Local CEP Rep Favours Merger With CAW

Thunder Bay union representative Marvin Pupeza is attending the Canadian Energy and Paperworkers convention in Quebec City. He says only one thing is on the minds of delegates, and that's vote on the proposed merger with the Canadian Autoworkers which has already been approved by the CAW.  Pupeza says he's in favour of the move believing the old saying "the bigger the better".  He adds that this new organization will end up having over 300 thousand members. The vote takes place on Monday.

Mining Association Backs Act

The Ontario Mining Association is backing the provincial government's changes to the Mining Act. Executive Director Chris Hodgeson says the changes will help modernize exploration, and hopefully create less conflict with first nation communities. Hodgeson says the changes to the Mining Act will also allow map-staking to take place, meaning prospectors won't necessarily have to be on the ground to stake their claims. 

10 Year Homeless Plan

The Kenora District Services Board is being told to come up with a 10-year plan to address the homeless situation in our area. Director of Integrated Social Services Diane Apland says the directive comes from the Province and must be completed by January 2014. Apland says major centres in the Kenora District face a major housing shortage and she expects the plan to address that situation.

Tourism Development

The Dryden Development Corporation is moving forward with a new online and mobile travel tool. Kenora MP Greg Rickford announced today that the DDC will recieve over $160,000 in funding from Fednor. Rickford says the development will showcase tourism oppertunties in the area. Rickford says people will be able to access go.nwo.ca on their smart phones and computers.

Assessment Hearing In The New Year

A hearing on Resolute Forest Products appeal of the assessment of its mill property in Fort Frances could come next spring.Town C-A-O Mark McCaig says the Assessment Review Board is still waiting on some information from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation first. Resolute wants its assessment cut almost in half which could lead to a tax rebate of over 2-million dollars.

Con College Eyes Atikokan

Confederation College is looking to introduce some new programs to Atikokan. A 12-week welding program could begin this winter with programs in mechanical techniques and practical nursing starting up next fall. Manager of the Rainy River campus, Anne Renaud  says the programs meet a couple of needs. Renaud says they're now determining interest.

Mammography Unit In Place

In the region, the new digital mammography unit at Riverside Health Care is now up and running. It was in place even before fundraising for the unit was complete. However Riverside CAO Allan Katz says they had enough confidence in the hospital foundation's campaign to commit to the purchase earlier this summer. Katz says the unit produces the lowest amount of radiation possible, while providing exceptional clear clinic images.

Charges Pending Following Collision

Police say charges are pending after a north side traffic mishap.   An SUV rolled over after it was involved in a collision with a pick up truck at the corner of Hill Street and Van Norman this morning.  They say that there were no serious injuries but the driver of the SUV was taken to hospital.  The occupants of the other vehicle were not hurt.

Disaster Relief Events Coming Up

There are a number of upcoming events that will help the Disaster Relief Fund. Anyone making a donation at Saturday's Thunderwolves hockey game will get a free skate sharpening  and a chance to win a thousand dollars worth of hockey equipment. Take-A-Hike is helping out by donating 10 dollars from every sale of their plaid rubber boots until October 17th to the cause. The 23rd annual Thunder Bay Reunion in Toronto happening Saturday night will see all of the admissions proceeds given back to the flood relief fund. Volunteer Thunder Bay is recruiting people to help canvass the city for a one day bottle drive that is scheduled for next weekend. Tickets are now on sale for 20 dollars for the Rock The Firehouse fundraiser happening November 17th at the C.L.E. Colliseum, being put on by the Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters Association.

Ground Search Ends For Suspect

Police in Nipigon are continuing their search for a man that is wanted in a stolen vehicle case. A routine stop just east of the community yesterday became a full blown search which included police dogs and the tactical unit after the man ran off. Police say they have ended the ground search for the man they describe as a being Caucasian and 30 to 40 years of age with dark curly hair.

Lumber Industry Awakening?

The Resolute Forest Products lumber mill in the city is adding a third shift in the new year according to union rep Marvin Pupeza. He says the company is making the preparations right now. He says the move could add up to 30 jobs to the workforce of 150.   Pupeza adds that the move appears to be a sign of the times in the lumber industry noting that the Eacom mill in Ear Falls is expected to reopen in September.

Weather Temperatures Returning To Normal

With a rash of accidents this week along the Eastern shores of Lake Superior, motorists are now worried about Winter driving. Geoff Coulson with Environment Canada says the weather for Thunder Bay in the coming days should not result in any snowfall for the city. Coulson adds temperatures should resume to normals for this time of year with highs of 11 and lows down to zero.

Search For Wanted Man Re-evaluated Today

Nipigon O.P.P. are going to re-assess their search for a man later today. They were searching for a man using their Emergency Response Team and a Thunder Bay Police Canine unit. Provincial police attempted to pull over a vehicle near the township of Patience, just East of Nipigon when the driver took off. Police then found the vehicle abandoned in Nipigon. O.P.P. say there is no danger to the public for now, but the man is wanted on suspicion of stolen property and fleeing police.

Missing Hunter Found

O.P.P. are reporting another successful search for a missing hunter. This time a 78 year old man from Arkona, Ontario was reported missing on Wednesday. The man had been separated from his party. The Emergency Response Team, O.P.P. canine along with a Ministry of Natural Resources helicopter and Lakehead Search and Rescue volunteers were all involved in the search. The man has been located and is unharmed.

Thunderwolves Set For Home Opener

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves hockey team takes on the York Lions in their regular season home opener tonight at the Fort William Gardens. The Thunderwolves are a little banged-up on defence and will be without Mitch Fillman and Jay Gilbert. Captain Adam Sergerie is epected to play despite missing practice time during the week. The Thunderwolves are 2-and-0 in the regular season. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.