Hudak Says TBGS Must Stay Open

The province's opposition leader is taking aim at the Liberal government over the possible closure of Thunder Bay Generating Station.  PC leader Tim Hudak says the Mission Island facility needs to stay open to play an economic role in getting clean energy to the region. Hudak suggests  it's a mistake for the Wynne government to keep local officials guessing on the matter and conversion of the plant to natural gas should resume.

Former NAN Grand Chief Dies

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is mourning the death of a former NAN Grand Chief.   Frank Beardy died yesterday following a lengthy illness.    He was the Grand Chief in the 1980's and also served as the chief of the Muskrat Dam First Nation.   Frank Beardy, dead at the age of 63.  

Recool Truck Catches Fire

A recool recycling collection truck is being inspected after catching fire at the Chronicle Journal loading dock. Around 9am, onlookers noticed smoke rising out of the back of the truck. Steve Ree, the truck's driver, says this was the first time something like this had happened to him. Ree managed to escape completely unharmed.

Big Trout Lake Welcomes Visitors Monday

Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer is heading to Big Trout Lake First Nation Monday.  Hyer and 24 Canadians from all walks of life will be living in KI for a week.  The remote First Nation wants people to see their living conditions.

Kenora Murder Case Sentencing Today

Three-and-a-half months after being found guilty of second degree murder, Kenneth Ivall will finally find out how much longer he'll have to spend in jail.  Ivall will be sentenced this morning in Kenora Superior Court in the death of Ed Wilson the early morning hours of March 21st, 2009.  Ivall's co-accused, Angela Duchese is already spending three years in a federal penitentiary.  She plead guilty to manslaughter charges midway through the eight week long
trial.

Rafferty Wants More Protection For Bus Drivers

A northwestern Ontario MP wants better protection for transit bus drivers in Canada.  Thunder Bay-Rainy River's John Rafferty says his private members bill stems from recent incidents against drivers in Thunder Bay.  Rafferty proposes an amendment to the Criminal Code of Canada that would give greater sentences if an assault is against a transit driver.

Rickford Supports Welfare Plan

Helping Aboriginal people in Northwestern Ontario get off welfare.  That's the focus of a new plan being pushed by Canada's Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt.  Kenora MP Greg Rickford says 241-million dollars will go to help youth achieve the same job opportunities as other Canadians.  First Nations who choose to participate in the program will have those under the Income Assistance Program undergo personalized case management.

Policing Issue Heading To NOMA

Concerns about policing costs are being raised.  Fort Frances has drafted a resolution it's forwarding to the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association that seeks more financial support from the province.  Councillor Andrew Hallikas says the current funding formula is inadequate.  In its resolution, the town cites economic and financial challenges, as well as a pending wage increase for OPP officers next year.

ER Losing Doctors

The emergency room at the Health Sciences is losing 6 doctors later this year.  However Dr. David Wood says there is enough time to find some replacements, but failing that there's always temporary doctors to choose from.  Wood says it's not a problem the ER is unfamiliar with.

Probe Into 24 Year Old's Death

An inquest into the death of a 24 year old man is going to be held in Thunder Bay on July 29th.  Gustavo Argueta died from injuries received during the course of his employment inspecting the under-surface of a new bridge in the Thunder Bay area. The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding his death.  It's expected to last five days to hear from 15 witnesses.