Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Wilson At Helm Of Humane Society

Thunder Bay's Humane Society will be run by its former President Glen Wilson.  Wilson says he's holding down the fort after Executive Director Maryanne Klynendorst stepped down.  Wilson wants to provide the best service for the animals at the best lowest cost.  Wilson signed a one year part time contract. 

Applebee's Undergoing Renos In April

Applebee's is undergoing three weeks of renovations starting April 8th.  Manager Ryan Syroid says it was high time for a fresh look.  During renovations the restaurant will be closed.

Hospital Adapting To New Funding Policies

Officials at the regional hospital are relieved now that cataract surgeries are taking place again.  However spokesperson Lori Marshall says the whole spectacle of the facility cancelling then reversing the decision was a valuable lesson  about new government funding policies. She says they are now in a new era of  funding and they are continuing to learn more and more all the time about how that will unfold into the future.  Marshall says the procedures were reinstated  because the local health authority and the Health Ministry managed to find the money to fund them for the rest of the budget year.

Snowmobiler Found Safe

A missing snowmobiler is safe and sound after OPP helped rescue him from Lake of the Woods.   The man called 911 after his snowmobile got stuck in snow and slush but couldn't tell them his exact location.  A helicopter flew over and found a fire on Bigsby Island where they found him cold but in good health.

OPP Crack Down On Drunk Driving

OPP continue to crack down on drinking and driving.  Over the last couple of days they've conducted RIDE Checks and nabbed two regional residents with impaired driving.

Today Marks Save The ELA Day

Today marks Save The Experimental Lakes Area Day across the region.  Dryden and Sioux Lookout have made the declaration and the Legion in Sioux Lookout will play host for an information session tonight at 7 o'clock.  S.L. Organizer Anne Saltel encourages anyone who's concerned about the water-research facility to come out.  Kenora Organizer Peter Kirby says morale at the ELA isn't very good right now.  Kirby says Canada has given notice to Ontario that it wishes to terminate the agreement between the two levels of government effective September 2013.

Sousa Asks For MPAC Review

The Ontario government is promising to review a decision by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation to order the town of Espanola to repay four million dollars in taxes to Domtar. Finance Minister Charles Sousa says he's asked officials to look into the situation, which is also happening in other northern communities. The New Democrats want Sousa to freeze the tax assessment decisions until the review is completed.

Fort Frances To Pay Off Mill Tax Rebate

The town of Fort Frances won't be putting any money in reserves this year. The million dollars it had set aside, will now go toward off-setting the $1.7 tax rebate to Resolute Forest Products. The town had already set aside $575,000 towards the company's assessment appeal.

Red Lake Scam

An old scam has hit the Red Lake area. A number of residents have been contacted by someone claiming to be from Microsoft, requesting personal information. O.P.P. say it's a scam, and the public is reminded to never ever give out personal information to someone you don't know over the phone.

Matawa Teams Up With Noront & College

Matawa First Nation is teaming up with mining company Noront Resources and Confederation College.  Matawa Spokesperson Morris Wapoose says they've signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will reinforce a commitment to work with each other on mining training.  Wapoose feels its important to properly train area First Nations so they can take part in the mining boom in the Ring of Fire.