DSSAB waits for more info on fatal fire

An official with the District Social Services Administration Board says the death of a tenant in one of it's apartments is tragic. The blaze Wednesday night in room 113 at 120 South Cumberland killed one man. Don Tront says they are trying to reach out to any concerned tenants. He says in this case staff made contact with the Tenants Association and offered any assistance to reduce the impact. Tront says he's waiting to get more information about the incident.

NOMA meets Friday

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association plans to appoint an Interim President Friday.  NOMA is meeting in the City Friday afternoon.  Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown is the current acting President and says he would like to keep the job if no one else wants it.

Mills in receivership

Two Northwestern Ontario mills are now in receivership.  Spokesperson Yves Fricot says a Toronto court has put a receiver in charge of Atikokan Forest Products, and Northern Sawmills.  A Bankruptcy Trustee is now in charge of Buchanan Northern Hardwoods and Great West Timber.

Still no bail hearing for Hernandez

The earliest that Christian Hernandez can be free on bail is Monday.  The 25 year old Thunder Bay man's bail hearing is being delayed by a legal issue. The prosecution wants the lawyer for Hernandez, Chris Watkins, taken off the case citing a possible conflict on interest. Justice Joyce Pellettier will make a ruling on that Monday morning. Hernandez is facing a charge of impaired driving causing death. It follows a traffic accident just days before Christmas which killed 45 year old Richard Carmichael.

Forest reform on the way

The provincial government is introducing legislation that would modernize the forest tenure system.  The system would include a pilot project of an organization that would oversee the sale of timber.  Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce President Harold Wilson says he's pleased with the changes.  The other initiative is a new company that would include a number of mills and forestry stakeholders that would manage the forest licence system.  OFIA President Jamie Lim is commending the changes and says Minister Gravelle is going where no other Minister has gone before.

RFDA Chair Steps Down

The Regional Food Distribution Association is saying goodbye to its Chair.  Executive Director Volker Kromm says Larry Brigham is stepping down to deal with his health.  Kromm says he will be missed and no one can rival his passion for the RFDA's programs and services.  Vice Chair Kelly Hicks will be stepping into the role.

Target could be coming to Thunder Bay

Will Thunder Bay soon be the home of Target? That's too early say company officials. The US retailer is purchasing over 200 Zellers stores for 1.83 billion dollars. Spokesperson Amy Riley says the company is really excited about coming to Canada and will now be contacting land owners.  Riley says once that process is complete, the company will begin evaluating possible locations with the goal of opening as many as 150 locations by 2013.

Fatal fire claims one man's life

One man is dead after an apartment fire late last night.  Just before midnight Thunder Bay Fire and rescue responded to the blaze in apartment 113 of 120 South Cumberland street.  Crews quickly dealt with the inferno and discovered the body of the man in the apartment.  Officials believe careless smoking is the cause of the fire and are investigating.