NOHFC Funding For Atikokan

Two Atikokan businesses are getting money from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.  Exclusive Wilderness Excursions will use almost 124 thousand dollars to expand their business.  They're going to build an 8 unit motel and hire six new people.  Calm Lake Break which makes whole grain bread is using almost 5 thousand dollars to build an outdoor oven.

Mayor Says Thanks

Thunder Bay's Mayor Keith Hobbs is saying thank you to the many people and organizations who helped move evacuees back to Sandy Lake.  The 574 evacuated residents returned home from Thunder Bay over the weekend.  Hobbs says the local Fire and Rescue played a big role in coordinating the response efforts.  The evacuees were forced out of their homes because of smoke from area forest fires.

TBDHU Respiratory Illness

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is warning the public of a respiratory illness outbreak at Lakehead Manor. All admissions, transfers, discharges and social activities have been cancelled until further notice. Visitors are restricted to family members and caregivers only.

TSB Wraps Up Plane Crash Investigation

The Transportation Safety Board has wrapped up it's investigation into Sunday's plane crash near Sioux Lookout. A TSB Spokesperson says a gust of wind caused the pilot to lose control of the plane over Pelican Lake. The plane's pilot and four passengers all suffered minor injuries. Slate Falls Airways is also conducting it's own investigation into the crash.

Kenora Area Boat Accident

The OPP have charged a second person in connection with a boat accident on Lake of the Woods last week.  Police say 40 year old Kristin Hanson of Winnipeg was the operator of a 19 foot crown line, which was involved in a collision with a 15 foot Bayliner last Sunday morning.  She's been charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident.  The 25 year old operator of the Bayliner was charged with impaired operation of a vessel causing bodily harm.  Hanson is due to appear in Kenora Court in October on the charge. 

Ministry of Labour Investigating Injured Worker

The Ministry of Labour is investigating a report of an injured worker at Thunder Bay's Interim Long Term Care Facility. Ministry Spokesperson Matt Blajer says they received an anonymous tip with photos on July 24th. A note advised the Ministry that a worker received an electrical shock while resetting the elevator controls.

Pay A Parking Ticket Online

There's a new way for you to pay your Thunder Bay parking tickets.   Suzanne Christie is part owner of Shout Media and says they'll pay your parking ticket for you for a small price.  Christie says they're not involved with the City.  Shout Media pays the ticket on behalf of the person who was fined.  To check out the rates and find out more click here.

Green Party Weighs In On Ring Of Fire

The Leader of the Ontario Green Party feels the Liberals are mishandling the development of the Ring of Fire. The green party leader spoke out recently about the project noting his party supports mining development when it's done right. Mike Schreiner says the Government is rushing the project through. Schreiner says the mineral resources found in the Ring of Fire aren't going anywhere and there isn't a need to rush the process.

Fair Starts Tomorrow

Time is running out to get your advance tickets for the CLE fair.  Metro will be selling the wrist band and admission tickets up until 9 Tuesday night.  CLE Spokesperson Lawrence Timko says they're ready to open the fair gates Wednesday at noon.  The fair runs until Sunday at midnight.

MNR Says Goodbye To Out Of Town Crews

M.N.R. officials are letting fire crews from out of province head home after the forest fire situation eased over the weekend.   The Ministry of Natural Resources say one new fire started on Sunday near Lake of the Woods near Kenora.  Out of province resources from Saskatchewan and New Brunswick were released from the Northwest Region assignment over the weekend.  Contract crews are also being released from fires. These resources provided support to the Northwest Region during the peak of fire activity.

Border Cats Cap Off Trip With Win

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are in desperation Mode. They won 10-5 yesterday on the road Against Rochester. They now have an off day today before beginning their final 3 game home stand of the regular season against Duluth. The Border Cats are 4 1/2 games back in the North Division with 5 games left to play.

Little League Update

The Thunder Bay All-Stars will play Lethbridge today in the semi-final in Regina at the Canadian Senior Little League championships. The All-Stars suffered a 13-1 loss to the tournament leaders from Quebec in their final round robin game yesterday and had to settle for a 3-2 record. Meanwhile at the Canadian Junior Little league championships in Lethbridge, Thunder Bay lost 8-7 to Quebec. They now sit with a record of 2-3 and play Alberta today, needing a win in order to try and make the playoffs which start tomorrow.

Cumming Defends Strathcona Invitational Title

Robert Cumming was successful in defending his Strathcona Invitational title. Cumming birdied the final hole to win his fourth invitational title over Mark Willianen. Randy Fossum took the Senior title, while Tony Stokaluk won the Super Senior Division.

Plane Crashes On Pelican Lake

Five people are feeling very fortunate to have suffered only minor injuries. A pilot and four passengers were taking a sight seeing tour over Sioux Lookout when their plane crashed shortly after take-off on Sunday on Pelican Lake. O.P.P. are crediting the rapid response by Emergency Services, citizens and Slate Falls Airways employees who assisted in getting everyone to safety. All five people sustained minor injuries and were treated and released from hospital.