Monday, December 19, 2005

Ice Conditions Not Safe

On Thursday 15 December 2005 at 4:26 pm a member of the public who reported seeing 4 people walking on the ice between Low Island and Picnic Island in Little Current called Manitoulin OPP officers. Police attended the area and found the 4 individuals on the ice and motioned them back to shore. They were spoken to about their actions and dangers of being on the ice at this time of the year. Constable Allan Boyd Community Services Officer advises, “ Even though it appears like full winter is upon us with all the snow we received the ice conditions on the channel and lakes are still very dangerous. A thin layer of ice has formed and with all the snow on top it appears to the eye that the ice is safe and is thick. We need a couple of weeks of below freezing temperatures to form ice thick enough to carry a persons weight and heavier things like snow machines. With all the snow I know people are anxious to get out and enjoy the joys of winter but I urge you all to use caution and wait for the ice to form before heading out on it. The last job an officer wants to do is informed a loved one that some one has drowned over the holidays.”

Altercation At Local Bar

Early Sunday morning 18 Dec 2005 at 2:12 am Manitoulin OPP were called to the Anchor Inn Hotel as a group of patrons appeared to be involved in an altercation in front of the establishment. Police arrived and took some people into custody. The investigation is still ongoing and if anyone has any information they are asked to call police or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222TIPS (8477). Constable Randy Dedman is investigating.

MANITOULIN MAN FURTHER REMANDED IN CUSTODY

(Zhiibaahaasing First Nation, Manitoulin Island, Ont.) – Members of the United Chiefs and Council of Manitoulin Anishnaabe Police Service, the Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police and the OPP Northeast Region Crime Unit, are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman whose body was found at a Zhiibaahaasing First Nation residence on Manitoulin Island early Sunday morning on the 27th November 2005. Upon arriving at the residence the female occupant was found deceased. She has been identified as 25-year-old Mary Ann Davis, of 304 Sagon Road, Zhiibaahaasing First Nation cause of death was determined to be from a gun shot wound. Her common law spouse Brent Jeremy KELLS age 21 of 304 Sagon Road, Zhibaahaasing First Nation has been charged with First Degree Murder.

Mr. Kells appeared in Gore Bay Ontario Court of Justice on Monday the 19th December 2005. He was further remanded in custody until Monday 09th January 2006 for his next court appearance so his defense lawyer can obtain disclosure.

The investigating officer is Senior Constable Brian Ziegler of the U.C.C.M. Anishnaabe Police Service and is being conducted under the direction of Detective Inspector Larry Reesor, Criminal Investigation Branch, OPP General Headquarters, Orillia.


MANITOULIN OPP SAY THANK YOU

Constable Allan Boyd Community Services Officer with the Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Manitoulin, who have supported and assisted us in our efforts to make this a better and safer place to live during this past year. “Our successes would not have been possible without you. Once again on behalf of all members of the Manitoulin OPP Detachment thanks and have a very merry and safe Christmas season”.

Manitoulin OPP Detachment Commanders Staff Sergeant Bruce McCullagh would like to wish all a safe and happy holiday season. As a lot of people will soon be traveling for the holidays, the OPP would like to remind motorists to be prepared and be safe. Weather conditions can be variable and unpredictable, placing extra demands on your vehicle and your driving skills.

Take the time to ensure you are well prepared for winter roads and exercise extreme caution when traveling on snow or ice covered roads….”snow means slow”.

Stay alert, slow down and stay in control are the three key elements to safe winter driving. Drive according to current road and weather conditions. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Avoid situations where you may have to brake suddenly on a slippery surface.

If you get stuck or stranded, don’t panic. Stay with your vehicle for safety and warmth. If you’re in an area with cell phone service and have a cell phone, call for help. Remember, dialing *OPP (star 677) will connect you to the nearest Ontario Provincial Police Communications center.

Before heading out, check weather and travel conditions. Don’t take chances if the weather is bad. Give yourself extra time for travel, or wait until conditions improve. Call the Ministry of Transportation for road conditions at 1-800-461-9523

UPDATE
Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision – Highway 144

The driver of the Honda, Kevin Robert HUGHES, age 21 of Drummond Street West, Perth, ON and his passenger, Melissa Aileen MEEKS, age 16 of Hwy. 7, Perth, ON, were both fatally injured. The driver of the tractor-trailer, North KYLE, age 48, of Levack, ON sustained minor injuries.

An OPP technical traffic collision investigator and a collision reconstructionist attended the scene and are continuing their investigation. No charges are anticipated to be laid. The highway was closed for ten (10) hours then reduced to one lane in the early morning hours as officers completed their investigation. It was re-opened to both direction of travel at 7:15 a.m. today.

The tractor-trailer was carrying nickel slurry which spilled onto the highway and the ditch. The Ministry of Environment were notified and attended the scene last night. Environmental impact is expected to be minimal.

The highway is expected to be reduced to one lane at certain times throughout the next three (3) days to clean up the remainder of the spill.

Heavy snowfall causes traffic chaos

Pancake Bay, Ont. - Heavy localized snowfall north of Sault Ste. Marie caused traffic tie-ups for hours over the weekend.

The area from Pancake Bay north past the Montreal River area saw steady heavy snow fall Saturday and into Sunday.

OPP from Sault Ste Marie and Wawa Detachment had to deal with numerous transports and other vehicles either stuck on the hills in that area or right off the highway into the ditches.

Sault Ste. Marie OPP were dispatched to nine smaller cars and trucks in that area that went off the roadway and into the ditches.

There were no reports of any injuries but in most cases tow trucks were needed to get the vehicles out of the ditches.

As of this morning all highways in the Sault Ste. Marie OPP detachment area are open.

If you need information on highway conditions please call the MTO at 945-5924 or 1-800-268-4686