Inspectors To Return To Derailment Site

Investigators will be back at the site of this weeks train derailment near White River Friday.   Rob Johnston leads a team of government safety inspectors who are trying to figure out what happened to thrown 22 CP freight cars off the track.   Johnston says some evidence at the scene will be sent to Ottawa for inspection and he doesn't expect to know the cause of the derailment for some time yet.

Police Make Arrest In Charity Theft

One person is charged in connection with the theft of a charity cash collection in the city last week.  Police say they nabbed the suspect while he was riding his bike in Westfort this morning.  The 28 year old is to make a court appearance tomorrow.   The charity jar was taken from the Frederica Street Robin's coffee shop. 

Power Company Formed With First Nations

Thirteen First Nations and mining giant Goldcorp say they now have an agreement to incorporate a new power company called Wataynikaneyap Power.   This new company is developing a transmission line that will connect remote First Nations communities in the northwest currently powered by diesel generators.   The eventual aim is to have the First Nations ownership at 100 per cent.

MOE Says Oil Spill Didn't Harm Environment

Government scientists say there is no harm to the environment as the result of a train derailment and oil spill on the CP rail tracks near White River. Kate Jordan of the Environment Ministry says there is no impact to the nearby river, which is the source of the communities drinking water.  She says the spill has been contained and that ministry personnel are at the site. The cause of the derailment is still under investigation by authorities.

Campbell Calls For Help For Libraries

The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River says public libraries are more important than ever before. However, Sarah Campbell says that funding for libraries has been ignored by the province. Campbell is calling on the provincial government to come up with a new funding strategy to make sure libraries can thrive despite tough times for many municipalities.

LHIN Looking To Improve Diabetes Care

The number of people living with diabetes in Northwestern Ontario is among the highest in the province. To combat that, the local health authority continues to provide more coordinated diabetes care. Susan Pilatzke is the Senior Director of Health System Transformation, and says they are looking at how they can improve patient care. In 2012, the local health networks took over the role for diabetes services from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

College Funding

Confederation College President Jim Madder has a wish list for the upcoming Provincial Government Budget. At Pre-Budget consultations yesterday, Madder told the Province he would like to see more funding for a rebate program for students who attend college directly after high school. Madder is also asking for a dual credit program for high school students expanded as well.

Experimental Lakes Area Closure

Fresh water impacts everyone's daily lives. That's a message from the Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association regarding the closure of the Experimental Lakes Area. Susan McLeod with the Property Owners Association says the research is important to everyone. Mcleod says they continue to push the importance of the facility through discussions with MP's and letter writing campaigns.

White River Oil Spill

Canadian Pacific says an oil leak from a freight train that derailed in a remote stretch near White River has been contained and poses no risk to the public. Spokesperson Ed Greenberg says 2 of the 20 or so cars that came off the tracks contained light sweet crude that temporarily leaked. He says it's believed about four barrels escaped and cleanup procedures are underway. The Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the derailment.

TBDHU Concerned About Strep Outbreak

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is looking into a death at Lakehead Manor retirement home following an outbreak of group A strep. Health Unit spokesperson Darlene Binette reminds people to help stop the spread of disease. Binette says Lakehead Manor is the only facility in the city to be affected by group A strep.

New Online Mining Directory In The City

Thunder Bay is launching it's new interactive online Mining Sector Goods and Services directory. Mining Services Manager John Mason says they've already got 400 companies listed on the site. Mason says the directory is easier to navigate and can be found on the Community Economic Development Commission's website.

Aboriginal Liason Strategy Anniversary Being Celebrated

The City is celebrating the anniversary of it's Aboriginal Liason Strategy. Clerk John Hannam says the plan outlines four roles for the City and he feels they've come along way since its inception. Hannam says the relationship between the City and area First Nations has greatly improved since the plan was put in place.

Former AIDS T.Bay E.D. Serving Time

Former AIDS Thunder Bay Executive Director Lawrence Korhonen is serving 90 days in jail after being sentenced March 14th in Ontario Court.  Korhonen was found guilty of invitation to sexual touching stemming from an incident in a restroom at the Grandview Mall last year.  Officials say when Korhonen is released he won't be able to be alone with anyone under the age of 16.  AIDS Thunder Bay released a statement saying he is no longer employed with them.

LU Hands Out Honorary Degrees

Lakehead University is handing out honorary degrees to some prominent Canadians. Former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin is one of four people receiving honourary degrees from LU. Thunder Bay's Mining Development Manager John Mason also received a degree.

Clement Fires Back At Mulcair

FedNor Minister Tony Clement is striking back at NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair.  Clement says the leader of the Opposition is purposely misleading Northerners about cuts made to FedNor's budget.  Clement's statement comes after Mulcair's visit to Thunder Bay yesterday.

Lakehead Introduces New Hockey Coach

Bill McDonald is being introduced as the new coach of Lakehead University Men's Hockey team today. McDonald says he's trying to get a feel for his new team. McDonald says he will be implementing a gritty style of hockey for the upcoming season.

Mauro Happy Consultation Happening

Thunder Bay is playing host to a pre-budget consultation today. The Provincial Standing Committee on Finance is listening to the public's comments on the budget at the Airlane Hotel. Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says its the second time they've spoken with local groups this year. The consultation session is scheduled from 9 until 5.

Toronto Man Found Dead In Kenora Named

Kenora OPP have named a Toronto man who died in Kenora on Sunday. Officials say 36-year-old Michael Sylborne was found dead on the street under a broken fourth floor window at the Best Western Lakeside Inn. Police had been called to the hotel to respond to a disturbance around 3:45 in the morning on Sunday. Police added Sylborne had been in Kenora while working on a construction project in the area.

Arrest Made In Connection With Robbery

Thunder Bay Police have made an arrest in connection with a March 28th robbery from the May Street Mac's. Officials say an off duty officer noticed the suspect on Victoria Avenue and notified police. Police say 28-year-old Blake Nicholas Kowalchuk was arrested without incident.

Charity Donation Jar Stolen

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a theft from Robin's Donuts on Thursday. Officials say a man stole a "Change for Autism" charity donation jar from the Robins on Frederica Street. Police are describing the man as a Caucasian male with scruffy facial hair, wearing a striped toque and a green hoodie.