5 Men Fined by MNR

5 men have been fined by the Ministry of Natural Resources for illegally killing a bull moose near Lily Lake, West of Thunder Bay.

The MNR say that 5 men were fined $9,000 after conservation officers received a tip about a bull moose being shot.

The officers found the group of hunters near by where they denied any involvement.

However, ballistic evidence did prove their claims to be false.

The fines are for possession of an illegally killed bull moose, abandoning the flesh and allowing it to spoil, and obstructing an MNR officer.

Mining Exploration Companies Upset

Junior mining exploration companies in Northwestern Ontario have a bone to pick with MP Michael Gravelle.

They say government policies are stopping them from exploring for minerals and driving them out of the country.

The Minister of Natural Resources doesn't see the doom and gloom.

Gravelle believes the industry runs in cycles and that the companies realize the opportunities remain here.

Event Centre Committee Wants Public Opinion

The City of Kenora is researching what should be included in an events centre.

Mike Dietsch is the vice chair of the vice chair of the event centre committee and says the city has given them specific goals.

Dietsch says one big part of their discussions will be the twinning of the ice at the Rec Centre.

He adds the committee will hold a public meeting in mid-May.

Northern Bands Hockey Tournament in Dryden

There's something for everyone this week at the Dryden Memorial Arena.

24-teams from remote First Nations communities are competing in the Northern Bands Hockey Tournament.

Max Kakepetum is one of the organizers, and says everyone is invited to participate in the festivities.

Kakepetum says Dryden has been a great host.

MPAC Won't Appeal Dryden Mill Assessment

The ball is back in the City of Dryden's court regarding the on-going mill assessment issue.

Municipal Property Assessment Corporation President Antoni Wisniowski says they have no plans to appeal the 14-million dollar assessment of the Domtar Mill.

He notes he understands the impact on the community and will continue to work with Dryden officials to find a solution.

Revera Staff Join CEP

25 Revera employees are joining the Communication, Energy and Paper-workers Union.

CEP Spokesperson Marvin Pupeza says in a vote last week, 60 percent of the staff from Thunder Bay and Kenora voted in favor of joining the CEP.

Revera home health care provides service across Northwestern Ontario and the CEP already represents 40 personal support workers in the Dryden area.