Fraser Institute Releases High School Report

St. Ignatius, St. Pats and Hammarsjkold High Schools are all ranked above the provincial average in the latest Fraser Institute Report Card.  Spokesperson Peter Cowley says there's always room for improvement.  Westgate was ranked 4.7 out of 10 on the right wing think tanks report card system.

Federal Budget March 21st

The Federal Budget will be presented in Ottawa on March 21st.  Kenora MP Greg Rickford says the budget will be focused on balancing the budget.  But, Rickford says you will see an emphasis on moving forward on skills training.  Rickford says the government has an obligation to our future generations to pay down the deficit.

North Stars Edge Iron Rangers

The Thunder Bay North Stars are starting their playoffs with a win. The North Stars edged the Minnesota Iron Rangers 1-0 last night at the Fort William Gardens with Mathias Gardiman scoring the lone goal for the North Stars, while Jayme Brattengeier stopped all 34 Iron Ranger shots for the shutout. The North Stars will hit the road for the next meeting between the two teams on Monday night.

Gas Station Robbery

Thunder Bay Police are investigating an early morning robbery at the Shell gas station on Red River Road. Police say the convenience store clerk was robbed around 1:30 this morning at knife point by a man wearing a camouflage mask. He was last seen on Clarkson Street heading toward Walkover Street.

Lang Off To World Curling Championships

A man from Thunder Bay will be working closely with the Northern Ontario Team that will represent Canada at the upcoming World Championships in Victoria. In two weeks, famed curler Rick Lang, will act as the Team Leader on behalf of the Canadian Curling Association. Lang has become very close with the country's top curling teams over the past three years. Lang is back in Thunder Bay after watching the Brier final and visiting the curling venue for the upcoming Russian Winter Olympics.

Rae Has Forestry On His Mind

Forestry is on the mind of Federal Interim Liberal Leader Bob Rae.  Rae used the forest sector as the focus of talks with party faithful and others during stops in Dryden and Kenora on Tuesday.  He talked about the need of getting more aboriginals involved.   Rae stressed the federal government must get more involved in helping the forest sector move forward.

Horizon Wind Still Bogged Down In Red Tape

The proposed Big Thunder Wind Park is still bogged down in government red tape waiting to be approved by the Ministry of Environment.  Horizon Wind spokesperson Kathleen MacKenzie says the next step is for the government to allow for online public comments.  MacKenzie doesn't believe a spring election call will affect the approval process.

Icebreaker Expected In Harbour Tonight

Watch for the icebreaker Samuel Risley in the harbour starting today. Port Manager Tim Heney says they expect the Canadian Coast Guard vessel sometime tonight. It will be plowing through the ice to get the port ready for the new shipping season.

Red Lake Looking For New Logo

You could be the artist behind Red Lake's new logo and tag line.  The public is invited to submit their design, which will help with branding the municipality.  Economic Development Officer Bill Greenway says it could mean more opportunities for the community.  Submissions are being accepted till April 2nd.

Contact North Registration Increases

Ontario's distance education and training network is pleased to announce an increase in their number of registrations.  Contact North has seen at 14-percent increase in this fall, compared with last year.  Vice President of Recruitment Services Debby Sefton says as a whole, the numbers have skyrocketed.  Sefton says that Dryden saw a 49-percent increase.

S.L. Hospital Sues Over Leaky Roof

Issues of a leaky roof has forced the Sioux Lookout Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre to move ahead with legal action.  The hospital is seeking compensation through the courts against designer Stanteck Consulting and contractor Ellis Dawn.  Engineering Consultant Doug Lawrence says the problem started in 2010 and has forced disruptions at the hospital.  None of the accusations have been proven in court.

NWO Bridges Scheduled To Be Fixed

Eleven bridges in Northwestern Ontario are getting a fix up thanks to 61 million federal and provincial tax dollars.  The projects include one in the Rainy River District to one at Rossport.  The closest project to Thunder Bay is a 3.4 million dollar renovation of the Pine River bridge on Highway 61.

3 Men Charged With Trafficking

Three Quebec men are charged with trafficking cocaine and crack out of an apartment in the 100 block of South Algoma.  A search of the residence resulted in a seizure of 100 grams of crack cocaine, 220 grams of powder cocaine, 6 grams of marijuana and over 76-thousand dollars in cash.   The total street value of the drug seized is 53-thousand.Police say there three have ties to Montreal Street gangs.

Gravelle Announces Forestry Corporation

The province's Ministry of Natural Resources is creating a Local Forest Management Corporation.   Thunder-Bay Superior North M.P.P. Michael Gravelle made the announcement today on behalf of M.N.R. Minister David Orazietti.  Gravelle named six members to the board, which will oversee all areas of the forestry sector in Northwestern Ontario starting in the Spring of 2014.  Gravelle says they've been working on developing this project since 2008.

Dryden Turned Down For Casino

Looks like there will be no casino for the Dryden area.  The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation set today as the deadline to apply for casino bids in Northwestern Ontario.  OLG Spokesperson Tony Bitonti says Kenora made the list, and now a number of factors must be determined.  Wabigoon had been pressuring Dryden for a gaming facility in the city.

Poverty Free T.Bay Wants Change

Poverty Free Thunder Bay wants the Ontario Government to increase funding for poverty programs in the next Ontario budget.  Chair Terri Carter says increase in Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Program would greatly help local residents.  The group is urging Bill Mauro and Michael Gravelle to raise the issue at Queen's Park.

Kings Fall In Overtime At O.H.L. Cup

The Thunder Bay Minor Midget Kings are finished at the O.H.L. Cup in Missassauga. The Kings fell 5-4 in overtime to the Central Ontario Wolves this morning, dropping their record to 1-2-0-1. Only two teams in each division will advance to the quarter-finals of the 20 team tournament.

Police Rule Out Foul Play

Police are clearing the scene on Leith Street where a 34 year old man was found dead last night.  Foul play is not suspected in the incident and a post-mortem is being conducted on Monday to determine the exact cause of death.

5 Youth Injured Near Dryden

Highway 17 West of Thunder Lake Road near Dryden is re-open this morning. O.P.P. had to shut the highway down for about an hour after a mini-van spun out and rolled several times. 5 young people were taken to hospital with what police are calling minor injuries.

Body Found On Leith Street

Investigators are trying to determine the cause of death and the identity of a man whose body was found in the backyard of a Leith Street residence. City Police were called to the scene around 5:30 p.m. yesterday afternoon when a passerby noticed the body. Further information is expected to be released later today.

Kings Get Crowned At O.H.L. Cup

The Thunder Bay Minor Midget Kings are all but finished at the O.H.L. Cup in Missassauga. They were trounced 8-0 in their lone game of the day yesterday against Oakville and now play the Central Ontario Wolves this morning. The Kings are now 1-2 in the 20 team tournament are are unlikely to advance to the quarter-finals.

Bond Scoffs At Survey Results

The head of a group protesting the Big Thunder Wind Park is skeptical of a new survey which says 2 out of 3 residents is in favour of the project.   Irene Bond says from her experience many people aren't familiar with the details of the plan to put wind turbines on the Nor'wester Escarpment and don't have all the facts.  Bond also claims the support for the project is down since the first survey Horizon took almost 3 years ago.

Hunters Fined

A hefty fine for 5-hunters from southern Ontario.  The Ministry of Natural Resources says the charges stem from an incident near Lily Lake, West of Thunder Bay, where a bull moose was illegally killed.  Conservations officers were tipped off about the incident and found the hunters less than a kilometer from the moose.  Ballistic evidence was needed to prove the hunters involvement as they denied responsibility.  The MNR fined the men for possession of an illegally killed bull moose, abandoning the flesh and allowing it to spoil, and obstructing an MNR officer.

Foulds NDP T.Bay Superior North Candidate

City Councillor Andrew Foulds is going to represent the NDP in Thunder Bay Superior North.  If an election is called they will face Liberal Incumbent Michael Gravelle.  Foulds says they're proud to represent the party and looks forward to raising the riding's issues when an election is called.  NDP Leader Andrea Horwath spoke at the nomination meeting last night and says she thinks her party can win this riding.

NAN Holding Women's Conference

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation Women's Council is meeting for three days at the Nor'Wester Best Western. They're holding a conference they hope will empower the region's women.  Topics up for discussion include coping with stress, self defense and gender equality.

Foulds Thunder Bay Superior North Candidate

City Councillor Andrew Foulds is going to represent the NDP in Thunder Bay Superior North.  If an election is called they will face Liberal Incumbent Michael Gravelle.  Foulds says they're proud to represent the party and looks forward to raising the riding's issues when an election is called.  NDP Leader Andrea Horwath spoke at the nomination meeting last night and says she thinks her party can win this riding.

Police Looking Into Body Found On Leith Street

Thunder Bay Police are investigating the death of a man who was found in the 200 block of Leith Street. A passerby spotted the body in a backyard.  The cause of death is unknown as well as the identity of the deceased.  Thunder Bay Police Criminal Investigations and Identification detectives are on the scene.

Stomach Illness Outbreak At St. Joe's

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is declaring a stomach illness outbreak at St. Joseph's Care Group's Reactivation Program.   All admissions, transfers, discharges and social activities have been cancelled for that area of the hospital.  Visitors are restricted to family members and caregivers only.

Con College Considering Offering New Program

Confederation College is looking into bringing an advanced paramedic program to Thunder Bay.  President Jim Madder says they are still in the early planning stages.  Madder says they're considering programs that are already offered at other schools.

Ottawa's Budget Day Is March 21st

The Harper government will be presenting it's budget next Thursday.   It's expected to be a stay the course document. Thunder Bay-Superior North  MP Bruce Hyer is hoping that there's a commitment of funds to the Ring of Fire mining development. And while it may be wishful thinking, Hyer is hoping the budget will see the government reverse its decision on closing the Experimental Lakes Area near Kenora.  Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says he hopes small town northwestern Ontario gets a break on infrastructure spending and adds the NDP is also hoping that cutbacks to front line services are restored to departments like Veterans Affairs and Service Canada.

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.