Local News

Deal in Lincoln County Humane Society strike

Siobhan Morris, 610 CKTB News — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:30:00 GMT

After 82 days, the strike at the Lincoln County Humane Society looks to be over.

Animal shelter bosses & the union reached a tentative deal Wednesday night.

About a dozen members of CUPE Local 1287 have been walking the picket line since February 24^th.

The union flagged a number of issues over the long labour dispute—including fears a new deal would mean a 2-tiered workplace & a rollback in benefits & sick time for new hires.

No details of the deal are being made public unless it's ratified by both sides. CUPE says their full time staffers should be back on the job in the next week.

Home invasion in Niagara Falls

Siobhan Morris, 610 CKTB News — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:41:00 GMT

One person has been charged & police are looking for another after a home invasion in Niagara Falls.

Police say a 23-year-old man was alone in his Wilmott St home Monday night when there was a knock at the door.

It was a teen the man knew so he invited him in. Then, a man the homeowner didn't know forced his way in with a weapon.

The victim was attacked by the man & teen, who stole items from the home before taking off.

The homeowner was treated for minor injuries in hospital & released.

Police say the victim was targeted.

A 17-year-old has been charged with robbery & forcible confinement.

Police are still looking for a man described as being in his early-mid 20s, white, standing about 6'. He was wearing jeans & a grey hoodie.

If you have any information call police at 905-688-4111 x2200 or contact Crime Stoppers.

WEGO system stalls

Siobhan Morris, 610 CKTB News — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:33:00 GMT

The launch of Niagara Falls’ WEGO system is stuck in park.

The People Mover replacement was supposed to roll June 29^th, but the Niagara Falls Review reports it isn't happening until August.

Blame WEGO’s on-board computer system. They still need to go into the WEGO fleet & be programmed. Things like points of sale for tickets & shuttle routes are still being hammered out too.

WEGO is meant to link Niagara Falls tourism districts & attractions like Marineland, the Scotiabank Convention Centre & the Niagara Parkway.

Public and Separate School Boards Prepare to Cook Off Against Each Other

Jak Priftis, 610 CKTB News — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:06:00 GMT

Students from all over Niagara are competing in a cook off competition to raise money for student nutrition programs across Niagara.

The second annual Breakfast Gala cook-off takes place Thursday morning at Amici's Banquet and Conference Centre on Merritville Highway in Thorold.

It puts rival culinary programs, in both public and separate school boards, in competition against each other.

Over 230 guests are expected to dine on student creations with all money raised supporting the Niagara Nutrition Partners.

Special Projects Marketer and Promoter Pam Isaak says this years event is on track to beat last years total of 14 thousand dollars.

Isaak says the cook off is sold out again this year.

NNP helps fund breakfast, lunch and snack programs in DSBN and Niagara Catholic District School Board elementary and secondary schools.

This year's competition has representation from nine Niagara area schools.

St. Catharines mayor to wear Knights jersey May 28th

Siobhan Morris, 610 CKTB News — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:24:00 GMT

The next time St. Catharines council meets, the mayor will be dressed up in something other than a suit & the chains of office.

On May 28th, Brian McMullan will pull on a London Knight's jersey.

It's part of a friendly bet he made with London mayor Joe Fontana as the Knights & Niagara IceDogs faced off for the OHL Championship. The Knights took the Robertson Cup Friday with a 4-1 series win over the IceDogs.

While he hasn't talked to Fontana, McMullan tells 610 CKTB News he has sent the London mayor an e-mail congratulating him on the Knights' win & asking where to send the case of ice wine which was also part of the bet. McMullan laughs that parting with the sweet wine is probably going to hurt the most.

Had Niagara won the series, London's mayor would've worn an IceDogs jersey & sent locally-brewed Labatt's beer to the Garden City.

Despite their loss, McMullan says the IceDogs played a great series, that Niagara is very proud of the team & there's always next year. The mayor also wishes the London Knights well as they compete for the Memorial Cup.

NPC considers major road diversion at falls

Tami Jeanneret — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:43:00 GMT

The Niagara Parks Commission is considering a proposal that would change the scenic drive along the Niagara Parkway.

The plan is to reconfigure the Niagara Parkway so that it runs behind the Canadian Niagara Power building ... closer to the wall of the escarpment..instead of in front of Table Rock.

NPC Chair Janice Thomson says there are several reasons for the plan.

The weather and mist from the falls has done major damage to the roadway near the hydro building and repairs carry a hefty price tag. As well, it would encourage visitors to the falls to use the park's new WEGO bus system.

And she adds it will also allow them to open up more greenspace in front of the cataracts which will give visitors the opportunity to sit in a relaxing atmosphere and take in the beauty of the falls.

The plan, which carries a six million dollar pricetag, would be paid for out of the provincial and federal infrastructure money the parks received to purchase its new WEGO people movers.

Thomson says they are in the process of getting the necessary approvals and hope to get moving on the plan as soon as possible.

Ride of Silence

610 CKTB News — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:17:00 GMT

Niagara residents are invited to take part in the 6th annual RIDE OF SILENCE..tonight in Niagara Falls.

The ride will feature cyclists travelling in a silent procession to honor those who were either injured or killed while cycling.

The event , which began in 2003 in Dallas, is also meant to raise awareness about bike safety and to remind motorists and cyclists we all Share the Road.

There is no registration, sponsorship or pledge fees.

All participants have to do is, show up at the MacBain Community centre for the 7 oclock start tonight.

And just a reminder: helmets are mandatory.

St. Catharines mayor welcomes new Police Chief

Siobhan Morris, 610 CKTB News — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:08:00 GMT

The mayor of St. Catharines is welcoming the appointment of Niagara's new Chief of Police.

Jeff McGuire, Acting Deputy Chief of Toronto Police will take over in Niagara June 18th. McGuire is a 34-year veteran of the force, having joined as a cadet in 1977.

Brian McMullan tells 610 CKTB News the Niagara Regional Police Services Board's move away from a civilian boss to a sworn member is a "positive" one. The mayor thinks the community & the NRP's rank & file will see it as "progressive and positive move".

McMullan was critical of former chief Wendy Southall, in January calling her stint as the NRP's first civilian chief a failed experiment.

Now, McMullan says he's excited about McGuire's takeover. The mayor says he seems like "an outstanding individual who's the right person for the right time".

Related story: NRP names new Chief

NRP names new Chief

Siobhan Morris, 610 CKTB News — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:58:00 GMT

Niagara Regional Police has named its new chief: Jeff McGuire.

Right now, McGuire is Acting Deputy Chief of Toronto Police. He is a 34-year veteran of the force, having joined as a cadet in 1977.

Chief-designate McGuire is a graduate of the FBI National Academy where he was elected valedictorian.

McGuire has twice been honoured by the Governor General, having been invested as a Member of the Order of Merit of Police Forces & awarded the Police Exemplary Service Medal & Bar.

McGuire tells 610 CKTB News it's "truly an honour" to get the job.

He'll take over as chief June 18th. McGuire admits there's always a challenge when someone comes in from outside an organization. He isn't saying it will be all perfect & rosy, but McGuire describes himself as an outgoing, approachable guy who it won't take long for the community or police force to get to know.

McGuire says he spends a lot of time in the community & walked the beat when he was in charge of 51 Division in Toronto. He says one of his primary goals in Niagara is to build positive relationships with communities in all corners of the region.

Beyond the "getting to know you" pains that come with a new boss, Chief-designate McGuire flags policing costs & police facilities as challenges in his new job.

But McGuire prefers to think of those challenges as opportunities, though he admits it "sounds a little a corny". He says it's a chance to get minds working together, fix problems & further develop things that are working well

Jeff McGuire will replace Wendy Southall as Chief of Niagara Regional Police. Southall retired from the post at the end of March after 7 years on the job. She was the force's first civilian chief.

Fort Erie Korean War vet to be honoured by Prince Charles

610 CKTB News — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:01:00 GMT

A Korean War veteran from Fort Erie is being honoured by Prince Charles at a ceremony in Toronto next week.

80-year-old Romeo Daley, who is the head of the Korean War Veterans Association of Niagara, received an email inviting him to Toronto for a visit with Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, as well as a visit with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

It went on to say he was being honoured for his service to Canada during the Korean War but gave little in way of specifics. He assumes it has to do with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Daley says he is looking forward to meeting the Prince and says he will accept the honour on behalf of all the Korean War veterans across Canada.