Hospital Sees No Impact From Blood Shortage

Local hospital officials are refusing to say much about a reported blood donor shortage in Canada.   A spokesperson at the Health Science's Centre says they will not offer any comment except to say they have not been seeing any impact.   The shortage has forced Canadian Blood Service to delve into its reserves.

Renewed Call For Spring Bear Hunt

Bringing back the spring bear hunt would be beneficial for the region according to the Northwestern Ontario Sportsmen's Alliance. Executive Director John Kaplanis's comments follow the bear attack at Sandbar Provincial Park, north of Ignace.  Kaplanis says by bringing back the spring hunt, it would help the bears develop a greater fear of humans and not consider them as food.

Hebert Frustrated With Energy Process

An energy conference in the city this week is concerning to Larry Hebert.  The co-chair of the city's Energy Task force says the gathering to examine Ontario's long term energy plan seemed to focus on the needs of southern Ontario and not our region which will require extra electricity to deal with various mining projects.  Hebert calls this weeks process frustrating.

Inmate Hurt At District Jail

The province is probing an incident at the District Jail on MacDougall Street yesterday afternoon..  Brent Ross of the Ministry of Correctional Services isn't allowed to say much about what happened only to say than an inmate was hurt.   City police say that it  involved a 58 year old inmate who sustained minor injuries after being assaulted by two other prisoners.  Two men, aged 25 and 45 are facing charges.

ROF Training Cash Announced

The federal government is kicking in almost 6 million dollars to help train Aboriginals for work in the Ring of Fire mining development.  Minister of State Greg Rickford made the announcement in Thunder Bay today.  He says the project will run in cooperation with Confederation College and Noront Resources

Process Begins For East West Tie Line

The process is now underway for the construction of a new transmission line to provide electricity between northwestern and southern Ontario.  The Ontario Energy Board's Vanda Wall says a company has been chosen to begin the initial design, the environmental assessment and land acquisition. She says this stage of the so called East-West Tie Line can last up to 18 months.

Manufacturer Still Eyeing NWO

B.C. based Aspenware still has plans for expansion but the exact location isn't known. President Terry Bigby says the wooden cutlery manufacturer still has its eye on northwestern Ontario.  He says the key is getting a steady supply of wood fibre.  Aspenware recently signed an agreement with a Kenora area First Nation for harvesting operations in the Whiskey Jack Forest.

RFDA Needs Food

The local organization that distributes food to area food banks is in need of donations.   Volker Kromm of the Regional Food Distribution Association says they are looking for the basics. He says that includes pasta, canned goods and peanut butter. Kromm says they are "scrounging around the rest of the province" to try to get at least a truck load of food to ease the shortage.  He adds summer is the time when food bank stocks are normally low.

CEDC Praised For CEO Selection

The president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce is giving props to the board of the Economic Development Corporation.  Charla Robinson says the choice of Doug Murray as the new CEO of the city organization is a a great one for Thunder Bay.  She says the Chamber has worked with Murray in the past and calls it a great fit.   Board Chair Paul Inksetter says Murray beat out  about 65 other candidates for the position, many from as far away as China and Australia. Murray will be handling a yearly budget of 1 million dollars towards the goal of attracting more industry and jobs to the city.

Swimming Advisory On At Chippewa

A swimming advisory is back on at Chippewa Park.   The Health Unit says that there are high bacteria levels at both the Main and Sandy Beaches and that you swim at your own risk.