Students protest increased tuition

The student union at Lakehead University is livid over a decision by the University Board of Governors to jack up tuition fees by 5 per cent. President Mike Snodden says about 120 chanting protesters were on hand as the governors entered Thursday's meeting where the increase was approved. He says the increase will mean students will pay an average of 280 dollars more for next years classes, engineering students will pay and extra 460 dollars. He says a protest rally is planned for next week as well as an e-mail blitz.

Ring of Fire blockade underway

Marten Falls First Nation has commenced its blockade of an airstrip used by companies for Ring of Fire mining exploration. The community is protesting what they see as a lack of involvement in decisions about their future.The catalyst for the blockade is a mining camp on Koper Lake that Marten Falls leaders say was constructed without permission.
The leaders see the camp as part of a larger trend where the community is shut out of the decision making process and are concerned they might lose out on benefits in the long term by not being able to help guide development.
Besides having more say in plans for the area, Chief Eli Moonias says Marten Falls would like to see new infrastructure put in place like winter roads that could lead to transport jobs. Other items such as funding to hire experts to help with negotiations and reimbursement for last years blockade are also on his wish list. Moonias feels the First Nation was forced into last years blockade by the decisions of others and shouldn't be on the hook for the cost. NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy visited the protest camp on Koper lake today and participated in a ceremony to mark the beginning of the blockade. Beardy says First Nation communities in the region aren't against development; they just want to make sure they share in the Ring of Fire's success and are treated fairly.

Municipal League meets

You can bet the Northern Growth Plan will be a hot topic at this weekend's annual Thunder Bay District Municipal League meeting. Past president Gwen Garbutt says the league members had a say in the plan, which is being released Friday morning by Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle.  Garbutt says if there's something in the plan they don't like,  Gravelle will hear from them. The meeting gets under way Friday as well.

Developer's expansion plans halted

The city isn't too keen on making changes to some of the projects at Prince Arthur's Landing.   The Committee of Adjustment has nixed plans by the developers of the hotel to add a storey to the building and move some parking from the waterfront to the downtown north core.   However city administration was a bit skittish about the plan because there hasn't been a parking study done.

Hospital working on new strategic plan

All aspects of health care are being encourage to take part in the creation of a new strategic plan for the Regional Health Sciences Centre. CEO Andree Robichaud says they hope to have representatives from all health care stake holders take part in the planning.  Robichaud says they will focus on patient needs and hope to have a draft plan in place by June.

City firefighters make sunshine list

A total of 115 people on the City of Thunder Bay payroll are on the province's Sunshine List. It gives the names of civil servants and other government officials who made more than 100 thousand dollars last year. City Manager Tim Commisso says a recent arbitration decision for city firefighters put 32 of them on that list. 50 people in the Police Service are also made more than a 100K in 2010

Herman takes issue with proposed booze law

Police Chief Bob Herman has joined the chorus of concerns over proposed new liquor laws in Ontario. Herman says while the laws may need updating he is wondering if allowing people to wander with booze at outdoor events is a wise move. He says they've seen from events in Thunder Bay that when that happens there is a tendancy for minors to be given alcohol and for people to sneak it in.  Herman says the Police Chiefs Association will bring their concerns to the McGuinty government

Buddy Guy, GFR highlight Bluesfest lineup

They're coming to our town to party it down. Grand Funk Railroad is one of the acts that will be part of this years Blues Festival. Also on the list are Chicago Blues man Buddy Guy, Blue Rodeo and Wild T and the Spirit. the Bluesfest takes place at Marina Park July 8th to the 10th.

Donation for public library

The Northern Credit Union has donated 5 thousand dollars to the new Mary J.L. Black Branch Library. The money will support the Children’s Reading Garden at the new facility. Fundraising Chairman, Patrick Morash and Thunder Bay Public Library Acting Chief Librarian, Barb Philp, were at the Northern Credit Union Westfort Branch on Frederica Street to accept the gift.

City Transit developing master plan

The city wants to know what residents think about transit services. Transit Manager Brad Loroff says they are looking for public input to help in the development of a Master Plan. Loroff says the plan should point out what needs Thunder Bay residents have.  Loroff says there will be a survey available from March 7 to April 17th and a public meeting March 31st.

No one hurt in apartment fire

No injuries in a North side fire. The Blaze happened just after 9 o'clock last night in the 500 block of North Cumberland.  When crews arrived they found one unit completely engulfed in flames.  The cause is under investigation.

More schools to offer full time Kindergarten

There will be more schools in Thunder Bay offering full day Kindergarten next year.  A report says that starting in 2012, 7 more schools will be providing the service in the city bringing the total to 16 schools.  It's part of the provinces announcement that 900 more schools in Ontario will provide full time kindergarten in 2012

Infanticide ruled a partial defence to murder

A precedent setting ruling by Ontario's top court.  The Court of Appeal says that mothers who kill their newborn babies may use infanticide as a defence and receive a drastically reduced sentence. The president of the Thunder Bay Law Association David Dubinsky notes its a very rare charge.  He doesn't expect a lot of mothers will be running to court with this type of defence. Dubinsky says the issue hit the court because a special interest group wanted to make a statement about women's rights

Another mill shutdown in "The Fort"

Another shutdown is coming for the AbitibiBowater Mill in Fort Frances.  The plant will be shut down for fourteen days beginning March 28th because of poor market conditions.  More than 500 employees will be effected.

CAW members at Beendigen get new deal

Social workers at a local aboriginal women's shelter have a new 3 year contract.   The employees of Beendigen  Inc.  have voted to accept the deal.   Suzanne Pulice of the Canadian Auto Workers union  says the contract corrected a wage gap between two groups in the bargaining unit.  She says part time counsellors were not making the same as full time workers, but by the end of the agreement they will both make the same.  Pulicesay there are improvements in wages and benefits

Local media to be flown to protest site

The Marten Falls First Nation will be testing the patience of industry and government as they set up a blockade Thursday near the Ring of Fire.  The members of that community are complaining they're not part of the process for the proposed chromite mine.  As part of the days events,  the Nishnawbe Aski Nation has chartered a Nakina Air flight to the area so local news reporter can get a glimpse of the protest, which Chief Eli Moonias says is designed to prevent planes from landing and gaining access to the site of the development.   Included on that charter is our own Josh Lynn.

Snowmobile mishap claims life

A 23 year old Geraldton man is dead after a snowmobile accident near Ear Falls on Tuesday. OPP say three snowmobilers were rising along a hydro line when a collision took place. They say Marcel Santerre died as a result of these his injuries.

Levi Schaeffer Inquiry continues

The Levi Schaeffer Inquiry is into its 3rd day and the OPP officers who were involved in his death are on the stand.  Constable Mike Pullbrook says he and his partner Constable Kris Woods were investigating reports of a stolen boat at Osnaburgh Lake when they came into contact with Schaeffer.  Pullbrook says when questioned about the boat Mr Schaeffer became very agitated.  He says an altercation ensued and after Schaeffer broke free of his hold, Schaeffer pulled a knife out of his pocket.  Pullbrook says after repeated requests for Schaeffer to drop the knife and to stop moving forward, Constable Woods shot Schaeffer.  Woods is expected to take the stand this afternoon. 

Outpost site of climate change conference

Climate change is being talked about at Lakehead University Thursday. Organizer Graham Saunders says the purpose is to discuss the topic from the angles of changing trends, impacts and ways to adapt.  He hopes anyone who attends will come away thinking differently about weather and some of the surprises that may be in order in the years to come.  The conference takes place at the L-U Outpost starting at 8:30 a.m.

Long time local business is closing

After over 40 years Hymers Mens Wear is going out of business. Owner Rob Hymers says he's ready for a change. He says people just aren't shopping in the downtown like they used to adding, many shoppers are now attracted to the big box stores and Intercity Shopping Centre.    Hymers says he's looking forward to spending more time with his family