Lost Skiers Found

Two women are safe after they found themselves lost while cross-country skiing in Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park Tuesday evening around 7pm. The two called police when they couldn't find their way back to the parking lot. OPP North West immediately sent out their emergency response team and quickly found the women. The two were unharmed.

Pedestrian Hit On Highway 11/17

A man is fortunate to be alive after he was hit while walking along Highway 11/17 between Balsam Street and Red River Road Tuesday evening. Constable Diana Cole says police received two calls of a man dressed in black walking along the highway. There were no charges laid but OPP are reminding the public that pedestrians are not allowed to walk along the highway between Vibert Road and Birch Beach road.

Truck Driver Identified

Nipigon in OPP believe they have identified the driver involved in a near head on collision between two tractor-trailers on Highway 11 in Greenstone early January. The incident was caught on video and quickly went viral. There was no collision but one of the drivers was forced to swerve into several guard posts. A thirty-one year old Milton man has charges pending.

Radford-Duhamel In Second Place

At the Sochi games, northwestern Ontario's Eric Radford and partner Meaghan Duhamel put together a strong performance in the Team Pairs figure skating event today but it wasn't enough to beat the Russians. Radford and Duhamel finished in second place in the short program with a 73.10, 10-points behind the world champs. That was good enough to earn Team Canada 9-points. Canada now sits in second spot, two points behind the Russians. The top 5 teams advance to the long program.

Bisson Blasts Murray

The NDP's provincial transport critic is blasting the transportation minister for his recent comments on the maintenance of northern roads.  Gilles Bisson says it's not good enough for Glen Murray to apologize for poor winter road maintenance,  and that the government should take back the duties of patrolling and dispatching of trucks.   Bisson  believes that the Liberals are making the overtures because of an impending election.

Pugh Running For Re-Election

McKellar Ward Councillor Paul Pugh is running for re-election in this Fall's municipal election. Pugh says it took some careful consideration when deciding to run again. Pugh adds that he decided to run again in part because of his involvement in the city's poverty reduction strategy. He adds that his ward is still feeling the affects of the 2012 flood.

Hyer Responds To NDP Visit

Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer is happy to see the NDP take the time to tour regional communities involved in the development of the Ring of Fire today. Hyer says that having MP's from across Canada in the region should create more attention in Parliament for the Northwest. Hyer also sees it as a move that could see the issues of small communities across the country highlighted.

Overcrowding Solution Still Escapes Officials

With reports of record overcrowding at the Regional Hospital,  MPP Bill Mauro says finding a solution isn't proving to be easy.   Mauro says he's been working with the health minister and her staff on a regular basis to try to get some answers but he can't make any funding promises at this time.  Mauro says the key is replacing the 60 long term care beds which were taken away from the city recently.

Radl Back In The Race

Once again retired police officer John Radl will be running as a candidate in Westfort.  He lost to Joe Virdiramo in the municipal election in 2010.    Radl says he's not happy with how easily councillors spend taxpayers money and if elected he promises to advocate for the handicapped.  Radl lost to Joe Virdiramo in the municipal election in 2010

Budget Meeting Recap

The City is looking to raise the daily parking rate fees for 2014.  The Parking Authority's budget includes an increase from just over four dollars to an even five. It's felt that the jump in the daily fee will provide an added 5-thousand dollars in annual revenue from the Waterfront Parkade and an extra 7 thousand dollars at the Victoriaville Parkade. Meanwhile, the City is looking to replace the boiler and relocate the hot tubs and sauna at the Canada Games Complex. The renos are slated to cost 500-thousand dollars. Councillor Joe Virdiramo wants staff to consider finding savings in creating a unisex sauna. Gerry Broere said they will look into savings and come back with information. The repairs are scheduled for 2016 under the enhanced infrastructure fund.