Thunderwolves Bastketball team off to Nationals

The day after the OUA championship the Thunderwolves Men's Basketball team has turned their eyes towards the CIS national championships.  The Wolves have learned they'll battle Trinity Western in their first game Friday afternoon.  The winner will advance to the semi finals.  The Thunderwolves earned the fourth spot at the tournament with a huge upset win over Carleton Saturday 77-62.  It was Carleton's first loss this season

Snow today but warm tomorrow

Its snowing today but starting tomorrow we'll be getting our first real taste of spring. Our Meteorologist Bill Laidlaw says we will get about 10 to 15 centimetres of snow when all is said and done and then warm air will move in and push temperatures above the freezing point for most of this week.  Laidlaw says the snow should taper off this afternoon.

Gilbert nomination offical

It's official: retired Lakehead University president Fred Gilbert will be the Progressive Conservative candidate for the Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP seat. Gilbert will be going up against Liberal MPP Bill Mauro. The NDP are planning to pick their candidate for the riding later this month.

Nurse wants to streamline emergency care

A Shuniah Councillor thinks she has the soloution to a sometimes crowded emergency room at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Alana Bishop says an emergency facility dedicated specifically to addiction and mental health related admissions would help free up beds. Bishop --who's also a registered nurse--will pitch the idea to city council Monday night.

New crossing for Lakehead proposed

A new Oliver Road traffic light is being proposed to help  L-U students reach the Health Sciences Centre on foot.

The new light would make it easier for students living in residence to get medical attention. Also, nursing students frequently need to cross back and forth between both locations

LUSU president Mike Snoddon along with representative from Lakehead will present the idea to city council at Monday's meeting.

Board vice-chair defends tuition hike

With increased tuition fees at Lakehead University now set in stone, the vice chair of the Board of Governors is defending the move. Cam Clark says it was necessary because the institution is facing rising costs.  He says the board tried to find a balance between affordable education for those students with few resources and a fiscally responsible budget.  Clark suggests the increase was regrettable but necessary

Mayor says list shows need for fewer staff

The latest list of city workers that made 100 thousand dollars last year has the mayor on alert. Keith Hobbs says he's working to cut the overall budget for salaries. The mayor says he and other councillors are serious about starting the staff reduction process through attrition. The Sunshine List from the province shows that 80 members of the police and fire services are on it. Hobbs attributes that to the "terrible shift" that they work and he hopes to change that to reduce overtime rates.

Hampton: No substance to "stunted growth plan"

Provincial NDP leader Howard Hampton says the McGuinty government's Northern Growth plan is void of any substance.  He says there is no action plan in the document what-so-ever, and that after 4 years of study all there is, is  more study, more talk and more delay. Hampton says the plan shows that the government is out of touch with the realities of life in the north.

Porter to increase flights to T-Dot

Porter Airlines is expanding it's Thunder Bay to Toronto service.   The company says the new schedule takes effect on May 25th.  It will see an increase to five daily round trips during the weekday from the current three.  Porter says Thunder Bay has been a good fit with planes frequently loaded to capacity.  Thunder Bay Airport Manager Scott McFadden calls it welcome news. 

New policy institute cornerstone of growth plan

The Northern Ontario Growth Plan has finally been released. The controversial document has been in the works for over 3 years and included thousands of hours of consultations. Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle says now the plan can be implemented.  One the first iniatives in the 25 year plan will be the creation of a Northern Policy Institute. Gravelle says the institute is a direct response to northern residents who want a greater say in policy decisions affecting the region.

Police HQ broken into

Talk about gutsy. OPP in Sioux Lookout say that someone broke into the Nishnawbe Aski Police headquarters building in that community. Police didn't indicate if anything was taken only to say that they haven't arrested anyone

Commisso calls for change to Sunshine List

Thunder Bay's City Manager thinks it's time the province increase the amount used to make up it's Sunshine List. Right now the list includes public workers who make more than 100 thousand dollars a year. Tim Commisso thinks that number is getting stale given that it was created in 1996. He believes a better threshold would be about 140 thousand dollars. Last year 115 workers on the city payroll made over 100 thousand dollars.

Man spooks girl in Current River

City police are looking for a man in his mid twenties after an incident in Current River yesterday morning.   They say that at around 8:30 a man approached a 13 year old girl walking on Dacre Street near Leslie Avenue.  The girl tells police the man made inappropriate comments to her.  She was not harmed.   He's described as white, 5-8 and thin with short dark hair.

Hay admits Sunshine List will cause talk

City Fire Chief John Hay says the fact 31 firefighters made more than 100 thousand dollars last year is going to cause controversy. He says his hands are tied because of an arbitration award that gave them 7 years of back pay. However, public perception is a different story, admitting that there will be questions asked. Hay says that same award will play into this years Sunshine List as well.

Students protest increased tuition

The student union at Lakehead University is livid over a decision by the University Board of Governors to jack up tuition  fees by 5 per cent. President Mike Snodden says about 120 chanting protesters were on hand as the governors entered Thursday's meeting where the increase was approved. He says the increase will mean students will pay an average of 280 dollars more for next years classes, engineering students will pay and extra 460 dollars. He says a protest rally is planned for next week as well as an e-mail blitz.

Ring of Fire blockade underway

Marten Falls First Nation has commenced its blockade of an airstrip used by companies for Ring of Fire mining exploration. The community is protesting what they see as a lack of involvement in decisions about their future.

The catalyst for the blockade is a mining camp on Koper Lake that Marten Falls leaders say was constructed without permission.

The  leaders see the camp as part of a larger trend where the community is shut out of the decision making process and are concerned they might lose out on benefits in the long term by not being able to help guide development.

Besides having more say in plans for the area, Chief Eli Moonias says Marten Falls would like to see new infrastructure put in place like winter roads that could lead to transport jobs. Other items such as funding to hire experts to help with negotiations and reimbursement for last years blockade are also on his wish list. Moonias feels the First Nation was forced into last years blockade by the decisions of others and shouldn't be on the hook for the cost.

NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy visited the protest camp on Koper lake today and participated in a ceremony to mark the beginning of the blockade. Beardy says First Nation communities in the region aren't against development; they just want to make sure they share in the Ring of Fire's success and are treated fairly.

Municipal League meets

You can bet the Northern Growth Plan will be a hot topic at this weekend's annual Thunder Bay District Municipal League meeting. Past president Gwen Garbutt says the league members had a say in the plan, which is being released Friday morning by Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle. Garbutt says if there's something in the plan they don't like, Gravelle will hear from them. The meeting gets under way Friday as well.

Developer's expansion plans halted

The city isn't too keen on making changes to some of the projects at Prince Arthur's Landing.   The Committee of Adjustment has nixed plans by the developers of the hotel to add a storey to the building and move some parking from the waterfront to the downtown north core.   However city administration was a bit skittish about the plan because there hasn't been a parking study done.

Hospital working on new strategic plan

All aspects of health care are being encourage to take part in the creation of a new strategic plan for the Regional Health Sciences Centre. CEO Andree Robichaud says they hope to have representatives from all health care stake holders take part in the planning.  Robichaud says they will focus on patient needs and hope to have a draft plan in place by June.

City firefighters make sunshine list

A total of 115 people on the City of Thunder Bay payroll are on the province's Sunshine List. It gives the names of civil servants and other government officials who made more than 100 thousand dollars last year. City Manager Tim Commisso says a recent arbitration decision for city firefighters put 32 of them on that list. 50 people in the Police Service are also made more than a 100K in 2010

Herman takes issue with proposed booze law

Police Chief Bob Herman has joined the chorus of concerns over proposed new liquor laws in Ontario. Herman says while the laws may need updating he is wondering if allowing people to wander with booze at outdoor events is a wise move. He says they've seen from events in Thunder Bay that when that happens there is a tendancy for minors to be given alcohol and for people to sneak it in.  Herman says the Police Chiefs Association will bring their concerns to the McGuinty government

Donation for library

The Northern Credit Union has donated 5 thousand dollars to the new Mary J.L. Black Branch Library. The money will support the Children’s Reading Garden at the new facility. Fundraising Chairman, Patrick Morash and Thunder Bay Public Library Acting Chief Librarian, Barb Philp, were at the Northern Credit Union Westfort Branch on Frederica Street to accept the gift.

Buddy Guy and GFR highlight bluesfest lineup

They're coming to our town to party it down.  Grand Funk Railroad is one of the acts that will be part of this years Blues Festival.  Also on the list are Chicago Blues man Buddy Guy, Blue Rodeo and Wild T and the Spirit.  the Bluesfest takes place at Marina Park July 8th to the 10th.

City Transit is developing a master plan

The city wants to know what residents think about transit services. Transit Manager Brad Loroff says they are looking for public input to help in the development of a Master Plan. Loroff says the plan should point out what needs Thunder Bay residents have.  Loroff says there will be a survey available from March 7 to April 17th and a public meeting March 31st.

No one hurt in apartment fire

No injuries in a North side fire. The Blaze happened just after 9 o'clock last night in the 500 block of North Cumberland.  When crews arrived they found one unit completely engulfed in flames.  The cause is under investigation.

More schools to offer full time Kindergarten

There will be more schools in Thunder Bay offering full day Kindergarten next year.  A report says that starting in 2012, 7 more schools will be providing the service in the city bringing the total to 16 schools.  It's part of the provinces announcement that 900 more schools in Ontario will provide full time kindergarten in 2012

Infanticide ruled a partial defence to murder

A precedent setting ruling by Ontario's top court.  The Court of Appeal says that mothers who kill their newborn babies may use infanticide as a defence and receive a drastically reduced sentence. The president of the Thunder Bay Law Association David Dubinsky notes its a very rare charge.  He doesn't expect a lot of mothers will be running to court with this type of defence. Dubinsky says the issue hit the court because a special interest group wanted to make a statement about women's rights

Another mill shutdown in "The Fort"

Another shutdown is coming for the AbitibiBowater Mill in Fort Frances.  The plant will be shut down for fourteen days beginning March 28th because of poor market conditions.  More than 500 employees will be effected.

CAW members at Beendigen get new deal

Social workers at a local aboriginal women's shelter have a new 3 year contract.   The employees of Beendigen  Inc.  have voted to accept the deal.   Suzanne Pulice of the Canadian Auto Workers union  says the contract corrected a wage gap between two groups in the bargaining unit.  She says part time counsellors were not making the same as full time workers, but by the end of the agreement they will both make the same.  Pulice say there are improvements in wages and benefits

Local media to be flown to protest site

The Marten Falls First Nation will be testing the patience of industry and government as they set up a blockade Thursday near the Ring of Fire.  The members of that community are complaining they're not part of the process for the proposed chromite mine.  As part of the days events,  the Nishnawbe Aski Nation has chartered a Nakina Air flight to the area so local news reporter can get a glimpse of the protest, which Chief Eli Moonias says is designed to prevent planes from landing and gaining access to the site of the development.   Included on that charter is our own Josh Lynn.

Snowmobile mishap claims a life

A 23 year old Geraldton man is dead after a snowmobile accident near Ear Falls on Tuesday.   OPP say three snowmobilers were riding along  a hydro line when a collision took place.  They say Marcel Santerre died as a result of these his injuries.

Levi Schaeffer Inquest continues

The Levi Schaeffer Inquest is into its 3rd day and the OPP officers who were involved in his death are on the stand.  Constable Mike Pullbrook says he and his partner Constable Kris Woods were investigating reports of a stolen boat at Osnaburgh Lake when they came into contact with Schaeffer.  Pullbrook says when questioned about the boat Mr Schaeffer became very agitated.  He says an altercation ensued and after Schaeffer broke free of his hold, Schaeffer pulled a knife out of his pocket.  Pullbrook says after repeated requests for Schaeffer to drop the knife and to stop moving forward, Constable Woods shot Schaeffer.  Woods is expected to take the stand this afternoon.

Outpost site of climate change conference

Climate change is being talked about at Lakehead University Thursday. Organizer Graham Saunders says the purpose is to discuss the topic from the angles of changing trends, impacts and ways to adapt. He hopes anyone who attends will come away thinking differently about weather and some of the surprises that may be in order in the years to come. The conference takes place at the L-U Outpost starting at 8:30 a.m.

Long time local business is closing

After over 40 years Hymers Mens Wear is going out of business. Owner Rob Hymers says he's ready for a change. He says people just aren't shopping in the downtown like they used to adding, many shoppers are now attracted to the big box stores and Intercity Shopping Centre.    Hymers says he's looking forward to spending more time with his family

Car fires keep police busy

Thunder Bay police are investigating after two vehicles were burned to the ground this morning.  The fires happened just after 12:30 on Bethune Street and just after 2 o'clock on Cumming Street.  Arson is suspected and both cars were destroyed.

Team Thunder Bay heads home

After over a dozen meetings in Toronto,  Mayor Keith Hobbs and his Thunder Bay delegation are coming home.   Hobbs says the two days of lobbying government ministers and officials will hopefully pay off for the city.  Hobbs says leaders here need  to hold the government's feet to the fire on local issues.

Retired general weighs in on Libya

A retired Thunder Bay general gives top marks to world governments as they react to the Libyan crisis. John Litt says the UN effort is critical to the humanitarian efforts that must take place because the government there is attacking it's own people.   He says we have an obligation to not only defend a member state during a time of war, but to protect it's people from crimes against humanity.  Litt says Rwanda taught the world we can't sit by and watch people getting slaughtered

Planned blockade raises Horwath's ire

The planned blockade of the Ring of Fire by the Marten Falls First Nation on Thursday is not going unnoticed at Queens Park. NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is blaming the governments lack of dialogue with northern First Nations.  Aboriginal Affairs Minister Chris Bentley says Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle is working closely with Marten Falls on specific issues

Henderson jersey back in Canada

More than 30 years after Paul Henderson scored the winning goal in the 1972 Summit Series, the famous jersey is back in Canada. The Henderson Jersey Homecoming tour is travelling across Canada and will be making a stop in Thunder Bay on Thursday, March 10th. Spokespeson Rob Wighton says the tour bus will have many different exhibits such as the stick, gloves, and jersey Henderson used during the series.

Its been a cold winter

Home heating bills likely went up this winter but not only because of the HST. Our Meteorologist Bill Laidlaw says its been pretty cold so far. The average temperature has been just below long term average but when you consider the mild winters we've had over the last ten year's its been the second coldest over that time. Laidlaw says it'll likely remain on the cooler side until mid month at earliest.

Two collision keep police busy

Thunder Bay OPP dealt with a couple vehicle collisions.  Both happened yesterday around 5:30 in the afternoon.  The first one involved a van which hit a dump truck on Highway 527.  The woman driver of the van was taken to hospital with minor injuries.  The second collision happened on Highway 11/17 just East of Kakabeka Falls were a vehicle hit the ditch.  Charges have been laid. 

Cliffs keep quiet on blockade

Cliffs Natural Resources is not commenting on plans for a blockade of the company's proposed mining development.  The Marten Falls First Nation says it will stop anyone from entering the Ring of Fire area starting on Thursday.  They say they are upset over being left out of the process.    Mines minister Michael Gravelle has not been available for comment.

County Fair for sale

A for sale sign is up at County Fair Mall. The Mall entered receivership and is being administered by accounting firm Grant Thornton. Its unknown how long the building has been in receivership.

Ring of Fire blockade planned

There is more First Nations unrest over the Ring of Fire chromite deposit in Northern Ontario.  This time the Marten Falls First Nation is planning to  blockade access to the area.  The blockade will be set up on Thursday.  They're upset because they have been left out of the discussions on the proposed development.

NWO concerns voiced at Queen's Park

The mayor is confident the energy concerns of Northwestern Ontario are now understood clearly at Queens Park. Keith Hobbs says after a meeting with Energy Minister Brad Duguid Monday there is an understanding that the priority here is the distribution, transmission and pricing of electricity. Duguid promised to come back with an answer. Hobbs says they also met with Health Minister Deb Matthews and discussed the transferring of non emergency patients and detox beds for the city.

City in court on environmental charge

The city is in court this week on an environmental charge. It stems from an occurance on the Current River. Lisa Brygidyr of the Ministry of the Environment says it took place in April of last year. She says during the spring smelt spawning run the water flow was suddenly reduced. It resulted in the small fish being stranded on land and many of them died. The hearing is taking place at the Metis Hall on May Street.

LU expert predicts Gadhafi's end is soon

With the world turning against Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi a Lakehead University political expert says it's only a matter of time. Laure Paquette says when the end comes, he will not go voluntarily. In fact she believes that when he goes there will likely be violence involved and he'll be taking a lot of people with him. Paquette predicts the end will probably come within about two weeks.

Injured workers to discuss WSIB

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board is currently having a formal review about their funding. The Thunder Bay and District Injured Workers Support Group will be hosting a meeting Thursday night at the Lakehead Labour Centre to discuss the issue, according to treasurer Steve Mantis. Mantis says the Insurance Board review may have a heavy impact on workers in Northwestern Ontario.

Inquest into 2 year old death underway

Ontario's Coroners Office is holding an inquest into a 2 year old death in Northwestern Ontario.  Levi Schaeffer of Peterborough died in June of 2009 after an altercation with the OPP in the Osnaburgh Lake area.  Its expected to last between one to two weeks and will hear from 12 witnesses.  Schaeffer was allegedly shot after he attacked officers with a knife.