Canada is the most educated country in the world

A new report on the most educated countries in the world lists Canada at the top.  The Yahoo story puts us first with 50 percent of our population holding a post secondary education.  Lakehead University Vice President Rod Hanley says studies have proven that people with post secondary educations have a better standard of living.  Hanley says LU is pulling its weight by leading the province with an almost 13 percent increase in applications this year.

Dawson Road back on the agenda

Transport Traffic on Dawson road will be on the agenda at Monday's council meeting.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff says he doesn't think much can be done since the road is part of the National Road system.  Boshcoff says the best we can do is encourage tougher enforcement of the speed limits by City Police and OPP.   

Boy arrested after causing blackout

Thunder Bay Police have arrested a 19 year old boy in connection to a collision that knocked out power to part of the city yesterday.  Police say the boy took his parents truck without permission and ended up driving into a power poll which left 1800 people in the dark.  Officers say the boy and his friend fled the scene.

Bill proposes low passport fees

Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer wants to give us a break on our passport fees. He has introduced a private members bill to cut the costs of obtaining the travel document in Canada and the United States to help tourism. The Harper government majority means Hyer's bill is not likely to pass.

Grann trial takes a break

The Toni Grann trial is taking a recess for three weeks. Grann's lawyer Clay Powell says both sides will now take the time to write their final submissions to the judge. Grann, Thunder Bay police officer, is charged with Breach of Trust over the way she maintained records in the local Sex Offender Registry

McQuaker resurfaces

Barry McQuaker is back in jail after a somewhat strange appearance in court today.  McQuaker spent time behind bars in the 1990's after admitting to cremating and burying the remains of his 12 year old son Jason, who disappeared in June of 1988. McQuaker denied ever killing the boy and his murder is still unsolved today. In today's court appearance we discover McQuaker has been a victim of homelessness and mental health issues. He was sentenced to 85 days in jail for threatening a police officer and assaulting an inmate at the District Jail. During proceedings McQuaker displayed a careless attitude pleading guilty to whatever charge was read to him. As he was lead out he could be heard saying, "have mercy on all your souls."

T.Bay targetting motorcycle market

Thunder Bay is looking to capitalize on the motorcycle tourism market.  Tourism Manager Paul Pepe says they've handed out a check list to area businesses asking them if they're "motorcycle" friendly.  A list of motorcycle friendly locations in the City will be made available on smart phones.  Thunder Bay is taking part in a trade show for motorcyclists in Minneapolis this weekend.

NAN Youth in T.Bay for gathering

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation's younger generation will be gathering in Thunder Bay this week.  The group comprised of youth from various First Nations will be discussing how to increase the quality of life on and off reserves.  The conference starts on Tuesday and wraps up on Thursday.

NAPS to hold recruitment initiative

An area police force wants to hire area First Nations to fill the growing need for police officials in the North.  The Nishnawbe Aski Police are holding a police recruitment initiative to spread the word about a career in law enforcement.  The two day recruitment drive will take place in the Spring.

Rafferty wants regional development fund

There's a call for a regional economic development fund to help pay for municipal infrastructure upgrades.  MP John Rafferty says the New Democrats see FEDNOR as good source to cover the cost of small projects.  Rafferty says with no stimulus money expected in the coming budget, FEDNOR funding would be a viable option.

Prince Arthur's Landing nominated in G.P.C.

Prince Arthur's Landing is in the running for a nation wide competition put on by the Canadian Institute of Planners.  You can vote for the newly renovated waterfront in the Great Places in Canada competiton.  To vote click here. At last check Thunder Bay had 106 votes.

Graduation Ceremony Saturday

The local army reserve is holding a graduation ceremony for the latest batch of high school co-op students. Captain George Romick says the students come from both the public and private school boards.  The graduation ceremony will take place at the Armouries on Park Avenue at 10:30 am Saturday. 

Local unemployment numbers

There's disappointing news on the national job front. Canada's unemployment rate rose to 7.6 per cent in January. Locally, our unemployment rate dropped from 7 percent to 6.2 per cent. The jobs figures are from Statistics Canada.

Mining companies in England

Two companies proposing gold mines in the Rainy River district will be promoting their projects to an international audience later this month.  Rainy River Resources and Osisko Mining will be among 18-Canadian companies making presentations at a mining conference in London, England.  The conference attracts potential investors from around the world.

Kenora's version of "The Birds"

It has some people thinking about Alfred Hitchcock's movie ``The Birds.'' Ravens have been pecking large holes in the rubberized roof of the Operations Building in Kenora. As a result, the five-year-old building has developed some leaks. Officials want to find a solution to the destructive pecking before fixing the roof.

KDMA Conference on this weekend

Municipal leaders from across the Kenora District are gathering the next couple of days for a lively discussion.  Kenora District Municipal Association President Phil Vinet says the meat and potatoes of their annual conference starts tomorrow.  The Red Lake Mayor says Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell, Lieutinent-Coloniel Dan Drew and Medical Officer of Health Dr. James Arthurs are among the guest speakers.

NAN wants power grid hook up by 2018

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Chiefs are calling on the Provincial Government to help them connect their communities to the power grid. They want all NAN communities to be hooked up by 2018. The goal came from a three day conference that was held in Thunder Bay this week.