More Evacuations From Far North Likey

(Ministry of Natural Resources photo)


Forest fires in northwestern Ontario have communities scrambling to find accommodation for thousands of people who may have to be evacuated.

Eighteen First Nation communities in the remote north and one municipality have declared states of emergency.

25-hundred residents from ten communities that have been either partially or fully evacuated are now being housed in communities such as Sioux Lookout, Dryden, Greenstone and Thunder Bay.

Emergency officials expect more communities to face evacuations in the coming days.

Nineteen new fires were reported yesterday bringing to 105 the number of active fires in the northwest.

Weather Warning

Severe thunderstorm watches have now been issued by Environment Canada for the entire Rainy River district.

It says a system approaching the area, south of Lake of The Woods, could affect the district later this morning with large hail, heavy rain and strong winds possible.

There is also a report that emergency sirens are sounding in Warroard.

The U.S. National Weather Service has had a severe thunderstorm watch in place for Koochiching County for most of this morning.

Youth Arrested

Four youth face charges in connection with a rash of break-ins in the Morson area.

OPP say a number of cabins at a tourist resort and several homes were broke into over the weekend with damages estimated to be over $100,000.

The four accused will now appear in Fort Frances court next month on break and enter and possession of stolen property charges.

Highway Work to Start

A section of Highway 11 in the Rainy River district is getting a face lift.

Work will be done along a twenty-four kilometre stretch of the highway between Highways 71 and 613.

The $5.2-million project is to commence this month and be complete in September.

Minnesota Budget Get House/Senate Approval

Minnesota lawmakers have approved a budget deal that will end a 20-day state government shutdown.

It still needs the signature of Governor Mark Dayton.

The state House and Senate approved the budget during a special session, with the last vote coming early this morning.

Premier to Protect Ontario Interests

Premier Dalton McGuinty says he wants to make sure Ontario's interests aren't ignored as he heads into three days' of meetings with his provincial and territorial counterparts.

The Council of the Federation is expected to talk about First Nations and health care.

But McGuinty says he wants to make sure that a new Parliament dominated by the West and Quebec doesn't affect Ontario.

Quest Goes Tonight

Quest for the Best goes tonight (Wednesday) at the Memorial Sports Centre in Fort Frances.

Sarah Hallakis, a summer student with the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce says there's a new format for twenty performers involved.

"The first group to sing will be newcomers to Quest or people who haven't won Quest yet," says Hallikas. "The second round are past Quest winners so we're pitting them against one another."

Hallikas says the winner of each group will then sing-off for the $1,000 grand prize.

The doors open at 6 p.m. with the entertainment beginning at 7 p.m.