Beardy slams OPP commendations

The head of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation says a decision to reward some OPP officers last week sends a wrong message to First Nations.  One award was for exemplary performance in the Pikangikum First Nation dispute last year and the other, a bravery award for the officer who shot a First Nations woman in Kenora.  Grand Chief Stan Beardy calls the commendations glorified and unnecessary.

Cash or credit card only please

The Red Cross is encouraging financial donations only in response to the flooding in Quebec and Manitoba along with the wildfires in Alberta.   The organization says response teams are working with authorities to provide emergency help including food and shelter,  and it's only through financial donations that the work is possible.

Wind farm debate hits FWFN

The proposed Horizon Wind Farm project comes up for discussion on the Fort William First Nation Monday evening. Community member Wyatt Bannon says the open house on the project is not enough for him and for others. He says two hours of listening to concerns can hardly be considered consulting with the public. Bannon says he'd like to see the June 6th deadline for voicing concerns extended

Thunder Bay police investigating sexual assault

An alleged sexual assault has city police looking for more potential victims. Staff Sergeant Don Lewis says a 46 year old man who runs a modelling business is charged with assaulting a 23 year old woman.  Lewis says they hope any other potential victims who may have modeled with him come forward. Charged is Luc Paul Despres of Thunder Bay.

Boys and Girls club hurt by crime

Police are looking through surveillance video to find the culprits who broke into the Thunder Bay Boys and Girls club on the weekend. Executive Director Albert Aiello hopes it wasn't done by teens who use the facility. He says the club feels hurt and saddened by the crime which saw two flat screen TVs and two gaming systems stolen. Aiello doesn't know how they can replace the stolen and damaged items

CMHC forecast looks good for Thunder Bay

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is forecasting a strong year for Thunder Bay.  Analyst Warren Philp says we should see a 22 percent increase in total starts this year due mainly to an increase in multi family dwellings.  Philp says there has been a demand for condos in Thunder Bay for the past couple decades that hasn't been met yet.  Philp says the resale market should stay strong as well.  

Local video stores not on the selling block

The Blockbuster video stores in Thunder Bay are not being sold.    They are not on the list of 146 Blockbuster locations  in Canada that are being closed.   It was released by the receiver Grant Thornton.  The targeted stores will be sold to make the video rental chain more attractive on the market.

Good deed saves citizen

City police would like to thank the citizen that performed a good deed. A 65 year old man suffered a heart attack while traveling eastbound on Francis street then collided with two parked cars. A citizen who witnessed the accident performed CPR on the man before paramedics arrived on the scene. The man is now in Thunder Bay hospital and is currently in ICU. There were no other injuries.

Break in at boys and girls club

Police are reviewing video footage from a break in that occurred this morning around 5 AM at the Boys and Girls Club on 270 Windsor st. Two males in their teens broke into an insecure door on the west side of the building and stole 2 big screen televisions, an Xbox 360 and Ninento Wii game consoles. Police are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Animal bite prevention week

The Thunder Bay Health Unit wants to make sure you are safe around animals. Spokesperson Darlene Binette says many people are bitten each year, and some are not reported. Animal Bite prevention week runs from May 28th to June 3rd, and aims to give people ways to be safe with animals.

North Shore Communities get cash

North Shore communities are benefiting from 686-thousand dollars in provincial funding.  The money is going to Nipigon, Red Rock, Schreiber, and Rossport's aging water treatment systems.   Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle made the announcement on Friday.

Kashechewan illegal booze

A shipment of illegal booze didn't make it to someone in the remote community of Kashechewan First Nation.  Nishnawbe-Aski Police assisted Band Council to seize nearly 13-thousand dollars worth of alcohol at the Kashechewan Airport.  Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Crimestoppers or Nishnawbe-Aski Police.  Kashechewan is a dry community.

Gas tax money goes to transit

Thunder Bay is on the receiving end of provincial funding.  Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says they're giving the city two million dollars from the gas tax fund.  The money will be used to improve the city's transit service.

LHIN doles out cash

The North West Local Health Integration Network is providing a total of 3.6-million dollars to 13 Northern Hospitals for upgrades. Over 300 thousand dollars is going towards the Thunder Bay Health Sciences Centre. The Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre in Sioux Lookout is cashing-in with nearly 420-thousand dollars in funding. The Dryden Regional Health Centre is getting than 222-grand. The Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital in Red Lake will see just over 206-thousand dollars.

Commissioner talks OPP

Building relations is the focus right now for the Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police.  Chris Lewis has been on the job for nine months now and says working with area Municipalities is his primary goal.  Speaking in Dryden, Lewis says he also wants to strengthen the OPP's relationship with the media.  Lewis adds the biggest challenge facing OPP in 2011 is staffing, as they are losing 400-people this year.

OPP ceremony in Dryden

A number of OPP officers across Northwestern Ontario were honoured recently at a special ceremony in Dryden.  5-civilian staff and 4-officers were thanked for 20-years of service.  OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis says 14  officers received Commendation for their work during an incident in Pikangikum last June.  200-people forced their way into the police station, causing extensive damage and disabling power and telephone service.  The incident resulted in a lengthy and tension filled stand-off.

Domtar Fire Update

More details are being released on Wednesday night's fire at the Dryden Domtar Mill.  Domtar Spokesperson Bonny Skene says the fire occurred on the roof of one of the buildings where construction work related to the turbine installation project was taking place earlier in the day.  No one was injured and damage was minimal.  A full investigation is underway.

Police make drug bust in Attawapitskat

Over 13 thousand dollars worth of illegal drugs has been seized at a Northern First Nation.  Members of the Combined Forces Organized Crime Unit made the bust in Attawapitskat Wednesday.  Police also found almost 5 thousand dollars worth of cash and arrested a 43 year old man.

Gas and Dash not rising in Thunder Bay

Gas and Dashers are on rise in Canada except in Thunder Bay.  City Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says people filling up and driving away without paying does happen here but so far there has been no increase as the costs sky rockets.  Adams says it happened 4 times last month.

Multicultural Association gets funding

Thunder Bay's Multicultural Association is getting over 37-thousand dollars.  The money will be used to provide the "My Town" program.  That program is a series of youth workshops.

Youth Dragon Boat festival hits Boulevard Lake

Over 400 kids will be competing in today's Youth Dragon Boat Festival.  It's the 11th year for the event and Spokesperson Volker Kromm says people should cheer on the teens at Boulevard Lake.  Races start at 10 am and wrap up around 2:30.

Health unit wants dog bites to stop

The Thunder Bay Health Unit wants to make sure you are safe around animals. Spokesperson Darlene Binette says many people are bitten each year, and some are not reported. Animal Bite prevention week runs from May 28th to June 3rd, and aims to give people ways to be safe with animals.

Graduation day for LU Friday and Saturday

23 hundred students will be graduating from Lakehead University this weekend. Convocation starts Friday and Registrar Brenda Winter says it will include grads from a variety of programs. 26 hundred degrees will be handed out.

Incident raises trespassing issues

CP Rail is using an electrical accident in Northwestern Ontario to show the consequences of trespassing. Spokesperson Mike LoVecchio says people should be aware that entering railway property presents a terrible risk.  A 10 year old girl received a jolt after touching an electric cable located on CP property in Terrace Bay.

Rickford has full plate

Greg Rickford's plate has suddenly become extremely full. The Kenora Conservative MP has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Secretary to Canadian Northern Economic Development and Secretary for FedNor. Rickford says overall he's pleased with the selection of Parliamentary Assistants.

Local road boards get cash

Northwestern Ontario's local road boards will be sharing 25 million dollars in provincial funds. Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says the money will be used to fix rural roads across the region.  The funding is part of the 2011 budget.  Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle made the announcement on Thursday.

Raffery/Hyer overlooked for shadow cabinet

Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty isn't upset about being overlooked in the new 39 member NDP shadow cabinet. He says it will give him more freedom to focus on his riding.  Rafferty adds  he didn't even want to be considered for a deputy critics position.   His NDP counterpart in Thunder Bay, Bruce Hyer, was also not chosen for a shadow cabinet position.

Local solar projects get thumbs up

Several solar energy projects in Thunder Bay now have the green light from the provincial government.   They include solar panels for the Port Authority Building and Westgate High School.  It's part of a government program where the province pays for power generated through green energy

Thunder Bay gets a Target

Target will be coming to Thunder Bay.  The American department store chain plans to convert the current Zellers store in the Intercity Mall.  Still no word on what will happen to the other Zellers locations in the city.  The company announced it's plan for the stores that will open in 2013.

Study calls for more north side parking

The city now knows how it can handle parking issues at Marina Park after the waterfront development is complete. Development Services Manager Mark Smith says a new parking study shows how the city can add 900 new spaces by expanding the Pearl Street Parking lot.   The study lands on the laps of councillors Monday evening.

Three funding options for Multi-Plex

City councillors are getting a chance to decide how a proposed new multi-plex centre will be funded. The three options involve either public funding, private and public funding and thirdly, strictly private funding.  They will debate the proposals Monday night.

Local Bombardier workers have new rep

Thunder Bay's Bombardier workers have a new union rep.  Dominic Pasqualino is taking over for Paul Pugh who stepped down after 12 years at the helm of CAW local 1075.  Pasqualino says he has big shoes to fill and hopes to continue to promote the plant.

Explosion causes small scare

A small explosion created a bit of a scene at the Mission Island Scrap Yard this morning.  Officials say just after 9 this morning a propane tank exploded after it was put into a shredder.  No one was hurt and the small fire was out before fire crews arrived.

Thunder Bay business honoured

A Thunder Bay business is being recognized as an outstanding employer.  Toromont CAT is being honoured by the province for their dedication of training new, skilled workers. Toromont, along with fifteen other businesses across the province will receive the Minister's Award for Apprenticeship Training come June.

Nipigon gets new OPP detachment

Construction on the new OPP detachment in Nipigon is now underway.  The new facility is being built as part of a promise made by the Province to upgrade or replace OPP facilities.  The new building has evidence vaults, seven holding cells, a fingerprint room and many other features. The construction of the detachment will create 50 jobs for construction workers and trades people.

MOE's clean up order upheld

The Ministry of the Environment gets to keep the heat on Superior Fine Papers in Thunder Bay. Ministry spokesperson Lisa Brygidyr says the Environmental Review Tribunal has upheld a clean up order the ministry issued to the paper mill almost 2 years ago. Brygidyr says there were 4 major concerns including a lagoon inspection and maintaining electricity to the site.

Mauro announces funds for Atikokan

Atikokan is getting help to improve its sewage treatment system. The province is providing the town with 700-hundred thousand dollars towards the upgrade of its plant and sewage pumping stations. Total cost of the project is slightly more than a million dollars. Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro made the announcement on Wednesday.

Alzheimer Society likes new Silver Advisory

A new program to help find missing seniors with dementia is being applauded by the head of the local Alzheimer's Society. Alison Denton says the Silver Advisory program would likely be similar to a system called the Amber Alert that is used to find missing children.

Cancer Care Northwest sees improvements

Cancer Care Northwest has made improvements to its colorectal cancer programs.  That's one of the areas they saw improvements in a province wide cancer index.  Vice President Michael Power says even though they did well they will continue to work towards improvement.  Survival for colorectal cancer increased from 51.9 percent to 62.6 percent.  The screening rates for that cancer are below the provincial average and came in at 26 percent.

Rafferty expects no budget surprises

The Conservative Majority Government will deliver a post election budget on June 6th. Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty says he expects the same sort of budget that was introduced before the election which included billions of dollars in cuts.    Rafferty also expects the Harper government to begin the process of axing of party subsidies.  He calls that an infringement on democracy.

Province helps area First Nation

Long Lake First Nation is set to build a new multi-purpose centre thanks to a million dollars from the Provincial Government.  The centre is expected to open its doors in December.

Fish Study Conducted in Nipigon

The health of area lakes and fish populations will be determined this summer as the Ontario Government prepares for a water monitoring exercise.  Fisheries staff will conduct surveys on 8-lakes in Sioux Lookout, Nipigon and north of Red Lake.  Officials stress that all nets will be clearly marked and ask that recreational activities around the buoys be avoided.  Information gathered will help in setting season and size limits for anglers. The surveys will also help staff check for invasive species.

Forest Fires in the Northwest

It was a fairly quiet weekend in terms of forest fire activity in northwestern Ontario, with just a couple of new blazes reported in the region.  But one fire in particular kept MNR crews hopping.  Fire Information officer Debbie McLeans says the fire broke out late last week in Wabakimi provincial park. On Saturday, the tiny community of Allanwater along the CN main line had to be evacuated.  By Sunday evening, the residents were allowed to return to their home.

Fort Frances Fatality

A Morley Township man has been identified as the victim of a collision involving a vehicle and a train near Fort Frances last Friday night.  92-year-old Donald Robert Bolen was killed in the mishap that occurred at a CN Rail crossing on Highway 617 in Stratton.  Both OPP and CN Rail Police have determined the red lights at the crossing were flashing and operating property at the time.  A post mortem examination is taking place in Kenora at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

Drowning on Lake of the Woods

One person is dead and another is still missing following a fishing expedition on Lake of the Woods.  The OPP say they were contacted Monday night about two overdue anglers near Morson.  The OPP's Marine Unit was dispatched to the scene, and officers managed to locate the body of one of the men on shore. His boat was located a short distance away and had capsized.  The Northwest Emergency Response Unit is continuing to search the shoreline for the other missing man. The OPP's Underwater Search and Recovery Unit is expected to be on the scene later today.

Quality Market supports local charities

Quality Market has donated 11 thousand dollars to three local charities.  Every time a customer opted against using a plastic bag the company made a ten cent donation to the charities.  Shelter House, Habitat for Humanity, and An Eagles Cry Life Centre are sharing the cash.

Alzheimer Society awards research grant

A Lakehead University student is the winner of a local research grant from the Alzheimer Society.  Stephanie Hendrickson will be using a thousand dollars to improve communication between support workers and patients about death.

LeBlanc to run for PC's

Thunder Bay Superior North has a Progressive Conservative Candidate for the upcoming provincial election.  Ice Edge Holding CEO Anthony LeBlanc has been acclaimed as the candidate for the PC's.

Fire ruled accidental.

The Monday afternoon house fire at 26 Banning Street is being treated as accidental.  Fire officials say it appears an electrical problem was the cause of the blaze.  No one was injured in the fire which caused extensive damage to the one and a half story home.

Video shows reality of city life

Thunder Bay Police are pumped about an educational video being shown to First Nations students in the north.  Spokesperson Chris Adams says it shows students moving to Thunder Bay the realities of adjusting to city life.  Adams says the video is being received well in the communities it's been shown.