By Tom Parisi

Nails Plus by Nicole is making sure everyone is warm this winter.

They’re hosting a winter coat drive from Nov 1st to 5th.

Organizer and esthitician Lisa Lachapelle says the idea came to her out of the blue.

“I was doing someone’s nails and it occured to me there is no coat drive in Timmins anymore, so i passed the message to my co-workers and they said they were on board.”

They’s accepting anything from, gloves, toques, boots, and winter coats and much more.

You can drop off donations at Nails Plus by Nicole at 23-25 Pine Street South this week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

By Tom Parisi

The repairs to St-Anthony’s Cathedral are taking longer than expected.

Repairs to the front of the church began in early May with hopes it would be finished by the end of July, now it’s looks like construction will continue into the spring.

Parish priest Father Pat Lafleur saysit’s not looking good.

“Thee problem is the mortar between the bricks, it’s eroding and turning into sand leaving the structure falling apart.”

The price of reconstruction has jumped from six hundred thousand dollars to close to one (m) million dollars.

“Our parishoners have been patient and most generous.” said Lafleur.

“They’ve donated more than $300,000 and we can says enough about that.

Lafleur added they’re looking for donations from businesses aswell.

“We haven’t approached any of the businesses yet but we hope they can lend a helping hand.”

Total reconstruction of the church could take upwards of 35 years said Lafleur.

“I don’t anticipate being the priest here when the church is rebuilt, its too big a job to do in a small amount of time and the cost would be out of this world.

By: Christina Hajjar

A 43-year-old man is facing charges under the Tobacco Tax Act after the South Porcupine OPP found large amounts of unstamped contraband cigarettes in his vehicle.

During a RIDE spot check, an officer pulled Dale Cormier’s vehicle over at Hwy 101 in Taylor Twp. (east of Timmins). A search of the vehicle turned up 30,000 contraband cigarettes. That’s 150 cartons.

Buying contraband cigarettes with the intent of resale is an offense under the provincial taxation legislation.

By: Christina Hajjar

Pillowcases of Halloween treats will make it into your home Monday night and with that comes a lot of munching on sweets for the weeks or months to follow.

Now is a good time to discuss with your kids the importance of dental hygiene.

According to Claire Quesnel of Hygiene by Claire the effects of sugar affects the mouth for up to 20 minutes.

Quesnel told EZ Rock every time you consume sugar, your teeth are put under an acid attack which is harmful for teeth and leads to decay.

By: Christina Hajjar

If your vehicle poses a safety risk to others and yourself, get it off the road.

That’s the message South Porcupine division of the Ontario Provincial Police is sending after a two week unsafe vehicles blitz.

Constable Marc Depatie told EZ Rock the OPP is working closely with the Northern College Apprenticeship Program and the Ministry of Transportation.

Of the vehicles inspected four did not pass. One was allowed to go with a list of repairs that needed to be made and four drivers surrendered their license plates, knowing their vehicles would not pass the inspection.

While the blitz is over, the OPP will continue to keep their eyes open for vehicles that appear to be unfit for the roads.

By Garett Chisholme


Fans of Mixed Martial Arts will have an opportunity to meet a legend.

Ralek Gracie, of the famed Gracie Jiu Jitsu family, will be coming to Timmins to give special two, 2 hour seminars in the art on Saturday November 19th.


Owner and head instructor at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy here in Timmins Kris Ratte says Gracie will make his first Canadian appearance in Timmins.

He added the goal is to have a member of the Gracie family make an appearance at the club at least twice a year.


Cost to participate is $150 after November 1st. Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions of the legend.

As reported in The Globe and Mail Monday, October 31st 2011


Workers have overwhelmingly approved a new contract at Goldcorp Inc.’s Porcupine Gold Mines in northern Ontario.


The United Steelworkers union said Monday that 250 workers voted 92 per cent in favour of a new three-year contract at the Timmins mine.


The deal includes wage increases of 4 per cent a year, an increase in pension benefits in the defined benefit pension plan, a $1,500 signing bonus and significant improvements in contract language, the union says.


“The members’ defined benefit plan is something these workers have built over many years and continued to improve with this round of bargaining, a testament to the strength of the workers at the bargaining table,” said Wayne Fraser, USW District 6 director.

By: Christina Hajjar

Halloween is fun, exciting and brings smiles to children’s faces. There are risks that come with all the excitement and Timmins Police want you and your kids to stay safe on Monday as you make your way door to door.

Here are Halloween safety tips from Timmins Police:

YOUNG TRICK OR TREATERS:

1) Younger trick or treaters should be out for Halloween before it gets completely dark
2) They should be accompanied by an adult at all times during Halloween

GENERAL TIPS:

1) Unaccompanied trick-or-treaters should travel in a group or at least paired up with a friend. Use the buddy system, and always keep track of each other. Have a familiar preset meeting location, should you become separated from your party or your parents.
2) Trick or treat in a familiar neighbourhood. Always have a boundary and stick to it. Have an estimated “return home” time
3) Use the sidewalk where there is one. Otherwise, walk facing traffic. Cross the street at the corner only
4) Use a costume that is light coloured or bears some reflective material.
5) Masks should scare people to death but also fit well enough to allow for good vision. Face painting is recommended as an alternative.
6) Carry an extra treat bag in case your bag should break.
7) Never eat any before it has been inspected by an adult in a well lit environment. Do not eat homemade treats unless they come from someone you know and trust. Any candy that appears to have been rewrapped or tampered with should be discarded.
8.) Carry a flashlight to light your path

PARENTS:

Never let your child enter a stranger’s house. All treats are to be accepted on the door step only. If your trick-or-treater does not return as expected, call the police immediately

TREAT GIVERS:

It is recommended that you have a well lit door step, clear of debris or other encumbrances. Report any incidence of mischief or suspicious persons lurking in your neighbourhood to the police immediately.

By: Christina Hajjar

Halloween is fun, exciting and brings smiles to children’s faces. There are risks that come with all the excitement and Timmins Police want you and your kids to stay safe on Monday as you make your way door to door.

Here are Halloween safety tips from Timmins Police:

YOUNG TRICK OR TREATERS:

1) Younger trick or treaters should be out for Halloween before it gets completely dark
2) They should be accompanied by an adult at all times during Halloween

GENERAL TIPS:

1) Unaccompanied trick-or-treaters should travel in a group or at least paired up with a friend. Use the buddy system, and always keep track of each other. Have a familiar preset meeting location, should you become separated from your party or your parents.
2) Trick or treat in a familiar neighbourhood. Always have a boundary and stick to it. Have an estimated “return home” time
3) Use the sidewalk where there is one. Otherwise, walk facing traffic. Cross the street at the corner only
4) Use a costume that is light coloured or bears some reflective material.
5) Masks should scare people to death but also fit well enough to allow for good vision. Face painting is recommended as an alternative.
6) Carry an extra treat bag in case your bag should break.
7) Never eat any before it has been inspected by an adult in a well lit environment. Do not eat homemade treats unless they come from someone you know and trust. Any candy that appears to have been rewrapped or tampered with should be discarded.
8.) Carry a flashlight to light your path

PARENTS:

Never let your child enter a stranger’s house. All treats are to be accepted on the door step only. If your trick-or-treater does not return as expected, call the police immediately

TREAT GIVERS:

It is recommended that you have a well lit door step, clear of debris or other encumbrances. Report any incidence of mischief or suspicious persons lurking in your neighbourhood to the police immediately.

By Tom Parisi

Soon many residents will be scrambling to change their summer tires to winter tires.

Manager of Kal Tire on Algonquin Blvd. Brian Courville told EZ Rock “winter tires are made of a softer compound and offer better traction on icy roads.”

“Typically summer tires tend to loose their traction around minus 7 degrees,” said Courville.

“Another easy tip to keep your tires in top condition is maintain the proper air pressure, not only will it help with stopping ang going but it’ll let you to get better gas mileage.”

He added for the best grip look for aluminum studded tires, which are legal on roads from Oct 15th to May 1st.