Hwy 17 Closed Near Ignace

Highway 17 is closed 20 km east of Ignace. OPP say it's due to a transport that is fully engulfed in flames.

Army Vets Remembered

Local Afghanistan War veterans who lost their lives in the war are being remembered during the National Day of Honour at Waverly Park today. Many service members were on hand, including Afghanistan veteran Corporal Robin Rickards. Rickards served three tours of duty in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and says it's important to remember those lost in the war. Rickards says that days like the National Day of Honour keep the sacrifice these soldiers made in the front of mind. Nearly 300 people were on hand for the ceremonies to remember Corporal Anthony Boneca, Private Robert Costall, and Private Josh Klukie.

Chiefs Meet On Education Act

Delegates with the Chiefs of Ontario developed an alternative proposal to First Nations Education. They reject the Federal Government's Bill C-33. They now plan to move forward with a confederacy of nationss meeting on the issue on May 14th in Ottawa.

Funeral Arrangements Set

The funeral arrangements for K9 Unit Constable Joseph Prevett are made.  His police funeral will be held on Thursday with a march from 1805 East Arthur Street to the St. Patrick's Cathedral. A mass will be held at the Cathedral and a formal reception at the main ballroom of the Valhalla Inn.  500 police officers from across North America are expected to attend.

Flooding Recedes

Thunder Bay is on stand down mode as a state of emergency in the far north has eased. Residents from Kashechewan and Fort Albany First Nations are terminating their states of emergency now that the flooding in the James Bay area has receded. Our city was asked to look at the possibility of hosting some 600 evacuees.  The emergency has been downgraded and flooding in the communities has stabilized.

Post Mortem Results Not Being Released

The Criminal Investigations Branch, and Coroner's Office continue to urge the mother of a dead baby to seek medical help. The police investigation is continuing and the results of a post-mortem exam is not being released at this time. The scene where the baby's body was found is no longer blocked off by police.

Fort Frances Moving On

The town of Fort Frances is accepting a decision from Resolute to close down the idled pulp and paper mill for good. Mayor Roy Avis says the news is disappointing, but the focus now is working on new initiatives to offset the economic loss. Avis adds knowing the company's directive after years of lay-offs and temporary shut-downs, it allowed them to focus their attention elsewhere.

Run For Women Registration Tomorrow

The Thunder Bay Run For Women is going into it's 34th year. Organizer Gordie Garriock says the rain in the forecast this past week didn't help with pre-registration. Garriock says you can register Saturday starting at 9 at St. Ignatius School. The 5K Run/Walk for Women is held at Boulevard Lake.

Safer Environment For Gay Students

An effort to make the learning environment of students who identify as being gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or trans-gender safer. About 80 gathered in Fort Frances for a regional conference Wednesday. Human rights-consultant Chris D'Sousa says having school administrators and teachers on hand is encouraging. D'Sousa encourages students work with their teachers in promoting dignity and human rights within their schools.

Moose Tag Numbers Unknown

There's growing frustration among tourist camp owners on the upcoming moose hunting season. Jacqui Haukeness is the President of the Kenora District Camp Owners and says they are in the dark on how many tags outfitters will receive. Most Wildlife Management Units saw major drops in tag numbers and Haukeness says it will be a tremendous blow to the tourist industry if the same holds true for camp owners.

National Day Of Honour

Thunder Bay's Royal Canadian Legion is hosting a National Day of Honour today at the Afghanistan Monument in Waverly Park. The event pays tribute to those soldiers who took part in Canada's mission in Afghanistan. Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty says its great to see a local ceremony but notes the Federal day in Ottawa came under fire from former military officials and the National Legion. The event at 1 will honour three local soldiers killed in combat Corporal Anthony Boneca, Private Robert Costall and Private Josh Klukie.