Teachers College Disciplines Local Principal

The Ontario College of Teachers is disciplining the former Principal of Algonquin Avenue Public School.  In a letter to the College of Teachers, the Lakehead Public School board alleged that Andrea Morency mismanaged money from an Anti-poverty fund and didn't provide proper receipts.  It's also alleged that she used school money to purchase items through a gift registry for a friend's wedding shower.  As part of the disciplinary action, Morency has agreed not work at a teaching job for nine months, and refrain from assuming any financial responsibilities for at least 2 years.

NAN Wants To Work With Wynne

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is looking forward to working with Premier Designate Kathleen Wynne.  Grand Chief Harvey Yesno wants to see the Premier's Office work with First Nations on resource development investments and establish an agreement on resource revenue sharing.

Flu Outbreak In Nipigon

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is declaring an influenza A outbreak in the Nipigon Hospital's Long Term Care unit.  Admissions, transfers, discharges and social activities at the facility have been cancelled until further notice.  Visitors are restricted to family members and caregivers only.

Hyer Speaks In QP After Surgery

Today is the first day back for Members of Parliament.  It was also MP Bruce Hyer's first question after his tongue cancer surgery.  Hyer received applause after standing up in the legislature.  The Independent used his question to talk about the Northern Gateway Pipeline.  Hyer is supposed to be resting but he didn't want to give up his speaking time during Question Period.

NAPS Drug Bust In Fort Hope

Nishnawbe-Aski Police continue to crack down on drug traffickers.  Four people have been arrested after they were caught trying to smuggle drugs into the remote community of Fort Hope.  Police say the arrests stem from four separate investigations.  In total, officers seized 11-thousand dollars worth of marijhuana and over 10-thousand dollars worth of oxycodone.

Police Warn Of Traffic Delays

Thunder Bay Police want to let motorists know there may be traffic delays around City Hall this afternoon.  Idle No More will be walking to and from City Hall starting at 4. Thunder Bay Police, Naps, APS, and OPP will be present to provide a safe environment for the community and participants while traveling along the designated route.

Energy Task Force Continues To Lobby For Power Plant

The City's energy task-force continues to lobby the Provincial Government over plans to close the local generating station.  The group held a meeting today to discuss the next steps after their meeting last week with representatives of the Power Authority and Energy Minister.  Councillor Iain Angus says they're asking local residents to get involved in their plea to keep the plant open.  Angus says if the plant is closed there could be rolling power outages.

Hobbs Likes Wynne Win

Thunder Bay's Mayor Keith Hobbs says Kathleen Wynne's election to Liberal Leader will be beneficial to Northwestern Ontario.  Hobbs says Wynne understands the region like former candidate Glen Murray did.  Hobbs likes that she is up to speed on many of Thunder Bay's issues and says they won't have to educate her.

Con. College CampTV launched

Confederation College now has its own web based radio station. Camptv.ca was launched today and students of the Television Broadcast Production Program will be broadcasting on the site.  Students from the Film Production and Multimedia programs will also be producing content for the station.

LU Prof Back From National Forestry Conference

A Lakehead University Professor is back from a National Forestry Conference.  The conference focused on getting First Nation and Municipalities involved in managing and using area forests. Dr. Peggy Smith says they've decided to form a national policy network to look at community forestry programs. Smith says they'll continue to work towards creating the network in the coming months.

MTO Happy With Plowing Service

The Ministry of Transportation admits there have been a couple of issues this winter, but feels the contractor assigned to plowing area highways is getting the job done.  Transfield Services took over the responsibility of highway maintenance last summer.  Wayne Prystanski is the MTO's operations manager for the northwest, and says the Ministry is so far satisfied.  Several people believe the level of services hasn't been the same.

Gravelle "Excited" About Wynne Lead Government

Kathleen Wynne

Michael Gravelle says he is willing to serve a Kathleen Wynne government in anyway she sees fit.  The Natural Resources Minister says however he wouldn't mind staying on in cabinet if that's what the premier designate wants.  Gravelle says he is exited about Wynne's victory at the Liberal leadership convention, even though he was supporting Sandra Pupetello.

White Receives Queen's Medal

A Kakabeka Falls woman is now the proud recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal.  Donna White is well known for her volunteer work with World Vision Canada and is responsible for over 200 children being sponsored.  Supporters also say she has raised thousands of dollars for the organization throughout the year.

Mauro Confident In Wynne

Kathleen Wynne

Bill Mauro is expressing confidence that the north is in good hands with Kathleen Wynne leading the province.  The Thunder Bay MPP, who supported Sandra Pupatello in the Liberal leadership race, says Wynne has the broad experience from municipal affairs to education,  to make it work
Mauro says he wasn't surprised by Wynne's victory.

Mild Trembler Hits North Shore

On the north shore they are still talking about Friday's earthquake.  An official with Earthquakes Canada confirms that a magnitude 2.3 trembler was centred 67 kilometres west of Terrace Bay and about 27 kilometres from Lake Nipigon.     While it was too small to cause any damage it can be felt by people living nearby.   

Crime Of The Week

CrimeStoppers and the Greenstone O.P.P. are asking for your help in solving a break and enter that occurred at a vacant outpost on upper Laponen Lake. Sometime between September 19th and November 19th last year, some unknown persons went into the Mackay Lake camps and stole approximately 25-hundred worth of goods.  Stolen were the following items: two aluminum boats, oars, anchors, electric water pump, freezer, handcrafted household furniture and a shop vac. Anyone with information about who may be responsible for this theft or the whereabouts of the stolen property is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Funding for Rainy River Gold Project

Funding is now available for the Rainy River Gold Project. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is providing over 122 thousand dollars which will go to support public participation in the federal environmental assessment. The proposed underground project will produce about 2-thousand tonnes of ore per day.

Liberal Leader Chosen Today

28 local Liberals will be taking part in the Ontario party's Leadership Convention today. Vince Mirabelli, the president of the Superior North Liberal Riding Association says if there is not an early winner, there could be a come-from-behind victory like when Dalton McGuinty won in 1996. Six candidates are vying for the top job, the final vote comes down later today.

Health Unit Starts "STOP" Program

The Thunder Bay Health Unit is encouraging local smokers to take part in their "STOP" program. The program gives participants five weeks of free products like nicotine gum, patches, lozenges and inhalers. A "STOP" workshop will be held on January 28th and anyone who is interested is asked to contact the Health Unit.

RBC Good Penny News

Some good news for clients with Royal Bank. After the penny is phased out on February 4th, you may end up having to fork out a bit less at the bank. Sherry Williams is a teller with the Dryden branch, and says that most of the time the cents will be rounded down if you are paying cash. Williams adds that rolled pennies can be dropped off at their location.

OPP Responding To Accident On Hwy 61

OPP are investigating a two vehicle accident at Little Trout Bay and Highway 61 about 10 minutes north of the Canada-US Border.  Around 3 o'clock police responded to the crash involving a transport and another vehicle.  The highway is partially closed to one lane while debris is cleaned up.  Police can confirm that an air ambulance was sent to the scene. No other information is readily available at this time.

Noront CEO Confirms Processor Talks With FWFN

The top executive with Noront Resources is confirming news that his company is in contact with the Fort William First Nation about a possible chromite processor.  CEO  Paul Semple says it's too early to say if a plant will be built on the First Nations property, but admits it does look attractive.   He says they've checked out the land and notes there's a 300 megawatt power plant across the river. Semple says the company's first priority though, is the Eagle's Nest nickle project in the Ring of Fire.

New Senators Include One From Dryden

A Dryden resident is going to sit in the Senate of Canada.  Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced the appointment of five new senators, which includes Lynn Beyak of Dryden. Her son, Nick Beyak says it's hard to put into words how he feels about his Mom's senate appointment.  Beyak is a small business owner, with experience in real estate, insurance and tourism.

PSAC To Meet With Inspectors-Weighers

The bad news is being delivered to about 70 Thunder Bay grain inspectors and weighers this weekend by their union,  the Public Service Alliance of Canada.   A spokesperson says a meeting is being held at the Airlane Hotel to outline exactly which workers will loose their position as part of the Harper government's cost cutting measures.   When the cuts are complete only about 30 inspectors and weighers will remain.

Police Warn Churchgoers About Fraud

Thunder Bay Police are warning residents about a man who is reported to be duping people out of their money.  Reports indicate that a 55 year old man has been going to a variety of churches and befriending parishioners. He gave several people a sob story and then asked for money or in some cases access to their bank accounts.  Police are looking for someone around 6 foot 2 with a medium build and graying hair.

NAN Public Forum Recommendations

A greater police presence on social media is included in a list of recommendations by the Nishnawbe Aski Nation follwing a public forum on safe streets.   There are a total of 13 recommendations that cover issues from media news coverage to cultural education for municipal workers.  Another safety forum is likely in the spring.

Confederation College New Programming Deal

Confederation College is moving forward with a Memorandum of Understanding with six northern Ontario colleges.  The agreement means more college programs will be available at the local campus.

Wilson On Panel Recommendations

Thunder Bay's Chamber of Commerce is commending the Endangered Species Act Panel's report to the Provincial Government. President Harold Wilson says the report asks the Province to recognize the fact that the Crown Forest Sustainability Act looks after endangered species and further legislation isn't needed.  The report was released earlier this week.

PSAC To Hold Job Meeting

The bad news is being delivered to about 70 Thunder Bay grain inspectors and weighers this weekend by their union,  the Public Service Alliance of Canada.   A spokesperson says a meeting is being held at the Airlane Hotel to outline exactly which workers will loose their position as part of the Harper government's cost cutting measures.   When the cuts are complete only about 30 inspectors and weighers will remain.

HWY 61 Open

The occupants are a little shaken but no one is seriously hurt following a two car crash on Highway 61 near the airport this morning.  O.P.P. and city police were called to the scene near the overpass when two cars collided. One of the vehicles had two children inside but police report two women suffered only minor injuries. Police re-opened the Highway just after 11 o'clock after closing it for about an hour.

Twist In Kenora Court Case

The fate of a second degree murder trial taking place at the Kenora Court House could be decided today.  Yesterday, proceedings came to an abrupt halt after the lawyer for Angela Duchesne, David Gibson announced he had been appointed an Ontario Court Judge.  Justice Terrance Platana says Gibson cannot continue on as a defense council. He will meet with the crown and defense this morning to determine if and when the trial will be able to continue.  Duchesne and Kenneth Ivall have been charged with second degree murder in the death of Ed Wilson on March 21st, 2009. 

T.Bay Inflation Rate At 0.3%

Thunder Bay's inflation rate continues to be below the national average.  Last month our rate stayed at 0.3 percent the same as in November, well below Canada's 0.8 percent.  Statistics Canada released the latest inflation figures earlier this morning. 

Cold Weather Across NWO

Another cold day across northwestern Ontario Thursday, but relief is in sight for the weekend.  Three record low temperatures were set.  Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Atikokan all reached record lows.  The extreme cold is expected back next Wednesday.  All roads are snow packed and motorists are urged to take it easy when traveling.

Construction Starts On Future Target Store

Construction crews are already hard at work at the former Zeller's Store in the Intercity Mall. The store is undergoing millions of dollars in renovations before it opens this summer as a Target store according to Spokesperson Tamar Nersesian. The last Zeller's store in the City closed its doors on January 13th.

Thunderwolves Weekend Preview

The Lakehead University men's and women's basketball teams are on home court tonight facing the Laurier Golden Hawks. The men's team sits in second place in the West division and need a pair of wins this weekend to keep pace according to Head Coach Scott Morrison. Games are at 6 o'clock for the women and at 8 o'clock for the men. The L.U. men's hockey team is on the road tonight in Windsor. The women's volleyball team is on the road at Brock tomorrow and Sunday.

McCarville Deseperate For Wins

Thunder Bay's Krista McCarville will have to fight for everything she gets today at the Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Kitchener. She lost both her games yesterday and is in a three-way tie for 4th place with a record of 3-4. McCarville plays Jacqueline Harrison and Sherry Middaugh. Marlo Dahl's rink is still winless at 0-7 and is out of the playoff hunt.

Collins Relieved Hunger Strike Over

Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins is glad that Teresa Spence has ended her hunger strike against the government.  Collins says he and other chiefs across the country have been worried about her health for some time now.   Collins believes the the Harper conservatives  have received the message that the Attawapiskat Chief was trying to relay on First Nation treaty rights.

Derek Burney Accepts Chancellor Roll

Lakehead University's new chancellor is a star in the political and diplomatic circles in Canada and the United States.  Thunder Bay's Derek Burney is a  former ambassador and former chief of staff to the prime minister.   Burney says accepted the largely ceremonial position because he doesn't take education for granted and wants to show the important roll it has played in his storied career.

More FedNor Funds Announced

The latest Northwestern Ontario community to get funding from the Federal Government is Kakabeka Falls.  Four projects will share in FedNor funds.  Conmee will use 54 thousand dollars to upgrade their community hall and auditorium.  They'll also use 41 thousand to install a chair lift at the library and a back up generator at the municipal building.  Gillies will use 28-thosuand to rehabilitate Leeper Road.  Finally another 49 thousand dollars will go towards upgrading the O'Connor community centre.

Cash Handling Policy Up For Debate

City Council is expected to approve a common sense "cash handling policy" Monday night.  The policy requires Police Records Checks of employees handling cash, and sets out timelines of when City Cash should be deposited into the bank.

Clean, Green & Beautiful Awards

City Council is set to honour its 2012 Clean, Green and Beautiful award winners.  This year's recipients include Confederation College's Reach Building, the new District Social Services Board building, Prince Arthur's Landing and Superior North EMS Headquarters.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says its good to celebrate new buildings in the community.  The ceremony takes place Monday night. 

Cultural Spending At Council

City Council is expected to approve 2.1 million dollars in Community and Cultural funding Monday night.  City Councillor Ken Boshcoff says they provide funds to 17 organizations including, the Auditorium, Museum, Shelter House, Magnus Theatre and the Art Gallery.  Council will also make a decision on whether the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame should be moved to the list of groups that get the annual cultural funding.

Travel Policy Comes Before Council

A new travel policy before City Council tonight includes a 40 percent increase in travel expenses.  Councillors will vote on a travel policy that includes a 20 dollar increase in the per diem councilors and city employees are afforded while conducting out of town business on behalf of the municipality. Councillor Ken Boshcoff says it's not too much money.  The new policy if approved will also allow councilors to use their own budgets to decide what conferences and meetings they will attend out of town.

Police Detective Calls Down Video

Police Detective William Quarrell calls it "misinformation."  Quarrell was named in an "Anonymous" on-line video as the lone investigator in a high profile sexual assault and abduction case involving a First Nation woman. Quarrell says it's a mistake to think that only one person is looking into any high profile crime at any time.   Quarrell is the acting Staff Sargeant in his department and currently has 30 people working under him. 

Online Anonymous Video Disturbing

An online anonymous video targeting the local police force has people talking.  Lakehead University's Political Science Professor is the latest person to weigh in on the YouTube video by "Anonymous News Canada."  Laure Paquette says the video was manufactured with a clear cause to be disturbing.  "Anonymous News Canada" issued a deadline on the local police force to come forward with more information about the alleged sexual assault case from December.

NWO Credit Unions To Merge

Northwestern Ontario could have one major credit union by the Spring.  The Kenora area's Copperfin and Thunder Bay's Superior Credit Unions plan to merge on May 1st. Once the regulatory approvals are received, and both organizations' members vote in favour of the merger, the amalgamated credit union will serve over 22-thousand members at 10 branch locations.

MPAC To Speak Monday Night

The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation will be speaking to City Council Monday night.  MPAC will be suggesting a change in the assessment of local property taxes.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff says MPAC needs to take into account our City going from an industrial based economy to a commercial and residential community. Boshcoff says they want to ensure that everyone is paying their fare share of taxes.

Cold Weather Means More Travel

The cold weather this week has many thinking about travel plans to warmer destinations. Katie Zuber with Thomas Cook-Thunder Bay Travel says they've seen an increase in the number of inquiries to tropical destinations this week. Zuber says with three direct flights per week to Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Mexico being offered, more people are taking advantage of warm Winter holidays.

Mac's Robbery Suspects Described

City police are releasing the image of a suspect involved in a Mac's store robbery on Tuesday night. Police are looking to identify two men. One is a 20 year old native Canadian and is described as 5'9" to 6'2" with a thin build. He has a short yellow Mohawk with the sides of his head shaved. The accomplice is described as being approximately 5'9" and was wearing jeans, runners, gloves and a black hoodie under a snowboard jacket that has a red, blue and green rectangular pattern. If you know anything about the Oliver Road Mac's robbery, you're asked to contact city police.

McCarville Posts Two Wins

Thunder Bay's Krista McCarville posted a couple of wins at the Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Kitchener, improving her record to 3-2. That puts her in a 3-way tie for third place behind a couple of teams who are 5-0. Marlo Dahl's Thunder Bay rink continues to struggle. They are now 0-5 after dropping a pair yesterday. Both teams are back on the ice for two games today.