Wilson Not Upset With NOMA

No hard feelings from a local PC candidate to the decision by organizers to go ahead with a northern leaders election debate without Tim Hudak. The PC  party says it's too bad the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association couldn't have picked a date that was good for everyone.   However, Harold Wilson says NOMA did what it thought best.   Thunder Bay Superior North PC candidate Derek Parks isn't too worried his leader won't be at the event and says Hudak plans to visit Thunder Bay in the near future. Monday's debate at the Valhalla Inn will feature NDP leader Andrea Horwath and Kathleen Wynne of the Liberals.

No One Hurt In Northwood Blaze

No one is hurt after a mattress fire in a two storey duplex at 579 Redwood Ave around 10 o'clock this morning.  Fire Captain Craig Venables says that two people were in the home at the time but they escaped including one man who tried to put the fire out and when he couldn't, he called 9-1-1.  Venables says the blaze began in an upstairs rear bedroom.  The cause has been determined as accidental.

Canoeist Safe

A canoeist is safe and sound after a scare on Kawnipi Lake. OPP officers of the Rainy River District Detachment received reports that a canoeist sent a SPOT locator message for help Tuesday afternoon in Quetico Park.  The man's canoe had drifted away and left him stranded on an island. He was located and brought to safety.

Hobbs Supports Expansion Plan

Mayor Keith Hobbs says he supports a plan that would see a 3 million dollar addition to the Balmoral Street police station.   Hobbs says it's a project that's been discussed behind the scenes for some time now. Hobbs also stated the proposal is likely going to be discussed during budget deliberations next year and we could see a third floor added on in a couple of years.

Misappropriation Of Funds In Marathon

A Marathon woman is facing charges for involvement in misappropriation of funds.  Police received reports in September that an excess of 15-thousand dollars was missing from the Marathon Minor Hockey Association's bank account. 36 year old Trixie Gulliford is being charged with theft over 5-thousand dollars. She is set to appear in court July 24th in Marathon.

Green Party Leader Says He Can Make Debate

If the leader of the PC Party can't make it to a Northern Ontario debate, Mike Schreiner of the Greens is more than willing to take Tim Hudak's seat. Schreiner says if the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association gives the OK he'll head to Thunder Bay on Monday for the debate. Premier Kathleen Wynne and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath will take part, Hudak is unable to attend because of scheduling conflicts.

Catholic Board's Mustapic Retiring

The Superintendent of Business and Corporate Affairs with the Thunder Bay's Catholic School Board is retiring.  Tom Mustapic announced his retirement this week after more than 24 years with the board. Mustapic says he'll enjoy his down time and will do some consulting with a mining company that he's involved with.

Not Much Fire Activity

Not much activity on the forest fire front but the warm weather in the forecast may change things. The fire hazard remains low with only 9-human caused fires over the long weekend. A majority of the small fires were in the Thunder Bay and Nipigon districts. The region has only seen 16-fires this season.

Evacuees Set To Go Home Thursday

A short visit for residents from Attawapiskat First Nation. About 140 arrived in Fort Frances on the weekend as part of the 1-thousand airlifted away from their remote community due to flooding concerns.The town's public information officer, Patrick Briere says they are scheduled to return home Thursday. Briere says so far they've been able to meet the needs of the evacuees.

Anti-Homophobia & Transphobia Day

Today is International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Students and staff at Hammarskjold High School will be looking to create acceptance in the school through a number of activities, including an ally pledge.

Enter The Den

The 5 high school finalists in the annual Enter The Den contest get to present their business plans this week. Deborah Poole-Hofmann of Thunder Bay Ventures says the event allows students to come up with ideas and compete for cash prizes.  The event takes place at Hammarskjold High School tomorrow.

Group Creates Nature Reserve

Thunder Bay's Field Naturalists group is buying a new piece of property. They are creating a nature reserve in the Terrace Bay area.  The purchase agreement is expected to close on July 15th and they're looking for public donations to help pay for it.

Hamilton Police Want Suspension Without Pay

City Police appear to be on board with a call from their fellow officers out of Hamilton.  Hamilton Police want to see the Police Services Act amended to allow Chiefs of Police to suspend members without pay. Chief JP Levesque says they've seen cases in other police services where this option is needed. The issue is being brought up at the Ontario Association of Police Services Board meeting in Toronto this week.

Homelessness Town Halls Announced

Thunder Bay's Homelessness Coalition and members involved want to inform the voting public about poverty related issues and that's why they are holding a series of town hall meetings prior to the fall municipal election.  The three meetings will be held at the Finlandia Club on Bay Street with the first being held next Wednesday.