Post Mortem Results Not Being Released

The Criminal Investigations Branch, and Coroner's Office continue to urge the mother of a dead baby to seek medical help. The police investigation is continuing and the results of a post-mortem exam is not being released at this time. The scene where the baby's body was found is no longer blocked off by police.

Fort Frances Moving On

The town of Fort Frances is accepting a decision from Resolute to close down the idled pulp and paper mill for good. Mayor Roy Avis says the news is disappointing, but the focus now is working on new initiatives to offset the economic loss. Avis adds knowing the company's directive after years of lay-offs and temporary shut-downs, it allowed them to focus their attention elsewhere.

Run For Women Registration Tomorrow

The Thunder Bay Run For Women is going into it's 34th year. Organizer Gordie Garriock says the rain in the forecast this past week didn't help with pre-registration. Garriock says you can register Saturday starting at 9 at St. Ignatius School. The 5K Run/Walk for Women is held at Boulevard Lake.

Safer Environment For Gay Students

An effort to make the learning environment of students who identify as being gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or trans-gender safer. About 80 gathered in Fort Frances for a regional conference Wednesday. Human rights-consultant Chris D'Sousa says having school administrators and teachers on hand is encouraging. D'Sousa encourages students work with their teachers in promoting dignity and human rights within their schools.

Moose Tag Numbers Unknown

There's growing frustration among tourist camp owners on the upcoming moose hunting season. Jacqui Haukeness is the President of the Kenora District Camp Owners and says they are in the dark on how many tags outfitters will receive. Most Wildlife Management Units saw major drops in tag numbers and Haukeness says it will be a tremendous blow to the tourist industry if the same holds true for camp owners.

National Day Of Honour

Thunder Bay's Royal Canadian Legion is hosting a National Day of Honour today at the Afghanistan Monument in Waverly Park. The event pays tribute to those soldiers who took part in Canada's mission in Afghanistan. Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty says its great to see a local ceremony but notes the Federal day in Ottawa came under fire from former military officials and the National Legion. The event at 1 will honour three local soldiers killed in combat Corporal Anthony Boneca, Private Robert Costall and Private Josh Klukie.

NAN Meeting In T.Bay

First Nations leaders are in Thunder Bay this week to discuss the First Nations Education Act.  NAN leaders, as well as members from the Chiefs of Ontario continue to express their opposition to the piece of legislation. Bill C-33 was introduced on April 10th by the federal government, but has remained on hold since the resignation of National Chief Shaun Atleo.

National Day Of Honour Friday

Thunder Bay is holding a National Day of Honour Friday at the Afghanistan Monument in Waverly Park. The event kicks off at 1 and Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty says its great to see the Federal Government deem May 9th the day of honour but adds it's come under some criticism from the National Legion and some members of our troops.  Our City's tribute will honour the three local soldiers killed in Afghanistan, Corporal Anthony Boneca, Private Robert Costall and Private Josh Klukie.

City Willing To Host Evacuees

The City says its willing to host 300 flood evacuees from James Bay. Kashechewan First Nation declared a state of emergency due to the flooding of the Albany River and is expected to begin evacuating vulnerable residents as early as today.  Thunder Bay, as well as Kapuskasing, Greenstone, Wawa, Fort Frances and Dryden have been asked to serve as host communities.  It's not yet confirmed that our City will host evacuees but they are prepared to do so if they are requested by the Province.

Bombardier Surprised By Strike Vote

Unionized workers at the local Bombardier plant are voting to strike if there contract needs aren't met.  The company says they were disappointed with the decision and adds they haven't even begun to negotiate with the union's bargaining committee. A spokesperson for the company goes onto say a vote to strike seems surprisingly premature. The current collective agreement ends May 31st.

Provincial Leaders Send Condolences

The leaders of the Ontario Liberals and NDP are both commenting on the tragic death of Thunder Bay Constable Joseph Prevett. Andrea Horwath says the death of Constable Prevett is reminder that the work done by police is rarely easy, even during training exercises. Meanwhile, Premier Kathleen Wynne also expressed her deepest condolences to Constable Prevett's family, friends and fellow officers.

CMHC Out With Housing Starts

Housing starts are down this month according to the latest Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation stats. The CMHC says there were 15 starts in April, down slightly from March. The CMHC adds that with the warmer weather, more starts are likely.

TBSO Loses Conductor

The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra is bidding farewell to its resident conductor. Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser is moving on to become the Assistant Conductor at the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony.  Poyser held the position with the local orchestra since 2011.

Not Guilty Verdict

A Thunder Bay police officer is not guilty of assaulting a 12-year old boy.  The three-day trial of constable Steven Oster concluded Wednesday with the not guilty verdict.  The incident took place in January of 2013 during a minor hockey tournament at the Neebing Arena.  The judge ruled that the Crown failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt there was a criminal assault.  The 43-year old Oster had been on administrative duty since the charges were laid.  

K9 Unit Officer Passes Away

OPP and the Ministry of Labour are investigating the death of Thunder Bay Police Constable Joseph Prevett.  Police Chief JP Levesque says Prevett was participating in a K-9 training exercise in Gravenhurst. He was in the middle of a searching exercise with his dog Timber on Wednesday morning when he collapsed. He was rushed to hospital in medical distress. He died a short time later.   Prevett was 50 years old and started his policing career in 1998.

City Won't Give Up On Swing Bridge

Mayor Keith Hobbs says CN Rail is dragging its feet on the James Street Swing Bridge because they don't want to pay for the repairs to the structure. The company's engineering report to the City and Fort William First Nation calls for it to be closed indefinitely to pedestrian and vehicle traffic.  Hobbs says they're not giving up on the cause. The First Nation and the City are going to meet to discuss the bridge further on Thursday.

Local Businesses Get Hydro Awards

Thunder Bay Hydro is recognizing 4 local businesses today for their leadership to save energy. It's part of the 2014 Retrofit Excellence in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Awards.  Jake Allen is Hydro's Energy Services Advisor and says the winners did a great job at conserving electricity.   Badanai Motors, Dufresne's, Smiths RV Centre and Lakehead Marina each participated in Hydro's saveONenergy RETROFIT program over the past year.

Attempted Murder In Nipigon

OPP are charging a 49 year old man with attempting to commit murder, mischief endangering life, attempted arson and damage to property. It stems from a report of mischief at a home on Highway 11 and 17 in Stirling. The home-owner says he tried to leave his house in the early morning on Monday but couldn't because the door was secured from the outside.  After forcing his way out, he found his gas line had been cut and an ignition source was placed beneath the propane fuel. The suspect remains in police custody and will appear in Thunder Bay court on May 13th.

Wilson Hits Campaign Trail

The Progressive Conservative candidate for Thunder Bay-Atikokan is kicking his election campaign with a visit to Atikokan Thursday. Harold Wilson says he's been chomping at the bit for several months to get his message out about the importance this election is to Ontarians.  Wilson faces Liberal incumbent Bill Mauro, and the NDP's Mary Kozorys.

OFIA Wants Forest Roads Pgm Restored

The Ontario Forest Industries Association is in shock. President Jamie Lim feels after the Liberal budget reduced the Ontario Forest Roads Program by 24 percent. Lim is calling out Northern leaders for hiding the facts. It's the second reduction to the program since 2011 when it was cut back by 36 percent.