Anti Wind Turbine Rally Tonight

The Nor'Wester Mountain Escarpment Protection group is rallying in protest of Horizon Wind's project on the Loch Lomond Watershed.   The fundraising event will be held at the Neebing Road house tonight from 5 until 7:30.  Spokesperson Irene Bond says they need to raise anywhere from 5 to 10 thousand dollars to hire an expert.  The expert will be hired to review the company's Renewable Energy Approval document.

Korkola Back In The System

A Thunder Bay man facing child pornography charges is back in the court system.  43 year old George Korkoka failed to show up for a scheduled court appearance earlier this year and had a bench warrant issued for his arrest   Police say that Korkola was finally picked up,  appeared in court this week and is scheduled to be back again on Monday.

Hyer Calls For End Of Confidence Motions

Independent MP Bruce Hyer is calling for an end to motions of confidence in Parliament.  Hyer has introduced a private members bill aimed at restricting the Prime Minister's ability to trigger an election over confidence votes.  Hyer hopes to get support from the opposition parties.

3 F.N.'s Sign Deal With Wisk Air

Three First Nation communities are signing multi-year agreements with Wisk Air Helicopters. The agreements will enable the First Nations communities to participate in helicopter services within their traditional territories, focusing on the Ring of Fire. Marten Falls, Fort Hope and Webequie First Nations all signed agreements with their helicopter company recently.

Campbell Calls For More In Budget

The provincial budget has some room for improvement.  Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is also urging the government to develop a better relationship with first nation communities in the region so that major projects such as the Ring of Fire and the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway west of Kenora, can move forward without delay.

Hudak Calls Out Province On MNR

Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak is against possible increases in Ministry of Natural Resources service fees.  In an interview with our newsroom, Hudak says it doesn't surprise him the Liberals have polled anglers and hunters in the northwest about what service fee increases they might accept.  Hudak says the Ministry of Natural Resources is becoming more and more like the Ministry of Environment.

Mauro Private Member's Bill

Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro is calling on the Government to improve access to testing for Celiac Disease.  Mauro introduced a private member's bill yesterday to expand Ontario's health coverage for the tests.  He introduced a similar bill several years ago.

New Student Trustee At LPSB

The Lakehead Public School Board is welcoming a new student trustee.  Sir Winston Churchill Grade 11 student Logan Turner is the latest teen to step into the gig.  Turner starts his duties on August 1st.

NW LHIN New Board Member

The local health authority is welcoming a new board member.  The North West LHIN's Board of Directors now has nine members with the addition of Cathy Farrell.  Farrell filled the last remaining vacancy on the LHIN board and her three year term started last month.  She's worked in a variety of settings in the child welfare realm.

MNR Fire Hazard Update

The forest fire hazard remains high across the Northwest Region.  A storm system is expected to move into the region bringing the potential for lightning strike caused fires.  Meanwhile, on Monday a fire in Gorham Township required joint fire crews from Lappe Fire and the MNR.  It's been declared out and an investigation is underway by Conservation Officers.

Chamber On Tax Increases

The Chamber of Commerce is worried that business tax ratios are on the rise after City Council made changes to tax rates.  On Monday, Council decided to lower the residential tax rate and increase the business tax.  President Charla Robinson says they understand that the circumstances were special this year and that it had to be done.  Robinson hopes this won't become an ongoing trend.