The issue of security cameras at Algoma District School board schools was discussed at their meeting back in November. Since then, cameras have been installed in the halls and on the outside of the school buildings at Superior Heights and F-H Clergue French Immersion. But there are no plans to put any cameras in the classroom or in private areas, like washrooms and change rooms. Superintendent of Education Joe Santa Maria says there is still some ‘tweaking’ to be done as the cameras become fully operational. The cameras are being used for simple monitoring — issues to be resolved would include security passwords and where exactly to store the information and recorded images. Santa Maria adds those issues should be resolved before the end of February. When asked if any other cameras would be installed or if cameras are planned for other schools, he answered that there are no immediate plans for expansion, this would depend how much money there is in the budget that would allow for that to happen. Security cameras should be installed at Hornepayne’s new JK to Grade 12 school by the end of February.

Orazietti news release…

Sault Ste. Marie – David Orazietti announced today that Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie and District of Algoma Inc. is receiving a $12,200 grant from The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to purchase audiovisual equipment to enhance their ability to solve crimes by producing and distributing crime scene re-enactments, as well as public service messages.

“Our government recognizes the importance of assisting our local Crime Stoppers in supporting a safe community,” said Orazietti. “This investment will help the organization promote community awareness, as the participation of our local residents is often the key to solving crimes in our community.”

Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie and District of Algoma Inc. was incorporated in 1985. It is a registered charity and a partnership of the public, the police and the media and provides the community with a proactive program for people to anonymously assist in the solving of crime.

“Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District are thrilled to be recipients of a Trillium Foundation Grant,” said Len Bailey, Crime Stoppers President. “At Crime Stoppers, we have recognized that one of the most effective methods to reach young people is through use of social media and internet based information. In order to best get our message out; we have embarked upon a program that will enhance our technological capacity. Without the assistance of this grant, we would not be in a position to so fully engage our youth in our efforts to solve and prevent crime. We would like to offer our sincere thanks to The Ontario Trillium Foundation for recognizing the importance of this project and for their generous support.”

Crime Stoppers mandate is to develop programs and activities to solicit information from anonymous callers in order to solve crimes and prevent criminal activities. Agencies receiving information from Crime Stoppers include Municipal and Provincial police agencies, the RCMP and Canada Revenue Agency.

A leading grantmaker in Canada, The Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities. www.trilliumfoundation.org

Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes has endorsed Niki Ashton for the federal NDP leadership. The two will be touring the riding together next weekend.

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City police have charged 29 year old Blake Hudson of Hughes Street as the third person sought inconnection with a breakin to a Gagnon Road residence on Friday – inwhich the homeowner was assaulted while trying to stop the intruders. Both Hudson and Shaun Mearow who was also charged in the Gagnon Road incident were later charged inconnection with a home invasion robbery at a Pim Street residence early yesterday morning.

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City Police executed a search warrant at a local hotel yesterday – seizing a quantity of drugs worth more than $9000 along with digital scales, a price sheet, a large amount of cash and a flick knife – leading to a variety of charges including possession for the purpose of trafficking charges against two males – from Whitby and Ajax.

Last night police spotted a 20 year old male riding a snowmobile in the parking lot of a business on Second Line West – upon further investigation they found him to be impaired.

A breakin was reported at a home on Morin Street – where a TV, camera equipment and jewellery were reported stolen. A shed on Wellington East was entered with an outboard motor and generator stolen. A downtown business was broken into – in a smash and grab – with a number of items stolen.

More gas was stolen from U-Haul vehicles on Bruce Street. A vehicle was vandalized on Bay Street. And a 16 year old girl was charged with shoplifting at Sears.

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Highway 129 between the junction of Highway 667 and Ranger Lake Road was closed last night due to an accident involving a transport and remains closed this morning pending the end of the clean-up.

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A group of six vessels built from Algoma Central Corporation will have cleaning technology on board. A contract has been signed with a Finnish company for the supply of fresh water, exhaust gas scrubbers on six new vessels at a cost of 12 million dollars. Wartsila is described as a world leader in complete lifecycle power solution for the marine and energy markets. The Equinox Class will receive the first of the technology. The scrubbers will be used to clean exhaust gases from the main and auxiliary engines as well as the oil-fired boiler and this system allows the shipowner to use heavy fuel oils that cost less than diesel oil while meeting sulphur limits adopted by Canada and the United States. will be part of the six vessels that are currently being built in China. The first of these vessels is scheduled to arrive in Canada in 2013.

City police news release…

Update:

Investigation Services officers have charged three males in relation to the robbery and two females for obstructing their investigation. It is alleged that the accused males forced their way into the residence with their faces covered and were armed with a hammer and knife. Two males that were inside the residence at the time were forcibly confined, robbed of some cash and assaulted. The victims received non-life threatening injuries as a result. Two females that allegedly obstructed police with their investigation at the scene were also charged. All five are attending in bail court on Tuesday morning. The investigation is ongoing.

1) Shaun Mearow, age 30, of 2643 Mission Road Goulais River has been charged with one count of forcible entry, one count of possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, one count of assault with a weapon, one count of forcible confinement, one count of robbery with a weapon, one count of disguise with intent and one count of breach of probation.
2) Blake Hudson, age 29, of #3-28 Hughes Street has been charged with one count of forcible entry, one count of possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, one count of assault with a weapon, one count of forcible confinement, one count of robbery with a weapon, one count of disguise with intent and one count of breach of probation.
3) Michael Leclair, age 21, of no fixed address has been charged with one count of forcible entry, one count of possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, one count of assault with a weapon, one count of forcible confinement, one count of robbery with a weapon and one count of disguise with intent.
4) Kimberley Robinson, age 19 of #3-167 Pim Street was charged with one count of obstruct police.
5) Sophia Mallia, age 22 of #3-167 Pim Street was charged with one count of obstruct police.

The Pino’s Soo Jr. Greyhounds Pee Wee AAA team swept the Sudbury Wolves in the Nickel City last weekend.
The statistics now show that the Hounds beat the Wolves in all six of their regular season league games.
On Saturday, the Jr. Hounds beat Wolves 8-1 in the first game, despite killing 20 minutes of penalties throughout the game.
Mark Tassone led the team with a hatrick, with singles going to Gage Stephney, Isaac Lennox, Max Khull, Holden Brock and Lucas Stefano.
In the second match up Saturday, Pino’s beat Sudbury 6-2.
Six Jr. Hounds were each able to find the back of the net, including Nolan Makkonen, Liam Brescacin, Zachary Taylor, Darrell Baker, Stefano and Tassone.
On Sunday, the Jr. Greyhounds came back from a 2-0 deficit to beat the Sudbury Wolves 5-2.
Goal scores included a pair by Steven Khull, and singles by Max Khull, Brock and Stefano.
The team heads to Timmins this weekend for the winter showcase tournament.
The winner of the showcase heads to the Ontario Winter Games in Midland in March.

City Police news release…

Investigation Services are currently investigating a robbery that took place overnight at a residence on Pim Street. Officers received a call regarding a disturbance and a possible home invasion around midnight. Police apprehended three males at the scene and four others were arrested throughout the night. Two persons received non-life threatening injuries during the incident. Seven persons are currently in custody and are facing numerous charges. The investigation is ongoing.