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

Car fires keep police busy

Thunder Bay police are investigating after two vehicles were burned to the ground this morning.  The fires happened just after 12:30 on Bethune Street and just after 2 o'clock on Cumming Street.  Arson is suspected and both cars were destroyed.