Murder suspect will stand trial

Micheal Earl Kelly will stand trial for murder. The Alberta man is charged with first degree murder in the November 2000 death of 57 year old Judith Thibault.  Thibault's body wasn't found until 2004.  Kelly will have a pre-trial hearing sometime in the new year.

AbitibiBowater clears major hurdle

AbitibiBowater could be on the verge of exiting bankruptcy protection.  The company has been given the green light by an American court to go ahead with a restructuring plan that will shed 5 and a half billion dollars in unsecured debt.  Part of the deal ensures the company will meet all pension obligations in Canada.

Hospital staff use donor dollars

The Thunder Bay Health Sciences Foundation is spreading 30 thousand donor dollars to various hospital departments.Chair Brian McKinnon says the money is used to purchase items that staff chose.   McKinnon says its the Foundation's way of giving back to the staff at the hospital.

CEDC outlines goals

The city's Economic Development Commission is out with it's goals for the next two years. Commission boss Steve Demmings says they hope to build on past successes such as stemming the flow of young people out of the city.   The plan outlines about 10 areas to focus on.  Meantime mayor-election Keith Hobbs say the organization has his backing.  As mayor, Hobbs will have a seat on the board. He says he plans to support the Commission at the budget table.   Hobbs says the Commission has to be aggressive in it's approach to getting businesses.

No Book Banning in T BAY

It appears two Timothy Findley books will not be banned by the Lakehead Public School Board. Trustees are being asked to keep the books by the Canadian author, in the system. Board vice-chair Karen Wilson, says the issue came up after one parent complained about the content. A special board committee concluded the books reflect real life.

Survivors have "historic opportunity"

The heartbreaking stories of abuse are being told in Thunder Bay starting Wednesday. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada is here to listen to the stories from residential school survivors. Commission spokesperson Alvin Fiddler says it's part of the healing for First Nations people. He says many have waited a long time for what he calls this "historic opportunity" to tell their story. The Commission was invited here by officials of the Nishawbe Aski Nation.

Natural Gas Conversion announced

Thunder Bay's generating station will have a new manager and power source. Chris Fralick takes over the job on December 1st, and in 2011 the facility will convert to natural gas.  Union Spokesperson Gary Shchepanik says it's nice to know what the future holds. The project is expected to be complete by 2014. MPP Bill Mauro and Minister Michael Gravelle made the announcement Tuesday morning. 

Thunderwolves hockey back in CIS top ten

A 5 game winning streak has vaulted the Thunderwolves Men's Hockey team back into the top ten in the CIS.  The wolves completed a weekend sweep over Nipissing Saturday and are now 9th in the country.

Mac's Mart robbed again

City police are looking for a man after a Mac's Mart was robbed.  Police say a man in his late teens robbed the Waterloo Street store just after 5 o'clock yesterday.  Officials say the suspect fled on foot with some cash.

Weekend collision turns fatal

A 23 year old man has died as a result of Sunday's two car collision on Dawson Road.  Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says Justin Enge was the driver of one of the vehicles and succumbed to his injuries early yesterday morning.  Adams says Enge lost control of his vehicle and crossed into oncoming traffic and was hit by a mini van.  The other four people involved received non life threatening injuries.

Charges laid in Loch Lomond death

The owner of the Loch Lomond Ski Resort has been charged in connection to a fatal accident.  Last year a father and son were shocked when their ladder came into contact with a live power line while they were working on a roof.  The son died of his injuries and Ward Bond has been charged with failing to ensure the workers didn't use a metal ladder and with not providing proper safety information.

Council bids farewell

Mayor Lynn Peterson hasn't decided if she will pursue politics again. She says it's been an honour to have been involved in municipal government and she's proud of her track record.  Peterson says the new city council will continue to do good work.  It was Councillor Robert Tuchenhagen's last meeting as well.

Council supports Special Olympics

Thunder Bay will support the 2011 Ontario Special Olympics Winter Games. Council decided Monday night to waive the charter fees for three buses to transport athletes and coaches within the city.  Councillor Joe Virdiramo says he's happy to support the games.  The cost to provide the buses to the athletes for free is just over 9 thousand dollars.

Whelan Building Contract Awarded

The Whalen Building will undergo improvements.  Thunder Bay City Council awarded a contract to Manshield Construction for interior upgrades to the sixth floor. Council approved the five hundred sixty-three thousand dollar project Monday night.

Children's Charter reflects

Thunder Bay's Children's Charter is celebrating seven years of operation.  The group presented a review of their work over the last five years to City Council Monday night.  The report shows a number of trends including food bank use going up.  The 2010 report shows that 36 percent of people served by food banks are 16 or younger.

Business conference set for TBay in 2012

The head of the Ontario Business Improvement Association is touring Thunder Bay.  John Kiru announced to city council Monday night that Thunder Bay will be the site of their 2012 conference.  Kiru adds if the City wants to foster their downtown areas they need to work on safety.  Kiru says Thunder Bay's business improvement groups have done a lot of good work.

Busy night for protests

It was a popular night for protests at Thunder Bay's City Hall.  The local OPSEU union rallied against the McGuinty government's proposed wage freezes for public employees.  Meanwhile, friends of Jimi, the dog who killed another dog, assembled before the council meeting.  The group hopes council will pardon Jimi.  His fate will be decided on Wednesday morning at a Thunder Bay court.

Thunder Bay man charged with kiddie porn

A 33 year old Thunder Bay man is charged with a variety of sexually related charges with one involving kiddie porn. Marathon OPP started investigating the man over the past few months and charged him with sexual interference, exploitation, and possessing child pornography. The man is being held in custody and is awaiting his next court appearance on Thursday.

Leak leads to charges

A couple of Thunder Bay men landed themselves in trouble on the weekend in Dryden after exposing themselves in public.  Police say it started with a man relieving himself outside of a local restaurant, and ended with a car chase and a capture on highway 17.  The duo were charged with liquor related offences.

McKinnon Hospital Foundation Chair

City Councillor Brian McKinnon has been elected as the Chair of the Regional Health Scieces Foundation Board.  McKinnon says he plans to put his previous hospital board experience towards his new position.  McKinnon says they will continue support for cancer research and a second cardiac suite.

Chief to INAC...not good enough!

The Chief of the Constance Lake First Nation calls it an excuse. Arthur Moore says he's not satisfied with an Indian Affairs response to his complaint about reducing the amount of bottled water his community is getting. INAC says it's being replaced with trucked-in water, but Chief Moore says that water is too cloudy.  He claims it's a high risk for people in the community.  The bottled water is needed until the upgrades are completed to the water treatment plant.

Jimi supporters to rally

There will be a rally in front of City Hall prior to Monday evening's council meeting . The Facebook group set up to support Jimi the Pit Bull cross, says it's starting at 5 o'clock. They're upset that the animal may be put down after the death of Gus the chihuahua at a city run off leash dog park

Calendar parking takes effect

Keep an eye on where you park because calendar parking is in effect.  Depending on your area you won't be able to park on certain sides of the street on odd or even days.  Calendar parking will be in effect until the end of March.

LU to host National Wrestling Championships

Lakehead University will host a national championship for the 3rd consecutive year.  The Wrestling team will host both the OUA and the CIS championships this spring.  Athletic Director Tom Warden says this shows LU is among the top schools in the country.  Coach Brock Curtis says having home court attention will give his wrestlers a huge advantage.

Thunder Bay CA amoung finalists

Lakehead University's Richard Jagielowicz is among 6 finalists in the Right to Rule campaign.  People can vote for his video CA Rockstar until November 26th.  The videos are aimed at drumming up interest in accounting, the winner will win 15 hundred dollars.

Lawrencia "Bambi" Bembenek dead at 52

The Bambi Bembenek saga is over.  The 52 year old former Milwaukee, Wisconsin police officer is dead.  She put Thunder Bay on the map in early 90's when hiding out in the city.  She escaped captivity in the US after being convicted of murder.  She lived in Thunder Bay with her boyfriend under an assumed name and even worked as a waitress at the Columbia Grill and Tavern.  Laurie Bembenek died of Kidney Failure Saturday.

Two vehicle accident leaves 5 people in hospital

One person was taken to hospital with serious injuries after a car accident.  Two vehicles collided on Dawson Road near Mapleward yesterday at around 5:30.  Four others were taken to hospital with minor injuries and police say road conditions were definitely a factor.

Clean, Green & Beautiful awards

Some city residents and businesses are being recognized at this week's council meeting for being Clean, Green and Beautiful. Awards will be presented to residents and businesses that the city feels go the extra mile to make their property attractive and environmentally friendly. There's a variety of criteria the winners could meet in order to be recognized, such as conserving energy, being pedestrian friendly or installing public art.

Council meetings may be on web

It looks like city residents may get a new way to follow city council.

A report from the city managers office is recommending council move ahead with a plan to stream live video of council meetings on the web. Meetings would also be archived allowing residents to view them at their convenience. The recommendation comes after a positive response to a test run of the service in June.

Chilly weather doesn't stop parade

Spectators braved the cold and lined Memorial Avenue for the 20th Annual Rotary Clubs of Thunder Bay Christmas Parade.

The crowd was treated to a variety of floats created by businesses and organizations all with their own take on Christmas cheer.

Many onlookers were especially looking forward to seeing Santa Clause cruise down Memorial Avenue.

Media criticized for coverage

The media in Thunder Bay is being chastised by some for only reporting one side of the recent dog park incident. Many feel news stories only reflect that of the dog that got mauled to death. However tbnewswatch editor Leith Dunick says it's tough when the other side stays anonymous

Courthouse contract awarded

The contract has been officially awarded for the new half billion dollar consolidated courthouse in Thunder Bay.   Plenary Justice will be building the facility on the city's south side.  Construction is expected to be completed in late 2013

EMS tender deadline extended

Companies wishing to bid on constructing the new Emergency Medical Services building now have more time.  EMS Director Norm Gale says he approved the extension last week at the request of contractors.  The deadline is now in early December.

Snow on Sunday-SOS

We can expect another 10 to 15 centimetres of snow on Sunday.  That's according to Signal Weather Services Bill Laidlaw.  He says its going to be slippery because the snow will be wet and heavy.  Laidlaw says the wintery weather will continue on Monday.

NAN communities getting high tech

The within 5 years, 26 Nishnawbe Aski First Nations Communities will be hooked up to fibre optics. The federal and provincial governments along with a private company are making it happen. Total cost of the project is 86 million dollars.

Duncan vows to look into water complaint

The Federal Indian Affairs Minister says he will deal with the water supply at Constance Lake First Nation.  The First Nation sent out a statement saying they're outraged that INAC cut the amount of water being supplied to their residents.  John Duncan vows to look into the matter.  Duncan adds he personally hasn't heard about the complaints from the First Nation.

Chamber Businesses to be reviewed

Confederation College Business Students will be getting real world experience soon.  Four students will be reviewing Chamber of Commerce businesses.  President Harold Wilson says they're looking for both the students and businesses to take part. Wilson says the project will start in January.

NDP Critic visits Thunder Bay

The NDP are on the war path when it comes to Women's rights in Canada. The NDP Status of Women Critic toured Northwestern Ontario this week and touted her committees report on women's issues. Irene Mathyssen says it looks at First Nation women's rights and the report will be released in the New Year. Mathyssen is critical of the Federal Government denying funding to the Sisters in Spirit program. She feels the Federal Government needs to provide the funds and shouldn't have cut them in the first place.

NAN wants Sisters in Spirit funds restored

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is calling on the Federal Government to restore funding to the Sisters in Spirit Program.  The program is a database for missing or murdered aboriginal women.  The Federal Government didn't renew the program's operating agency funding this year.

FWFN inks land claim deal

It's a historic day on the Fort William First Nation. They've received an offer from the Canadian and Ontario governments to settle a land claim.  The proposed settlement includes about 154 million dollars and transfers of land on Flatland and Pie Island.   The band membership will now vote on the proposed settlement on January 22nd.  However Chief Peter Collins doubts it will be turned down.

Chop Shop case moving forward slowly

Two decade long lawsuits are back in the courts.  T&T Auto and Central Auto Parts are suing a number of people including a retired OPP officer, Former Police Chief Leo Toneguzzi and Mayor elect Keith Hobbs.  The lawsuits stem from charges against the companies that were dropped in the 90's.  Part of the complex procedures saw the winner win a court order in the case.

CEP and Greenpeace Unite

Greenpeace and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union are teaming up to create green forestry jobs.  The environmental group released it's green jobs report for northern forestry in Thunder Bay today.   CEP Spokesperson Kim Ginter hopes by launching the report in Thunder Bay, Minister Michael Gravelle and the Liberals will sit up and take notice. Greenpeace Spokesperson Catherine Grant says the report represents a new forest where both the environment and jobs are protected.  Both parties say it's important to be united on the forestry front.

Save Jimi the Dog facebook group is growing

A facebook group has been started in an attempt to save the Pit Bull cross who killed a small dog last week.  So far over 300 people have signed up hoping to prevent the dog from being euthanized.  Mayor Elect Keith Hobbs joined the group.  Hobbs says he was attacked by a Pit bull once when he was a police officer and said that dog wasn't put down because it wasn't his fault.

No charges after fatal industrial accident

There won't be any charges stemming from an industrial accident that left one man dead.  A 51 year old man died after being crushed between the garbage compactor at Superstore and his Recool truck last November.  The ministry of labour investigated and no charges will be laid.

Gravelle happy about energy rebate

It's official, the McGuinty Government will give residents a 10 percent rebate on electricity bills in 2011. Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle says it will start in January. Gravelle adds if companies are unable to provide the rebate on the bills in January, the rebate will be retroactive to January on future bills. The opposition parties say the Liberals are trying to buy voter support, but Gravelle says that's not the case.

More snow in the forecast

It's going to be another snowy evening in Thunder Bay.  The forecast is calling for a significant snowfall overnight according to meteorologist Bill Laidlaw.  He says 5 cm should fall in the city and up to 10 cm outside the city. Laidlaw says watch for winds to pick up as well.

Kettle Appeal kicks off

It just isn't Christmas without the Salvation Army's Kettle Appeal.   The fundraising goal this year is 130 thousand dollars.  The kettles will be located at various city locations.

Housing market to cool

The housing market in Thunder Bay will cool a bit next year.    Canada Mortgage and Housing says activity will be slightly slower in several areas according to analyst Warren Philp. He says sales of existing houses will drop slightly and there'll be about a 7 per cent drop in the number of new houses that are started.

Alzheimer's benefits from cash

Thunder Bay's Alzheimer's Society has benefited from money from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.  The OTF provided enough cash for a three year pilot project.  Spokesperson Jason Rasevych says they used the money to improve their fundraising techniques.  Rasevych says donations increased quite a bit from 2007 as well, going from 40 thousand to 90 thousand a year.  Rasevych adds more people know about the local branch now than they did at the start of the project in 2003.

It's not too late for seniors

It's not too late to change careers.  That's the message of the North Superior Workforce Planning Board.  Keynote Speaker Julia Moulden says if your in your fifties and out of work don't give up.  The motivational speaker and author says it's never to late to start a new business or switch careers.  Moulden says there's plenty of programs and resources to help experienced workers re-enter the workforce in Thunder Bay.

HRC to review haircutting incident

The Ontario Human Rights Commission is looking into an incident in Thunder Bay.  The family of the aboriginal boy who had his hair cut by a teacher's assistant at McKellar Park School last year is complaining the incident was racial discrimination.  The complaint names the teacher's assistant involved, the Lakehead public school board, Thunder Bay Police and the Ministry of the Attorney General.

Man robbed at knife point

A man was robbed at knife point in the city last night.  Thunder Bay Police say the victim was walking in the Norah and Cameron Street area when a man assaulted him and held him for 30 minutes before making off with his iPod and Blackberry.  There were no injuries in the incident that happened just before 10:30 last night.

Court Street Standoff costs $46,000

The cost of the standoff on court street is nearly 50 thousand dollars.  Police say the 27 hour standoff that happened two weeks ago involved nearly 40 officers on scene.  Deputy Chief JP Levesque says despite the extra costs he believes it was money well spent.  The money adds to budget problems with the police force which is already looking at over 400 thousand dollars in the red.