Severe T.Storm Watch

Environment Canada is issuing a severe thunderstorm watch for the Thunder Bay area.  Around 25 millimeters of rain was expected to fall Thursday afternoon.  An E.C. Meteorologist says there's the potential for strong winds and hail during the storm. More rain and thunderstorms are also being called for Thursday night.

New Chief At Wabigoon Lake First Nation

Wabigoon Lake Ojibway First Nation has a new leader.  Paul Watts has defeated incumbent Rueben Cantin Senior in band elections.  Watts will lead the community for the next two years.  Councilors elected include Bill Parenteau, Lanna Kooschet and Clayton Wetelainen.

Madder Touring NWO

Aboriginal education is seen as one of the key areas of growth for Confederation College.  The college has released its five year Strategic Plan and president Jim Madder says its important that they have relevant program to represent their aboriginal demographic.  Madder says improving their technology infrastructure is also key to reaching out to their aboriginal students.  Madder was in Kenora Thursday to discuss the plan.

Horwath Reacts To Energy Minister

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is still concerned about the future of the Thunder Bay generating station.  Horwath says she was happy to hear the Province will be making an announcement in the next several weeks. However, she says she was worried by Chiarelli's side comment saying the local plant would only run for six hours a year.

NAN Deputy Grand Chief Co-Chairs Committee

The Province is announcing the 11 people who will sit on a First Nation Juries Review Committee.  Deputy Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Alvin Fiddler will be a co-chair of the committee and will work towards implementing the recommendations in Justice Frank Iacobucci's report on Ontario Juries.  Former Treaty Three Grand Chief and Lawyer Diane Kelly as well as Thunder Bay's Honorable Marc Bode are other committee members.

More Forestry Work

The Province is creating 160 jobs in Hornepayne.  They announced money today for a 10 megawatt facility that will use sawmill wood by-products to generate electricity for the provincial power grid and produce heat for nearby sawmill operations.

Chiarelli Says Announcement On The Way

Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli is telling NDP Leader Andrea Horwath to hold her horses!  Horwath stood in Question Period today to ask the Liberal Government what they will be doing to help ensure the Thunder Bay power generating station remains open.  Chiarelli responded saying an announcement was on the way in about 3 weeks time.  Chiarelli notes they're plan for energy in the Northwest goes beyond the Thunder Bay plant and encompasses communities such as Dryden.

More Fires Out

A pair of forest fires that had been burning at the south end of Quetico Provincial Park since the end of the August have now been declared out. Both lightning-caused blazes never amounted to much. It leave just three active fires, all in the Far North around the Sachigo Lake area.

Energy East Pipeline Public Sessions

The President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is offering his opinion on the Energy East Pipeline.  Public consultations are taking place across the region this week.  Dave Canfield says he wants to see the pipeline have automatic shut off valves if a leak is detected.  The Energy East project would pump oil from Alberta to the East coast.

Grann Files Lawsuit

Court documents confirm a Thunder Bay police officer is taking legal action against the city police service.  Named in the action are former police chief Bob Herman, the Police Services Board along with 3 other officers. In her 29 million dollar lawsuit Toni Grann is alleging  harassment and being overworked as part of a conspiracy to have her quit her job.    The allegations still must be proven in court.