Gravelle Pleased With Northern Session

Northwestern Ontario will have pre-budget consultations after all.  Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle says Thunder Bay will host a session on April 3rd.  The Liberals say they are considering holding video or tele-conferences so that area communities can also take part.

Police Looking For Robbery Suspect

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a suspect in a weekend robbery of a Mac's Convenience Store in the City's north end.  A man entered the store carrying a knife and demanded money.  Police say the suspect got away with an undisclosed amount of money.  Officers are looking for a man six feet tall with a heavy build.

NOSM Wants Men To Be Active

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is challenging local men to stay fit and active. Medical Student Hilary Bowler says they'll be offering events throughout the week including a healthy living lecture on Tuesday. Bowler says they'll be offering more programs into the Spring and Summer.

Second Times A Charm?

A group of parents in the city is trying again to set up an alternative school in the city.  After one failed attempt  going at it alone,  organizer Arlene Thorn says they hope to do it under the umbrella of the Lakehead Public School Board.  Thorn says the group is responding to a Board request for proposals on alternative schooling.

Alzheimer Society Offers New Safety Program

The Alzheimer Society of Ontario is introducing their new wandering safety program for people with dementia called "Finding Your Way". Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay Executive Director Alison Denton says the program is beneficial for the people of Thunder Bay because of the city's northern location. Denton says the Thunder Bay Alzheimer Society will be able to offer the program to those who need it.

Local Music Legend Passes Away

A local music legend, has passed away. Roy Coran, the leader of the well known Big Band, and owner of the iconic Coran's music store died yesterday. Coran's daughter, Debbie Anderson says her father's life was music. He was 83 years old.

FWFN To Host Mining Conference

The Fort William First Nation is hosting their first mining conference on Monday and Tuesday at the Fort William First Nation Community Centre. The conference will focus on informing people about job requirements and job opportunities within the mining sector. Topics such as careers for women in mining and aboriginal mining will also be discussed.

Rickford Budget

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says the revamped plan for skills training in yesterday's federal budget won't impact individual provinces. Rickford says the new plan is a co-operative effort. Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa says the plan appears to remove much of the flexibility needed to meet the specific labour market needs of Ontario.

Earth Hour 2013

Tonight at 8:30, local residents are encouraged to take part in Earth Hour, an hour long event dedicated to raising awareness and helping protect the environment. Eco Superior spokesperson Raphael Shay says little energy saving actions add up to make a big difference. Shay says with daylight saving time, it won't be as dark, but reducing energy use will still help the environment.

CAS Boss Praises Adoption Tax breaks

No complaints from Rob Richardson at the Children's Aid Society.   The Federal Budget is extending tax breaks for people who want to adopt a child, something Richardson is happy to hear about.  Richardson believes it will help to increase the number of children that are adopted and says it's good to see the federal government is thinking about the needs of families.

Community Auditorium Nominated National Award

The Community Auditorium is nominated at the Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Awards. Manager of Marketing and Development Trevor Hurtig says it's the second year they're up for the Performing Arts Centre of the Year Award. Hurtig says it's great to be recognized.

Baird Defends Budget

Regional Minister John Baird is selling his government's budget as good news for Northern Ontario.  The Foreign Affairs Minister is downplaying FedNor's budget being cut 10 percent.  Baird is also touting skilled trades training that will help the mining industry.

Celtic Fair Lineup Announced

Fort William Historical Park is celebrating summer with a Celtic Fair full of concerts and camping under the stars.  July 19th will bring the Irish Rovers, as well as the group Celtica.  On July 20th, they'll have a flash back night with Pat Benatar, Colin James and Glamrock group Sweet.

NAPS Tweet-A-Thon Today

Police in Northwestern Ontario will be participating in a global Tweet-A-Thon today. The Nishnawbe-Aski Police are one of the many forces that will be posting on the social media website. Sergeant Jackie George says people who don't use Twitter can also view similar posts on the NAPS Facebook page.

Health Unit Looking At Flu Shot Clinics

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is going to consider marketing their flu shot clinics differently next year.   The board recently received a review of their influenza program that suggests marketing the clinics differently.  Spokesperson Darlene Binette says they'll be getting more insight from a public survey.  The survey will ask locals why they chose not to get their flu shot from the Health Unit.

Hajdu Likes Funding For Homeless

The Harper government is pledging to extend funding for the Homelessness Partnering Strategy beyond 2014.  That is music to the ears of Patty Hajdu the executive director of the city's homeless shelter who says Thunder Bay benefits from that program.  Hajdu is also pleased the program will focus on "housing first" which she calls a proven idea.

Federal Budget Riles Local MPs

Thunder Bay independent MP Bruce Hyer is attacking the federal budget on several fronts siting no improvements to the Canada Pension Plan or tax breaks for small businesses.  He does however says there document does help the mining industry. Hyer is disappointed there are no tax reductions for small businesses.  Meanwhile, Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty is calling the budget a shell game.

Geraldton Man's Body Found

OPP are reporting they found the body of missing 32 year old Erik Legarde.  Around 11 o'clock yesterday they found the body of Legarde on a bush trail in Geraldton.  The OPP are looking into the circumstances leading to his death and a post mortem exam is taking place over the next couple of days.

Man Charged In Viral Video Incident

Dryden Police are charging the man accused of assaulting a Pikangikum First Nations man at a local fast food restaurant.  22-year-old Christopher Donylyk of Geraldton made arrangements to turn himself in to Dryden Police after learning of the investigation.  The incident captured widespread attention on social media.  The incident was reported Tuesday night by a long time Dryden resident but the date of it isn't known.  Several witnesses came forward to assist in the investigation.  Donylyk will appear in Sioux Lookout court today for a bail hearing.

Mayor Moves To The Head Of The Cash

The latest figures from City Hall show Mayor Keith Hobbs was the highest paid elected city official last year at over 110 thousand dollars in salary and expenses.   Number two was Councillor Joe Virdiramo at over 50 thousand dollars.   The mayor also had the most expenses with over 15 thousand dollars.  Councillor Mark Bentz was the only elected official with no expenses reported.