Crime Of The Week

Thunder Bay and District Crimestoppers are looking for information about a break and enter to a shed and the theft of a quad runner. Sometime between February 11th and February 20th, a garage located on the 700 block of Kelly Street was broken into through a small window. A green 2007 Articat 700 model R.A. was stolen with a plow on the front. It has the licence plate 43X H0 and is valued at $7,000. Anyone who has information on this crime is asked to call Crimestoppers at 623-TIPS.

It's Wilson For The PCs

It's a slam dunk for Harold Wilson.  The former president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce has been acclaimed to run for the Progressive Conservatives in the provincial riding of Thunder Bay-Atikokan.  He will be going up against Liberal incumbent Bill Mauro in the next election.   The NDP have yet to select a candidate.  Wilson says his goal for the northwest is private sector job growth through several methods including the scrapping of the Far North Act.

NAN Slams LU

The university continues to face criticism over it's decision to change the aboriginal component of its new law program.  This time it's from the Nishnawbe Aski Nation which is saying the changes were done without consultation with First Nations Partners.  But university spokesperson Rod Hanley says their position remains the same.  So far no talks are planned between the protesting students and the administration. 

Speed & Alcohol Cause Of John St. Road Collision

Thunder Bay's Traffic Unit is closing its investigation into the collision on John Street Road last week that resulted in the death of a young man.  The investigation has revealed that both speed and alcohol were the major contributing factors in the collision.  It has been further determined that the driver of the front-end loader was driving at slow speed, with all required lights and on the part of the road required by such a vehicle.  The only charge laid is a Provincial offences ticket to the driver of the loader for failing to ensure that a slow moving vehicle sign was displayed on the back of the loader, but it's believed it wouldn't have altered the outcome of the event.

Wilson Seeking PC Nomination

Former Chamber of Commerce President Harold Wilson is seeking the Provincial Progressive Conservative nomination in the Thunder Bay-Atikokan riding.  Wilson has held positions in both the private and public sector dealing with the economy.   The PC nomination meeting is Saturday at 2 at the Valhalla Inn. 

ETFO Isn't Bringing Back Extracurriculars

Don't expect extracurricular activities to come back to local elementary schools anytime soon.  The local Elementary Teachers Federation Union is staying steadfast on its decision to withhold after school activities. Local Union spokesperson Mike Judge says they won't resume voluntary activities like sports and clubs until the Province takes real action to appease their concerns.

Mauro To Chair Northern Committee

Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro is going to chair the Province's new Northern cabinet committee.  The committee will address the needs of Northern Ontario, including job creation, revitalizing transportation infrastructure and improving vital access to the Ring of Fire.   The committee will also help oversee the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario.

Wind Farm Talk At TBDMA AGM

Representatives from across the Thunder Bay District are meeting at the Prince Arthur Hotel today to discuss a variety of issues impacting the area.  One of the main points of discussion today was on Wind Farms.  District Municipal Association President Larry Hebert says they heard from a local lawyer on the do's and dont's of signing contracts with energy companies.   Hebert says some of the information presented this morning could have come in handy for Thunder Bay and Horizon Wind.

Suspicious Man Asks Girl If She Needs Ride

City Police are looking into an incident involving a suspicious man driving a small red car.  He allegedly offered a ride to a 16 year old girl yesterday morning while she was waiting for a school bus on Market Street by East Avenue.  She didn't respond and he drove away.   The man is described as 30 years old with blonde hair and was last seen driving his car towards Dawson Road.   Police believe there was a man and woman in the car at the time of the incident.  Anyone with information is asked to call the Police or Crimestoppers.

Angus Calls Energy Meeting Productive

Thunder Bay's Energy Task Force is calling meetings with the new Minister of Energy and the Ontario Power Authority yesterday productive.   Chair Iain Angus says the meeting helped the OPA understand the demands for energy in the region but are still far apart on the issue of power supply. Angus adds they told Bob Chiarelli he may need to over rule the power authority's decision to close the Mission Island Power Plant.  He says the Minister understood that it might come to him overruling the OPA.

NOMA & Forest Industry Tree Huggers

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is launching a new campaign called "REAL Tree Hugger".  President Ron Nelson says they want to remind the Premier that the Forest Industry cares about the environment while providing jobs for area communities.  The Tree Hugger campaign includes buttons and post cards that will be sent to members of the Provincial Government.

Thunderwolves Basketball At Provincials

It's the playoffs but it's not necessarily a do or die game for the L.U. men's basketball team. They play the #1 ranked Carleton Ravens tonight at 6:00 o'clock in Toronto for the right to move on to the provincial finals. Head Coach Scott Morrison says a win would be great but they could still advance to the national tournament after a loss if they win on Saturday.

211 Offers Seniors Help

The Lakehead Social Planning Council is joining forces with area elder abuse prevention groups to offer more streamlined service through the phone number 211.  Director Marie Klassen says anyone needing help reporting elder abuse can call 211.  Money from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will also mean a 24/7 Senior Safety Line that provides counseling.

Campbell Isn't Supporting Public Sector Wage Freeze

Kenora-Rainy River Sarah Campbell isn't supporting a public sector wage freeze.  Campbell says its unconstitutional to force public employees to handle the brunt of the provincial deficit.  Campbell also said it's unfair to cut wages while allowing the managers in the public sector to receive automatic bonuses totally over 35-million dollars annually.

Traffic Mishap Sends 4 To Hospital

A two vehicle collision on the city's south side has sent 4 people to hospital.   Police say the accident took place on James Street between Walsh and Mary before 3 o'clock this afternoon.   It was between a min-van and a car.   The condition of the accident victims is not known.

Pre-Budget Meetings Held

A series of pre-budget meetings are being held leading up to the unveiling of the 2013 fiscal document.  Today, Thunder Bay residents took part in a consultation session held in Sault Ste. Marie via video-conference.  You can submit your opinion to the Provincial Government by mail, email or fax.

Officer Charged In Off Duty Incident

An off duty Thunder Bay Police officer is facing a charge of assault in connection with what they say was an altercation with a 12 year old youth at the Neebing Arena last month.  Deputy Police Chief Andy Hay says it was the Sudbury police that laid the charge against Constable Steven Oster after being requested to investigate by our police chief.  Oster is to appear in court March 19th. 

Fedeli Re-Introduces Forest Revitalization Act

Progressive Conservative MPP Vic Fedeli is hoping for all party support for his re-introduced forest industry act.  Fedeli says the proposed legislation would amend the Building Code to allow for wood frame buildings to be up to six stories high instead of the current four. The bill had passed two readings before it Parliament was put on hold by the Liberal Government.

Campbell Says North Is Alienated

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says the provincial Throne Speech doesn't do anything to address northern alienation.  Campbell spoke recently in the Ontario Legislature, saying the speech really doesn't have anything specific to help this region.  Campbell is asking the government to form an all-party Northern Committee, rather than just a northern caucus made up of Liberal M.P.P.'s. 

Rafferty Calls Defection A Shock

The NDP is facing the embarrassment of an MP defecting to another party. Quebec MP Claude Patry is making the move to the Bloc Quebecois over the French language issue. Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty says the NDP caucus gets along well so he believes Patry could have been lured by outside influences and it may be nothing more than the Bloc poaching an MP. Rafferty says the move was a bit of a shock to him.

City Water Quality Excellent

Thunder Bay's water quality is getting good marks in the annual report card conducted by the City. The results were released earlier today and will be submitted to the Ministry of Environment.  Plant Superintendent for Bare Point Water Treatment Plant Don Kmill says our water quality is excellent.  The annual report details the test results from more than 2-thousand samples that are tested for potential contamination.

City Bus Courier A Possibility

 The City is looking into using environmentally friendly courier service such as bikes, electric vehicles, and even public transit.  Supply Management Manager Dan Munshaw says it's still in the early stages and it would be up to the businesses if they wanted to deliver packages via bus.  Munshaw says they're asking for any businesses that are interested to contact them and pitch their ideas. The initiative is a way to help reduce the City's carbon footprint.

72 Year Old Passes Away After Collision

OPP say 72 year old James Gray is the man who died yesterday after his SUV collided with a west bound pick up truck on Highway 11/17.  The accident saw both vehicles sustain extensive damage and closed the highway near Mapleward Road for several hours.  The driver of the truck was also transported to the hospital with less serious injuries.

Lock It Or Lose It

Thunder Bay OPP are dealing with a rash of break, enter and thefts in Shuniah.  Sometime between February 24th and 25th someone broke into several unlocked vehicles near Fisherman's Point Road.  Items stolen from inside the vehicle’s included, cash, a bank card, sunglasses, cigarettes, and keys.  At one point, someone also tried to steal an idling vehicle; they reversed the vehicle and struck a rock at the end of the driveway.  Police say someone also broke into unoccupied cottages and stole a TV and booze.  OPP are reminding you to lock your vehicles.

Ivall Found Guilty Of Murder

The 2nd degree murder trial of Kenneth Ivall is over in Kenora...for now. Ivall was found guilty of 2nd degree murder in the death of Ed Wilson on March 21st 2009. Sentencing will not be handed down until June 14th. Defense Lawyer Chris Watkins says he has been advising Ivall to appeal a guilty verdict.

Energy Task Force Meeting With OPA

The City's Energy Task Force is sitting down again today with the Ontario Power Authority and the Minister of Energy.  They continue to discuss the fate of the Mission Island Power Plant.  The meeting is taking place in Toronto.

Bluesfest Snags Big Names

Big musical acts are headed to the city for the upcoming Bluesfest.  Kim Mitchell, Great Big Sea, the Los Lonely Boys, Los Lobos and Collective Soul are just some of names people will be able to enjoy at this year's annual event which organizer Trevor Hurtig admits has more rock acts. The Blues Festival takes place July 5th, 6th and 7th at the Marina.

Highway 11/17 Closed At Mapleward Road

OPP are confirming one person is dead at a fatal two vehicle collision this afternoon on Highway 11/17 at Mapleward Road. That section of highway is closed while Police investigate.OPP are expected to release more information shortly.  City firefighters assisted.  Fire Captain Mark Zigman says his crew rescued one of the drivers.  Police are asking that motorists use the alternate route of Highway 11/17 west on Arthur Street to Highway 130. 

Great Lakes Legislation Re-Introduced

The Provincial Government wants to protect the Great Lakes and is hoping for all party support on its re-introduced legislation.  Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle says if the legislation passes; a council will be created to identify priorities.  Debate on the re-introduced act will happen in the coming weeks.

OFAH Worries About Sea Lamprey

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters are worried Sea Lamprey will get into Lake Superior's Black Bay.   The province is considering removing a Dam on the Black Sturgeon River, which flows into Black Bay as away to allow walleye, sturgeon and coaster brook trout to migrate to their historical spawning areas upstream.  OFAH Spokesperson Dawn Sucee says removing the damn will let the invasive species in as well.  Sucee would like the MNR to consider a different method for improving spawning.

LU Hires New Vice Provost

Lakehead University's new Vice-Provost for Aboriginal Initiatives is Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux. Vice President of Academic's Rod Hanley says she'll be the lead advisor for aboriginal initiatives.  She starts her new job on July 1st.

Virdiramo Calls Good Roads Productive

Thunder Bay's Good Roads Delegation is fresh from lobbying Provincial Cabinet Ministers in Toronto.  Councillor Joe Virdiramo says it was a productive conference and says the Mining Readiness Strategy was well received.  The delegation also spoke with Health Minister Deb Matthews about the critical shortage of long-term care beds.  They also spoke to new Energy Minister Bob Chiareli about keeping the Mission Island Power plant open beyond 2013.

Mauro Talks Highway Clearing

The Tories and N-D-P say Ontario's highways are not being cleared of snow as fast as they should be and say this sometimes leads to fatal results.  Liberal M.P.P. Bill Mauro says he too has some concerns about how highways are plowed following a snowstorm in his riding of Thunder Bay-Atikokan. Mauro says he's written the Ministry of Transportation on many occasions expressing concern for his constituents driving on Northern Ontario highways.

OFIA Holding AGM

The Ontario Forest Industries Association is painting a rosey picture heading into its Annual General Meeting.  Three new members will be introduced today, all from northwestern Ontario.  Jamie Lim is president of the OFIA and suggests there is a lot of promise in the forest sector.  Lim says they are looking forward to meeting with the province's new Natural Resources Minister, David Orazietti today at their AGM. 

Sleeping Giant Sprints

The clock is ticking on the registration for the third annual RBC Sleeping Giant Sprints, a sudden elimination racing competition hosted by the Kamview Nordic Centre. Event spokesperson Marianne Steward summarizes the event as a high speed dash for cash. While all men's postitions have been filled, registration is still open for the women's division. Every sprint completed by athletes will earn them cash, starting with ten dollars and eventually reaching the grand prize of $320.

$2.85 Million Technology Plan Approved

The Lakehead Public School Board aims to keep up with technology. At last night's meeting, members of the board approved a $2.85 million plan over the next three years to upgrade technology available to students in the classroom.

NOMA Talks With Murray About Roads

Infastructure minister Glen Murray is ready to work with Northwestern Ontario.  Murray says he had some good meetings with the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association this week.  Murray says that his ministries do have funding ready to go to twin parts of highway 17 and 11.

Former Bookkeeper Sentenced

38 year old Kerry Wirkkunen is going jail for 15 months.   The former bookkeeper with a contracting company in the city was convicted of theft in connection with the disappearance of more than 200 thousand dollars.   She was sentenced in a Thunder Bay courtroom today by Justice Bruce Fitzpatrick. 

Conmee Gets 1.2 Million From Province

Conmee is getting an extra 1.2 million dollars from the Provincial Government's Disaster Relief fund.  Mayor Kevin Holland says they now have 2 million dollars from the province to repair their roads and bridges from the May 28th flood.  Holland says they want to start construction this spring and have it finished by the fall.  The funding announcement was made during the Ontario Good Roads Conference in Toronto this week. 

Investment Watchdog In T.Bay Wednesday

The province's investment watchdog is in the City tomorrow to talk about fraud.  The Ontario Securities Commission is holding a "Protect Your Money" seminar at the Valhalla Inn Wednesday from 5 until 7.  Spokesperson Eleanor Farrell says you should remember buyer beware.  Farrell adds if someone calls you up out of the blue and tries to sell you an investment you should also be wary.

Shuniah Home Destroyed In Fire

A home in Shuniah Township is totally destroyed after a pre-dawn blaze tore through it early this morning. Fire Chief Blair Arthur says the two people inside the Green Point Road area home managed to make it out unharmed. The cause of the fire isn't known , but Arthur believes it was accidental

Animal Services Cutting Fees

Dodger

Thunder Bay's Animal Services is cutting its adoption fees for cats and dogs this March.  Spokesperson Jody Kondrat says it's because they anticipate the amount of animals they care for will go up in the spring.  The fees usually are in the 200 dollar range but for March only will be dropped down to 50 dollars.

Local Grocery Store Closing

Northwood Foods is closing its doors after the mall management didn't renew their lease.  Officials with the locally owned independent grocery store say the ownership at the Northwood Park Plaza is looking at other options for the space.   The last day of operations will be July 7th.

Workbay.net Is Now Online

Don Bernosky and Mary Hayes

Confederation College is teaming up with Workbay.net to launch an online job bank.  Workbay.net Spokesperson Mary Hayes describes the service as a dating site for jobs.   Hayes says it's taken a year to create the website and notes it will help match employers with future employees.

Jury Roll Recommendations Out

A report on ensuring proper aboriginal representation on provincial jury rolls is out and it includes 17 key recommendations. Former Supreme Court of Justice Frank Iacobucci released his report in Thunder Bay today after meeting with people from 32 First Nation Communities, and Aboriginal Leadership. Key goals include providing cultural training for government officials working in the justice system who have contact with First Nations people and creating a First Nation advisory group to the Attorney General.

High School Sports May Soon Return

High School sports in Thunder Bay could start back up again before March Break but it will depend on volunteer teachers and students willing to participate.  Activities Director Dave Pineau says he held a meeting yesterday with members of the Triple-S Double-A and feels they can still piece together a Winter schedule and hopefully have a full Spring season of athletics for high school students.

No Changes To Electoral Boundaries

No changes to the federal ridings of Kenora and Thunder Bay-Rainy River are being recommended in the final report of the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission. The report was tabled in the House of Commons yesterday. The Commission had proposed moving Lake of the Woods township from Thunder Bay-Rainy River to Kenora. But its report, the Commission states that after public hearings, it's assumption the area had stronger ties to Kenora than Thunder Bay or Fort Frances was mistaken.

Kenora Murder Trial Winding Down

The jury is expected to begin deliberations today in the second degree murder trial
of Kenneth Ivall.  Justice Terrance Platana has been working on his final charge to the jury for the past four days and will present his instructions this morning.  This after the crown and the defense presented their final arguments last week in the eight week long trial. Ken Ivall has been charged in connection to the death of Ed Wilson the early morning hours of March 21st, 2009. His co-accused, Angela Duchesne pleaded guilty to manslaughter midway through the trial.

Future In Farming?

Thunder Bay's economic future could lie in farming.  That's the opinion of Food Activist Wayne Roberts who toured area farms yesterday and spoke with local residents this morning.  Roberts says this area has rich farming land and will be heavily relied on when global warming takes effect in Southern Ontario.  Meanwhile, City Council received a report last night claiming area public institutions including themselves spend 6.4 million dollars on food a year and how they could redirect some of that money to local farmers.

Concealing Body Charges Laid

Provincial Police are now charging a 34 year old Manitouwadge woman with concealing the body of a child. O.P.P. say the charges stem from an investigation that started on March 1st, 2011 when they attended the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in response to a woman having been admitted to hospital under unusual circumstances. The woman is to appear in provincial court on March 27th. Meanwhile O.P.P. are still seeking further information from the public but are not commenting further about the case as it is now before the courts.