Big Trout Lake Sexual Assault

Ontario Provincial Police have charged a 19-year-old man from Big Trout Lake First Nation regarding an incident last month.  Constable Allison Moore with the Sioux Lookout Detachment says police were first notified on February 11th.  O.P.P say the accused has been charged with sexual assault, forcible confinement and overcoming resistance.  He is expected to appear in court on Monday.

Airport ATM Dispenses Foreign $

Money makes the world go round and now you can get some of your world money at the airport through a new ATM machine that dispenses foreign currency.  With a bank card you can now obtain Euros, pounds, pesos and U.S. dollars.

Horizon Wind Trumpets New Poll Results

The latest survey of Thunder Bay and area residents paid for by Horizon Wind, shows 2 out of 3 of those polled support the Big Thunder Wind Park. Horizon spokesperson Kathleen MacKenzie says this confirms that there are fewer opponents to the project. The latest poll, done in December, surveyed 600 residents and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 per cent.

Centennial Golf Course Sold

The Owner of Northern Lights Golf Complex is now the new owner of Centennial Golf Course on John Street Road and plans to call it Centennial Pines Golf Course. Gerald Breukelman signed on the dotted line in February and says it's a new challenge. Breukelman is now offering a dual membership for both Northern Lights and Centennial Pines and is hoping city golfers take advantage.

Ministry Of Labour Investigating Hudson Mill Incident

The Ministry of Labour is looking into an incident at the Hudson Mill near Sioux Lookout. Spokesperson Matt Blajer says a worker suffered a crushing injury to his left arm and is in hospital in Winnipeg. There is no word on the extent of the injury. Blajer says inspectors are looking into the training and the events surrounding the incident.

Kings Split Games To Open O.H.L. Cup

The Thunder Bay Minor Midget Kings opened the O.H.L. Cup in Missassauga by splitting a pair of games. They blanked the Huron Perth Lakers 2-0 in their second game of the day to even their record at 1-1 after losing 6-1 to the Toronto Junior Canadians. The Kings will play the Oakville Raiders in their lone game of the day today.

S.I.J.H.L. Playoff Picture

The Superior International Junior Hockey League playoffs are set. The Thunder Bay North Stars finished in fourth place and will take on the fifth place Minnesota Iron Rangers in a best of three series starting Saturday at the Fort William Gardens. The winner will advance to take on the regular season champion Minnesota Wilderness in the semi-finals. The other semi-final match-up features the second seeded Fort Frances Lakers taking on the Dryden Ice Dogs.

Hospital Closes Unit Because Of Stomach Illness

Thunder Bay's Hospital is closing down one of its units as a result of a stomach infection outbreak.  Unit 2A is closed to new admissions and transfers. Visitors for patients on 2A are being restricted to one per patient.

Colli Says Bergoglio Will Be A Good Pope

Thunder Bay Bishop Fred Colli says he was surprised by the election of Argentine's Jorge Bergoglio.  Colli says the Cardinals of the Church surprised Catholics around the world.  Colli says he will probably meet the new Pope in a years time when he goes to Rome.

Dryden Musician Enters Much Music Competition

A great opportunity for a Dryden musician!  David Huffman is in the running in the Much Music "Covers" competition.  Huffman covers the Phillip Phillips song Home and he now needs your votes.
The winner of the competition will be featured in a commercial and a music video as well as earn a singles deal with Sony.  To check out his video click here.

PARO Gets Cash

The Provincial Government is rolling out funding to PARO Women's Enterprise Center.  Executive Director Rosalind Lockyer says 180 thousand dollars is going towards business training initiatives.  The programs will be offered in Thunder Bay and across the Northwest region.

Excavator Joyride Racks Up Damage

OPP are looking for someone who took an excavator for a joy ride over the weekend.  They were called last weekend to the gravel pit in Gorham Township where they found the gate was forced open. Someone drove the heavy machinery towards the scale shack and demolished it and tore it off its mounting.  The person then drove the excavator to a 60 foot conveyor where they proceeded to damage the frame work of the conveyor.  Damage is estimated to exceed 25-thousand dollars.

Another Lottery Winner In The City

Thunder Bay's Wayne Olson is the latest big lottery winner in the city.  Olson won 100 thousand dollars in the December 29th Lottario draw.   He plans to use the money to buy a new car.

Hospital Gridlock Is Over

It might be a band-aid solution but so far it seems to be working.   President and C.E.O. of the Regional Health Sciences Centre, Andree Robichaud says they're out of gridlock at the hospital and have been since the end of January.  Robichaud says they will fall into gridlock again in the future and the lack of long term care beds is not just a problem in northwestern Ontario but all of Canada. 

Mirabelli Calls Garneau Drop Out Shocking

Liberal MP Marc Garneau is pulling the plug on his campaign to lead the Federal Liberals.  President of the Superior North Liberal Riding Association Vince Mirabelli says its shocking.  Garneau is throwing his support behind front-runner Justin Trudeau.

New Virtual Leadership Convention

Leaders from across Northern Ontario are expected to take part in a virtual conference discussing how they can improve the region.  Frank Roch is the creator of the conference and says there will be representatives from many sectors taking part.  There will be no meeting location for the April 3rd and 4th event; registrants will be given video and teleconferencing instructions.

Wild Medicine Movie Scouting Talent

A Toronto filmmaker is going to be in the City this weekend scouting actors for his movie Wild Medicine.  Director Adam Garnet Jones says the film will be shot this summer in Wabigoon Lake and Fort William First Nations.  Garnet Jones says they're going to be at Lakehead University this weekend looking for young First Nations people to audition for the film. 

Resolute Moving To Re-start Ignace Sawmill

Resolute Forest Products says things are moving along in re-starting sawmill operations in Ignace.  The company says site construction is set to begin next month, with an end date of March 2014.  The site will include a planer and 2-kilns and will be able to turn raw logs into 9-foot, stud lumber.  Resolute says the construction phase will employ roughly 200 and 115 will be employed once the mill is operating.  There could also be 150 in-direct jobs created.

T.Bay Broker Appointed To OREA

A Thunder Bay real estate broker has been appointed director of the Ontario Real Estate Association.  Diane Erickson will represent Northern Ontario on the board for a two-year term.  Erickson has 22-years of experience in real estate, and currently works at Team 100 Realty.  The OREA represents over 55-thousand brokers and salespeople.

Armstrong Jersey Still A Symbol Of Hope

The patients are having their say.  The jersey of disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong is going to remain on display at the Regional Cancer Centre.  Dawn Powell speaks for the patients and says they were very understanding of Lance Armstrong and the doping scandal.  Most patients felt the jersey was still a symbol of hope and inspiration. The Regional Cancer Centre spoke with cancer patients, community members and staff and based their decision on the feedback they received.

TBRRI Gets Million Dollars For MRI

Thunder Bay's Regional Research Institute is getting a million dollars from the Provincial Government.  CEO Dr. Michael Wood says the money from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund will go towards a new state of the art MRI which will be used to research brain diseases.  The MRI will replace an older model and will cost 5 million dollars in total.

Plowing To Resume Overnight

The city's road crews are going to be back at it overnight clearing up our unexpected dump of snow.   Roads manager Brad Adams says they'll be out in full force while you are sleeping. He says at 2 a.m. snowplowing will begin with the big graters hitting the main streets. Adams says they will also continue plowing the sidewalks at around 3 a.m.   At 7 o'clock they will make a decision on whether the side streets need to be plowed as well.

Habitat Looking For Volunteers

Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers for their demolition projects in April. They'll be tearing down three cabins. Spokesperson Keith MacMillan says they need six to eight volunteers per day. Recovered material from the projects will then be sold in the Habitat For Humanity ReStore.

City Mourns Elder

The City is mourning the loss of Elder Agnes Hardy.  Hardy was a member of the City's Elders Advisory Council.  A funeral will be held on Thursday at 1pm at the Harbourview Funeral Centre.

White-Out Conditions On Area Highways

Today's snowfall is creating hazardous road conditions in the Thunder Bay and Nipigon areas.  Traffic Staff Sergeant Ken Mantey says blowing snow has created white out conditions on area highways.  The Ministry of Transportation is sending snow removal crews but it may take some time to improve driving conditions on area highways.

Foul Play Ruled Out

OPP are ruling out foul play on a person found in the water at the Norman Dam in Kenora.  The post-mortem exam shows the body may have been in the water for a number of months.  Last Thursday workers found a body floating at the intake to the dam.  Police continue to work with the Coroner to confirm the identity of the deceased; they do not believe he is from the Kenora area.

More Mediation Requested

 No agreement yet.  A spokesperson for the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal is reporting the dispute between City Police and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation hasn't been resolved. The two parties have requested another mediation date, and the tribunal is considering it. The dispute stems from NAN's complaint a spoof Thunder Bay Police e-mail entitled "Fresh Breath Killer Captured" was made public. The matter will either be resolved through mediation or a human rights hearing.

Manpower Releases Optimistic Quarterly Report

Thunder Bay area employers expect a healthy hiring climate for the second quarter of 2013, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.  Survey data reveals more than a quarter of employers plan to hire in the next three months while very few anticipate cutbacks. About 70 percent of employers plan to maintain their current staffing levels.

Summer In The Parks Stays On Wednesday

Not a big surprise.  City Council is not going to move Summer In The Parks.  Councillor Aldo Roberto says he asked for comments on the issue on Facebook and not many were in favour of the move.  Councillor Larry Hebert suggested moving the night from Wednesday to Tuesday or Thursday nights but he just couldn't get enough support from his fellow Councillors  

City Council Round Up

City Council is going to spend 1.2 million dollars on a new Aerial Ladder Fire Truck.  The Fire Department will be getting the vehicle from Fort Garry Fire Trucks.  Meanwhile, City Hall is also approving the Superior North Emergency Medical Services Strategic Plan.  The 5 year plan sets out goals and key recommendations for local paramedics.

Domestic Violence Groups Want Awareness Day

Domestic Violence groups would like the City to keep violence against women on their agenda on a regular basis.  Faye Peterson House Spokesperson Debbie Zweep says they would also like June 17th to be deemed "Nobody gets hurt" day in Thunder Bay as a way to raise awareness about the issue.  City Councillor Rebecca Johnson recommended they speak with the Crime Prevention Council.  Zweep doesn't believe the C.P.C is talking about domestic violence enough and they should be.

MNR Looking Into Lampricide

Minister of Natural Resources David Orazietti says they continue to work with a variety of organizations when it comes to restoring fish populations on the Black Sturgeon River.  Orazietti says he's heard the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters concerns that removing a dam in the area would allow sea lamprey into the body of water.  Orazietti says they're also considering a lampricide that would target the invasive species larva.

SOS Coast Guard Radio Continues To Fight

Local Union representatives continue to fight to save Thunder Bay's Coast Guard Radio service.  The service is slated to close in March of next year and will be offered out of Sarnia.  Local CAW Spokesperson Marcie Lavoie says they continue to pressure the Federal Government to reverse their decision.  Last spring, the Federal Government announced the closure and plans to direct calls to the Sarnia Coast Guard.

Summer In The Parks Stays On Wednesday

Not a big surprise.  City Council is not going to move Summer In The Parks.  Councillor Aldo Roberto says he asked for comments on the issue on Facebook and not many were in favour of the move.  Councillor Larry Hebert suggested moving the night from Wednesday to Tuesday or Thursday nights but he just couldn't get enough support from his fellow Councillors  

Domestic Violence Group Wants Awareness Day

Domestic Violence groups would like the City to keep violence against women on their agenda on a regular basis.  Faye Peterson House Spokesperson Debbie Zweep says they would also like June 17th to be deemed "Nobody gets hurt" day in Thunder Bay as away to raise awareness about the issue.  City Councillor Rebecca Johnson recommended they speak with the Crime Prevention Council.  Zweep doesn't believe the C.P.C is talking about domestic violence and they should be.

Macher House Fire Considered Arson

Thunder Bay Police are investigating the house fire on Macher last week as arson.  The Fire Marshall's Office determined that it was deliberately set.  Anyone with information about the incident or information about any suspicious activity in the Macher Street area on the evening of March 6th is asked to call the Thunder Bay Police.

CA's Offering Tax Service For Free

Once again chartered accountants in Thunder Bay will be offering their services for free.  Organizer Jennifer Whelan says Tuesday and Wednesday they'll be doing taxes for immigrants to the city and those who are on low incomes.    The number to call to sign up is 345-0551.

Dryden Isn't Getting A Break From MPAC

Dryden isn't going to get a break from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation in its ongoing battle to reverse the recent assessment of the Domtar Mill.  MPAC says they have reviewed the Assessment Review Board decision with their legal team and determined they don't have enough to go on for an appeal.  President Antoni Wisniowski says they aren't leaving Dryden's side.  He says the ARB came up with the 14-million dollar value after hearing extensive evidence from both MPAC and Domtar.

Bob Rae In Thunder Bay

Federal interim Liberal leader Bob Rae is in Thunder Bay today.  He spoke with members of the Chamber of Commerce during the lunch hour about the Ring of Fire and First Nation involvement.  Rae says he's looking at how he can legally represent Matawa Chiefs with their dealings in the chromite mining development.  He will step down as interim leader April 15th. The one time Ontario Premier is touring the Bombardier facility this afternoon and speaking at a party faithful fundraising event.

Police Crack Down On Commercial Vehicles

Thunder Bay Police are cracking down on commercial vehicles.  They held an inspection over the weekend at the Mapleward Road landfill.  Police noted that some drivers had made absolutely no effort to secure the loads that they were hauling, and as a result five drivers received a ticket.  The set fine for this offence is $160.00.

Sled Dog Race Begins

A musher from Ray, Minnesota, leads the pack at the John Beargrease sled dog race from Grand Marais to Duluth. Keith Aili was first on the trail after a taking a break in Finland this morning. Andy Heerschap of Kakabeka Falls and Paul Amano of Kaministiquia are competing in the half-marathon which got underway from Finland this morning.

Local Connection To Brier Winners

The Northern Ontario win at the Brier has a Thunder Bay connection. Local Curler Joe Scharf served as the team's fifth member at last year's Brier. Scharf says the Brad Jacobs' win hits close to home. Scharf says the team works harder off the ice at being the most physically and mentally ready team in the country.

Armstrong Jersey To Remain On Display

The jersey of disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong is going to remain on display at the regional cancer centre.   Officials say the decision to keep the autographed yellow jersey where it is, was based on discussions with local and regional cancer patients, community members and the staff.  

Fort Frances Teachers Elected President Of O.S.S.T.F.

The new leader of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation is from Fort Frances. Paul Elliott was voted to lead the 60 thousand member union in Toronto yesterday. Elliott, a teacher from Fort Frances High School, was first elected to the Provincial Executive as Executive Officer in 2005, and is a former Vice-President three times. Sue Doughty-Smith, an Educational Assistant from Thunder Bay, will serve as Executive Officer for the upcoming term.

Thunderwolves Lose In National Final

The dream run is over for the Lakehead University Men's basketball team. They lost 92-42 to the #1 ranked Carleton Ravens in the championship final on Sunday. It was the last ride for six players who were in their last year of eligibility. The team is expected to return from Ottawa today after pulling off upsets over Cape Breton and Ottawa at Nationals.

Domestic Violence Issues Come To Council

Local women's groups are going to speak with City Council tonight about a recent report saying Thunder Bay has the highest rate of domestic violence in all of Ontario.  The groups including the Faye Peterson House will be asking each Ward Councillor to have a meeting to talk about violence against women and create ward specific strategies.  They're also asking for more domestic violence training for police and better communication between law enforcement and their organizations.

Crime Of The Week

Thunder Bay District Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in solving the following crime. On January 8th police responded to CRC Communications on Dunlop Street to find the front window of the building smashed. Video surveillance shows an early 2000 Pontiac mini van with large black stripes across the doors pulling up to the building and a man exiting with a hammer. He is described as 5' 10" with a slender build and was wearing possibly a white painter's suit. The man made off with a number of company cell phones. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at  623-TIPS, that's 623-8477.

EMS Plan Up For Debate

City Council is going to be asked to approve the Superior North EMS Strategic Plan Monday night.  Chief Norm Gale says they want Councillors to give them the go ahead so they can start implementing the plan.

Biathlon Back In The City

Biathlon is making comeback in the city, at least that's the hope of a local club. Lake Superior Biathlon hosted the first biathlon race in Thunder Bay in over twenty years yesterday at Kamview. LSB spokesperson Dan Duckert says they are optimistic about the future of biathlon in the city. Duckert says it was great to give all race participants the exposure to the sport.

Lakehead In Finals

They're off to the finals. Lakehead University Men's Basketball team punched their ticket to the finals of the CIS National Championship with a 66-62 win over the Ottawa Gee Gees last night. The Thunderwolves will be taking on eight-time champion Carleton Ravens this afternoon at 3:30. You can watch the game on The Score.