Officer Not Guilty X2

 An OPP constable is not guilty on two counts of assault causing bodily harm and a charge of public mischief.  Both charges were dismissed against Brian Bellefeuille in a Thunder Bay courtroom today.   Bellefeuille was charged by the province's Special Investigations Unit after a complaint from a man who says he was roughed up by the constable after being arrested in Geraldton in February of 2012.

Atikokan Wood Firm Sold To Americans

There's more American investment coming to Northwestern Ontario.  California's Rentech Inc. has purchased Atikokan Renewable Fuels from Thunder Bay's Ed Fukushima who says he wasn't able to get the necessary Canadian financing to run the plant and made wood pellets.   Rentech has also purchased an idled plant in Wawa, also to produce wood pellets.  

Larry Joy Sr. Dies

A well known Thunder Bay businessman is dead.   Larry Joy Senior died this week after a lengthy illness.    He operated Larry Joy Men's Wear for more than 40 years.   His funeral will be held tomorrow morning at St. Agnes Church at 11 o'clock.

Labour Strife Halts Construction At Courthouse

Construction work at the Consolidated Court house has come to a halt as a result of a strike by unionized elevator workers.  Members of the Elevator Union are picketing at the south side site.  Spokesperson Graham Renner says their strike effects most of the City. Sheetmetal workers and roofers in the City are also on strike and are picketing at their job sites.

Bright Blaze Seen Across City Last Night

The Ontario Fire Marshall's Office is coming to Thunder Bay today to investigate last night's major fire at Rizzo's Cabinets on Alloy Drive.  The fire alarm came in just after 9 and crews spent the next two hours bringing the blaze under control.  Rizzo Employee Adam Blair only found out about the fire this morning when he drove into work.  Damage to the building is extensive.

Campbell Says It's A Mixed Bag

The Provincial Budget brings a mixed bag of feelings for the MPP for Kenora-Rainy River.  Sarah Campbell says while it meets all of the NDP's original demands, it seems the Liberals are still throwing around money, especially with home care.  Campbell adds that there wasn't much mention of the Ring of Fire and mining opportunities in Northwestern Ontario.

Boise Closing International Falls Mill

Another blow to the forest industry. Boise is shutting down two machines at its International Falls mill by October.  Spokesperson Lori Lyman says it will keep the mill profitable.  265 jobs will be lost as a result.

Hockey Golf Tournament Back For 8th Year

30 hockey players will be taking part in this year's Freedom 55 Hockey Celebrity Golf Classic at the Whitewater Golf Course this summer.   It's the 8th year for the event and in past years The Staal brothers, Alex Auld, Taylor Pyatt and Mike Richards have all been invited to attend.  Money raised goes towards the Northern Cancer Fund. 

NAN Chief Says Budget Falls Short

While he's not calling for the downfall of the Wynne government, a northern First Nations leader says the Ontario budget falls short. Grand Chief Harvey Yesno of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation says he sees nothing about infrastructure spending to accomodate both the Ring of Fire mining project and First Nation communities.  He says the budget doesn't speak about  building transmission lines or constructing all weather roads Chief Yesno says he'll have to study the budget more closely before deciding what the fate of the minority liberals should be.

Budget Meets Northern Needs: Gravelle

There's no stopping Liberal MPP Michael Gravelle when he talks about about the government's latest budget. The Northern Development Minister says keeping industrial electricity rates down in the north remains a priority with with a 360 million dollar commitment for 3 years.  Gravelle repeated the announcement of the government's 100 million dollar fund for roads and bridges.

Mauro Lauds Budget

Not surprisingly, Thunder Bay MPP Bill Mauro is giving another ringing endorsement to his government's budget. He says there are several clear commitments to the north including the continuation of the  northern electricity rate program and the 100 million dollar roads and bridges program which will benefit some of the small communities in his riding of Thunder Bay-Atikokan.
Mauro adds the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund will be kept at 100 million dollars for the next year.

OEB Hears Metis Concerns

The Ontario Energy Board is being asked to consider Metis rights in the process of developing a new powerline from Thunder Bay to Wawa.   At the board's Thunder Bay hearing Thursday,  Metis Nation of Ontario President Gary Lipinski  demanded fair consultation because the so called east-west tie line would run across some of their land.  Metis rights lawyer Jason Madden said it's essential the consultation plan include Metis rights and those of others.  The board hearings continue today at the Valhalla.