Friday, July 8, 2011

Thunder Bay Teen Dies in Accident

A Thunder Bay teen is dead after a fatal accident on Highway 71 in Sioux Narrows.

OPP says a vehicle lost control early yesterday morning, rolled and ejected the driver.

18-year-old Nicholas Corrigan died at the scene.

Missing Thunder Bay Man Found Dead

The search for a 69-year-old man from Thunder Bay has ended tragically.

Illinois State Police say both Ed Spakowski and his dog were found dead yesterday.

The circumstances surrounding the death aren't known, but police do not believe anything suspicious.

Spakowski disappeared last week after picking up an RV in Elkhart, Indiana to drive back to Thunder Bay.

More Forest Fires Reported

The forest fire situation in the Rainy River district is quiet, but continues to heat up in the Far north.

Three new fires were reported yesterday with 73 still active, almost all north of the Red Lake and Sioux Lookout areas.

Fires have burned over 105-thousand hectares so far this season, more than twice the ten year average.

Health Unit Report Card

The Northwestern Health Unit is giving itself top marks in the release of a new public health report card.

The report outlines a variety of programs and the progress made in improving people's health.

CEO Mark Perrault feels they're doing very well in meeting that objective.

"Through restructuring which has saved money we've actually improved our services," says Perrault, "and we're delivering more programs now than we did three years ago."

One of the highlights from 2010 was the health unit's unconditional accreditation from the Ontario Council on Community Health Accreditation.

New Northwest Cancer Plan

Regional Cancer Care Northwest is embarking on a four year cancer plan.

Vice President Michael Power says it will include a new integrated cancer screening program.

"We're buying a new OBSP (Ontario Breast Screening Program) coach where we will add not only breast screening mammography," says Power, "but will also offer pap testing for cervical cancer screening as well as colorectal cancer screening through the distribution of kits."

Cancer Care Northwest also plans to start a new Palliative Care Program.

New Wood Logo

There's new logo being attached to Ontario lumber.

It's to help consumers to see if the wood they buy is manufactured in this province.

Marianne Berube of Ontario Wood Works says until now, people couldn't tell.

"This follows like Agriculture Ontario and it's 'Good Things Grow in Ontario,' says Berube. "This is somewhat like a segue since that has been so successful why don't we do it for our wood products."

The logo will be placed on wood products, including lumber, flooring and furniture.