OPP Release Name Of Kenora Fatality

Provincial Police in Kenora have released the name of the man found dead on the Canadian Pacific rail crossing in Keewatin early Sunday morning.  The victim has been identified as 22-year-old Justen Kroeker of Kenora.  Police are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination.  Foul play isn't suspected.

Dryden Debates First Nation Student Residence

Dryden Council is expected to debate the re-zoning of Pinewood School at next Tuesday's open meeting. A public meeting was held yesterday into the re-zoning of the property to facilitate a First Nations school and residential facility for up to 72-students and 8-supervisory staff.  Sally Ledger pleaded with Council to give Northern kids a chance to gain an education but notes that the KO Northern Chiefs led project comes with other benefits.

Dryden Welcomes Familiar Face To Council

Sid Wintle says he's anxious to get started on Dryden Council.  The former Mayor and Councilor was elected in Monday's bye-election for the one vacant Council seat.  Wintle says cleaning up the City's finances is his number one priority.

Canfield To Talk To Gravelle

The Bear Wise program isn't living up to its name.  That's the feeling of the Vice-President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association.  Dave Canfield says the Ministry of Natural Resources shouldn't be allowed to download the responsibility of nuisance bears onto municipalities.

MNR Waterbombing Mt. McKay Wildfire

The Ministry of Natural Resources water bomber is helping to take care of a wildfire on the side of Mount McKay this afternoon . City Fire Service District Chief David Nelson says city crews were not able to handle the blaze so they called the MNR. Nelson says no people or buildings are in danger.

OPP Probe Toddler's Death

A terrible tragedy on the Poplar Hill First Nation.  OPP say that a 33 year old  woman from that community  is charged in connection with the death of an eighteen month old boy from Pikangikum .   They say she was the toddler's caregiver. Police say the death took place last week, but they only got around to charging the woman on Sunday.  The cause of death is still under investigation. 

New Research Institute Head Named

Michael Wood is the new CEO of the Regional Research Institute. After being introduced at a news conference Wood explained that he is looking forward to helping achieve one of the main goals of the Institute. He remains the Vice President of Research at the hosptial.  He wants to make the Health Sciences Centre  a teaching hospital like other cities have.  Wood takes over from Michael Power who is moving into the private sector. 

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Wintle Wins Dryden By-Election

Cleaning up the City's finances is priority one for Dryden's newly elected councilor. Sid Wintle overwhelmingly won yesterday's by-election for the one vacant seat on Council. Wintle says there seems to be a lot of friction on Council right now and he wants to see that changed.Wintle believes Dryden residents have delivered a message that they are concerned about their ability to absorb significant tax increases.

Lakehead Schools Review Fundraising By-Law

The Provincial Government is rolling out new fundraising guidelines for Ontario School Boards.  Lakehead Public School Board Spokesperson Kirsti Alaksa says the new rules come at a good time since they're reviewing their fundraising policy and want public input.  Alaksa says their policy is similar to the Provincial Government's and notes they're tweaking it to include more transparency and a rule that funds can not be used towards capital projects.

Local Alzheimer's Office Wants National Strategy

Canada is lagging behind its fellow nations when it comes to the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. That's according to the local office of the Alzheimer's Society after the United States just adopted a strategy to fight dementia and Denton says Canada needs to follow suit. Executive Director Alison Denton says they warned the Harper Government of the escalating rise of dementia over 2 years ago.

Marina Now Open

The Marina at Prince Arthur's Landing is now open for the season.   It will be the first time it will be in full operation  since construction at the waterfront development began.  A few boats are moored today, but that number is expected to explode as boat owners launch their vessels over the long holiday weekend.

Man Charged In Crime Spree

A 23 year old local man is being charged in what Police call a day long crime spree. The charges come after two vehicles were stolen, and later became involved in two separate motor vehicle collisions. The suspect involved in those incidents is also believed to be the same person who broke into a home yesterday on Rosslyn Road.

Trailer Park Issue To Be Settled Soon

The future of the Hillcourt Trailer Park in the City will be up for discussion again in two weeks time.  Council heard from trailer park residents last night asking the City to maintain ownership.  However, Councillor Ken Boshcoff says the City no longer needs to operate the trailer park.  Council is expected to vote on whether or not to sell the trailer park at a public meeting June 11th.  Meanwhile, City Council passed a by-law that will allow bow hunting within City limits.  Also a report on increasing supervision and operating hours at local outdoor hockey rinks will be back before Council in July.

Kenora Death Not Suspicious

Kenora OPP are ruling out murder in the death of a 22 year old man in Keewatin. The man was found on Sunday near the CP rail crossing at Government Road in Kenora. Police are holding back his name until his family is notified.

Bushie Hearing Postponed

It will be another week before the inquest hearing into the death of Reggie Bushie will begin.  It was scheduled to start today in Thunder Bay, but a spokesperson in the regional coroners office says it will now take place a week from tomorrow, May 23rd.   No reason was given for the delay.   The body of the 15 year old was recovered from the McIntyre River in 2007.  The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding the death, including the issues that face First Nations students who come to Thunder Bay from their home communities to attend school. 

Police Still Searching For Robbery Suspects

Thunder Bay police are hoping that releasing surveillance pictures of a weekend Mac's Convenience Store robbery will help with the arrest of the suspects. Police say both were men in their late teens or early twenties. The robbery took place at the Waterloo Street store.

Gliddy Free, Murder Charge Stayed

A stunner from a Thunder Bay courtroom where a second degree murder charge against a city woman has been stayed by the prosecution. It came as the case against 30 year old Thea Gliddy was about to go to trial. It means that Gliddy is free but  prosecutors can reinstate the charge within a year.  The charge was in connection to the death of 39 year old Randy Cromarty in a room at the Inntowner Hotel two years ago.

Dugmore Is Back To Work

Waterfront Development Manager Katherine Dugmore is back to work with the City. Tourism Manager Paul Pepe was filling in for Dugmore while she was off on medical leave.  Dugmore started easing herself back into the job about two weeks ago.  Meanwhile, Manshield Construction is currently doing some surveying on the waterfront for the Hotel and Condos deal.

Body Found On Tracks Near Kenora

Ontario Provincial Police are saying little about a death in Keewatin. A body was found on the railway tracks in the Kenora area near Portage Bay early Sunday night. The Northwest Mobile Command Unit was on site yesterday, along with a number of investigators. More information is expected later today.

Float Plane Incident On Lake Superior

The pilot of a float plane is not hurt after his aircraft lost power to its engine yesterday as it was flying over Lake Superior.  A spokesperson at the search and rescue centre in Trenton says the pilot landed the plane safely about a mile outside the habour breakwall just before 10 o'clock in the morning and was towed by a coast guard vessel to a seaplane base. The cause of the engine failure isn't known.

LU Conference Talks Sustainable Energy

Delegates attending a conference at Lakehead University this week will talking about sustainable energy.  The conference is open to people from across Northwestern Ontario and discusses how we can use wood pellets, municipal waste and peat to generate power.

Suspicious Car Fire On East Empire Ave

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a suspicious car fire this morning on East Empire Avenue.  Police say the act of arson occurred at four this morning.  The car is completely ruined and is considered a write-off.  Officers are looking for the person responsible.

Beardy To Run For Ontario Regional Chief

There's going to be a race for the Regional Chief of Ontario. Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy will be going up against incumbent Angus Tolouse. Beardy says he's been thinking of running for sometime. Beardy will continue to be NAN's Grand Chief up until the election which takes place at the end of June at the Chiefs of Ontario Conference in Toronto.

Mauro Calls NDP Auto Insurance Bill Bad Deal

An NDP private members bill on auto insurance premiums isn't sitting well with Thunder Bay MPP Bill Mauro.  Mauro says the bill would drive up our premiums to subsidize the rates paid by southern Ontario drivers.  He's calling on Northern Ontario NDP MPP's to vote against the proposal and call for auto insurance reforms that will help all drivers in the province.

OPP Re-open Section of Highway 17

OPP are reporting Highway 17 east of Highway 614 is open again after being closed yesterday afternoon.  Police closed the highway down because of a forest fire that was burning four kilometres west of White River. OPP reopened the highway around 8:30 last night because the fire was put out and it was safe to travel again.

OPP Close Hwy 17

A section of Highway 17 east of Highway 614 towards White River is closed Sunday.   OPP closed the highway down because of a forest fire that's burning four kilometres west of White River.  A detour is available at Highway 11.

NAN Grand Chief Running For Regional Chief Spot

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy is throwing his hat into the ring for the upcoming election for Regional Chief of Ontario.  He'll be going up against incumbent Angus Toulouse.  The election for Regional Chief will take place at the Chiefs of Ontario conference at the end of June in Toronto.

Occupy Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay's local Occupy group gathered in front of City Hall yesterday. The protesters were hoping that the warm weather would draw a larger crowd than previous protests. Those that did attend believe that it is important to show solidarity with the larger movement. The protests are meant to bring awareness to economic inequality, greed, and corporate influence in government actions from local to international levels. The Occupy movement began last year in New York City.

Foulds Rink Request Back

Hockey rinks are on the list of topics to discuss at Monday's Council meeting. Current River Ward Councillor Andrew Foulds wants his fellow members to agree to spend more money on staff supervision. Foulds believes young people are becoming less active and wants to make sure they have recreational opportunities. Foulds says closing popular rinks for 2 days during the week prevents an opportunity to put on skates or even use the facilities.

Road Construction Set To Start

The City has unveiled its plan for road construction for the upcoming season. City Engineer Rick Harms says this Summer's construction schedule will impact residential areas more than major routes. Harms adds that the biggest traffic headache will likely occur near the new courthouse building. That project starts before the end of May

Delegation Heading To Japan

There's an eleven person delegation from Thunder Bay heading to Gifu, Japan Sunday morning. City Clerk John Hannam says it's part of the city's ongoing commitment to the Sister Cities Program and an opportunity to promote exchanges between our two communities.  Hannam says the Japanese plan a return trip here in July.

City Puts Hope In Proposed Mining Strategy

The city is putting together a Mining Readiness Strategy to take advantage of the Ring of Fire and other Northwestern Ontario mining developments. Mayor Keith Hobbs says the strategy will be detailed and well thought out. He says they will try to get together about half a million dollars from affected parties and put a plan together that covers housing, education and job creation. A draft plan of the Strategy is expected to be ready by the fall.

Alarm Bells Over Program Closure

A local Aboriginal program for school children  is closing down because there is no more government funding.  The Biwaase'aa program has been serving about 500 children a day with what organizers say has been education, nutritional and emotional support.  Officials call it bad news for children in the city, some of whom they claim will be left in a vulnerable position.

More Nursing Positions Available

The Provincial Government is rolling out cash for hiring nurses in Northwestern Ontario.  66 new nursing positions will be made available through the Northwest Local Health Integration Network.

City And CN Try To Bridge The Gap

The city and CN Rail plan to continue talks about the future of the James Street Swing Bridge. CN spokesperson Lindsay Fedchyshyn says the decision follows discussions this week about the safety of the railway owned bridge.  She says engineers from both the railway and the city will meet again to talk about how the matter should proceed.  Fedchyshyn says while CN considers the bridge safe, it will be repairing or replacing any broken planks or metal plates.

Arbor Day Saturday

It's Arbor Day. The City is doing its part and is planting over 100 trees at Boulevard Lake's Birch Point as a way of improving the urban forest. Over 200 shrubs will also be planted along the Boulevard Lake shoreline to help stabilize the bank and reduce erosion.

LU Signs New Volleyball Player

Lakehead University's Thunderwolves women's Volleyball program has signed a new player. 6 foot Attacker Stephanie Green has committed to the team. She comes from St. Ignatius high school and has chosen Sociology to study.

Injured Workers Protesting Today

Members of the local Injured Workers group are holding a protest at MPP Michael Gravelle's office today.  It's over their disappointment with the appointment of Elizabeth Witmer to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Spokesperson Steve Mantis says they also feel the Liberal Government rejected the Arthurs' report on how to improve the WSIB and save money.

Seven Held in Border Incident

Officials say three people who tried to get into Canada illegally this week are being held in custody at the District Jail. Chris Kealy of Canada Border Services says they were caught shortly after they crossed in from Pigeon River earlier this week. Four other Canadians who police say allegedly tried to help them are also in custody. Kealy says for privacy reasons they won't say what country the three originated from.

Giant Toy Store Chain Coming

Let the children rejoice, because Toys R Us is coming to Thunder Bay. Developer Toby Singlehurst says the new store will be 36 thousand square feet in size and located in the Thunder Centre.  He says groundbreaking could take place as soon as next week with an opening in  time for the holiday season.  Singlehurst says Toys R Us officials have told him they are excited about coming into the Thunder Bay market.

NOSM Hosts Conference

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine begins hosting the 7th annual Northern Health Research Conference today.  Associate Dean of Research, Dr. Greg Ross, says there are two conferences happening simultaneously and the focus is on health care in the North. Approximately 1-hundred people are in attendance from around the world.

NOMA Looks Beyond Smelter Decision

Disappointment yes, but optimism continues for the President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association.  Ron Nelson says the decision to locate a chromite smelter in Sudbury will still result in some rippling economic effects for this region in the future.  Nelson says all 37-municipalities within the Association have to pressure the government heavily to ensure they keep their promises.

Port's Reputation Grows

Officials with the Port of Thunder Bay continue their quest for more customers. At the Annual General Meeting CEO Tim Heney says that the port will be building on last year's successes.  He says with each big shipment the port's reputation grows.   Heney states the port's credibility will get a shot in the arm when the new crane is in place this summer.

Search & Rescue Celebrates Anniversary

The Lakehead Search and Rescue organization celebrates its 50th anniversary Friday night. 120 current and past members will take part in a dinner at the Italian Cultural Centre. Board member Nickolas Knought says it takes a special kind of person to become a member because volunteers donate their time, resources and energy into helping rescue people in distress. Knought says now that people are using G.P.S. more and more, there has been a drop in requests from police for their assistance.

Tourist Information Centre Issue Won't Go Away

The Provincial Government is again being pressed for answers as to why tourist information centres in Fort Frances, Kenora and Rainy River are being closed. During debate at Queen's Park, Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says Tourism Minister Michael Chan needs to come clean and explain why centres in her riding are closing while Pigeon River stays opens. The Minister's Parliamentary Assistance Kim Craitor says Pigeon River is being left open because it serves an important American market.

Occupy Thunder Bay Set For Saturday

Occupy Thunder Bay is giving it another try.  After several poorly attended protests they hope to pick up more steam on Saturday.  They'll be meeting at City Hall at 1 in the afternoon.  The group is protesting economic inequality and corporate greed.

OHC meeting in T.Bay

Thunder Bay is one of the stops for an Ontario wide tour talking about the future of Health Care.  The Ontario Health Coalition is putting on the meeting that will talk about the Provincial Government's plans to cut health care services.  The meeting is going to be held on Thursday, May 31st at the Waverley Resource Library.

Grinspun visits NWO

The health care system can save money and help more patients by using nurses more for primary care. That's one of the recommendations in a draft report prepared by a task force set up by the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario. Chief Executive Officer Doris Grinspun says nurses are being under-utilized in the health care system. Grinspun is on a tour of Northwestern Ontario.

Wilson Looks At Positive Side

Smelter or no smelter, the message is not all doom and gloom from the president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.   Harold Wilson says even though the region will not be getting a chromite smelter it's important to remember that the Ring of Fire project has plenty of opportunities and there there's  a lot  of wealth to go around. Wilson believes however that Cliffs Natural Resources may not have considered everything when they made the decision on the smelter's location.

Commissioner Talks Competing Rights

Ontario's Human Rights Commissioner is travelling the province educating the public on a new policy by the commission on the issue of competing rights. In Thunder Bay, Barbara Hall, explains the policy is designed to help community leaders settle such issues out of court and avoid costly legal bills.  Competing rights takes place when two sets of human rights clash and both sides have legitimate claims.