Border Guard Fired

Mario Dion

A border guard at Pigeon River is without a job after being found in violation of a Public Service Ethics Code and the Border Service Agency's Code of Conduct.  In a report,  Public Sector Integrity commissioner Mario Dion says the officer maintained a relationship with known organized crime figures in Thunder Bay and didn't inspect their vehicles as required by his job. Dion says the issue may not be over as it still could be under active investigation by police.  The officers identity and even gender are being kept from the public.

Firefighters Battle Machar Ave. Fire

Fire personnel will be back at a 2-storey Machar Avenue residence today to try and determine the cause of a fire. Firefighters arrived just after 9:30 p.m. last night to find smoke billowing from the living room and front door. Heavy fire damage is being reported on the main floor with considerable smoke damage upstairs. Crews determined there was no one inside and quickly brought the fire under control.

Bob Rae Asked To Negotiate Ring Of Fire

Bob Rae could have a job waiting for him after he gives up his role of Interim Federal Liberal Leader. He's been asked to be the lead negotiator by Chiefs in northwestern Ontario for the Ring of Fire. Chiefs involved with the project want to make sure the province is fair with how the project is handled and how the money is shared.

Carter Named Defensive Player Of The Year

L.U. Thunderwolves Point Guard Greg Carter is a repeat winner of a national trophy. He was named the C.I.S. Defensive Player of the year by his opposing coaches in Ottawa. Carter averaged more than 2 steals and 4 rebounds per game and is considered the best shut-down guard in the country. Carter and the Thunderwolves take on Cape Breton on Friday at noon to begin the national men's basketball tournament.

LU Introduces New Law School Course

Lakehead University's Law School is offering a new course that will enhance the school's first year curriculum.  Management feels the proposal will address the demand of students staging a sit-in outside the University President's Office.  The course Aboriginal Perspectives, would be a mandatory half-credit component of the curriculum to complement Native Canadian World Views & Law, which has already been approved by Lakehead University Senate.

OFL Budget Meeting Thursday

Thunder Bay residents get to add their ideas to a province-wide consultation on the Ontario budget tomorrow night.  The Ontario Federation of Labour is holding a series of "People's Budget" consultations across the province and they'll stop in Thunder Bay Thursday.  OFL VP Irwin Nanda says they've heard some common themes.  Input collected will be made into a report that will be sent to the Government.

Westmount Students Vie For Votes

The Grade 8 students at Westmount Public School are looking for your online vote.   They have entered an advertising contest with the opportunity to win a trip for the entire class to Cape Breton.  You can vote for the local entry from now until March 22nd by going to this LINK

Truck Goes Through Bank

Dawson Road TD Bank officials are busy cleaning up their store front after a pick up truck plowed into the building this afternoon.  Fire Spokesperson Brian Duichko says an elderly man driving the truck wasn't hurt.  Duichko says it looks like he mistook the gas pedal for the brake.  It's the second time in less than six months that a vehicle has gone through this bank.  No one in the bank was hurt.

International Women's Day Thursday

Lakehead University is celebrating International Women's Day Thursday.  Dr. Treena Orchard from Western University will be speaking about her social justice work with women in India and Canada.  Orchard says it's extremely important to mark International Women's Day.  She'll be speaking at the LU Faculty Lounge at 6:30 Thursday night.

Special Olympics Gets Kids Playing

Special Olympics Thunder Bay continues to promote sports to kids with intellectual disabilities.  Spokesperson Ashlegh Quarrell says besides getting more kids involved in sport they also strive to offer more sport offerings to their athletes.  125 local elementary and high school students are taking part in a multi-sport festival today.

Health Unit Launches Nutrition Month

Thunder Bay's Health Unit wants you to eat healthier.  They've launched nutrition month which will highlight the importance of planning your meals before you hit up the grocery store.  Dietician Karling Zaporazan says you can also sign up for tours of local grocery stores by calling the Health Unit.

Concert Move Has Many Implications

City staff are ready to come back with a report to council should they approve a suggestion by Councillor Larry Hebert.  Hebert is asking his fellow members to consider moving the Summer in the Parks Series from Wednesday night to Tuesday or Thursday.  Cultural Services Supervisor Leah Bayly says there are already events planned for Tuesdays and Thursday's on the waterfront.  Council will vote on Hebert's idea Monday night and if it's approved staff will come back with a report on April 15th.

MPP Supports Dryden Cat Petition

A Dryden animal activist has the support of Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell. Camille Cox from the Second Chance Pet Network has put forward a petition to ban the declawing of cats. Campbell says "declawing" is actually the amputation of a cats toes. Campbell read the 600 signature petition at Queen's Park on Tuesday.

Hiring Numbers Released For Mining Boom

The Kenora District is facing a severe shortage of workers, especially if the mining industry takes off as expected. The Northwest Training and Adjustment Board released its statistics in a 10 year mining hiring requirement forecast in Dryden yesterday. Labour Market Economist Jamie Wolcott says this forecast will help those in education, industry and government make decisions. The report indicates the Kenora District will need nearly 3,300 workers by 2022, 1,700 in the trades industry alone.

Hyer Impressed With Efforts To Save ELA

Lots of Praise to the people of the Kenora riding by an MP from Thunder Bay. Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Bruce Hyer says he was impressed by the people who attended the Save the Experimental Lakes Area forum last night in Kenora. Hyer spoke on his efforts to keep the facility open and offered words on behalf of Kenora Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell. An information session was held in Sioux Lookout yesterday.

Wilson At Helm Of Humane Society

Thunder Bay's Humane Society will be run by its former President Glen Wilson.  Wilson says he's holding down the fort after Executive Director Maryanne Klynendorst stepped down.  Wilson wants to provide the best service for the animals at the best lowest cost.  Wilson signed a one year part time contract. 

Applebee's Undergoing Renos In April

Applebee's is undergoing three weeks of renovations starting April 8th.  Manager Ryan Syroid says it was high time for a fresh look.  During renovations the restaurant will be closed.

Hospital Adapting To New Funding Policies

Officials at the regional hospital are relieved now that cataract surgeries are taking place again.  However spokesperson Lori Marshall says the whole spectacle of the facility cancelling then reversing the decision was a valuable lesson  about new government funding policies. She says they are now in a new era of  funding and they are continuing to learn more and more all the time about how that will unfold into the future.  Marshall says the procedures were reinstated  because the local health authority and the Health Ministry managed to find the money to fund them for the rest of the budget year.

Snowmobiler Found Safe

A missing snowmobiler is safe and sound after OPP helped rescue him from Lake of the Woods.   The man called 911 after his snowmobile got stuck in snow and slush but couldn't tell them his exact location.  A helicopter flew over and found a fire on Bigsby Island where they found him cold but in good health.

OPP Crack Down On Drunk Driving

OPP continue to crack down on drinking and driving.  Over the last couple of days they've conducted RIDE Checks and nabbed two regional residents with impaired driving.

Today Marks Save The ELA Day

Today marks Save The Experimental Lakes Area Day across the region.  Dryden and Sioux Lookout have made the declaration and the Legion in Sioux Lookout will play host for an information session tonight at 7 o'clock.  S.L. Organizer Anne Saltel encourages anyone who's concerned about the water-research facility to come out.  Kenora Organizer Peter Kirby says morale at the ELA isn't very good right now.  Kirby says Canada has given notice to Ontario that it wishes to terminate the agreement between the two levels of government effective September 2013.

Sousa Asks For MPAC Review

The Ontario government is promising to review a decision by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation to order the town of Espanola to repay four million dollars in taxes to Domtar. Finance Minister Charles Sousa says he's asked officials to look into the situation, which is also happening in other northern communities. The New Democrats want Sousa to freeze the tax assessment decisions until the review is completed.

Fort Frances To Pay Off Mill Tax Rebate

The town of Fort Frances won't be putting any money in reserves this year. The million dollars it had set aside, will now go toward off-setting the $1.7 tax rebate to Resolute Forest Products. The town had already set aside $575,000 towards the company's assessment appeal.

Red Lake Scam

An old scam has hit the Red Lake area. A number of residents have been contacted by someone claiming to be from Microsoft, requesting personal information. O.P.P. say it's a scam, and the public is reminded to never ever give out personal information to someone you don't know over the phone.

Matawa Teams Up With Noront & College

Matawa First Nation is teaming up with mining company Noront Resources and Confederation College.  Matawa Spokesperson Morris Wapoose says they've signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will reinforce a commitment to work with each other on mining training.  Wapoose feels its important to properly train area First Nations so they can take part in the mining boom in the Ring of Fire.

Council Waits To Repair Pools

City Council is holding off on repairs at the Heath Park Pool.  City Staff will be studying what needs to be done to fix the pools and how the City can help pay for those repairs.  Facilities General Manager Michael Smith says area outdoor pools need plenty of work up to half a million dollars.  The outdoor pools are expected to open this summer without the repairs.

2013 Budget Ratified

The 2013 City budget is in the books.  Property taxes will go up 2.6 percent this year. City Councillor Rebecca Johnson feels the tax increase is too much.  She adds its one of the only budget meetings during her time on Council that went extremely fast.  The 6:30 meeting wrapped up by 7:20.

2013 Scout's Canada Awards

City Hall was the location for the 2013 Scout's Canada Award Ceremony.  Chief Scout's Award recipients include Declan Biloski, Cassandra Burdick, Marshall Clark, Brady Lysmo, Autumn Mielke and Kevin Skomoroh.  Queen's Venturer Awards went to Paul Bielski, Colton Burdick, Nathan and Timothy Ehn, Allan and Andrew McCutcheon and Tara Rooney. The Medal of the Maple for Distinguished Youth Service went to Nathan and Timothy Ehn.

Search Turns Up Drugs

Thunder Bay Police are charging a 54 year old man with a variety of offenses after they searched a West Frederica Street home.  Police seized money, 27 Oxycodone tablets, morphine and Ritalin.   The man is charged with proceeds of crime, and drug trafficking.

Board Budget Process Begins

It's that time of year again as public school board trustees get down to the business of budget deliberations.   Director of Education Cathi Siemieiuk says there shouldn't be anything controversial like school closures on the horizon, but that all depends on how much government money comes their way.   They won't find that out until next month.  Tuesday evening trustees will set up a budget committee to begin the review.

More Info Comes To Light In 2009 Murder

City Police are charging a second person in connection to the 2009 death of Edgar Marion.  They say that 23 year old Samantha Drake is facing Accessory to Murder after the fact in connection with Marion's death.  Staff Sergeant Derek West says the investigation continued over the years and new information came to light just recently.   His remains were found in a burned out car in the Shuniah Mines.  Another person is already charged with Marion's murder.

Snow Coming To Region

Travellers headed West will want to use caution when driving. A snowstorm is expected to move in from North Dakota and is expected to bring as much as 10 centimetres of snow to Fort Frances, Rainy River and Emo. The system is expected to hit later tonight and taper off by tomorrow.

L.U. Creates Centre Of Excellence For Mining

Lakehead University is officially launching its Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mining and Exploration. It's designed to encourage and support research, education and outreach activities regarding the nature and impacts of mineral resource exploration and extraction particularly in Northern Ontario. The Centre's three pillars will include mining and exploration, environmental impact and will collaborate with First Nation, Metis and local communities within the region.

N.A.N. Addresses FASD

N.A.N. Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler says the government's inaction over the issue of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder will cause irreversible damage to future generations. Fiddler says that FASD is an issue faced by all N.A.N. communities, and that it is unacceptable that the region's children most affected by it are ignored. He also states that the only N.A.N. children who receive proper care for FASD are those in foster care or involved in the criminal justice system.

Pigeon River Border Update

Border officials are releasing their latest statistics. Officials at Pigeon River saw a 3.5% increase in travellers and a 6% increase in vehicle traffic compared to January of last year. Officials also processed almost 600 commercial drivers. They continue to remain alert for smuggled goods passing through Pigeon River. As of the latest release, only four of just over 1000 vehicle inspections yielded smuggled goods, including an All Terrain Vehicle worth $4,500. Three people were also barred from immigration at the Pigeon River border due to invalid paperwork and criminal records.

Three Car Crash

One person is recovering in hospital following a three car collision on highway 11-17 Sunday night. The accident happened near highway 527.  Firefighters from the Shuniah and pass lake departments help to extricate the victim.

Thunderwolves Ranked 7th At Nationals

The Lakehead University men's basketball team will take on the Cape Breton Capers to begin the national championship tournament on Friday. It's the 4th straight appearance for Lakehead who are ranked 7th heading into the tournament while Cape Breton is ranked 2nd. Tip-off is at noon eastern in Ottawa.

Crime Of The Week

Thunder Bay and District Crimestoppers are looking for information about a break and enter to a shed and the theft of a quad runner. Sometime between February 11th and February 20th, a garage located on the 700 block of Kelly Street was broken into through a small window. A green 2007 Articat 700 model R.A. was stolen with a plow on the front. It has the licence plate 43X H0 and is valued at $7,000. Anyone who has information on this crime is asked to call Crimestoppers at 623-TIPS.

It's Wilson For The PCs

It's a slam dunk for Harold Wilson.  The former president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce has been acclaimed to run for the Progressive Conservatives in the provincial riding of Thunder Bay-Atikokan.  He will be going up against Liberal incumbent Bill Mauro in the next election.   The NDP have yet to select a candidate.  Wilson says his goal for the northwest is private sector job growth through several methods including the scrapping of the Far North Act.

NAN Slams LU

The university continues to face criticism over it's decision to change the aboriginal component of its new law program.  This time it's from the Nishnawbe Aski Nation which is saying the changes were done without consultation with First Nations Partners.  But university spokesperson Rod Hanley says their position remains the same.  So far no talks are planned between the protesting students and the administration. 

Speed & Alcohol Cause Of John St. Road Collision

Thunder Bay's Traffic Unit is closing its investigation into the collision on John Street Road last week that resulted in the death of a young man.  The investigation has revealed that both speed and alcohol were the major contributing factors in the collision.  It has been further determined that the driver of the front-end loader was driving at slow speed, with all required lights and on the part of the road required by such a vehicle.  The only charge laid is a Provincial offences ticket to the driver of the loader for failing to ensure that a slow moving vehicle sign was displayed on the back of the loader, but it's believed it wouldn't have altered the outcome of the event.

Wilson Seeking PC Nomination

Former Chamber of Commerce President Harold Wilson is seeking the Provincial Progressive Conservative nomination in the Thunder Bay-Atikokan riding.  Wilson has held positions in both the private and public sector dealing with the economy.   The PC nomination meeting is Saturday at 2 at the Valhalla Inn. 

ETFO Isn't Bringing Back Extracurriculars

Don't expect extracurricular activities to come back to local elementary schools anytime soon.  The local Elementary Teachers Federation Union is staying steadfast on its decision to withhold after school activities. Local Union spokesperson Mike Judge says they won't resume voluntary activities like sports and clubs until the Province takes real action to appease their concerns.

Mauro To Chair Northern Committee

Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro is going to chair the Province's new Northern cabinet committee.  The committee will address the needs of Northern Ontario, including job creation, revitalizing transportation infrastructure and improving vital access to the Ring of Fire.   The committee will also help oversee the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario.

Wind Farm Talk At TBDMA AGM

Representatives from across the Thunder Bay District are meeting at the Prince Arthur Hotel today to discuss a variety of issues impacting the area.  One of the main points of discussion today was on Wind Farms.  District Municipal Association President Larry Hebert says they heard from a local lawyer on the do's and dont's of signing contracts with energy companies.   Hebert says some of the information presented this morning could have come in handy for Thunder Bay and Horizon Wind.

Suspicious Man Asks Girl If She Needs Ride

City Police are looking into an incident involving a suspicious man driving a small red car.  He allegedly offered a ride to a 16 year old girl yesterday morning while she was waiting for a school bus on Market Street by East Avenue.  She didn't respond and he drove away.   The man is described as 30 years old with blonde hair and was last seen driving his car towards Dawson Road.   Police believe there was a man and woman in the car at the time of the incident.  Anyone with information is asked to call the Police or Crimestoppers.

Angus Calls Energy Meeting Productive

Thunder Bay's Energy Task Force is calling meetings with the new Minister of Energy and the Ontario Power Authority yesterday productive.   Chair Iain Angus says the meeting helped the OPA understand the demands for energy in the region but are still far apart on the issue of power supply. Angus adds they told Bob Chiarelli he may need to over rule the power authority's decision to close the Mission Island Power Plant.  He says the Minister understood that it might come to him overruling the OPA.

NOMA & Forest Industry Tree Huggers

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is launching a new campaign called "REAL Tree Hugger".  President Ron Nelson says they want to remind the Premier that the Forest Industry cares about the environment while providing jobs for area communities.  The Tree Hugger campaign includes buttons and post cards that will be sent to members of the Provincial Government.

Thunderwolves Basketball At Provincials

It's the playoffs but it's not necessarily a do or die game for the L.U. men's basketball team. They play the #1 ranked Carleton Ravens tonight at 6:00 o'clock in Toronto for the right to move on to the provincial finals. Head Coach Scott Morrison says a win would be great but they could still advance to the national tournament after a loss if they win on Saturday.

211 Offers Seniors Help

The Lakehead Social Planning Council is joining forces with area elder abuse prevention groups to offer more streamlined service through the phone number 211.  Director Marie Klassen says anyone needing help reporting elder abuse can call 211.  Money from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will also mean a 24/7 Senior Safety Line that provides counseling.

Campbell Isn't Supporting Public Sector Wage Freeze

Kenora-Rainy River Sarah Campbell isn't supporting a public sector wage freeze.  Campbell says its unconstitutional to force public employees to handle the brunt of the provincial deficit.  Campbell also said it's unfair to cut wages while allowing the managers in the public sector to receive automatic bonuses totally over 35-million dollars annually.