Police "Maced" By Man

A 28 year old man is to make a court appearance tomorrow after police say their officers were allegedly sprayed with bear mace.  They say it happened early this morning on McIntyre Street when they tried to take a man into custody who was carrying around a machete. Police say they drew their guns to make the arrest.

Jared Staal To Make NHL Debut

The Carolina Hurricanes now have three Staal brothers on the roster after Jared Staal was called up from their AHL affiliate in Charlotte. He will join brothers Eric and Jordan Staal.    Jared will make his NHL debut Thursday night against the New York Rangers.

Campbell Tries To Spur Gov't Action

The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River is calling on the premier to address the social conditions in First Nation communities.Speaking at Queens Park, Sarah Campbell says it's unfair that these communities have to declare a state of emergency to get some attention from the government. A remote Northern First Nation declared a state of emergency last week due to recent suicides and the issue of prescription drug abuse.

Gravelle Says He Lobbied For ELA Decision

MPP Michael Gravelle is taking some of the credit for helping to save the Experimental Lakes Area . The province has agreed to keep the scientific research in the area near Vermillion Bay going. Gravelle says he has been lobbying on behalf of provincial control over the area.

Gravelle says it's important also find a way to keep the ELA open for the longer term saying the research conducted there is invaluable.

Ontario Replacing Bridge On Hwy 11

The Provincial Government is hiring Dalcon Enterprises to replace the Blackwater River Bridge near the Highway 580 junction. The 4.4 million dollar project will create 40 jobs near Beardmore.

Fire Called To Hospital

Thunder Bay Fire Crews spent a short time at the Health Sciences Centre today.  There wasn't a fire but crews found a little bit of smoke in the area and closed the case.

NOMA AGM In T.Bay

Municipal leaders from across the region are in Thunder Bay for the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Annual General meeting.  The highlight of the 3 day conference, which starts today, is a forum with 8 Ontario Ministers.  Conservative Leader Tim Hudak and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath will also address delegates.  There will also be an appointment of a new President.  Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield is widely expected to replace Ron Nelson who has indicated he won't seek another term.

Resolute Gives Money To Cancer Fund

Thunder Bay's Resolute Forest Products Woodlands workers are celebrating being injury free for a year.  The company is marking the achievement with a 5-thousand dollar cheque to the Northern Cancer Fund at the hospital.

Police Launch Senior Abuse Video

Thunder Bay Police are tackling the issue of crimes against seniors. They're launching a special video today that will speak to First Nation residents about the growing concern about senior abuse.  Constable Diane MacLaurin says the video was greatly needed. The video is narrated by a local elder who speaks in her native language and English.

ELA To Stay Open In 2013

The Provincial Government is coming to the rescue of the Experimental Lakes Area.  Ontario is teaming up with the Manitoba Government and Feds to keep the ELA open in 2013.  The province will provide operating support and work toward an agreement to keep the facility open well into the future.

TBRRI Looking For New CEO

The Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute is looking for a new CEO.   It comes with the sudden departure of Michael Wood. Board Chair Keith Jobbitt will not discuss the details surrounding Wood's exit but says Roxanne Deslauriers is going to take over on an interim basis until a permanent replacement can be found.

Horizon Wind Clears Another Hurdle

Horizon Wind is one step further towards building its wind energy park in Thunder Bay.  The Ministry of Environment has determined the Big Thunder Wind Park's Renewable Energy Approval application meets the requirements of the Green Energy Act.  The company's REA still needs to be approved before Horizon can commence construction on the first phase of their project on the Nor'Wester escarpment.

Highway 17 Fully Open

Ontario Provincial Police say Highway17 on the north shore is open. It was closed most of the day between Nipigon and Marathon because of weather related issues.

Meeting Set For Northern Mayors

Lobby efforts for a one-on-one meeting to discuss property assessments in northern Ontario have finally paid off.  The Northern Mayors Coalition has secured a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Finance in Toronto on Monday morning. Mayor Craig Nuttall says several communities withholding payment to the province's assessment office may have been the turning point

LU Clinic Has Full Time Dr.

The Sports Medicine Clinic at Lakehead University now has a full time doctor. Dave McKee says he's happy to take on a position that he's always had a fleeting interest in having worked with alpine and world cup skiiers.   Dr. McKee comes to LU from the Emergency Department at the Regional Hospital.

Prostate Cancer Fundraiser Back For Another Year

Organizers are gearing up for the 13th annual Bell Motorcycle Ride for Dad this June.  Spokesperson Ted Ciotucha says the event not only raises money for the Northern Cancer Fund but also awareness about Prostate Cancer.  The ride will take place at the Victoria Inn Saturday, June 15th.

Big Coke Bust In Kenora

Police in Kenora are sitting on a sizable seizure of cocaine.  They say 7 kilos of the contraband, worth an estimated 750 thousand dollars, was discovered after they stopped a speeding vehicle on the Trans Canada Highway in the community yesterday.    A 26 year old man from Pickering is charged.

AK-47 Seized At Bearskin Lake FN

A resident of Bearskin Lake First Nation is facing police questions after a prohibited assault weapon was found in his home.  Police say the discovery of the AK-47 and two high capacity magazines was made after a raid on the house yesterday.   So far police have not charged the 57 year old man.

Highway 17 Closed At Terrace Bay & Marathon

Highway 17 is closed near Marathon this hour as several transports are stuck on Angler's Hill.  OPP say sanders are en route to assist the vehicles that are unable to move due to slippery road conditions.  The highway is closed eastbound at Terrace Bay and westbound at Marathon while police try to get the transports moving again.

Atikokan General Gets $

Some provincial dollars for the Atikokan General Hospital.MPP Bill Mauro has announced 606-thousand-dollars that will go to fund a Regional Chief Information Officer for two years. This project supports the creation of hospital eHealth plans that align with regional plans. It's part of a 20-million-dollar commitment to help small and rural hospitals in Northwestern Ontario.