NAN Says No

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is panning the Premier. They sent him a curt response saying no to his invite to speak at the 7th annual First Nations meeting. NAN is declining the Premier's invite because they would only have 10 minutes to speak with Dalton McGuinty and they feel that's not enough time to properly air their grievances.

Marina Restaurant Name TBA

A new restaurant is about to set up shop at the Marina. Officials however, are keeping the name tightly sealed. Waterfront Project Manager, Katherine Dugmore says we're close to knowing the identity. Dugmore says the new restaurant will be located near the Water Garden Pavilion.

Waterfront Construction Starts

The marina is about to become a little noisier. Katherine Dugmore, Waterfront Project Manager says construction has now begun on a new parking facility that will help service the new hotel and condominium. Dugmore could not say how long the parking project will take.

Forest Fire Hazard High To Extreme

Heading into the long weekend, the forest fire hazard remains high to extreme for the entire area of Northwestern Ontario. The Ministry of Natural Resources is asking people to exercise caution when dealing with fires or outdoors activities that may cause fires.

Jury Softens The Blow In Theft Case

Chris Watkins

Guilty, but Krystyna Dolasinski will not feel the full brunt of the law.  Dolasinski was charged after 90 to 100 thousand dollars went missing from the Port Arthur Polish Alliance Hall. Her lawyer Chris Watkins is satisfied with the outcome saying the jury understood at least part of the defence's position in the case.   Krystyna Dolasinski was found guilty of theft under 5-thousand dollars and falsifying records.   The sentencing submissions will be heard on September 13th.

International Day Against Homophobia

4 City High Schools are celebrating the International Day Against Homophobia today. Charlie Bishop, Education Officer with the Lakehead District School Board is giving a lot of credit to the Gay Straight Alliances that have been created in schools. Events are taking place at Superior C.V.I., Churchill, Westgate and Hammarskjold.

Alternative School Closes

Thunder Bay's first Alternative school was forced to close its doors in December. The Northern Lights Education Initiative just opened in the fall and had six students but unfortunately couldn't stay open. Spokesperson Michelle Uvanile says they hope to see an alternative school be operated under the Public School Board system.

Gravelle Responds To Canfield

The Minister of Natural Resources is listening to the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Associations concerns over the changes being made to the Bear Wise program.  Vice President of NOMA Dave Canfield has said the cuts to the program are just another service being downloaded onto the backs of municipalities.  Gravelle says that's not so.

NAN Says No

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is panning the Premier.  They sent him a curt response saying no to his invite to speak at the 7th annual first nations meeting.  NAN is declining the Premier's invite because they would only have seven minutes to speak with Dalton McGuinty and they feel that's not enough time to properly air their grievances.

Lipinski Returns As Metis Prez

A Fort Frances area man has been given another mandate to head the Metis Nation of Ontario.  Gary Lipinski has received over 87-percent of the vote to return as President.  The Metis Nation says there was a record voter turnout in the recent elections.  Lipinski says its a strong mandate to continue to push forward on their Métis rights agenda.

Plasma Centre Rally Tonight

Former employees of Canadian Blood Services' Plasma Centre are not giving up the fight over the loss of their jobs.  They are rallying tonight at the Lakehead Labour Centre from four until six.  The plasma centre closed last month.

A Minus

Officials at Cancer Care Northwest are patting themselves on the back for a positive showing in the latest government report card.   Former Vice President Michael Power says the Thunder Bay cancer centre came out high on the scale.   Power says the report shows the centre met provincial targets in several main areas and ranks the report card at a A minus.