Please call the Timmins BIA office 705-264-8733 to reserve your table of 8 or 10.

Join us for a night of dancing with DJ Mitch Beaulieu, great food, draws, and more surprises to be announced. Ambitious ladies can hit up participating stores downtown the month prior leading up to the event for the chance to be entered into a $1000 Cash Grand Prize draw! There are lots of great prizes from our generous Timmins retailers.

Funds raised at this event will be used towards the beautification of the Downtown by purchasing more flower pots and hanging baskets.

The post Sass in the City is officially SOLD out! We sold out in One day!!! appeared first on Timmins Today.

Over the month of March, Timmins Police officers laid several impaired driving charges.

On March 15, at approximately 4:00 a.m., police received reports of a vehicle in the ditch on Highway 101 East. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the driver of the vehicle was impaired. Leah Marie QUACHEGAN, 30, of Timmins was charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle, and exceed 80 mgs blood alcohol concentration.

On March 16, at approximately 10:15 a.m., police received a call from a resident indicating suspicion of an impaired driver. Officers located the driver outside a residence in Timmins and administered a roadside screening test. He was then transported to the Timmins Police Service for a breathalyzer test. The driver, Steve WILSON, 35, of Timmins was subsequently charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle and exceed 80 mgs blood alcohol concentration.

On March 27, at approximately 6:50 p.m., police received a call from a citizen involving a suspicious vehicle parked outside a residence. Upon further investigation, police located an open bottle of alcohol in the vehicle, and also determined that the driver was currently under suspension. George BROWN, 47, of Timmins was charged with refuse/fail to provide breath sample, fail to surrender insurance card, drive while under suspension, fail to surrender permit, and drive motor vehicle with open container of liquor. Refuse/fail to provide breath sample is a criminal offence and carries the same penalties as impaired driving charges.

These incidents highlight the importance of residents calling 9-1-1 when an impaired driver is suspected. These calls are extremely important and could prevent serious collisions.

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POLICE CHARGE STURGEON FALLS MAN WITH INTERNET LURING OFFENCES

(STURGEON FALLS, ON) - Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Child Sexual Exploitation Unit (Project “P”) and the West Nipissing Police Service have arrested and charged a Sturgeon Falls man following a six month internet luring investigation.

In September 2013, police from the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado commenced an online undercover investigation. During the investigation, a male suspect communicated to the undercover officer. During the course of communications over a three month period, the suspect committed an indecent act and made available sexually explicit material via the internet. As a result of the investigation, it was learned that the suspect was from Ontario. In January 2014, the matter was turned over to the OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Unit for further investigation.

On March 27, 2014 the OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Unit, OPP Technical Crime Unit and West Nipissing Police Service executed a search warrant at a Sturgeon Falls residence. As a result of this joint investigation, two computers and other items pertinent to the investigation were seized.

On March 27, 2014, police arrested Charles DESGROSEILLIERS, 42 years old of Sturgeon Falls, Ontario and charged him with one count of Luring a Child on the Internet and one count of Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child.

The accused was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing today on March 28, 2014, at the Ontario Court of Justice in North Bay, Ontario.

The investigation is continuing.

MALE CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT

(HORNEPAYNE, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Hornepayne Detachment began investigating a complaint of sexual assault on March 17, 2014.  The assault was reported to have occurred during the early hours of March 16 in a residence in Hornepayne.

On March 19, 2014 the accused, 20 year old Jeffrey BRAULT of Hornepayne was arrested by the OPP.

He stands charged with the following criminal charges;
• Sexual Assault
• Fail to Comply with Recognizance – 3 counts
• Fail to Comply with Probation Order – 2 counts

The accused was held in custody to attend a bail hearing in Sault Ste Marie.  He has since been released from custody and is scheduled to attend Hornpayne Ontario Court of Justice on June 5, 2014.

MISCHIEF TO HEAVY EQUIPMENT 

(HORNEPAYNE, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Hornepayne Detachment is currently investigating a complaint of mischief received on February 17, 2014.  During the weekend of February 15 – 16 a grapple skidder was moved to another location and used causing damage to the unit.

The original location of the skidder was on West Lascelles Road a logging road off of Highway 631.  It was moved onto the snow machine trail about half a kilometre away.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122; Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or by submitting an e-tip from The Crime Stoppers’ web-site at www.tipsubmit.com .

FRAUDULENT CHEQUES INVESTIGATED 

(CHAPLEAU, ON) - (CHAPLEAU, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Chapleau Detachment is currently assisting Timmins Police Service, Sault Ste Marie Police Service and the Winnipeg Police Service with a fraudulent cheque investigation.

A number of cheques of various denominations have been cashed on an account for the Brunswick House First Nation Reserve.  The fabricated cheques are similar those used by the Brunswick House but have missing identifiers.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122; Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or by submitting an e-tip from The Crime Stoppers’ web-site at www.tipsubmit.com .

IDENTITY THEFT AND PAYMENT CARD FRAUD BANKROLL OTHER CRIMES 

Fraud Prevention Remains Top Priority for Police and Financial Services

(ORILLIA, ON) – As part of Fraud Prevention Month, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) believes greater awareness can help prevent consumers from becoming victims of fraud through identity theft and payment cards.

Typical identity theft cases include situations where government documents — such as drivers’ licences, health cards, Social Insurance Number (S.I.N.) cards and birth certificates — have been unlawfully obtained or forged. Criminals can use your stolen identity documents to:

·        access your computer and email accounts

·        access your bank accounts, open new bank accounts or transfer bank balances

·        apply for loans, credit cards and other goods and services

·        make purchases

·        hide their criminal activities

·        obtain passports or receive government benefits.

According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), in 2013 there were 6,275 complaints of identity theft in Canada. Of those complaints, 4,898 victims were identified and their combined financial losses exceeded $11-million.

The consequences of having your identity compromised can have lasting effects on your life including potential employers, individual finances and credit ratings, and your dealings with government and other agencies.

The OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau – Identity Crimes Unit also makes use of stronger legislative tools with which to charge criminals for possessing the personal information of others and prevent it from being used for fraud or theft.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of identity or payment card fraud, contact your local police service or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

FRAUD…Recognize it…Report it…Stop it.

QUOTES

“Criminals are able to convert your stolen personal information into documents and other tools to further support other crimes. Managing your personal information wisely and cautiously can help prevent identity theft.”

– Deputy Commissioner Scott Tod, OPP Investigations and Organized Crime Command

“Knowledge is power. Consumers can take some basic steps to better protect themselves from becoming a victim, such as never giving out personal information over the phone or over the internet if you are not sure with whom you are dealing, or by only carrying the identification documents that you need.”

– Detective Inspector Paul Beesley, OPP Anti-Rackets Branch

FAST FACTS ABOUT FRAUD

·        Mass-marketing fraud (MMF) in Canada and particularly Ontario continues to grow at an alarming pace.   A 2008 study by the Environics Research Group concluded that two-thirds of Canadians have been targeted by criminal mass marketers.

·        The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) reports that, in 2013, more than 31,000 Canadians reported that they had fallen prey to organized criminal fraudsters for a total reported loss of over $63-million.

·        Almost one-third of complaints to the CAFC come from Ontarians who suffered a reported loss of $31 million to criminal mass-marketers in 2013.

·        The CAFC estimates that mass-marketing fraud reporting rates are less than 5% of actual victims.  Losses to Ontarians from mass marketing fraud in 2013 are estimated to have exceeded $600-million — or close to $2-million per day.  Many of these real dollar losses occurred to individual, ordinary Ontarians who may lose all or a significant portion of their life’s savings.

LEARN MORE

OPP – March is Fraud Prevention Month

OPP Crime Prevention Section — Tip Sheet

The OPP Identity Crimes Unit has a number of tips and contacts to help you avoid becoming a victim of identity theft at this link.

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (formerly Phonebusters) – Identity Theft

For a Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Identity Theft Victims’ Guide, click here (PDF file)

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