Missing angler in Ear Falls

The search is on for a missing angler on Wenasaga Lake, near Ear Falls.  OPP were notified on Saturday morning that a 73-year-old man from Minnesota went fishing and didn't return.  His capsized boat was found a shortime later in the water, along with some of his gear and a personal flotation device.  The Underwater Search and Recovery Unit is involved in the search. No name has been released.

C-dif situation normal: DHU

There is no unusual spike of the c-difficile super bug at the Regional Health Science's Centre. Ken Allen of the District Health Unit says the situation doesn't even come close to what is happening in the Niagara Region and he expects it to stay that way.  Allen says there are no reported cases above what is normal for c-difficile activity at the hospital

Land use plans complete

The Provincial Government is reporting that Cat Lake and Slate Falls First Nations have completed their land use plan.  The strategy identifies economic opportunities and areas of protection under the Far North Act.  The two First Nations and Ontario will now work together on implementing the plan.  Both communities say they will now be able to promote new activities while protecting their traditional territory. The Provincial Government says Pikangikum First Nation's land use plan has also been completed and 2-other strategies are about to be finalized.

Tim Hortons upset over MPAC assessments

A hearing has been scheduled for September on an appeal of the property assessment of several Tim Horton's stores in Northwestern Ontario.  The chain is arguing the assessment of several stories in Dryden, Kenora, Fort Frances and Thunder Bay is too high. The Assessment Review Board will hold a tele-conference September 6th to hear the appeal.

25 year old dies in Highway 11 crash

A 25 year old Northwest Angle resident is dead following a collision on Highway 11 just south of Sioux Narrows.  The OPP say the accident took place around 4:00 yesterday morning in the area of Fickas Road.

Police say a pedestrian was struck by a transport.  Dayton Kavenaugh was pronounced dead at the scene.  The OPP's Technical Traffic Collision Investigation Unit is continuing to investigate.

Fort William federally promoted

Fort William Historical Park is a signature experience. That's according to the Canadian Tourism Commission. They've added the park as one of 48 "signature tourism experiences". The federal agency is recommending the site to international travellers.

Memorial Walk heads to Thunder Bay

A group of Summer Beaver residents are embarking on a memorial walk from Pickle Lake to Thunder Bay. The walk is in memory of seven residents who died in a plane crash on September 11th in 2003.  The walk will take about 14 days.

Strathcona golf course damage

Almost 20 thousand dollars in damage was done to the Strathcona Golf Course in the City's north end.  Thunder Bay Police say an ATV was driven onto the holes sometime during Saturday night.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers.

National Park gets trail upgrade

Outdoor enthusiasts can again enjoy Pukaskwa National Park as it's meant to be enjoyed, on the hiking trail.  The 60 kilometre long Coastal Hiking Trail along the shore of  Lake Superior is now re-opened complete with major upgrades including the rebuilding of the White River and Willow River suspension bridges.

Housing Starts rise again

Housing Starts in Thunder Bay continue to rise.  CMHC analyst Warren Philp says last month saw a 50 percent increase in construction starts compared to June of last year. Philp says a huge jump in multi family units in the cause of the increase with 24 starts last month.  Philp says year to date numbers are also up with 99 starts since January, up from 77 over the same period last year.

CLE gears up for summer fair

Four days of fun are set for August 10th to the 14th at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition summer fair.  It's the CLE's 121st year offering the family event.  This year's event will include a home and garden show, creative arts and a youth talent search.

Distracted Driving Crack Down

Keep off your cellphones and keep your eyes on the road if you don't want to attract the attention of police. Provincial police officers are kicking off their second "Phone in One Hand, Ticket in the Other, Distracted Driving Campaign.'' Starting today, officers will be stopping any drivers caught using a hand-held communications device. Using a cellphone while driving could bring a 155-dollar fine.

Magma Metals continues drilling

A mining company working in the Thunder Bay area is going to extend its work throughout the summer months.  Magma Metals is pleased with the results from drilling and have decided to continue work on its platinum, palladium, copper and nickel program.

PA Stadium favourite ball park in Canada?

Port Arthur Stadium is a finalist for the favourite ballpark in Canada.  16 finalists have been chosen by Baseball Canada and people can vote for their parks on the Baseball Canada website over the next few weeks.

Forest Fire situation heats up

The Forest Fire Situation in Northwestern Ontario is causing some headaches for a number of communities.  Power has been knocked out in Pickle Lake, Cat Lake, Slate Falls and Musselwhite Mines after a fire scorched the main transmission line into the area.  Elsewhere, Evacuated residents of Deer Lake are still in Greenstone and now the Ministry of Natural Resources has put evacuation alerts in place in Sandy Lake, Cat Lake, North Spirit Lake, Keewaywin and Koocheching due to smoke from nearby fires.