MPP Rod Jackson continues his crusade against the use of blocker pads on children with special needs. Jackson held a news conference earlier today to speak out once again on the issue. The Simcoe County District School Board is currently collecting feedback on the use of blocker pads. Jackson says he sees no reason why the practice is even being looked at. Canadian lawyer and social justice advocate James Lockyer attended Jackson’s news conference.
The investigation is complete and a 15 year old boy has been warned. This morning around 9:30, South Simcoe Police were called to Fred C Cook School in Bradford in relation to a threatening phone message staff had received. Students were evacuated and the building was searched by Police – turning up nothing. Through the course of their investigation, Police were able to identify a 15 year old Bradford boy as the caller. No charges will be laid at this time.
Another record year for the LCBO. Figures released today show sales of 4.71 billion dollars for 2011-2012 – up 4.9 percent over 2010-2011. That has resulted in a record dividend to the Provice – 1.63 billion dollars. Sales at the four Barrie LCBO locations kept pace with the Provincial numbers. In 2011-2012, sales in Barrie were 57.5 million dollars – which is up 4.9 percent of the same time last year. While good news for some – the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is not entirely impressed with this. Public Health Nurse Claudia Swoboda-Geen says alcohol does not pay for itself when it comes to the harms associated with high consumption – adding the costs associated with alcohol related harm outpaces the revenue generated through alcohol sales. Swoboda-Geen adds alcohol consumption in Simcoe-Muskoka continues to be higher than the Provincial average.
A City of Barrie Works Department employee called the police today after finding some bones. The discovery was made this morning around 9:30 east of Highway 400 at McKay Road. Officers attending the scene believe the bones are likely that of a deer. The Identification Unit is working to confirm the findings of the officers.
You can run but you can’t hide. A 25 year old man was arrested on December 22nd 2009 following a fatal collision in Severn Township involving two tractor trailers. Following a lengthy investigation by the Orillia OPP the driver of one of the tractor trailers was charged with numerous criminal offences. However, the accused fled the country before his court date. A warrant was issued for his arrest. Yesterday, the OPP was informed by Canada Immigration that the suspect would be arriving at Pearson International. Officers apprehended the male as he stepped off the plane. He’s been turned over to the Orillia OPP.
A Barrie businesswoman has been chosen Most Influential Woman of the Year in the collision repair industry. Kim Roberts, manager of Fix Auto on Brock Street, was honoured for her passion, vision and vested interest in the industry. The award was established in 1998 by AkzoNobel Automotive & Aerospace Coatings Americas to both recognize and promote the contributions of key leaders representing a valuable resource pool for the collision repair industry.
Your social insurance card will soon be a collector’s item. The feds want to eliminate them by March of 2014. Instead, they'll issue a letter with your number on it for your personal records. The reasons are two-fold: it'll save money and because the cards don’t come with any high-tech security codes they're prime targets for identity theft. The SIN, introduced in 1964, is a nine-digit number that people need to work in Canada or to have access to government programs and benefits.
You could run into some delays on the roads today. First, on some county roads and Highway 11 as the military units that took part in last week’s exercises head back to CFB Petawawa. And if you're Toronto-bound, tow truck drivers are planning a protest at Queen’s Park. Convoys will be leaving parking lots in the north (Woodbine and Steeles), east (Brock Road and the 401) and west (Keele and Wilson) just after 8 a.m.,arriving at the legislature by 10 a.m.
It could last three years with testimony from 400 witnesses. Former Bosnian Serb army chief Ratko Mladic has gone on trial in The Hague, accused of masterminding some of the worst atrocities in Europe since the second world war. He was in charge of the troops that massacred 8-thousand Muslim men and boys over two nights in July 1995, the worst mass killing in Europe since the Holocaust.
Provincial Police hoping to get the messge out to more people about the danges of texting and driving. It's produced a video, featuring the family of a boy who died in a texting and driving collision last year. The focus of the video is on the risks and tragedies that can happen when drivers are distracted.
911 call made from a Ferris Lane address last night. Barrie Police attended, a a woman telling them it was an accident. They arrested her anyway, for failing to make a court appearance on another matter.
It’s called misophonia - a hatred of sound. Few have it, but those who do say it’s a living hell. Nineteen year old Emma Riehl suffers from it. She lives alone and wears headphones most of the time. She goes to college but doesn’t take part in the college scene. The sounds of sniffling and chewing are the worst for her, but this disorder makes even the sound of breathing intolerable for some. It's like a form of torture leaving hem feeling anxious and distressed. There is no cure.
A Newmarket man is in court in Poland today trying to get his two sons back. Stephen Watkins had custody of the boys when they disappeared with his ex-wife in 2009. He’s appealing a ruling that the boys should stay in Poland because they have integrated fully into Polish society.
Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop is looking to modernize Ontario’s apprenticeship system. He says the current system involves a 3:1 ratio of journeyman to apprentices – and he’s presenting a private members bill to reduce that ratio so every journeyman would have their own apprentice. Dunlop is no stranger to the skilled trades – he’s a certified plumber. Dunlop says the 1:1 journeyman apprentice ratio is standard in other parts of the country – and it’s time for Ontario to adopt a modern and simplified apprenticeship system. He says this will result in more young people entering the trades.
In an effort to raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Georgian College will be hosting an FASD and Justice Conference later this month at its Barrie campus. Sheila Burns, specialist and advocate in the field of FASD, says there is still a lot of work to be done in order to fully understand this disability. Although reckless consumption of alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of FASD in babies, Burns says there is no telling the effects smaller doses of alcohol will have on your child. The conference happens on May 24th – the deadline for registration is May 17th.
If you receive a call from someone telling you you’ve won a large sum of money and all you need to do is wire some of your own dough to claim the prize – DON’T DO IT! Midland Police say they've received some calls about someone doing just that. A local victim was about to turn over thousands of dollars after being told by the scam artists that a courier would be coming by to pick up the cash. Police intercepted the courier – who apparently had been promised money to drive all over the province collecting money orders. If you receive such a call – let the police know about it.
"No hugs, no see you later, no goodbyes. Just a piece of my heart ripped out." A portion of the victim impact statement made this morning by Darryn Stafford prior to the sentencing hearing for Michael Rafferty for the of Darryn’s sister, Tori. “I can’t walk without looking behind me,” he said. Rafferty was seen to be crying as the statement was read. Tori’s mom and dad, her aunts and uncles, all told the court how Tori’s murder has ruined their lives. Her dad, Rodney, noting how so much was stolen from his little girl; was stolen from all of them. The 8 year old Woodstock girl was murdered in 2009. Rafferty was found guilty Friday of Kidnapping, Sexual Assault and First Degree Murder. His conviction carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison with no parole for 25 years.
A local businessman wants to build a world class event centre downtown. However, some are concerned about the kind of the crowds it will attract – especially given its close proximity to The Ranch Bar and Grill. Scott McInnes, owner of the proposed Royal Event Centre as well as The Ranch, presented his idea for a downtown event centre to Barrie City Council. He says he’s not looking to open another bar. McInnes says the Royal Event Centre, to be located at 66 Bayfield Street, will be designed to host events such as trade shows, bridal shows, and even weddings – adding a convention centre downtown will attract complementary businesses to the area such as hotels. However, McInnes says he has 80 thousand square feet to play with, and he won’t rule out a hotel as a second phase to his event centre project. Since he is applying for a liquor license, the issue of minimum distance between drinking establishments was brought up during last night’s meeting. The rules allow for a convention centre to be located close to a licensed establishment such as a bar or night club.
The fire danger rating in Springwater Township has been upped to moderate after flames burned through two acres of forest on Rainbow Valley Road near Highway 27. It took 30 firefighters two hours to douse the weekend blaze which started after someone dropped some previously burned, but not fully extinguished material, in the forest. Deputy Fire Chief Craig Williams says even after a rain grass, leaves and pine needles can dry out and become highly combustible again within eight hours.
Looks like an alarm clock built into a toaster, but but what pops up when the alarm goes off is not toast, it's your iPod. The Day Maker acts as an overnight charger for the device. It pops up at the time you want and plays the music on your playlist. If want another five or ten minutes to snooze, push it back down. Its makers are looking for backers on Kickstarter to help pay for mold creation and electronics to mass produce the devices. Those who kick in $100 will be able to get a Day Maker at a discounted price ($180).
They do it an average eight times a day, and 75 per cent of women surveyed say they hate doing it -- checking their reflections in a mirror, car window, whatever is available. Social pressure keeps the looking, to touch up their hair and their make-up. Two-thirds of them say the prospect of going to work without make-up on is more stressful than a job interview or a first date.
Not new, but gaining popularity - medical tattoos. More and more people are having their health conditions tattooed onto their wrists or other body parts, rather than wearing a standard MedicAlert bracelet or necklace. For some, it's because they can't wear jewellery on the job, others are allergic to the metals in them. Critics worry that doctors and paramedics may not notice the tattoo.
Good news for GO Train passengers. If your train is more than 15 minutes late – you’ll get a refund. This new service guarantee is going into effect in the fall and will include all GO train passengers – the Niagara summer service being the only possibly exception. Premier McGuinty talked about this idea leading into the last Provincial Election campaign. PC Leader Tim Hudak calls the idea nothing more than a gimmick.
OPP in Alliston getting the word out about a suspicious male. Around 4:30 Friday morning someone was seen in a private driveway in the King and Victoria Street area – who appeared to be trying to break into a vehicle. A passing motorist stopped and confronted the male. He quickly got on his bike and took off. Police are reminding the public to keep your doors locked - and to contact them if you witness a crime in progress.
It started out as a domestic dispute call – ended with the returning of a sentimental possession to its owner. Barrie Police were at a residence on Sunnidale Road on April 29th responding to a domestic disturbance. One of the officers saw a 1993 Junior B Barrie Colts Championship Ring. The officer asked about it – the occupants not able to recall where the ring came from or who owned it. The officer kept the ring and began searching for the owner. Police were able to return the ring to its 81 year old owner – who was a past trainer for the Junior B Barrie Colts. He said he lost the ring years ago during a move. He’s understandably grateful to have it back.
A damaged vintage airplane and a very lucky pilot. Just before noon today, a 1953 Piper aircraft flipped and rolled upon landing at the Springwater Airpark. Officials say the pilot walked away from the crash and an ambulance was not needed. The Transportation Safety Board is investigating.
A couple of weekend fires in the Wasaga Beach area. The Wasaga Beach Fire Department arrived at an Oxbow Park Drive residence just after 2:30 Sunday morning to find it fully involved on arrival. It was completely destroyed. Firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby homes. The owner of the residence was not in the house at the time – in fact, it’s not known where occupant is. The fire is still under investigation.
While crews battled the Oxbow Park Drive fire, a trailer caught fire at the Holiday Park Campground on Main Street. Firefighters from Springwater, Collingwood, and Clearview were brought in as Wasaga Beach crews were still busy with the first fire. The trailer was fully involved when crews arrived – it eventually burned to the ground. A nearby structure – commercial space on the main floor and apartments on the second floor - sustained significant damage. Seems a cooking appliance caused that fire.
No one was injured in either of these incidents. Investigators say the two fires were unrelated.
Smoke will be rising from Wasaga Beach Provincial Park this afternoon. Parks staff will be conducting a prescribed burn on two parcels of land to help restore Red Oak Woodland and Savannah habitats. Parks staff will be on hand to supervise, and wind conditions are expected to blow the smoke away from the nearby Blueberry Trails subdivision. Still, there may be a smell similar to a campfire. Residents are advised to keep their windows closed for the duration of the burn, which begins around 2 p.m. and will last about ten hours.
The Barrie Police Service is marking Police Week in Canada with a series of dispplays at Georgian Mall.
Monday May 14th • Members of the Community Services Unit and Marine Unit will be available throughout the day. • 5:00pm - 7:30pm: A member of the Tactical Support Unit (bomb tech) will be present with equipment. • 6:00pm - 7:00pm: Barrie Police Mascot will be present.
Tuesday May 15th • Members of the Community Services Unit and Marine Unit will be available throughout the day. • 3:00pm - 9:00pm: A member from the Barrie Police Recruiting Unit will be present to answer any recruiting/employment related questions. • 5:00pm - 7:30pm: A member of the Tactical Support Unit (bomb tech) will be present with equipment. • 5:00pm - 7:30pm: A K-9 unit team ( handler and dog) will be present. • 6:00pm - 7:00pm: Barrie Police Mascot will be present.
Wednesday May 16th • Members of the Community Services Unit and Marine Unit will be available throughout the day. • 6:00pm - 7:00pm: Barrie Police Mascot will be present.
Thursday May 17th ** Final Day for Police Week display* • Members of the Community Services Unit and Marine Unit will be available throughout the day. • 5:00pm - 7:30pm: A member of the Tactical Support Unit (bomb tech) will be present with equipment. • 5:00pm - 7:30pm: A K-9 unit team ( handler and dog) will be present. • 6:00pm - 7:00pm: Barrie Police Mascot will be present.
More talk about the dangers of eating and driving after police in Ottawa stopped a driver who had been speeding, followed another car too closely and didn’t use his signal to change lanes. He was also eating a full rotisserie chicken from a white bowl. Police say he only occasionally had his hands on the steering wheel. A University of Alberta researcher says while eating doesn’t take a lot of brain power it does cause other problems, like taking your eyes off the road to grab another bite, a napkin or cleaning up what you spilled.
As we await construction of the new gas station and rest stop on Highway 400 at Essa Road - which we learned recently is a year behind schedule - we hear it maybe outdated by the time it opens. Similar highway service stations in Japan have become hot spot destinations for drivers offering shopping, fine dining and live performances in addition to a fill-up and a cup of coffee. There are even bus tours for people who don’t drive.
Alright guys, enough with the bedroom eyes - that heavy-lidded, seductive gaze. A University of Michigan study finds its make you look less trustworthy. Researchers say the eyes half-closed look is seen as an attempt at a fling, rather than a long term relationship. An open normal gaze is preferred by women looking for a long-term relationship and by men looking for a business partner.
NHL Los Angeles 4 Phoenix 2 (Los Angeles leads series 1-0)
WORLD HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP U.S. 5 Finland 0 Norway 12 Germany 4 Russia 2 Czech Republic 0 Slovakia 1 Switzerland 0 NBA L.A. Clippers 82 Memphis 72 (Los Angeles Clippers win series 4-3) Miami 95 Indiana 86 (Miami leads series 1-0) MLB American League Minnesota 4 Toronto 3 Boston 12 Cleveland 1 Seattle 6 N.Y. Yankees 2 Detroit 3 Oakland 1 Texas 13 L.A. Angels 6 Tampa Bay 9 Baltimore 8 Kansas City 9 Chicago White Sox 1 National League Philadelphia 3 San Diego 1 Chicago Cubs 8 Milwaukee 2 Miami 8 N.Y. Mets 4 Cincinnati 9 Washington 6 Atlanta 7 St. Louis 4 L.A. Dodgers 11 Colorado 5 San Francisco 7 Arizona 3 Pittsburgh 3 Houston 2 (12 innings) MLS Chivas USA 1 San Jose 1 New York 3 Philadelphia 2
Today is Mother’s Day a tradition that can traced back to the Greeks, but in Canada we celebrate for a different reason. Canadian Mother’s day was adopted from America in the early 1900’s after it was advocated by Anna Jarvis who wanted a day to celebrate mothers everywhere. When it was established in 1914 Jarvis opposed the commercialization and was the first person to call it a “Hallmark Holiday.”
A taxi cab driver in Barrie had enough and dropped off his fare in front of a Barrie Police Station. Early this morning, a 29 year old man entered a Barrie cab and demanded to be driven to Toronto for only 10 dollars. The cab driver tried to get him out of his car but he refused, so the cabbie dropped him off with Barrie Police. Authorities held the inebriated man, who could barely stand until he was sober again.
A couple at a Walmart in the south end of town didn’t respond well when stopped by police. A 30 year old man and a 31 year old woman were arrested yesterday after security at Walmart spotted the pair attempting to leave the store with a stolen PlayStation 3. When the couple was confronted by police they refused to tell them who they were and resisted when attempted to be handcuffed. Both have been charged with Attempting Theft and Mischief.
With the summer weather coming up, Barrie Police wants to remind everyone to be careful where you keep your pets. Police were called yesterday to a car in the south end of city that had a dog locked inside. Police were concerned with the safety of the dog and were able to find the owner of the car before any damage was done. Leaving any animal in a closed vehicle for an extended period of time, when the temperature exceeds 20 degrees can be dangerous.
IBL Baseball Barrie Baycats 3 Ottawa Fat Cats 1
NHL Playoffs NY Rangers 2 Washington 1 (Rangers win series 4-3) World Hockey Championships Canada 8 Kazakhstan 0 Slovakia 5 Belarus 1 France 4 Switzerland 2 Norway 3 Latvia 0 Germany 2 Denmark 1 Sweden 4 Italy 0 MLB American League Toronto 2 Minnesota 1 L.A. Angels 4 Texas 2 N.Y. Yankees 6 Seattle 2 Boston 4 Cleveland 1 Baltimore 5 Tampa Bay 3 Oakland 3 Detroit 1 Kansas City 5 Chicago White Sox 0 National League Milwaukee 8 Chicago Cubs 2 N.Y. Mets 9 Miami 3 Pittsburgh 5 Houston 2 San Diego 2 Philadelphia 1 Washington 2 Cincinnati 1 Atlanta 7 St. Louis 2 San Francisco 5 Arizona 2 L.A. Dodgers 2 Colorado 1 NBA Playoffs L.A. Lakers 96 Denver 87 (Lakers win series 4-3) Boston 92 Philadelphia 91 (Boston leads series 1-0)
Close to 30 musicians in Barrie will be participating in a Rock Lotto tonight! The musicians are broken up from their bands and placed into 6 brand new bands and given just one day to produce new music. This brand new sound from brand new bands will be showcased tonight at 9 o’clock at 18 Dunlop Street West. Tickets are only 5 dollars with all proceeds going to the pediatric unit at the Royal Victoria Health Centre.
It’s Air Cadet Activity Day at CFB Borden today. That means more than 600 cadets will be given an opportunity to showcase their skills in shooting, obstacle course completion and sporting events. The event starts in the Stedman Building at 8:30 you won’t want to miss the CH-146 Griffon Helicopter in action!
What would you do if you couldn’t find your dinner? Well, call the police of course! That’s what one Barrie man did last night. He originally contacted Barrie Police suggesting he was the victim of a Break and Enter, but the only thing the robbers stole was the roast from his oven. Police officers didn’t follow the lead asking the man instead that maybe, he just misplaced it?
The Barrie Baycats are looking for retribution going into their second game of the season this afternoon. The Baycats are meeting up with the Ottawa Fat Cats, the same team that eliminated them in the second playoff round last year. The game starts at 2 o’clock at Schmidt and Shaw Stadium today.
The Innisfil Beach Park Boat Launch will be closed on Monday, May 14th as the parking lots are being repaved. If it happens to rain on Monday, the work will be carried out on Tuesday instead. Boats can be launched at the Town’s other public launch at the end of Isabella Street in Belle Ewart.
OPP in Dufferin County are warning residents about scam. The warning comes after an elderly man was taken advantage of by a paving company. The man is said to be suffering from dementia. He was charged over 20 thousand dollars for paving his driveway. OPP say the culprits drove the customer to the bank to get the cash.
Nottawasaga OPP are crediting concerned citizens for helping return a four year old child to his home. Just before five o’clock this morning, the child was found wandering around the area of Nelson and King Street in Alliston. The child was stopped and the citizens who found him called the police. Police were eventually able to find out where the child escaped from – the babysitter completely unaware the child had gotten out of bed and left the house.
All sides agree on the need to ensure the safety of students and staff, but many at last night’s meeting on the use of foam shields or blockers, where special needs children are concerned, made it clear that’s not the way to go. About 60 people spoke out at the meeting at the Simcoe County District Board of Education office. Trustee Caroline Smith, who was there as an observer, says a wide variety of concerns were expressed - human rights, dignity, social isolation. The key message she says she heard last night was that protective equipment is not an either/or concept; that it can’t be never, and at the same time should not be always. In addition, there was talk about a protocol for each individual student who may be exhibiting rowdy or self-harming behaviour. The board will continue to accept feedback until May 18 and the matter will be discussed by trustees again at a meeting in June. Submissons can be sent by email to jemdysky@scdsb.on.ca or addressed to Janis Medysky at 1170 Highway 26, Midhurst, ON, L0L 1X0.
Employment in Canada bulked up by 58-thousand jobs in April, but with more people looking for work the unemployment rate rose .1% to 7.3%. Most of the increase in employment was in full time jobs, and primarily in the goods sector, with increases in construction, manufacturing, natural resources and agriculture. Following five months of little change, employment increased by 33,000 among people aged 25 to 54. There was a continued upward trend among those aged 55, up 26,000 in April. There was little change in youth employment. The jobless rate for that sector remaining 13.9%.
The provincial rate for Ontario rose .4% to 7.8%.
Barrie's jobless rate fell slightly from 9.2% in March to 9.1% in April.
The Barrie and District Association of Realtors says it's been one of the strongest starts to any year on record. Demand remained above average in April, up 14 per cent from a year ago. The average price in the Barrie-area is $301,501, seven per cent better than a year ago. For the City of Barrie, the average price last month was $284,691, an eight per cent increase compared to the same period in 2011.
Barrie Police have laid 42 charges against nine people in a cocaine trafficking investigation. Four men and three women were arrested at a Kozlov Street apartment, two others at a Yonge Street address. A quantity of cocaine, marijuana, a semi automatic handgun and $35-thousand in cash have been seized. Those arrested range in age from 26 to 51.
Not the alarm Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop was expecting to awaken him from his nap yesterday. A smoke alarm startled him from his snooze. Flames in the basement were creeping up the walls of his Coldwater home. Damage estimated at $200-thousand. Cause has yet to be determined. Fire officials don’t believe it to be suspicious.
Provincial Parks in southern Ontario open today (parks in northern Ontario open on May 18). You can book a campsite, 24 hours a day, by logging onto OntarioParks.com/welcome. Remember there’s an alcohol ban at some parks for the first couple of weeks.
A 'labour of love' today for Bear Creek Secondary School student Samantha Cox. She’s the driving force behind today’s Relay for Life at the school, raising money for cancer research. It’s in honour of her grandfather who died of lung cancer in 2007. More than 400 students and staff are taking part. This event is a precursor to the overnight relay for life on June 1.
Lots of talk about Time Magazine’s cover photo of a 26 year old mom breastfeeding her soon-to-be four year old as he stands on a chair. The story is about 'attachment' parenting and the extremes some mothers are going to. Critics have accused Time of using a provocative image to sell magazines, others worry for the boy thinking the picture will hurt him as he gets older, still others contend breastfeeding at that age is akin to child molestation. The mom in the picture, who also breastfeeds her five year old adopted son, says while it may not be socially normal, it is biologically normal.
It may be the clearest indication women have reached the so-called 'glass ceiling' and beyond. More than half of divorce lawyers in the U.S. say they’ve seen an increase in the number of mothers paying child support and alimony in the last three years. More and more women, they say, have taken over the financial responsibilities in the home. They also note women, are every bit as angry as men, about having to pay spousal support.
GO Transit service is expanding this summer. Starting June 23rd and running until September 3rd, GO Transit will offer train service along the Barrie corridor on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays - along with expanded bus service. Mayor Jeff Lehman says this is one step closer to all day service on weekdays - which was promised some time ago. Lehman also believes the service expansion will be good for the local summer tourism picture. For more information, click here.
OPP are investigating a series of LCBO thefts. Starting last Sunday, a man stole four bottles of vodka from the liquor store in Elmvale over the noon hour – this was discovered upon reviewing security footage. On Monday just after 4 o’clock a man stole two bottles of rum from the LCBO on Mosley Street in Wasaga Beach. Later that day someone tried to steal alcohol from a store in Stayner – but was unsuccessful. Police believe the same man is responsible for these crimes. He’s described as white, 40 to 50 years of age, 5’6”, thin build, with dirty blonde receding hair. He was seen wearing a green and black parka, blue jeans, and work boots. He was seen driving an older model blue four door car – similar to a Toyota. Call the Huronia West OPP at 705-429-3575 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Like the little engine that could, the New Democrats are chugging along gaining support across the country. A Harris-Decima poll gives the NDP 34 per cent of popular support, compared to the Tories 30 per cent. Most of that NDP support is in urban areas. And it appears the New Democrats have replaced the Liberals as the party of choice for women. Harris-Decima’s Allan Gregg noting that a decade ago half the electorate swore they’d never vote NDP.
Use of blocker shields in schools is up for discussion tonight at the Simcoe County District School Board. The board is looking for feedback from parents and others. It’s faced harsh criticism since a picture made the rounds last month of educational assistants holding rugby blocker pads while walking with children from an autism class. The reason given was to ensure the safety of students and staff. Tonight's meeting starts at 6:30 at the Education Centre in Midhurst.
Georgian College in Orillia is finally getting on-site student housing. Officials will break ground next month on a 256 bed complex. There will be four buildings in all. The first units are expected to be available by the fall of 2013.
Rash of thefts in Creemore the other night. Cash, credit cards, electronics and tools taken from 21 vehicles on Mary, Elizabeth, George, Wellington and Nelson Streets, as well as Jardine Crescent Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Huronia West OPP say in each case the vehicles were unlocked.
How about this? An 'Anger Room' where you can go to smash everything in sight to work out your frustrations. A Dallas company has built one. It offers mock kitchens, living rooms and offices filled with TVs, VCRs, fax machines and furniture, then lets you go wild. There’s a 5-minute "I Need A Break" package for $25 and a 25-minute "Total Demolition" session for $75. A lot of high level executives stop by to relieve their stress. Half of the clients are women, from moms blowing off steam after a stressful day with the kids to ladies taking out their relationship anger on mannequins.
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