Woman Recovering After Fire

One person is recovering from suspected smoke inhalation after a fire at a house at 261 South Algoma Street this afternoon .   Fire Platoon Chief Dan Hyvarinen says when they arrived smoke was coming from the upper floor of the home.   He says a woman who was in the house at the time of the fire was taken to hospital as a precaution.  Hyvarinen says there is some smoke and fire damage inside the house.   He says the blaze was started by a kitchen grease fire.

Unifor New Super Union

The super union created by the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union and the Canadian Auto Workers has a new name.  The new name and logo was unveilled this morning.  They'll go by the name Unifor.  The new union will represent over 6-thousand in Thunder Bay and the region.

OPP Report Two Area MVC's

Police are investigating a two vehicle collision at the Chippewa Road/Highway 61 intersection. The mishap occurred yesterday at 3:30 pm. Both drivers were transported to hospital with  injuries which  OPP say are not life threatening.  A 75 year old city resident is charged.   Also yesterday afternoon a 52 year old Thunder Bay man was flown to the Regional Health Sciences Centre as a precaution after the fuel truck he was driving left the road and hit a rock cut 100 kilometres up Highway 527.  Police say a small fuel spill was also cleaned up.

Lighthouse Negotiations Continue

The Friends of Trowbridge Lighthouse are continuing talks with the Federal Government to acquire 10 area lighthouses. The Feds deemed the Thunder Bay Main lighthouse as well as 9 others in the region surplus. Lighthouse Spokesperson Paul Moralee says they've formulated a business plan to operate the lighthouses in one form or another. Moralee says they're going into their second meeting with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans next week.

Fundraiser Saves Dryden Fireworks

There will be Canada Day fireworks this year in Dryden after all.   The city was forced to cancel the event because of budget cutbacks, however a fundraising campaign, lead by Acadia Broadcasting,  helped raised 11 thousand dollars from the community to hold the event.

Child Porn Charges Face Local Man

A Thunder Bay man is due back in court June 7th after appearing this week on kiddie porn charges.   46 year old Michael Payne was charged in January of this year after police say they conducted an online investigation.  They say computer data was seized at the time of the arrest.   Payne faces two charges, possession and distribution of child pornography.

MNR Forest Fire Hazard

The forest fire hazard in Northwestern Ontario remains high.  Heather Pridham with the Ministry of Natural Resources says the wet weather should help a bit.  There are currently two active fires, one in the Dryden District and the other in the Nipigon area.

Proposed New Rules May Impact Tourism

A Ministry of Natural Resources proposal to reduce daily catch limits from four walleye to two for non-resident anglers will hurt camp owners.  So says Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell.  Speaking in the Legislature, Campbell stated the MNR is designed to prevent fish stocks from diminishing.  Campbell is urging the government to review their decision.

Family Memorials Wants To Buy Remco

Thunder Bay's Family Memorials wants to purchase western headstone company Remco.  The two businesses signed a letter of intent recently.  The proposed sale is subject to regulatory approvals.

Morgentaler Called A True Canadian Hero

A Thunder Bay feminist says pro-choice people all across Canada are saddened by the death of Henry Morgentaler on Wednesday at the age of 90.  Sara Williamson says he will always be remembered for his strong stand for abortion rights and calls him a true Canadian hero because he saved the lives of many women at great personal sacrifice to himself.  Williamson says the free access to abortions  has benefited women and society.

Local Gallery Up For Premier's Award

The Definitely Superior Art Gallery is getting some recognition again.   The government has selected the local gallery as a finalist for a Premier's Arts Award.    Gallery director David Karasiewicz says this nomination is good for the city because, not only does it raise the profile of the gallery, but of Thunder Bay as well. The ceremony will take place on June 27th in Toronto.

South Side NDP Still Wait For Candidate

The provincial NDP on the city's south side is still not ready to select a candidate to take on Bill Mauro in the next election.  Robin Rickards of the Thunder Bay-Atikokan Riding Association says there are currently two candidates in the running, school board trustee George Saarinen and Mary Kozorys.  Rickards says two are waiting to be vetted by provincial party officials. Until that happens, no date can be set for a nomination meeting.  

Bishop Reacts Carefully To Morgentaler's Death

The death of Dr. Henry Morgentaler is being treated with mixed reaction .  He died yesterday at the age of 90. While Morgentaler is lauded by supporters as a hero for the right of women to have abortion on demand,  on the other side of the debate is the Catholic Church.  When asked for his reaction to the news of Mortgentaler's death, local local Bishop Fred Coli searched carefully for words.   Coli says he could never agree with  the doctor's attitude and approach to abortion , but agrees he was definitely a newsmaker in his time.

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.

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.

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.

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.