MPP Supports Treaty Three Police

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is pleased the Treaty Three Police Service is fighting to stay open. Campbell says First Nations policing is a must-have in Northwestern Ontario. Campbell says she's hopeful the Provincial and Federal Government understand the importance of the police service, and will provide appropriate funding going forward.

OPP Long Weekend Blitz

OPP are again reminding the public that they will be out in full force this long weekend looking for naughty drivers. This year's traffic enforcement blitz will focus on dangerous driving behaviours such as failing to move over for emergency vehicles. Sergeant Shelley Garr says they'll be out this long weekend making sure motorists obey the "Move Over Law". Garr says violating this law could cost you anywhere from 400 to 1200 dollars, and three demerit points upon conviction.

City Hall Sounds

Local food and art is going to be showcased at City Hall.  It's part of the City Hall Sounds program that will run from August 8th until August 29th from noon until 1.  McGillvray Square will play host to musicians and fresh produce.  The Crime Prevention Council is behind the initiative and hopes it will bring the community together to relax and enjoy what the City has to offer.

Best Of The Lake

Thunder Bay is being recognized on several fronts in Lake Superior Magazine's Best of the Lake awards.  The waterfront at Prince Arthur's Landing won the "Best Shoreline to Stroll".  The Terry Fox Visitor Information Centre is also the "Best Visitor Centre".  Meanwhile, Sleeping Giant Brewery won the best local made brew award.

Habitat For Humanity Looking For Families

Habitat for Humanity is looking for families to live in two homes they are renovating in Marathon.  The charity group will select families based on their level of need, their ability to repay a mortgage and their willingness to work with Habitat.  Completed applications can be dropped off at TD and Scotia banks as well as Copperfin Credit Union. The deadline to apply is August 30th.  

Sharp Happy To See Local Fans

Several hundred residents turned up to the Fort William Gardens today for their chance to see Chicago Blackhawk's star Patrick Sharp and the Stanley Cup.  One of those people is 9 year old hockey player Jesse Meakin who says Sharp is his hockey hero.  People started lining up at 7 this morning.  Meanwhile, Sharp will be hosting his 2nd annual Children's Golf Classic in support of the George Jeffrey Centre next week at the Fort William Country Club.  Sharp says he's flattered to see that many people show up to see him and the cup.

Canada Wide Arrest Warrant For T.Bay Man

A Canada Wide Arrest Warrant is being issued for a Thunder Bay man in relation to a sexual assault investigation involving a child.  It stems from an investigation that began on July 25th and has lead to charges against 62 year old Arthur Joseph Lyons.  Police have been attempting to locate the man but haven't been able to make contact.  Anyone with information of the whereabouts of Lyons is asked to contact police or Crimestoppers.

CTF Debt Clock In Town Today

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is kicking off their 28 day Debt Clock tour in Thunder Bay today.  Spokesperson Candice Malcolm says the clock will be set up at the Tourist Pagoda on Water Street and Red River Road.  The province-wide tour will showcase the provincial government's debt that is set to reach 272 billion dollars by the end of the year. 

E.C. Calls For More Rain

Environment Canada says we can expect more rain and thunderstorms today.  Meterologist Geoff Coulson says it doesn't look like the rain is going to let up.  Coulson says their radars and lightning detectors are showing the thunderstorm activity in the Thunder Bay area and Lake Nipigon.

Resolute's Big Plans

Things are moving along as Resolute Forest Products plans open a retooled plant in Ignace and its new sawmill in Atikokan next year.  President Richard Garneau says they're spending 32-million on the Ignace operation and 50 million dollars on the Atikokan plant.  While Garneau didn't comment on specifics with the Ignace plant, he says construction on the Atikokan plant will start soon, as they still have to cut some wood before starting the foundation.

Kenora Death

Foul play isn't suspected in the death of a man who was found sitting in a wheelchair in Kenora.  Provincial Police were called Tuesday evening, and say the deceased is 39 year old Craig Shawataskung.   

Barb's Laundromat Robbed

Police are looking for a man they say robbed Barb's Laundromat on North May Street yesterday.  Just before 6:30 last night a man entered the Laundromat, threatened an employee with a syringe and demanded money.  The suspect took off with the money heading south on May street.  Police describe him as 6 feet tall weighing 210 pounds, wearing a white baseball hat, black sunglasses and a black zip up jacket.   Anyone with information is asked to contact police or Crimestoppers.

OCAP & Ontario Work On Framework

The pressure is on to establish a Framework agreement with the Ontario Coalition of Aboriginal Peoples and the Province.  OCAP President Brad Maggrah says it's one of the topics he will bring up at their Annual General Assembly on Sunday.  Maggrah says they have 9-districts across Ontario, and is calling on folks to write to their MP's regarding issues facing off-reserve aboriginals.

Sharp Brings Cup Back

Thunder Bay is getting another visit from Lord Stanley's legacy. The Stanley Cup is in the City Friday and is being brought here by Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Sharp.  The cup and Sharp will be at the Fort William Gardens from 12 until 2 tomorrow.  The last time Sharp brought the cup to the City was July 2010.

Debt Clock In T.Bay Friday

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is kicking off their 28 day Debt Clock tour in Thunder Bay tomorrow. The province-wide tour will showcase the provincial government's debt that is set to reach 272 billion dollars by the end of the year.  The clock will be set up at the Thunder Bay Tourist Pagoda on Water Street and Red River Road.

NOSM Gives Out Grants

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is doling out cash to future MD students.  16 students are getting 6-thousand dollars each in grant money.  The med school doubled the amount of grants awarded this year from 8 to 16 to provide more opportunities to potential students.

Charges Laid In Algoma/Clavet Collision

Police are charging a 48 year old woman after two vehicles collided at the intersection of Algoma and Clavet Street on Wednesday afternoon.  Traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter says a red Dodge sedan was eastbound on Clavet St and collided with a southbound black Ford pick-up truck in the intersection.  The driver of the sedan has been charged with a stop sign related violation.

Ciao Festa Italiana

The annual Festa Italiana takes place this weekend.  It's a chance to experience that country's culture and food.  Organizer Benny Melchiorre (Mel-Chore-ee) says the popularity of the event continues to grow.  This year's event includes Pino Gioia from Italy and they'll be drawing for a trip for two to Italy on Monday at 10 pm.  The Italian Society of Port Arthur event is on this Sunday and Monday at the Italian Cultural Centre on Algoma. 

Pricey Hydro One Project

Hydro One is set to spend 25-million dollars on the construction of a new transformer station for the Rainy River district.  The station, to be located in Barwick, will replace an existing and aging one in Fort Frances.  Spokesperson Tiziana Baccega Rosa says they have all of the approvals in place to start work.  She says the station will improve the electricity capacity for the area between Fort Frances and Rainy River.

Low Fire Hazard

Not much work lately for Ministry of Natural Resources fire crews in northwestern Ontario.  The cool and damp weather has knocked down the fire hazard to low across the region.  There are 33-active fires in Northwestern Ontario.  30 of the blazes are being monitored and 3 are under control.