Monday, April 29, 2013

Pet Police On the Prowl

The city is going door to door to make sure your pet is licenced.  Animal Service officers will be visiting homes of owners with expired pet licences.  It will allow them to buy a licence on the spot without being hit with any retroactive fees or added fines.

Murillo Man Behind Bars

A 32 year old Murillo man is in police custody after they say he disobeyed court orders not to be in the company of young children.     Police  say last week he was seen taking care of two boys at the Games Complex.  They say the case against Tony Barnes is connected to child pornography charges in Manitoba. Police are asking the public to contact them if they have concerns about possible contact he's had with young people. 

22 Year Old Charged With Mischief

Thunder Bay Police are charging a 22 year old man with mischief after a troubling incident over the weekend at Boulevard Lake.  Police say someone strung up fishing line on the pathways at Boulevard.  The young man was spoken to in regards to the incident and Police say he was remorseful about his actions that was meant to be a prank.

Human Remains Found

Thunder Bay Police are looking into human remains that were found in a wooded area between the Health Sciences Center and the Riverside cemetery on Oliver Road.  Police say a man called them after finding the remains just before 3 in the afternoon Saturday.  Investigators are trying to identify the deceased and a post mortem is scheduled.

Safe Cycling Group Gives Tips

Safe Cycling Thunder Bay is giving tips on how to safely ride bicycles around town. Spokesperson Doug Diaczuk says he wants cyclists to know everything they need to know about road rules and safety. Diaczuk also wants to remind cyclists that, since bicycles are technically vehicles, riding on sidewalks is illegal.

Out Of Darkness Walk Set For Sunday

The Out Of The Darkness Memorial Walk is happening Sunday. This event is a three kilometer walk starting at Confederation College. Spokesperson Margaret Hajdinjak created the event as a way for people to celebrate the lives of people they've lost to suicide. The event will go from 6-8 pm.

NOACC New President

The Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce has a new president.  At it's spring Annual General Meeting held this past weekend in Dryden, Michael Nitz was announced to the position and says he's excited for what's to come.  Nitz has served as past president of the Nipigon Chamber of Commerce and Thunder Bay's NOACC representative.

MNR Minister Coy About User Fees

The provinces natural resources minister isn't giving anything away before the budget.   In an interview with our newsroom David Orazetti says any news of possible service fee increases will have to wait for the budget or soon after.  The ministry has been polling anglers and hunters in the northwest about what service fee increases they might accept.

Atikokan Wants The Centennial Canoe

Atikokan wants a chance to display the Ontario Centennial Canoe and they're going to ask Thunder Bay Council for it at tonight's meeting.  Mayor Dennis Brown says they've been working on getting the canoe for several years.  Brown says the canoe is currently being stored under a tarp at the Fort William Historical Park and Atikokan has a history with the canoe.

Legal Fee Reserve Fund Up For Discussion

City lawmakers are considering setting up a rainy day legal fee reserve fund.  Councillor Iain Angus says it just makes sense to set up the account.  Council will make a decision on the matter tonight.

Campbell Has Budget Wish List

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell has high hopes for the provincial budget, which will be released Thursday.   Campbell says one of her areas of concern is home health care.   Campbell has also heard from residents that they want to see a break on auto insurance premiums.

Former George Jeffrey CEO Passes

Former George Jeffery Children's Centre CEO Eiji Tsubouchi has passed away.  Tsubouchi retired as CEO in 2012.  His funeral is set for the Westfort Chappel Tuesday night.

MPAC Meeting Today

Northern Mayors are in Toronto today to meet with the Province's Deputy Finance Minister.  It's a bid to convince the government to intervene in the on-going dispute with the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.  The Northern Mayors Coalition says MPAC assessments on mill properties are killing area communities.  The president of MPAC stated Friday that they would not alter the assessments and will continue to hand out bills and payment notices to northern municipalities.

Construction Work Approved


More construction work is now approved for the city. Councillors have given the green light to 2 and a half million dollars of work at the intersection of Frederica and Waterloo Streets. The contract has been awarded to Makkinga Contracting who submitted the lowest bid. 

Hospital Shows Off New MRI


The Regional Hospital is showing off its newest MRI machine.  It's unique in Canada according to imaging expert Matthew Fox who says with this new piece of equipment they can more detailed pictures of the lung. He says it will prove effective for exploring diseases like asthma and cystic fibrosis.  Fox says they hope to begin clinical trials in the near future.