Mauro Confident In Wynne

Kathleen Wynne

Bill Mauro is expressing confidence that the north is in good hands with Kathleen Wynne leading the province.  The Thunder Bay MPP, who supported Sandra Pupatello in the Liberal leadership race, says Wynne has the broad experience from municipal affairs to education,  to make it work
Mauro says he wasn't surprised by Wynne's victory.

Mild Trembler On North Shore

On the north shore they are still talking about Friday's earthquake.  An official with Earthquakes Canada confirms that a magnitude 2.3 trembler was centred 67 kilometres west of Terrace Bay and about 27 kilometres from Lake Nipigon.     While it was too small to cause any damage it can be felt by people living nearby.   

Funding for Rainy River Gold Project

Funding is now available for the Rainy River Gold Project. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is providing over 122 thousand dollars which will go to support public participation in the federal environmental assessment. The proposed underground project will produce about 2-thousand tonnes of ore per day.

Liberal Leader Chosen Today

28 local Liberals will be taking part in the Ontario party's Leadership Convention today. Vince Mirabelli, the president of the Superior North Liberal Riding Association says if there is not an early winner, there could be a come-from-behind victory like when Dalton McGuinty won in 1996. Six candidates are vying for the top job, the final vote comes down later today.

Health Unit Starts "STOP" Program

The Thunder Bay Health Unit is encouraging local smokers to take part in their "STOP" program. The program gives participants five weeks of free products like nicotine gum, patches, lozenges and inhalers. A "STOP" workshop will be held on January 28th and anyone who is interested is asked to contact the Health Unit.

RBC Good Penny News

Some good news for clients with Royal Bank. After the penny is phased out on February 4th, you may end up having to fork out a bit less at the bank. Sherry Williams is a teller with the Dryden branch, and says that most of the time the cents will be rounded down if you are paying cash. Williams adds that rolled pennies can be dropped off at their location.

OPP Responding To Crash On Hwy 61

OPP are investigating a two vehicle accident at Little Trout Bay and Highway 61 about 10 minutes north of the Canada-US Border.  Around 3 o'clock police responded to the crash involving a transport and another vehicle.  The highway is partially closed to one lane while debris is cleaned up.  Police can confirm that an air ambulance was sent to the scene. No other information is readily available at this time.

Noront CEO Confirms Processor Talks With FWFN

The top executive with Noront Resources is confirming news that his company is in contact with the Fort William First Nation about a possible chromite processor.  CEO  Paul Semple says it's too early to say if a plant will be built on the First Nations property, but admits it does look attractive.   He says they've checked out the land and notes there's a 300 megawatt power plant across the river. Semple says the company's first priority though, is the Eagle's Nest nickle project in the Ring of Fire.

Latest Senate Appointment Linked To NWO

A Dryden resident is going to sit in the Senate of Canada.  Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced the appointment of five new senators, which includes Lynn Beyak of Dryden. Her son, Nick Beyak says it's hard to put into words how he feels about his Mom's senate appointment.  Beyak is a small business owner, with experience in real estate, insurance and tourism.

PSAC To Meet With Inspectors-Weighers

The bad news is being delivered to about 70 Thunder Bay grain inspectors and weighers this weekend by their union,  the Public Service Alliance of Canada.   A spokesperson says a meeting is being held at the Airlane Hotel to outline exactly which workers will loose their position as part of the Harper government's cost cutting measures.   When the cuts are complete only about 30 inspectors and weighers will remain.

Police Warn Churchgoers About Fraud

Thunder Bay Police are warning residents about a man who is reported to be duping people out of their money.  Reports indicate that a 55 year old man has been going to a variety of churches and befriending parishioners. He gave several people a sob story and then asked for money or in some cases access to their bank accounts.  Police are looking for someone around 6 foot 2 with a medium build and graying hair.

NAN Public Forum Recommendations

A greater police presence on social media is included in a list of recommendations by the Nishnawbe Aski Nation following a public forum on safe streets.   There are a total of 13 recommendations that cover issues from media news coverage to cultural education for municipal workers.  Another safety forum is likely in the spring.

Confederation College New Programming Deal

Confederation College is moving forward with a Memorandum of Understanding with six northern Ontario colleges.  The agreement means more college programs will be available at the local campus.

Wilson On Panel Recommendations

Thunder Bay's Chamber of Commerce is commending the Endangered Species Act Panel's report to the Provincial Government. President Harold Wilson says the report asks the Province to recognize the fact that the Crown Forest Sustainability Act looks after endangered species and further legislation isn't needed.  The report was released earlier this week.

PSAC To Hold Job Meeting

The bad news is being delivered to about 70 Thunder Bay grain inspectors and weighers this weekend by their union,  the Public Service Alliance of Canada.   A spokesperson says a meeting is being held at the Airlane Hotel to outline exactly which workers will loose their position as part of the Harper government's cost cutting measures.   When the cuts are complete only about 30 inspectors and weighers will remain.

HWY 61 Open

The occupants are a little shaken but no one is seriously hurt following a two car crash on Highway 61 near the airport this morning.  O.P.P. and city police were called to the scene near the overpass when two cars collided. One of the vehicles had two children inside but police report only two women suffered minor injuries. Police re-opened the Highway just after 11:00  after closing it for about an hour.

Twist In Kenora Court Case

The fate of a second degree murder trial taking place at the Kenora Court House could be decided today.  Yesterday, proceedings came to an abrupt halt after the lawyer for Angela Duchesne, David Gibson announced he had been appointed an Ontario Court Judge.  Justice Terrance Platana says Gibson cannot continue on as a defense council. He will meet with the crown and defense this morning to determine if and when the trial will be able to continue.  Duchesne and Kenneth Ivall have been charged with second degree murder in the death of Ed Wilson on March 21st, 2009. 

T.Bay Inflation Rate At 0.3%

Thunder Bay's inflation rate continues to be below the national average.  Last month our rate stayed at 0.3 percent the same as in November, well below Canada's 0.8 percent.  Statistics Canada released the latest inflation figures earlier this morning. 

Cold Weather Across NWO

Another cold day across northwestern Ontario Thursday, but relief is in sight for the weekend.  Three record low temperatures were set.  Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Atikokan all reached record lows.  The extreme cold is expected back next Wednesday.  All roads are snow packed and motorists are urged to take it easy when traveling.

Construction Begins On Future Target Store

Construction crews are already hard at work at the former Zeller's Store in the Intercity Mall. The store is undergoing millions of dollars in renovations before it opens this summer as a Target store according to Spokesperson Tamar Nersesian. The last Zeller's store in the City closed its doors on January 13th.

Thunderwolves Weekend Preview

The Lakehead University men's and women's basketball teams are on home court tonight facing the Laurier Golden Hawks. The men's team sits in second place in the West division and need a pair of wins this weekend to keep pace according to Head Coach Scott Morrison. Games are at 6 o'clock for the women and at 8 o'clock for the men. The L.U. men's hockey team is on the road tonight in Windsor. The women's volleyball team is on the road at Brock tomorrow and Sunday.

McCarville Desperate For Wins

Thunder Bay's Krista McCarville will have to fight for everything she gets today at the Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Kitchener. She lost both her games yesterday and is in a three-way tie for 4th place with a record of 3-4. McCarville plays Jacqueline Harrison and Sherry Middaugh. Marlo Dahl's rink is still winless at 0-7 and is out of the playoff hunt.

Collins Relieved Hunger Strike Over

Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins is glad that Teresa Spence has ended her hunger strike against the government.  Collins says he and other chiefs across the country have been worried about her health for some time now.   Collins believes the the Harper conservatives  have received the message that the Attawapiskat Chief was trying to relay on First Nation treaty rights.

Derek Burney Accepts Chancellor Roll

Lakehead University's new chancellor is a star in the political and diplomatic circles in Canada and the United States.  Thunder Bay's Derek Burney is a  former ambassador and former chief of staff to the prime minister.   Burney says he accepted the largely ceremonial position because he doesn't take education for granted and wants to show the important roll it has played in his storied career.

More FedNor Funds Announced

The latest Northwestern Ontario community to get funding from the Federal Government is Kakabeka Falls.  Four projects will share in FedNor funds.  Conmee will use 54 thousand dollars to upgrade their community hall and auditorium.  They'll also use 41 thousand to install a chair lift at the library and a back up generator at the municipal building.  Gillies will use 28-thosuand to rehabilitate Leeper Road.  Finally another 49 thousand dollars will go towards upgrading the O'Connor community centre.

Cash Handling Policy Up For Debate

City Council is expected to approve a common sense "cash handling policy" Monday night.  The policy requires Police Records Checks of employees handling cash, and sets out timelines of when City Cash should be deposited into the bank.

Clean, Green & Beautiful Awards

City Council is set to honour its 2012 Clean, Green and Beautiful award winners.  This year's recipients include Confederation College's Reach Building, the new District Social Services Board building, Prince Arthur's Landing and Superior North EMS Headquarters.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says its good to celebrate new buildings in the community.  The ceremony takes place Monday night. 

Cultural Spending Before Council Monday

City Council is expected to approve 2.1 million dollars in Community and Cultural funding Monday night.  City Councillor Ken Boshcoff says they provide funds to 17 organizations including, the Auditorium, Museum, Shelter House, Magnus Theatre and the Art Gallery.  Council will also make a decision on whether the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame should be moved to the list of groups that get the annual cultural funding.

Travel Policy Comes Before Council

A new travel policy before City Council tonight includes a 40 percent increase in travel expenses.  Councilors will vote on a travel policy that includes a 20 dollar increase in the per diem councilors and city employees are afforded while conducting out of town business on behalf of the municipality. Councillor Ken Boshcoff says it's not too much money.  The new policy if approved will also allow councilors to use their own budgets to decide what conferences and meetings they will attend out of town.

Police Detective Calls Down Video

Police Detective William Quarrell calls it "misinformation."  Quarrell was named in an "Anonymous" on-line video as the lone investigator in a high profile sexual assault and abduction case involving a First Nation woman. Quarrell says it's a mistake to think that only one person is looking into any high profile crime at any time.   Quarrell is the acting Staff Sargeant in his department and currently has 30 people working under him. 

Online Anonymous Video Disturbing

An online anonymous video targeting the local police force has people talking.  Lakehead University's Political Science Professor is the latest person to weigh in on the YouTube video by "Anonymous News Canada."  Laure Paquette says the video was manufactured with a clear cause to be disturbing.  "Anonymous News Canada" issued a deadline on the local police force to come forward with more information about the alleged sexual assault case from December.

NWO Credit Unions To Merge

Northwestern Ontario could have one major credit union by the Spring.  The Kenora area's Copperfin and Thunder Bay's Superior Credit Unions plan to merge on May 1st. Once the regulatory approvals are received, and both organizations' members vote in favour of the merger, the amalgamated credit union will serve over 22-thousand members at 10 branch locations.

MPAC To Speak Monday Night

The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation will be speaking to City Council Monday night.  MPAC will be suggesting a change in the assessment of local property taxes.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff says MPAC needs to take into account our City going from an industrial based economy to a commercial and residential community. Boshcoff says they want to ensure that everyone is paying their fare share of taxes.

Mac's Robbery Suspects Described

City police are releasing the image of a suspect involved in a Mac's store robbery on Tuesday night. Police are looking to identify two men. One is a 20 year old native Canadian and is described as 5'9" to 6'2" with a thin build. He has a short yellow Mohawk with the sides of his head shaved. The accomplice is described as being approximately 5'9" and was wearing jeans, runners, gloves and a black hoodie under a snowboard jacket that has a red, blue and green rectangular pattern. If you know anything about the Oliver Road Mac's robbery, you're asked to contact city police.

McCarville Posts Two Wins

Thunder Bay's Krista McCarville posted a couple of wins at the Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Kitchener, improving her record to 3-2. That puts her in a 3-way tie for third place behind a couple of teams who are 5-0. Marlo Dahl's Thunder Bay rink continues to struggle. They are now 0-5 after dropping a pair yesterday. Both teams are back on the ice for two games today.

Drug Sweep At High School

Students at St. Ignatius School were held in their classrooms for about 15 minutes this afternoon.  The Catholic School board says it was at the request of the police who used a dog to sniff out possible drugs.   Nothing was found.

Police Release Statement On Video

Thunder Bay Police are aware of a social activist video on YouTube that makes verbal accusations at the local force. Police say they know about the statements posted on social media sites regarding the ongoing investigation into an abduction and sexual assault which was reported in late December in the city's north end. Spokesperson Chris Adams says anyone who has information about the case should come forward to law officials. Adams says police are limited in what they can comment on regarding the progress or nature of this investigation.  

ONWA Condemns Video Threat

A video threat against the Thunder Bay Police Service by the social activist group Anonymous News Canada is being condemned by the Ontario Native Women's Association.  Spokesperson Maryanne Matthews says in spite of the seriousness of the situation,  it's not something the association condones.
The haunting video challenges the police to show they are taking action to find the people responsible for the abduction and sexual assault of a First Nations woman December 27th.  It can be viewed on our news web page.

Clydesdales Out

The Duluth Clydesdales are now gone from the Superior International Junior Hockey League schedule.   President and Commissioner Ron Whitehead says the team will not finish the season because of a lack of players suiting up for the 3 year old franchise. Earlier this season the Sioux Lookout Flyers suspended operations leaving the struggling junior-"A" league with five teams. 

FedNor Money For Terrace Bay

Another day, another FedNor announcement.  This time aroumd, Terrace Bay is on the receiving end of almost 28-thousand dollars.  The money will be used to install an air conditioning system in Michael King Hall, a multi-use facility for community events.

MTO Wants New Vehicle Inspection Stop

The Ministry of Transportation wants to build a new commercial vehicle inspection facility along Highway 11/17 in Shuniah.  Spokesperson Anne Marie Piscopo says the MTO is currently looking for public input on the project and then it will be full speed ahead.  The 30 day review period ends on February 24th.

Good Year For Operation Red Nose

Diana Sustawenko & Darren Roberts

Thunder Bay's Operation Red Nose says its increased the number of rides it provided over the 2012 holiday season.  Spokesperson Diana Sustawenko says it was a great success with more volunteers and more rides.  During the 14 night campaign, 238 volunteers provided 758 safe rides home.  Operation Red Nose raised 14-thousand dollars for St. John Ambulance.

Police Reviewing A.N.C. Video

A social activist group calling themselves "Anonymous News Canada" are challenging Thunder Bay Police to come out with more information regarding the abduction and sexual assault of a First Nation woman recently. The group has posted a video on YouTube and is specifically calling out the city's police department for inaction surrounding this particular case. When asked about the video, police were just reviewing it and they are expected to make a public statement later this afternoon. Meanwhile, Thunder Bay's Mayor is not putting any stock into the video. Hobbs says the only comment he has is " Anonymous says it all! I give no credence to individuals or groups that remain anonymous." The group's video calls on the local force to release more information on the case by January 28th or they will release what they are calling dirt on the police service.

Armstrong Display Up For Discussion

The local cancer centre is facing some criticism from a few of their patients over a Lance Armstrong display. Director Joanne Lacourciere says a handfull of people have complained about it after he admitted to cheating to win his seven Tour De France titles. Lacourciere says they're trying to make a decision on whether to celebrate his cancer survival or not. A meeting to discuss the issue is taking place tonight but Lacourciere says there is no timetable for a decision. 

NWO's First Mobile Library

Tbaytel and the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre are partnering up to offer a mobile handset library.  Innovation Spokesperson Nick Kolobutin says this initiative should bring in the best and brightest in the technology field to the City. The library was launched this morning with 12 different mobile devices to be offered to companies who want to use them to create mobile software and apps.  Tbaytel is donating the unlocked phones and tablets for the library.

NOMA Upset With Government

The  Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association says its very disappointed the government chose to leave the organization out of the loop in planning the new Endangered Species Act.  NOMA President David Canfield believes they should have been given a seat on the government panel chosen to review the act.Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says it's the government's intention to have NOMA involved in the next steps of the process.

Tournament Centre Now Open

The Thunder Bay Tournament Centre  is open.  It was forced to close yesterday after an ammonia leak was found in the building.   Centre Manager Kevin Quinte  says everything is now under control.   He says the leak has been isolated and is now being fixed adding, it's only affecting one third of the Highway 61 facility.  Quinte says the problem turned out to be a faulty gasket.

Public Board To Offer Kindergarten In All Schools

Trustees of the Lakehead District School Board are approving a plan that will provide full-time Junior and Senior Kindergarten in all of its elementary schools beginning in September. The approval of the plan last night accelerates the system wide provision of the program by one year.

Mac's Store Robbed Tuesday Night

City police are expected to release more information later today about another Mac's convenience store being robbed last night on High Street. Police say someone threatened a clerk with an unknown weapon and did make off with some property just after 8 o'clock last night.

17 Year Old Boy Charged With Murder

Police are charging a 17 year old boy with second degree murder in connection with the death of a Grassy Narrows man. Treaty Three Police and the Ontario Provincial Police are continuing their investigation into the murder of a 48 year old man. Police say he died on December 2nd, 2012 in a Winnipeg hospital, while being treated for injuries received during a previous incident.

McCarville Picks Up Win

Krista McCarville has her first win at the Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Kitchener-Waterloo. She beat Marlo Dahl, also of Thunder Bay 7-5 in the late draw to improve to 1-2. Dahl's rink is now 0-3. Both teams will play twice today.