Tbaytel Service Disruption

Tbaytel is reporting disruptions in landline, internet and digital TV service. Some customers may notice poor service while technicians continue to work in resolving the network problem.

Crash Victims Names Released

Provincial Police have identified the four other men who were killed in Saturday's crash on Highway 17, near English River.  They are 26-year-old Brady Ostell, 27-year-old Andrew Ostell, both from Kitchener, 42-year-old Kyle Prince from Waterloo and 44-year-old James Jackson from Fort Erie.  They were all in the pick-up truck that collided with a transport truck.  The driver of the transport, a 43-year-old man from Cambridge, was also killed.

Debate Surrounding Light Rail Placement

There is uncertainty surrounding the placement of Thunder Bay made Bombardier Light Rail Trains in Southern Ontario.  The light rail trains were intended for use in Toronto before that City Council decided to move ahead with Subway expansion.  The issue came up in the Ontario Legislature today when the PC's Frank Klees accused the government of forcing the vehicles on Southern Ontario communities.  Meantime, MPP Bill Mauro says he's been given the impression that Bombardier employees in Thunder Bay will not be affected. Mauro spoke to Transportation Minister Glenn Murray about the issue.

Gravelle Defends Mining Plan

NDP Critic Michael Mantha wants the Provincial Government to create a better plan for job creation in the mining sector.  The Northern Development and Mines Critic raised the issue during Question Period on Thursday.  Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle says talks are ongoing with mining officials. Mantha feels the Province is avoiding the challenges in the mining sector.

LU Sexual Assault Task Force Meeting Soon

Lakehead University's new Sexual Assault Task Force could meet for the first time in two weeks.  Chair Dr. Lori Chambers says they have a lot of work to do around education, prevention and support.  Chambers says they plan to consult the public and students about their experiences as well as compare policies between Lakehead University and other similar size schools.  The task force was created after a letter to the editor talked about a student being raped by one of her classmates.

KWG Resources Defends Claims

KWG Resources is defending their staked claims into the Ring of Fire.  It comes after Marten Falls Chief Eli Moonias says it was staked illegally and without consultation.  VP of Exploration Moe Lavigne says back in 2009 they spoke to the former Chief and he gave it the go ahead.  Lavigne says the company's claims are legal in the Provincial Government's eyes and also involved First Nation consultation.

High Risk Offender Living In Manitouwadge

OPP are warning residents about a high-risk offender now living in Manitouwadge.  74 year old Gordon Oliver is being released from custody after being convicted for sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching and incest.  He isn't allowed to have contact with anyone under the age of 16 unless in the direct company of that person's legal guardian, he also can't attend public parks or other areas where kids are present.

Naming Policy Up For Discussion

The District Social Services Board is meeting today to discuss creating a naming of room, building and property policy.  CAO Bill Bradica says they need it because currently they don't have any rules surrounding how their interests are named. Bradica says in the past buildings were just named after town residents without any formal process.

It's World Polio Day

Thunder Bay's Rotary Clubs are marking World Polio Day today. Lakehead Rotary Club President Ken Boshcoff says they're close to eradicating the disease.  Boshcoff says members of the local clubs have been and will continue to donate to the world wide Polio Rotary cause.

Budget Directions Coming To Council

City Council is going to vote on a report detailing staff budget directions for 2014.  City Manager Tim Commisso says they'll be bringing them a 3 and three quarter percent increase in the tax levy.  Council will tackle the upcoming budget priorities at its Monday night meeting.

NWO Sees HIV & Chlamydia Rates Increase

The battle to prevent HIV in drug users is ramping up at the Northwestern Health Unit.  Public Health Nurse Kim Elke says the region is facing a major HIV outbreak.  On the flip side, she says the health unit is seeing a positive increase in users injecting with clean needles.  She also says that the health unit has cocaine and crack kits to prevent transmission by snorting.  Elke says that the region is also facing chlamydia rates that are 3 to 4 times higher than the provincial average.

TSB Float Plane Recommendations

A float plane crash in northern Ontario has resulted in two major recommendations from the Transportation Safety Board.  A float plane operated by Cochrane Air stalled and crashed during a second attempt to land in gusty conditions at Lillabelle Lake in May 2012.  The TSB says 2-people drowned and 1-person survived the crash.  The TSB is calling for more training for float plane pilots and better shoulder harness restraints.

Infrastructure Meeting Garners Public Input

Plenty of people are interested in the City's future infrastructure plans. A public information session was held Wednesday night to discuss the many upgrades that are needed over the next three years. City Council will be voting on a million dollar infrastructure spending plan at their meeting Monday night.