Two charged in undercover bust

Two people are in custody after an undercover drug bust by Drug Enforcement Officers in Thunder Bay. Police say the two arrested are 48 year old Jesse Rita Magiskan of Aroland First Nation and 48 year old Andrew Clarence Williams of Gull Bay First Nation. A number of oxycodone and morphine pills were seized and police also seized a high powered rifle. The two were in court yesterday.

1.32 million dollar investment for Global Sticks

The Provincial Government is providing 1.32 million dollars towards the Global Sticks plant.  Oliver Paipoonge Mayor Lucy Klusterhuis says it's a big deal for her community.  The manufacturing plant will be home to 130 new jobs and make sticks for ice creme bars, corn dogs, and paint paddles.

Gravelle talks First Nation inquiry

Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle is kicking off his long weekend with a meeting with protesters and First Nation leaders.  A protest demanding an inquiry into missing First Nation teens took place outside Gravelle's office today. Gravelle says they are working on getting an inquiry off the ground.  Gravelle is also speaking with Ginoogaming First Nation today about their wood allocation application.

Thunder Bay Inflation rate rises

Thunder Bay now has the 2nd highest inflation rate in Canada. Our rate rose to 3.7 percent up from last month's 3.4. The National rate stayed steady at 3.3 percent.

AbitibiBow challenges Fort Frances taxes

Concern is being expressed by the town of Fort Frances over AbitibiBowater's decision to appeal its property assessment back to 2009.  Mayor Roy Avis says if the company is successful, the loss in tax revenue would equate to an 8-point-4 per tax increase.  There is no word yet when the Assessment Review Board will discuss the appeal.

Attawapiskat gets new school

Ottawa has set aside funds to accelerate the construction of a new elementary school for a remote Northern First Nation.  Elementary classes have been held in portables on Attawapiskat First Nation since 2000, when the original school was condemned.  Area MP Charlie Angus says it's good news. The Federal Government says it hopes to have the new school open in 2013.

Talk of the Manitoba Moose relocating here premature

Ice Edge Holdings is staying out of the speculation surrounding a possible NHL team in Winnipeg.  Rumours suggest Thunder Bay could be a destination for the Manitoba Moose who would likely be forced to relocate if Winnipeg gets an NHL franchise.  Ice Edge CEO Anthony Leblanc says if an opportunity arises to bring a team to Thunder Bay they will explore it.

Teens awarded bursaries

Two Thunder Bay teens will be given five thousand dollars each today for their post secondary education. Elyssia Adamo of St. Ignatius and Matthew DeGagnes of St. Patrick's are this year's bursary winners from the Justice Ronald B Lester foundation.

Red Cross collecting donations for Alberta

Thunder Bay's Red Cross is looking for help for Slave Lake residents. Spokesperson Ken Widdifield says they're collecting money for relief efforts in Alberta. Money will go towards shelters, food, and emergency clothing. To make a donation call the local Red Cross or stop by their office.

Mom recounts her child's bike accident

It's a scary moment in a parent's life when your child is involved in an accident. That's no different for Sarah Rommell-Gray whose son, Josh, was hit by a car on Redwood Avenue while on his bike.  It turns out that Josh was wearing his helmet which resulted in only minor injuries.  Police presented Josh with a new helmet to help promote their use.

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Former PM stands up for Dennis Franklin Cromarty

A former Prime Minister is calling on the Federal Government to fund a residence for the Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School. Paul Martin says a residence for young remote first nation teens attending high school in Thunder Bay is critical.  Martin is making the comments after the school requested funding for a residence from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.  Martin says INAC has turned them down.

Fishing season starts this weekend

The May long weekend marks the start of the fishing season in Northwestern Ontario. Conservation Officer Ross Johnston says you can expect to see them out on area lakes and roadways. They'll be checking to see that boats have the proper amount of floatation devices as well as fishing regulations are being observed. Johnston adds it's illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol.

NW LHIN has new blood

The Northwest Local Health Integration Network is welcoming two new members to it's board. Former Deputy Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation Goyce Kakegamic is embarking on a three year term. Ignace resident Dianne Loubier is appointed to a two year term.

Confed Teacher ready for Iron Man

A teacher at Confederation College is attempting his 13th Iron Man this weekend. Tim Matthews says he is doing the race because the training is a great way to stay fit. Matthews will be swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles and then run a full marathon tomorrow.  He says once you are done physically its a mental battle to finish the race.

Camping season starts this weekend

The alcohol ban at provincial parks continues this May long weekend.  Parks Spokesperson Barb Rees expects a busy weekend despite the booze ban.  The alcohol ban is in place at Blue Lake, Rushing River, Sleeping Giant, Aero Lake and Silver Falls until May 24th.  Rees adds there's still open spots at Thunder Bay area camps.

Bike Helmet saves boy

Its another example of how bike helmets save lives.  A six year old boy was hit by a car yesterday evening at around 7 o'clock on Redwood Avenue.  Thunder Bay Police Constable Gordon Snider says the investigation concluded his helmet, coupled with the car going slower than the speed limit, likely prevented serious injury.  Snider says without a helmet it could have been a very different story.   

Ginoogaming wants wood allocation decision

Ginoogaming First Nation wants to know whether they'll be receiving a wood allocation from the Province.  Economic Development Manager Adolph Rasevych says they're going to be speaking with the Minister Michael Gravelle.  The Long Lac area First Nation has been waiting for over a year and a half to hear if they'll be successful.

No jail time for former daycare exec.

A former daycare official is serving a conditional sentence after pleading guilty to breach of trust. In court this week Sherrel Pucci had 4 fraud and theft related charges against her withdrawn. The charges related to her time working as the Executive Director of Footsteps Daycare. In addition to the conditional sentence, Pucci was ordered to pay a 100 dollar victim surcharge.

Canfield talks Northern Policy Institute

The Northern Policy Institute is starting to take shape.  The Institute was one of the key promises contained in the Northern Growth Plan released earlier this year.  Dave Canfield is vice-president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and says they recently had a chance to provide their input to the province.  Canfield admits that universities in Sudbury and Thunder Bay will likely get to host the Northern Institute.

Steps taken to prevent fire at Centennial Park

Actions are being taken to prevent a wild fire in Centennial Park.  Over the past 100 years fires have been suppressed creating an unhealthy forest.  City Parks Planner Werner Schwar says they're taking immediate actions like pruning trees and removing dead wood that will act like an accelerant.