OPG Power Plant Looking Into Biomass

Thunder Bay's Mission Island Power Plant is looking into using biomass instead of natural gas.  Ontario Power Generation Spokesperson Chris Fralick says he wants to keep the local plant alive.  Fralick says they're looking into many options for keeping the plant open beyond 2014.  Fralick says the Ontario Power Authority and the Energy Minister are aware that he's looking into other options of keeping the plant up and running.

McCarville Takes A Break

Thunder Bay's Krista McCarville is putting her curling career on hold. McCarville says she's taking some time off to focus on her teaching job and to spend time with her family. She says she's not sure how long she'll stay away from the sport. McCarville and her rink recently took part in the Ontario Scotties Tournament Of Hearts.

Local Businesses Encouraged To Look West

The mining and oil sands industries  in Saskatchewan and Alberta are ripe for the picking for northwestern Ontario businesses.   Speaking in Thunder Bay, Steve Matheson of the Ministry of Economic Development says those industries need the services and talents we have available in abundance. Matheson says there are a number of projects in both provinces that are up and running or are about to be.

Beardy Says Gravelle's The Right Man For The Job

Ontario Regional Chief is pleased to see Michael Gravelle back as Minister of Northern Development and Mines.  Stan Beardy says Gravelle is the right man for the job.  Beardy is hoping that Gravelle capitalizes on economic opportunities facing the north as well as an emerging mining sector.

Boys & Girls Club Looks Forward To Talks

The Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club is happy the City has decided to sit down with them to talk about their property taxes.  The group had asked for the City to help pay for 40 thousand dollars in property taxes but many on Council felt they needed more time before making a decision on the request.  Albert Aiello says he thinks talks will go well.  The Municipal Property Tax Assessment Corporation reassed the club's tax status after they moved to a new building.

Last Chance To Comment On Budget

City Council is approving its 2013 budget in principal.  It means property taxes will increase by 2.6 percent plus the infrastructure increase of half-a-percent.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says she wishes the budget would have come in lower.  The final budget vote will come down on March 4th.  Meanwhile, taxpayers will have a second chance to comment on the fiscal document Wednesday night at City Hall.

Poverty Reduction Meeting Underway

City Councillor Paul Pugh is working on getting the City's first ever poverty reduction strategy off the ground.  A day of discussions is planned for today that focuses on what actions can be done to make a difference in the community.  Pugh says there are many issues that need to be addressed.  Pugh adds affordable transportation is also key in helping reduce poverty.

Horizon Wind Teams Up With Charity

Thunder Bay's Boys & Girls Club is teaming up with Horizon Wind to teach kids about renewable energy. The program will use the Big Thunder Wind Park as a live laboratory according to Executive Director Albert Aiello.  Kids will learn about wind, solar, and other forms of renewable energy.

Constable Suspended

A Treaty 3 Police officer being suspended from duty after allegedly being found drunk in a police vehicle. A Shoal Lake Constable was charged with impaired driving Saturday after Treaty 3 Police were called about a cruiser parked on an ice road on Lake of the Woods. The 49 year old Constable will now appear in Kenora court March 7th.

Kenora Man Faces Charges In Excavator Rampage

Charges are being laid following a a bizarre incident last week in Kenora involving a mini-excavator. Police say several vehicles were damaged by a mini-excavator operated by a 64 year old man. Kenora O.P.P. have charged the man with mischief under $5,000, mischief endangering life and unauthorized posession of a weapon. He'll face a court appearance on February 27th.

Fort Frances Mill Decision Coming

The President of Resolute Forest Products is giving sort of a timetable as to when it hopes to have a potential plan for its idled kraft mill in Fort Frances. Richard Garneau is anticipating a decision within the next two to three months. Garneau says there's benefits to getting the mill going again. The mill, and a machine on the paper side, were idled in November, resulting in about 250 workers being laid off.

Campbell Fights For Children's Aid

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell has a present for Premier Kathleen Wynne. Campbell received dozens of paper valentine hearts yesterday during a rally held by the union representing the Children Aid Society in Kenora-Rainy River. Campbell says Kenora-Rainy River Child and Youth Services is severely underfunded. The province has slashed $67 million from Child Welfare agencies and Campbell will hand over the valentines to the Premier.

Thunderwolves Begin Playoffs Tonight

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves hockey team begins it's playoff run tonight in Waterloo. The 3rd ranked Thunderwolves take on the 6th ranked Warriors in game 1 of a best of 3 series. Interim Coach Mike Busniuk says this series could be heated considering the two teams have played eachother 3 times in 4 games to end the season. Games 2 and, if necessary 3, will happen on Friday and Saturday night at the Fort William Gardens.

2013 Budget Approved In Principal

City Council is approving its 2013 budget in principal.  It means property taxes will increase by 2.6 percent.  The final budget vote will come down on March 4th.  Meanwhile, taxpayers will have a second chance to comment on the fiscal document Wednesday night at City Hall.

No Decision On Boys & Girls Yet

City Council isn't ready to pay for the Boys and Girls Club property taxes just yet.  The charity group had asked the City to help pay for 40-thousand dollars in taxes.  Councillors discussed the good work the club does but in the end decided they couldn't make any decisions on the issue at a budget meeting.  They'll revisit the issue at a regular session in the future.

Council Tackles Police Budget

City Council continues to plow through it's 2013 budget.  At Tuesday night's meeting they tackled the 35 million dollar Police Services budget.  Police Chief JP Levesque calls it a lean budget.  During a round of questions, Chief Levesque told Council they may consider changing one of their costs in-car cameras to body pack cameras that are on the police officers themselves.

Council Shoots Down EMS Position

City Council continues to drop the axe on extra costs being proposed for the 2013 budget.  Council voted down an Emergency Services Coordinator position Tuesday night.  Councillor Mark Bentz says it's a great idea but they need to find away to offer it without increasing the budget.  Mayor Keith Hobbs was also on board with the project but notes if they raise taxes anymore they'll be giving taxpayers heart attacks.

Extra Week Too Pricey

City Council is turning down a request to keep heated pools open for an extra week.  The proposal was brought forward during one of the final budget meetings.  Most City Councillors felt 10 thousand dollars for one week of swimming was too pricey.  The final vote on the 2013 budget will take place in March.

Hay Reveals Role In Easing Hospital Gridlock

Thunder Bay's Fire Chief is now revealing the role he played in getting emergency room overcrowding at the regional hospital eased last month.   John Hay says he was invited by the hospital to inspect the ER and he found there needed to be changes made to meet provincial safety regulations.  He asked them to alleviate the congestion in some areas and find ways to clear the hallways to adhere to the Fire Code.  Hay's order started a chain of events which lead to the regional health authority coming up with a plan to lessen the overcrowding to make sure it didn't happen again. 

Drug Bust In Attawapiskat

Drug smuggling continues to be a concern in remote northern First Nation communities.   The Nishnawbe Aski Police say that 67 hundred dollars worth of Marijuana and oxycondone was seized recently at a residence in Attawapiskat.   Two people are charged.

Gravelle Excited About New Post

Michael Gravelle says his appointment by the premier as Minister of Northern Development and Mines is an honour and a privilege.  He says it means he can make the Ring of Fire one of  his top priorities. Gravelle says it's also good to be back in control of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, which falls under Northern Development.

Chiarelli Urged To Consider Power Plant Options

The co-chair of the Common Voice Energy Task Force is urging Ontario's new Energy Ministry to look at all options for northwestern Ontario. Iain Angus is reacting to the appointment of Bob Chiarelli. Angus says the first priority is keeping the Thunder Bay generating station running. Angus says the northwest is on the verge of rolling black-out's and stresses a power shortage will cripple the regional economy.

Colli Surprised By Pope's Resignation

Surprise, but not shock is how Thunder Bay Bishop Fred Colli is reacting to the sudden resignation of Pope Benedict. The pontiff says he leaving because of his poor health.  Colli calls it a courageous step and hopes the resignation sets an example to other leaders in the church about when to call it quits. Colli says the pope's greatest asset is that he's very knowledgeable about what's happening in the world.

L.U. Wrestling Coach Disappointed By I.O.C. Decision

I.O.C. leaders are dropping wrestling for the 2020 Games in a surprise decision to scrap one of the oldest sports on the Olympic program. Lakehead University Wrestling Coach Brock Curtis says it's a shame to lose one of the Olympics' most historic events. Curtis says it's too soon to completely understand how the I.O.C.'s move will impact wrestling at all levels.

Klynendorst Steps Down

Thunder Bay's Humane Society is losing its Executive Director.  Maryann Kleynendorst resigned her position effective March 2nd.  She'll be pursuing other career opportunities but has agreed to stay with the organization as a member of the Board of Directors.  Her contract was for six months and Klynendorst stayed on beyond that for 20 months.

Campbell Wants To Get Back To Work

It's time to get back to business at Queens Park. Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says she's excited that Premier Kathleen Wynne has selected her new cabinet and that they can get back to work. Campbell says the North will be well represented with Michael Gravelle taking over as Minister of Northern Development and Mines.

N.O.M.A. Reacts To New Cabinet

Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association President Ron Nelson says Michael Gravelle is the right man for the job of Minister of Northern Development and Mines. Nelson says he's pleased Gravelle received the cabinet position and notes there's great continuity to work with. Nelson says the new cabinet provides a nice blend of fresh faces and experience.

O.P.P. Respond To "Anonymous" Map

O.P.P. say an on-line map claiming to identify unsolved incidents of violence against aboriginal woman in the Rainy River district has some flaws. It was released by a group calling itself "Anonymous." O.P.P. Acting Sergeant Anne McCoy says not all of the information is verifiable, but won't say if any of the identified cases are ongoing. Until now, the group has been targeting Thunder Bay Police following an alleged assault of a native women in December.

Poverty Reduction Strategy Open House

The next step in the city's Poverty Reduction Strategy takes place today with a public open house from Noon until 6:00 p.m. at the Victoriaville Mall. Councillor Paul Pugh is looking to hear from as many people as possible. Pugh says the aim is to have the strategy ready for city council approval in September.

Looking For Input

The Fort William Business District begins a series of public meetings today to discuss the future of the area. Spokesperson J.P. Fraser says with the face of the area changing the Business Improvement Area is need of feedback. The meetings take place today and tomorrow and for two days next week at the Victoriaville Centre starting at 5:30 p.m.

Three Vehicle Mishap Sends One To Hospital

An 80 year old man is recovering from minor injuries after a three vehicle collision at Red River Road and the Thunder Bay Expressway.   Police say it happened late Monday morning and involved a mini-van, a pick up truck and a car.   The light pole was demolished.  The driver of the pick up is charged with failing to stop for a red light.

Hobbs Glad Gravelle's Back In Cabinet

No complaints from Mayor Keith Hobbs to the new Kathleen Wynne cabinet.   Hobbs is especially please the Thunder Bay has a voice at the cabinet table once again with Michael Gravelle as Minister of Northern Development and Mines. Hobbs is also confident new Energy Minister Bob Chiraelli will be up to speed on the Mission Island power plant conversion quickly.

Webber Sentenced To 10 Years

A Thunder Bay man will be doing hard time for a 2011 home invasion and death.   20 year old Nicholas Webber has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his part in the 2011 stabbing death of 54 year old Robert Topping at his Minnesota Street home.  The defense tried to portray Webber, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter, as a follower not a leader.  Justice Douglas Shaw didn't buy it,  calling it an especially violent home invasion calling it reprehensible and that Webber did nothing to help the victim.  With time already served,  Webber will spend about 8 years behind bars.

Horwath Has Plans For In-Home Health Care

N.D.P. Leader Andrea Horwath is out with a new proposal to help eliminate wait times for in-home care in Ontario. Horwath is in Thunder Bay today to speak about the issue and introduce a plan that would eliminate wait times especially for those in need of care in the North. She says her proposal would cost 30 million dollars and they've identified potential savings to help cover their proposal. Horwath says in some cases people are waiting more than 250 days for in-home care.

Gravelle Could Get New Job As Cabinet Minister

Incoming Premier Kathleen Wynne will name her new Cabinet today when she is sworn in as Ontario's first female Premier. Speculation has it that M.P.P. Michael Gravelle may be moving jobs and be named as the new Minister of Northern Development and Mines, a post that Rick Bartolucci from Sudbury resigned on Friday. Gravelle is currently the Minister of Natural Resources.The announcement is expected to officially be made later this afternoon.

17 Year Old Charged With Drunk Driving A Stolen Car

A 17 year old boy is in trouble with the law. Police were called to Redwood Park Church at 8:30 p.m. last night. It is alleged that a 17 year old stole a vehicle in the church parking lot and smashed into seven other vehicles. Parishioners apprehended the suspect and held him until police arrived. Police say the 17 year old was intoxicated at the time of the arrest. He was taken into custody and will appear in court today facing charges of drunk driving, theft of a vehicle and three counts of breach of probation. 

Mauro Hoping For Cabinet Post

Thunder Bay MPP Bill Mauro is hoping for recognition from Kathleen Wynne when she unveils her new cabinet this afternoon. Mauro doesn't believe his support for Sandra Pupetello in the leadership race will play a role in whether he gets a cabinet post or not. Kathleen Wynne will be sworn in as Ontario's first woman premier at 3 o'clock this afternoon.

St. John's Ambulance Difficulties

The St. John Ambulance remains in a bind this morning.  It doesn't have an amublance of its own anymore ever since one caught fire and another broke down.   Executive Director  Diana Sustawenko says it's difficult to properly deliver first aid since they only have a van now. Sustawenko says they are going to the community for help in raising the money needed for another pair of ambulances.

Hold & Secure Pattern Lifted At Two Schools

The Hold and Secure status at both Kakabeka Falls District Public School and C.D. Howe is now being lifted. Both schools had been under a Hold and Secure mode as a precautionary measure since monday of last week because of a domestic dispute that related to both schools. Meanwhile, city police say an arrest was made on Saturday in Moosomin, Saskatchewan by the RCMP on the warrants from the Thunder Bay Police Service in relation to the domestic investigation that was being conducted last week. The Thunder Bay man will be held in custody and returned to Thunder Bay to deal with the charges in this incident.

Outlying Areas Hit Hard By Overnight Snow

Travel on rural roads this morning could be difficult. Reports into our newsroom say snow in the outlying areas are knee deep and only main arteries are accessible right now. So far the school boards have not said anything with regards to rural bus transportation but we will keep you posted.

Thunderwolves Head Into Playoffs

The Lakehead University men's hockey team will play Waterloo in the opening round of playoffs. Lakehead finished 3rd in the O.U.A. West standings and were 2-1-1 against the Warriors during the regular season. The Thunderwolves will play game 1 in Waterloo on Wednesday before returning to the Fort William Gardens for games 2 and, if necessary, 3 on Friday and Saturday. Meanwhile, the L.U. women's volleyball team posted their biggest win in team history by beating the #4 ranked team in the country Ottawa yesterday at the Thunderdome before losing the second game of a double-header in the afternoon. The resurgent volleyball team finished with a record of 9-9 and will play the York Lions on the road next Saturday.

Jacobs Claims Brier Berth

Sault Ste. Marie's Brad Jacobs will represent Northern Ontario at this year's Brier in Edmonton. He won his 4th consecutive Northern Ontario Tankard with a 6-5 win over Sudbury's Rob Gordon in yesterday's final in Nipigon. A Thunder Bay rink has not represented Northern Ontario at the national championship since 2003.

Crime Of The Week

The recent allegation of an abduction and sexual assault in Thunder Bay has affected the community greatly over the last month. The fact that the incident has elements of racism magnifies its impact with many who live here. As a result a concerned citizen approached Thunder Bay district Crime Stoppers who wanted to help bring attention to hate or bias motivated crimes. Donations have been made to Crime Stoppers specifically for this campaign. Crime Stoppers is hoping to bring awareness to these types of crimes and the far reaching affect that this type of behaviour has on the victims, their families and our community as a whole. If you would like to make a donation to this campaign, you're asked to call 684-1309 or email them at: info@thunderbaydistrictcrimestoppers.com. Anyone with further information about this horrific crime is also asked to call 1-800-222-8477 or 623-8477.

OSSTF Releases Aboriginal Curriculum Resource

The Director of Education with the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is tipping his hat to the Ontario Secondary School Teacher's Federation. The OSSTF has released a new curriculum resource called "Full Circle: First Nations, Métis and Inuit Ways of Knowing". Jack McMaster says it's a great thing for area schools, considering there is a large number of Aboriginal students. McMaster says the curriculum will be able to be infused into all classrooms.

MP Rafferty Says EI Complaints More Frequent

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty believes too many people are being denied employment insurance benefits. Rafferty says complaints to his office have been more frequent since the federal government made recent changes to the E-I system. Rafferty says many of the complaints have come from workers employed on a seasonal basis.

Provincial NDP Leader in Town

 The leader of the provincial NDP is making another visit to the city, the first of 2013.   Andrea Horwath is going to be in Current River at 2 o'clock this afternoon to attend a winter carnival and then meet with young people later on at the Victoria Avenue Youth Centre.

Entrepreneurial Hopefuls Audition for Dragon's Den

Entrepreneurial hopefuls in the city are crossing their fingers for a callback for CBC's Dragon's Den following auditions in the city yesterday. Sam Alexander, a business student at LU, volunteered to man the sign-up table as well as pitch an idea. Alexander thinks it's a great advertising opportunity whether or not you make it to the top. Associate Producers for the show are touring 40 Canadian cities ahead of the next season.

Dragon's Den Auditions Today at LU

Auditions for CBC's hit show Dragons Den are in Thunder Bay today. Local entrepreneurs are invited to pitch their ideas at Lakehead Unviersity from 10 until 5. You need to be able to pitch your idea in less than five minutes.

Drug Bust in City

50 thousand dollars worth of cocaine is off the streets because of a recent drug bust in the city.   Police say it followed the search of a car that they stopped recently on John Street. A 51 year old Beardmore man is charged.

Police Search for Man Following School Procedures

City police say they are looking for a local man whom they claim  is connected to this week's safety procedures at two public schools. Police say the schools had a safety concern relating to an alleged domestic violence incident involving parents of students who attended the schools. Police say they will not release the identity of the man even though it is making the rounds on social media.