Morrisson Happy With LU Win

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves men's basketball team beat Cape Breton today in a national tournament game 74 to 61. The Thunderwolves will play Ottawa tomorrow at 5:30 pm ET. Coach Scott Morrisson says it feels great to move onto the next round of play and notes normally at this time of year he'd be drowning his sorrows.

Revera Employees Join CEP

25 Revera employees are joining the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union.  CEP Spokesperson Marvin Pupeza says in a vote today, 60 percent of the staff from Thunder Bay and Kenora voted in favour of joining the union.  Revera home health care provides service across Northwestern Ontario and the CEP already represents 40 personal support workers in the Dryden area.

NDP Nomination Race Now Has 2

City Councillor Andrew Foulds will have some competition for the N.D.P. nomination in Thunder Bay Superior North.  Lise Vaugeois is throwing her hat in the ring.  The Lakehead University educator and musician says she has great respect for Foulds and looks forward to discussing issues with him at the nomination meeting.  The nomination meeting is scheduled for Thursday March 14th.

CMHC Looks Ahead To Spring

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation feels housing starts will pick up again once the weather gets warmer.  In February there were no new starts reported in Thunder Bay.  Analyst Warren Philp expects the Spring to bring more single family starts.  Philp says people are using the colder months to plan their future builds.

Stats Can Releases New Job Numbers

The jobless rate in Thunder Bay is on the rise.   Statistics Canada released new information today indicating the city's jobless rate rose by almost a full percentage point, up to 5-point-9 percent from 5 percent last month. Canada's unemployment rate is unchanged at 7 percent.

Wynne Vows To Work With First Nations

Premier Kathleen Wynne is keeping to her promise of working with First Nations on developing the Ring of Fire.  Wynne met with Matawa Chiefs in Toronto alongside Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David Zimmer.   Wynne feels the meeting was productive and says she wants to work with First Nations to ensure future economic growth and job creation for generations to come.

Thunderwolves Begin National Tourney At Noon

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves men's basketball team takes on Cape Breton today at noon to begin the national tournament. Head Coach Scott Morrison says there is a bit of history between the two teams as they played against each other at nationals in 2010. The Thunderwolves are ranked 7th at the tournament in Ottawa while the Capers are ranked 2nd. You can watch the game starting at noon by clicking here: http://www.cis-sic.tv/

New MNR Minister Says All Ministries Face Financial Pressures

The new Minister of Natural Resources is weighing in on jobs cuts within his Ministry.  The Province talked in September of 2012 of possibly closing the Ignace MNR office, as well as cutting positions at several area Provincial Parks.  In an exclusive interview with our newsroom, David Orazietti says he'll try to balance providing first line MNR service with cost efficiencies.  Orazietti says all Ministries are facing financial pressures.

Body Found In Kenora Dam

Kenora OPP are investigating a body being found floating in the Norman Dam.  Police say workers located the body Thursday at the intake to the dam.  The recovered body will undergo a postmortem exam Friday at the Lake of the Woods Hospital.

Fire Marshall's Office Called In

The Ontario Fire Marshall's Office is being called in to investigate the cause of a Wednesday night blaze to a home on Machar Avenue.  The FMO investigator is expected to determine the origin of the fire and cause.  19 firefighters battled the blaze for an hour before it was declared out.  Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact the Fire Department or Police.

Sit-In To Continue At LU

The Lakehead University students camping outside the President's office will continue their sit-in until March 22nd.  Yesterday, the University offered the students an olive branch by introducing a new aboriginal course in the first year law program.  Spokesperson Sebastian Murdoch-Gibson says they want the old aboriginal program back.  The group wants the Senate to rescind the decision to cancel their program at the March 22nd meeting.

Downtown Is Going Uptown

It looks like the north side downtown is going to get a facelift with the construction of new luxury residential and commercial condominium units. They will be located in the  building at 37 South Cumberland that used to house Kilroy's bar.    The units will feature private roof top patios and green roof space. Toronto developer Mike Kuipers and his partners, including one from Thunder Bay, hope to have the building completed by the fall with occupancy by November first. 

Murder Suspect Back In Newmarket Court

It's back to court later this month for the man charged with the second degree murder of a Thunder Bay woman in Richmond Hill last month.  Thirty six year old  Jonathon Ross appeared in a court in Newmarket today on the charge and was ordered to appear again March 25th.   The body of his sister, 38 year old Jeannine Ross was found in a condominium complex February 2nd.   The cause of her death is not known.

E.C. Warns T.Bay About Snow

Environment Canada says Thunder Bay won't be spared from 10 to 15 centimeters of snow this weekend.  A Colorado low is moving into the region from the States.  Spokesperson Peter Kimbell says motorists will want to take heed.  On Sunday, anyone travelling to the east will want to drive carefully as the storm moves past the City.

Stompin Tom Remembered

Country music legend Stompin' Tom Connors is fondly being remembered as much for his love of Canada as for his music. Connors passed away yesterday at the age of 77 of natural causes. The staunchly patriotic Connors did his best to promote the nation with songs like ``Bud the Spud,'' ``The Hockey Song,''  ``Sudbury Saturday Night'' and "Road To Thunder Bay." 

College Dental Program Gets Accredited

Good news for Confederation College's dental programs.  They've received accreditation for seven years. Health and Community Services Dean Kathleen Lynch says it's a big deal and legitimizes their program.  The accreditation is from the Commission of Dental Accreditation of Canada.

Border Guard Fired

Mario Dion

A border guard at Pigeon River is without a job after being found in violation of a Public Service Ethics Code and the Border Service Agency's Code of Conduct.  In a report,  Public Sector Integrity commissioner Mario Dion says the officer maintained a relationship with known organized crime figures in Thunder Bay and didn't inspect their vehicles as required by his job. Dion says the issue may not be over as it still could be under active investigation by police.  The officers identity and even gender are being kept from the public.

Firefighters Battle Machar Ave. Fire

Fire personnel will be back at a 2-storey Machar Avenue residence today to try and determine the cause of a fire. Firefighters arrived just after 9:30 p.m. last night to find smoke billowing from the living room and front door. Heavy fire damage is being reported on the main floor with considerable smoke damage upstairs. Crews determined there was no one inside and quickly brought the fire under control.

Bob Rae Asked To Negotiate Ring Of Fire

Bob Rae could have a job waiting for him after he gives up his role of Interim Federal Liberal Leader. He's been asked to be the lead negotiator by Chiefs in northwestern Ontario for the Ring of Fire. Chiefs involved with the project want to make sure the province is fair with how the project is handled and how the money is shared.

Carter Named Defensive Player Of The Year

L.U. Thunderwolves Point Guard Greg Carter is a repeat winner of a national trophy. He was named the C.I.S. Defensive Player of the year by his opposing coaches in Ottawa. Carter averaged more than 2 steals and 4 rebounds per game and is considered the best shut-down guard in the country. Carter and the Thunderwolves take on Cape Breton on Friday at noon to begin the national men's basketball tournament.

LU Introduces New Law School Course

Lakehead University's Law School is offering a new course that will enhance the school's first year curriculum.  Management feels the proposal will address the demand of students staging a sit-in outside the University President's Office.  The course Aboriginal Perspectives, would be a mandatory half-credit component of the curriculum to complement Native Canadian World Views & Law, which has already been approved by Lakehead University Senate.

OFL Budget Meeting Thursday

Thunder Bay residents get to add their ideas to a province-wide consultation on the Ontario budget tomorrow night.  The Ontario Federation of Labour is holding a series of "People's Budget" consultations across the province and they'll stop in Thunder Bay Thursday.  OFL VP Irwin Nanda says they've heard some common themes.  Input collected will be made into a report that will be sent to the Government.

Westmount Students Vie For Votes

The Grade 8 students at Westmount Public School are looking for your online vote.   They have entered an advertising contest with the opportunity to win a trip for the entire class to Cape Breton.  You can vote for the local entry from now until March 22nd by going to this LINK

Truck Goes Through Bank

Dawson Road TD Bank officials are busy cleaning up their store front after a pick up truck plowed into the building this afternoon.  Fire Spokesperson Brian Duichko says an elderly man driving the truck wasn't hurt.  Duichko says it looks like he mistook the gas pedal for the brake.  It's the second time in less than six months that a vehicle has gone through this bank.  No one in the bank was hurt.

International Women's Day Thursday

Lakehead University is celebrating International Women's Day Thursday.  Dr. Treena Orchard from Western University will be speaking about her social justice work with women in India and Canada.  Orchard says it's extremely important to mark International Women's Day.  She'll be speaking at the LU Faculty Lounge at 6:30 Thursday night.

Special Olympics Gets Kids Playing

Special Olympics Thunder Bay continues to promote sports to kids with intellectual disabilities.  Spokesperson Ashlegh Quarrell says besides getting more kids involved in sport they also strive to offer more sport offerings to their athletes.  125 local elementary and high school students are taking part in a multi-sport festival today.

Health Unit Launches Nutrition Month

Thunder Bay's Health Unit wants you to eat healthier.  They've launched nutrition month which will highlight the importance of planning your meals before you hit up the grocery store.  Dietician Karling Zaporazan says you can also sign up for tours of local grocery stores by calling the Health Unit.

Concert Move Has Many Implications

City staff are ready to come back with a report to council should they approve a suggestion by Councillor Larry Hebert.  Hebert is asking his fellow members to consider moving the Summer in the Parks Series from Wednesday night to Tuesday or Thursday.  Cultural Services Supervisor Leah Bayly says there are already events planned for Tuesdays and Thursday's on the waterfront.  Council will vote on Hebert's idea Monday night and if it's approved staff will come back with a report on April 15th.

MPP Supports Dryden Cat Petition

A Dryden animal activist has the support of Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell. Camille Cox from the Second Chance Pet Network has put forward a petition to ban the declawing of cats. Campbell says "declawing" is actually the amputation of a cats toes. Campbell read the 600 signature petition at Queen's Park on Tuesday.

Hiring Numbers Released For Mining Boom

The Kenora District is facing a severe shortage of workers, especially if the mining industry takes off as expected. The Northwest Training and Adjustment Board released its statistics in a 10 year mining hiring requirement forecast in Dryden yesterday. Labour Market Economist Jamie Wolcott says this forecast will help those in education, industry and government make decisions. The report indicates the Kenora District will need nearly 3,300 workers by 2022, 1,700 in the trades industry alone.

Hyer Impressed With Efforts To Save ELA

Lots of Praise to the people of the Kenora riding by an MP from Thunder Bay. Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Bruce Hyer says he was impressed by the people who attended the Save the Experimental Lakes Area forum last night in Kenora. Hyer spoke on his efforts to keep the facility open and offered words on behalf of Kenora Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell. An information session was held in Sioux Lookout yesterday.

Wilson At Helm Of Humane Society

Thunder Bay's Humane Society will be run by its former President Glen Wilson.  Wilson says he's holding down the fort after Executive Director Maryanne Klynendorst stepped down.  Wilson wants to provide the best service for the animals at the best lowest cost.  Wilson signed a one year part time contract. 

Applebee's Undergoing Renos In April

Applebee's is undergoing three weeks of renovations starting April 8th.  Manager Ryan Syroid says it was high time for a fresh look.  During renovations the restaurant will be closed.

Hospital Adapting To New Funding Policies

Officials at the regional hospital are relieved now that cataract surgeries are taking place again.  However spokesperson Lori Marshall says the whole spectacle of the facility cancelling then reversing the decision was a valuable lesson  about new government funding policies. She says they are now in a new era of  funding and they are continuing to learn more and more all the time about how that will unfold into the future.  Marshall says the procedures were reinstated  because the local health authority and the Health Ministry managed to find the money to fund them for the rest of the budget year.

Snowmobiler Found Safe

A missing snowmobiler is safe and sound after OPP helped rescue him from Lake of the Woods.   The man called 911 after his snowmobile got stuck in snow and slush but couldn't tell them his exact location.  A helicopter flew over and found a fire on Bigsby Island where they found him cold but in good health.

OPP Crack Down On Drunk Driving

OPP continue to crack down on drinking and driving.  Over the last couple of days they've conducted RIDE Checks and nabbed two regional residents with impaired driving.

Today Marks Save The ELA Day

Today marks Save The Experimental Lakes Area Day across the region.  Dryden and Sioux Lookout have made the declaration and the Legion in Sioux Lookout will play host for an information session tonight at 7 o'clock.  S.L. Organizer Anne Saltel encourages anyone who's concerned about the water-research facility to come out.  Kenora Organizer Peter Kirby says morale at the ELA isn't very good right now.  Kirby says Canada has given notice to Ontario that it wishes to terminate the agreement between the two levels of government effective September 2013.

Sousa Asks For MPAC Review

The Ontario government is promising to review a decision by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation to order the town of Espanola to repay four million dollars in taxes to Domtar. Finance Minister Charles Sousa says he's asked officials to look into the situation, which is also happening in other northern communities. The New Democrats want Sousa to freeze the tax assessment decisions until the review is completed.

Fort Frances To Pay Off Mill Tax Rebate

The town of Fort Frances won't be putting any money in reserves this year. The million dollars it had set aside, will now go toward off-setting the $1.7 tax rebate to Resolute Forest Products. The town had already set aside $575,000 towards the company's assessment appeal.

Red Lake Scam

An old scam has hit the Red Lake area. A number of residents have been contacted by someone claiming to be from Microsoft, requesting personal information. O.P.P. say it's a scam, and the public is reminded to never ever give out personal information to someone you don't know over the phone.

Matawa Teams Up With Noront & College

Matawa First Nation is teaming up with mining company Noront Resources and Confederation College.  Matawa Spokesperson Morris Wapoose says they've signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will reinforce a commitment to work with each other on mining training.  Wapoose feels its important to properly train area First Nations so they can take part in the mining boom in the Ring of Fire.

Council Waits To Repair Pools

City Council is holding off on repairs at the Heath Park Pool.  City Staff will be studying what needs to be done to fix the pools and how the City can help pay for those repairs.  Facilities General Manager Michael Smith says area outdoor pools need plenty of work up to half a million dollars.  The outdoor pools are expected to open this summer without the repairs.

2013 Budget Ratified

The 2013 City budget is in the books.  Property taxes will go up 2.6 percent this year. City Councillor Rebecca Johnson feels the tax increase is too much.  She adds its one of the only budget meetings during her time on Council that went extremely fast.  The 6:30 meeting wrapped up by 7:20.

2013 Scout's Canada Awards

City Hall was the location for the 2013 Scout's Canada Award Ceremony.  Chief Scout's Award recipients include Declan Biloski, Cassandra Burdick, Marshall Clark, Brady Lysmo, Autumn Mielke and Kevin Skomoroh.  Queen's Venturer Awards went to Paul Bielski, Colton Burdick, Nathan and Timothy Ehn, Allan and Andrew McCutcheon and Tara Rooney. The Medal of the Maple for Distinguished Youth Service went to Nathan and Timothy Ehn.

Search Turns Up Drugs

Thunder Bay Police are charging a 54 year old man with a variety of offenses after they searched a West Frederica Street home.  Police seized money, 27 Oxycodone tablets, morphine and Ritalin.   The man is charged with proceeds of crime, and drug trafficking.

Board Budget Process Begins

It's that time of year again as public school board trustees get down to the business of budget deliberations.   Director of Education Cathi Siemieiuk says there shouldn't be anything controversial like school closures on the horizon, but that all depends on how much government money comes their way.   They won't find that out until next month.  Tuesday evening trustees will set up a budget committee to begin the review.

More Info Comes To Light In 2009 Murder

City Police are charging a second person in connection to the 2009 death of Edgar Marion.  They say that 23 year old Samantha Drake is facing Accessory to Murder after the fact in connection with Marion's death.  Staff Sergeant Derek West says the investigation continued over the years and new information came to light just recently.   His remains were found in a burned out car in the Shuniah Mines.  Another person is already charged with Marion's murder.

Snow Coming To Region

Travellers headed West will want to use caution when driving. A snowstorm is expected to move in from North Dakota and is expected to bring as much as 10 centimetres of snow to Fort Frances, Rainy River and Emo. The system is expected to hit later tonight and taper off by tomorrow.

L.U. Creates Centre Of Excellence For Mining

Lakehead University is officially launching its Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mining and Exploration. It's designed to encourage and support research, education and outreach activities regarding the nature and impacts of mineral resource exploration and extraction particularly in Northern Ontario. The Centre's three pillars will include mining and exploration, environmental impact and will collaborate with First Nation, Metis and local communities within the region.

N.A.N. Addresses FASD

N.A.N. Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler says the government's inaction over the issue of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder will cause irreversible damage to future generations. Fiddler says that FASD is an issue faced by all N.A.N. communities, and that it is unacceptable that the region's children most affected by it are ignored. He also states that the only N.A.N. children who receive proper care for FASD are those in foster care or involved in the criminal justice system.

Pigeon River Border Update

Border officials are releasing their latest statistics. Officials at Pigeon River saw a 3.5% increase in travellers and a 6% increase in vehicle traffic compared to January of last year. Officials also processed almost 600 commercial drivers. They continue to remain alert for smuggled goods passing through Pigeon River. As of the latest release, only four of just over 1000 vehicle inspections yielded smuggled goods, including an All Terrain Vehicle worth $4,500. Three people were also barred from immigration at the Pigeon River border due to invalid paperwork and criminal records.

Three Car Crash

One person is recovering in hospital following a three car collision on highway 11-17 Sunday night. The accident happened near highway 527.  Firefighters from the Shuniah and pass lake departments help to extricate the victim.

Thunderwolves Ranked 7th At Nationals

The Lakehead University men's basketball team will take on the Cape Breton Capers to begin the national championship tournament on Friday. It's the 4th straight appearance for Lakehead who are ranked 7th heading into the tournament while Cape Breton is ranked 2nd. Tip-off is at noon eastern in Ottawa.