Young thug sends woman to hospital

A 90 year old woman is in critical condition after being robbed in front of the OLG Casino on Friday evening.  Police say that she was thrown to the ground after someone grabbed her purse.  They say the suspect is a man in his 20's or in his teens. A picture has been given to our newsroom to post on our blog.  They are also hoping any witnesses to the robbery come forward with more information.

CFI awards grant to LU prof

Lakehead University Sociology professor, Chris Southcott has been awarded a Leaders Opportunity Fund grant worth $87, 246 dollars. It was given by the Canada Foundation for Innovation. This grant will contribute to research aimed at the sustainable development of natural resources in Canada's Arctic. Southcott's project will establish regional social science labs at Lakehead University. Lakehead University President, Brian Stevenson says " Dr. Southcott's work in the Arctic is a stellar example of how Lakehead University contributes to solving real-world issues that impact populations all around the world."

First Nation communities not in favour of hydro dams

Several First Nation communities in the far North are seeking legal action to stop provincial power contracts to hydro dams on their traditional lands. Grand Council Treaty 3 is concerned that the contracts will have adverse effects on aboriginal and treaty rights and is asking an Ontario court to set them aside. They want a review over what they say was a failure to consult and accommodate treaty harvesting rights by the government in developing the contracts. They claim the ministry of energy ``acted dishonourably'' by ignoring their claims, rights and jurisdiction. The complaint is related to 5-hydro generating plants in Kenora, Norman, Fort Frances, Calm Lake and Sturgeon Falls.

Telehealth coming soon

Over 2-million dollars in North West Local Health Integration Network is going to support "telehealth" in our Region. The money will be used by various organizations to hire 28-new "telemedicine" nurses. More residents will be able to receive care from specialists closer to home. In 2010-2011, the use of telemedicine in Northwestern Ontario resulted in more than 11-million dollars in avoided travel costs and more than 27-million kilometres in avoided patient travel.

Fire hazard drops in NWO

The fire hazard is starting to drop across Northwestern Ontario. Recent rains have reduced the hazard into the low to moderate range in time for the Labor Day Long Weekend. Currently there are just 36 forest fires considered active in the region, two of those popped up in the last 24 hours. The MNR is continuing to be assisted by 80 fire crews from out of the province.

Nishnawbe-Aski Nation drug epidemic

The Nishnawbe-Aski Nation is calling on Ottawa to help stem what its calling an epidemic of prescription drug abuse across Northwestern Ontario. Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin says it has been 2-years since they declared a state of emergency because of drug abuse, but government response has been minimal. Fox is calling on youth to take up the fight against prescription drug abuse on First Nations. The Bearskin Lake First Nation resident says oxycodone tablets are selling anywhere from 500 to 600-dollars each.

MTO responds

The City of Dryden didn't ask for any financial support to pave Highway 17 through town. That's according to the Ministry of Transportation in response to comments made this week by Mayor Craig Nuttall that the MTO won't pay the full cost of the project. The MTO says the deadline to apply for financial support was last October and the Government received no application from the City of Dryden.