Scott Read is Northern Lights teacher

The Northern Lights Alternative school has its teacher.  They've hired Scott Read.  The group plans to showcase Read at it's "Meet the Teacher" event.  Parents of students will get to meet Read on Wednesday, August 31st.

Gravelle talks with OFL

Minister Michael Gravelle feels talks went well with the Ontario Federation of Labour.  Gravelle made a phone call to President Sid Ryan after injured workers occupied his office.  Gravelle says he's committing his support to moving forward on their concerns over workers compensation. 

New Chamber Chair

There's a new Chair of the board for the Chamber of Commerce.  Michael Nitz is assuming the role starting immediately.  Nitz is filling former Chair Justin Frape's shoes.

No partying in parks

Thunder Bay Police are cracking down on people hanging out in local parks after hours.  Spokesperson Chris Adams says they've received complaints of people partying in parks.  The latest you can stay in a park is 11 pm. If your caught in a park after hours, you'll be sent for a summons where you could face a potentially steep fine.

Cyclist not seriously hurt in collision

Police say a cyclist, involved in a mishap this morning,  is suffering only minor injuries.  They say the female was on a bike which came into collision with a pick up truck at the corner of River and Algoma at around 11:30.

West Nile in NWO

Northwestern Ontario has its first report of West Nile Virus positive mosquitoes.  The mosquitoes were found in a trap in the Fort Frances area.  Officials stress there has been no human cases reported.

Lawyer for accused killer mum on bail possibility

A Thunder Bay man, who is charged with 2nd degree murder in the death of his 61 year old wife, remains in custody. After a brief court appearance Wednesday, 63 year old John Robertson was ordered back September 17th. His lawyer George Joseph won't comment on the possibility he'll be making a bail application on behalf of his client . The body of Elaine Robertson was discovered in the couple's Oliver Road apartment in April.

Chief Simon Fobister welcomes decision in Grassy's favour

The Grassy Narrows First Nation is claiming victory in a court case involving clear cut logging activity on its traditional land-use terrritory north of Kenora. Justice Mary-Anne Sanderson released a 300 page decision yesterday which finds that the Government of Ontario does not have the power to take away the rights in Treaty 3 by authorizing development including logging and mining. The decision ends a decade long battle against logging on Grassy. 

Two arrested after two vehicle fires

Thunder Bay Police have two people in custody after an early morning arson.  Officials say the two were arrested in connection to a pair of vehicles on fire on Carl Avenue just after 3 o'clock.  No one was hurt and shortly after that another 3 vehicles were on fire just down the street.

ATV accident claims life

Tragedy in the Rainy-River area.  A 10-year-old boy is dead following an Off-Road vehicle crash.  OPP say the boy was operating an ATV on a private property in Dawson Township.  Police say he lost control of the vehicle and struck a barbed wire fence and was ejected from the ATV.  He was transported to Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

EC confirms tornado

Environment Canada has confirmed that a tornado did touch down yesterday afternoon north of the Dryden Airport and in Sioux Lookout. Spokesperson Geoff Coulson says officials will be in the area to survey the damage. The length, width and strength of the twister is not known at this time.

Gravelle's office occupied

Injured workers are occupying Minister Michael Gravelle's Thunder Bay office.  Lakehead Labour Council President Melanie Kelso says they're demanding the provincial government take immediate action to alleviate the grinding poverty forced on working people.  Kelso wants workers compensation to become a provincial election issue.

Online fraud warning

Thunder Bay Police are warning people to be wary when using Kijiji, Auto Trader and eBay. Detective Constable Heidi Moore says they've received several complaints of counterfeit transactions. Local residents have posted items for sale and have been contacted by alleged buyers via email. The buyers offer the sellers more money than the item is worth and send counterfeit money orders. They ask the seller to send back a portion of the excess cash. Unfortunately the seller deposits the counterfeit money and is then responsible when the bank discovers the bogus transaction. Moore notes to always be cautious with buyers that offer you more money than your asking for.

Beaches closed in T.Bay

With warm temperatures this week, its not the news people wanting to cool off want to hear.  The Health Unit has issued a notice closing Boulevard Lake, Chippewa Park and Sunny Side beaches.  Recent water quality tests at the beach yielded higher than acceptable levels of E-coli bacteria.