Founded in 1897
Year 118 No.18 - DRYDEN, ONTARIO - WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2015
InSIdE
Local Ataxia sufferer raising funds for stem cell treatment See pg. 3
A&E
Grand finale
More Little Mermaid Jr. at Dryden High School See pg. 9
SPORTS
‘Dogs do Dudley and wrap up season with awards See pgs. 11 and 12
Dryden High School drama teacher Ellen Bloomfield swoons with pride and emotion during the curtain call on the final night of a four-night run of The Little Mermaid Jr. The impressive production will be Bloomfield’s last in a career spanning three decades at Dryden High School as she aims to retire at the end of 2015. For much more on the play, see page 9. Photo by Chris Marchand
Remains near V-Bay revealed to be missing psychiatric patient By Dryden Observer Staff
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Human remains found just west of Vermilion Bay, April 16, have been revealed to be a man who went missing from a British Columbia psychiatric facility, nearly seven years ago. Despite ghoulish rumours circulating the community about the circumstances under which 55 year-old Donald Bonner of Port Coquitlam, B.C. was found, the local detachment says no foul play is suspected. OPP representatives would not address questions on the circumstances surrounding Bonner’s death saying it remains under investigation. Coquitlam RCMP have confirmed with the Dryden Observer that the deceased is the same man who was listed on a Canada-wide warrant for being unlawfully at large since 2008. On June 9 2008, Bonner signed out of Coast Cottages on the Riverview Hospital grounds on a leave pass and was not seen again, despite an extensive search investigation. Bonner was considered a violent individual and his warrant specified
Dryden looking for a role in regional distribution initiative By Michael Christianson Mayor Craig Nuttall met with mayors and First Nation representatives from 19 different communities on Friday for a gathering in Sioux Lookout. The gathering’s purpose stated ‘The basic principle of good governance is good relationships. This gathering will provide a forum to continue to build stronger relationships through direct communications amongst leaders. Our goal is to improve the social and economic well-being of our entire region.’ One project mentioned on the agenda is the Regional Distribution Centre, which is being explored for feasibility by the Community Economic Development Initiative. The RDC would serve as a central distribution point for fresh foods and consumer goods across the region. The objective is to source direct from manufacturers or importers to allow for competitive pricing, better ‘use by’ dates, and shorter delivery times. The RDC would operate as a non-profit social enterprise.
Mayor Nuttall said another meeting is slated in six months time and encourages all mayors to attend and meet the other leaders in the region. “The projects that are happening now, if you look at Northern Iron and you look at Treasury Metals, they all have to involve First Nations, they’ve got to get to the table and they have to talk so this really broke the ice,” said Nuttall. “It’s going to open up doors for the first nations from the north. How we can benefit them with the powerlines and all season roads because we’re going to benefit, Red Lake will benefit, Pickle Lake will benefit, we’ll all benefit from this. I think by talking to them it opens the door for us rather than they’re isolated.” The mayor went on to say that meetings like this help the region become stronger through natural dialogues. “This is I think what we accomplished,” said Nuttall “Understand where they’re coming from and they understand where we are coming from. I think it was a great meeting, by working
Donald John Bonner Photo courtesy Coquitlam RCMP
that members of the public should not attempt to apprehend him. His remains were located by a Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) fire crew who in turn contacted the OPP earlier this month. The investigation involved the assistance of the OPP North West Region Forensic Identification Unit and OPP Crime Unit personnel under the direction of Detective Inspector Peter Loree of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB). A post mortem examination was conducted in Toronto.
Filling the tanks for the long weekend
Like a scene from a disaster, eager summer grillers queue for cheap propane during a weekend sales promotion at Energy Tech. The event was paired with a fundraising barbeque in support of Safegrad. Photo by Michael Christianson