NAPS to hold recruitment initiative

An area police force wants to hire area First Nations to fill the growing need for police officials in the North.  The Nishnawbe Aski Police are holding a police recruitment initiative to spread the word about a career in law enforcement.  The two day recruitment drive will take place in the Spring.

Rafferty wants regional development fund

There's a call for a regional economic development fund to help pay for municipal infrastructure upgrades.  MP John Rafferty says the New Democrats see FEDNOR as good source to cover the cost of small projects.  Rafferty says with no stimulus money expected in the coming budget, FEDNOR funding would be a viable option.

Prince Arthur's Landing nominated in G.P.C.

Prince Arthur's Landing is in the running for a nation wide competition put on by the Canadian Institute of Planners.  You can vote for the newly renovated waterfront in the Great Places in Canada competiton.  To vote click here. At last check Thunder Bay had 106 votes.

Graduation Ceremony Saturday

The local army reserve is holding a graduation ceremony for the latest batch of high school co-op students. Captain George Romick says the students come from both the public and private school boards.  The graduation ceremony will take place at the Armouries on Park Avenue at 10:30 am Saturday. 

Local unemployment numbers

There's disappointing news on the national job front. Canada's unemployment rate rose to 7.6 per cent in January. Locally, our unemployment rate dropped from 7 percent to 6.2 per cent. The jobs figures are from Statistics Canada.

Mining companies in England

Two companies proposing gold mines in the Rainy River district will be promoting their projects to an international audience later this month.  Rainy River Resources and Osisko Mining will be among 18-Canadian companies making presentations at a mining conference in London, England.  The conference attracts potential investors from around the world.

Kenora's version of "The Birds"

It has some people thinking about Alfred Hitchcock's movie ``The Birds.'' Ravens have been pecking large holes in the rubberized roof of the Operations Building in Kenora. As a result, the five-year-old building has developed some leaks. Officials want to find a solution to the destructive pecking before fixing the roof.

KDMA Conference on this weekend

Municipal leaders from across the Kenora District are gathering the next couple of days for a lively discussion.  Kenora District Municipal Association President Phil Vinet says the meat and potatoes of their annual conference starts tomorrow.  The Red Lake Mayor says Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell, Lieutinent-Coloniel Dan Drew and Medical Officer of Health Dr. James Arthurs are among the guest speakers.

NAN wants power grid hook up by 2018

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Chiefs are calling on the Provincial Government to help them connect their communities to the power grid. They want all NAN communities to be hooked up by 2018. The goal came from a three day conference that was held in Thunder Bay this week.

Grann trial into final phase

Two days of gruelling cross examination of  Thunder Bay police officer Toni Grann are now complete.  Prosecutor Marc Huneault repeatedly grilled Grann on the way she kept records when she administered the local Sex Offender Registry.  While she kept her composure for much of her testimony Grann did break down and cry during some of the questioning.   Grann is charged with Breach of Trust in connection with falsified records in the registry.  A final verdict may not happen for some weeks. 

Terrace Bay Pulp owes almost 40 million

Potential buyers of Terrace Bay Pulp have until February 15th to file a letter of intent.  Officials at CCAA monitor Ernst and Young say the company owes almost 40 million dollars to creditors and proceeds of a sale would go to them.  If no buyers can be found its a possibility the mill could be sold for scrap.

Grann undergoes more questioning

It's the second day on the stand for the Thunder Bay Police officer who is charged with falsifying records in the Ontario Sex Offender Registry.   Prosecutor Marc Huneault spent the morning and part of the afternoon grilling Toni Grann on how she kept her records.  Grann kept her composure on the stand during the cross examination.    On Wednesday Huneault indicated he would complete his questioning sometime today. 

Cindy's Ashes have been returned

Radio reports have reunited a family with an urn of remains.  Police say the Urn was found at Dutchak's Recycling and after the story hit the airwaves, family members went to  Balmoral Station to pick up Cindy's Ashes.  Officials say the remains are human and were misplaced.

16 years for Bearkskin Airlines Hope Classic

It's the 16th year for the Bearskin Airlines Hope Classic.  Chair Sue Childs says there are 59 teams taking part in the bonspiel that will take place February 17th to the 19th at the Fort William Curling Club.  Since it's inception over 2-million dollars has been raised for the Linda Buchan Centre for cancer care.

Pedestrian appeared to be drunk: police

Police say alcohol may have been a factor in a car-pedestrian accident on Cumberland Street  last night.  They say the victim, a 33 year old woman, appeared to be drunk at the time and ran into oncoming traffic and was struck by a car.  Police say she was taken to the Health Sciences Centre, but her injuries were not serious. No chanrges have been laid.

Thunderhawks in Dryden today

The first year Confederation College Thunderhawks Women's Hockey team is making an appearance in Dryden this afternoon.  The Thunder Bay based team is practising at the Memorial Arena from 1 until 2 .  Coach Marshall Erickson says it will give local residents a chance to learn more about their program.  The club signed Dryden's Kyley Engstrom this week.

Dryden to hold by-election

A by-election will be held to replace Dryden Councilor Mike Wood.  Council made the decision last night and Mayor Craig Nuttall says it was the right decision.  Six potential candidates were in Council Chambers when Council made the decision.

Terrace Bay Pulp owes millions

Terrace Bay Pulp owes millions of dollars to businesses across the Country and in the United States.  That figure is from the CCAA monitor Ernst and Young who released a list of the Mill's outstanding debts recently.  The company filed for CCAA bankruptcy protection last week.

Pedestrian struck by car

City police are investigating a car-pedestrian accident which sent one person to hospital. They say it took place at around 6:40 pm Wednesday at the intersection of Cumberland and River. They say paramedics stabilized the victim and then took her to the Health Science's Centre with unknown injuries.

City couple win$ big

A Thunder Bay couple are almost one million dollars richer thanks to a recent lottery win. Allan and Darlene Maki won 983 thousand dollars in the January 21st. Lottario draw. The couple has been married for 37 years and plan to share their winnings with their family, pay off some bills, take a vacation and put away the rest in their savings.

Grann grilled over record keeping

The trial of city police officer Toni Grann is continuing.   In cross examination Wednesday, prosecutor Marc Huneault got Grann to admit that on two occasions, that as the administrator of the local file in the Ontario Sex Offender Registry, she didn't force the convicted offenders to update their file in person as required by the law.  In her defense Grann told Huneault that in one case the person was confined to a wheelchair and so she used existing information on file about the person. In earlier testimony, Grann portrayed a system she felt was not organized on various levels.   Grann is charged with Breach of Trust in connection with falsified records in the registry.

Hyer to hold Budget Meetings

MP Bruce Hyer wants to know what his constituents want in the upcoming Federal Budget.  Hyer says he's planning on holding information meetings in the area with NDP finance critic Peter Julien.  Hyer says the meeting in Thunder Bay will take place next Friday at the Prince Arthur Hotel from 7:30 to 9pm.

Transit City could be coming back to life

A looming legal battle at Toronto City Hall could have major implications for Thunder Bay.  A recent statement from a Toronto legal firm said Mayor Rob Ford didn't have the authority to kill the transit city light rail plan.  MPP Bill Mauro says the report has reopened the debate that could see Toronto Council go back to the original plan that saw lots of work for the Bombardier plant.

"I wasn't hiding anything"

Toni Grann (left) leaves courthouse

City Police officer Toni Grann took the stand in her Breach of Trust trial.  Grann is charged with falsifying records in the Ontario Sex Offender Registry.   On the stand this morning Grann painted a picture of a system that she felt wasn't organized on various levels.  She sited an example of how she got so busy that she had to make deals with some uniformed officers to get verifying addresses of some local sex offenders.   She told the court  "I wasn't hiding anything."   Under cross examination she says she did not have all convicted sex offenders come to the police station to register even though it was required by law.

LUSU holds rally

Over 200 people will be taking part in a rally at Lakehead University today.  Student Union President Mike Snoddon says it's a call for increased funding and participation from the Federal Government.  The LU rally is part of the Federation of Student's National Day of Action.

Toni Grann to take stand today

City Police Constable Toni Grann will take the stand today.  Her London, Ontario Lawyer Clay Powell says she's been waiting to tell her side of the story for over two years.  The Crown rested its case yesterday. Grann is facing 11 charges of Breach of Trust in connection with falsified local records in the Ontario Sex Offender Registry.

NWO needs its own weather rodent

It's Ground Hog Day Thursday and our meteorologist wants Northwestern Ontario to get its own prognostic rodent.  Bill Laidlaw says the region can no longer depend on Southern Ontario's Wiarton Willie.  Laidlaw says we're going to have a late start to Spring but the rest of Winter will be warmer than normal.

Ignace has Mayoral vacancy

Ignace Council is accepting the resignation of Mayor Lee Kennard with regret.  Municipal officials say they haven't had a chance to sit down with Council and discuss the options of filling the vacancy.

Budget takes centre stage at City Hall

The Budget process is underway at City Hall.  An overview of the budget was given to council Monday night that came complete with a 2.67 percent tax increase.  City Manager Tim Commisso says costs need to be controlled to make a good budget.  He said extensive meetings have been held to go over the costs for every department.  More Budget meetings will be held next week.

Kaszycki speaks out

Some critics are surprised that as the McGuinty government's Ring of Fire coordinator, Christine Kaszycki hasn't visited camps in the mining zone. Kaszycki defends the decision saying there have been other priorities which included getting to know the communities affected by the massive development.  Kaszycki says as a geologist by trade she has visited many exploration sites.

Medical stop at Thunder Bay airport

An Air Canada flight from Winnipeg to Toronto made an unscheduled stop at the Thunder Bay airport this morning at around 10 o'clock. Manager Scott McFadden says it was due to a medical emergency.  McFadden says the patient on the Airbus A-319 was taken to the Health Science's Centre. 

NAN talks energy in far north

Chiefs from across the Nishnawbe Aski Nation are meeting in Thunder Bay this week talking about the lack of energy infrastructure in the far north.  Deputy Grand Chief Les Louttit says they want to come up with a plan by the end of the three day conference.  Louttit says the Provincial and Federal Government's have a role to play in getting communities onto the hydro grid.

Stabbing suspect turns himself in

Police say that they have a 15 year old boy in custody in connection with a stabbing earlier this month.   They say he was the last of the 4 people officials say were involved in the incident at Junot and Red River Road.  Police say the youth turned himself in.

Youth educators plan conference

About 200 early childhood educators from the district are converging in Thunder Bay next month.  The Social Services Administration Board is holding a conference that organizer Marnie Tarzia believes will lead to some new thinking.

Pellet gun brings out the police dogs

City police are breathing a sigh of relief that a weapons call this morning turned into a false alarm.   They say that just after 9 a concerned person called to report that a teen was seen in the backyard of a Belrose Road home with a gun.  After closing down the area and bringing in the sniffer dogs, police say it turned out to be a pellet gun.  No one was hurt and there are no charges being laid. 

Alex Cameron bursary created

A former Lakehead Pioneer is being honoured through a new bursary.  The Lakehead Public School Board recently created the Alex Cameron Bursary for students who want to attend a Canadian University for Engineering.  Alex Cameron lived in Thunder Bay from 1863 to 1952.

NAN Energy Conference Today

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is hosting a three day conference on First Nation energy needs.  Area Chiefs will talk about energy issues, and what needs to be done to improve the energy distribution.  Speakers at the conference will include reps from the Federal and Provincial Governments and First Nations.  The event kicks off today at the Valhalla Inn.

Bohonos is Howarth's replacement

The Thunder Bay North Stars are bringing in Lonny Bohonos to be their interim coach. The move comes after Todd Howarth resigned.

Core Services Review process is getting a big look

The Mayor is keenly looking forward to the Core Services Review Process.  An initial report that included the city's golf courses was presented to council Monday night and Mayor Hobbs says fiscal responsibility needs to be addressed.  Hobbs says he's been in favour of selling the Municipal Golf Course for a long time.  Hobbs also says he thinks all services need to be looked at.  He said he doesn't think there needs to be sweeping changes but it's time to be fiscally responsible.  The golf courses won't be back to council until the end of March.  City Manager Tim Commisso says the second phase of the Review will include the Conservatory.

Cell Towers discussed again

The Bell Mobility towers made its way to council again Monday night.  Councillor Aldo Ruberto tried to get council to vote against sending a letter to the Federal Government that stated Bell held public meetings.  Councillor Marc Bentz says the question was never about whether or not council likes the towers. Bentz says all the concerns will be forwarded to Industry Canada and will be considered before any decision is made.

Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute is booming

The Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute spoke to council to give them an overview on how the organization has grown since Council's initial 5 million dollar investment. CEO Michael Power says before the investment the Regional Health Sciences Centre had 3 supported Scientists now there is 13. Power says the TBRRI has brought in 70 million dollars in direct and indirect economic activity. Power says the next step is to commercialize the research being done here and to see the economic success stay.

LHIN CEO welcomes new duties

Ontario's local health integration networks will be given responsibility for family doctors. The CEO of the Northwest LHIN, Laura Kokocinski, says her organization is prepared to make it work.  She says they welcome the news since it'll move the health care system to one that is more patient focused.  Health Minister Deb Matthews says the LHIN's will help ensure patients have a more seamless experience between doctor and hospital.

LUSU holding daycare centre vote

The Student Union at Lakehead University is hoping students dig a bit deeper. Spokesperson Neva Bassingthwite says LUSU is holding a referendum on increasing student fees by five dollars to help build a new daycare centre, adding it's become increasingly clear the current centre isn't meeting the needs of students. The voting will take place over three days next month.

Three locals to take part in suit

We are just days away from a class action harassment lawsuit being filed against the RCMP. Thunder Bay lawyer Sandy Zaitzeff says there could be up to 120 plaintiffs in this case including three in our city.  Zaitzeff says it could take years to settle the suit which alleges women in the RCMP faced on the job harassment

Grann trial underway

The trial of a city police officer is back on at the Ontario Court of Justice. 44 year old Constable Toni Grann has pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of Breach of Trust. The charges involve falsified local records in the Ontario Sex Offender Registry

LRCA releases water quality report

The Lakehead Regional Conservation Authority is embarking on improving water quality in Rosslyn.  Spokesperson Bob Hartley says a recent water quality report shows septic systems in the community are potential threats to the two municipal wells.  Hartley adds homeowners will need to have their septic systems inspected.  A series of public meetings on the water quality report will be held next week.  Thunder Bay's water source Lake Superior came through with flying colours with no potential threats to water quality. 

Feds cut off Energy Grant Program

EcoSuperior is surprised the Federal Government has cut short its registration period for the ecoEnergy for Houses program.  The program provides money to homeowners who make improvements to their home that will save energy.  Executive Director Ellen Mortfield says the program was supposed to end in March.  People already signed up for the program have until June 30th to have their follow up home evaluation.

Nash in T.Bay today

Federal NDP leadership hopeful Peggy Nash is campaigning in Thunder Bay today. Nash says if she's elected to Party Leader she will work to improve regional economic plans and secure funding for public transit. Nash feels the Prime Minister is using the gun registry to get votes in specific ridings in the North. Nash says she believes in Leader Jack Layton's gun registry plan that included public consultation over what annoys the public about the registry.

Ontario Scotties Results

A big upset at the 2012 Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts.  Tracy Horgan from Sudbury toppled the previously unbeaten Rachel Homan foursome from Ottawa 7-6 in Sunday afternoon's final at the Kenora Curling Club.  Horgan now advances to the 2012 National Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Red Deer, Alberta next month.

Howarth steps down

The head coach of the Thunder Bay North Stars is stepping down for personal reasons.  Todd Howarth told the ownership board and SIJHL of his decision recently.  The team's ownership group will make an announcement on Howarth's replacement in the near future.  Howarth is the longest serving coach in SIJHL history.