Gravelle on Wood Allocation Process

Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle says he understands Atikokan Renewable Fuel's disappointment.  The company had hoped to receive it's wood allocation rights already, but instead had to lay off employees because of a lack of wood.  Gravelle says he's working towards getting word out soon.  Gravelle says he met with Forestry officials in Toronto and he hopes to make more wood allocation announcements in the near future.

Credit Union Robbed

The Northern Lights Credit Union on Red River Road was robbed Friday afternoon.  Just after 1:30 a man armed with a gun demanded money from a teller.  He made off with an unknown amount of cash and fled in a tan coloured SUV.  The suspect is described as a six foot tall man with dark hair and facial hair.

Status of Women Committee coming to TBAY

Violence against aboriginal women will be discussed in Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay this week. The Status of Women committee is traveling across Canada, and B.C. MP Cathy McLeod says they want to hear from community members.  McLeod says they realize that the issue is prevelant across the country and they want to hear about community based solutions.  McLeod says they will be releasing a report with recommendations to the Federal Government in the Spring.

No playing favourites

Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle is clearing the air.  The Thunder Bay Superior North MPP says he's not playing favourites when it comes to the future site of a Ring of Fire processing plant.  Gravelle is reacting to the Mayor's recent comments saying the MPP should heavily promote Thunder Bay.  Keith Hobbs stated recently that Gravelle should push for his riding rather than the entire North.

Two charged with robbery

Two people are facing charges after the Memorial Avenue Shoppers Drug Mart was robbed on January 4th. Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says officers arrested a 24 year old woman last night and a 26 year old man this morning.  A large quantity of pills was seized as well.  The two are charged with a variety of offences including robbery with threats and possession of a controlled substance.  Adams says officers are still investigating the robberies of Jansen's Pharmacy and the Red River Shopper's Drug Mart and have released a picture of the suspect of the Red River Suspect.

Atikokan Renewable Fuels waits

A partner in the company Atikokan Renewable Fuels says they were forced to lay off most of their employees.  The company is still waiting for a wood allocation from the Province so they can make pellets for the OPG plant.  Ed Fukishima says the process is flawed and he's disappointed.  Fukishima says time is working against them and they continue to wait to hear word on the allocation.