Contract talks continue

If a contract isn't in place by midnight Wednesday, support staff at Confederation College will hit the picket line. Spokesperson Adair Conlon says their bargaining team will be at the table today and tomorrow. Conlon says they've set up their strike headquarters and they're prepared to walk out.

Fatal plane crash Sioux Lookout

A small plane crash on Abram Lake has claimed the life of a Sunfish Lake, Minnesota man. Sioux Lookout OPP say the aircraft crashed in the water south of the chutes near Reese Island around 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Police say a pilot and his dog were in the plane. The pilot was transported to hospital, where he was pronouced dead. His name has not been released. A post-mortem examination has been scheduled for today in Kenora. Transport Canada has been called in to help in the OPP investigation.

Dryden upset with MTO

The Mayor of Dryden is fuming after learning that the City would be on the hook for the full cost of paving Highway 17 through town.  The Ministry of Transportation is planning on paving both sections of the Highway up to the City limits.  Craig Nuttall says he's prepared to play hardball and put up a toll booth. Nuttall says quote "there's no bloody way that citizens of Dryden should pay 100-percent of the project."



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City embarks on 4 year strat plan

The City is working on its four year strategic plan.  Administration has set timelines for implementing the living document.  The first 120 day report will come before council in November.

Fatal collision closes Highway 17

OPP are investigating a tragic 2 vehicle collision that has claimed one life.  Officials say one person was killed and two other people were injured after the collision just before 7:30 this morning south of Wawa.  Details are sparse at this time but officers say a car collided with a transport truck. 

Ignace Saw Mill to reopen

Great news for the Ignace job market. AbitibiBowater is promising to pump 32 million dollars into the idle saw mill to restart the project.  The company will be upgrading the facility with an eye for reopening in 2014.

Hay is new Deputy Chief

Thunder Bay has a new Deputy Police Chief.  Andy Hay is taking over the position left vacant by JP Levesque.  Hay says he's excited to get down to business.  Hay was confirmed as the Deputy Chief at the Police Services Board meeting.

City works with Service Ontario

Thunder Bay City Council is entering into a memorandum of understanding with Service Ontario.  The two parties will look at ways they can improve Provincial Government and Municipal services.  Councillor Andrew Foulds is wary of working with Service Ontario noting its mostly automated.  City Spokesperson Karen Lewis says an example would be paying parking tickets while you renew your drivers license.

City decreases debt

Thunder Bay City Council is reviewing its audited financial statements for 2010.  According to the fiscal document the City is 170 million dollars in debt.  Councillor Andrew Foulds notes that's 12.2 million dollars less than in 2009.

Humanities 101 bus pass request

A Lakehead University Professor wants the City to continue its support of the Humanities 101 program.  The program is for students with disabilities and Dr. Christina van Barneveld wants enough passes to transport twenty students to 15 classes.  Councillor Iain Angus asked if they would consider holding the course in a downtown location; but van Barneveld says the students wanted to take a course on campus so they could get a feel for University life.  The students don't pay tuition so the bus passes are not included in their course. Council will decide on September 12th whether to provide the free passes or not.

Missing man on Lake of the Woods

The OPP Underwater Search and Rescue Unit has been called in to search for a missing Summerfield, Florida man on Lake of the Woods. Kenora OPP say 68-year-old Bill Amason went out on the lake early Saturday evening. Police say when the man failed to return within the expected time, his friends and family went to look for him. His boat was located drifting near the area he had said he was going to and his clothes were found on a nearby rock. OPP say it appears his boat may have drifted away while he was on shore and he attempted to swim after it.

Red Cross ready to help

The local Red Cross is looking for cash donations for the evacuees of yesterday's Adelaide Street Apartment fire.  Spokesperson Sharon Bak says they're ready to help the displaced residents. To make a donation call 623-3073. 

Apartment fire under investigation

Thunder Bay Fire still doesn't know the cause of an Adelaide Street Apartment fire.  Acting Platoon Chief David Long says the blaze started in a fifth floor apartment just after one o'clock Monday.  Fifth floor residents won't be allowed back into their apartments at all.  Long says there's extensive smoke and water damage to that floor.  The apartment building was evacuated and residents spent most of their afternoon hanging outside of the building.

Stabbing leaves one man injured

A 26 year old man is walking away with only minor injuries after being stabbed.  The incident happened yesterday evening just before 5 in the Picton Street area.  Police arrested a woman and she will appear in court this morning. 

Collision on Rockwood ave.

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a collision that occurred on Rockwood avenue. Its reported that a stolen vehicle struck a house and a hydro pole early Sunday morning causing severe damage to the house and vehicle. When Police arrived, all occupants had fled the scene. This investigation is currently on going.

OPP search for missing man

Ontario Provincial Police are searching for a missing male from Nipigon. Its reported that a 28 year old man did not return from a fishing trip in Wolf River Saturday afternoon. OPP are currently in the area searching for the missing man.

Collision on Oliver and Twin City Crossroads

Two men are in Thunder Bay hospital after a dump truck struck the side of a mini van. The collision occurred near Oliver Road and Twin City Crossroad around 2:40 pm Saturday afternoon. Its reported that the driver of the van failed to stop at a stop sign. Both men were taken to hospital. The driver of the van is in serious condition, while the truck driver suffered minor injuries.

Drive safely this fall

The school year is almost upon us. Thunder Bay Police are reminding the public to keep an eye out for students on the road this fall. Traffic Seargent Glen Porter says drivers need to take more care this time of year. Additional ride programs will be set up and there will be an increased police presence on roads.

Monday brings road closures

Your favourite travelling routes may be impacted by a series of road closures Monday.  Strathcona Avenue from Hodder Avenue to Spruce River Road, will be closed while city crews repair a watermain.  Meanwhile, Beverly Street between Ravenwood and Balmoral Street will be closed due to construction.

Local sea cadet works on tall ship

A Thunder Bay teen turned 17 on a tall ship during her time as a sea cadet. Karleen Zimowski spent three weeks this summer on the US Coastguard Cutter Eagle. Zimowski shined brass, made up rope lines, and steered the ship.

Sir Winston Principal part of ICP

A Thunder Bay principal is now part of a world wide education body. Sir Winston Churchill Principal Vicki Shannon is now a member of the International Confederation of Principals. Shannon feels the position will give her the opportunity to share what the Lakehead Public board does best to a world stage.

Northern Tourism Plan

A consultants report on the new Northern Ontario tourism plan is out.  Members of various tourism organizations are taking time to review the document and will be meeting for two days starting Monday in Sudbury. The report deals with a multi year plan for Regional Tourism Zone 13. 

Bus pass request

Lakehead University's Humanities 101 Professor is asking City Council for over a thousand dollars in bus passes.  Dr. Christina van Barneveld wants enough passes to transport twenty students to 15 classes.  Council will hear the request Monday.

Council wants cut of HST gas tax

City Council is considering asking the province for a piece of the HST revenue pie.  The government is collecting more money off of the gas tax since they rolled out HST and council wants some of that money to be diverted to municipal infrastructure.  Council will discuss the matter further at Monday night's meeting.

Sneak peak at Monday's Council meeting

City Council will hear from administration about how they plan to implement the strategic plan.  That's just one of the items up for discussion at Monday night's city council meeting.  Meanwhile, Councillor Rebecca Johnson has been asked to sit on a province wide economic development task force.  The Association of Municipalities of Ontario group would require the councillor take part in four meetings a year in Toronto.  Council will vote on whether to support Johnson financially for those meetings. 

NAN Deputy attending Layton funeral

The Deputy Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation will be heading to Toronto for Jack Layton's funeral. Deputy Chief Mike Metatawabin will be among the dignitaries in attendance.

Ministry of Labour targetting Thunder Bay

Roofers are the target of a ministry of labour blitz in Thunder Bay.  Spokesperson Don Jewitt says ten tickets were handed out yesterday for failing to follow ministry regulations. Jewitt says hail damage earlier this summer has led to an increase in roofing jobs.

15 year old boy takes his mother's truck

A 15 year old boy is facing charges after taking his mother's truck.  OPP tried to pull of the truck, but the driver wouldn't stop and drove into the city.  Eventually he stopped and police took him into custody and charged him.

Police looking for 3 boys after a fire

Three young boys are being sought by police after they allegedly tried to start a fire at a ball diamond.  Officer say a boy playing ball at the Balsam Street Pits yesterday afternoon saw the boys trying to start a fire in one of the dugouts.  Fire crews managed to limit the damage.

Motorcycle clocked at 225 km

A motorcyclist is facing several charges after getting busted for speeding on Highway 17.  Thunder Bay OPP clocked the biker going 225 kilometres an hour yesterday in the Raith area.  Police impounded the motorcycle.

Jack Layton Memorial Service in Thunder Bay

A memorial service for NDP Leader Jack Layton grew a large crowd to Hillcrest Park. City Councillor Andrew Foulds told the crowd about the first time he met Layton in Thunder Bay. Well over 100 people came to remember and celebrate the life of Layton. Elaine Kerr grew up in the same town as Jack. Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty feels Jack would have been touched by the turn out in Thunder Bay and across the country.

Con College prepares for strike

The President of Confederation College says they're prepared for a potential strike by support staff. The local OPSEU union gave strike notice that if negotiations fail they'll walk out September 1st.  Contract talks are continuing between OPSEU and the Province.

Ring of Fire office open

Thunder Bay's Ring of Fire Office is open. The new office will promote economic opportunities and facilitate development in the Ring of Fire. The government recently appointed Harvey Yesno as the Director for Aboriginal Community and Stakeholder Relations.  Former Confederation College President Pat Lang is part of the Ring of Fire Advisory Council. Lang is one of the first four members of the advisory group.

ATV collides with SUV

Two Manitouwadge youths are hurt after an ATV collided with a vehicle. 

The collision occurred on a roadway in the Hillsport area North of Manitouwadge. OPP say the all terrain vehicle being operated by the two collided with a suburban SUV. Further investigation revealed that the youths riding the ATV were not wearing helmets.

New teacher looks forward to school

The teacher for the Thunder Bay Alternative school can hardly wait for the year to start.   Scott Read says its going to be a creative process that will nurture the mind of his students.  Read says his experience with outdoor education and youth leadership building will help him.

Chief Returning Officer talks election

Voters will have a few different options when they cast their ballots for the provincial election. Chief returning officer Greg Essensa says there will be 21 days for people to cast a vote.  There will be 10 days of advanced voting, and 15 days of assisted voting for the disabled.

REACH is a reality

Confederation College's new REACH building is open.  After 15 million dollars from the Provincial government and another 6 million from the Federal government the state of the art facility opened its doors Thursday.  The building will provide an additional 130 spots for students and will provide distance education into the region's satellite campuses.

City police are looking for a missing girl

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a missing 14 year old girl.  Police say Miranda Ritchie has been missing since Friday after she was dropped of in the Academy Towers area by her Guardian.

Woman charged with attempted murder

A 29 year old Schreiber woman is facing attempted murder charges.  OPP say the woman was arrested after a man suffered non life threatening injuries during an altercation Friday night.

Ring of Fire Consultation Process

The Matawa First Nation Ring of Fire Coordinator is sounding the alarms over consultation.  Raymond Ferris took time yesterday to reiterate that both levels of government need to create a consultation protocol for industrial activity on first nation land.  Ferris notes they're not pleased with the current consultation process.

Local hospital takes part in trial

Thunder Bay, Toronto, Kingston, London, Hamilton, and Ottawa are working on a cancer project together.  They'll be sampling tumors and providing the information back to Toronto.  Spokesperson Tarja Heiskanen says it's a big deal for the local hospital.  Heiskanen adds the project proves that if it can be done in Thunder Bay it can be done anywhere.

Rally infront of Mauro's office

Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro's office was the site of a protest Wednesday. A group of citizens are disenfranchised with the Children's Aid Society in Thunder Bay. They want the Province to give the Ombudsman oversight of CAS.

Cruisin' for a cause

Thursday is Cruisin' for a cause day at A&W's across Canada.  President Paul Hollands says money raised from the one day event will go towards the MS Society.  A dollar from each Teen Burger purchased today will go towards the charity.  Hollands says they hope to raise a million dollars this year.

School starts September 7th

The Lakehead Public School Board is preparing for the upcoming school year. Edcuation Officer Charles Bishop says they're rolling out wifi service at their high schools. The board is also welcoming an additional full day kindergarten location and a healthy lifestyles policy. Students go back to class September 7th.

Memorial set up for Layton at Stornoway

Layton's body will be lying in state in the foyer of the House of Commons for public viewing.  This morning in Stornoway, the residence of the official opposition, a small memorial was set up.  It included a can of orange crush, the symbol of Layton's surge and triumph in Quebec during the last Federal Election.  A state funeral will be held in Ottawa Saturday. 

Footbridge not closed

The city has called off a footbridge closure.  The walkway in Boulevard Lake Park over the Curernt River Dam was to be closed today and tomorrow.  The work that was to take place has been cancelled.

Twitter is the new driving force in the financial world

Twitter is changing the financial world, that's the opinion of Thunder Bay born investment expert Keith McCullough.  He says the social media site gives everyone an avenue to learn insider knowledge and faster than older media venues.  McCullough says the little guys in the financial game stand to benefit greatly by using Twitter.  He also says some of the big players he works with on Wall Street are dropping their hold methods and are using twitter to help make decisions. 

No one hurt in late night fire

No one was hurt after a 2 alarm Blaze on the city's North side.  Crews got the call just before midnight on Essex Court and managed to confine the fire to a downstairs bedroom.  There was also extensive heat and smoke damage throughout the house.

Thunder Bay will hold Layton memorial

You have a chance to pay your respects to NDP Leader Jack Layton tomorrow.  A memorial service will be held at Hillcrest park at 6 o'clock.  A book of condolences for his family will be there for people to sign.