Cargo Stats Down

The latest cargo stats from the Port of Thunder Bay show that grain numbers are down considerably from last year.  It says over half a million tons fewer tons of grain has moved through the harbour than at the same time last year.  Potash and coal numbers are also down.

New Law School Is Open

Lakehead University's new law school is officially opened.  A ceremony was there this morning with local politicians and dignitaries.   Confederation College President Jim Madder says he's been in conversation with the Law School Dean about cross programing between the two schools. The school is located on Red River Road in what used to be Port Arthur Collegiate.  

 

CLE Board Member Speaks Out

The general membership of the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition meets tonight to decide the future of one of the board of directors.   Board member Kathy Thompson says some members want to kick the unnamed person off.  She believes it's all about removing a director who has tried to prevent what Thompson calls "criminal acts" of driving after drinking in a boardroom bar that is free of charge to board directors,  24 hours a day seven days a week.   Tonight's meeting gets underway at 7 o'clock.

NOSM Makes Changes

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is making some changes in its management.  They've announced three senior appointments that include Dr. Janice Willett as the Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs, Dr. David MacLean as Assistant Dean of Research and Dr. Owen Prowse as Assistant Dean of Admissions.

Gravelle Acclaimed

Thunder Bay MPP Michael Gravelle is going to be back for another provincial election.  Gravelle was acclaimed at his nomination meeting last night at the Italian Cultural Centre.  He'll face the NDP's Andrew Foulds and P-C candidate Tamara Johnson in the fall of 2014.

Forest Fire Hazard Low

 Rain over the weekend, is helping fire fighting efforts in northwestern Ontario.  No new forest fires were reported over the Labor Day long weekend, and Saturday's precipitation has reduced the fire hazard to low across most of the region.  The number of active fires has dropped to just 17.

Rickford Upset With Province

Kenora MP Greg Rickford has mixed feelings over the new deal to keep the Experimental Lakes Area open.  While he's pleased they've come to an agreement with Ontario, Rickford is fuming mad with the way the provincial announcement was handled.  Rickford says all three parties agreed on a joint media release and the province turned around with a complete different version and with no mention of the federal Government.

Innova Park Not Zoned For Costco

The city owned industrial park is being talked about as a possible site for a new Costco store.  With the retail giant pondering new Canadian locations city spokesperson Mark Smith says unless city council votes otherwise, Innova Park isn't zoned for such a development.  Smith says Costco has not contacted the city about locating a store here.

Power Plant Still Up In The Air

It's more of the same message from the Premier on the future of the conversion of the Mission Island power plant.  When asked about where the conversion of the local plant stands, Wynne says Thunder Bay's two MPPs have stressed to her how important the plant is.  Wynne made the comments at a news conference yesterday in Thunder Bay.  She also talked about the fate of the Ring of Fire project and money for the City's proposed event centre.

OPA Launches Energy Saving Program

Two Remote First Nations are participating in a new energy saving program through the Provincial Government.  Andrew Pride is the Vice President of Conservation with the Ontario Power Authority, and says Keewayin and Wunnimin Lake will have access to the resources they need to help save energy in their communities.  A total of 12-Aboriginal Communities will participate in the first year.

FASD Awareness Day Monday

The NorWest Community Health Centre is teaming up with the City's four LCBO stores to raise awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.  FASD Awareness Day is set for September 9th and reps from the health centre will be speaking to people shopping at the stores that day.  The group's message is that there is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy.

Sousa & Wynne Talk Economy

Finance Minister Charles Sousa and Premier Kathleen Wynne are listening to local residents concerns about the economy.  They held a roundtable event at the Valhalla Inn this morning and Wynne says what she hears today will be used in the future.  City officials, members of the education sector, and business representatives took part in today's event.

Fire Hazard Back To Low

All the rain over the weekend, is helping fire fighting efforts in northwestern Ontario. No new forest fires were reported over the Labor Day long weekend, and Saturday's precipitation has reduced the fire hazard to low across most of the region. The number of active fires has dropped to just 17.

Missing Woman Found

The missing woman who was last seen in Geraldton is safe after being found in Thunder Bay.  Audrey Wright's daughter reported her missing and Police say she's ok and in the City.

TSB Looking Into Crash

Two people have walked away from a plane crash in the Kenora area.  The Cessna floatplane reportedly went down in the LacLu area Friday afternoon.  The pilot and a passenger sustained only minor injuries in the mishap.  Some anglers who were fishing nearby managed to rescue the occupants of the plane. Transportation Safety Board says it will be looking into the crash.

Police Seize Drugs In Longlac

Greenstone OPP are charging two people with trafficking cocaine as well as possession of other drugs after a search of a Longlac home.  On Friday, police searched the home and found cocaine, meth, and cannabis resin.

Police Deal With Man With Rifle

It was not a good wake-up call for a Tarbutt street man over the weekend.  Police say a resident in the 1300 block of Tarbutt noticed a man ransacking his vehicle early Monday morning.  When the resident went outside to approach the intruder, the thief pulled out a rifle.  The resident returned inside his home and called police.  The thief escaped and no one was injured.  Police are looking for a native-Canadian male in his early 20's, who was wearing a light blue hoodie.

Poverty Free T.Bay To Rally Tonight

Poverty Free Thunder Bay plans to rally at MPP Michael Gravelle's nomination meeting tonight.  Chair Terri Carter believes Premier Wynne will be in attendance and she wants to greet her with three demands.  Carter is looking for the Premier to demonstrate a commitment to reducing poverty.

School Board Ready For New Year

The Lakehead Public School Board is ready for the new school year.  Director of Education, Cathi Siemieiuk says they made major technology upgrades over the summer.  The board is also celebrating having full day kindergarten classes in each of their schools.  School starts tomorrow for public school kids.

Gravelle Nomination Meeting Tonight

Liberal MPP Michael Gravelle is holding his nomination meeting tonight for the Thunder Bay Superior North riding.   Gravelle says he feels good and wants to continue to represent the interests of his constituents.  The meeting will be held tonight at 6 at the Italian Cultural Centre.