Water levels hearing takes place next month

The public has a chance to comment on the results of a Canadian and American study on Great Lakes water levels next month. Canadian study manager Syed Moin says the 17 million dollar probe sets the stage for the future.  A public meeting locally will take place at Lakehead University August 10th. Anyone who can't attend the meeting, can submit comments on the study's website.

26 year old Brit needs tow

A young Brit who is on a cross-Canada fundraising tour needs your help.  Paul Everitt is raising money for soldiers who were wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq, but his four wheeled bike has broken down.  Everitt needs a tow from Wawa to Thunder Bay.  If you can help him, call him at 807-822-2687 or visit his website http://www.going-solo.co.uk/

18 year old gets lost in woods

An 18 year old girl is safe and sound after becoming lost in the Cascades conservation area.  The teen had become separated from her friends and lost her way while trying to walk out of the trail system.  She took shelter under a tree, where police found her.  She was taken by ambulance to the hospital.

Pikangiukum suicides

The Ontario Chief Coroner's Office is releasing some startling research on a rash of suicides in Pikangiukum First Nation.  Between 2006 and 2008, 16 young people, aged 10 to 19, killed themselves in the community north of Red Lake.  Deputy Chief Coroner for Ontario Doctor Bert Lauwers says education is key to tackling the problem.  The community's only school burned down in 2007 and the government has not yet rebuilt it.

Nexus travellers smuggle illegal goods

Newly released documents show Nexus travellers who are supposed to be low-risk have been caught trying to smuggle goods into the country illegally. The federal government says the program makes border patrol more efficient by allowing border guards to move Nexus members who have already undergone security clearances to pass through customs more quickly. But documents obtained under the Access to Information Act show more than a hundred Nexus travellers were caught smuggling goods valued in the thousands of dollars in the second half of 2010.

Hot weather brings more fires

Fire crews in Northwestern Ontario are being kept busy battling over 90 wildfires.  Officials say more forest fires are expected to start within days.  More than two-thousand staff fighting the fires will soon be getting help from 500 reinforcements from B-C. 

Missing teen found

The search for a missing teen in the city is over after police say Miranda Ritchie was located and returned to her guardian.   

Stolen bike leads to arrests

Two men are in police custody after a break and enter. The two are responsible for breaking into Fresh Air Experience around 11 o'clock last night and stealing a bike. A 32 year old male and a 25 year old male have been charged.

Police investigate sexual assault

Police couldn't get into details about an early morning sexual assault. The assault took place in the area of Ravenwood Street and Bethune Street. Police are looking for two male suspects who may have been involved.

Power back on

Residents north of Ear Falls now have power after a forest fire damaged several power lines. Hydro One crews repaired 80 hydro poles, allowing nearly 630 people to turn their lights back on. The area was without power for nearly one week.

Police seize oxy's and cash in bust

 A 57 year old city man is in custody following drug bust on the 400 block of Ambrose on Thursday. Police Staff Sgt. Murray Brown says it involved over 90 thousand dollars worth of Oxycodone tablets.  The man faces drug and proceeds of crime charges after almost the same amount of cash was discovered.  The man, who recently moved here from Quebec, will make another court appearance on Monday.

NAN talks water quality

Nishnawbe Aski Nation feels a recent water quality report confirms what they've known all along; that there's a lack of infrastructure in their communities.  NAN Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose says they don't need more studies to confirm what they already know; they need action.

Council tackles Birthday certificates

A Thunder Bay City Councillor doesn't think age should be an issue.  Ken Boshcoff is asking for a review of their Commemorative Gift Policy.  Boshcoff wants the review because several residents celebrated 80th Birthdays and the City wouldn't give them a certificiate.  You need to be 85 to receive a certificate from the City.

Social Assistance Review on the way

A review of the welfare system is underway.  The Social Assistance Review Commission will be in Thunder Bay this week for two public sessions.  Commissioner Frances Lankin will hear from front line staff and social service workers.

Northern Lights School starts in the fall

The Northern Lights Alternative School will be open this fall.  The temporary school will house 15 students until the public board starts its own alternative education program.  Organizers have yet to select a location for the school.

Drug bust in Sioux Lookout

Three Thunder Bay residents are charged after a drug bust in Sioux Lookout.  The Combined Forces Organized Crime unit searched a local hotel and seized a quantity of Oxy's, Marijuana, and cash.  A 36 year old man, 28 year old woman and 15 year old were charged.

MNR kepts busy with fires

Nine new fires have been reported in northwestern Ontario, bringing the total to 81 raging in the region. One of the new blazes is in the Dryden District, two in the Nipigon District, four are in the Red Lake District and two in the Sioux Lookout District.  The Fire Chief in Sioux Lookout has suspended all burning permits and open air burning including campfires and fireworks until further notice.

Accident near Fort Frances

At least two people have been taken to hospital in Fort Frances following a two-vehicle accident on Highway 502 this morning. It happened at around 9:30 this morning in the area of the Crow Rock Bridge, about 7 kilometres north of Highway 11. Police say the two people were from one vehicle and sustained injuries that are described as serious. The highway is open to one lane while officers continue to investigate.

Walmart finishes expansion

Big box powerhouse Walmart is even bigger.  Store Manager Ryan Holomego says the store has finished its expansion and now offers a full grocery area.  He says he's been hearing nothing but good feedback from customers.  The construction took 16 months to complete.

Kakabeka resident wins 50 K

A Kakabeka Falls resident is 50 thousand dollars richer thanks to a game of Instant Super Bingo.  Evelyn Otto won the cash on an OLG scratch ticket that she bought at the Good Luck Lottery Shoppe in Thunder Bay.