Local News

Media release from the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services program of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry: It was a busy day for the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services program in the Northwest Region.

SIOUX LOOKOUT, Ont. - A forest fire has resulted in the closure of Highway 516. The highway was closed 12 kilometres from Sioux Lookout late Saturday afternoon as a result of a wildfire in the area.

Highway 673 has been reopened between Highway 17 and Shoal Lake after being closed on Saturday due to a forest fire. The highway, west of Kenora, was closed to vehicle traffic in both directions due to the threat of the fire.

THUNDER BAY - A suspcious package that prompted the evacuation of the Thunder Bay Courthouse has been removed. Two members of the Thunder Bay Fire Rescue hazardous materials removed the package at about 3:15 p.m.

There’s a good chance someone in Thunder Bay is $1 million richer Saturday morning. Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation officials confirmed one of five $1-million Lotto Max Maxmillions winning tickets was sold in the city.

On Sunday, visitors to Chippewa Park will be encouraged to look up – way up. The 35th annual Kite Festival is slated to take place, a family-fun and award-winning activity recently named one of Ontario’s top 100 festivals.

THUNDER BAY – Steve Lewis believes the graveyard of ships could be the key to developing a regional dive tourism industry.

Free compost is coming, starting on Monday. City officials say they’ll offer it up just east of the former landfill entrance on John Street Road from Monday to Friday from 8:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

THUNDER BAY -- The investigation into a house fire Thursday afternoon on Simpson Street has wrapped up. Police and fire crews stopped traffic to the 800 block of Simpson at around 3 p.m. as smoke could be seen billowing out from windows.

THUNDER BAY -- Personal growth and leadership are among the skills being taught to over 300 students from around Thunder Bay this weekend. The leadership conference is being run by the Northwestern Ontario Secondary Schools Students Association.