Moose FM CHMT 93.1 - Timmins

A Matheson man faces assault and firearms related charges. Early Saturday police were called to a Stock Township home after reports of a dispute. A man was taken in to custody and further investigation led to a seizure of two hunting rifles because the man had a firearms prohibition order against him. He will appear in court to answer to charges.

It’s the first case of rabies in the northeast since 2002. The Porcupine Health Unit says a dog has tested positive for rabies in a remote northern community along the James Bay Coast. The last confirmed rabies test was in a fox and bovine more than 10 years ago. The health unit is offering tips and symptoms on its website at http://www.porcupinehu.on.ca/

A flood watch is in effect for Porcupine Lake. The Upper Mattagami River Management Committee says the potential for flooding exists as water levels continue to rise. Residents living near the lake and river should monitor conditions and remove and unsecured material and equipment from shoreline areas. As for other water courses, the committee says there is no immediate risk of flooding in other areas, but water levels on the Mattagami River and Kamiskotia Lake continue to rise.

A new fund from the Ontario Government will help small, rural, and Northern municipalities build roads and bridges. The government plans to create a fund of $100 million for 2013-2014. This investment would be the first step of a comprehensive transportation plan for rural and Northern Ontario making sure every part of the province can move with ease. The new fund would be available by October 1st, 2013 while the province will consult on the components of a permanent program for roads, bridges and critical infrastructure investments in small, rural and Northern municipalities.

Chlamydia rates are on the rise with some of the highest rates here in the northeast. The Porcupine Health Unit is urging all 15 to 25 year old to get tested and pee in a cup! Tracy Bayley, a Public Health Nurse at the Porcupine Health Unit says Chlamydia often doesn't present symptoms, so people could be walking around with it and not even know it. Their 'Pee in a Cup' campaign promotes easy testing and treatment, which could be as simple as a one-time dose of antibiotics. More at http://www.porcupinehu.on.ca/