Thursday, May 5, 2011

Drug bust nets kilo of cocaine

Police are boasting about yet another drug bust. This one netting police a kilo of cocaine with a street value of over 100 thousand dollars. They say the coke was destined for the city. A 42 year old man from British Columbia was arrested at the Terry Fox Lookout on Highway 11-17

Local bar to face strict conditions

The owner of Dragon's Den Sports Bar is again being allowed to serve liquor. Lisa Murray of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission says a 40 day licence suspension will be lifted May 13th.  Murray says the owner will have some strict conditions to follow in order to avoid another suspension.

More heat on Liberals over Bill 151

The PC's Northern Development Critic says the McGuinty Liberals have blown through discussion on the Forest Tenure Reform bill. Randy Hillier believes the forestry industry in the province is about to take the shape of current Local Health Integration Networks.  That is, the minister would be able to back off on making wood supply decisions by using political interference as the excuse .   Hillier is also condemning the government for voting down some amendments to the legislation

May Street Mac's Mart robbed again

The May street Mac's store has been robbed again. Thunder Bay Police say the suspect made off with an undisclosed amount of cash and lottery tickets.  The suspect is believed to be 30 to 40 years old, six feet tall, and wearing a red hoodie, sunglasses and red gloves.

Folino's robbed

Thunder Bay Police are looking into a robbery at Folino's Superette on South Algoma Street.  A man armed with a knife made off with an undisclosed amount of cash.  The suspect is described as a 20 to 30 year old Native Canadian, with a scar on his cheek and nose.

Fire Fighters train in Thunder Bay

Firefighters from across the province were in Thunder Bay this past week to train for the upcoming forest fire season.  Training Specialist Brad Diehl says they were lucky enough to teach Crew leaders in the field.  50 crew leaders took part in the 10 day training course that wraps up on Friday.

Wilson talks Bill 151 amendments

The Chamber of Commerce is cautiously optimistic about amendments being made to the Forest Tenure Reform legislation.  President Harold Wilson says there were a number of amendments that would have eased their concerns but the government voted them down.  The bill still needs to receive third reading in the Ontario legislature.

Atikokan Mayor presses Province

The provincial government is being pressed by the town of Atikokan to provide the new owners of the Atikokan Forest Products Mill with a wood supply.  Eacom Timber of Montreal has an offer to buy the idled Sapawe mill, but first wants a secure wood supply.  Mayor Dennis Brown says reopening the mill would bring back lost jobs.  A hearing on the matter is schedule for next week.

Shrine Circus is coming

The Lakehead Shrine Circus is hoping to raise around 20 thousand dollars with it's 56th circus show.  President Craig Wolverton says money raised in Thunder Bay helps local families.  10 year old Thunder Bay resident Bryce Foster will be taking part in next weekend's circus performance.  The Shrine Circus is May 13th and 14th at the Fort William Gardens. 

Cops for Cancer is this weekend

Several Thunder Bay Police officers will be sporting new 'hair-less do's' after Saturday's Cops for Cancer event. Spokesperson Maria Cabral says they'll welcome walk ins at the Intercity Mall for a donation of 25 dollars. The Giant's Ed Lavoie will be shaving his head in support of his brother in law and Rob Brown. The local Cops for Cancer event has raised over 450-thousand dollars over the years.

Rafferty gets back to work

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is anxious to get back to Ottawa.  The NDP member plans to focus attention on the Northern Ontario economy in the House of Commons.  Rafferty is also planning to reintroduce bills on protection pensions and severance that died with the election call. He's hoping to play a role in the NDP's shadow cabinet.

Fort Frances Military Find

A chance discovery at a Fort Frances laundry mat is helping an Edmonton woman learn more about her father. A box of items belonging to World War II vet Donald Keith Nelson was discovered in a previously unexplored basement area of Suds and Tubs. Owner Sherry Loveday says she was happy to find his daughter living in Edmonton. Loveday says some discussions locally helped locate the daughter.