NAN Mourns Gabriel Echum

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is mourning the loss of Long Lake First Nation Councillor Gabriel Echum.  Gabriel was the husband of the band's Chief Celia Echum.  He passed away suddenly Monday morning.

Another Specialist Shortage At TBRHSC

The search is on for more pathologists at the Health Science's Centre.   A hospital official confirms a report that there is a shortage of four pathologists at the facility and that only one replacement has been found so far with another on the way next month.  It's forcing some lab testing to be sent outside the city.

Small Fire At Villa St. Home

Careless smoking appears to be the cause of a small fire on Villa Street this afternoon.  Thunder Bay Fire Investigators are being called in to look into the exact cause.  A fire official says it looks like a cigarette was discarded in the home's basement.

Ribfest Another Hit

After another successful Ribfest a north side business official is hoping the momentum can live on.  Jim Comuzzi of the Waterfront Business Improvement Association believes it has the potential to become a part of the north downtown culture, like the street fair in Westfort or the annual fair in Murillo.  Comuzzi estimates there were upwards of 27 thousand people who attended the weekend festival that focused on the eating of barbecued ribs.

Prisoner Still On The Lam

 Police in northwestern Ontario are continuing the search for a prisoner who escaped from custody a week ago. They say 53 year old Harvey Smith of the White Dog First Nation escaped custody while being moved from the Kenora Court House.   Smith is now charged with escaping from custody and an arrest warrant has been issued for him.

Moving To Montana Soon

Widespread rain on Saturday has helped put a damper on the forest fire situation in northwestern Ontario. That has allowed the Ministry of Natural Resources to lend a helping hand to crews in Montana. A total of 109 staff from across the province are expected to spend 19-days in Montana battling wildfires. A large group left the Dryden Regional Airport this morning. The forest fire hazard is low across the northwest region, with 20-active fires burning.

Collisions Blamed On Alcohol

A couple of weekend traffic mishaps are being attributed to too much alcohol.    Police say one was between a car and a minivan at Fort William Road and Main Street on Saturday.   The drivers of both vehicles were hurt but not seriously. The car driver is charged with drunk driving and for possession of marijuana.   Then in the early hours of yesterday a pick up truck smashed into a hydro pole in Oliver Paipoonge.  Only minor injuries for both the occupants and the twenty year old driver is charged.

TSN Broadcasts From NWO

It was a live broadcast of TSN Sportscentre that drew many to the Marina. In an address to the crowd, co-anchor Darren Dutchyshyn expressed his amazement of the town's beauty. During the show, co-anchor Jennifer Hedger remarked about the weather, admitting she made a series miscalculation in expecting much cooler weather.  The show included a feature on the 1952 Canadians Allan Cup winning team, a top ten centered around former resident and NHLer Duncan Keith, and a few notes about Fort Frances as a community. International Falls was also mentioned for being the backdrop for "Frostbite Falls" in the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show.

Pet Issue Coming Back

City councillor Aldo Roberto isn't giving up just yet on reviving his request for a limit on the number of pets you can own. The issue comes up for a vote again at City Council tonight .   Two weeks ago the proposal to examine the idea was shot down by Ruberto's fellow councillors, but it comes up for a confirming second vote this evening.