Norovirus Hard To Track

Health officials in Thunder Bay says it's hard to know if there is a major outbreak of the Norovirus. The District Health Unit says while the virus is widespread in the United States it's not as easily tracked here.  Spokesperson Darlene Binette says  it's not a reportable disease unless it's in a home care facility.    She says that it's possible there is an outbreak in the Bethami Nursing home, but the tests aren't back yet.  The latest confirmed cases were at recent catered function handled by a local deli

Rotary Gives Out Cash

Port Arthur's Rotary Club is dishing out 6 thousand dollars to six local charities.  Members of the club presented the charities with a cheque at an event this afternoon in the City.  Laurie Tulloch says they'll be giving money to Habitat for Humanity for their build on Mary Street.  Tulloch adds they'll also give some money to Leadership Thunder Bay to offset the costs of people taking their leadership courses.  Other charities sharing in the Rotary donation include St. John's Ambulance Youth Summer Camp, the St. James School Youth Program and a youth alcohol prevention program.

Anonymous Releases Essay

Thunder Bay Police have yet to respond to a lengthy internet posting by the group Anonymous.  The essay was released early Tuesday morning on the site Wordpress hours after the hacktivist group said they would release embarrassing information about the local police force.  It's a follow up to last week's video threat demanding more action on a local sexual assault against a First Nation's woman. While the document mocks the police investigation it backs off from spilling any internal information.

Make The Pledge

Thunder Bay's Health Sciences Centre wants men across Northwestern Ontario to get screened for colorectal cancer.  A group of local men will be gathering at the hospital tomorrow to make the pledge to get tested.  Hospital Spokesperson Janine Chiasson says when colon cancer is deteced early, there's a 90 percent chance it can be cured.  The Thunder Bay men will be taking a group picture that will be uploaded to Cance Care Ontario's Facebook page and will join other photos of men from across the province.

2013 Budget Meetings Start Next Weekend

The 2013 budget is expected to be in the hands of City Councillors sometime later this week.  The draft budget is available to the public on Friday afternoon on the City's Website.  City Clerk John Hannam adds the public can also have their say on the budget at 5:30 at City hall this Tuesday.  Council will then review the budget on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week and again on February 12th.

NW LHIN Reappoints Chair

The North West Local Health Integration Network will have a familiar face chairing it's board.  Joy Warkentin was recently reappointed Chair.  She first sat on the LHIN board in 2010.

Rickford Hoping For Good Year

The MP for the Kenora Riding is hoping for a prosperous year, now that the House of Commons is back in action.  Greg Rickford says that a main priority is work on financial transparency and accountability for First Nations leadership.  He adds there's another key focus.  Rickford says they will also continue to work on Canada's Economic Action plan for this year.

New JOP In Dryden Area

The Provincial government has selected a Dryden resident to become the latest Justice of the Peace to the Ontario Court of Justice in the Northwest region.  Danalyn MacKinnon has been appointed to the position, effective February 6th.  MacKinnon will be working primarily in the Dryden area.

Report Says Mining Is A Big Deal For NWO

The Conference Board of Canada says northern Ontario's mining output will expand by 66-percent from 2011 to 2020.  Anja Jeffrey is the Director for the Centre of the North and says Ontario is in a good position to grow.  Jeffrey notes the current setbacks include inadequate or non-existent infrastructure and skilled labour shortages.

Campbell Says Bigs Tests For Waynne

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is congratulating Kathleen Wynne on winning the top post for the provincial Liberals. Campbell says how she handles the numerous scandals facing the Liberals will serve as important first tests for the Premier-elect. The NDP member says Wynne can't ignore the problems at Queen's Park and must work with the opposition to make the government work. Campbell notes Wynne voted in favour of the controversial bill for teachers, Bill 115. Campbell says MPP's are expected back at Queen's Park on February 19th.

Mac's Robbed-Photo Released

City police are looking for a person who is responsible for an overnight break-in at the Mac's Convenience store on Beverly Street. They say that access to the store was gained by breaking a glass door.  Police say they were alerted by the burglar alarm.  They say a video shows the male taking cigarettes and then leaving. 

Teachers College Disciplines Local Principal

The Ontario College of Teachers is disciplining the former Principal of Algonquin Avenue Public School.  In a letter to the College of Teachers, the Lakehead Public School board alleged that Andrea Morency mismanaged money from an Anti-poverty fund and didn't provide proper receipts.  It's also alleged that she used school money to purchase items through a gift registry for a friend's wedding shower.  As part of the disciplinary action, Morency has agreed not work at a teaching job for nine months, and refrain from assuming any financial responsibilities for at least 2 years.

NAN Wants To Work With Wynne

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is looking forward to working with Premier Designate Kathleen Wynne.  Grand Chief Harvey Yesno wants to see the Premier's Office work with First Nations on resource development investments and establish an agreement on resource revenue sharing.

Flu Outbreak In Nipigon

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is declaring an influenza A outbreak in the Nipigon Hospital's Long Term Care unit.  Admissions, transfers, discharges and social activities at the facility have been cancelled until further notice.  Visitors are restricted to family members and caregivers only.

Hyer First Question Since Tongue Surgery

Today is the first day back for Members of Parliament.  It was also MP Bruce Hyer's first question after his tongue cancer surgery.  Hyer received applause after standing up in the legislature.  The Independent used his question to talk about the Northern Gateway Pipeline.  Hyer is supposed to be resting but he didn't want to give up his speaking time during Question Period.

Sizeable Drug Bust In Fort Hope

Nishnawbe-Aski Police continue to crack down on drug traffickers.  Four people have been arrested after they were caught trying to smuggle drugs into the remote community of Fort Hope.  Police say the arrests stem from four separate investigations.  In total, officers seized 11-thousand dollars worth of marijhuana and over 10-thousand dollars worth of oxycodone.

Police Warn Of Traffic Delays

Thunder Bay Police want to let motorists know there may be traffic delays around City Hall this afternoon.  Idle No More will be walking to and from City Hall starting at 4. Thunder Bay Police, Naps, APS, and OPP will be present to provide a safe environment for the community and participants while traveling along the designated route.

Energy Task Force Continues To Lobby For Power Plant

The City's energy task-force continues to lobby the Provincial Government over plans to close the local generating station.  The group held a meeting today to discuss the next steps after their meeting last week with representatives of the Power Authority and Energy Minister.  Councillor Iain Angus says they're asking local residents to get involved in their plea to keep the plant open.  Angus says if the plant is closed there could be rolling power outages.

Hobbs Likes Wynne Win

Thunder Bay's Mayor Keith Hobbs says Kathleen Wynne's election to Liberal Leader will be beneficial to Northwestern Ontario.  Hobbs says Wynne understands the region like former candidate Glen Murray did.  Hobbs likes that she is up to speed on many of Thunder Bay's issues and says they won't have to educate her.

Con. College CampTV launched

Confederation College now has its own web based radio station. Camptv.ca was launched today and students of the Television Broadcast Production Program will be broadcasting on the site.  Students from the Film Production and Multimedia programs will also be producing content for the station.

LU Prof Back From Forestry Conference

A Lakehead University Professor is back from a National Forestry Conference.  The conference focused on getting First Nation and Municipalities involved in managing and using area forests. Dr. Peggy Smith says they've decided to form a national policy network to look at community forestry programs. Smith says they'll continue to work towards creating the network in the coming months.

MTO Happy With Plow Service

The Ministry of Transportation admits there have been a couple of issues this winter, but feels the contractor assigned to plowing area highways is getting the job done.  Transfield Services took over the responsibility of highway maintenance last summer.  Wayne Prystanski is the MTO's operations manager for the northwest, and says the Ministry is so far satisfied.  Several people believe the level of services hasn't been the same.

Gravelle Excited" About Wynne Lead Government

Michael Gravelle says he is willing to serve a Kathleen Wynne government in anyway she sees fit.  The Natural Resources Minister says however he wouldn't mind staying on in cabinet if that's what the premier designate wants.  Gravelle says he is exited about Wynne's victory at the Liberal leadership convention, even though he was supporting Sandra Pupetello.

White Receives Queen's Medal

A Kakabeka Falls woman is now the proud recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal.  Donna White is well known for her volunteer work with World Vision Canada and is responsible for over 200 children being sponsored.  Supporters also say she has raised thousands of dollars for the organization throughout the year. 

Crime Of The Week

CrimeStoppers and the Greenstone O.P.P. are asking for your help in solving a break and enter that occurred at a vacant outpost on upper Laponen Lake. Sometime between September 19th and November 19th last year, some unknown persons went into the Mackay Lake camps and stole approximately 25-hundred worth of goods.  Stolen were the following items: two aluminum boats, oars, anchors, electric water pump, freezer, handcrafted household furniture and a shop vac. Anyone with information about who may be responsible for this theft or the whereabouts of the stolen property is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Mauro Confident In Wynne

Kathleen Wynne

Bill Mauro is expressing confidence that the north is in good hands with Kathleen Wynne leading the province.  The Thunder Bay MPP, who supported Sandra Pupatello in the Liberal leadership race, says Wynne has the broad experience from municipal affairs to education,  to make it work
Mauro says he wasn't surprised by Wynne's victory.

Mild Trembler On North Shore

On the north shore they are still talking about Friday's earthquake.  An official with Earthquakes Canada confirms that a magnitude 2.3 trembler was centred 67 kilometres west of Terrace Bay and about 27 kilometres from Lake Nipigon.     While it was too small to cause any damage it can be felt by people living nearby.   

Funding for Rainy River Gold Project

Funding is now available for the Rainy River Gold Project. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is providing over 122 thousand dollars which will go to support public participation in the federal environmental assessment. The proposed underground project will produce about 2-thousand tonnes of ore per day.

Liberal Leader Chosen Today

28 local Liberals will be taking part in the Ontario party's Leadership Convention today. Vince Mirabelli, the president of the Superior North Liberal Riding Association says if there is not an early winner, there could be a come-from-behind victory like when Dalton McGuinty won in 1996. Six candidates are vying for the top job, the final vote comes down later today.

Health Unit Starts "STOP" Program

The Thunder Bay Health Unit is encouraging local smokers to take part in their "STOP" program. The program gives participants five weeks of free products like nicotine gum, patches, lozenges and inhalers. A "STOP" workshop will be held on January 28th and anyone who is interested is asked to contact the Health Unit.

RBC Good Penny News

Some good news for clients with Royal Bank. After the penny is phased out on February 4th, you may end up having to fork out a bit less at the bank. Sherry Williams is a teller with the Dryden branch, and says that most of the time the cents will be rounded down if you are paying cash. Williams adds that rolled pennies can be dropped off at their location.

OPP Responding To Crash On Hwy 61

OPP are investigating a two vehicle accident at Little Trout Bay and Highway 61 about 10 minutes north of the Canada-US Border.  Around 3 o'clock police responded to the crash involving a transport and another vehicle.  The highway is partially closed to one lane while debris is cleaned up.  Police can confirm that an air ambulance was sent to the scene. No other information is readily available at this time.

Noront CEO Confirms Processor Talks With FWFN

The top executive with Noront Resources is confirming news that his company is in contact with the Fort William First Nation about a possible chromite processor.  CEO  Paul Semple says it's too early to say if a plant will be built on the First Nations property, but admits it does look attractive.   He says they've checked out the land and notes there's a 300 megawatt power plant across the river. Semple says the company's first priority though, is the Eagle's Nest nickle project in the Ring of Fire.

Latest Senate Appointment Linked To NWO

A Dryden resident is going to sit in the Senate of Canada.  Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced the appointment of five new senators, which includes Lynn Beyak of Dryden. Her son, Nick Beyak says it's hard to put into words how he feels about his Mom's senate appointment.  Beyak is a small business owner, with experience in real estate, insurance and tourism.

PSAC To Meet With Inspectors-Weighers

The bad news is being delivered to about 70 Thunder Bay grain inspectors and weighers this weekend by their union,  the Public Service Alliance of Canada.   A spokesperson says a meeting is being held at the Airlane Hotel to outline exactly which workers will loose their position as part of the Harper government's cost cutting measures.   When the cuts are complete only about 30 inspectors and weighers will remain.

Police Warn Churchgoers About Fraud

Thunder Bay Police are warning residents about a man who is reported to be duping people out of their money.  Reports indicate that a 55 year old man has been going to a variety of churches and befriending parishioners. He gave several people a sob story and then asked for money or in some cases access to their bank accounts.  Police are looking for someone around 6 foot 2 with a medium build and graying hair.

NAN Public Forum Recommendations

A greater police presence on social media is included in a list of recommendations by the Nishnawbe Aski Nation following a public forum on safe streets.   There are a total of 13 recommendations that cover issues from media news coverage to cultural education for municipal workers.  Another safety forum is likely in the spring.

Confederation College New Programming Deal

Confederation College is moving forward with a Memorandum of Understanding with six northern Ontario colleges.  The agreement means more college programs will be available at the local campus.

Wilson On Panel Recommendations

Thunder Bay's Chamber of Commerce is commending the Endangered Species Act Panel's report to the Provincial Government. President Harold Wilson says the report asks the Province to recognize the fact that the Crown Forest Sustainability Act looks after endangered species and further legislation isn't needed.  The report was released earlier this week.

PSAC To Hold Job Meeting

The bad news is being delivered to about 70 Thunder Bay grain inspectors and weighers this weekend by their union,  the Public Service Alliance of Canada.   A spokesperson says a meeting is being held at the Airlane Hotel to outline exactly which workers will loose their position as part of the Harper government's cost cutting measures.   When the cuts are complete only about 30 inspectors and weighers will remain.

HWY 61 Open

The occupants are a little shaken but no one is seriously hurt following a two car crash on Highway 61 near the airport this morning.  O.P.P. and city police were called to the scene near the overpass when two cars collided. One of the vehicles had two children inside but police report only two women suffered minor injuries. Police re-opened the Highway just after 11:00  after closing it for about an hour.

Twist In Kenora Court Case

The fate of a second degree murder trial taking place at the Kenora Court House could be decided today.  Yesterday, proceedings came to an abrupt halt after the lawyer for Angela Duchesne, David Gibson announced he had been appointed an Ontario Court Judge.  Justice Terrance Platana says Gibson cannot continue on as a defense council. He will meet with the crown and defense this morning to determine if and when the trial will be able to continue.  Duchesne and Kenneth Ivall have been charged with second degree murder in the death of Ed Wilson on March 21st, 2009. 

T.Bay Inflation Rate At 0.3%

Thunder Bay's inflation rate continues to be below the national average.  Last month our rate stayed at 0.3 percent the same as in November, well below Canada's 0.8 percent.  Statistics Canada released the latest inflation figures earlier this morning. 

Cold Weather Across NWO

Another cold day across northwestern Ontario Thursday, but relief is in sight for the weekend.  Three record low temperatures were set.  Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Atikokan all reached record lows.  The extreme cold is expected back next Wednesday.  All roads are snow packed and motorists are urged to take it easy when traveling.

Construction Begins On Future Target Store

Construction crews are already hard at work at the former Zeller's Store in the Intercity Mall. The store is undergoing millions of dollars in renovations before it opens this summer as a Target store according to Spokesperson Tamar Nersesian. The last Zeller's store in the City closed its doors on January 13th.

Thunderwolves Weekend Preview

The Lakehead University men's and women's basketball teams are on home court tonight facing the Laurier Golden Hawks. The men's team sits in second place in the West division and need a pair of wins this weekend to keep pace according to Head Coach Scott Morrison. Games are at 6 o'clock for the women and at 8 o'clock for the men. The L.U. men's hockey team is on the road tonight in Windsor. The women's volleyball team is on the road at Brock tomorrow and Sunday.

McCarville Desperate For Wins

Thunder Bay's Krista McCarville will have to fight for everything she gets today at the Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Kitchener. She lost both her games yesterday and is in a three-way tie for 4th place with a record of 3-4. McCarville plays Jacqueline Harrison and Sherry Middaugh. Marlo Dahl's rink is still winless at 0-7 and is out of the playoff hunt.

Collins Relieved Hunger Strike Over

Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins is glad that Teresa Spence has ended her hunger strike against the government.  Collins says he and other chiefs across the country have been worried about her health for some time now.   Collins believes the the Harper conservatives  have received the message that the Attawapiskat Chief was trying to relay on First Nation treaty rights.

Derek Burney Accepts Chancellor Roll

Lakehead University's new chancellor is a star in the political and diplomatic circles in Canada and the United States.  Thunder Bay's Derek Burney is a  former ambassador and former chief of staff to the prime minister.   Burney says he accepted the largely ceremonial position because he doesn't take education for granted and wants to show the important roll it has played in his storied career.

More FedNor Funds Announced

The latest Northwestern Ontario community to get funding from the Federal Government is Kakabeka Falls.  Four projects will share in FedNor funds.  Conmee will use 54 thousand dollars to upgrade their community hall and auditorium.  They'll also use 41 thousand to install a chair lift at the library and a back up generator at the municipal building.  Gillies will use 28-thosuand to rehabilitate Leeper Road.  Finally another 49 thousand dollars will go towards upgrading the O'Connor community centre.