Foul Play Not Suspected

An autopsy has been completed on 15-year-old Regina Kakekespan.  Provincial Police are saying that foul play is not suspected, but the investigation is ongoing.  Police say her body was found on Monday in a wooded area behind a church on First Avenue North in Sioux Lookout.  The cause of death has not been released.

Police Board Says Sorry

The Police Services Board is issuing an open letter about the internal police email that went public earlier this month which some Aboriginals feel was offensive.  Board Chair Joe Virdiramo is hoping the letter helps to soothe relations between the two groups.  He says they are apologizing to the First Nation community and telling them what the police service board is doing to diversify. Virdiramo says the letter is not being released in hopes area First Nations drop their human rights complaint.

ONWA Releasing Prostitution Report

The Ontario Native Women's Association is releasing a report on Thunder Bay's prostitution trade. ONWA Spokesperson Lana Ray says they spoke to 27 aboriginal sex trade workers.  Ray says many of the women said they would like to see a sex trade worker transition house.  It would help them feel more comfortable and safe when trying to leave the industry.  The prostitution report is expected to come out in October.

Conservatory Debate Monday Night

Thunder Bay City Council is going to have a lot on their minds Monday night as they discuss the future of the Botanical Conservatory.  Several groups have come out in support of the building including the Canadian Union of Public Employees.  CUPE Spokesperson Marie Dean says she just wants visitors and workers at the conservatory to be safe.  CUPE doesn't want the City to lose the 48 year old building.  Meanwhile, Councillor Brian McKinnon says he might support keeping the facility open but only if repairs are made and it's deemed safe.

Public School Garden Tour

Five city public schools are showing off their food gardens Saturday.  Parents and educators are being given a bus tour of all the gardens according to organizer Erin Beagle. She says it's part of a growing trend.  The tour begins at 9 o'clock at Agnew H. Johnson school and wraps up at noon. 

OTF Releases Book

As part of its Aboriginal education awareness project the Ontario Teachers Federation is releasing a book of diverse stories of students across the province.  Students from seven schools in Thunder Bay contributed to the book.

Superior North EMS HQ Open

The Superior North EMS District Headquarters is now officially open.  Chief Norm Gale says the new building has improved the work environment for paramedics.  Gale says he has no complaints about the new building since it came in on time and on budget.

20 Year Old Charged After Wild Party

City Police are charging the 20 year old man who hosted a massive party at his Hacquoil Road residence during the September long weekend.  The party resulted in a number of noise complaints and a congested rural road.  He's charged with Mischief and has a court date of October 23rd.

Canadian Forces Recruiting Office To Close

Workers at the Canadian Forces Recruiting office in Thunder Bay are confirming they are set for closure next year. 6 people work at the office and 3 have already moved on. The office is set for closure on August 31st of next year but will likely close its doors to the public on March 31st. Two people will lose their jobs, the other four will be re-distributed within the Canadian Forces. The Recruting office is closing because of the Harper Government's cutting of expenditures.

Fire Truck Damaged In Collision

A 40 year old Firefighter is now being charged with failing to stop for a red light. 
Police say the charge stems from an incident where a Pumper Rescue unit was travelling westbound through the John and Court Street intersection with sirens and lights activated, when it struck a pick-up truck. The 50 year old driver of the pick-up was taken to hospital, treated and released with minor injuries. Police say the passenger side of the pick-up was completely destroyed, meanwhile there is extensive damage to the front end of the Pumper Rescue unit.

Thunderwolves Men's Hockey Hosts Gee Gee's

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves face their first pre-season test this weekend against the visiting Ottawa Gee Gee's. Head Coach Joel Scherban says they have three former O.H.L. captains joining the team and will be expecting them to contribute right away. Puck drop is at 7:30 at the Fort William Gardens on Friday and Saturday night.

North Stars Start Season On Road

The 12th Superior International Junior Hockey League season gets underway tonight on three fronts. The Thunder Bay North Stars travel to Hoyt Lakes to take on the Minnesota Iron Rangers in their opening game. Still no head coach has been named for the team, which is under new ownership.