Local author gets recognition

A Thunder Bay author is basking in the limelight after his book was nominated for a Giller Prize.   Michael Christie is one of 17 authors in the country to be nominated for Canada's most prestigious English-language literary award. It's for his book "Beggar's Garden".

Chamber talks provincial election issues

The Provincial election campaign is underway and not everyone seems to be aware of it.  That's the finding of the Chamber of Commerce; President Harold Wilson says some residents are blissfully unaware. Wilson says they hope to raise voter awareness through a candidate survey on their website. Wilson feels creating resource and knowledge based jobs, and the cost of electricity will be hot election topics.

Top 20 under 40

The Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the first ever Northwestern Ontario Visionary Awards.  Board Chair Michael Nitz says it's a way to celebrate the rich array of young talent in the region.  The awards will recognize the top 20 under the age of 40.  The awards will be handed out in January, nomination forms are due by October 15th.

Provincial election campaign underway

The Provincial election campaign is officially underway.  We asked residents outside of City Hall what they thought of the upcoming vote.  We head to the polls October 6th.

Tri-party deal inked

Three area First Nations are hailing an agreement signed between them which they say prevents industry from pitting the communities against each other.  The letter of intent involves the Aroland, Ginoogaming and Long Lake 58 First Nations.   The agreement is designed make sure that all of them tell each other about any activities on their lands. 

Burn victim flown to Winnipeg

A Thunder Bay man is now receiving treatment in Winnipeg for burns to his face and hands after a weekend grease fire that fire officials say could have been prevented. They say the Melvin Avenue resident had to be flown out of the city because of the seriousness of the injuries.

PA Stadium loses out to London

Baseball officials in Thunder Bay are taking it in stride. Port Arthur Stadium finished in second place behind London's Labatt Park in voting for Canada's Favourite baseball stadium. Thunder Bay's Larry Hebert says it helped to boost the sport in the city.   About 19 thousand votes were cast in the online poll.

T.Bay man sentenced to 9 years

A 28-year-old Thunder Bay man is looking at up to 9-years in prison for his role in a series of violent, drug-related events.  Steven Nelson Leeson was sentenced Tuesday in connection with events that involved kidnapping, assaulting and intimidating suspected low-level drug dealers. Leeson was sentenced for three counts of unlawful confinement, three counts of aggravated assault, choking someone with a seat belt, using a firearm, kidnapping and assault causing bodily harm.

Naughty Dryden residents

The Dryden Police Service has laid charges of indecent act.  Police located 2-individuals engaging in sex acts in a public place.  Police say the incident occurred on the weekend in broad daylight and note some individuals were offended by the display of public affection.

Leading concussion expert coming to town

Brain Injury Services Northwestern Ontario is calling for better record keeping for concussion victims.  Spokesperson Alice Bellavance says right now there is no way to know how many people have suffered concussions in the area and that needs to change. Bellavance says long term effects from concussions are becoming more and more now and keeping records will be vital in moving forward.  Brain Injury Services Northwestern Ontario is partnering with the District Health Unit to host information sessions October 5th with leading concussion expert Doctor Charles Tator.

T-Wolves training camp underway

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves are on the ice this week at the Tournament Centre for the start of training camp. Coach Joel Scherban says that there are 16 returning players and 10 new ones vying for a roster spot which Scherban says he is in no hurry to finalize. The first game will take place on September 23rd at the Gardens against Trois Rivieres