Fire Season Starts Slow

To the relief of  the Ministry of Natural Resources the fire season continues its slow start. There were three new fires reported in the Northwest Region as of today.   Two were in the Red Lake District and one in the Dryden District. There were two additional active fires in the Red Lake District that began yesterday.  To date, there have been almost 70 fires burning an area of  just over 60 hectares in the Northwest Region.

Flood Report Postponed

An update from city councillors on last years flood will now take place at  the June 3rd council meeting and not Monday night as scheduled.   The report states that the total price tag for the disaster is pegged at about 44 million dollars.   City Councillor Rebecca Johnson says that administration postponed the presentation.

New School Causes Buzz

The education community is buzzing with word that a  private high school is about to open at the former Quetico Centre near Atikokan.   It's the brainchild of Toronto's Michael Heaton who says he's shooting  for a September opening.   He says a number of teachers from outside the province are expressing interest in the new facility.   Heaton says tuition for the new school will be 39 thousand 500 dollars a year.

Collision At William & Balmoral

A two vehicle accident at the intersection of William and Balmoral is causing traffic to be slowed down.   The mishap is in the area of the Golf Links road detour.  Traffic is backed up in the area.  A witness says there are injuries, police can not confirm the extent of injuries.

Inquest Complete

The provincial government is being asked to improve communication from within. That's one key recommendation from the jury hearing the case of Edwin Davis, who died on a Dryden area lake while building an ice road for Manitou Lake two years ago. Ministry of Labour Lawyer David McCaskill admits its an issue that's been addressed for the first time in this type of inquiry. Another key recommendation is having all mining operations provide and develop more training programs for ice safety.

Lac Seul First Nation Man Found Dead

Provincial Police have found a man who was reported missing from Lac Seul First Nation. Police say that 47-year-old Dion Morrision was found dead in a wooded area on Manitoba point on Lac Seul. Morrison was missing since Monday. Police say foul play is not suspected, however police are continuing with the investigation.

Suspicious Vehicle Stopped Near Upsala

Reports of a suspicious vehicle in the Dryden and Ignace Area has lead to the arrest of three men near Thunder Bay. Provincial Police noticed a Ford Mustang Wednesday afternoon on Highway 17 east of Upsala and signalled it to pull over. As the officer was about to exit his cruiser, the car sped off and headed north. While searching the vehicle, police found 68 grams of marihuana and have charged three people from Winnipeg and Calgary with flight from police and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park Closed

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is closed due to a highway washout. Several employees of the park and visitors were stranded up until last night when they were able to get out using a temporary road fix. Park Supervisor Greg Wilson says the park is now off limits. Wilson says a skeleton crew is staying at the park to keep the facility in good shape.

City Streets & Campgrounds Reopened

The City is reopening some streets, trails and campgrounds after the weekend's heavy rain fall.  Chippewa Campground, Melbourne Road, Toms Road, Mapleward and all recreation trails are reopened.  The only exceptions include the trail under the Edward Street Bridge, Arundel Street and Kline Road remain closed.