Tuesday, May 15, 2012

MNR Waterbombing Mt.McKay Wildfire

The Ministry of Natural Resources water bomber is helping to take care of a wildfire on the side of Mount McKay this afternoon . City Fire Service District Chief David Nelson says city crews were not able to handle the blaze so they called the MNR.  Nelson says no people or buildings are in danger.

OPP Probe Toddler's Death

A terrible tragedy on the Poplar Hill First Nation.  OPP say that a 33 year old  woman from that community  is charged in connection with the death of an eighteen month old boy from Pikangikum .   They say she was the toddler's caregiver. Police say the death took place last week, but they only got around to charging the woman on Sunday.  The cause of death is still under investigation

New Research Institute Head Named

Michael Wood is the new CEO of the Regional Research Institute. After being introduced at a news conference Wood explained that he is looking forward to helping achieve one of the main goals of the Institute. He remains the Vice President of Research at the hosptial. He wants to make the Health Sciences Centre a teaching hospital like other cities have. Wood takes over from Michael Power who is moving into the private sector.


Wintle Wins Dryden By-Election

Cleaning up the City's finances is priority one for Dryden's newly elected councilor. Sid Wintle overwhelmingly won yesterday's by-election for the one vacant seat on Council. Wintle says there seems to be a lot of friction on Council right now and he wants to see that changed.Wintle believes Dryden residents have delivered a message that they are concerned about their ability to absorb significant tax increases.

Lakehead Schools Review Fundraising By-Law

The Provincial Government is rolling out new fundraising guidelines for Ontario School Boards. Lakehead Public School Board Spokesperson Kirsti Alaksa says the new rules come at a good time since they're reviewing their fundraising policy and want public input. Alaksa says their policy is similar to the Provincial Government's and notes they're tweaking it to include more transparency and a rule that funds can not be used towards capital projects.

Local Alzheimer's Office Wants National Strategy

Canada is lagging behind its fellow nations when it comes to its treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.  That's according to the local office of the Alzheimer's Society after the United States just adopted a strategy to fight dementia and Denton says Canada needs to follow suit.  Executive Director Alison Denton says they warned the Harper Government of the escalating rise of dementia over 2 years ago.

Marina Now Open

The Marina at Prince Arthur's Landing is now open for the season.  It will be the first time it will be in full operation  since construction at the waterfront development began.  A few boats are moored today, but that number is expected to explode as boat owners launch their vessels over the long holiday weekend.

Man Charged In Crime Spree

A 23 year old local man is being charged in what Police call a day long crime spree. The charges come after two vehicles were stolen, and later became involved in two separate motor vehicle collisions. The suspect involved in those incidents is also believed to be the same person who broke into a home yesterday on Rosslyn Road.

Trailer Park Issue To Be Settled Soon

The future of the Hillcourt Trailer Park in the City will be up for discussion again in two weeks time.  Council heard from trailer park residents last night asking the City to maintain ownership. However, Councillor Ken Boshcoff says the City no longer needs to operate the trailer park. Council is expected to vote on whether or not to sell the trailer park at a public meeting June 11th.  Meanwhile, City Council passed a by-law that will allow bow hunting within City limits.  Also a report on increasing supervision and operating hours at local outdoor hockey rinks will be back before Council in July.

Kenora Death Not Suspicious

Kenora OPP are ruling out murder in the death of a 22 year old man in Keewatin. The man was found on Sunday near the CP rail crossing at Government Road in Kenora. Police are holding back his name until his family is notified.

Bushie Hearing Postponed

It will be another week before the inquest hearing into the death of Reggie Bushie will begin.  It was scheduled to start today in Thunder Bay, but a spokesperson in the regional coroners office says it will now take place a week from tomorrow, May 23rd.   No reason was given for the delay.   The body of the 15 year old was recovered from the McIntyre River in 2007.  The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding the death, including the issues that face First Nations students who come to Thunder Bay from their home communities to attend school.