By: Martha Dillman

The fight for equal education opportunities for children on First Nations reserves continues this weekend. MP Charlie Angus, along with NDP Aboriginal Affairs critic Jean Crowder will be in Attawapiskat to discuss education during the Shannen Koostachin memorial. Shannen lead the fight for a new school in Attawapiskat. She died in a car accident earlier this year.

By: Martha Dillman

The $9 million expansion of the dialysis unit at the Timmins and District Hospital is slightly behind schedule, but still set to open in early 2011. CEO of the TDH Roger Walker says the new unit will provide extended service in Timmins, that will cut down on travel time for affected families.

By: Martha Dillman

The OPP will be keeping a close eye on highways and waterways this weekend. Officers will be watching for aggressive drivers, speeders and intoxicated drivers. The OPP will also be making sure motorists are wearing their seat-belts.

By: Martha Dillman

Monday is a holiday, but not everyone is taking the day off. The Beer Store will be open between 11am and 5pm, while the LCBO will open at noon and close at 8pm. Many grocery stores have modified hours. Canada Post will not be open, there will be no Timmins Transit service, and if you normally have garbage picked up on Monday, put it on the curb Tuesday instead.

By: Amanda Young

A free information session is being put on by the Timmins Chamber of Commerce for anyone interested in running in the upcoming municipal election. If you’d like to attend the session Wednesday morning at College Boreal, register by contacting the Chamber at events@timminschamber.on.ca.

By: Martha Dillman

Controversy over eco-fees continues – the Liberal government is scrapping the program for 90 days to rework it. MPP Gilles Bisson says Stewardship Ontario shouldn’t be in charge of the program. He thinks the Ministry of Environment should have more input.

By: Amanda Young

Police are warning that a convicted offender is living in Sudbury. Harvey William Harju, 45, has been released after serving two federal sentences for making and possessing child pornography and other offences including sexual assault. Police believe he is a high risk to re-offend despite being bound to keep the peace and be on good behaviour for two years.
—–

By: Jessica Horne

Just because your life jacket is in the boat, doesn’t mean it will keep you safe. That’s the message the South Porcupine OPP want to get out with their new “I Got Caught Wearing My Life Jacket” campaign. Constable Marc Depatie says people need to become accustom to wearing their life jackets, even if it isn’t the law yet.

By: Martha Dillman

The mandatory long form census is no more – Industry Minister Tony Clement says the form is gone for good. MP Charlie Angus says he doesn’t understand that decision, adding he’s getting calls of complaints from many groups now the long form is gone.

By: Jessica Horne

Starting Sunday, new rules will be in place concerning young drivers and alcohol. Regardless of what license class they have, anyone under 22 years of age must have a blood alcohol level of zero. Those caught drinking and driving will face a 30 day license suspension and up to a $500 fine.