Lakehead In Finals

They're off to the finals. Lakehead University Men's Basketball team punched their ticket to the finals of the CIS National Championship with a 66-62 win over the Ottawa Gee Gees last night. The Thunderwolves will be taking on eight-time champion Carleton Ravens this afternoon at 3:30. You can watch the game on The Score.

NTAB Worried About Lack Of Workers

A new report on employment needs in the Kenora District is being welcomed by the Northwest Adjustment and Training Board. The document calls for the need of 32-hundred workers in the mining sector, 17-hundred alone in the skills trades industry. NTAB Executive Director Sonja Wainio says this report will pay off in the long run. Wainio stresses it's important to work with area schools to promote the opportunities facing the area.

Bicycles For Humanity

Bicycles for Humanity is looking for donations. The local chapter of the organization gives Bicycles and other important items to people who can't afford them both locally and overseas. Spokesperson Gareth Pritchard says they need a variety of items. If you want to help, please leave any donations at Bicycles for Humanity's Simpson Street drop-off point.

Nordmin Engineering Prepares To Move

Residents living near the old Sir John A. MacDonald school in the North corps are preparing to welcome a new business to their neighborhood. Nordmin Engineering is hoping to move in at the end of April according to Operations Manager Melissa Kusznier. The City approved the renovations at the old school to the tune of $1.8 million.

Money Pledged For Alzheimer's Research

Premier Kathleen Wynne's government will give 100-million dollars over five years to the Ontario Brain Institute. She says the money will be used for neuroscience research. That includes research on Alzheimer's disease. Executive Director of Thunder Bay's Alzheimer's Society, Alison Denton says it will keep Ontario as a world leader in research. The money will also be used for research on depression, cerebral palsy, autism and epilepsy.

Lakehead Strategic Plan Over

A two year journey for the Lakehead University Board of Governors is over. The board has approved its new Strategic plan which runs for five years. The goals include economic development and new plans for attracting more international, Aboriginal and graduate students to the institution.

Campbell Wants Hold On Property Assessments

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell is demanding the government hold off on property assessment changes. In the Ontario Legislature recently, she says communities across the north are facing hardship as a result of the decisions being made by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation. Finance minister Charles Sousa confirmed that his department is reviewing the situation.

OPP Student Position

Are you a student or recent Graduate looking for work? Then you may want to apply for the position of OPP Marine Assistant. Students will work alongside a qualified OPP Marine Operator on a police vessel, helping conduct checks on regular boaters. You must be 18 years old to apply.

Price of Policing Worries Some

Municipalities across northwestern Ontario continue lobby the provincial government for lower policing costs. Speaking at Kenora's Police Services Board meeting this week, mayor Dave Canfield says Kenora continues to pay twice as much as the provincial average for OPP service. Canfield says protective services also takes up the majority of the city's budget at about 38 percent and he'd like to see that number lowered.

Kamview Classic Today

Thunder Bay's Nordic Trails is hosting the Kamview Classic today.  Participants can take part in a 1.5 km, 5 km or 10 km distance.  The Classic is the last of four events on the group's nordic calendar.

Woman Remains In Custody

A Thunder Bay woman charged in connection with a 2009 murder case will not know until next week if she will be allowed out on bail.  23 year old Samantha Drake is charged as being an accessory to murder after the fact in the 2009 death of Edgar Marion.  Her case will be dealt with in Superior Court on Tuesday.

Nipigon River Bridge Tenders Out

The Provincial Government is looking to make traveling easier in Northern Ontario.  The Northern Highway Project will include a new four-lane bridge along Highway 11-17, in Nipigon. It will be the first of its kind in Ontario, and will include a walkway for pedestrians.  Tenders for the project went out today.  Construction is set to begin this summer.

Gravelle Hears Mining Concerns

Mines Minister Michael Gravelle is getting an earful from the junior mining exploration companies in the northwest.   They say government policies are stopping them from exploring for minerals or driving them out of the country.  Gravelle doesn't see the doom and gloom.  Gravelle believes the industry runs in cycles and that the companies realize the opportunities remain here.

Morrisson Happy With LU Win

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves men's basketball team beat Cape Breton today in a national tournament game 74 to 61. The Thunderwolves will play Ottawa tomorrow at 5:30 pm ET. Coach Scott Morrisson says it feels great to move onto the next round of play and notes normally at this time of year he'd be drowning his sorrows.

Revera Employees Join CEP

25 Revera employees are joining the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union.  CEP Spokesperson Marvin Pupeza says in a vote today, 60 percent of the staff from Thunder Bay and Kenora voted in favour of joining the union.  Revera home health care provides service across Northwestern Ontario and the CEP already represents 40 personal support workers in the Dryden area.

NDP Nomination Race Now Has 2

City Councillor Andrew Foulds will have some competition for the N.D.P. nomination in Thunder Bay Superior North.  Lise Vaugeois is throwing her hat in the ring.  The Lakehead University educator and musician says she has great respect for Foulds and looks forward to discussing issues with him at the nomination meeting.  The nomination meeting is scheduled for Thursday March 14th.

CMHC Looks Ahead To Spring

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation feels housing starts will pick up again once the weather gets warmer.  In February there were no new starts reported in Thunder Bay.  Analyst Warren Philp expects the Spring to bring more single family starts.  Philp says people are using the colder months to plan their future builds.

Stats Can Releases New Job Numbers

The jobless rate in Thunder Bay is on the rise.   Statistics Canada released new information today indicating the city's jobless rate rose by almost a full percentage point, up to 5-point-9 percent from 5 percent last month. Canada's unemployment rate is unchanged at 7 percent.

Wynne Vows To Work With First Nations

Premier Kathleen Wynne is keeping to her promise of working with First Nations on developing the Ring of Fire.  Wynne met with Matawa Chiefs in Toronto alongside Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David Zimmer.   Wynne feels the meeting was productive and says she wants to work with First Nations to ensure future economic growth and job creation for generations to come.

Thunderwolves Begin National Tourney At Noon

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves men's basketball team takes on Cape Breton today at noon to begin the national tournament. Head Coach Scott Morrison says there is a bit of history between the two teams as they played against each other at nationals in 2010. The Thunderwolves are ranked 7th at the tournament in Ottawa while the Capers are ranked 2nd. You can watch the game starting at noon by clicking here: http://www.cis-sic.tv/

New MNR Minister Says All Ministries Face Financial Pressures

The new Minister of Natural Resources is weighing in on jobs cuts within his Ministry.  The Province talked in September of 2012 of possibly closing the Ignace MNR office, as well as cutting positions at several area Provincial Parks.  In an exclusive interview with our newsroom, David Orazietti says he'll try to balance providing first line MNR service with cost efficiencies.  Orazietti says all Ministries are facing financial pressures.

Body Found In Kenora Dam

Kenora OPP are investigating a body being found floating in the Norman Dam.  Police say workers located the body Thursday at the intake to the dam.  The recovered body will undergo a postmortem exam Friday at the Lake of the Woods Hospital.

Fire Marshall's Office Called In

The Ontario Fire Marshall's Office is being called in to investigate the cause of a Wednesday night blaze to a home on Machar Avenue.  The FMO investigator is expected to determine the origin of the fire and cause.  19 firefighters battled the blaze for an hour before it was declared out.  Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact the Fire Department or Police.

Sit-In To Continue At LU

The Lakehead University students camping outside the President's office will continue their sit-in until March 22nd.  Yesterday, the University offered the students an olive branch by introducing a new aboriginal course in the first year law program.  Spokesperson Sebastian Murdoch-Gibson says they want the old aboriginal program back.  The group wants the Senate to rescind the decision to cancel their program at the March 22nd meeting.

Downtown Is Going Uptown

It looks like the north side downtown is going to get a facelift with the construction of new luxury residential and commercial condominium units. They will be located in the  building at 37 South Cumberland that used to house Kilroy's bar.    The units will feature private roof top patios and green roof space. Toronto developer Mike Kuipers and his partners, including one from Thunder Bay, hope to have the building completed by the fall with occupancy by November first. 

Murder Suspect Back In Newmarket Court

It's back to court later this month for the man charged with the second degree murder of a Thunder Bay woman in Richmond Hill last month.  Thirty six year old  Jonathon Ross appeared in a court in Newmarket today on the charge and was ordered to appear again March 25th.   The body of his sister, 38 year old Jeannine Ross was found in a condominium complex February 2nd.   The cause of her death is not known.

E.C. Warns T.Bay About Snow

Environment Canada says Thunder Bay won't be spared from 10 to 15 centimeters of snow this weekend.  A Colorado low is moving into the region from the States.  Spokesperson Peter Kimbell says motorists will want to take heed.  On Sunday, anyone travelling to the east will want to drive carefully as the storm moves past the City.

Stompin Tom Remembered

Country music legend Stompin' Tom Connors is fondly being remembered as much for his love of Canada as for his music. Connors passed away yesterday at the age of 77 of natural causes. The staunchly patriotic Connors did his best to promote the nation with songs like ``Bud the Spud,'' ``The Hockey Song,''  ``Sudbury Saturday Night'' and "Road To Thunder Bay." 

College Dental Program Gets Accredited

Good news for Confederation College's dental programs.  They've received accreditation for seven years. Health and Community Services Dean Kathleen Lynch says it's a big deal and legitimizes their program.  The accreditation is from the Commission of Dental Accreditation of Canada.

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.