Man flys to Thunder Bay with fireworks

An Ottawa man recently flew to Thunder Bay and claims airport security missed something. Mark Bennett says he flew here over a week ago via Toronto and security overlooked some fireworks in his carry on bag. He says it included a Roman eight-ball candle, Roman 10-ball candle, a big pack of extra-large sparklers and an airbomb. He says he didn't notice them until he was ready to fly back to Ottawa. Bennett is concerned about lax security. The government agency responsible for security had no comment.

Military may sack Mubarak says prof

Lakehead University's Laure Paquette says we may be days away from a change in government in Egypt. The political expert says if Hosni Mubarak doesn't step down willingly he may be forced to do so by someone with a rank. Paquette says to watch for the protests and violence to spread to more cities.

NAN looks at drug strategy

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is looking at creating a drug strategy of it's own. Grand Chief Stan Beardy says NAN leaders are concerned about the abuse of prescription drugs in their communities.   Beardy's hoping they can somehow connect with the city of Thunder Bay's proposed strategy

Walk takes in 38K

The annual Walk for Memories by the Thunder Bay Alzheimers Society took in a sizeable amount on the weekend.  The Intercity Mall event raised almost 38 thousand dollars with more expected to roll in later in the month.

Hillier hints at sweetheart hydro deal

The Opposition at Queens Park are hinting at a possible sweetheart deal for Cliff's Natural Resources. The mining company says high energy prices may force them to build a chromite smelter outside the province.   Conservative Northern Affairs critic Randy Hillier says it's  unacceptable for a government to indicate that they may set one hydro price for one company while other companies are suffering

50 year old woman dies in Dryden fire

One person is reported dead in an apartment fire in Dryden. Fire crews were called around 5 o'clock Sunday morning.  They forced their way into the complex and found an unconscious woman.Teams searched all 10-apartments and moved everyone from the building to a local Hotel.  Some were treated for smoke inhalation. The cause of that fire isn't known.  The Dryden Police and the Ontario Fire Marshal's office are investigating. 

NDP Leader speaking out against HST

The Leader of the Provincial NDP is taking another shot at the HST. Andrea Horwath was in Thunder Bay today and says scrapping the HST on home heating bills would benefit people in the Northwest. She says the McGuinty government is out of touch with Northerners.  She says the HST is costing people in the Northwest 50-60 dollars each month in extra heating costs and with living expenses already higher than other parts of the province, people are suffering.

Busy week for police

The last half of the week was busy for police. On Thursday they arrested two men after a man was pulled into a north side apartment, assaulted and robbed. Police say the incident was drug related and have issued a warrant for a woman who was involved as well.

Saturday morning a man was assaulted at a North Cumberland Street hotel. Police arrested two men and a woman in connection.

Two men were arrested after a failed robbery attempt on the city’s south side Saturday night. According to police, the two men assaulted a man after demanding he hand over money and a cell phone. A bystander intervened and the two men were arrested after police arrived.

Bystander stops robbery

A failed robbery attempt has resulted in two arrests. Police say a man was assaulted after leaving a south side ATM by two men who wanted money and a cell phone. According to police, a bystander came to the mans assistance after seeing him on the ground being kicked by the two other men. The police were eventually called to the scene by another person. Upon arriving, the police arrested the two suspects.

Mayors talk Northern Development Plan

Municipal leaders from Northern Ontario's largest cities want the province to get the ball rolling on the Northern Growth Plan. 

Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs attended a meeting of the Northern Ontario Large Urban Mayors and Chief Administrative Officers last week where the plan was the topic of discussion.

The leaders say they're looking forward to what the plan may offer the region but are concerned about how long it's taking to get it in place.

The mayors also added the plan should ideally include new sources of funding to help spur growth.

The group is looking  to meet with Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle and Infrastructure Minister Bob Chiarelli to discuss the plan.

Mayor pulling out the stops

Mayor Keith Hobbs says he's ready to work to get a chromite smelter for Thunder Bay. Hobbs says the city is pleased that Cliff's Natural Resources is willing to keep us on the radar for that Ring of Fire project. He says the city will do everything in it's power to get it located here. Hobbs admits there are challenges but other communities also have roadblocks.

Moose populations studied

The annual aerial moose survey is underway in Northwestern Ontario. Ministry of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Brad Allison says they're trying to see if certain trends are continuing this year.   Moose populations are dwindling in certain areas and in others they're stable.  Allison says it's been an ideal winter for the survey because of the early snow cover.

Horwath in Thunder Bay Monday

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath will be back in the City on Monday. She's going to outline her party's plans to provide the people of Thunder Bay with relief from the HST. Horwath has been calling for the removal of the HST on home heating bills.

Angus talks electricity

The City of Thunder Bay is joining forces with NOMA and Common Voice Northwest.  All three of them feel the Province's Long Term Energy Plan doesn't address the region's electricity needs.  Councillor Iain Angus says the system is flawed.  Council is going to be asked on Monday to support a paper on electricity transmission and distribution in the region.

Cheaper electricity needed for Ring of Fire

It all comes down to affordable electricity. That's according to the mining company looking to open a chromite smelter for the Ring of Fire development. Ferroalloys President Bill Boor says so far Sudbury is an early favourite because they have the necessary power to operate the smelter.  Boor also made mention that Ontario's electricity prices are not competitive and they are looking outside the province for potential sites.  The company says they've made no final decisions yet.

Gravelle on Chromite Plant: What me worry?

Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle says he's not overly worried about Cliff Resources comments saying the province's electricity isn't competitive. Gravelle is vowing to work with the company to ensure it will stay in Northern Ontario. When asked what the Government would do if the plant is moved outside the province; Gravelle said he's a best case scenario person and won't comment on speculation.

Facebook used to threaten Superior Collegiate

A young man has been arrested after threats directed at Superior Collegiate were posted to Facebook. Thunder Bay Police Detective Seargent Don Lewis says police were notified by a concerned parent.  Lewis says the threats were vague but it appears as though a person was planning on using some sort of weapon to damage the school.  Lewis says no students were threatened in the posts that appeared Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

Northwestern Ontario Health Research

Northwestern Ontario is home to a variety of cutting edge research initiatives that will help improve our health. That was the goal behind holding a health research showcase in Thunder Bay recently.  St. Joseph's Care Group Director Dr. Michel Bedard says he was impressed with a HPV program for First Nation women.  Another program started in the region was a study on end of life care in remote First Nation communities.

Matawa teams up with Lake Nipigon

Two area First Nations are working together when it comes to the Ring of Fire. Matawa and Lake Nipigon Chiefs are forming a united front when it comes to mining and infrastructure issues. The First Nations feel the transmission line from Nipigon to Little Jackfish will be a key issue in the Ring of Fire process.

Walk for Memories Sunday

The InterCity Mall is going to bustle with activity on Sunday.  The Alzheimer Society is holding it's Walk for Memories today with over 200 people taking part.  A "memory lane" will be set up with over 450 names written in tribute to loved ones lost to the disease.  The walk gets underway at 10:30 this morning with closing ceremonies at 11:15.