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

Police nab break in suspect

City police are hoping they have put an end to some recent vehicle break ins. It follows the arrest Monday morning of a person in the Donald Street area. Spokesperson Chris Adams says two people were spotted by a witness who called police. He says when police arrived both of them ran off but one was caught while the other remains free. Adams says police are continuing to focus on areas of the city where vehicle break ins are taking place.

Dry conditons bring about extreme fire hazard

It may only be March, but the Ministry of Natural Resources is warning about extreme fire conditions. Fire information officer Debbie MacLean says it's a serious situation in the West Fire Region.  The MNR is asking you not to burn outdoor fires.   She says even though it's cold outside the fire hazard is extreme.
MacLean says while there are no active fires burning there were several wildfires reported in the Fort Frances area

English to be taught to Chinese students in Manitouwadge

Manitouwadge is soon to be home to about 55 students from China. Confederation College has signed a deal with Canadabridge Education Inc to have Chinese students learn english in Manitouwadge. The students would then go back to Con College and study with frequent trips back to the community. Canadabridges' Morley Chertkoff is seen in the video signing the deal with Judi Maundrell, the VP of Academic at the college.

Job fair at former StarTek building

The former StarTek building will be a hub of activity over the next little while. The company On-Line Support is hosting a job fair at the building to access the climate in Thunder Bay in advance to possible moving into Thunder Bay. OLS's Kathy Follett-Lloyd says she hopes to see 500 people come through the doors. The fair will be on until Wednesday.

Thunder Bay police capture man wanted in the US

An Atlanta man, whom American reports say is wanted in connection with a plot to try to buy a 5 year old online, remains in custody in Thunder Bay. He was picked up Friday by city police at the Greyhound bus depot at the request of Canada Border Services.  Border Services spokesperson Chris Kealy says officials have been in contact with the man.  He says agency officers have interviewed the man.  He'll also be subject to a hearing to determine if he's considered criminally inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.   Police in Atlanta say 56 year old Patrick Molesti is facing charges that include sexual exploitation of a child, and criminal attempt to commit child molestation.

Thunder Bay Police kept busy this weekend

One man is in hospital with serious injuries after being attacked and robbed last night. It happened just before 7 o'clock at Odd Fellows Hall on May Street. The victim was taken to the Regional Hospital and is in serious condition. Also this weekend officers managed to seize 29 pounds of Marijuana at a bus terminal. The K-9 unit was on scene assisting in a separate investigation and discovered the drugs. A 27 year old Mississauga man was arrested and will appear in court.