City arsons being probed

Police are puzzled by three arsons on the city's north side which have caused extensive property damage.  Two of the incidents were on Regina Avenue, the other on John Street with the fires breaking out between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday.  Police believe there may be a connection between two of the arsons, but they're still investigating.

MP Rickford Defends Safe Streets Act

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford is defending the Safe Streets Act, which was passed through the House of Commons this week. The Kenora Lawyers Sentencing Group has been outspoken about the impact the bill will have on young offenders and aboriginal people who run afoul of the law. Rickford says they consulted widely on the bill and is satisfied that most Canadians support tougher sentences for criminals. Rickford says the bill provides better protection for children from sexual predators and tougher sentences for drug crimes.

City Council to look at new subdivision

A developer will ask council to approve a new subdivision on Mountain Road next to the Fort William Country Club.  Ryan Jones is looking for support to create a 25 unit project on 18 acres of land.  He originally presented this proposal in 2005 but it was turned down by council.  Jones has since undertaken a number of studies to meet some objections to his initial plan.

NDP Leadership contender makes late campaign stop in Tbay

Despite both our MP's already backing different NDP Leadership candidates the youngest contender is looking for support in Thunder Bay.  Niki Ashton was in town Friday and says she respects the decisions of both Bruce Hyer and John Rafferty and is looking for the support of all NDP party members in the Northwest.  The 29 year old believes it's time we look to the future to ensure her generation has the same opportunities that have been available in this country for decades.

Police Service wants Mauro demoted

City Police Sgt. Jim Mauro will find out his fate April 5th. An adjudicator has found Mauro guilty of discreditable conduct following a Police Services Act hearing. Deputy Police Chief Andy Hay says they are asking that Mauro be permanently demoted to the rank of constable instead of an outright dismissal. Evidence at the hearing showed that Mauro presented letter at a 2009 arbitration proceeding and falsely claimed it was from then Police Association President, Keith Hobbs. Meantime the Mauro family says the proceedings were an "incredible" waste of taxpayers dollars.

Deputy Chief Hay discusses the fact Sgt. Mauro has been suspended with pay for the two years Mauro's case has been outstanding.

Shipping Season about to open

The start of the shipping season is coming early.  Port Authority CEO Tim Heney says an ice breaker will be here this weekend to get the port ready for the season that'll open on the 25th after the Sault Locks open. Heney says it looks like most people inside the grain industry think the Wheat Board ending could be good for Thunder Bay.

Man falls through floodway ice

A highly questionable decision has left one man wet but safe.  The man was walking across the Neebing McIntyre floodway when he fell through the ice.  Police say with the warm temperatures the ice in the area is NOT Safe.

NAN Women's Council

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation Women's Council is fresh off a two day election.  Four women from First Nations in the east of NAN's territory and four from the west were elected.  The council serves as the voice of women and families.

TVO show loosely based on NOSM

TVO is launching it's very own medical drama show based on the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.  Spokesperson Paul Ginnis says it's like a northern Ontario version of Grey's Anatomy.  The show will follow first year students working in the remote communities in the North. The production of the series is taking place around Sudbury.

Heart to Heart bonspiel cancelled

There will not be a Heart to Heart Charity Bonspiel this year. Organizers cancelled the long time event that was to raise money for the Northern Cardiac Fund. Officials say they needed 72 curlers to put on the event and as of yesterday only 34 people had shown interest. Due to the lack of interest final logistics could not be finalized.

Pain med shortage impacts Fido

A local veterinary hospital says they're starting to feel the impact of pain medication shortages.  Production cuts at a factory in Quebec are impacting human hospitals and now the treatment of animals as well. A local vet says they've been unable to get some of the medications they require but the purchasing companies they work with are looking for substitutes.  The vet clinic did not want their name used.

New iPad on store shelves

The new iPad has arrived in Thunder Bay but to very little fanfare.  Walmart Electronic's Department Manager Donald Bates says they expect to get more customers in the afternoon.  The new model comes with a faster processor and a much sharper screen.

Possible casino privatization concerns MPP

The possible privatization of Ontario Lottery and Gaming facilities in the province is catching a local MPP's attention. The idea was floated in this weeks OLG announcement of sweeping changes. Bill Mauro says he is unsure if that will mean the casino in Thunder Bay is going to land in private hands or not, and says he is having discussions on the issue since he hasn't seen any details of the proposal just yet.

LUSU Prez not happy with traffic on Oliver Road

The President of the Lakehead University Students Union wants to the see the city move faster to put in traffic lights in front of the Hospital.  Michael Snodden says with the rash of speeding tickets handed out this week it just proves how dangerous it is for students to cross Oliver Road. Snodden says he's been told the city is mindful of the situation but feels more could be done to get the lights in sooner rather than later.  City Engineering Manager Pat Mauro says lights will be installed this year but not until at least May.

Say hello to Lakehead Yale Sports Holdings

The group looking to bring a professional or major junior hockey team to Thunder Bay is trying to get people used to calling them Lakehead Yale Sports Holdings.  CEO Anthony Leblanc says that has been the official name for about a year after Ice Edge Holdings was disbanded. He says Ice Edge was created for the sole purpose of purchasing the Phoenix Coyotes.  The new company is working hard on a number of issues including bringing a team here.  Leblanc says he is impressed with recent developments in regards to a new Events Centre in Thunder Bay and says a new arena is a key term to bringing in a team.  He adds it is a condition of every hockey league they have had discussions with.

No deer feeding complaints

The City's bylaw enforcement manager says no one is complaining yet following news that a man on Mission Island is feeding deer which is now against the law. Ron Bourret says the system only works if someone calls his department since it's complaint driven.  Bourret says the law isn't being enforced until May first anyway, so the person would only get a lecture.

Police look for missing man

City police are looking for a missing  20 year old man.   They say that Oscar Jesus Amor Bacic was last seen at the Regional Health Science's Centre March 7th.  Police say there are concerns because of mental health issues. Police say he doesn't know anyone here and has ties to southern Ontario and to Manitouwadge.

People still speeding near hospital

Thunder Bay Police continue to target speeders near the Health Sciences Centre. For the second time this week officers set up a speed trap on Oliver Road infront the entrance to the hospital and picked off 20 speeders.  Earlier this week they caught another 20 heavy footed drivers. The fastest driver today was clocked going 80 in the 50 zone.

Virdiramo applauds police

The chair of the Police Services Board is issuing a statement of support to the rank and file of the force. Councillor Joe Virdiramo says it follows the recent arrests made in the Mac's store robberies and not public prodding by Mayor Keith Hobbs.  He felt it was appropriate to thank the officers that worked on the convenience store robberies and adds that it's a show of confidence in the work the police do.

WSIB President salary under scrutiny

The salary of the head of a government organization is not sitting well with injured workers groups.  They are upset David Marshall's gig as the President of the Work Place Safety and Insurance Board includes a bonus of up to 400-thousand dollars on top of of his annual salary of 400 thousand. Local Spokesperson Steve Mantis says it's absurd to think Marshall is being paid to cut injured workers benefits.  Ontario's Injured Workers have sent a letter to the Premier to stop making cuts to the WSIB and scale back the President's pay.