Grassy Narrows blockade

Yet another blockade has gone up on the Grassy Narrows First Nation north of Kenora.  This time the blockade is aimed at the Ministry of Natural Resources.  Roberta Keesick is one of the people at the blockade and says it was started up on Friday after MNR officials tried to shut down repair work being done by community members on the Slant Lake Road.  Keesick says the MNR wants the community to get proper permits before its begins any roadwork in the community.  She says there are no plans to take down the blockade any time soon.

MNR monitor fire

A forest fire east of Pikangikum First Nation continues to burn out-of-control. The fire has grown to 178-hectares in size but is burning in an isolated area. The Ministry of Natural Resources has 48-firefighters battling the blaze. Meantime, 64-personnel left the Dryden Airport yesterday to help in the fire fight in B.C. 21-firefighters returned home.

Nuclear Waste could be kept in Ignace or Ear Falls

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization is combing the area looking for communities interested in information on a proposal to establish used nuclear fuel storage sites.  Ear Falls has started the process by initiating a feasibility study, while Ignace is looking for more details.  A spokesperson says if Ignace feels they want to pursue the project one step farther then they will work closely with Council and the Municipality.

First Nations receive funding

3-Northwestern Ontario First Nations have received funding to improve housing conditions on their reserve. Sandy Lake First Nation will use 2.9-million dollars to construct 10-new housing units. The community of Onigaming First Nation, near Nestor Falls, is welcoming nearly 63-thousand dollars to retrofit 5-existing units. Rainy-River is accepting nearly 21-grand to retrofit 2-units. The money is flowing through Canada's Economic Action Plan.

MacKenzie Forest Products Sawmill shut down

The MacKenzie Forest Products Sawmill in Hudson is shutting down once again.  About 65-employees will be out of work starting on Friday.  The announcement comes less than 3-months after the Mill opened after a lengthy closure.  Sagging lumber prices are to blame.  Buchanan Forest Products says it plans to look at reopening next Spring.

Matawa First Nation Chiefs set deadline

Chiefs with the Matawa First Nations aren't happy with the current 45 million dollars allocated for aboriginal skills training. They want the province to come up with more funds by September 15th. The Chiefs want the money to better prepare their communities for development in the ring of fire. The chiefs gave the deadline to the Ministers of Natural Resources, Northern Development, and Aboriginal Affairs.

Thunder Bay woman appointed to OHTB

There's a Thunder Bay woman on the Ontario Heritage Trust Board.  Donna Gilhooly was appointed recently to the group that identifies, preserves and protects Ontario's heritage.  Gilhooly led the preservation of the C.W. Parker Carousel at Chippewa Park.

LU gets new research chairs

Lakehead University has appointed two new research chairs.  Dr. Phil Fralick and Dr. Harvey Lemelin will be in charge of research dealing with Natural Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences and Humanities.

PUSH wants investigation into wait lists

400 disabled Northwestern Ontario residents are on a wait list for accessible supportive community housing and home support care. That figure is from the group Persons United for Self Help. President Ron Ross says they want the Ontario Ombudsman to investigate. Some of the people on the list have been waiting for over 10 years.

240 youth take part in summer job program

240 local young people gained valuable work experience this summer through the Summer jobs for youth program.  Coordinator Sharon Smith Baxter says the program keeps getting bigger and better each year.  400 students applied for the 240 spots.  All of those students who were in the program found summer jobs either on their own or through the program.

NOMA happy with meetings

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association had the chance to speak with 8 provincial ministers recently. NOMA President Anne Krassilowski says they spoke with the several ministers about the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund.

Northern Energy Credit applications available

Applications are being accepted for the Northern Energy Credit.  The new energy credit gives single northerners 130 dollars and 200 dollars for families.  Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle says low and middle income northerners are eligable.  Applications are available online, at any Service Ontario location, or by calling 1-866-305-1954.

OCP in favour of Long Gun Registry

The Ontario Chiefs of Police are supporting the long gun registry. President Bob Herman says he hopes the legislation aimed at scrapping the long gun registry is defeated. Herman says he understands that the issues is a touchy one in Northwestern Ontario but notes its for police officers safety.

Missing teen found

A missing 16 year old boy has been found by his family.  Thunder Bay Police cancelled a missing persons report for the youth that went missing on August 16th.  The youth was found today.

District teachers get a chance to learn

Teachers in the district have a chance to get some schooling of their own with the NOEL summer conference. Organizer Carol Volbracht says this year's theme is navigating the winds of change and is very valuable for teachers.  Volbracht says the conference gives educators a chance to learn from their colleagues and get new information from other sources.

Horizon Wind holds last open house

Horizon Wind has filled its responsibilities to consult area residents about their proposed wind park.  The last open house was held Tuesday night, and Project Co-ordinator Nhung Nguyen says they're now readying their application to the Ministry of Environment. Nguyen says they're not sure when they'll be ready to send in the renewable energy approval application.

Family health team announced for Tbay

The provincial government is green lighting the creation of another family health team in Thunder Bay. Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro announced the funding yesterday. Mauro says it's a joint project between the hospital and an already existing clinic. It could take three to four years before the family health team is up and running. There are already four family health teams working in the Thunder Bay area.

One man hurt during an armed robbery

Thunder Bay police are looking for a man who robbed the Subway in the North downtown yesterday night. The robbery happened just after 8 o'clock when the man jumped over the counter with a knife and demanded cash. An employee received non life threatening injuries during the robbery.

One dead after early morning single vehicle accident

Thunder Bay police are investigating a fatal collision that happened early this morning. Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says the driver lost control of his vehicle in the intersection of Algoma and Red River and hit a retaining wall.  Adams says 52 year old Timothy McLellan was pronounced dead at the health sciences centre and the investigation will continue to find the cause of the crash. 

Trevor Giertuga running for council again

Councillor Trevor Giertuga has filed his papers to run in the upcoming municipal election. Giertuga finds himself in a 3 horse race in McIntyre ward. He has sat on council for the past 10 years.