Rickford Breaks Silence On Senate Scandal

Kenora MP Greg Rickford believes it's time to move forward.  Rickford says the government want to see the latest Senate scandal taken care of, and hopes they can make the Senate a more accountable part of parliament. The Conservative MP says the Senate has had some disappointing expenditures in the past.

Fatal Fire In Fort Frances Area

There has been a fatal house fire in the Fort Frances area.   OPP say that the blaze happened early this morning in the township of Devlin.   Police say that one occupant of the house died, but they have not identified the victim.   The cause of the fire is not known and police remain at the scene.

Police Search For Charity Thief

It's the lowest of the low when someone steals from a local charity.  This time police are asking for your help in locating  the person responsible for  the theft of an Alzheimer's Society donation box from the Cumberland Street Husky gas station last night just before 10.   Police have issued a picture of someone they'd like to question.

Vienna Bakery Closing Today

It's the end of an era .   After over 50 years at the same Cumberland Street location. Vienna Bakery is closing up shop at the end of today.   Co-owner Betty Krebbs says there there have been a lot of tears shed today by customers who are coming in for the last time.   She says it's possible the bakery will reopen under new ownership, but that won't be known for several weeks.

Half A Million Goes To Oliver Paipoonge

Half a million dollars is going towards Oliver Paipoonge's industrial park.  The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund made the announcement this morning.  Mayor Lucy Kloosterhuis says the money will be put to good use building roads, installing utilities and lighting.  Kloosterhuis says they've already sold one lot in the expanded park.

4 Dead In Ornge Air Crash

Four people are dead following an Ornge air ambulance helicopter crash near Moosonee.  CFB Trenton Search and Rescuers say the crash site was located this morning and all four people on board are confirmed dead.    
The Ornge air ambulance service says two pilots and two paramedics were on board the aircraft, but no patients.  The helicopter crashed shortly after taking off for Attawapiskat.  The Transportation Safety Board has been notified and will be investigating.

Float Plane Crash In Red Lake

Provincial Police say they are searching for 2-people following a float plane crash in Red Lake.  OPP says the plane took off from the waterway of Red Lake last night.  The aircraft was en route to a tourist camp north of the community when it went down 200-metres from shore in the Bruce Channel around 5:30.  OPP believe a man and a woman from the United States were the only two people on board.  The identity of those on board hasn't been confirmed at this time.

It's Graduation Day

Derek Burney

Graduation is taking place for Lakehead University students.    Ceremonies are being held today and tomorrow at the Community Auditorium.   LU President Brian Stevenson says one of the highlights will be the installation of Derek Burney as the new chancellor.   As the ceremonial head of the university he is allowed to confer degrees. Also attending the ceremonies will be former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin.

Sod Turned On New Senior's Facility

Work is set to begin next month on phase two of a huge St. Joseph's Care Group senior's housing project.   The sod was turned on the future long term care facility on Lillie Street this morning.   Executive Director Tracey Buckler is just happy the wait is over.   It will compliment a nearby 130 bed seniors project which is still getting finishing touches put on it.  While the latest building will house over 400 patients, it will not be adding extra beds to the system when it's completed since it will replace three current senior homes in the city.

Police Get Sneaky

City police now have a new way to catch cell phone and seat belt violations by local drivers.   Sgt. Glenn Porter says on Wednesday they put  a plain clothes cop on the sidewalk on Arthur Street relaying violations with a hand held radio to an officer further down who pulled over the vehicles.  About 40 tickets were issued.  Porter says it's a tactic they hope to use on a regular basis.