By: Natalie Geddes

OPP have confirmed a fatality involved in a single motor vehicle accident on Highway 655 Monday night. However, witnesses suggest a post-mortem may find the diseased died before his car went into the ditch. The driver, a 52 year old man from South Porcupine, was pronounced dead at hospital. A female passenger in that same vehicle did not require medical attention.

By: Martha Dillman

Unionized Xstrata workers are pleased with the amount of support their receiving within the community. A petition that started circulating a few days ago already has over 4,000 signatures. Union reps say they’ll be out collecting more signatures throughout the holidays, and add meetings with politicians and Xstrata will continue in 2010.

By: Martha Dillman

Free internet access is now available at all the arenas hosting the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. The access points are part of NEOnet’s Wireless Hotspots Project that will have wireless access in place in 80 different locations across Northeastern Ontario by mid-2010.

By: Natalie Geddes

Timmins Police will be working with OPP and RCMP when the Olympic torch makes it’s way through town in 11 days time. Organizers are expecting a crowd of up to 10,000 people. Police warn that parking down by the Hollinger Park will be difficult and are encouraging car pooling if possible.

By: Martha Dillman

If you see a number of students out and about tomorrow, don’t worry, they’re not skipping class. Students from Timmins High and Roland Michener will be going door to door to collect food for local food banks. Principal of Timmins High John Sullivan says it’s a great way for students to get involved in their community. Students will be collecting between 9 and 11:30 tomorrow morning in Timmins, Porcupine and South Porcupine.

By: Martha Dillman

Students at the Schumacher Public School are working to welcome over 350 U-17 hockey players to Timmins by assisting in the packing of player gift bags. Cathy Davis with the Community Bound Program says the bags, containing t-shirts, chocolate, and tourism information, are a great way to welcome the players to Timmins. “For us it’s very special because it’s also giving back,” she said. “Especially with the sprit at Christmas time.” Teams will start arriving in Timmins this weekend. The puck drops for the first game of the World Under-17 on December 28th – limited standing room only tickets are still for sale at the Mac.
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By: Ian Campbell

When it comes to a “white Christmas”, odds are 94% in our favour that there will be snow. That from Environment Canada’s Dave Phillips who says the weather’s looking great this week for potential travelers. Thursday night, Friday morning things may start to change however with a slow moving system that could bring two days of snow to the region.

By: Martha Dillman

The provincial Health Minister is saying she may freeze hospital budgets next year to help the province deal with an almost $25 billion deficit. Roger Walker, President and CEO of the Timmins and District Hospital says they’re creating a number of scenarios with different budget figures to help prepare. He says if the budget is frozen, they would have to reduce costs but adds they will continue to protect patient services.

By: Martha Dillman

The union representing Xstrata employees is looking for your support.  An Information Campaign will be held tomorrow morning at 10am where members of the public can get more information and sign a petition about the proposed Xstrata closure.  The campaign will be held at the Centennial Hall, located beside the Mountjoy arena.

By: Natalie Geddes

A coalition of communities along the James Bay coast are investigating the possibility for highways. The communities are currently only accessible by plane or boat. The idea is build roads that would tie the communities to the Highway 11 corridor.