Area First Nations are now in the helicopter charter business

The Matawa First Nations and Great Slave Helicopters are now partners. The company from the Northwest Territories has signed an agreement with the six First Nations communities to provide charter services. Chief Roy Moonias of the Neskantaga First Nation says its a good business venture. As part of the agreement Matawa will own 51 per cent of the Charter service

Beer Store smashed

Yet another Beer Store is damaged as the result of a break in. Police say that a stolen van was used to smash through the window of the Beer Store on West Gore street early Friday morning. No one was hurt and there are no suspects. Police are still investigating.

Fire Service urges families review fire plan

The Thunder Bay Fire Service wants families to review their household fire plans. They say that Family Day is an ideal time to go over what to do in case of a fire. Tips include:
-Installing a smoke alarm on every floor of the home and outside bedrooms.
-Discuss the home fire escape plan with the family
-Choose a meeting place outside where everyone can gather.

Local man awaits government approval for huge mining project

A Thunder Bay man is one step closer to a setting up a huge iron ore processing plant in Atikokan. Henry Wetelainens' company, Bending Lake Iron, has received 335 million dollars in loan guarantees from New York investments banks for the project. All that is left is for the provincial government to give him approval to lease some land in Atikokan. During construction it could provide 700 jobs, with about 200 permanent jobs when the plant is up and running.

Final suspect caught

Thunder Bay Police have now have the final suspect they were looking for in connection with an abduction and assualt. Emilio John Bisignano was taken into custody on Wednesday night at a city residence. The indicident took place last month at a north side motel. Five others have already been taken into custody in connection with the same incident.

Website designed to attract worldwide investors

A new website is up and running designed to attract businesses to Northern Ontario. It's supposd to spread the message that the north is open for business to investors from all over the world. Councillor Rebecca Johnson helped to kick off the launch of the site. She says it's important to be a part of this very important initiative. The website can be viewed at investnorthernontario.com

Officials still looking for Neebing firehall solution

There is still no indication where crews from the Neebing fire station might set up shop until their firehall can reopen. It's been closed due to a mould problem. Right now the crews have been relocated to the James Street fire station until a temporary hall can be opened so the response times for Neebing residents can be kept reasonable.