Hyer training at CFB Trenton

Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer joined Canadian Forces personnel for training at CFB Trenton this week. The training is part of a program for a limited number of parliamentarians to gain better understanding of Canada's military. As a former bush pilot, Hyer says its a honour to be training at 8 Wing Trenton with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

FedNor funding used on intern

A Thunder Bay based geological consulting firm is 27 thousand dollars richer thanks to FedNor funding. FedNor Minister Tony Clement is giving the cash to Fladgate Exploration Consulting. The money will be used to hire a youth intern. FedNor Minister Tony Clement says the intern will help the company expand its services into international markets.

Young thug sends woman to hospital

A 90 year old woman is in critical condition after being robbed in front of the OLG Casino on Friday evening.  Police say that she was thrown to the ground after someone grabbed her purse.  They say the suspect is a man in his 20's or in his teens. A picture has been given to our newsroom to post on our blog.  They are also hoping any witnesses to the robbery come forward with more information.

CFI awards grant to LU prof

Lakehead University Sociology professor, Chris Southcott has been awarded a Leaders Opportunity Fund grant worth $87, 246 dollars. It was given by the Canada Foundation for Innovation. This grant will contribute to research aimed at the sustainable development of natural resources in Canada's Arctic. Southcott's project will establish regional social science labs at Lakehead University. Lakehead University President, Brian Stevenson says " Dr. Southcott's work in the Arctic is a stellar example of how Lakehead University contributes to solving real-world issues that impact populations all around the world."

First Nation communities not in favour of hydro dams

Several First Nation communities in the far North are seeking legal action to stop provincial power contracts to hydro dams on their traditional lands. Grand Council Treaty 3 is concerned that the contracts will have adverse effects on aboriginal and treaty rights and is asking an Ontario court to set them aside. They want a review over what they say was a failure to consult and accommodate treaty harvesting rights by the government in developing the contracts. They claim the ministry of energy ``acted dishonourably'' by ignoring their claims, rights and jurisdiction. The complaint is related to 5-hydro generating plants in Kenora, Norman, Fort Frances, Calm Lake and Sturgeon Falls.

Telehealth coming soon

Over 2-million dollars in North West Local Health Integration Network is going to support "telehealth" in our Region. The money will be used by various organizations to hire 28-new "telemedicine" nurses. More residents will be able to receive care from specialists closer to home. In 2010-2011, the use of telemedicine in Northwestern Ontario resulted in more than 11-million dollars in avoided travel costs and more than 27-million kilometres in avoided patient travel.

Fire hazard drops in NWO

The fire hazard is starting to drop across Northwestern Ontario. Recent rains have reduced the hazard into the low to moderate range in time for the Labor Day Long Weekend. Currently there are just 36 forest fires considered active in the region, two of those popped up in the last 24 hours. The MNR is continuing to be assisted by 80 fire crews from out of the province.

Nishnawbe-Aski Nation drug epidemic

The Nishnawbe-Aski Nation is calling on Ottawa to help stem what its calling an epidemic of prescription drug abuse across Northwestern Ontario. Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin says it has been 2-years since they declared a state of emergency because of drug abuse, but government response has been minimal. Fox is calling on youth to take up the fight against prescription drug abuse on First Nations. The Bearskin Lake First Nation resident says oxycodone tablets are selling anywhere from 500 to 600-dollars each.

MTO responds

The City of Dryden didn't ask for any financial support to pave Highway 17 through town. That's according to the Ministry of Transportation in response to comments made this week by Mayor Craig Nuttall that the MTO won't pay the full cost of the project. The MTO says the deadline to apply for financial support was last October and the Government received no application from the City of Dryden.

EC investigates Murillo tornado

The possible tornado that hit Murillo and parts of Thunder Bay Friday morning is being called a "down-burst wind event." A preliminary assessment has been conducted by Environment Canada and they plan on investigating the damaging winds further by examining their radar system. Powerful winds damaged property and took down trees in Murillo, while hail was experienced in parts of Thunder Bay.

Buses avoid bridge

Thunder Bay Transit will stop going over the James st. bridge starting September 6th. Instead buses will take Montreal Street to highway 61 and down Chippewa Road. Although this route adds a few minutes, Transit planning analysts say its safer for passengers.

T.Bay Port not slowing down

Thunder Bay's Port Authority is seeing increases in the amount of cargo it sees on a monthly basis. In August, over 789 thousand tonnes of coal, grain, potash, bulk goods and general cargo came through the local port. That's a hundred thousand more tonnes than that same month in the previous year.

Chief re-elected

Ginoogaming First Nation has re-elected its Chief. Celia Echum is back for a third term as the head of the First Nation beating her opponent 127 to 60.

Candidates in Kenora-Rainy River Riding

There could be as many as 5-candidates in the upcoming Provincial election in the Kenora-Rainy River Riding. The Northern Ontario Heritage Party says it has 1-candidate ready to file nomination papers locally. The party is expected to release the name of the candidate in the next few days. Leader of the party, Ed Deibel says they plan to have a candidate in all 11 riding's across Northern Ontario.

T.Bay Police attend 9/11 ceremony

Thunder Bay Police are taking part in the tenth anniversary of 9/11 in New York.  Constable Roxanne Samec, Detective Constable Heidi Moore and Detective Constable Diane MacLaurin leave on September 7th.  The three will present a special plaque during the ceremonies in NYC.

EC investigates Murillo tornado

Parts of Thunder Bay and Murillo experienced wicked weather this morning.  Environment Canada is investigating a possible tornado in Murillo.  A barn and riding arena were damaged during the storm.  The investigator will look to see if it was caused by a strong burst of wind or a weak twister.  Large chunks of hail came down during today's storm in the Lake Superior area.

Its the final weekend to vote for PA Stadium

Its the final weekend of voting for Baseball Canada's Favourite Ball Park in Canada and the city's International Baseball Association is hoping for a big push.  Chair Larry Hebert says we are trailing London by a couple of percentage points.

Break and Enter at Wasco Drive

A 26 year old local man is in custody after police received a call that someone had broken into a home in the 100 block of Wasco Drive.  He's charged with theft under 5 thousand dollars and 2 counts of breach of probation.

Con College stays open

Its pretty much business as usual at the 9 Confederation College Campuses across Northwestern Ontario.  Some 230 support staff walked off the job this morning.  Vice-President Academic Judi Maundrell says most programming will run as scheduled when classes resume on Tuesday.  The continuing education courses will be delayed by a week.  The College may be forced to delay its aviation program.   

Body of American found

The body of a missing American has been recovered from Lake of the Woods.  68-year-old Bill Amason left his camp last Saturday and failed to return.  His body was located yesterday by the OPP Marine Unit.  Police believe that the Florida resident, who lived seasonally in Morson, tried to swim to his boat after it drifted away.  A post-mortem examination is scheduled for today in Kenora.