Domestic Violence Groups Want Awareness Day

Domestic Violence groups would like the City to keep violence against women on their agenda on a regular basis.  Faye Peterson House Spokesperson Debbie Zweep says they would also like June 17th to be deemed "Nobody gets hurt" day in Thunder Bay as a way to raise awareness about the issue.  City Councillor Rebecca Johnson recommended they speak with the Crime Prevention Council.  Zweep doesn't believe the C.P.C is talking about domestic violence enough and they should be.

MNR Looking Into Lampricide

Minister of Natural Resources David Orazietti says they continue to work with a variety of organizations when it comes to restoring fish populations on the Black Sturgeon River.  Orazietti says he's heard the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters concerns that removing a dam in the area would allow sea lamprey into the body of water.  Orazietti says they're also considering a lampricide that would target the invasive species larva.

SOS Coast Guard Radio Continues To Fight

Local Union representatives continue to fight to save Thunder Bay's Coast Guard Radio service.  The service is slated to close in March of next year and will be offered out of Sarnia.  Local CAW Spokesperson Marcie Lavoie says they continue to pressure the Federal Government to reverse their decision.  Last spring, the Federal Government announced the closure and plans to direct calls to the Sarnia Coast Guard.

Summer In The Parks Stays On Wednesday

Not a big surprise.  City Council is not going to move Summer In The Parks.  Councillor Aldo Roberto says he asked for comments on the issue on Facebook and not many were in favour of the move.  Councillor Larry Hebert suggested moving the night from Wednesday to Tuesday or Thursday nights but he just couldn't get enough support from his fellow Councillors  

Domestic Violence Group Wants Awareness Day

Domestic Violence groups would like the City to keep violence against women on their agenda on a regular basis.  Faye Peterson House Spokesperson Debbie Zweep says they would also like June 17th to be deemed "Nobody gets hurt" day in Thunder Bay as away to raise awareness about the issue.  City Councillor Rebecca Johnson recommended they speak with the Crime Prevention Council.  Zweep doesn't believe the C.P.C is talking about domestic violence and they should be.

Macher House Fire Considered Arson

Thunder Bay Police are investigating the house fire on Macher last week as arson.  The Fire Marshall's Office determined that it was deliberately set.  Anyone with information about the incident or information about any suspicious activity in the Macher Street area on the evening of March 6th is asked to call the Thunder Bay Police.

CA's Offering Tax Service For Free

Once again chartered accountants in Thunder Bay will be offering their services for free.  Organizer Jennifer Whelan says Tuesday and Wednesday they'll be doing taxes for immigrants to the city and those who are on low incomes.    The number to call to sign up is 345-0551.

Dryden Isn't Getting A Break From MPAC

Dryden isn't going to get a break from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation in its ongoing battle to reverse the recent assessment of the Domtar Mill.  MPAC says they have reviewed the Assessment Review Board decision with their legal team and determined they don't have enough to go on for an appeal.  President Antoni Wisniowski says they aren't leaving Dryden's side.  He says the ARB came up with the 14-million dollar value after hearing extensive evidence from both MPAC and Domtar.

Bob Rae In Thunder Bay

Federal interim Liberal leader Bob Rae is in Thunder Bay today.  He spoke with members of the Chamber of Commerce during the lunch hour about the Ring of Fire and First Nation involvement.  Rae says he's looking at how he can legally represent Matawa Chiefs with their dealings in the chromite mining development.  He will step down as interim leader April 15th. The one time Ontario Premier is touring the Bombardier facility this afternoon and speaking at a party faithful fundraising event.

Police Crack Down On Commercial Vehicles

Thunder Bay Police are cracking down on commercial vehicles.  They held an inspection over the weekend at the Mapleward Road landfill.  Police noted that some drivers had made absolutely no effort to secure the loads that they were hauling, and as a result five drivers received a ticket.  The set fine for this offence is $160.00.

Sled Dog Race Begins

A musher from Ray, Minnesota, leads the pack at the John Beargrease sled dog race from Grand Marais to Duluth. Keith Aili was first on the trail after a taking a break in Finland this morning. Andy Heerschap of Kakabeka Falls and Paul Amano of Kaministiquia are competing in the half-marathon which got underway from Finland this morning.

Local Connection To Brier Winners

The Northern Ontario win at the Brier has a Thunder Bay connection. Local Curler Joe Scharf served as the team's fifth member at last year's Brier. Scharf says the Brad Jacobs' win hits close to home. Scharf says the team works harder off the ice at being the most physically and mentally ready team in the country.

Armstrong Jersey To Remain On Display

The jersey of disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong is going to remain on display at the regional cancer centre.   Officials say the decision to keep the autographed yellow jersey where it is, was based on discussions with local and regional cancer patients, community members and the staff.  

Fort Frances Teachers Elected President Of O.S.S.T.F.

The new leader of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation is from Fort Frances. Paul Elliott was voted to lead the 60 thousand member union in Toronto yesterday. Elliott, a teacher from Fort Frances High School, was first elected to the Provincial Executive as Executive Officer in 2005, and is a former Vice-President three times. Sue Doughty-Smith, an Educational Assistant from Thunder Bay, will serve as Executive Officer for the upcoming term.

Thunderwolves Lose In National Final

The dream run is over for the Lakehead University Men's basketball team. They lost 92-42 to the #1 ranked Carleton Ravens in the championship final on Sunday. It was the last ride for six players who were in their last year of eligibility. The team is expected to return from Ottawa today after pulling off upsets over Cape Breton and Ottawa at Nationals.

Domestic Violence Issues Come To Council

Local women's groups are going to speak with City Council tonight about a recent report saying Thunder Bay has the highest rate of domestic violence in all of Ontario.  The groups including the Faye Peterson House will be asking each Ward Councillor to have a meeting to talk about violence against women and create ward specific strategies.  They're also asking for more domestic violence training for police and better communication between law enforcement and their organizations.

Crime Of The Week

Thunder Bay District Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in solving the following crime. On January 8th police responded to CRC Communications on Dunlop Street to find the front window of the building smashed. Video surveillance shows an early 2000 Pontiac mini van with large black stripes across the doors pulling up to the building and a man exiting with a hammer. He is described as 5' 10" with a slender build and was wearing possibly a white painter's suit. The man made off with a number of company cell phones. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at  623-TIPS, that's 623-8477.

EMS Plan Up For Debate

City Council is going to be asked to approve the Superior North EMS Strategic Plan Monday night.  Chief Norm Gale says they want Councillors to give them the go ahead so they can start implementing the plan.

Biathlon Back In The City

Biathlon is making comeback in the city, at least that's the hope of a local club. Lake Superior Biathlon hosted the first biathlon race in Thunder Bay in over twenty years yesterday at Kamview. LSB spokesperson Dan Duckert says they are optimistic about the future of biathlon in the city. Duckert says it was great to give all race participants the exposure to the sport.

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.