Few people show up for election forum

There appeared to be more candidates in the audience than interested voters as the Ontario Secondary School Teachers held a election forum Wednesday.   School Trustee hopefuls took part as did at-large and mayoral candidates. 

Local connection to fatal Quebec busts

A man has died during a major police drug bust that has a Thunder Bay connection. Details are expected to be released Thursday on drug busts that took place in Thunder Bay and various regions of Quebec Wednesday. About 370 officers were involved in the raids. Police say the man was fatally shot during the raid in Val d'Or.

LU explains lobbyist

Lakehead University has sent out a press release explaining their use of a lobbyist.  Recent reports from the provincial NDP have stirred up controversy surrounding lobbying efforts by hospitals, schools and cities. Over a five-year period, LU spent around 33 thousand dollars per year to enlist the support of a lobbyist for strategic counsel in building relationships with federal and provincial governments. Lakehead reiterated that it has never used government grants, tuition fees, or donor funds for this purpose. The university says it will fully comply with any future legislation governing this matter.

Minor injuries in accident

No serious injuries to report following a single vehicle accident at the corner of Cumberland and St. James. Police say just before 11 Wednesday morning a car with 4 people inside hit a house. The injuries are considered minor

Gravelle probes Shag controversy

MPP Michael Gravelle says it would be a shame to see an end to Shags in Thunder Bay.   The popular wedding fundraiser is being threatened because of provincial laws regulating raffles.   Gravelle is investigating exactly what the rules are to see if something can be done

WFN Ultimate Fishing Town announced

Port Alberni has been officially declared Canada's Ultimate Fishing Town. The World Fishing Network says the British Columbia community defeated Nestor Falls in its on-line contest that went down to the wire. Nestor Falls does pick up a 5-thousand dollar donation for its efforts. Thunder Bay came in nineth out of ten and won two thousand dollars from Shaw Cable.

Wellness in Far North

Aboriginal youth living in the remote Northern community of Kashechewan will be able to participate in new recreational activities this winter.  2-new youth wellness workers have been hired to develop programming.  The workers will promote leadership skills, self esteem and physical activity among Aboriginal youth on the reserve.  Ontario and Kashechewan joined together in this initiative after calls came from the community to provide intervention and prevention programs to support youth in crisis.

Former Border Cat signed by Red Sox

A former Thunder Bay Border Cat has been signed by the Boston Red Sox.  Matty Johnson's contract with the Gateway Grizzlies was purchased by the Red Sox.  Johnson joined the Border Cats midway through the 2009 season.

Faye Peterson house weighs in on wage increase bill

The Faye Peterson Transition house is concerned about the provincial government's recent passage of a bill.  Bill 16 prevents Child Welfare agencies, hospitals, boards of Education and violence against women groups from granting wage increases to their employees until April of 2012.  Faye Peterson's Executive Director Debbie Zweeb says if they're unable to attract educated and experienced staff with salary increases, it will put their clients at risk.

Greenpeace launches "caribou caravan"

Greenpeace launched its "caribou caravan" campaign today at Queen's Park.  The environmental group is pressuring Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle to save the woodland caribou.  Spokesperson Richard Brooks says the government can balance both environment and the forest industry.  The caravan will be paying a visit to Thunder Bay October 21st and 22nd.

More government services in smaller communities

As of today, Schreiber, Terrace Bay and Beardmore residents have more access to government services.  Health card services have been added to the services being provided in Schreiber and Beardmore.  Driver and vehicle licensing services are now available in Terrace Bay.  Residents in those communities were unable to access those services under one roof before.

Mayor says "no way" to admin influence

Lynn Peterson disputes any suggestions that administration is running city council.  One of her opponents in the mayors race, Keith Hobbs,  believes that's the case, especially as it relates to the waterfront and wind farm projects.  Mayor Peterson says it's not true and that council has to rely on the advice from it's professional staff.

OPP arrest one man in Schreiber

A 19 year old Schreiber man is facing over 10 charges in connection with a mini crime spree.  OPP were investigating after a rash of vehicle break and enters and arrested one man with the help of the K-9 Unit.  He will appear in court tomorrow in Thunder Bay.

Dew Drop Inn looking for volunteers

It will take three days to prepare a Thanksgiving Dinner at the Dew Drop Inn Soup Kitchen in Thunder Bay. It will take six 30 pound turkeys, four large hams, 60 pounds of potatoes and two cases of boxed stuffing to create the feast. Director Terri Favreau says it all starts Saturday, and volunteers are needed to help serve on Monday.  If you would like to volunteer your help call 345-5202.

Program wants 160 women over 50 to get their breasts screened

The Ontario Breast Screening Program wants to see 160 women over 50 on Monday October 18th.  It's the second year for the 12 hour drop in breast screening day in Northwestern Ontario.  Manager of Cancer Screening, Lori Della Vedova says there are some perks to getting your breasts checked.  New clients who participate in the challenge will receive a free "Thingamaboob" and will be entered into a draw for a 50 dollar gift card.

Easier voting for rural resident

The municipal election is just weeks away and the Lakehead Public School board is busy preparing.  Residents living in rural areas such as Armstrong, Collins, Ferland and Auden will receive a voters kit this week.  Board Spokesperson Bruce Saunder says residents should have them already or very soon.  Anyone voting for their school board trustee by mail needs to have it sent by October 15th.

LU meeting about lobbying

Lakehead University is staying mum on a report released by the NDP.  The NDP announced yesterday that nine colleges and Universities paid for lobbying efforts.  The report says Lakehead put 33 thousand dollars towards a lobbyist. LU's President Dr. Brian Stevenson is out of town and administration is holding a meeting today.

Hobbs thinks administration runs city council

Keith Hobbs calls it the tail wagging the dog.   The mayoralty candidate believes administration has too much influence on city councils decisions.   He implies  administration is running council instead of the other way around, citing the waterfront and the wind farm as two prime examples.   Hobbs says council has to start dictating to administration what the people want.

Matawa F.N. to talk environment

The first ever Matawa First Nation Environmental Conference is coming to Thunder Bay.  The conference will focus on environmental assessments, land and water management, source water protection, mining and exploration on First Nations lands.  The conference will also offer a number of hands on workshops.  It runs from October 26th to the 28th at Fort William Historical Park.

Student mugged while walking home

For the second time in recent memory two young girls are in trouble with the law.  The girls aged 14 and 15 were arrested and are charged with robbery after a LU student was robbed on Enniskillen Avenue when she was walking home from school last night. Police are still looking for a third suspect in the case.  The victim received only minor injuries.

NOSM vote postponed

Unionized workers at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine have put off their vote on their tentative first contract to Tuesday.  No details on the agreement will be publicly released until after the vote.  The union says the picket signs will stay up until the agreement is ratified.