Habitat for Humanity gearing up for a big year

Habitat for Humanity has a big year ahead of them. They will be auctioning off three playhouses at the Home and Garden show and have three building projects ahead of them as well. CEO Diane Mitchell says three local families built play houses for auction. Habitat will also be building two homes and renovating a third that will provide new homes for three families.

March smashes record for warmest month on record

If March was any indication its going to be a blistering summer weatherwise. Last month saw records fall for both warmth and the least amount of snowfall in Thunder Bay. Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson says the average temperature last month was just over one degree which smashed the record previously set in 2000 at minus 0.5. March also saw trace amounts of snow far less than 1992's record of 2.4 centemetres.

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue suspend fire permits

You won't be able to do any open burning for the Easter long weekend. Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue Chief John Hay says all burning permits are suspended until conditions improve. Hay says the warm dry spring is making conditions perfect for fires. He says there needs to be significant rain and greening before permits will be reinstated.

Patrick Molesti is staying in Thunder Bay

Patrick Molesti will remain in Thunder Bay for the foreseeable future. The man accused of trying to buy a 5 year old boy online maintains he's innocent but did admit he is a flight risk. The 56 year old appeared via video link in a Toronto courtroom yesterday to see if he could be legally held in Canada. Canada Border Services Officials expect Molesti will be deported to the states where he faces several charges.

More record temperatures in store for Northwestern Ontario

You can expect a mixed bag of weather for the long weekend. Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson says we could set new records for warmth for the next few days but Saturday we will see a change to cooler temperatures and rain. Coulson says the sun will come back out Sunday and will bring the temperatures back up to the double digit mark.

Vancouver police make arrest in the death of a Thunder Bay woman

Vancouver police made an arrest in the murder of a former Thunder Bay resident. 45 year old Alexander Le Grace was arrested and is charged with second degree murder in the death of 43 year old Tammy-Lynne Cordone. Cordone was originally from Thunder Bay but was living in Vancouver at the time.

Fort Frances man dies from a form of Mad Cow

A Fort Frances man has died from a disease closely related to Mad Cow disease. The Northwestern Health Unit confirmed the man died from a rare form of Creutzfeldt - Jakob's disease. Director of Health Protection Arlene Lesenski says this form of disease is NOT linked to a another form contracted by eating tainted meat from cattle. The man died last week.

New MJLB Library unveiled

The wraps are now off the drawings for the new Mary J-L Black Library. It will be located next to the West Thunder Community Centre. Chief Librarian Gina La Force says the 92 hundred square foot facility will be spread out over 1 floor instead of two at the current location. She says there will also be lots of windows to give it a bright feel. La Force says the budget for the new library is 4.1 million dollars. Tenders are expected to go out shortly with completion set for this time next year.

Molesti video hearing set for Wednesday

A 56 year old American man has a detention hearing set for Wednesday at the District Jail. 56 year old Patrick Molesti was picked up by city police last week at the request of Canada Border Services. American officials want him in connection with a plot to buy a 5 year old boy on the internet. Services spokesperson Chris Kealey says the hearing is to determine whether he should remain in jail. Kealey says Molesti will participate in via video conference with an Immigration and Refugee board adjudicator located in Toronto. Another hearing has yet to be set on when Molesti will be sent back to the States.

Cops for Cancer set to go

The 14th annual Cops for Cancer fundraiser is set for May 8th at the Intercity Mall. That's where people get their head shaved and raise money in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. Organizer Dana Levanto says they are looking for volunteers. The goal is 30 thousand dollars. Pictured: Constable Barry Ritch watching his son Jarvis get shaved by Shear Heaven stylist Rachel Parenteau with help from owner Aldo Ruberto.

Chamber prez wants more input on wage rate

The President of the Chamber of Commerce is stopping short of condemning Wednesday's minimum wage increase in the province. Harold Wilson says he'd like to see the government allow more input before setting the rate. That would include taking into account the economic issues are at any given time. He'd like to see it planned out as opposed to be dictated by the province. As of Wednesday the minimum wage in the province will be $10.25 an hour.

Online voting decision in April

The decision on internet voting could be weeks away. Friday is the deadline for companies who want to submit proposals to change the way we vote during city elections. City Clerk John Hannam says that includes a new ballot counting machine and a proposal for remote voting which could mean voting on the internet, by phone or by mail. He says those proposals will be evaluated and on April 26th he will report back to council on possible recommendations. The idea is to increase voter turnout.

Proposal for small council shot down

Councillor Larry Heberts' proposal for a smaller council is dead in the water...at least for now. Councillors voted down his idea to reduce the size of council from 12 members to 8. But Hebert says all is not lost. He says councillors suggested that the idea be brought up after the new council is elected. He says in that way a citizens committee can be formed to look how council is elected. Hebert is satisfied that he drew attention to the issue.

Arena proposal going to the public

The next stage in getting a new arena for the city takes place shortly. City councillors have given the green light for public consultation sessions on the proposal for a new multi purpose event centre. City Manager Tim Commisso says because the plan is in such an early stage this will be the best opportunity for you to express an opinion either for or against such a proposal. No dates have been set for any of the sessions.

Thunder bay Police arrest a local man in connection with last week's hit and run

A suspect has been arrested in connection with last Wednesday's Hit and Run that left one man in hospital with serious head injuries. Steven Jamie Torkkeli of Thunder Bay is charged with failing to stop at an accident, reckless driving causing bodily harm and obstructing a police officer. The 28 year old was arrested yesterday afternoon and a 2003 Ford 150 was also seized at his North Hill Street residence. A 20 year old Hamilton Soldier suffered severe head injuries in the collision and remains in hospital. The victim was in Thunder Bay visiting his girlfriend.

First Nations leader scolds city councillors

A sharp rebuke to the city from an area Aboriginal leader. Chief Wilfred King of the Gull Bay First Nation scolded council for not including the citys' Aboriginal Strategic Plan in the citys' own Strategic Plan. Chief King says the Aboriginal plan outlines many ways the city can act as a leader, partner, employer and service provider to resident First Nations. He says council can no longer marginalize First Nations by attempting to, as he puts its, force square pegs into round holes. King adds that First Nations can provide positive economic input in a variety of ways. He says natives as a people have so much more to offer than art, drums and symbolic legends. King believes that the First Nations are expected to assimilate to the norms of current business practices.

Loan forgiveness for training centre will wait

City councillors are not ready to write off a loan of 572 thousand dollars for the brand new Emergency Training Centre on Hammond Avenue.  Board Vice Chair Mary Long-Irwin made the request saying that phase two of the project, the indoor shooting range, might have a difficult time in getting funding should the request be turned down.   Councillors however decided to go with a recommendation by administration to wait for a report to be presented on the first full year of operations in February of next year.  It's hoped by that time, they can see if the facility is making money which can then be used to pay back the loan.  In a separate decision councillors voted to release 150 thousand dollars for the shooting range

Businesses object to bus terminal site

City councillors just can't seem to win when it comes to a temporary bus terminal location.  A south side business operator pleaded with councillors to change their minds on making Violet and North Streets the temporary transit terminal.    Mike McNabb of SHUFA Investment Ltd, brought with him a number of letters from area businesses and organizations that are opposed to the move as well.  McNabb doesn't see how the new location will work seeing as how the the streets are too narrow.  He says the decision was not well not thought out.   The city has been forced to find a temporary location for the Brodie Street terminal while the new courthouse is being built.

Arrest made in hit and run

Thunder Bay Police say they have arrested a man in connection with last Wednesdays' hit and run on Secord Street. They say that the suspect was taken into custody at around 5 pm Monday. In that accident a pedestrian sustained serious head injuries after being struck by a vehicle. Police say a vehicle has been recovered and will be examined by forensic experts. Further details will be released on Tuesday morning

Social workers accept contract

The workers at the North West Community Care Access Centre now have a new contract. The employees voted 80 per cent in favour of accepting a new three year deal. It will see them get a total wage increase of six per cent. There are also benefit improvements. They belong to the Canadian Auto Workers union