Grassy Narrows Says No More Logging

The Grassy Narrows First Nations says its still waiting to hear from the provincial government about its demand not to issue any more logging permits for the Whiskey Jack Forest. A number of human rights, environmental and labor groups wrote a letter back in June, but say they still haven't heard back from Premier Kathleen Wynne. There has been a blockade at Grassy preventing any new logging activity for the past 10 years, but the community is looking for a commitment from the province to respect their wishes.

Van Danger

Rainy River OPP are warning parents about a report of a man driving a brown mini-van approaching young girls and asking them to come into the van. In the Atikokan situation the girls went inside their home and told their parent. Since that report, police have learned of a Facebook post that alerts the public of the incident but has made reference to a similar incident occurring in Thunder Bay. OPP can confirm that similar incidents have not been reported to either Thunder Bay Police Force.

Beyak Stands Behind Senate

Despite the scandals facing the Senate, Dryden's Lynn Beyak is standing behind it. Beyak was appointed to the Senate in January, and says she loves being a part of it. In regards to the prorogation of Parliament, which has yet to be confirmed, Beyak says it allows them to look at legislation which is currently on the books and make the right decision.

Running Event A Hit

The first annual Run Or Dye charity fun run is in the books. Hundreds of runners turned out at Boulevard Lake yesterday to take part and raise money for the Children's Centre Foundation.  The run gets its name from the powdered dye that gets dumped on participants prior to the run.

Ranger Program Wanted Back

Former members of the province's Ontario Ranger program will gather tomorrow as part of a lobby effort to bring back the program. The province axed its camps last fall.Spokesperson Emily Kerton says a rally today in Huntsville is being held to generate more public support. Kerton says they'll hoping to gain a meeting with government to discuss ways of bringing back the program.

CBSA Seizes Firearms

Canada Border Service Agents are reporting the seizure of six firearms at the Pigeon River and Fort Frances Border crossings.  The CBSA picked up four loaded handguns, two cannisters of pepper spray, a .38 semi-automatic and a loaded .38 revolver in three separate seizures last week.  The Americans were fined and charged.

Head On Collision Charges Pending

OPP are investigating the cause of a head-on collision between two vehicles on Highway 17 on Wednesday.  The accident happened in a construction zone 17 kilometres east of Terrace Bay.  The highway was closed for two hours and a man was sent to Thunder Bay hospital for treatment of his injuries.  Charges are pending.

TCP To Speak To Council

TransCanada Pipelines is going to speak to City Council on Monday about their proposed Energy East Pipeline project.  The project that is meant to bring Alberta's crude oil to the east coast doesn't directly go through the City but they still feel they should consult the community.  TransCanada Pipelines will also be holding an open house for area residents in September.

Chatty Drivers Caught

City Police teamed up with CN & CP Rail Police to spot chatty drivers using their cellphones while behind the wheel.  The rail police dressed as maintenance workers were posted at one end of the bridge while the uniformed officers were at the other to hand out tickets.  Six cell phone tickets, twelve seat belt infractions and a variety of other charges totaling 37 tickets were handed out in a three hour blitz yesterday.

Changes For Local Hair Salon Space?

The City is going to be clearing up some property and planning issues at it's Monday night meeting.  Staff are recommending changing a hair salon on the east side of Junot Avenue South into an apartment.  The building already houses two apartments with a parking area.

T.Bay Inflation Rate Up

Thunder Bay's inflation rate is on the rise.  Statistics Canada is reporting the City saw it jump from 1.2 percent in June to 1.6 percent in July.  Meanwhile, the national inflation rate edged up one-tenth of a point to 1.3 percent last month.

Rally For Ranger Program

Former members of the province's Ontario Ranger program will gather tomorrow as part of a lobby effort to bring back the program.  The province axed its camps last fall.  Spokesperson Emily Kerton says a rally tomorrow in Huntsville is being held to generate more public support.  Kerton says they'll hoping to gain a meeting with government to discuss ways of bringing back the program.

300 Kenora Residents Without Power

Day three without electricity for about 300 Hydro One customers in the Kenora area.  Hydro One says its hoping to restore power by 4:00 this afternoon.  A vicious thunderstorm which blew through the area Tuesday night is responsible for the outage.

MNR Reports More Fires

Lightning caused fires continue to crop up across northwestern Ontario.  Four new forest fires were reported yesterday.  So far this week, there have been 17 fires reported across the region.

Weldon Hopes To Return Home Soon

A setback for Thunder Bay's Robbi Weldon following an accident in Matane, Quebec.  Weldon is in hospital after being involved in a collision with a vehicle while training for the 2013 UCI Para-Cycling World Cup Finals.  Her pilot was also injured in the accident.  Cycling Canada says both are doing o-k, but have mulitple fractures.  Weldon hopes to return home this weekend despite suffering a concussion.       

Search Still On

The search is on for a prisoner who has escaped from the lock-up at the Kenora Court House.  The Ontario Provincial Police say 53-year-old Harvey Smith managed to escape custody just after 11:00 yesterday morning.  Constable Bob Bernie says there's a large search taking place.  Smith is described as being six feet tall, wearing a black t-shirt, jeans, glasses and blue and white jail issued shoes.

Date Set For Moonias Inquest

An inquest into the death of a 27 year old man will be held October 21st.  Bruce Moonias died on December 11th, 2006 at the Thuner Bay hospital after being involved with the Nishnawbe Aski Police and OPP.  The inquest is expected to last three weeks and will hear from 22 witnesses.

Ribfest Is Here

Ribfest is back for its second year and will be taking up space on Court Street and Park Avenue this weekend.  The Waterfront District BIA event will feature four out of town ribbers as well as a local "best rib" competition.  Money raised from the beer tent sales will go towards Our Kids Count and the Dew Drop Inn.

Weldon Injured In Accident

Thunder Bay's Robbi Weldon is injured but doing ok after being involved in a collision with a vehicle in Matane, Quebec.  A Cycling Canada official says she hit by a vehicle yesterday while training and is in hospital.  She was set to compete in the 2013 UCI Para-Cycling World Cup Finals on Friday.  Weldon tweeted to her followers that she's alive and thanked everyone for their messages of support. 

Inquest Date Set

An inquest into the death of a 27 year old man will be held October 21st.   Bruce Moonias died on December 11th, 2006 at the Thuner Bay hospital after being involved with the Nishnawbe Aski Police and OPP.   The inquest is expected to last three weeks and will hear from 22 witnesses.